RIB question

[Steve OD]

I'm purchasing a used West Marine inflatable today. The pictures look like it's brand new, although I think it's over 10 years old.
The owners told me never to fold or roll it up as that causes it to develop pinhole leaks. They have only had to patch it once in all the time they've owned it.
Is this true? I thought these were meant to be folded and stored and inflated as needed.
Any input would be helpful
Thanks!
Steve

 

[Stee6043]

I can see the rolling being less than ideal. I've rolled my Zodiak a couple times and it tends to create sharp corners where the material folds back on itself. I can't say it's going to damage the boat but for the same reasons I don't fold my isenglass I also now prefer store the dink flat/deflated, not rolled.

 

[Robski97]

ive had a mercury inflatable for years. I Roll it up every weekend its used . Its stored in its storage bag / What a pain in the ASS! Only issue is making sure its dry before u put it away. They are made to roll up!!!

Rob

 

[quality time]

It's not a RIB if you can fold it!

 

[MonacoMike]

RIB=rigid inflatable boat, meaning a hard hull bottom with inflatable tubes. An inflatable boat has a floor inserted in it, either an inflatable floor or a wood panel type floor.

Have a 20 year old Zodiac and it has spent most of its life rolled. Never leaked...

MM

 

[Steve OD]

I just picked it up and the owner said that he never rolls or folds it but it would probably be Ok to roll it up when its warm, not cold (I won't be boating in December anyway!)
Thanks for the responses