Maintaining/storing PVC Zodiac

[xrunner]

Just purchased my new zodiac zoom 310s and I LOVE it, I was wondering if anyone can share tips on maintaining and best way to store it ?? Well I know best for the fabric is to have boat half inflatated BUT, main reason I got it at the first place is so I can keep it in my closet My family used to own bigger neoprene inflatable and my dad was using talk (baby powder I think) ...but I don't know if PVC "likes it" thanks and regards to all

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Maintaining/storing PVC Zodiac

Just make sure it's dry and clean. Most manufacturers recommend applying a coat of UV protectant like aerospace 303. Don't know if it's for the PVC while stored or just so it'll be ready to go the next time you take it out. Deflate and store it. Try to deflate and fold it in the manner recommended by the manufacturer so as not to stress any of the joints more than necessary. Keep in a cool dry place. You're done.

 

[nobrainsd]

Re: Maintaining/storing PVC Zodiac

Classic, I read the post by drowned rat and I wanted to add that xrunner needs to watch out for live rats! I know of two other inflatable owners who have stored their boats deflated and found that rats had chewed on the boat. Not something a lot of people expect to happen. Since most boats don't get bagged (and it better be totally dry if you do) they are often accessible to pests.

 

[xrunner]

Re: Maintaining/storing PVC Zodiac

Thanks a bunch guys,
some very useful advices...big inflatable my parents had in the past ended up eaten by mice or rats, my dads friend stored it in dirty warehouse and arrrrrghhh...huge disappointment. So this time I stored my favorite new toy in the bedroom closet under 24/7 surveillance I read somewhere that it wouldn't hurt to unfold it every few moths cause after folding it back again joints won't be in the same places...that sounded like a good idea...I will try to get in touch with the dealer and see what they say about possible protection products...sprays, powders etc. will gladly post any new experience...regards to all !!

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Maintaining/storing PVC Zodiac

Very good point about mice and rats. I store mine in the garage and I worry about rodents because we've had mice in the past. Now I keep several traps and glue strips out and check them often so I'll know right away if I need to evacuate my boats to the living room or dining room If it were only up to me, that's where they would be all the time anyway.

 

[SnappingTurtle]

Re: Maintaining/storing PVC Zodiac

Mine is in the living room inflated. All 13ft of it!

Doing a little end of the year maintenance on it.

My girlfriend travels for a living, and everytime she comes home it is back in the living room. Then it goes out on our semi-covered weather exposed balcony for a day or two.

I either have to clean out and throw away everything in the cellar, to make room for it, or it stays where it is. I might have to start a winter project in the basement, just to keep peace in the house.

Thanks for the mice tips!

Don't have any that I have ever seen, but it is a good argument to use if I need it.

 

[nobrainsd]

Re: Maintaining/storing PVC Zodiac

I never had a rat problem and then my garage was over run overnight this year. Spoke to a buddy who does pest control and he promoted exclusion as the real key to avoiding infestation. I found a break in my garage vent screen and replaced the garage door to floor seal. Nailed two rats with glue traps, but then spotted a couple hiding behind some pallet racks I have bolted down in my garage. Mr. Pellet gun was direct and effective. My boat on the trailer didn't get chewed, but having seen the results before I didn't give the rats much of a chance. If you see one rat or any droppings there is probably more than one!

 

[xrunner]

Re: Maintaining/storing PVC Zodiac

Just found link to drowned rats awesome saturn posted sometime january this year, thare is something super sharp about that red colour !!! Was checking zodiac "futura" models but too much bucks for me at this point...