Active recreation on the water is gaining more and more fans. Many families purchase inflatable boats made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) not only for fishing, but also for traveling on rivers and lakes, beach holidays and tourist trips. Almost everywhere, the surface of water bodies is replete with the bright colors of tourist, pleasure and fishing boats and small boats. We see in them married couples with children, noisy youth groups, and silent lone fishermen somewhere away from the general noise and fun.
We choose for every taste
Such boats can be small, two- or three-seater, or real hulks. There are children's inflatable models, something between a boat and a mini-pool. Kids splash in them with pleasure. There are special tourist ones designed for rafting on mountain rivers.
Boats can be rowed or with a motor, they are relatively inexpensive and cost a lot of money. Owning such a “toy”, in addition to pleasure, also brings quite tangible concerns. For the safety of expensive property, proper storage of a PVC boat in winter is very important.
What's the problem?
Handling PVC products at low temperatures has its own characteristics. In places of bends, traces of creases appear on them. The effects of exposure to low temperatures can vary. It depends on what temperature the boat was stored at and what temperature it was exposed to. That is, they began to move it, pump it up, move it, etc. Therefore, the question of where to store a PVC boat in winter may suddenly turn out to be a serious problem.
If the product was stored at a temperature with a slight “minus” or after that it “rested” a little in a warm place, the consequences are reversible. The marks will disappear within a couple of days. If the storage temperature was below minus 15-20 °C, serious damage cannot be ruled out.
What you need to know about PVC boats
Manufacturers position various PVC products as very reliable and durable. PVC boats really have a long service life and are not afraid of frost, but only down to -10 degrees. If the temperature drops below this value, the material becomes brittle, creases appear on it at bends, or it may even break. That is why storing and handling boats in winter requires care.
High-quality watercraft are made from certified multi-layer PVC sheets. Their freezing temperature can be even lower (usually up to –15 degrees), which the manufacturer always warns about. During storage, it is important to observe a number of conditions, and the boat will retain its consumer qualities. You should also take into account that not every place is suitable for preserving a watercraft, because rodents love to eat PVC, so in winter the product may be severely damaged.
Rats chewed a PVC boat
What kind of material is PVC?
In years past, boats were made from rubber fabrics and stored with talcum powder or baby powder. Manufacturers of modern products focus on their reliability and durability. What is it really like? How to store a PVC boat in the winter so that you don’t suddenly discover in the spring that it has become unusable? Agree, no one wants to bite their elbows.
Inflatable boats are made exclusively from multi-layer certified materials. They have a certain temperature range at which the manufacturer guarantees consumer qualities.
Detergents for PVC boats
Before we dwell on the topic of how to properly store a PVC boat in winter, let’s return to the issue of cleanliness of the boat. And this is especially important before long-term storage in winter. Since special materials are used for the manufacture of small PVC boats, detergents can be more specialized. If for washing a boat made of rubberized fabric you can get by with soap foam, then for most boats made of polyvinyl chloride and other similar materials, manufacturers recommend narrow profile detergents, which include, in particular, “303 Aerospace Protectant”. According to the manufacturers of this drug, it provides one hundred percent protection from ultraviolet rays, or simply from fading of the material in the sun. In addition, this product helps restore the original color of the boat material.
It has a repellent property in contact with dust, dirt, sand and oil splashes. Protects against the appearance of ice, freezing of small boat material and mold formation. According to representatives of the manufacturer, the use of the detergent “303 Aerospace Protectant” increases the life of the boat without a major wash, and if necessary, a small PVC boat is easy to clean. This drug is safe for the ship owner.
What is the best way to store a PVC boat and bring it into proper shape if stains have already appeared on its material and have become ingrained into the structure of the material? Under no circumstances should petroleum products or organic solvents be used. This can lead to a breakdown in the strength of the material in the area where the solvent or gasoline is applied. Ordinary household chemicals can also be among the drugs harmful to PVC material. Manufacturers of various inflatable boats, boats and even yachts recommend another detergent, which is used to remove oil and other stains ingrained into the structure of the material, and also as a means of protection from an aggressive external environment. This is 303 Fabric/Vinyl Cleaner. In the annotation for the drug, the manufacturer reports that the product is completely safe and environmentally friendly, containing no nitrates, phosphates and alkalis. It is also said to be effective in removing the most stubborn stains.
It seems that, despite the solid recommendations of world firms and manufacturing companies, it is necessary to look in the instructions for the purchased boat for the recommendations of the manufacturer of a small boat for this particular boat, if there are any in the instructions.
After thoroughly washing the boat, you need to dry it well and then you can prepare your small boat for a long winter in a warm dock, that is, in an apartment, in a house, in a country house, in a garage.
How to store a PVC boat in winter?
