The boating season is over and your inflatable boat is going into storage for the time being. Perhaps you store it in the garage, leave it on the trailer or have a dedicated space in winter storage. But how do you ensure that your inflatable boat gets through the winter in good condition?
Preparing an inflatable boat for winter involves more than simply deflating it or putting a cover over it. Moisture, incorrect storage and residual dirt in particular can cause problems during the winter. The way you leave the outboard motor in place or support it also deserves attention.
With a few simple precautions, you can prevent unnecessary damage and ensure that your Zodiac inflatable boat or RIB is ready for a new boating season in spring.
Why is preparing your inflatable boat for winter so important?
During the winter, your inflatable boat is often not used for months. It is precisely during this period that problems can arise which you do not notice immediately.
For example, consider:
- Mould formation due to residual moisture
- Discolouration and ageing of the material
- Damage caused by incorrect folding
- Changes in air pressure due to temperature fluctuations
- Corrosion on metal parts
- Additional load on the transom and transom mounts
- Damage caused by pests during storage
Whether your boat is made of PVC or Hypalon-Neoprene (CSM), proper winter storage helps keep the material and components in good condition.
1. Clean your inflatable boat thoroughly before winter storage
Storing an inflatable boat while salt, sand or dirt is still on it is not a good idea. Dirt residues can set during the winter and are often more difficult to remove after several months.
Therefore, first rinse the boat thoroughly with clean water and then use a suitable inflatable boat cleaner.
For this, we recommend Blue Marine New Magic, a cleaner for PVC and Hypalon inflatable boats.
Avoid aggressive all-purpose cleaners, strong degreasers and other cleaning agents that are not suitable for inflatable boat material. Especially with PVC, incorrect cleaning agents can cause permanent damage.
Would you like to know how to clean your inflatable boat correctly? Then also read our blog How do I clean my inflatable boat? for practical cleaning tips.
2. Allow your inflatable boat to dry completely
This may be one of the most important steps when winterising your inflatable boat.
Even a small amount of residual moisture can cause mould or a musty smell during a long storage period.
Therefore, check not only the outside, but also:
- The space between the tubes and the hull
- The floor and any floorboards
- Storage compartments and seat boxes
- The area around valves and fittings
- Folds and seams where water can remain
Does your inflatable boat have a removable floor? If possible, remove it and allow all parts to dry separately.
Important: never fold your inflatable boat when the material is still damp.
3. Store your inflatable boat inflated or folded?
This mainly depends on the type of inflatable boat and the available storage space.
Storing an inflatable boat inflated
Do you have sufficient space? Then it is generally preferable to store your inflatable boat inflated.
The advantages:
- Fewer sharp folds in the material
- Less stress from prolonged folding
- You can check the tubes in the meantime
- The boat is ready for use more quickly in spring
Ensure that the boat is properly supported and does not rest for extended periods on sharp or hard contact points.
Also take temperature fluctuations into account. The air pressure in the tubes changes when the temperature rises or falls. Therefore, check the pressure regularly and maintain the values prescribed by Zodiac.
Please note: support the outboard motor on foldable inflatable boats
Are you storing your inflatable boat inflated and leaving the outboard motor hanging from the transom? Then pay extra attention with fully foldable models, such as the Zodiac Cadet, Futura, Classic and Commando.
During winter storage, temperature differences can cause the air pressure in the buoyancy tubes to change. When the pressure decreases, the support of the transom may change and the weight of the outboard motor may place additional load on the transom plate and transom brackets.
As a result, the motor can effectively hang from the transom. Over time, this can lead to damage to the transom brackets, the transom plate, or the connection to the buoyancy tubes.
Our advice: preferably remove the outboard motor before storing the inflatable boat for an extended period. Are you leaving the motor mounted? Then ensure that it is properly and independently supported, so that the weight does not hang solely from the transom plate.
Also regularly check the air pressure in the buoyancy tubes. This prevents temperature differences during winter storage from causing unnecessary tension on the structure.
Storing an inflatable boat folded
Do you have a smaller Zodiac Cadet or another foldable inflatable boat? In that case, you can usually also store it compactly.
Pay attention to the following:
- Ensure that the boat is completely clean and dry
- Remove the outboard motor and loose parts
- Allow the air to escape slowly from the tubes
- Do not place heavy objects on top of the folded boat
- Store the boat in a dry place, preferably in the original storage bag
How do you fold a foldable inflatable boat?
Once most of the air has escaped from the buoyancy tubes, you can start folding the boat. Do this slowly and carefully to prevent unnecessary tension on the material and the seams.
- Fold the sides inward. Fold both sides of the inflatable boat towards the centre so that they are aligned with the width of the transom plate.
- Fold the rear cones inward. Fold the protruding rear sections of the buoyancy tubes (the rear cones) against the transom plate.
- Start at the transom plate. Fold the boat from the rear, at the transom plate, gradually towards the bow.
- Keep the valves clear. When folding, make sure the valves are not blocked. This allows the remaining air to escape from the buoyancy tubes.
- Fold the bow inward. When you reach the front, fold the bow inward and carefully roll or fold the final section into a compact unit.
Important: do not force the material while folding. Always check that the remaining air can escape and prevent sharp kinks or unnecessary tension on the seams.
Preferably fold the material at a moderate temperature. At low temperatures, especially PVC becomes less flexible, which can make sharp folds particularly stressful.
Not every inflatable boat is designed to be folded. Therefore, always check the instructions for your model.
4. What is the best place for winter storage?
A dry, well-ventilated and preferably frost-free space is ideal.
A garage, shed or covered winter storage area is generally more suitable than long-term outdoor storage.
