Inflatable boats are versatile, fun, and easy to transport—but like any equipment, they need proper care to stay in top condition. Neglecting maintenance can lead to punctures, leaks, mold, or even deformation. This guide will walk you through the essential steps for general care, deflation and storage, and repairs, so you can keep your inflatable boat in great shape and enjoy it safely for years to come.
General Maintenance for Your Inflatable Boat
Proper care is essential to keep your inflatable boat in good working order. The tips in this guide use the CO-Z 7.5ft Inflatable Boat as an illustration, but maintenance steps may vary between models, so be sure to check the instructions for your specific product.
1. Carry the boat out of the water after each use.
Note:
- DO NOT row or power the boat onto the shore.
- DO NOT drag the boat along the ground.
- DO NOT use a winch that pulls the boat across the ground or the surface of a vehicle.
2. Loosen the drain plug (H) and pull it away to expel excess water after each use.
Note: Remember to replace and tighten the plug BEFORE further use.
3. When possible, rinse your boat with clean water after each use. Before storage, wash all surfaces with water and a gentle detergent.
Note: DO NOT use alcohol-based cleaners or waxes, harsh abrasives, or caustic chemicals.
4. If you plan to apply a vinyl preservative spray, check that it will not cause the boat’s fabric components to dry out.
5. If you are keeping your boat inflated for a number of days, periodically check that it remains properly inflated. Reinflate the air chambers as needed using the foot pump.
How to Deflate and Store Your Inflatable Boat
To ensure long-term durability, it’s important to deflate and store your boat correctly. The following guidance is based on the CO-Z 7.5ft Inflatable Boat:
1. Remove all valve caps.
2. Press the valve cores and turn them completely clockwise by hand to open the
valves. The air chambers should begin to deflate by themselves.
3. Remove the seat if it has been installed.
4. Reopen the valves, evenly deflating the air chambers.
5. Remove most of the remaining air from the chambers by pressing down on them in turn to maintain roughly equal pressure between them. For best results, apply talcum powder to the dry vinyl.
6. Remove the rest of the remaining air by pressing down as you roll the sides into the deflated boat and covering the oarlocks.
7. Roll the boat from one end to the other.
8. Store your boat in a suitable bag in a cool dry location well protected from the elements and inaccessible to children and pets.
Note: DO NOT place any heavy items over the boat while it is in storage.
How to Repair Your Inflatable Boat
Even with careful use, small damages can occur over time. The repair steps described here follow the procedures for the CO-Z 7.5ft Inflatable Boat.
Punctures
Periodically check for any punctures as you wash your boat.
1. Look for any places where the soapy water begins to bubble from escaping air.
2. Mark any spots for repair after the boat is dry and deflated.
3. Prepare the patches, cutting them into the appropriate shapes if needed.
Small punctures less than ½ inches (1.2 cm) across can be covered with a round patch at
least 3 inches (7.5 cm) across.
4. Clean, dry, and completely flatten the location around the puncture if you have not done so.
5. Apply 3 thin and even coats of adhesive (not included) to both the location and the patch, waiting 5 minutes between each.
6. After 10–15 minutes, apply the patch so that it covers the vinyl at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) in every direction from the puncture.
7. Use a firm round device such as a spoon or rolling pin to apply firm pressure to remove air bubbles and bind the patch to the vinyl around the puncture.
8. Wait at least 24 hours.
9. Evenly and fully inflate all three chambers and test that the patch holds before returning your boat to the water.
Note: In the event of a larger puncture or damage to the seams, bulkheads, or transom, specialized repair is probably necessary. Contact customer service or a professional service BEFORE resuming use on the water. Failure to do so can invite accidents.
Air Valves
• If any valves are loose, retighten them using the provided wrench (M) and then restore any lost air to your boat.
• If any valves are worn or broken, loosen them and pull them out using the wrench.
Contact customer service for a new identical one and install it into place using the wrench.
Why We Recommended CO-Z 7.5ft Inflatable Boat
If you’re looking for a reliable, durable, and easy-to-handle inflatable boat, the CO-Z 7.5ft Inflatable Boat is a great example of what quality craftsmanship looks like. Here’s a quick look at what it offers:
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Built Tough for Any Adventure: Made from durable 1000 Denier PVC with quadruple-overlap seams for outstanding resistance to wear, oxidation, punctures, and UV damage.
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2-Person Capacity: Measures 91" × 52" × 13" and supports up to 660 lb, with a corrosion-resistant aluminum floorboard and seat for stability and comfort.
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Safety-Focused Design: Features three air chambers for reliable buoyancy, a V-shaped hull for smooth acceleration and cornering, and anti-collision strips for added protection.
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Motor-Ready: The sturdy transom board supports motors up to 5 hp, with trailing sides designed to improve stability at higher speeds.
Conclusion
Maintaining your inflatable boat doesn’t have to be complicated. By following the care, deflation, storage, and repair practices outlined in this guide, you can prevent common issues and extend the lifespan of your own model. With regular attention and proper handling, your inflatable boat will stay safe, reliable, and ready for countless adventures on the water.
