Inflatable Boat Maintenance and Storage
Posted: Wednesday, September 23, 2009
by Kevin Urban
Inflatable boat maintenance is of vital importance to maintaining your investment. However, it's quite surprising how many owners are unaware of how exactly to maintain that inflatable watercraft. For instance, how should you store an inflatable boat? What should you do to clean your watercraft? What maintenance steps should you follow on a regular basis to help ensure that your boat will provide years and years of fun, enjoyment and use on the water? Here, you will discover exactly how that boat should be maintained in order to maximize its use to you.
Inflatable boat repair includes proper cleaning throughout the year. You should certainly clean your boat prior to storing it away during the offseason, but it is important that you clean it at least once per month when being used actively. While the plastomer PVC or Hypalon rubber construction of your watercraft helps to ensure that you have easy cleaning and maintenance options, it is essential that your craft be cleaned on a regular basis. What should you do to clean it? What products should you use in the cleaning process?
Inflatable boat maintenance should be accomplished without using any strong detergents, bleach, mineral spirits or silicone-based products to help clean your boat, as these will damage the fabric and reduce the lifespan of your watercraft. Below, you will find a systematic process to cleaning your boat, which should be followed prior to storing it away, and throughout the season.
The Right Cleanser – First, make sure that you have the right cleanser on hand. If you do not, or are unsure, you can contact your dealer for a list of approved products. You'll also find that your dealer carries high-quality cleaning products, as well.
Step One – Open the self-bailer on your boat.
Step Two – Wash out the boat with a water hose, ensuring that any dirt and debris is removed during the process.
Step Three – The next step in inflatable boat maintenance is to remove the floorboards or other flooring within the boat if applicable.
Step Four – Any stains, buildup or other grime should be cleaned thoroughly.
Step Five – Check all air chambers for air leaks. To do this, inflate the craft fully. Next, wet a panel at a time, while lathering with liquid soap. Inspect the panel for air bubbles and proceed to the next panel. If a leak is found, you should immediately patch it with your repair kit from the manufacturer, or, in the case of a rip or tear near a seam, take it to a repair shop.
Note: Do NOT use a pressure washer or other high-pressure cleaning devices to clean your inflatable boat, as these can easily damage the fabric, tear the seams or otherwise damage your boat. All cleaning should be done by hand, using a soft brush or cleaning cloth.
Maintaining Valves and Bailers
An important part of inflatable boat maintenance is to ensure that all air valves remain in proper working condition. You should check each valve periodically, as well as when you are putting the boat away for the season.
Check the valve for proper operation, make sure that the gaskets are clean and that there is no debris lodged in the valve that might inhibit proper functionality. A clogged or damaged valve will result in an air leak and this is one instance, where a bit of preventative maintenance can go an enormous distance.
For self-bailers, you should make sure that there is no sand, dirt or other debris blogging or clogging the bailer. This is an important safety feature and should be part of regular inflatable boat maintenance to ensure your continued safety on the water.
The Importance of Storage for Inflatable Boats
No matter where you live, there will come a time when you have to store your inflatable boat away. How should you accomplish this? Storage is an important part of inflatable boat maintenance and should not be taken lightly. In order to store you boat, you should find a dry, clean place that does not suffer from seasonal temperature fluctuations – it should maintain a stable temperature and humidity level throughout the year.
Your boat can be stored in one of two ways. You should either deflate it completely and then roll it up tightly, or leave it slightly inflated and stored away. If you intend to store your boat outdoors (which is not advised), then you should invest in a quality cover. It is also essential that you store your boat well away from any rodents, as they will chew on the fabric, creating rips and holes that may or may not be easily repaired.
While it is simple and does not involve tremendous hassle, it is imperative that you engage in proper inflatable boat maintenance and storage.
About the Author:
Rob Steele is a freelance writer for AllInflatableBoats.net, the consumer guide to the best inflatable boats, kayaks, catamarans and inflatable fishing boats. Visit the site for inflatable boat comparisons and reviews of the most popular brands.
Copyright 2009 AllInflatableBoats.net
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