If you own an inflatable boat, proper storage is essential to ensuring that it lasts for many seasons. In this blog post, we will discuss how to store your inflatable boat for winter. This includes preparing it for storage and finding a storage space that will protect it from the elements. We will also provide tips on how to keep your inflatable boats in good condition during the winter months.
How Do You Store Inflatable Boats In The Winter?
The first step in preparing your inflatable boat for winter storage is to make sure it is clean. You should remove all debris from the outside and inside of your boats, as well as any excess water that may be present on its surface or in its tubes. If there are any holes or tears on your fishing boat’s fabric, they should also be patched up before storing it away until next year.
Check all inflatables parts, outboard motor, and other parts.
You can use a mild detergent solution (or baby shampoo) mixed with warm water to help get rid of dirt buildup while cleaning out any harsh chemicals such as bleach which might harm its material over time; then rinse everything off once done scrubbing down surfaces like seats/flooring areas where grime tends to accumulate more frequently than other parts on your inflatables like sides/bottom.
Be sure NOT to spray any kind of cleaner directly onto fabric surfaces if possible since this could damage their protective coatings over time; instead, use a sponge dipped lightly in diluted cleaning solution before wiping down areas that need some attention when preparing them for storage away until next season arrives!
Should The Boat Be Inflated or Deflated?
The general consensus is that it’s best to store an inflatable boat in a deflated state. This will help to protect the material from becoming damaged over time and makes it much easier to fit into smaller storage spaces. If you choose to store your boat inflated, be sure to do so in a dry and cool area where the temperature will not drop below freezing.
How To Store Your Boat Inflated
If you are unable to store your inflatable boat in a deflated state, try wrapping it in a waterproof tarp or storing it inside of a dedicated storage bag designed for this type of equipment.
In either case, make sure that the air valves are closed tightly before putting away your boats – doing otherwise could cause damage due to moisture getting trapped inside of them.
Never store any inflatable pontoon boat in an area where there is direct sunlight or high temperatures as this will significantly decrease its lifespan over time; always make sure the inflatable boat storage location has adequate ventilation for moisture control purposes and avoid leaving your vessel outside if possible by keeping it inside of a garage or shed during winter months when not being used.
How To Store Your Boat Deflated
If you are able to store your inflatable boat in a deflated state, there are several ways to go about doing this.
One option is to roll the boat up like you would a sleeping bag and secure it with some rope or zip ties. You can also stuff it into a large storage container or duffle bag – just be sure that there are no sharp objects inside that could damage the fabric.
Another way to store a fishing boat when it’s not in use is by hanging it on a wall using special storage hooks designed for this purpose; these hooks will keep the boat off of the ground so that there is less chance of moisture building up and causing damage over time.
Whichever method you choose, make sure that the air valves are closed tightly before putting away your boat – doing otherwise could cause damage due to moisture getting trapped inside of them.
What Are Some Good Storage Ideas For Inflatable Boats?
There are many different storage ideas for inflatable boats. You can store your boat:
- in a bag,
- hang it on the wall,
- roll it up like a sleeping bag.
If possible, try not to leave any sharp objects inside of your vessel as these may damage its fabric over time.
Tips For Cleaning And Storing Your Inflatable Boat
When you’re ready to store your SIB for the winter months, make sure it’s neatly stacked. Remove debris and stains from the fabric of your boat while it’s in storage to avoid injuring it.
- Do not use harsh chemicals such as bleach to clean your inflatable boat.
- This could damage its material over time; instead, try using baby shampoo mixed with water or a mild detergent solution before rinsing everything off once done scrubbing down surfaces like seats/flooring areas where grime tends to accumulate more frequently than other parts of the vessel (such as sides/bottom). Make sure that air valves are closed tightly so moisture doesn’t get trapped inside!
- When preparing them for storage away until next season arrives, be sure NOT to spray any kind of cleaner directly onto fabric surfaces if possible since this could damage their protective coatings over time; instead, use a sponge dipped lightly in a diluted cleaning solution to wipe down the boats gently. Again, close valves tightly to avoid moisture accumulation.
- Hang or roll up your vessel as directed above and store in a cool, dry place where the temperature will not drop below freezing; if you are able to inflate your boat for short periods of time before putting it away again, this is ideal so that any water that may have accumulated inside the chambers will evaporate and won’t cause any damage when the boats are put away deflated.
- Inspect all fabric surfaces for any rips or tears before storing – these should be repaired using appropriate materials/adhesives BEFORE winter arrives to prevent further damage from occurring while the boat is inactive.
Protecting Your Inflatable Boat From The Cold Weather
The first thing you should do when preparing to store your inflatable boat for the winter is to make sure it’s dry. This means removing all debris and stains from fabric surfaces while they’re still wet so that they don’t freeze on later down.
Bathing facilities, washdown nozzles, and faucets on your boat all require potable antifreeze to be maintained. If you leave water in these systems and it freezes, it will grow and burst the lines from the inside.
What about the outboard motor? You should add a fuel stabilizer to your tank. This will help keep it from deteriorating and separating, which can lead to damage within your system. Always use an appropriate amount for what’s in there – don’t overdo it though or else they might break down altogether!
Last updated: 20/02/2022
