How should a inflatable be stored over the winter? Fully inflated,partially inflated,or not inflated? It will be in a heated area where space is not a problem.
Inflatable Storage
- Thread starter Ken Prichard
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From What I Have Been Told And Read
...partially inflated (not fully) if you have room. But, with my track record on inflatables, I wouldn't give me much credibility (five and still going...) I don't have the room, so I keep mine deflated and buy used on E-bay when it disintegrates (again). Rick D.
...partially inflated (not fully) if you have room. But, with my track record on inflatables, I wouldn't give me much credibility (five and still going...) I don't have the room, so I keep mine deflated and buy used on E-bay when it disintegrates (again). Rick D.
about 8 years on the same one
Rick: Have you pissed off the UV Gods? I have a Caribe that we leave in the water or in dry dock 24x7. It is a Caribe RIB 10. I have had it for probably 8-9 years and it is still going strong. It may be that I never put anything on it but delta water/dirt. It needs a couple of pumps every month or so, but that is about it.
Rick: Have you pissed off the UV Gods? I have a Caribe that we leave in the water or in dry dock 24x7. It is a Caribe RIB 10. I have had it for probably 8-9 years and it is still going strong. It may be that I never put anything on it but delta water/dirt. It needs a couple of pumps every month or so, but that is about it.
Well, Steve, Uh Huh,
Let me see, the first one had the floor seam rip out. The second one I probably killed by Armour All-ing it. The third one had the seams disintegrate. The fourth one had the fabric turn to glue and the motor mount come unstuck. The fifth one has made it through two seasons so far. (That's only a couple of months work. I use a hard dink the rest of the time). So, yea, I do have some reservations about spending much on an inflatable. Still, there are some like you who seem to have better luck than I. These were all PVC boats... maybe that has something to do with it too. Still, a nice one with an air floor that I didn't have to drag behind the boat would be nice. Maybe Ken should listen to someone else and ignore my suggestion. (PS: Marlyn made me buy the hard dink so she didn't have to hear me curse the inflatables, their creators, designers, suppliers, distributors, sales clerks and cashiers *x RD
Let me see, the first one had the floor seam rip out. The second one I probably killed by Armour All-ing it. The third one had the seams disintegrate. The fourth one had the fabric turn to glue and the motor mount come unstuck. The fifth one has made it through two seasons so far. (That's only a couple of months work. I use a hard dink the rest of the time). So, yea, I do have some reservations about spending much on an inflatable. Still, there are some like you who seem to have better luck than I. These were all PVC boats... maybe that has something to do with it too. Still, a nice one with an air floor that I didn't have to drag behind the boat would be nice. Maybe Ken should listen to someone else and ignore my suggestion. (PS: Marlyn made me buy the hard dink so she didn't have to hear me curse the inflatables, their creators, designers, suppliers, distributors, sales clerks and cashiers *x RD
6 years and going strong
Have had my West Marine rollup (made by Zodiac) for 6 years and have not done anything special in storage for the winter. I clean it, deflate it, roll it up and place it in its bag, then keep it in the garage (unheated) over the winter. Every spring she is back, good as new. There are no signs of degradation over this time period. 11/12/04
Have had my West Marine rollup (made by Zodiac) for 6 years and have not done anything special in storage for the winter. I clean it, deflate it, roll it up and place it in its bag, then keep it in the garage (unheated) over the winter. Every spring she is back, good as new. There are no signs of degradation over this time period. 11/12/04
Ah Ha!
PVC! Now I can tell you my stories about PVC. These are the biggest scam on the inflatable market. I "like you" thought that they looked "just as good as an AVON". If they look that good, they must be "just as good". Well, I think a PVC unit is fine if you roll them up after each use and store them out of the UV. If you use them like most of us "think" they should be used, then there is a BIG problem. I purchase a "BLUE" unit that was made by Mercury Marine. I had 3 units (all replaced under warranty). Within a year they were trash. They sent me some sealant that I poured into the unit and hung it from the jib halyard. Not only did it not work, but everyone in the marina was laughing about the blue whale hanging from the halyard. Now I could go on and on with this story. I have told you about the pottie economics with your Jabsco and you never took heed, so WHY would I expect you to listen to me about the inflatable? YOU BE THE JUDGE!
PVC! Now I can tell you my stories about PVC. These are the biggest scam on the inflatable market. I "like you" thought that they looked "just as good as an AVON". If they look that good, they must be "just as good". Well, I think a PVC unit is fine if you roll them up after each use and store them out of the UV. If you use them like most of us "think" they should be used, then there is a BIG problem. I purchase a "BLUE" unit that was made by Mercury Marine. I had 3 units (all replaced under warranty). Within a year they were trash. They sent me some sealant that I poured into the unit and hung it from the jib halyard. Not only did it not work, but everyone in the marina was laughing about the blue whale hanging from the halyard. Now I could go on and on with this story. I have told you about the pottie economics with your Jabsco and you never took heed, so WHY would I expect you to listen to me about the inflatable? YOU BE THE JUDGE!
Now, Steve
PVC is *supposed* to be a perfectly fine inflatable material. And, as for Mercury inflatables, see the link. They are now thoughtful enough to offer them in Hypalon. And, yes, two of mine were Mercury PVC's. And, yes, my next one will be Hypalon. I do listen to you, Steve. *5 It's just that my current Jabsco pump is still hanging in there for almost ONE FULL YEAR!!! *pop Of course, the pump chamber or piston must be less than a perfect tolerance since I have to lube it every two months. But.... it IS still pumping. ;D
PVC is *supposed* to be a perfectly fine inflatable material. And, as for Mercury inflatables, see the link. They are now thoughtful enough to offer them in Hypalon. And, yes, two of mine were Mercury PVC's. And, yes, my next one will be Hypalon. I do listen to you, Steve. *5 It's just that my current Jabsco pump is still hanging in there for almost ONE FULL YEAR!!! *pop Of course, the pump chamber or piston must be less than a perfect tolerance since I have to lube it every two months. But.... it IS still pumping. ;D
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