Storing them in finished form according to the instructions is allowed at a very wide temperature range - from minus 45° to +50°C. It is understood that the boat is not touched or moved. Then she will “survive” even the harshest winter.
If the room is heated and the PVC boat is stored at temperatures above minus 5 °C, it can be moved and folded. True, at “zero” and below, products made of polyvinyl chloride greatly lose their elasticity. It will not be easy to assemble such a boat into a compact package.
Conclusion: if the boat “winters” in an unheated room (it doesn’t matter whether it’s inflated or rolled up), in cold weather it’s safer not to touch it at all. This is the simplest and most popular advice on how to store a PVC boat in winter.
Proper storage of a PVC boat in winter
Having learned about the general features of PVC material and products made from them, the search for an answer to the question of how to properly store a PVC boat in winter will not be too long. The main thing is to properly prepare the boat for the winter.
Of course, it needs to be washed and dried well. Pay attention to the joints between the sides and the bottom; use a sponge or soft brush, soap solution (you can dilute ordinary dish soap). When washing the boat, you will not only eliminate odors that may attract rodents, but you will also be able to detect punctures and minor damage to the surface of the boat. They should be highlighted with a marker and returned to them to be repaired later. When the boat is dry (we dry it inflated and not in the sun, but in the shade), it will be possible to begin repairs. Leaving it until the spring is not the best solution, since over the winter the punctures may increase in size and it will be more difficult to seal them.
Also take care of all the boat accessories - oars, bow, seat - we also wash and dry them well, and if there is damage, we repair them. It is better to store them in winter separately from the boat.
If you have a large and spacious room in which you are going to store the boat in the winter, then you can slightly pump it up and hang it on ribbons or wide boards. It is important that the boat does not touch objects or walls.
However, not all of us have such a spacious room at our disposal, so more often the boat is stored in a lowered state. It is very important to fold the boat correctly before packing it. To make it more convenient for you, lay it on a flat surface, unscrew the valves and release air from the cylinders, starting from distant places, gradually approaching the outlet holes. Place the cylinders on the sides on the bottom of the boat so that they fit snugly against the edges of the transom. After this, the watercraft is carefully rolled up and placed in a bag or a special case. Avoid kinks during folding.
If the boat manufacturer offers his own folding scheme in the instructions for it, it’s worth listening to it.
Pay attention that no additional external pressure is exerted on the folded boat, and that the shelf itself on which the boat lies does not have any protrusions or corners. You should not place other things on top of the boat, or place the boat accessories themselves close to it. In case of limited storage space, stacking is allowed.
We already know the storage temperature for a PVC boat, however, we would like to point out that if the room temperature is above zero, then at least once every 2 months the boat should be unrolled, left for a while so that it straightens, and then rolled up again. If the room temperature is below zero, then you should not touch or turn around the boat until spring. As a result of low temperatures, PVC material becomes very brittle and may break.
To protect your boat from rodents, use special products to combat these parasites, scattering them around the perimeter of the package in which the boat is stored. It is forbidden to pour the preparations themselves onto the boat, since the chemicals contained in the poison can have an aggressive effect on the PVC material.
What else is important
The most favorable temperature is in the range from 15 to 40 degrees Celsius. Other storage conditions are not so important; in this sense, PVC is quite unpretentious. The only warning is that you should not keep the boat near heating devices. And, of course, keep away from open flames.
If you plan to store your PVC boat in a garage, basement or shed, be aware of rodents. Of course, they don't eat PVC. But if there are crumbs of food lying around in the boat after the fishing season or stains from fish remain, rest assured that everything will be chewed off along with the rubber.
Not only PVC
Most often, the design of inflatable boats includes wooden parts, for example, seats made of waterproof plywood. Its properties can be very different, depending on the manufacturer.
Boats of domestic origin are equipped mainly with plywood made from birch veneer in compliance with GOST requirements. In Chinese products it is a little different. Poplar veneer is used there.
Birch plywood is much stronger and more durable. The same applies to other components.
That is why, even before purchasing, think about how to store a PVC boat in winter and not only in winter. And choose a reliable manufacturer.
You should be aware that the concept of “waterproof plywood” does not guarantee safety in conditions of high humidity. Such material does not deteriorate in water without air access. But if stored in a humid room with temperature changes, it may succumb to mold. The fungus is capable of “eating” parts in one season.
Care and storage of a plastic boat
— In the last decade , boats made of plastic have become most widespread among lovers of boating and fishing . And this is natural, considering that plastic combines most of the advantages of traditional boat materials - wood and aluminum. It is light, durable, and almost unaffected by aggressive environments. However, despite all its advantages, watercraft made from this polymer also require certain care and compliance with storage rules.
