Drying inflatable boat

[Dmitry]

I've got an Achilles boat with inflatable floor. Usually I store it rolled up for months between each use. Prior to storing it I bring it home, remove the air floor, re-inflate and let it dry. Then roll it back up for storage. This is very time consuming, but I am afraid that if I just roll it up straight out of the water and store for a month the wet stuff trapped within the rubber will rot. Any advice on this? Are you also drying your boats prior to storing them in rolled up state?

 

[Luvinflatableboats]

Re: Drying inflatable boat

Hi,

I agree with you in terms of drying. I am not sure if you need to reinflate the boat though. As long as air can get to it then it will dry. I suggest to open the boat and let it dry. Jim Trefenen in his book also suggests using talc to keep it dry and to prevent moisture issues. The talc also acts as a lubricant stopping the fabric from sticking to itself.

Another suggestion is to use a fan directing the flow onto areas of the boat that are moist to fully dry.

Good luck,


Darryl

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Drying inflatable boat

If you can avoid rolling I would. New materials are alot better but rolling still weakens the material at the fold. Partially inflated is best. If you have to roll. I would bring the boat home, inflate, wash all the sand and dirt and then let dry. Then use talc and roll. About 1-2 times a year and before we put away for the winter we also use 303 on them.

 

[abdiver7777]

Re: Drying inflatable boat

question:

DO you use just ordinary talcom powder like bath powder?

 

[Luvinflatableboats]

Re: Drying inflatable boat

Yes, regular unscented talc I believe.

Darryl

 

[Dmitry]

Re: Drying inflatable boat

Thank you for sharing. Quick follow up question: which 303 do you use and what is the purpose of using it on a boat?

 

[dazk14]

Re: Drying inflatable boat

I'll let the others chime in on the 303 protectant.

As far as drying, a good chamois works well.

 

[Luvinflatableboats]

Re: Drying inflatable boat

I use 303 Aerospace Protectant. It is a UV protectant.


Click here for a link

 

[Dmitry]

Re: Drying inflatable boat

I use 303 Aerospace Protectant. It is a UV protectant.


Click here for a link

Got it. Is it safe to use it on Hypalon?

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Drying inflatable boat

No need to inflate/deflate/rinse each time using your sib, just rinse with fresh water, dry properly with towel, no talk needed, and place inflated (side against a wall) These towels are excellent dryers:

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...toreNum=10104&subdeptNum=10342&classNum=10345

Happy Boating

 

[Dmitry]

Re: Drying inflatable boat

No need to inflate/deflate/rinse each time using your sib, just rinse with fresh water, dry properly with towel, no talk needed, and place inflated (side against a wall) These towels are excellent dryers:

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...toreNum=10104&subdeptNum=10342&classNum=10345

Happy Boating

I've got rubber floor. There is water under the floor and I can't dry it without taking out the floor... Any ideas?

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Drying inflatable boat

Unless I'm missing something here, if your boat is on its side or upside down all water should drain. Leave inflated for awhile after washing so the floor doesn't sag and collect water. Then partially deflate and store. The reason for partially deflating is so the air pressure doesn't rise to high when temps change. Air pressure in an inflatable must be monitored throughout the day as temps rise or you can blow a tube.

 

[Luvinflatableboats]

Re: Drying inflatable boat

Hi,

303 is safe for Hypalon and PVC.

I have used it on my Rave water trampoline and it still looks like new. I think its about 4-5 years old.