An ARK inflatable boat is designed to provide many years of reliable use, but like any inflatable craft, how you use, transport, clean and store it can have a major influence on its lifespan.
One of the great advantages of an inflatable boat is its portability and durability. However, PVC fabric, valves, seams and fittings still require some basic care – particularly when the boat is regularly exposed to saltwater, sand, strong sunlight and transportation.
Whether you've just purchased a new ARK inflatable or have owned one for years, these simple guidelines can help keep your boat in good condition. This information of course applies to most inflatable boat brands.
1. Keep Your Inflatable Clean
After using your inflatable, particularly in saltwater, give it a thorough rinse with clean fresh water.
Pay particular attention to removing:
- Sand and gravel
- Salt deposits
- Mud
- Sticks and vegetation
- Fish residue and bait
- Organic matter and algae
These materials can become trapped underneath the floor or between components of the boat.
Allow the boat to dry properly before long-term storage. Moisture trapped against the boat for extended periods can contribute to mould, staining and deterioration.
2. Protect Your Inflatable From the Sun
One of the biggest long-term enemies of an inflatable boat is UV exposure.
Our South African sun can be particularly harsh on inflatable boats that are permanently stored outside.
Extended UV exposure can eventually cause:
- Colour fading
- PVC material becoming dry or brittle
- Premature deterioration of the inflatable fabric
- Deterioration around glued fittings and components
Obviously, your boat is designed to be used outdoors. The concern is unnecessary long-term exposure while the boat isn't being used.
Whenever possible, store your ARK under cover in a cool, dry and shaded environment.
3. Make Sure the Boat Is Dry Before Storage
After washing the boat, allow it to dry thoroughly.
One useful method is to initially allow the boat to drain upside down. Once the underside is dry, turn it upright, remove any remaining water with a sponge or cloth and allow the interior to dry.
Don't pack a wet inflatable away for an extended period.
If water has somehow entered one of the inflatable chambers, it should also be removed and the inside of the chamber allowed to dry properly.
4. Inflated or Deflated Storage?
An ARK inflatable can be stored either inflated or deflated.
Where sufficient space is available, storing the boat partially inflated and supported correctly can help avoid unnecessary tight folds in the PVC material.
If you need to deflate and roll the boat for storage or transportation, avoid creating unnecessarily sharp folds and make sure the boat is clean and dry before packing it away.
Also avoid storing the inflatable directly on a damp concrete floor.
5. Watch Out for Rodents
This is easily overlooked.
If you're storing an inflatable in a garage, shed, storeroom or similar environment, make sure the area is free from rodents.
Rats and mice can chew inflatable material and can cause considerable damage to a boat while it is in storage.
6. Take Care When Transporting Your Inflatable
A surprising amount of inflatable-boat damage occurs during transportation rather than while the boat is actually on the water.
Before transporting an inflated boat, look carefully for anything that could rub against the pontoons, including:
- Bolts
- Trailer components
- Sharp edges
- Wheels and brackets
- Anchors
- Fishing equipment
- Other protruding objects
Even something that doesn't initially appear particularly sharp can damage PVC if it continuously rubs against the same area while travelling.
Be Careful With Tie-Down Straps
Avoid tying an inflatable down with thin rope.
Movement and vibration during transportation can cause rope to continually rub against the PVC surface and eventually wear through its protective coating.
A wide, soft webbing strap is preferable.
Where a strap passes directly over an inflatable pontoon, additional soft protection around the strap can further reduce abrasion.
7. Never Drag Your Inflatable
This is one of the simplest ways to prevent unnecessary damage.
Never drag an inflatable boat across concrete, tar, gravel, rocks or other abrasive surfaces.
Carry the boat into the water or use suitable launching wheels where appropriate.
Dragging an inflatable even a relatively short distance over an abrasive surface can cause significantly more wear than many hours of normal use on the water.
8. Look After the Valves
Your inflation valves are critical components and should be kept clean and free from sand and dirt.
Make sure:
- Valve areas remain clean.
- Valve caps are fitted when appropriate.
- Sand and grit aren't allowed to accumulate around the valve.
- Valve caps and retainers remain in good condition.
If you suspect a valve is leaking, the first step is to determine whether the leak is actually coming from the valve or from the surrounding material.
A solution of diluted dishwashing liquid and water can help identify air leaks – escaping air will produce bubbles.
ARK valve tools are available for servicing or removing the valve when necessary.
9. Finding a Puncture or Air Leak
Small inflatable leaks can sometimes be extremely difficult to locate.
Inflate the boat and apply a mixture of water and ordinary dishwashing liquid to the suspected area.
Watch carefully for continuous bubble formation.
Once you've identified the leak, mark its location before deflating the boat. This makes finding the tiny puncture again much easier when you're ready to repair it.
10. Repairing Small Holes and Tears
Correct surface preparation is extremely important when repairing an inflatable.
The repair area needs to be:
Clean → Dry → Properly prepared → Correctly glued → Allowed to cure
ARK's repair procedure involves cleaning the appropriate surfaces, applying the correct adhesive to both surfaces and fitting an appropriate PVC repair patch.
Depending on the repair circumstances, ARK's instructions describe different methods of activating or reactivating the adhesive, including controlled heating, applying a second layer of adhesive, or using acetone.
Because solvents and adhesives can damage PVC if used incorrectly, follow the appropriate ARK repair instructions and use suitable inflatable-boat repair materials.
For a major tear, damaged seam, damaged fitting or repair you're uncertain about, professional repair is preferable to experimenting with the boat.
11. Check Underneath the Boat Regularly
Every now and then, turn your inflatable over and inspect the underside.
Look for:
- Abrasion
- Cuts
- Small punctures
- Excessive wear
- Damage around seams
- Damage around fittings
- Areas where the PVC coating has been rubbed
Finding a small problem early can prevent it developing into a considerably larger repair.
12. Keep Petrol, Oil and Solvents Away
Avoid storing your inflatable where it will be continually exposed to petrol, oil or other solvents.
Fuel containers, outboard motors and boating equipment should be positioned so that fuel or oil cannot leak onto the inflatable material during storage or transportation.
A Little Care Goes a Long Way
Inflatable boats are incredibly practical because they're lightweight, portable and easy to transport. The trade-off is that owners need to be conscious of abrasion, UV exposure, sharp objects and correct storage.
Most of the basic principles are simple:
Keep it clean. Keep it dry. Protect it from unnecessary sunlight. Don't drag it. Protect it during transportation. Look after the valves. Repair damage properly.
Following these basic principles can make a substantial difference to the working life and appearance of your ARK inflatable.
Need Advice on Your ARK Inflatable?
Wild Coast Kayaks is an authorised ARK inflatable boat dealer and can assist with ARK inflatables, accessories, replacement components, repair products and general advice. We are also specialists in rigging and kitting out inflatable boats. Check out our YouTube Video HERE where we kitted out our ARK FishDucX 350.
If you're unsure about a repair, valve problem, setup or the correct accessory for your inflatable, contact us before attempting something you're uncertain about.
Wild Coast Kayaks
Your Kayak, SUP, Jetski & Fishing Gear Specialists Since 2010
For more information on the above or would like more information on the ARK Inflatable Boat range contact us HERE.
Click to View our Product Page: FishDucX
Click to View our Product Page: FishDuc
