How to Extend the Life of Your Inflatable Boat

Water enthusiasts like inflatable boats or dinghies because of their convenience and versatility. You can take it anywhere with you. You can use these boats for exploring, fishing, diving or leisurely paddling. When you buy an inflatable boat, you want to use it for as long as possible. It can only serve you that long if you take good care of it.

Tips for a Long-Lasting Boat

There are several ways of prolonging your boat's usable life. Try these tips to extend the life span of your boat:

1. Inflatable Boat Maintenance

You want your boat to last longer and work properly with every trip you make. Stalling with a broken-down boat can be devasting and cause delays. To ensure it's always working and also extend its life, you must regularly inspect and maintain the boat.

Regular inspections can help you identify and fix problems promptly before they develop into bigger issues. Check the boat for punctures, leaks, loose seams and other signs of wear. If you need to repair a hole, use an inflatable boat patch kit. The manufacturer typically supplies one, or you can get an aftermarket patch kit. You should also monitor the air pressure regularly and rinse the boat with fresh water to prevent corrosion, especially after using it in salty water.

The boat engine is one of the most crucial parts of the vessel, and regular maintenance is critical to ensuring it's always working correctly. You can service the engine annually. When storing the boat for a long period, drain the fuel and run the engine until it stops. This process will help clear the lines. 

2. Cleaning Best Practices

Proper inflatable boat cleaning can extend its life by preventing material degradation. Exposure to brackish or salty water can damage the boat, and you need to clean it after every trip in these waters. If possible, you should clean it immediately while the boat is still wet to prevent microbes from sticking to the hull. In addition, rinsing the boat prevents salt crystals from forming.

Salt crystals can eat into the boat's fabric, causing leaks or serious damage that can alter the boat's operation. To clean salt or brackish water off your boat, rinse it with fresh water from a hose. Although you can use a pressure washer, avoid going too close or using too much pressure because it can damage the fabric.

You also need to clean the boat's interior occasionally. However, if you use your boat for fishing, you may need to increase the frequency of interior cleaning.

Use mild detergents when cleaning the boat. It's good to have your boat cleaning supplies available at all times so you can clean the boat as soon as needed, such as immediately after using it in salty water.

3. Safe Storage

You should store your boat partially inflated. A wholly deflated boat has a higher chance of damage. In addition, ensure you store the boat while it's clean and completely dry. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and roll the boat appropriately to store it in the bag. Do not fold the boat when storing it since folds can cause long-term damage to the material.

4. Solar Overheating and UV Protection

Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can weaken the boat's fabric. In addition to damage to the fabric, sunlight and heat can increase the internal pressure as the heated air expands. The inflatable boat may burst in extreme cases where the pressure inside the chamber becomes too high.

Check for the following signs of solar overheating on your boat:

• Damaged chambers: Extreme solar expansion can stretch the chamber's materials, causing instability in the structure of the inflatable boat.
• Fading, cracking, discoloration or brittleness to the rubber surface: UV light can cause chemical bonds in the rubber to break down, resulting in visible physical damage to the material.
• Leaks from seams and joints: Solar heating can cause the internal pressure to rise, placing seams and joints under undue pressure. The joints and seams ultimately become compromised, and leaks are likely to occur.

Store the boat in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. The storage area should also be well-ventilated. Clean the boat before storage to prevent the formation of stains, mold and discoloration.

In addition to storing it in the appropriate place, you can protect the boat from UV using a UV protectant and covers. UV protectant sprays can add a layer of defense on parts of your boat exposed to the sun. Follow the directions carefully — some types of spray can cause damage if used too frequently. For example, 303 Aerospace Protectant should be used only once a year.

Follow the tips below to prevent solar overheating from causing damage to your boat:

• Remove the boat from the sun when not in use: To reduce unnecessary exposure to UV rays, remove the dinghy from sunlight when not in use or cover it with an appropriate material.
• Fit a pressure relief valve (PRV): This valve effectively prevents pressure build up inside the boat. High temperatures can cause the air inside the boat to expand, increasing the pressure. A PRV will automatically allow air to escape. Once the pressure returns to the normal level, the valve will close.
• Check internal pressure regularly: Check the boat's internal pressure regularly to ensure it does not exceed the recommended amount. The owner's manual should provide information on the recommended amount of pressure for your boat.

5. Valve Maintenance

The valve is crucial in ensuring your boat maintains the right pressure. The valve should work as designed by the manufacturer and protect the integrity of internal components.

The inflation valve should always work properly to avoid unwanted loss of pressure. If a leak occurs, you should repair it immediately to prevent low-pressure situations. Seams and the valve are the two main culprits for leaks in an inflatable boat. Refer to your manufacturer's instructions on the steps to take for repairs.

Most valves in inflatable boats require little maintenance, but sand, grit and other particles can interfere with the valve's sealing capabilities. To avoid issues, clean the valve thoroughly to remove dirt and use the right pump adapter for the valves when inflating the boat.

To check for valve leaks, you'll need the following:

• Rags
• A valve wrench
• Soapy water in a spray bottle

Follow these steps to check and repair your valve:

1. Spray the soapy water around the valve and its throat.
2. Bubbles in the soapy water indicate leaks around the perimeter of the valve. If this is the case, tighten the outer section using a wrench. This action might stop the leak instantly.
3. If the leak continues, remove the valve and clean it with a rag. Clean the surface of the boat as well. After cleaning, screw the valve back.
4. If you've taken all the steps above and the leaks persist, remove the outer portion of the valve and clean the sealing surface thoroughly.

