How to maintain your rigid inflatable boat?

Like any vehicle, a boat requires maintenance!

Although they are designed for navigation and contact with the elements, semi-rigid boats inevitably suffer from the harshness of natural conditions and need to be properly maintained.

Wind, salt, and even collisions can damage the aesthetic appearance and, above all, the safety of your outings. That's why it is essential to regularly perform maintenance actions to keep your inflatable boat in the best condition.

Also, Orca Retail, a seller of Hypalon repair fabrics, offers you in this article a review of the tips and tricks for cleaning and maintaining semi-rigid inflatable boats to best extend their lifespan.

First, we will see what the steps are for a "spring cleaning" to get your semi-rigid back in the best condition. At the end of the article, we will recap all the daily tips to adopt the best maintenance habits.

 

The necessary equipment for maintenance

First, in terms of equipment, here are the tools we recommend for maintaining a semi-rigid boat:

• A hull cleaner
• One or more sponges
• A high-pressure water jet
• A scraper
• A mold cleaner
• A small brush
• A metal brush
• A brush broom
• Regular soap
• Salt remover
• A clean dry cloth

 

How to clean inflatable floats?

This is the first step in maintaining your semi-rigid boat.

To be able to clean it thoroughly, especially the insertion rails of the tubes, you will need to disassemble your floats.

To do this, first, deflate your inflatable floats, then remove them from their rails. For a smoother operation, you can use a lubricant like WD40. This will allow you not to pull on the plastic and facilitate this step.

Be careful, some semi-rigids have two attachment straps: one at the back and one at the front, located between the tube and the hull, and which are often not very visible. Be sure to remove them once the tubes are deflated; otherwise, you will not be able to separate the floats from the boat.

Once everything is disassembled, you can proceed to the cleaning of the tubes. This is a delicate operation that requires using the right products. Indeed, since the floats are made of PVC or Hypalon, they can be quite sensitive to friction and especially to the reaction of certain cleaning products.

To minimize risks, and to treat the most common stains, regular soap is recommended, with a significant volume of clear water, without forcing too much on the flow and pressure of the jet.

You can also use the product New Magic available in our shop, specifically designed for the maintenance of neoprene or PVC tubes. More effective than soap, it helps restore the original colors of the tubes and remove the most stubborn stains, grease, and glue. This maintenance product should be used with a soft brush or sponge. Rinse, then dry.

If your floats suffer from mold or fungi, we recommend the product Schmuffex. It should be applied after cleaning other stains. Its use is simple: spray the product on the problematic areas, wait for the stains to disappear, then rinse. It may be necessary to let the product work for up to an hour or even repeat the operation for the most stubborn stains.

White vinegar or bleach mixed with warm water are also options for treating these stains, but be careful of the risk of altering the color of your tubes.

Finally, once your tubes are clean and dry, do the reverse operation by reattaching them to their rails, then inflate them again.

 

How to clean the hull of a semi-rigid boat?

Next comes the hull cleaning step.

Protect the aluminum parts (with tape, for example), as these are sensitive to cleaning products. For the rest, you can prepare a mixture of water and acid (oxalic acid ideal for de-yellowing boat hulls) to apply with a sponge, or better, with a sprayer.

Let it act for 5 minutes, then rinse with fresh water.

If stains persist, do not hesitate to apply a second time. Make sure to do everything in a temperate climate (at least 15°C). At cooler temperatures, effectiveness will be more limited. In general, also avoid high heat or direct sun exposure, which can alter the properties of the maintenance products used.

To work on the shine of your hull and protect it from salt and other natural elements, apply a polish.

Apply the polish carefully in small touches and in a circular motion with a clean cloth, without rubbing too hard. For optimal results, apply a second coat one month after the first.

 

How to clean the deck?

Regarding the deck of your semi-rigid boat, start with a simple rinse with water using a high-pressure jet (like a pressure washer). 

If you notice the presence of black stains, mold, or fungi, you can again use an antifungal product. 

