How long will an inflatable boat last

Unfortunately, since this technique heated the fabric from the inside out, this sometimes leads to the surfaces of the fabric not getting heated enough to properly bond. This new yet imperfect seam construction lead to imperfect welds causing similar issues to adhesives.

It was not until the invention of hot air welding that PVC dinghies became as reliable as their Hypalon ancestors. Hot air welding involved blowing hot air between two layers of fabric to melt the PVC, allowing two fabrics to be bonded into one durable piece.

While the anger and stigma against PVC boats were warranted in the early days, this is no longer the case. Significant advances in chemical manufacturing have improved PVC fabrics properties, and better construction methods have eliminated outdated technologies like cheap adhesives and High Frequency Welding. By selecting a dinghy with high-quality PVC fabric and constructed with hot air welding, you can be confident you will get a reliable inflatable boat.

You may be wondering, how long will my PVC inflatable boat last? That depends on a few factors, these include the quality of the fabric, how seams are constructed, how it is cared for, and what environment it is kept in. A high quality, well cared for inflatable can be expected to last anywhere between years.

This range is determined by where they are used and how well they are cared for. While PVC has improved dramatically over the years, UV degradation is still a major factor in the life of an inflatable. As PVC is exposed to UV rays for prolonged periods, the additives shift towards the surface and begin affecting the glue. Other elements such as heat and humidity can put a lot of strain on the inflatable as well. While the fabric can still be used past the life of the adhesive, everything else that holds the boat together and is glued onto it will have to be replaced.

Replacing these parts and glue repairs often cost about as much or more than the boat itself. One feature that helps ensure your boat will have a long usable lifespan is hot air welded seams. This binds two fabrics into one and allows the seams to last as long as the PVC fabric. If you live in a tropical climate and plan to keep your boat uncovered most or all of the time, you can expect a shorter lifespan ranging from years. The heat and humidity will soften the glue, anything that is not heat welded will quickly come unglued.

You will start to notice that the PVC becomes less flexible and more brittle the more it is exposed to UV and heat. Boats that use hot air welding will have longer lasting seams, but the accessories and the transom will not be able to withstand the climate unless the boat is stored in a temperature controlled environment.

PVC boat owners who live in areas with cooler climates have to worry less about UV exposure. Inflatable boats kept in these climates can be expected to last longer than their tropical counterparts, usually years or more. However, dinghies used or stored in temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, can expect a similar lifespan to hot and humid climates.

When PVC encounters below freezing temperatures for long periods of time, it can become inflexible and brittle. This can be a problem when unfolding or rolling up a dinghy. Forcing your dinghy to fold when it is stiff in extreme cases can cause the material to crack.

This issue is more common when the dinghy is rollup up after use without being dried. Newport Vessels always recommends drying your dinghy before disassembling your inflatable boat. With every product, there is a recommended way to care for it and help ensure it stands the test of time.

It is easy in the age of Amazon to see our purchases as disposable, however, this is wasteful and not the case. Just as the paint of your car needs an occasional wax job, PVC boats, also need occasional care. There are a few simple tasks that can be done before and after you use your PVC inflatable dinghy to help extend its life. This advice is best for individuals who plan to store their dinghies fully or partially inflated outside This could range from storing it on the bow of your sailboat to a trailer in your backyard.

Regardless of where the boat is stored outside, a boat cover is a necessary investment. A good cover will protect the dinghy from UV rays, rain, snow, and general weathering.

Another way to keep your dinghy in good shape is to store it in a climate controlled environment. Storing your dinghy in extreme temperatures puts unnecessary stress on the material and seams for long periods of time. The extreme temperatures will expand, condense and quickly weaken the seams and age the fabric. Keeping your inflatable boat at a consistent temperature like a closet, basement, or garage is the best way to protect your investment for years to come.

There are several products available that can help protect PVC fabrics. One product we recommend is Marine Aerospace Protectant. This protectant only needs to be used sparingly, as overuse can also damage the PVC. We recommend only using this product roughly once or twice per year when you are putting your boat in storage or taking it out for the first time in a season. Another product that can prolong the life of your dinghy is inflatable boat antifouling paint.

PVC is the same colour on both sides. Lightly sand the material. Hypalon will matt down and produce a dust. Brush onto the surfaces thinly, the surface should look wet. Allow the adhesive to dry for at least 30 minutes. Andrey is a coach, sports writer and editor. He is mainly involved in weightlifting. He also edits and writes articles for the IronSet blog where he shares his experiences.

As they are deflating pull up on the side ropes so that the boat will fold in properly. You want the pontoons to fold in so the entire package is not wider than the transom. If the pontoons are not folding in properly then put a bit of air back into them and repeat the deflation procedure until you achieve the desired result. Fold the pontoons in so that they are laying flat and are no wider that the transom. Fold the cones in. Begin rolling up the boat from the transom.

Fold the nose of the boat in. Finish rolling up the boat. Place folded boat and accessories over carry bag. Fold and faster narrow flaps of the carry bag. Fold and fasten wide flaps of the carry bag. Now boat compactly folded into carry bag and ready to be stowed away.

There are plenty of Inflatables rotting under the damaging sun in any local marine or harbor. If possible, deflate the boat, clean it and store it in its carry bag.

If you use a boat cover, or at least cover boat with a piece of tarp, your boat will last much longer. Try to keep the boat clean and free of chemical detergents and sun screen lotions that may discolor the fabric.

These chemicals will make the fabric sticky over time.