The autumn shift towards the shipyard period brings a long list of deck routines. Getting your inflatable decks ready for winter lay up ensures your floating platforms and toy docks emerge next spring ready for the water. The drop-stitch products your guests use for sunbathing and mooring water toys require careful attention before they go into storage lockers. Moisture and salt left inside folds can degrade materials during months of inactivity. A methodical approach to washing, drying, and folding is the best way to maintain the equipment.
When you pull the platforms from the sea for the final time, the cleaning process requires a spacious, flat area. A large swim platform or a clean section of the quay works well, provided it is free of sharp objects.
- Pull the fully inflated platform out of the water and rest it on a flat, clean surface clear of sharp objects.
- Wash the entire structure thoroughly with fresh water to remove salt, sand, and marine debris.
- Scrub the PVC body and the teak-look surface (which is a teak look only, not real wood) with a mild soap solution.
- Rinse the product again with a generous amount of fresh water to clear away all soap residue.
- Leave the platform fully inflated in a dry, well-ventilated area until all outer surfaces are completely air-dried.
- Open the valve to deflate the product, pressing gently to expel the remaining air.
- Wipe the underside one final time as it deflates to catch any hidden moisture before folding.
Managing the Drop-Stitch Construction
Dockee platforms and docks are built using 0.9 mm PVC combined with drop-stitch fabric. This construction relies on a dense array of internal threads that join the top and bottom layers. When inflated, the threads hold both surfaces parallel, keeping the product flat and firm instead of rounding out. This makes the platform stable underfoot, but the heavy-duty material requires proper handling when empty.
The top of the platforms features a non-slip surface with the warm appearance of a teak deck. Because it is a teak look only, it needs no oiling or sanding, which simplifies your end-of-season maintenance. A gentle clean with mild soap is enough to keep its appearance. However, the textured finish can hold small water droplets. Dry it fully before you fold it away at the end of the season, and it will unroll next spring the way you left it. Ensure the product is entirely dry, as dampness trapped in the folds can cause issues over a long winter.
Folding and Stowing the Platforms
Folding a large platform requires a coordinated effort from the deck crew. Start from the end furthest from the valve and fold inwards, allowing the weight of the material to push the remaining air out of the open valve. The Premium Teak Platform 2.05 m measures a compact 205 x 205 cm and is straightforward to fold on the aft deck. If you are packing a larger model, keep the folds even and avoid creating sharp creases in the reinforced PVC.
Once the platform is folded flat, pack it into its storage bag. Store all inflatables and covers dry and out of prolonged direct sunlight. A dry engineering space or a dedicated toy locker is ideal. While inspecting the material during the pack down, you might check its condition. Dockee products carry a warranty of two years from delivery against defects in materials and workmanship, offering peace of mind for the seasons ahead.
Preparing the Accessories for Storage
The equipment that connects and inflates your setup needs the same care. The AirLink Tube, which securely joins multiple Dockee platforms side by side, should be washed and dried just like the main decks. Leave the integrated straps loosely coiled rather than tightly bound.
Your electric inflators also require a dry home. Whether your yacht uses the compact Air Pump for Inflatable Docks 500W for smaller loungers or the Air Pump for Inflatable Docks 1200W for large floating structures, wipe the pump casings down with a dry cloth. Check that the hoses are clear of sand and stow them coiled without kinks. Both pumps run on standard 230 V power and need a dry environment to remain reliable. When the spring commissioning begins, you can simply unroll the platforms, connect the pump, and inflate to the pressure stated in the product instructions.
If your vessel uses items from our jet ski docks range, apply the exact same washing and drying procedure. Toy docks accumulate salt spray from the watercraft, so rinse them thoroughly with fresh water after contact with salt water. They are designed for the marine environment and need little maintenance beyond this gentle cleaning. If you plan to expand your beach club with tailor-made options on request next season, winter is the right time to request an individual quote for a new configuration.
