How to Clean Inflatable Boats

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.

How to Choose a Trolling Motor

A successful day of fishing depends on a trolling motor. Modern trolling motors do more than just stealthy maneuver the boat. Some have the features like GPS integration and more.
If you’re hesitated on how to choose a trolling motor, this article is for you. By reading this article, you’ll come to know the basics of choosing the best trolling motor for your boat. Let’s dig into it.

How to Choose a Trolling Motor - 8 Things to Consider

1. Mounting type
   Bow-mount motors: Bow-mounting provides better control and maneuverability. It is equipped with the most advanced features and a wide range of control options.
   
   These motors are mounting to the front of the boat with a bolt-on bracket.
   
   Transom-mount motors: it mounts to the back of the boat with a clamp-on bracket. It features hand control and ideal for dinghies, canoes, and smaller boats.
   It is great for standard trolling and normal positioning.
   
   Engine mount motors: No deploying is required for this type of mounting. Mount to the cavitations plate of your inboard/outboard to keep the deck clear of your boat.
   
   
2. Thrust Probably the most important thing when you’re looking for a trolling motor is how much thrust will your boat need. Thrust is the Ibs standard to measure how powerful a motor is. It is measured in pounds.
   The larger your boat, the more thrust you need to be satisfied on the water.
   We recommend you to avoid purchasing a trolling motor with too little thrust.
   
   Board specific thrust charts:
   
3. Fishing conditions Fishing condition also plays a huge important role to take the right decision. In the case of fishing in the smooth lake water with no current, you might be able to stick to the listed minimum thrust without any problem.
   
   O the other hand, if you like to spend huge time in fast moving water with significant currents or waves, move up one or two level in thrust for ensuring ample power in all conditions.
   
   If you want to fish for multiple days without recharging, consider stepping up with a higher voltage motor that provides higher thrust. It provides you significant more run time.
   
   
4. Boat weight and size Boat weight and size is another important consideration when choosing a trolling motor. A general rule of thumb is you need a 2Ibs of thrust for every 100Ibs.
   
   Do not forget to calculate the total weight including the maximum number of passengers, fuel, and fully loaded with gear.
   
   If you don’t sure about the weight of your boat, follow the NADA boat directory.
   
   
5. Shaft length It’s important to choose the proper shaft length because if it too short, the prop may not be submerged sufficiently.
   
   Our recommendation for you to submerge the motor’s center section at least 12 inches
   
   
6. Power consumption and battery “What type of battery to buy” is one of the most confusing aspects to select a trolling motor. There are two types of battery- AGM batteries and deep cycle marine batteries.
   
   Deep cycle marine batteries are designed for re-charging associated with trolling motor. This can be your budget friendly battery. These types of batteries last at most 3 years.
   
   You can purchase these standard lead-acid wet cell batteries for less than $100.
   
   The second choice is the AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery. These are made using a glass plate and a gel like substance. AGM batteries last longer than the other one.
   
   Because of the adequate performance and long lasting durability, your budget may be little tight.
   
   
7. Motor style Electric steer motors: For being intuitive and innovative, these models offer you more control options and positioning technologies like i-pilot and i-pilot link. These motors ensure you less time messing with your boat and more time fishing.
   
   Cable steer motors: As cable steer motors are rugged and responsive, these motors require direct link between the motor and the foot pedal.
   
   It provides extra protection from things like stumps to the bass fishermen who used to excel in shallow water.
   
   Hand control motors: are equipped with a tiller handle for responsive control. This type of motors combines industry-leading Minn Kota technology with the traditional steering to give you greater control and precise maneuverability.
   
   
8. Technology and additional features What technologies matter to your decision?
   
   i-PILOT: command speed and steering, record and retrace paths, and use GPS to lock on to fishing spots- all from a wireless remote & an LCD screen.
   
   i-Pilot link: provides all the features of i-PILOT and the ability to connect Minn Kota trolling motor to your hummingbird fish finder that will give you a fully-integrated fishing experience.
   
   Universal sonar 2: provides interface free sonar performance and helps you to get streamlined.
   
   Autopilot allows you to stay on any heading you want. It helps your boat to stay on course when the motor automatically corrects waves, current, and wind. 

Hope this will help you choosing a trolling motor. If you’re still confused about it, you can take help by visiting the site kayakfisherly.com.
Also feel free to consult with the experienced fishermen for choosing the right one. Best of luck.

