Inflatable Dinghy Boat Maintenance Tips
Inflatable dinghies made from highly durable materials are built to withstand punishment, but because they’re often used as secondary vessels, boat owners might forget that they too need their own maintenance.
No matter what type of dinghy you use — be it inflatable or made of wood, fiberglass or aluminum — it needs its own maintenance just like your main boat does. Since inflatable boats are the most common type of dinghy and are built to withstand more punishment than other types, we’re going to focus mostly on those. Here are some maintenance tips for inflatable dinghies.
When Should Inflatable Boat Maintenance Be Done?
As mentioned, inflatable boats made out of durable materials like PVC and Hypalon are built to last, but both can degrade over time. UV rays in particular can wreak havoc on inflatable boats, so don’t neglect them.
How much maintenance a dinghy needs really depends on how often you use it. If you only take it out a few times a year, you could probably get away with just rinsing it off and drying it after each use. However, if you use your inflatable dinghy often for things like supply runs or weekend fishing trips, it’ll obviously require more attention.
Clean Your Dinghy Regularly
Like any boat, an inflatable boat will get dirty and grimy without regular cleaning, and that will inevitably damage your dinghy over time.
You should clean your dinghy with soap and warm water after every use, especially if it runs in saltwater or brackish water. But at the very least, rinse your inflatable boat with fresh water after each ride to prevent grime and marine growth from sticking to the hull.
You should also rinse it off after every run to prevent salt crystals from forming on it. If left unchecked, salt can crystalize on the surface and eventually eat through the fabric of your inflatable boat.
When rinsing your dinghy off after each ride, fresh water from a hose will do. You could use a pressure washer too, but just make sure you don’t spray it too close or apply too much pressure, which could damage the inflatable boat’s material.
Don’t forget to clean the interior as well, especially if you use your dinghy for fishing. Clean out any fish blood and guts, and clear out any fish hooks and other equipment that could puncture the boat.
Avoid using harsh chemicals for tougher stains. Use a simple warm water and a biodegradable soap or boat wash first for regular cleaning. If stubborn stains won’t come off, use a multi-purpose cleaner and a marine UV protectant, following the manufacturer’s instructions on the label.
Inspect Your Inflatable Boat Regularly
This is more of a safety tip than a maintenance tip, but always check the valves, plugs, and air pump inflation level on your dinghy before taking it out on the water.
Tighten any loose valves to keep things airtight, and inspect the drain plugs to prevent any leaks. Also, check the inflation level both on land and while you’re in the water to make sure it stays afloat.
Regular inspections also help prevent wear-and-tear from getting worse, by helping you catch things like small punctures and patching them up before they expand beyond repair. Even proper maintenance can’t guarantee your inflatable dinghy won’t get punctured or torn, and if you’re not confident in your ability to patch it up yourself, hire a professional do it for you.
Maintenance Tips for Dinghies With Outboards
Don’t forget the maintenance for the outboard motor on your dinghy if it has one, as outboards require attention of their own, including regular oil and lubricant and fuel filter changes.
Treat the outboard on your dinghy as you would the one(s) on your boat by keeping it covered when not in use and staying on top of the maintenance schedule, including the 100-hour service.
When putting the outboard motor in storage for the offseason, make sure you winterize it properly, and de-winterize it when boating season begins again.
Ideally, you’ll have a dark, dry indoor place for storage where you can deflate the dinghy and put it in the bag to prevent UV exposure and mold growth. But whether you’re storing your dinghy indoors or outdoors, dry it thoroughly before putting it away to prevent mold and mildew.
Additional Dinghy Maintenance Tips
Whether you plan on selling your inflatable boat individually or as a package deal with your main boat, keeping it well-maintained helps preserve resale value.
Caring for your inflatable boat also concerns safety, as a well maintained dinghy is more likely to perform as it needs to in emergency situations. You’ll want to be able to count on your dinghy to respond to situations where somebody needs to be rescued or simply taken to shore, so make sure you keep yours in good working order with proper maintenance.