Pay particular attention to:
- Moisture: prevent condensation and standing water
- Ventilation: ensure that air can circulate
- Sunlight: avoid prolonged exposure to UV radiation
- Temperature: limit significant temperature fluctuations
- Surface: prevent direct contact with sharp or rough surfaces
- Pests: check the storage area for mice and other animals that could damage the boat or accessories.
Do not store your inflatable boat near fuels, solvents or other chemicals either.
Can an inflatable boat be stored outside over winter?
Yes, but outdoor storage requires extra attention.
Use a well-fitting cover that drains water and allows sufficient ventilation. Ensure that rainwater cannot collect in the boat or on the cover.
During the winter, regularly check that the cover is still securely fastened and that no water or snow remains on it.
A fully enclosed, poorly ventilated cover can actually cause condensation. Waterproof covering is therefore not the same as proper storage.
5. Protect PVC and Hypalon before winter
After cleaning, you can treat the tubes with a protective product that is suitable for the material of your inflatable boat.
Various products are available for this within the Blue Marine range, such as:
These products are intended to help protect the material against influences such as UV radiation, salt and weather conditions.
Which product you choose depends on the material and the desired treatment. Always follow the instructions for use and allow the product to dry in accordance with the instructions before storing the boat.
Also view our protective products for PVC and Hypalon inflatable boats in the Zodiac Online Shop.
6. Do not forget the outboard motor and accessories
Preparing an inflatable boat for winter also means paying attention to the components you use while boating.
Check, among other things:
- Valves and valve caps
- Oars and paddles
- Seats and fastenings
- Lines and other accessories
- Any damage to the tubes
- The transom plate and transom holders on foldable models
Does your inflatable boat have an outboard motor? We recommend taking it to an authorised or specialised outboard motor dealer for servicing before winter storage. During this service, the engine can be checked and prepared for winter in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. This reduces the risk of problems caused by inactivity, corrosion or frost damage.
Preferably store loose accessories clean and dry, so that you can find them immediately in spring.
7. Check your inflatable boat during winter as well
Once stored, it does not mean you can ignore it for the entire winter.
Check your boat occasionally during winter storage.
Check whether:
- The cover is still properly positioned
- No moisture or water has been left behind
- Ventilation is sufficient
- The air pressure in the tubes is still within the prescribed values
- The outboard motor is properly supported, if it remains mounted
- No visible damage or mould develops
This allows you to detect any problems before they become more serious.
Common mistakes when storing an inflatable boat
Proper winter storage does not need to be complicated. However, certain mistakes are made regularly.
Folding a damp boat. Residual moisture can cause mould formation.
Overinflating the tubes. When the temperature rises, the air pressure increases, placing additional stress on the material and seams.
Leaving the outboard motor attached without additional support. On fully foldable inflatable boats, falling air pressure can cause the motor to pull extra force on the transom plate and transom holders.
Leaving the boat outside without protection. Prolonged exposure to sunlight, rain and dirt can accelerate ageing.
Using the wrong cleaning agents. Aggressive cleaners can cause permanent damage, especially to PVC.
Not carrying out interim checks. As a result, small problems can sometimes go unnoticed for months.
By avoiding these mistakes, you give your inflatable boat a much better starting point for the next boating season.
Frequently asked questions about winterising your inflatable boat
Can an inflatable boat withstand frost?
PVC and Hypalon can withstand low temperatures, but cold affects the flexibility of the material and the air pressure in the tubes. Folding or moving a cold PVC boat in particular requires caution. Frost-free storage is therefore preferred.
Do I need to deflate my inflatable boat in winter?
Not necessarily. If you have sufficient space, you can store a suitable inflatable boat inflated, with the correct air pressure and proper support. Foldable models can also be deflated and stored carefully.
Can I leave the outboard motor attached to my inflatable boat during winter?
For fully foldable inflatable boats, such as the Zodiac Cadet, Futura, Classic and Commando, we recommend preferably removing the outboard motor.
Are you leaving the motor installed after all? Then ensure firm, independent support. Temperature fluctuations can cause the air pressure in the tubes to drop, causing the weight of the motor to place additional load on the transom plate and transom brackets.
Can I store my inflatable boat in the garage?
Yes, a dry and well-ventilated garage is usually a suitable place. Make sure the boat does not rest against sharp objects for an extended period and avoid contact with chemicals.
Do I need to clean my inflatable boat before winter storage?
Yes. Remove salt, sand and dirt before storing the boat. Use a suitable inflatable boat cleaner for this, such as Blue Marine New Magic, and then allow the boat to dry completely.
How do I prevent mould during winter storage?
Make sure the boat is completely dry before storing it. Choose a well-ventilated storage area and prevent moisture from accumulating under a cover or in storage compartments.
Ready for winter, ready for the next boating season
Properly storing your inflatable boat for winter may take some extra time, but it can save you a great deal of work and unnecessary costs in spring.
By thoroughly cleaning your boat, allowing it to dry completely, storing it carefully and checking it regularly, you help keep PVC and Hypalon in good condition.
Do not forget the outboard motor. With foldable inflatable boats, proper support for the motor can make the difference between trouble-free winter storage and unnecessary damage to the transom structure.
At Zodiac Online Shop, you will find Blue Marine maintenance products, protective products and original Zodiac parts to properly prepare your inflatable boat for winter storage.
Unsure which maintenance product is suitable for your boat? Please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to assist you.
And when spring begins again?
After proper winter storage, it is important to carefully inspect your inflatable boat before going back on the water. In our blog Inflatable boat maintenance: preparing your boat for spring, you can read what to look out for to start the new boating season well prepared.
This allows you to enjoy your Zodiac again in spring, without unpleasant surprises after winter.