You may have to call professionals if the valve needs to be replaced.

6. Proper Inflation

Once you confirm the valve is working properly, check that the boat maintains the proper pressure. Your inflatable boat depends on the air pressure for stability and buoyancy, and you should check the pressure regularly, especially before long trips. Temperature changes can impact air pressure, and adjustments may be necessary. The correct pressure keeps your boat working optimally.

While the valve is available to regulate the pressure, don't overinflate the boat. An overinflated boat can burst easily if pricked by objects. Only inflate the boat to the appropriate pressure, usually measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Check the owner's manual for the correct PSI for your inflatable boat.

7. Repair Kit Essentials

You need the right materials and tools to repair an inflatable boat. Creating or investing in an inflatable boat repair kit ensures you have the tools you need. Some tools and materials required for inflatable boat repair include:

• Masks
• A ruler
• A knife
• A brush
• A heat gun
• Sandpaper
• Masking tape
• A mixing stick
• A suitable solvent
• A water-soluble pencil
• A seam roller or rounded object
• A removable marker pen or pencil
• Repair fabric or a piece of polyethylene

Having these tools and materials ensures you're well-prepared to carry out any repair on your boat. Although you can DIY some repairs, inspections and maintenance by professionals are vital in ensuring the long-term functionality of the boat. Since 1993, the International Maritime Organization has required inflatable boats to undergo inspections every five years. A certified manufacturer or service provider must conduct the inspections, which helps guarantee the inflatable boat's seaworthiness and safety for an extended period.

To use the repair kit effectively, you must first identify the type of repair required. Some of the damage you may face include:

• Loose fittings: Over time, fittings and handles can detach from their right place due to aging glue. Clean the surface and the fitting and apply a suitable adhesive to fix the issue.
• Loose transom: Problems with loose transoms are mainly caused by general wear and tear or carrying a heavy outboard motor. Repairing a loose transom is complex and should be left to professionals.
• Leaking floor: Fix this issue by applying a sealant and drying the affected areas. The main problem is locating the leak, which may take quite some time. Use a leak detection solution or soapy water to locate the source and mark it.
• Split seams: Overinflating the boat can cause the seams to give way. You can repair split seams using an adhesive suitable for your boat's material. Applying glue along the split seams and pressing the edges firmly should fix the problem. Allow the adhesive and portions repaired to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Punctures: Punctures in inflatable boats are mostly caused by fish spines. Use a patch kit designed for your inflatable boat's material to repair punctures. Avoid contact with sharp objects to prevent punctures. Inspect the area for objects such as debris, branches and rocks before launching the boat. You can also use a protective mat or a boat launch pad when entering and exiting the water. In addition, choose a soft or sandy area to beach the boat.

8. Follow the Manufacturer's Guidelines

When unsure about anything related to your boat's repair or maintenance, refer to the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations. Each model may have instructions specific to the boat, and not adhering to these specific instructions may void any warranty coverage. Familiarizing yourself with the warranty information and the owner's manual will help you take good care of your boat.

Expected Life Span of Inflatable Boats

The average life span of a typical inflatable boat is 10-15 years. However, the longevity of boats varies depending on how they are used and other factors. For example, if you frequently overload your boat, it will not last as expected. Every inflatable boat has a specific weight capacity. Exceeding this capacity can cause structural damage and compromise the boat's performance.

Consider the weight of passengers, equipment and gear and avoid exceeding the manufacturer's specified capacity. Overloading the boat puts additional stress on the fabric and seams, increasing the risks of punctures.

One of the most significant factors determining an inflatable boat's life span is its material. Other factors include:

• Age of boat
• How the boat is stored
• Machine-welded vs. hand-glued seams
• Amount of UV rays the inflatable boat is exposed to

Ignoring the boat or improper care can shorten its life span. A boat that lacks proper care can last two to five years, while some boats that get good care can last up to 20 years.

There are two types of materials for inflatable boats — Hypalon (CSM) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). CSM boats generally last seven to 15 years but can last up to 20 years if well maintained. PVC boats can last two to 10 years. A welded PVC inflatable boat will outlast boats made with glue.

When buying a boat, choose one made of high-quality materials, such as PVC and CSM. These materials are resistant to UV rays and can withstand various environmental conditions. Additionally, CSM is resistant to chemicals and provides exceptional durability.

Where you store the boat can also affect its longevity. The life span of your boat can drop by a few years if it's stored in high-humidity areas, especially if it's left uncovered. PVC materials become more brittle and lose their flexibility when exposed to high temperatures and sunlight.

Besides the boat's materials and related factors, some design features can also impact its life span.

• Bottom: A good dinghy boat should have a level bottom. Consider using a bottom protection layer when navigating shallow or unfamiliar waters. The protection layer will shield the inflatable boat from hazards such as rough surfaces, submerged objects and rocks. A protective layer like an additional floorboard or reinforced inflatable keel can minimize risks of punctures and enhance the boat's durability.
• Transom: A rigid transom can help extend the life of an inflatable boat.
• Tubes: The boat's tubes should be separated into airtight portions. This feature makes the inflatable boat reliable and unsinkable if a single section fails.

Buy Your Inflatable Boat Parts From Fawcett Boat Supplies

Your inflatable boat can serve for its expected life span and even longer if you take good care of it. Partner with Fawcett Boat Supplies for all your boat servicing needs. We also sell boats, engines and other parts. We provide free shipping for orders over $99. Browse our inventory to find parts for your inflatable boat maintenance and repair needs.