Operating an inflatable craft requires not only management skills, but also a deep understanding of how to maintain its integrity. Protection for PVC boat It's not just a marketing term, it's a set of measures, materials and accessories to avoid costly repairs. Modern polyvinyl chloride fabrics are very durable, but they're vulnerable to abrasive wear, sharp objects and sun damage.
Owners often underestimate the impact of external factors on the vessel's life. PVC reinforcedThe stainless layer, from which the sides are made, consists of several layers, and a violation of the upper protective layer can lead to the stratification of the material. Competent approach to the organization of internal space and external care allows you to increase the service life of the product by one and a half to two times, maintaining its presentation and tightness.
In this article, we will take a closer look at what protections exist, why proper flooring is important, and how to avoid the typical mistakes of preserving a boat for the winter, and learn which chemicals are safe and which can cause irreparable damage to tissue structure.
Types of flooring and protection of the bottom from abrasion
The main enemy of the inflatable floor is abrasive wear when in contact with sand, pebbles or dirt. Standard inflatable floor (Low Pressure) or plywood/aluminum paioles do not provide 100% protection of the bottom of the cylinders from rubbing. flooring It is a critical element of the equipment.
The most popular solution is a slate mat made of strong corrugated fabric, often rubberized, which is stacked on top of an inflatable floor or paiole, taking the entire load from the passengers' feet, tackles and bottom of the anchor. Textured surface The mat also performs the function of anti-slip, which increases safety on the water.
⚠️ Warning: Never use conventional building mats or materials with bitumen base to protect the bottom, and when exposed to temperature and water, they can stick to PVC or paint the fabric, after which it will be impossible to wash the stain without solvents, which in turn will damage the material of the boat.
There are also decking models with integrated pockets to store small things, which allows you to keep the bottom clean from scattered things. squirt-bolt Or a fence so that it doesn't move off while it's moving.
Protection from ultraviolet and overheating
UV radiation is a hidden but powerful disruptor of polymeric materials, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight without protection causes color burnout, loss of tissue elasticity, and eventually microcracks. UV stabilizersThe stains added during production work for a limited time, so external protection is necessary.
The ideal solution for a beach or long fishing trip is to use a protective awning or cover. If there is no awning, try to place the vessel in the shade or cover it with a light cloth that reflects the sun's rays. Overheating the surface above 60 degrees Celsius can cause softening of the adhesive seams.
For additional protection, special sprays with UV filtersThey create an invisible film that blocks aggressive radiation, and regular processing (once a season) helps preserve the color and structure of the top layer of PVC.
In hot weather, always leave the cylinder valves slightly open if the boat is in the sun. The air inside expands and the pressure can grow so much that it damages the seams or causes deformation of the bottom.
Mechanical protection of sides and transom
Boats are most often affected when mooring to concrete walls, piers or rocky shores. Kranz (protective pads) are a must for those who often approach unequipped shores, and can be made of thick foam-filled fabric or inflatable chambers.
The tranza part requires special attention, because it attaches a motor that creates vibration and load, and the protection of the transom is often implemented in the form of thick rubber linings or dense felt, which prevents the fabric from rubbing against the metal or wooden surface of the transom. Aluminum linings They are also popular, but they must be thoroughly polished to avoid scratching PVC.
To protect against sharp objects inside the boat (hooks, knives, tools), it is recommended to use special soft-bottom organizers. Metal objects should not lie directly on the cylinders, especially in heat when the material becomes more susceptible to damage.
| Type of protection | Materials | Appointment | Term of service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slate-rug | PVC reinforced | Protecting the bottom from abrasion | 5-7 years |
| Kranz | Fabric + Porolon | Protection of the sides during mooring | 3-5 years |
| Tent running | Oxford with PU impregnation | Protection from sun and rain | 4-6 years |
| Train linings | Rubber/Film | Prevention of overdose | 2-4 years |
Chemical protection and proper washing
The issue of purity of the boat is acute, especially after fishing, when the sides remain mucus, fish scales or traces of fuel. The use of aggressive chemicals such as gasoline, acetone or chlorine-containing agents is strictly prohibited. They destroy plasticizers in the PVC, making the material brittle.
It is recommended to use specialized cleaning PVC cleaners They effectively remove contaminants without damaging tissue structure, you can use a weak soap solution and a soft sponge at home, and it's important to wash away any chemical with fresh water.
Pay special attention to removing traces of oil or fuel. If the gasoline gets on board, it should immediately be drenched with dry rags, and then treat the place with a soft detergent. Prolonged contact of petroleum products with PVC leads to irreversible swelling and destruction of the polymer.
☑️ Boat washing rules
Preparation for winter storage
Proper preservation is a guarantee that the boat will not require urgent repairs in the spring. Before packing, the boat must be completely dry. The remaining moisture inside the rolled-up boat will lead to mold that destroys the fabric base and an unpleasant musty smell.
Keep the boat straightened or half-assembled at room temperature, and if you can't, roll it up in a loose roll, avoiding sharp clamps in the same places. Factory packaging It is not always suitable for long-term storage, it is better to use a spacious bag of breathable fabric.
⚠️ Warning: Do not keep the boat near heating appliances or in the direct sun (for example, on a glazed balcony without curtains). Local overheating can cause strain of the seams and loss of sealed valves even when rolled up.
Once every six months, it is recommended to check the condition of the product in storage. Spread the boat, inspect for storage folds (cracks) and, if necessary, repackage by changing the fold line.
Repair of minor injuries and prevention
Even the most reliable PVC It's not 100% guaranteed against puncture, and it's a rule to have a remix on board, and modern adhesives and patches can repair damage on the water or on the shore in 15 to 20 minutes.
For quality repairs, the surface must be degreased (not with a solvent, but with a special composition or alcohol), cleaned and warmed. Cold gluing keeps the surface worse, so using a hair dryer or hot air from a fire (with caution) is preferable.
How do you extend the life of the valves?
Valves are the weak spot of any inflatable boat. Periodically lubricate rubber seals with silicone lubrication so that they do not dry out and lose elasticity, this will prevent air etching and jamming of the mechanism.
Regular inspection of the seams and surfaces of cylinders will help identify problems before they become critical. Pay attention to bloating or color changes - these are the first signs of stratification.
Preventive inspection and timely cleaning of the boat is 10 times cheaper than buying a new set of cylinders or overhaul in the workshop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I wash a PVC boat with a kercher (high pressure wash)?
You can use a high-pressure washer, but with great care, keep the jet at least 30-40 cm from the surface and use a fan nozzle. A high-pressure straight jet can damage the protective layer or drive water under the coating if there are microcracks.
How to seal the boat if there is no native remplekt?
In emergency cases, you can use a piece of PVC fabric from an old boat and a two-part polyurethane glue. It is important that the glue is designed specifically for PVC. Superglues (cyanacrylates) can not be used, they make the material brittle and do not hold the load on the tear.
How often do you need to blow up the boat during operation?
The frequency of pumping depends on the temperature of the water and air. On a hot day, pressure may rise and you need to blow the air out. In cold water, pressure drops. Check the hardness of the cylinders every 2-3 hours of fishing or after prolonged downtime in the sun / in the shade.
Is seawater dangerous for PVC boats?
Modern materials are resistant to salt water, but after leaving the sea, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water. salt crystals, drying, can work as an abrasive, and also accelerate the corrosion of metal elements (rims, valves).