When the Mediterranean season draws to a close, deck crews turn their attention to winterising yacht water toys. Whether you are laying up in a local yard or preparing the deck for a transatlantic delivery, stowing yacht inflatables correctly prevents mildew and material degradation. A methodical end of season yacht deck checklist ensures that your platforms, pools and docks remain in excellent condition during months of storage. By properly rinsing, drying and packing the equipment, you ensure it will unroll next spring exactly the way you left it.
- Bring all inflatables onto the deck or a clean dockside area clear of sharp objects.
- Rinse the equipment thoroughly with fresh water to remove all salt crystals and marine residue.
- Wash the PVC and top surfaces with a mild soap solution and a soft brush.
- Clean the connection loops, D-rings and valves, ensuring no sand or grit remains trapped.
- Allow the inflated products to air-dry completely in the sun.
- Check the air pressure if the items are left in direct heat, as air expands when it warms.
- Deflate fully by opening the valves and pressing the remaining air out, flattening the fabric.
- Fold the items neatly and pack them into their bags.
- Stow the bags in a dry locker out of prolonged direct sunlight.
Clearing the Deck and Initial Rinsing
The first step in inflatable platform winter storage is a thorough fresh water rinse. Saltwater residue left on equipment over the winter can degrade materials and cause metal fittings to corrode. Bring your platforms, docks and accessories out of the water and place them on a clean, flat surface. Ensure the area is free of sharp objects that could puncture the fabric during handling. Leave the items fully inflated at this stage, as the internal pressure keeps the surfaces taut and makes cleaning much easier.
Rinse every part of the inflatable with fresh water from a hose. Pay close attention to the crevices around the valves, the connection loops and the integrated straps used for the AirLink Tube. Salt and fine sand often collect in these areas, and flushing them out now prevents abrasion later. If you are preparing a Deluxe Water Pool 4.10 m, gently rinse the integrated fine-mesh net to clear any trapped seaweed or floating debris.
Washing the PVC and Top Layers
Once the loose salt is gone, proceed with drop stitch cleaning yacht routines. Dockee platforms, pools and docks are constructed from 0.9 mm PVC combined with drop-stitch fabric. Wash the sides and bottom of the inflatables using a mild soap solution. Harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners are unnecessary and can damage the UV-resistant properties of the material. A soft brush or sponge is sufficient to remove waterlines, sunscreen marks and environmental dirt.
The top of the platforms features a teak-look surface. It is a teak look only, not real wood, and it needs no oiling or sanding at the end of the season. Give this non-slip layer a gentle, regular clean with the same mild soap solution to maintain its appearance. Rinse the soap away thoroughly with fresh water. Taking the time to clean the equipment properly now means your crew will have immaculate gear ready to deploy for the first charter of the new year.
Ensuring Complete Drying Before Deflation
Moisture is the primary enemy of stowed equipment. If an inflatable is packed away while damp, mould and mildew can develop in the folds over the winter months. Leave your Premium Teak Platform 4.10 m and other accessories inflated on deck to air-dry. The autumn sun and a light breeze will handle most of the work. You may need to use a clean towel to dry the recessed areas around the valves and the undersides of the connection loops.
While the equipment dries, review the care and storage guidelines provided with your order. Dockee products carry a two-year warranty from delivery, and following the care instructions preserves their condition. If you notice any damage during the drying process, it is best to document it and plan for repairs before the winter lay-up begins.
Proper Deflation and Winter Stowage
Once you are certain the fabric is completely dry, you can begin deflation. Open the valves and allow the initial rush of air to escape. Walk or press across the surface to push the remaining air out of the valve, flattening the PVC as you go. A fully deflated product is much easier to fold and fits neatly into its designated storage bag.
Fold the items without creating sharp creases. Cap the valves securely so they do not catch on the fabric during transit. Finally, move the packed bags into a dry locker. The storage space should be temperature-stable and kept out of prolonged direct sunlight. Should you need to upgrade your inventory over the winter, remember that Dockee offers worldwide and fully insured shipping, with returns accepted within 14 days of delivery for unused items in their original packaging, though tailor-made items are excluded.