Plastic motor boat Kasatka 4.50
— Let’s look at how to take care of your faithful waterfowl friend using the example of the most widespread and popular model, the Killer Whale 4.50. This is a typical representative of universal open-type motor boats that can be used in both sea and river or lake conditions. Designed for fishing, transporting small loads, and water travel. Can take up to 5 people on board.
What to do in the warm season
— In the warm season,
caring for the plastic boat “Kasatka 4.50” is almost exactly the same as for any other model .
The main requirement is to ensure the cleanliness and integrity of the case. To do this, it is enough to rinse the vessel with uncontaminated fresh water and regularly inspect for cracks and chips. And, again, like any other watercraft, completely different requirements are placed on it in winter. However, there are already nuances here, given that the boat is made of plastic. Winter chores
— Considering that
in winter the boat is practically not used, it should be carefully prepared for conservation .
After all, the future fate of your pet depends on it. It’s unlikely that anyone will like it if the first spring launch ends in the “demise of the Titanic.” First step
– dismantling of equipment and engine. “Kasatka 4.50” has an engine from 25 to 60 l/s and its removal with subsequent repair and lubrication work does not present any difficulties. Coat all body bolts and nuts with grease to prevent them from becoming rusty over the winter.
Second step
- This is the preparation of the body. We wash, clean, and remove dirt stains. You should definitely go over the plastic with white spirit, i.e. degrease the surface.
Third step
– treatment and repair of cracks, holes and chips that appeared over the summer. If these damages are small, then the chance of dealing with them without the involvement of a specialist is almost one hundred percent. To do this, you will again need epoxy resin (this is the advantage of plastic) and strict adherence to the instructions for diluting it (on the packaging). Having covered the gap, you should give time for the resin to dry, then clean it and tint it.
Final step
– coating the entire hull of the vessel with epoxy-based paint. Now your “ocean liner” is ready for winter hibernation. The last thing left is to decide on the storage location.
buy a boat with a Kasatka 4.50 motor
How to store
- Of course, the best option would be a closed, dry room. However, not everyone’s wife will allow him to hang a boat over the family bed. It's no surprise that many boats spend the winter outdoors. This also requires a special approach. The boat should be stored on wooden supports (trunks), at least half a meter from the ground and always with the keel up. It is advisable to build some kind of canopy against bad weather or, in extreme cases, tightly pack the fighting friend in a tarpaulin. As you can see, there is nothing outstanding in caring for a plastic watercraft. If everything is done in a timely and thorough manner, then the first post-winter swim will not cause any problems and will go smoothly and safely. Fair winds and calm waters to you!
What to do
Now let's look at how to store a PVC boat in winter in more detail.
First of all, after completing summer use, the boat must be thoroughly washed to remove dirt and organic residues. That is, food, fish scales, mucus, etc. If this is not done, storing a PVC boat warm in winter is impossible. The smell of decaying remains is guaranteed. And your loved ones will force you to move the boat away from your home (for example, to a barn), where it is cold and there are mice.
Wash the boat with soap - the foam will allow you to detect minor defects and then seal them. Thorough drying after washing is mandatory, especially in plywood areas or near the transom. At the same time, carefully inspect the wooden elements, look for all chips, delaminations, swellings and burrs.
Boat storage in winter
In this article we will try to answer the question: how to properly store various boats and boats, including how to keep the engine running. So, what needs to be done so that next spring your fishing vessel is in full combat readiness and does not resemble a useless sieve?
Rubber boats
In order for a rubber boat to serve you for a long time, you need to take care of it during seasonal use accordingly. After each fishing, the vessel must be rinsed, removing dirt and sand from the bottom, rinsed from the inside, removing small stones and sand. You can fold the boat only after it is dry. However, if bad weather strikes or a magnificent bite is delayed on the reservoir in the dark, then you can, limiting yourself to only washing, take the boat with you and the wet one. But at home, without putting it off, pump it up and put it out to dry. The rubber will survive a day or two if it is wet, but water that rots within a few weeks can cause serious damage to the boat.
But if we are talking about preserving the boat in winter, then there are no half measures. First, general cleaning: sand, dirt, algae, fish scales and other “delights” that are inevitable for any fishing are carefully removed from the surface of the “gum”. Particular attention must be paid to the regulator - the very tape that connects the sides and bottom of the boat. This is done with a soft cloth, which must be used to clean all the corners between the side and the bottom of the boat. And remember: no hot water! The surface of the boat is designed for contact only with cool water, and boiling water or even just hot water can provoke destruction. As an aid, it is not forbidden to use light detergents such as those intended for washing dishes. These are light soap compositions that do not contain aggressive components. And definitely avoid abrasive compounds.
The next stage is drying. Before putting the boat away, take the time to go through the seams and corners - places where moisture prefers to linger. Even light humidity, multiplied by several months of the boat lying motionless in a folded state, can ultimately result in rotting of the rubberized fabric.
