As the autumn charter season draws to a close, your attention turns to preparing the vessel for winter storage or a long crossing. Putting away the water toys requires more than a quick spray with the deck hose. Proper salt removal for an inflatable yacht deck ensures the materials remain supple and ready for the spring. Salt crystals left on the surface can hold moisture and create friction when the material is folded. A methodical approach to marine inflatable care protects the equipment and saves time when your crew unpacks it next year.
Before you begin the yacht platform seasonal cleaning, move the platform onto a clean surface free of sharp objects. A clear section of the aft deck, a tender garage floor or a smooth pier works well. Ensure the valve remains firmly closed so that no water or cleaning solution enters the internal chamber. If you are handling a Premium Teak Platform 2.05 m, its compact shape is relatively easy to manage. Larger modules might need to be washed in sections or brought ashore. Keep your Air Pump 1200 W handy if you need to adjust the inflation slightly before washing.
A drop-stitch product should remain firm during the wash, giving you a solid surface to scrub. The internal threads hold the top and bottom surfaces parallel, which makes an inflatable platform feel stable underfoot. This rigidity is also helpful when you are scrubbing away stubborn dried salt. Inflate the platform to the pressure stated in the product instructions and check it with a pressure gauge.
The step-by-step cleaning procedure
Washing the equipment correctly requires fresh water, a mild soap solution and a soft brush. It is a straightforward task, but missing a spot can leave salt deposits trapped in the folds.
- Rinse the drop stitch platform thoroughly with fresh water to remove loose salt, sand and marine debris.
- Prepare a bucket with fresh water and a mild soap solution to clean inflatable dock salt deposits safely.
- Wash the top gently, paying attention to the teak-look surface. It is a teak look only, not real wood, and it needs no oiling or sanding, just a regular wash to keep its appearance.
- Work your way down the sides, ensuring you clean the 0.9 mm reinforced PVC along the waterline where salt spray accumulates.
- Pay special attention to the attachment loops, connection points and integrated straps, as these tight corners often hide salt crystals.
- Wash any accessories, such as the AirLink Tube, using the same mild soap solution.
- Rinse the entire structure again with copious amounts of fresh water until all soap residue is washed away.
Drying the deck completely
Removing the salt is only half the job. Complete dryness is essential before you pack the module away. Even a small amount of trapped moisture can cause issues during winter storage. Leave the platform fully inflated in the open air, allowing the wind and mild autumn sun to evaporate the surface water. Walk around the deck with a dry towel to wipe down the connection loops, the valve area and the edges. The textured top can hold small pools of water, so a quick wipe speeds up the process.
Once the top is dry, carefully flip the module over to expose the underside. The bottom sits directly in the sea water and often takes longer to dry. Run your hand along the seams to check for any dampness. When you are certain no moisture remains, you can open the valve and deflate the chamber. Make sure the product is completely dry before you deflate, fold and pack it.
Folding and winter storage
With the air expelled, fold the platform neatly. Avoid sharp creases where possible, rolling or folding the heavy fabric smoothly. When not in use, store inflatables and covers dry and out of prolonged direct sunlight. A dedicated locker or a dry, climate-controlled hold provides a suitable environment. Following this careful routine means your platform will unroll next spring exactly the way you left it.
Dockee products are designed for the marine environment and need little maintenance. Every item carries a two-year manufacturer warranty from delivery against defects in materials and workmanship. By carefully cleaning the salt and verifying the materials are dry, you protect that investment and ensure safe use for seasons to come. You can find more details in our care and storage guide.
If you discover you need replacement parts or wish to extend your setup over the winter, we offer worldwide, fully insured shipping. We also build tailor-made platforms on request, with the size and configuration adapted to your yacht. Should you order standard items over the winter, returns are accepted within 14 days of delivery for unused items in their original packaging, though tailor-made items are excluded.
