How to clean inflatable boat

Cleaning inflatable boats is easy if you have the right tools and equipment and have a basic understanding of what you are doing.

Cleaning Hypalon and cleaning PVC or Polyurethane fabrics requires the same cleaners and techniques to get great results. Using the wrong inflatable boat cleaners or tools can have disastrous results and sometimes result in destroying the boat. Remember that inflatable boats are more delicate than fiberglass or aluminum boats and the same cleaners and protectors cannot be used on both.

Products never to use for cleaning your inflatable are:

• Solvents
• Mek
• Toluene
• Acetone
• Bleach
• Ammonia
• Highly alkaline cleaners (anything with a ph greater than 11.5)
• Abrasive scrub pads
• Steel wool

They will weaken, damage and discolor the fabric and attack the adhesives. Soaps and detergents leave a sticky residue (soap scum) which attracts and hold dirt. Soap scum is also food for mold and mildew.

If you maintain your boat properly and regularly from the day you buy it and invest in the best quality products, it should last you 20 to 30 years and look great during its lifetime, whether it’s made from Hypalon or PVC. You’ll get your investment in quality maintenance products back many times over when you go to sell or trade it. If not, you could be junking it in as little as 2 to 3 years and lose your boating investment. Besides, a clean, shiny inflatable boat is not only a beautiful thing, but a reflection of your personality.

Most inflatable boats and RIBs in North America are used as tenders and are subjected to some pretty tough conditions for these boats. It’s difficult to keep them high, dry and covered and still have them at your beck and call. The first step is to remove all the pollutants, surface damage, stains and scuffs and restore the tube and rigid hull to as close to new as possible. The next step is to apply the best protector that you can, to prevent damage from the elements. The amount and type of protector that you use will be dependant on the way that you plan to use your boat. This is much easier if you start with a new boat.

Deal of the day

Heavy Duty Sport Inflatable Boat

High quality and affordable, the Salter Inflatable Sport boat is available in 3 sizes, the 9ft 270, 11ft 320, and 12ft 360. All which have 5 extra rub strips along the bottom for more protection while coming close to shore or when beaching the vessel. She can also be dressed with aluminum, plywood or a high pressure air floor, All floors offer solid rides, great in and out stability. We also added solid lightweight aluminum seats, you can be rest assured you will get years of safe and reliable boating with a Salter Sport Boat.