After the thoroughly washed boat has been dried no less thoroughly, we bleed the air out of it and lay it down. Ideally, this should be done on a dry, level and fairly clean surface. A sharp pebble accidentally falling into a bend is a nuisance that I would like to avoid. Knee tamping, practiced by many fishermen, is a mistake. Thanks to this rather rigid approach, sharp kinks appear during installation, which can transform into cracks over several months of storage. To avoid the danger of cracks, you should remove the boat from the bag 2-3 times during the off-season, unfold it, pump it up a little to straighten out the folds, and at the same time check its condition, and then fold it again. It doesn’t hurt to sprinkle the rubber with talcum powder, adding a little to the inside of the cylinders. It will absorb those crumbs of moisture that might have escaped attention.
Rubberized fabric is a rather capricious material that does not tolerate sudden temperature changes. In cold weather it becomes brittle and brittle. To ensure that the first year of owning a watercraft does not become the last, it is better to store the boat in a storage room or on a heated loggia, where even in severe frosts the temperature does not drop below 15-20 degrees. A barn or garage is not the place to store this watercraft.
By taking these fairly simple steps, which will take a maximum of a couple of hours of time, you can significantly increase the life of the boat. Tested from personal experience: even today the vessel, made back in the days of the USSR and inherited from my fisherman father, still serves me well.
PVC boats
This fishing boat is less capricious than a rubber boat. It does not require special treatment or sprinkling with talcum powder, but in order to store it for problem-free winter storage, you will also have to take a number of certain actions.
First things first - wash. This stage is not much different from preparing rubber bands for winter. No less carefully and no less carefully we rid the PVC boat of dirt and debris. Then we dry it. At the same time as these procedures, you should carefully inspect the boat for damage. Scratches, cuts, abrasions... In order not to lose sight of any of the problem areas later, you should arm yourself with a marker - inexpensive and bright.
Damaged areas of PVC have a bad “habit” of becoming less and less repairable over time, and therefore applying patches should not be put on the back burner. As soon as the boat has dried, we arm ourselves with scissors, glue and begin gluing. Detailed instructions and a repair kit are included in the “inflatable” package. If not, both can be easily purchased at hunting and fishing stores. Repairs and drying are carried out on an inflated boat.
After patching the holes is completed, the boat is stowed. This is done on a dry, clean and level surface. Having opened all the valves, gently squeeze out the air towards the holes. Only after this do we remove the payola (the flooring that gives the boat rigidity) and the seats from the frames. The cylinders are folded inside the boat so as not to protrude beyond the transom, to which they are pressed at the ends and rolled up. The resulting package is packed into a case along with the oars. Seats and floorboards, as a rule, have their own cover. The main thing is to store the boat so that nothing puts pressure on the cylinders.
Of course, the best option is to store the PVC boat in a semi-inflated state in a warm room. But if this is not possible, then it is worth folding the vessel as “loosely” as possible and avoiding kinks, otherwise, at subzero temperatures, breakouts cannot be avoided. Frozen PVC becomes very brittle.
The modern market offers a variety of protective means for preserving a PVC boat, the main thing is to never use silicone-based compounds. It is advisable to turn over the cover with the boat at least twice a month so that it does not lie stale.
An important point: after long-term storage, the PVC boat must be warmed up to above-zero temperatures before removing it from the cover.
Fiberglass boats
Perhaps fiberglass is the most unpretentious of materials. Storing a fiberglass boat does not require special conditions. Neither frost nor heat can cause serious harm to a ship made of this material. The main thing is that the boat is properly prepared for wintering: thoroughly washed and cleaned. Special detergents are used to care for fiberglass. The boat itself is covered with an awning. It is very important that the awning has good ventilation.
Plastic boats, boats and yachts
The mothballing of these ships for the winter begins with “disarmament.” In other words, before lifting the boat ashore, all those elements that require preservation during long-term storage must be removed from it: the engine, rigging, sails, seats... And then the traditional general cleaning. From the inside, traces of water are completely removed, and from the outside, the entire surface of the vessel is thoroughly washed using special detergents to remove plaque and dirt that has adhered during navigation.
Before covering the boat with a cover for the winter, it is worth thoroughly disinfecting the interior with a weak chlorine solution and then ventilating it.
Payola is cleaned for the winter, all cabinets, lockers, hatches and doors are opened slightly to ensure ventilation. In order to protect the seals from drying out, it is recommended to treat them with glycerin, and thoroughly lubricate the metal parts with a preservative compound, after removing dirt and, if any, rust.
