10-08-2005, 12:52 AM
[cool][#0000ff]WHASSAMATTA YOU WIMP? Hanging up your pride and joy this early in the season? Man, you gonna get banned from dis board.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Just in case you have a good reason (I can't think of any) why you want to quit tubing for the year, here's the skinny on "winterizing".[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Not necessary to remove and/or clean the foam seats. Also, no need to completely deflate and fold up the craft, unless you need to get it out of the way and make room for something else. When not using my Fat Cats for awhile (seldom) I just lay them flat on a table in the garage, at about 50% inflation.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]All of the materials used in the construction (nylon, PVC, urethane, etc.) are pretty tough and can withstand repeated soaking and drying. They do not rot or mildew, unless in contact with something else that does. About the worst thing you could do is to store them fully inflated, in a hot garage, in the middle of July. Almost as bad as leaving them fully inflated for the drive home, in a hot car, in the middle of the summer. Can you say KABOOM?[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Cosmetically, you may wish to lay the craft out on the driveway and wet it down with a hose. Then, spray on some good heavy duty cleaner and take a brush to the cover, to clean up some of the "stuff" that accumulates...both above and below the water line. Then, drape it over a sawhorse or small table to let it dry thoroughly before putting it to rest for the winter. And, be sure you close the door behind it tightly so you don't have to listen to it whimpering for the next few months.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Just in case you have a good reason (I can't think of any) why you want to quit tubing for the year, here's the skinny on "winterizing".[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Not necessary to remove and/or clean the foam seats. Also, no need to completely deflate and fold up the craft, unless you need to get it out of the way and make room for something else. When not using my Fat Cats for awhile (seldom) I just lay them flat on a table in the garage, at about 50% inflation.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]All of the materials used in the construction (nylon, PVC, urethane, etc.) are pretty tough and can withstand repeated soaking and drying. They do not rot or mildew, unless in contact with something else that does. About the worst thing you could do is to store them fully inflated, in a hot garage, in the middle of July. Almost as bad as leaving them fully inflated for the drive home, in a hot car, in the middle of the summer. Can you say KABOOM?[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Cosmetically, you may wish to lay the craft out on the driveway and wet it down with a hose. Then, spray on some good heavy duty cleaner and take a brush to the cover, to clean up some of the "stuff" that accumulates...both above and below the water line. Then, drape it over a sawhorse or small table to let it dry thoroughly before putting it to rest for the winter. And, be sure you close the door behind it tightly so you don't have to listen to it whimpering for the next few months.[/#0000ff]
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