Late-season yachting brings a different mood to the Mediterranean. Anchorages grow quiet, the sea holds onto the summer warmth, and shoulder-season charters take on a relaxed, easy rhythm. Yet, between these peaceful mornings on the water, captains and crews begin turning their attention to the off-season. Storing your yacht inflatables properly for the winter is a quiet ritual that sets the stage for an easy launch next spring.
A floating platform, a yacht pool or a jet ski dock represents a substantial piece of deck equipment. When you fold it away correctly after months in calm, sheltered water, it requires almost no maintenance during the long period in a locker. Taking time over each item protects your gear from unnecessary wear.
A step-by-step winter storage routine
The end of the season is the right moment to inspect every valve, strap and seam. A methodical approach to packing keeps your drop-stitch platforms in good condition. Whether you are dealing with a compact Premium Teak Platform 2.05 m or a large yacht pool, the steps are identical.
- Rinse away the salt: Bring the platform or pool onto a clean deck space free of sharp objects. Rinse it thoroughly with fresh water after its final contact with salt water, paying close attention to the seams and connection loops.
- Wash with a mild solution: Cleaning PVC is straightforward, provided you avoid harsh chemicals. Wash the reinforced PVC body with a mild soap solution to remove sunscreen, salt residue and general charter wear.
- Clean the top deck: Give the teak-look surface a regular, gentle clean to remove any lingering marks. This surface is not real wood, so it needs no oiling or sanding before it goes away for the winter.
- Dry completely: This step cannot be rushed when storing floating platforms. Leave the product fully inflated in a dry, breezy spot until every drop of moisture has evaporated from the surface and the fittings.
- Deflate flat: Ensure the valve is fully open and press the air out steadily. This allows the drop-stitch fabric to fold smoothly without stressing the material as you pack it down.
- Fold and pack: Fold the deflated product neatly, taking care not to create sharp creases. Secure it in its storage bag alongside its specific accessories and manuals.
- Store out of the sun: Place the packed inflatables in a dedicated storage locker. Make sure they remain dry and out of prolonged direct sunlight while they wait for the new season.
Cleaning the PVC and checking your equipment
As you clean the products, take a quiet moment to observe the details. Check the straps on the AirLink Tubes that connect your platforms. Look closely at the valve threads and the mesh on your pool net. Finding a small issue now gives you the entire winter to sort it out, avoiding any last-minute stress.
The 0.9 mm PVC used in the platforms, pools and docks is durable and designed for the marine environment. A mild soap solution is all it takes to keep this material looking sharp. Wash away the suds completely, as leftover soap can attract dust or leave a dull film on the fabric. Keep in mind that a detailed care guide is included with every order, offering specific advice for your exact model. You can always refer to our care and storage guidelines for more information.
Managing space and storage lockers
Space on board is always carefully managed, even on larger yachts. The beauty of inflatable marine equipment is how little room it demands once the air is removed. However, to maintain that compact footprint, the deflation process must be thorough. Pressing the air out completely turns a large platform into a compact, manageable package.
When not in use, stow these packages dry. A well-ventilated lazarette or dedicated toy locker helps protect the equipment from extreme temperature swings and damp. Platforms, pools and docks connect to each other with the AirLink Tube, and this vital component requires the same attention. Rinse the tube, dry it entirely and pack it flat. Small accessories, from ladders to the Air Cushion, should also be washed and dried. Storing all components together means the crew will not waste time hunting for straps or valves when setting up next year.
Throughout the summer, your crew managed the platforms in calm, sheltered water, ensuring engines and thrusters were off while anyone was in the water. Taking the same careful, measured approach to storage means the equipment will be ready for the new season.
A calm transition to the off-season
Preparing for winter storage is a satisfying conclusion to a busy charter calendar. The decks are cleared, the lines are stowed, and the floating beach club is safely tucked away. Careful packing helps keep your platforms and loungers in top condition for seasons to come. Each one also carries a warranty of two years from delivery.
Dry each piece fully before you fold it away, and it will unroll next spring just as you left it. When the anchor drops in May and you connect the Air Pump 1200W to inflate the platforms for the first time, your crew will appreciate the careful work done today.