In spring, threaded parts cause a lot of trouble. Almost everyone who deals with iron has encountered the problem of “welding” screws. To prevent this from happening, the threads are treated with a mixture of grease and graphite powder, and then screwed together.
So that at the beginning of the navigation season you do not have to hastily resolve the issue of re-upholstering the soft seats, it is better to immediately remove them and leave them for storage in a dry, warm room.
A little trick: to prevent moisture from concentrating in the interior of the vessel, it is worth hanging small cloth bags filled with silica gel, known for its hygroscopicity, in several places.
Most modern yachts and boats use water to operate their systems. The danger of water freezing has already been mentioned earlier, and therefore, in order to avoid damage to pipelines, fittings, defrosting of pumps, tanks, deadwood seals, cooling systems, etc., all these systems must be freed from water, and to consolidate the result, pump them with a non-toxic solution antifreeze. Drain valves should be opened and left in this state for the entire storage period.
The pride of any yacht, with the exception of a motor yacht, is its sails. These “wings” are stored dry, clean and not wrinkled. To do this, small sails (up to 12 sq. m) are washed with ordinary soap in the bathroom, and large ones are spread on a clean cement floor and washed thoroughly with a soapy solution using a brush. Unfortunately, the fabric of the sails is susceptible to rotting, and during the summer, pockets of mold may form on it. Such places are scrubbed and then immersed in a chlorine solution for two hours. The main thing is not to forget to wash and rinse this area, otherwise the fibers of the fabric will become brittle and will simply crumble into powder by the next navigation. When folding the sails, you should ensure that there are fewer horizontal bends than vertical ones.
If we are talking about a yacht, then for the winter all equipment is completely removed from it: masts, spars, rigging. The mast is stored in a horizontal position. The more supports there are under it, the less likely it is that you will have to deal with bends in the spring. And the spar is thoroughly washed with water and preserved in a layer of paraffin lubricant.
The anchor chain is also dismantled, it, together with the anchor, is washed, dried and stored in a dry room with good ventilation. The rigging is carefully inspected for damage and, assembled into coils, preferably with labels indicating what and where it is from, is hung on hooks.
A few words about fixing the cover of a yacht-boat. The main purpose of this stage is to protect the exterior finish and deck equipment. And not only from aggression from the external environment, but also from the entry of unauthorized persons on board. To do this, a locking cable is pulled through special loops and secured with a lock. In order to have peace of mind for your beauty during the winter, it is still worth visiting the place where it is stored at least a couple of times a month.
Wooden ships
No matter how convenient and reliable modern materials are, the soul is drawn to the living and warm - wood. Every year the number of owners of wooden boats, whatever their size and purpose, is growing.
Storing a wooden boat just like that - on the shore - means reliably “ruining” its integrity and performance. If there is no room to lay up the vessel for the winter, you should at least make sure that it does not stand on bare ground. The sawhorses should be as high as possible, and the boat itself should be processed in accordance with all requirements: thoroughly washed, especially its underwater part. During navigation, a layer of shells and rather unpleasant looking and touching water mucus grows on this half of the body. A stiff brush and an ordinary car wash will serve as an assistant in the fight against such a scourge.
The freeboard is washed with a soap solution. Simultaneously with the water procedures, the sides of the boat are removed from the bubbling paint, and the grooves are removed from the caulking that has come out of them. It is simply impossible to leave the boat in this condition until spring. Small, nail-like holes are the holes of the most terrible enemy of any tree - woodworm larvae. Having noticed such a disgrace, you should immediately open the passages and soak the problem areas with a heated (up to 60-80 degrees) 10-15% solution of copper sulfate. If you don’t have it on hand, a 10-15% solution of anti-fouling paint prepared in acetone or white alcohol is also quite suitable. Then 2-3 days of drying and you can cover the treated areas with a drying oil primer, and then paint the entire vessel.
Metal boats and boats
Preparing metal boats for winter will probably take the least amount of time, and the description can be literally summed up in one sentence: wash, clean from rust or oxides, coat with a primer and either turn it upside down on the trestles with the keel up, or cover it with an awning. Perhaps that's all. The main thing is not to forget to remove the engine. But how to prepare a motor for wintering is a separate topic for discussion.
Plastic and rubber, PVC, metal or wood - whatever your boat is, if stored properly, it will be able to survive many winters and give the fisherman many pleasant moments of fighting with a trophy-sized inhabitant of the depths of the water.
Arseny Mavrin
When things aren't going smoothly
If you find such defects, contact the manufacturer (if the boat is under warranty). It’s best before the onset of winter - in the spring there will be a general fishing frenzy. Or try taking your own measures. This includes sanding, coating with a layer of special varnish for yachts, impregnation or sizing with epoxy, etc.
You can wash an inflated boat with a simple rag or sponge. They use any modern means, even laundry soap. Just make sure that their remains do not end up in open water when fishing.