Adapt the products used to the material of your deck. For a polyester deck, for example, use a universal cleaner. Apply the product where you want and only scrub very lightly with a small brush. 

If your boat is equipped with a teak deck, make sure to first clean it with a mixture of water and exotic wood shampoo. You can then apply a nourishing oil or a sealer, which will help better protect and waterproof everything. 

A classic wooden deck will not require the use of special cleaner. Simply varnish your deck after lightly sanding it.

As with the tubes and the hull, we advise you to rinse the entire boat with clear water and clean all parts with a regular cleaning soap. Do not insist too much on areas containing electronic parts (and remember to protect the consoles and the battery).

Do everything in an ideally sunny and airy environment so that everything dries properly, and to avoid condensation phenomena (like behind the dashboard glass).

If your pilot station has windows, simply clean them like any other window.

 

How to maintain the engine of a semi-rigid boat? 

First of all, the first good habit to adopt is to rinse your boat engine with fresh water after each sea outing.

For this, special rinsing kits exist. You will find them under the name of rinsing ears, which are sold between 5 and 20 euros. Another solution: simply immerse the engine base in fresh water. It is also recommended to use salt-stop to perfectly remove the embedded salt in the engine's water system.

During the maintenance of your semi-rigid engine, always make sure that no gear is engaged and as a precaution, stay away from the propeller.

Start the maintenance of your boat engine with an oil change to replace the coolant.

Next, you can run the engine for several minutes ensuring that the water flows well through the designated hole. The water should flow abundantly and regularly.

If the flow is weak or inconsistent, inspect the water pump. It may need to be replaced. It is also possible that an object is obstructing the exhaust tube. If this is the case, stop the engine to avoid overheating, and use a metal rod to try to unclog the pipe.

Regarding the air filter of your inflatable boat engine, start by removing it by unscrewing the screws that hold it. Then clean or replace the foam depending on its condition and dust the different elements of the filter, such as the housing or the pleated paper.

Also check the condition of the timing belt, ensuring that it is not weakened or already worn.

For the battery , you can clean the anodes with a metal brush to remove any traces of rust.

 

How to extend the life of a semi-rigid boat? 

Now that your inflatable boat is back in top shape, and aside from major cleanings as described above, follow these few daily rules to protect it over time:

1. Rinse the boat: After each trip, rinse the boat with fresh water to remove salt, sand, and dirt. This will prevent salt deposits and corrosion from building up.

2. Check the tire pressure: Semi-rigid boats have PVC or Hypalon tubes that are inflated with air. Ensure that the pressure of the tubes is correct to avoid any damage or loss of performance.

3. Check oil levels: Regularly check the engine oil levels to prevent breakdowns. Replace the engine oil according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

4. Check other fluids: Regularly check the fuel, coolant, and power steering fluid levels. Replace the fluids according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

5. Check the condition of the propellers: Regularly check the condition of the propellers to ensure they are not damaged or worn. Replace the propellers if necessary.

6. Protect the boat from the sun: The sun can damage the surfaces and materials of your boat. Use covers or tarps to protect the boat from the sun.

7. Store the boat properly: Store the boat in a dry place sheltered from the weather. Avoid leaving the boat in direct sunlight for long periods.

 

And there you have it! You now know everything you need for the regular maintenance of your inflatable boat. Above all, be careful to use products suitable for the type of material being treated and follow the safety instructions for using hazardous products! Do not hesitate to equip yourself with protective gear (gloves, goggles) during your cleaning session for better safety. 

Finally, if you use a tarp to protect your semi-rigid boat, make sure that both it and your vessel are completely dry before use, as moisture can lead to the reappearance of mold! 

 

 

Are you passionate about boating and semi-rigid boats? 

 

Read more about the world of semi-rigid boats:

• The best accessories for semi-rigid boats
• Prepare your semi-rigid boat for winter
• Why buy a semi-rigid boat? Advantages
• The best models of semi-rigid inflatable boats
• Prepare your inflatable boat for launching

 

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