Dinghy Storage

[JeffM]

Hi all,

How do you store your inflatable dinghy? Do you leave it inflated? If so, do you lower the pressure in the tubes when you store it? If you have a davit system do you leave it on when you're away from the boat? If so, how do you secure/lock it?

Thanks!
Jeff

 

[Tacoma290]

In our 3 best months in WA, I keep inflated on swim platform mounted Weaver Davits. Don't have a lock yet, but I will get a cable-lock this summer; cable will be run thru openings in logo on swim platform.
The rest of the time, the dingy is deflated, rolled up, and stored in the aft cabin.

 

[penbroke]

During "the season" we leave it fully inflated and tied off to the main dock between our boat and the one in the next slip. We just haul it aboard when we leave. When we had less room between us and out neighbor I just tucked it under the bow so it didn't really add any length to the space we were taking up. There I have used one of those curly cable bicycle locks to the bow eye. Right now it is "limply" inflated in the cellar.

Frank

 

[JeffM]

Thanks for your replies! So it doesn't hurt it to stay inflated? I was worried that the heat of the sun would cause it to become overpressured and damage the tubes, especially when out of the cool(er) water.

Jeff

 

[penbroke]

They do get a bit harder in the sun. I adjust the pressure a couple times a season. We don't exactly have tropical strength sun here though...

Frank