Boat with engine
Now let's look at the winter storage of PVC boats with a motor available in a number of models (mostly from imported manufacturers). Which parts of it require special attention? What is the best way to store a PVC boat with a motor?
The first and main component is the gearbox. It is constantly in the water, subject to increased load and possible collisions with unwanted obstacles.
The mixture in the carburetor contains oxygen and water vapor from the air. During continuous operation of the engine, their effect is unnoticeable. When the motor is stopped and stored indoors, condensation is very likely to appear on its internal surfaces. If there is no use for a long time, the consequences may not be very pleasant. Therefore, three-quarters of the advice on “how to properly store a PVC boat with a motor” contains information specifically about measures to preserve the engine.
Getting started with preparation for storage during the winter season:
- As in the case of a rubber analogue of a boat product, PVC products should be thoroughly washed using detergents that do not contain acetone, benzene and other impurities, to remove debris and dirt. Wash only with cold or cool water.
- See if there are any cracks or damage to the body, if found, be sure to repair it, otherwise the volume of the hole will become larger over time and it cannot be repaired. Repair work is carried out in an inflated state.
- Remove the slightest smell of fish, as it is a bait for rodents.
- The vessel should be lifted up at half-mast.
- The watercraft must be sent for storage in perfectly dried condition.
You can store the boat in a special case and fold it carefully, avoiding cracks and bends. Turn the cover periodically (2 times a month).
Advice! After a long period of storage, melt. PVC products are in a case; you need to remove it after the air has heated to above-zero temperatures, and only then take it out of the case bag.
Fishing stores offer a wide range of products that can be used to treat PVC boat products during storage to protect them from unpleasant factors. It is prohibited to use silicone-based solutions and mixtures.
Is conservation necessary?
Some believe that the oil included in the mixture has a preservative effect. Such information can be gleaned from numerous tips on how to store a PVC boat with a motor. Is it true? At first, yes. But subsequently the oil drains from the surface, since it has no additives. Without protection in a cold room, the motor will not last long.
Warm storage extends engine life, but in general this is not an option. Conservation measures should be taken, and at the same time diagnostics and prevention should be carried out. Decide whether you personally can do this, or whether it’s easier to send the motor for service.
In general, there is nothing complicated in such work, but it requires time, free space, tools and at least a little experience. Or a hint from friends - mainly in diagnostics (especially if the unit is no longer new).
Let's start the procedure
The conservation process consists of two parts. At the first stage, which is most convenient to carry out “on the ground” (right on the water on the last day of the season), start by introducing a preservative into the food system. Spreading with fuel, it will settle in the form of a protective layer on the elements of the piston and crank group.
Precise instructions are usually provided when purchasing a preservative. At the end of its action, it is worth unscrewing the spark plug and spraying a certain amount of preservative directly into the combustion chamber.
Then, before screwing in the spark plug, you should pull the motor several times to evenly distribute the fluid over the surface of the cylinders. This also helps remove water from the pump housing and cooling system. Leave the motor standing upright for a while, then return the spark plug to its place.
How to Preserve an Engine
For PVC motor boats, special storage conditions must be created in winter. If condensation gets inside the engine, many of its components may be damaged. When there is no use in winter, this phenomenon is not uncommon. Some people mistakenly believe that oil on engine parts has a preservative effect. But over a long winter, it gradually drains from surfaces, since it does not contain additives, and therefore will not serve as reliable protection for the engine. There is only one way out - to properly preserve the engine, so as not to take it for repairs in the spring.
The first stage of conservation is carried out directly on the water on the final day of the swimming season. A special preservative is supplied to the power system, which penetrates the fuel and creates a protective layer on the piston, crank and connecting rod elements. Afterwards, already on the shore, they take the following actions:
- turn out the spark plug;
- spray a little preservative directly into the fuel combustion chamber;
- pull the engine a couple of times to distribute the preservative and remove water from the cooling system;
- the engine is left in a vertical position, the spark plug is screwed into place.
Preserving a PVC boat engine for the winter
The next stage of engine preservation takes place in the workshop, utility room, where there are the necessary tools and vices, as well as transmission oil for gearboxes, spare gaskets, washers, and an oil drain pan. They also buy additional lubricant for rubbing parts, mineral motor oil, and, if necessary, a new filter.
The operating procedure is as follows:
- Unscrew the screws on the gearbox housing and slowly drain the oil;
- washers damaged when removing screws are subsequently replaced;
- if the oil has become opaque or changed color, remove the old ones and install new oil seals;
- in a vertical position of the motor, fill in new oil in the required volume (according to the instructions for the gearbox);
- inspect the propeller, propeller shaft, and other important parts - they should not be chipped or bent, otherwise they will have to be repaired;
- cover the shaft and all rubbing parts with protective lubricant;
- drain unused gasoline, remove and blow out the fuel filter;
- Cover the engine tightly or place it in a special case and place it in a safe place for storage.
