As we know, there are various types of inflatable boats available in the market. There are boats for diving, fishing, water skiing, and floating ‘island’ boats with shaded areas, kayaks, and many more. Be it any inflatable boat, it is exposed to some threats, like damage caused by the UV rays, dirt, and excessive heat.
As compared to regular or traditional hardshell boats, inflatable boats require a different kind of maintenance. An inflatable boat can have a lifespan of 20-30 years if provided minimum maintenance. Your boat catches the dirt, and this, over time, may degrade its materials. Without proper maintenance, the material may become weak, making the boat unsafe for use. However, you can maximize the boat’s life and retain its good looks with a few simple precautions. By following 3 simple tips, you can ensure that your inflatable boat is in the water ready shape.
1. Cleaning
For the apt maintenance of your inflatable boat, cleaning is a must. Before you put your boat into its carry sack and forgot about it for weeks or months, make sure to remove all the dirt, sand, and other debris. Cleaning the boat after each use increases its life expectancy. So, rinse your boat and let it dry before storage.
It is important to know what type of cleanser should be used because some cleansers reduce the boat’s lifespan by weakening its material. You should always pick a mild cleaning product. Wiping your boat with dish soap and a sponge is a good option. Apart from this, you can also opt for some specialized inflatable boat cleaner.
Cleaners containing solvents, acetone, MEK, bleach, ammonia, and alkaline cleaners with a pH of more than 11.5 deteriorate the boat’s material. Oil-based cleansers should also be avoided because, over time, they can damage the rubber or fabric. Moreover, using rough steel pads also damages the boat by putting scratches on it.
2. Storage
Most people go for an inflatable boat because these boats need little space for storage. However, storing a completely deflated boat is not recommended because they are at a higher risk of damage. It is best to store your boat partially inflated. However, if you are storing a completely deflated boat due to a shortage of space, you must first clean it thoroughly and then dry it completely. Remember, if you fold your boat, it may get damaged over time. Make sure to follow the given instructions on how to roll your boat and always keep it in the provided carry bag. Moreover, protect your inflatable boat from sharp objects and keep it away from other stuff that may rub against the boat’s material.
3. Follow the right way to inflate
A common mistake is to over-inflate your boat. A good inflatable boat comes with all the instructions to be followed on how to use it. Ideally, to inflate your boat, begin with filling a little bit of air into each chamber in a clockwise pattern until the boat takes shape, and then fill each chamber. Besides this, consider the temperature while inflating your boat.
