Folding & Storage

 

If your boat is a foldable, when you have completed the afore-mentioned maintenance steps and your dinghy is completely dry & clean, deflate your inflatable totally.

 

To dismantle and deflate your boat, do as follows:
1. Remove the outboard engine and the oars or paddles.
2. Unplug the drain plug.
3. Remove the caps on the inflation valves. Press the one-way check valve down, so deflation can occur.
4. Remove the seat and if applicable the floorboards and the stringers.
5. Fold the aft cones on the transom.
6. Roll the boat around the transom, until you reach the forward valves.
7. Roll the forward section in order to complete deflation.

 

Note

Both pumps (foot or hand) can also deflate the boat by

changing the connection from the inflation position to the deflation one.

 

To fold your boat:
 1. Extend you foldable inflatable on a clean flat surface; deflate the air keel and the buoyancy chamber. You may use the bellows to fully deflate the air chambers.

2. Remove the floorboards, oars or paddles and removable rowing seat.

3. Fold the aft cones on the transom.

4. Pull the buoyancy compartments inwards, i.e. towards the centre of the boat, as a reference you may use the joint of the floor to the tube.

5. Close the valve caps over the valves in order to avoid any damage to the hull material.

6. Roll the boat around the transom, until you reach the forward valves.

7. Fold the bow section of the boat on top of the previously folded aft part of the boat.

8. Place the boat in its carrying bag.

9. Place within the carrying bag the oars or paddles, the seat and the maintenance kit, and if applicable the removable floorboards.

10. Close the carrying bag carefully, using knots on the lashings which can easily be undone.

 

Note 1: It is advisable to leave your inflatable boat folded rather than inflated.

Note 2: Should the boat be kept folded for several years, it is recommended to re-inflate it, for one or two days at least once a year. If desired you may talc the boat.

 

To store your R.I.B.:

After you have cleaned the boat including the fibreglass hull, and it has dried completely, deflate it slightly, (the drain and condensation valves must remain unplugged), cover the boat with a canvas and store it on top of chocks, boat cradle or trailer under a roof/shade.

           

Warning

When storing your inflatables, ensure  protection

against rodents and other vermin as they will feed on the fabric of the boat.