Deflating inflatable yacht platforms correctly ensures they pack down small and survive the off-season without damage. You need to extract the air completely using an electric inflator, fold the material carefully, and pack it dry. When the yacht toy winter lay-up begins, the deck crew must prepare the floating equipment for months of stowage. A damp or poorly folded platform will take up too much room in the locker and may degrade by spring. Follow a set routine to clean, empty, and pack your gear.
The winter stowage process
- Wash the platform with fresh water and a mild soap solution to remove salt and dirt.
- Let the equipment dry completely in the open air, checking that the non-slip surface holds no moisture.
- Open the valve to release the initial pressure, standing clear of the sudden rush of escaping air.
- Connect your electric inflator to the valve and set it to deflate, drawing out the remaining volume.
- Fold the deflated structure carefully, avoiding sharp creases in the reinforced PVC.
- Store the packed equipment in a dry place out of prolonged direct sunlight.
Stowing drop-stitch platforms is straightforward when you follow these exact steps. If you skip the cleaning stage, salt crystals remain on the fabric and attract moisture in the locker. Drying the teak-look surface takes patience, but it is necessary. This surface provides a warm teak look and needs no oiling or sanding, but it must be completely dry before folding inflatable docks for the season. If you are dealing with a larger piece of equipment, drying the deck might take an afternoon in the autumn sun. The crew should turn the platform over to ensure the underside is just as dry as the top. Any residual moisture trapped inside a folded platform can lead to mildew.
Extracting the air completely
To achieve a compact shape for inflatable platform packing, the initial release of pressure is only the start. Once the initial rush of air finishes, the platform will still hold a large volume of trapped air. This is where an electric pump proves useful. The Air Pump for Inflatable Docks 1200W connects to standard 230 V power and features a deflate function. Attach the hose, switch the pump to reverse, and it will flatten the drop-stitch structure entirely.
Drawing the air out mechanically pulls the internal threads tight and shrinks the outer material down to its thinnest profile. A flat surface is much easier to manage on a busy aft deck. Always follow the pressure stated in the product instructions during the summer, but for winter, the goal is zero internal volume. For smaller accessories or compact platforms, the Air Pump for Inflatable Docks 500W is a lighter alternative that performs the same deflation task efficiently. Whichever pump you use, keep it running until the fabric looks almost vacuum-sealed. This makes a significant difference when trying to fit multiple platforms into a single deck locker.
Folding drop-stitch materials
Dockee platforms, such as the Premium Teak Platform 4.10 m, are built from drop-stitch fabric with 0.9 mm PVC. This material is highly durable but requires a logical approach to folding. Start from the end furthest from the valve, folding the material inward in smooth, even sections. Do not force sharp creases into the PVC, as this stresses the fabric over the winter months.
If you are packing a wider unit, fold the sides toward the centre before rolling or folding it lengthwise. Keep the valve open until the very last fold, then cap it to prevent air from seeping back in while you move the parcel to the storage locker. The folded platform should be compact enough to fit securely in its bag.
Storage conditions and policies
Once the folding is complete, stow the equipment in a dry locker. Dockee products are designed for the marine environment, but storing inflatables and covers dry and out of prolonged direct sunlight extends their life. Check your storage spaces for proper ventilation. You can read more about this in our care and storage guide.
Should you need to replace or add to your fleet, we provide worldwide, fully insured shipping for all orders. If you receive a new item just before the season ends, returns are accepted within 14 days of delivery for unused items in their original packaging, though tailor-made items are excluded. Every new purchase carries a warranty of 2 years from delivery, covering defects in materials and workmanship. Proper winter care keeps your equipment ready for the next cruise.
