Inflatable Dinghy Maintenance

[Tony B]

I have a PVC inflatable and don't have an owners manual.
PVC inflatables should all be similar in regards to cleaning and maintenance.

What cleaning products should I use and most importantly, what should I NOT use.
Are there any types of waxes or finishes that will help protect and prolong the life of PVC other than a cover?

Thanks in advance.

Tony B

 

[rwidman]

Go to West Marine and see what they have for PVC dinghys.

 

[Moonstruck]

Check out these folks. I find about all I need for my dinghies from them.

InflatableBoatParts.com - Inflatable Boat parts, repair kits and accessories for Zodiac, Achilles, Caribe, AB, Avon and Walker Bay Inflatables. - Inflatable Boat Parts

 

[psneeld]

just be careful of anything with spray silicone/Teflon...the old zodiacs I believe fell apart when sprayed with old style armourall...I believe Zodiac put out a maintenance bulletin on it.

the silicone would migrate under the taped seams and they would fall apart.

 

[Tony B]

.....I believe Zodiac put out a maintenance bulletin on it.....the silicone would migrate under the taped seams and they would fall apart.

Gee Thanks, now you tell me.

I have my 20 year old West Marine Seaworthy RIB where the oar locks were a hard black rubber that oxidized so bad it would come off black on your clothes and skin. I would wash and scrub it real good and it would stay clean for a few days and then come off on you again. I recently discovered through a new friend, to use 100% pure silicone. Rub it in with your finger and remove all excess. The oar locks are shiny black and don't oxidize anymore. So now they will come apart instead .
What a friend you turned out to be.
Actually, thanks a bunch. This new info will stop me from making the same mistake on my newer dink.

 

[Tony B]

Thanks Guys for all of the suggestions. Looks like all of the recommended products are pretty much the same.
I had to put an order in to partman.com for unrelated stuff and they just happened to have Starbrite Inflatable Boat and Fender Cleaner/Protector and so I ordered it.
I think I can get the 303 Protector from OReillys Auto.

Thanks again.