How do I prepare my inflatable boat or RIB for winter?
As autumn progresses, when the days grow shorter and the summer sun gives way to harsh fall weather, it’s time to winterize your inflatable boat.
We have compiled some tips on “How to store your inflatable boat in winter”. Improperly stored boats can cause various problems, from mold to rodent damage. Inflatable boats are made of PVC or Hypalon. Both materials are fabrics and are somewhat delicate and easily damaged if not handled properly.
How do I clean my inflatable boat?
Once you’ve decided that summer is over and it’s too cold to go out for a few months, it’s important to know how to store your inflatable boat for the winter. A good cleaning with the right products is the best way to start the storage process. Encrusted dirt can eventually cause porous spots in the rubber and even rust on the metal parts.
Very important: never use solvents such as MEK, toluene, acetone, bleach, ammonia, strong alkaline cleaners (anything with a pH higher than 11.5), scouring pads, or steel wool to clean your inflatable boat. These products weaken, damage, and discolor the fabric and attack the adhesive bonds that hold your boat together.
Soap and detergents leave a sticky residue on your boat that attracts and holds dirt. Soap residues are food for mold and mildew, so if you want to maintain your boat well, you should spend a little extra on some boat cleaners. This will save you money in the future and extend the life of your boat.
HIBS sells a number of boat cleaners from August Race (see link) which are specially developed for inflatable boats and RIBs. The best general product to use is August Race Boat Wash Pro, a complete cleaner to remove salt, carbon deposits, mud, and loose lime.
Specifically for the tubes, there is August Race Liquid Rib, and if you then treat the tubes with LR Sealer Coat, your tubes are protected and this leaves a silky smooth finish on the tubes.
View the image below showing before and after use of August Race. The results can be stunning. See the photos below
Washing Inflatable Boat or RIB.
When washing your boat, a garden hose with a bucket of warm water with boat cleaner in it is all you need. Do not use a pressure washer, no matter how dirty your boat is. Pressure washers can cause enormous damage to inflatable boats, potentially causing the seams of the boat to tear. Do not use a pressure washer, no matter how tempted you are. This can seriously damage the seams.
If you have a RIB, often after a summer in the water, the polyester hull is no longer so clean and there is a dirty brown/yellow residue visible. To clean this, we recommend
In our webshop, we have put together an AUGUST RACE WINTER SET, this kit consists of Boat Wash Pro, Bright Coat, and Smooth Opacity UV.
Store your boat
Store your inflatable boat in a clean, dry place that is not affected by large temperature fluctuations and other harmful environmental factors. When choosing a storage location, keep in mind that rodents like to chew on fabric, including inflatable boat material. If space allows, store the boat spread out with some air in the tubes. If this is not possible, store loosely rolled up with the natural air remaining in the floats. Do not use a vacuum to suck out the remaining air unless the packaging absolutely requires it. Make sure all valve caps are in place before storing.
Tip: Store your inflatable boat off the floor and away from the wall. In addition to avoiding objects that could puncture your boat, it helps keep the boat away from mice.
Store RIB inflated or deflated?
Perhaps the most common confusion about winter storage of RIB boats is whether to store them inflated or deflated. It is best to keep your RIB inflated if possible. When you store your RIB inflated, the surface of the tubes becomes taut and resistant to gripping or puncturing. RIB floats are strongest when inflated, and the seams and attachments hold up best under pressure.
Storing your RIB inflated also protects it from nibbling mice in your storage space. Sometimes it is thought that it’s a good idea to split the difference between inflated and deflated, thinking it gives them the best of both worlds. Unfortunately, this is not the case. RIBs are only strong when inflated, so it’s better to find a new storage space for your boat than to compromise. Remember to check your inflatable boat regularly to see if it needs more air pressure. With changing temperatures and prolonged storage, air pressure can slowly decrease.
Because indoor storage is not always an option, this means many boat owners store their boat outside with a cover. While this is an effective way to protect your boat, it’s important to make sure you choose a cover that doesn’t come loose and can withstand harsh conditions. Check your boat after heavy snowfall or strong winds to make sure everything looks good and the cover is still in place.
Finally.
In addition to using the proper cover and storing your boat in an inflated state, it’s important to also thoroughly check the fuel system.
We hope this has helped you winterize your boat. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