Outboard motor storage
We continue to work
The next stage of our activity will require a utility room or even a small workshop. There should be a vice and other tools available, at least to a minimum.
Among the “consumables” you will need transmission oil (take only special oils for gearboxes, according to the manufacturer’s requirements), spare washers and gaskets, and a small pan for draining used oil. In addition, lubricant for rubbing parts, and possibly a new filter, and mineral motor oil (for four-stroke engines).
Unscrew the screws on the gearbox housing. Slowly drain the oil (in this case, any water that accidentally gets into the engine will flow out first). If the screws are stuck, you will need a large screwdriver with a lever. Damaged washers will have to be replaced, so spares should be kept at the ready.
Check the oil
If the oil has changed color or transparency, the seals have failed and need to be replaced along with the oil. Sometimes it is impossible to buy spare parts right away; you have to order and wait quite a long time. Therefore, repairs should not be postponed until spring.
You should pay attention to inclusions of metal dust or shavings in the oil. After break-in, this is a normal phenomenon, but in other situations it is a sign of problems in the condition of the gears.
Diagnostics in this case must be qualified. The repair will have to be entrusted to the service center specialists.
If the color of the oil has not changed over the summer, calmly drain it and replace it with a new one. Most often it is sold in tubes, which simplifies the replacement process. Before purchasing, find out the capacity of the gearbox. Replacement is carried out with the motor in a vertical position.
Preparing the boat for storage
After the end of the sailing season, it is necessary to carefully prepare the boat for long periods of downtime. We will explain each step of this process in detail.
1. Cleaning the boat of dirt and debris
All boats require thorough cleaning before long-term storage, regardless of type and material. This is especially important for boats that were used for fishing (remains of fish scales and smell are the best bait for mice and rats). If you live in a private house, then it is most convenient to wash the boat under a hose (inflated). Residents of a high-rise building will have to tinker, since this will be much more difficult to do in an apartment.
When washing, special attention should be paid to the places where the seats and oars are attached. Considering that PVC is quite resistant to light chemical influences, if necessary, you can use a detergent (dishing gel, washing powder or laundry soap). Please note that a rubber boat should not be washed with very hot water, as this may damage the material.
After cleaning, the watercraft must be thoroughly dried. Particular attention should be paid to the junction of the bottom and sides - this is where mold accumulates. When the outer part is dry, lower and turn the boat out, this will allow the seam areas to dry thoroughly.
2. Repair
Even during cleaning, you should pay attention to the smallest cracks and punctures. Repairs to such areas should be carried out before storage. If the damage is minor, then special glue and additional material, which is included with the watercraft, will be sufficient. Carry out the work carefully and carefully follow the instructions. After the repair, the boat must stand for at least a day so that all the taped areas have time to dry.
3. Laying
It is recommended to fold the boat on a dry, flat, clean surface. This should be taken into account carefully, since laying on the ground can lead to foreign objects getting inside, which can damage the integrity of the material. Do not compact the boat too much; after several months of storage in this condition, cracks may form at the bends. It would also be a good idea to sprinkle the surface of the boat with talcum powder before laying it. This will help prevent mold from forming inside (especially if the storage area is damp).
What to do with the screw
After this we move on to inspecting the propeller. If you find large chips and damage, it is best to replace the screw. Otherwise, unacceptable vibrations and beatings on the shaft may occur, which will render the bearings and seals of the gearbox unusable.
Minor damage can be repaired. The blades can be straightened, although not in all cases. And you need a reliable tool. If you are not confident in your capabilities, it is better to immediately replace the screw with a new one.
Other points
Inspect the propeller shaft, it is important that it is not bent or broken. Defects may be caused by collisions with obstacles underwater. If there are problems, you need to return to the service center.
If everything is in order, coat the shaft with protective lubricant.
Another important component is the fuel system. It is better to engage in its maintenance only if you have at least some experience. Or under the guidance of a good master.
Unused gasoline must be completely drained, the fuel filter must be disconnected and blown out.
End of work
Then you should apply lubricant to the rubbing metal surfaces of the engine, primarily to the suspension elements. The engine is now ready for long-term storage. As you can see, storing a PVC boat in winter with an included engine is not the easiest thing, but still quite doable.
If the engine will not be kept warm for the winter, you should not pack it tightly, just cover it with a cover.
Now you know everything or almost everything about how to store a PVC boat in winter. If you follow the rules outlined above, your beauty will serve faithfully for more than one season and will allow you to get a lot of summer experiences from fishing, traveling along the river and just happy moments. We wish you a pleasant holiday with your family and good mood!
