Introduction
Inflatable boats are one type of dinghy boats that are used by large ships that cannot anchor close to the shore to transport sailors and goods under emergency situations. However, the use of inflatable boats increases further. Other popular uses of inflatable boats are scuba diving, kayaking, or in rescue operations. There are many different types of inflatable boats available including inflatable kayaks, rubber rafts, lifeboats and rescue boats. However, in this article, our topic is not what is an inflatable boat. Rather, how to clean inflatable boats. Let us start the main discussion.
When it comes to maintenance of an inflatable boat,
like any other boat, it requires proper care and upkeep in order to ensure its
better performance and high durability. If an inflatable boat is left
unmaintained, it may remain functional only for 2 or 3 years which is a
significant loss for its owner. However, with regular cleaning, you can enjoy a
good quality inflatable boat for up to 30 years. The question is how can
one clean an inflatable boat properly?
Well, cleaning the boat is not a complicated task. The cleaning process involves only two steps- choosing the right cleaning product and cleaning the boat.
Choosing the right cleaning product
The first and the most important step to clean an inflatable boat is to choose the right cleaning product. And, here many inflatable boat owners make a mistake. That mistake is they buy expensive cleaning products. However, sometimes these cleaning products turn into wrong products as they cannot clean the boat thoroughly. Instead, they caused substantial damage to the boat.
Although most models of inflatable boats are made of PVC and Hypalon, they are still prone to damage when exposed to caustic chemicals. The material PVC which is the most common type of material used to make inflatable boats are not as chemical resistant as other materials like aluminum or fiberglass. Several chemical solvents cause irreparable damage to inflatable boats.
These include toluene, acetone, bleach, ammonia, and highly alkaline cleaners which have pH greater than 11.5. These products must be excluded when it comes to cleaning an inflatable boat. The same goes for a few cleaning products like abrasive scrub pads, and steel wool. These products are quite harsh for inflatable boats and may puncture or discolor the boat.
Another two cleaning agents you need to avoid is soap and detergent. It is because they stick to the boat surface attracting and holding other dirt. Soap scum can also serve as a food source for mold and mildew. And getting rid of these two things is then another hassle.
The ideal products to clean your inflatable boat are
inflatable boat cleaners. These products are specially made for cleaning these
boats and they effectively remove dirt, grime, and stains without damaging the
surface. Some of these cleaning products also protect your boat surface from
exposure to elements like sunlight, rain, and moisture and keeps your boat in
the best condition.
Clean your inflatable boat
Once you figure out your right cleaning products and tools and collect those things, cleaning your inflatable boat is fairly straightforward.
To scrub your PVC boat gently use a couple of pieces of clean cloths. And depending on the type of cleaning products you would use, you may require some water too. For convenient scrubbing, you may use a soft brush instead of soft clothing. But again it depends on the type of cleaners you use. In this regard, one important thing is to read the instructions printed on the label of the cleaners and follow accordingly. However, most cleaners are simple to use. They require applying them on the surface of the inflatable boat, allow them to sit for a couple of minutes and then wipe them off with a clean cloth.
While doing cleaning work, you need to protect your hand. Wear rubber gloves before touching any cleaner and make sure that you reach every cranny and nook with the cloth and the cleaner. There are some high-quality cleaners in the market such as Star Brite. This product not only cleans your boat but also leaves a stubborn coating on the boat surface that protects your boat from UV exposure.
The right way to clean your boat is starting from the boat floor, divide the entire boat into different sections and then apply the boat cleaner. However, do not apply the cleaner randomly. The technique we told you that is dividing the boat into several sections will make sure that you will cover every inch of the boat. Moreover, while applying the cleaner this, you will be able to discover any damage on the boat. And lastly, do not forget to flip the boat and apply the cleaner on the underside of the boat as well. It is because the underside part is the most exposed part of the water.
Once completed, you will end up with a nice glossy inflatable boat that other boaters may envy you for having such a boat.
Conclusion
From the above discussion, it is pretty clear that cleaning an inflatable boat is simple and easy. However, cleaning the boat no matter how simple is will save your a worthy investment.