How to Choose a Kayak Paddle

After selecting the best kayak, the paddle has a huge impact on your performance on the water. Selecting the right size of paddle is more of an art. A proper paddle can make the difference in every stroke.
To choose a kayak paddle, you have to consider a few things. What are they? Take a look.

How to Choose a Kayak Paddle: 10 Things to Consider

 

1.      Durability and material
Shaft Material: Among various materials, we recommend you to choose the aluminum. As the plastic shafts became rare, the aluminum shafts are budget friendly, serviceable, and durable.
One more thing, we suggest you to glove-up because these shafts can get really hot or cold.
Carbon and fiberglass shafts are also durable. Paddlers adore them for their lightweight. These can be your efficient paddle option. The price is also worth it.

Blade material: Plastic blades are often chosen by the recreational paddlers as they are low-price leader. These are creakable and degrade in the sun. Plastic blades are flexible but not stroke-efficient.
Fiberglass blades are excellent in performance and middle in the price range. More durable and lightweight than plastic.
Carbon-fiber blades: If you want top performance, you can pay top dollar for carbon-fiber.

2.      Paddle length and sizing for different kayak
Its surprisingly straightforward to figure out the right length of paddle. Your paddle need to be long according to your boat’s width. Your own height is another factor, if you have a narrow boat. Long ones are for taller paddlers.
So paddles are made considering these two factors. If you fall between two sizes, we recommend you to to go shorter.

3.      Paddle shape
Modern paddle blades feature an asymmetrical dihedral shape. It is relatively narrow ans shorter one side. That helps it angle so that the surface area become more uniform when pushing though water.
Dihedral blade allows water to flow over both halves of it smoothly. As a result, it’s not very difficult to track straight.
Because of being lighter, narrow blades gives comfort in long stretches of paddling. Helpful for a long or multiday trip.
Wider blades provide powerful strokes that make your acceleration quicker. Most kayak riders prefer them for this feature.
Some of the specialized blades feature J-shaped notch for retrieving snared fishing lines and hooks.

4.      Paddling category
Low-angle: low-angle paddling is the another name of relaxed paddling. It’s ideal for casual recreational paddling and touring. It will not tire you although it’s not powerfull enough. Low angle paddling demands a longer paddle.
Low angle is the most common style. Most paddlers use this as this is comfortable.

High-angle: this is a more aggrasive paddling style for generating more powerful strokes. It demands a shorter paddle.
Subtract 10cm from your paddle if you want high-angle paddling.

5.      Seat height
Sit-on-top kayaks contains seats that sit little higher above the water level. This is common fact for fishing kayaks that have both high and low sitting conditions.
If you want to paddle sitting high, consider adding 8-10cm to compromise the distance from the water.

6.      Shaft design
Two types of shaft- straight shaft and bent shaft. The bent shaft paddles feature a “kinked” section that positions your hand s in more comfortable position during the power portion of a stroke, prevents fatigue and discomfort in your joints.
I recommend you to adjust your stroke technique if you’re switching from a straight shaft to a bent shaft.

7.      Blade design
It is quite complex to suggest about blade shapes. It can be simplified by depending on where you paddle.
For cruising on lakes or other flat water, long and skinny blades are the best.
Choose shorter and wider blades for surfing in river or shallow water.

8.      Weight
The weight of a paddle should be lighter that means less fatigue in your joints in a long day canoeing. Not only weight, but also consider the strength and flexibility before shopping.
In the case of flat water canoeing, a flexible paddle can help to absorb shock with each stroke.

9.      Performance
We suggest you to find high-tech paddles if you want the latest in paddling innovation. Lightweight performance paddles are manufactured to help reduce fatigue, swing weight so that you can concentrate on the adventure ahead.

10. Budget
After all these facts, budget is another core factor choosing a paddle. You may have to pay about $150 on average if you want to buy fiberglass models.
If you want to spend money on lightweight carbon paddles, you may have to cost among $275 and $500. We recommend you to select a lightweight paddle.

 

Conclusion

That’s all the factors to how to choose a kayak paddle. Consider these factors if you want the best paddle for your kayak.

You can visit this site for more help (kayakfisherly.com). Feel free to take advice from the experts. Happy paddling!