Features of the material and storage conditions of fishing boats
What is the best way to store a PVC boat? It would seem that there should not be any difficulties or problems here, since unlike inflatable boats made of rubberized fabric, which rot and rot, PVC boats are much more durable and impervious to moisture in a warm atmosphere and tight twisting, which literally kills rubber boats.
This is achieved by using more modern materials in the technological process, from which PVC boats are made, where the main role is given to polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane and hypalon. These are, as they say, unkillable materials that not even every bullet hits. But even such seemingly eternal boats have weak points that cannot withstand the manifestations of an aggressive external environment. And this is, first of all, mechanical damage from impacts on sharp stones, when the boat is thrown onto a rocky shallow at speed, as well as collisions with sharp knots of floating logs and snags. Sometimes the cause of boat damage is driftwood standing on the bottom in a vertical position. It happens that on such driftwood there are sharp shells and nails that were once driven into the logs.
Caring for a PVC boat is also necessary because no matter how durable the boat is, it will quickly lose its attractive appearance from prolonged direct exposure to ultraviolet rays, that is, from the scorching sun. And this happens when a boat lies abandoned for a long time on the shore right under the rays of the midday star. First of all, the material itself will burn out, and at the first stage only the pigment will discolor, but then the polymer base composition of the PVC material will begin to change. “Well, let it be, should we admire the boat and not fish?” - some careless owner of a small boat will say. There is some truth in this. The boat is a workhorse. But a real owner will take care of his horse so that it serves faithfully for a long time. In addition, most fishermen prefer to be in a clean and beautiful boat, calling it “swallow” and other affectionate epithets.
Storing a PVC boat in winter is a topic of special discussion. We will return to it later. But in both summer and winter, a number of other factors also often have a critical impact on the material of the boat. And these are scratches, which often turn after some time into real wounds on the body of the boat, as well as oil stains and the use of solvents to destroy them on the sides of the boat. Additionally, the wrong detergent that is incompatible with the material that that particular boat is made of can be critical. The harmful effects of high temperatures, which most often occur in hot summers, can kill a boat at other times of the year if you forget how to properly store a PVC boat in winter, by leaning it against a central heating radiator or placing it nearby. The other extreme is storing a PVC boat in a garage where there is no heating. In regions with low average winter temperatures, such garages often freeze to the bone, and it is often colder inside than outside. Although PVC boats are more resistant to low temperatures than rubber boats, frost can begin to degrade the material and cause its structure to crack.
PVC boats have not only conventional enemies, but the most living and active ones. These are various rodents, among which mice are the most dirty and active, which can gnaw on completely inedible things just to gnaw... More intelligent and pragmatic rats commit such sabotage less often, although they are also seen in these senseless acts of vandalism. They can very readily attack a rubber boat, which, for better preservation, has been sprinkled with starch for the winter.
All thoughts about how best to store a PVC boat will be meaningless if the small vessel has not been thoroughly washed after fishing. River sand has a particularly detrimental effect on the safety of the boat. And most often, fishing takes place on a large river, where sand bars are not uncommon. Usually they are chosen by fishermen for parking and piers. The sand here sometimes crunches on your teeth after a fish soup that has been filled with sand into the pot. And this often happens in the summer heat, when the sand is dry and volatile. And, of course, a lot of sand also gets into the boat, falling from the boots of anglers climbing into a small boat. Even after rinsing the boat and turning it upside down, some of the sand remains between the cylinders, bottom and floor.
Sand is a real abrasive material that sharpens metal. You can imagine what he does with the boat material, which often consists of hypalon, reinforced and very durable, meanwhile helpless in front of the sand. Although the destructive effect of sand does not occur immediately, this process continues continuously if the boat is not cleaned of sand.
Caring for a PVC boat should also consist of regular inspection and cleaning of the small boat from dirt and adhering scales. These unattractive and bad-smelling stains, when exposed to sunlight, turn into a hard crust, which, when peeled off, seems to come off along with a layer of polyvinyl chloride. If you look at some boats, sometimes you can see the heterogeneity of the material, where, apparently, there were various stains that were not removed for a long time and managed to penetrate into the surface layer of the structure of the PVC material.
Just like storing a PVC boat in winter, short-term storage between summer fishing trips involves freely positioning the boat without tightly rolling it into a roll. All this folding and unfolding creates creases and abrasions in the PVC material, even if it is very durable and of high quality. Ideally, it is generally better to store the boat slightly inflated, of course, if there is free space. If worst comes to worst, you can keep it in a roll without twisting it into a tight roll. For short-term and long-term storage of a PVC boat, room temperature is best, and for storage in a garage it is better if the temperature does not fall below zero and rise above 25-27 degrees.
