Fishing Forum

So much room to write and I got my question out in just the subject line.....
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In the usable months, my Pontoon is either hanging inflated in the Garage or the frame is hanging and the Toon is deflated and in it's bag. The Escape is deflated and in a duffle bag.

We also will leave the Outlaws inflated and on a Flat Bed trailer in the garage for quick trips.
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softly inflated and hanging in the garage.
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Softly inflated... I like that term. I figure it can't be good to leave the bladders full all the time but it probably isn't good to deflate/inflate/deflate/inflate all the time.
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My Outcast Fish Cat #4s are either fully deflated, folded and tied tightly for winter storage. or nearly full inflated, leaning against the shop wall during season.
My first two lasted me 8 years that way and have now changed hands and still in service. Illinoisgiller
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Partially inflated and sitting on my pool table in the garage with all the accessories under the table (i.e. fins, pump, PVC rod/sonor holder, FB sonor) - easily accessable to "load and go" anytime. The 3 rods I normally take with me are leaning against the wall nearby as well:o)
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[quote tielk15]Softly inflated... I like that term. I figure it can't be good to leave the bladders full all the time but it probably isn't good to deflate/inflate/deflate/inflate all the time.[/quote]

I have left mine full most the summer, but they can go from 3lb to 7lb of air.
As far as the inflating, deflating...shouldn't make a difference.
Vinyl can get brittle over time and doesn't take creases or hard folds well, but to roll it up really shouldn't hurt them.

For us that do own NFO bladderless, will tell you they do NOT roll easy. It is a thick, stiff cover, but as I said, I will fold mine up and put it in it's suitcase.
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During the winter months I keep them deflated and in a large hockey bag in my basement. During summer months inflated in the garage for quick use. During long travel for a week at a time will transport deflated for easy packing.
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I just poured cement, built a shed ONLY for my pontoons and tubes. My wife thinks I am spoiled. Ron
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does it open up space in the garage.. if so I think its a great idea.. :-)

MacFly [cool]
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My wife would think and say that I am crazy.[:p]

Also I have one more tube that I have to store in a sterilite container so it is always deflated when not in use.
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[cool][#0000ff]As long as there is open water somewhere, so that I can fish from my tubes, I keep them on tables inside my garage...aired up about 60%...or full inflation if I am working on modifications or whatever. Never fully inflated when not in use. Ditto for transportation to and from the water.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]When I am forced by hard water (ice) to substitute my ice fishing gear for float tubes I store the tubes outside in my storage tent...with the valves open and fully deflated. They lay flat...not folded or rolled. No particular reason. I have plenty of room so I don't need to make them too compact.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The materials in most float tubes are not nearly so badly affected by extremes of heat or cold as they are by long term exposure to UV rays, oil and crud in the water and by being dragged across the ground or pavement.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have heard of or seen a grundle of different options for storing unused craft. You can even hang them from the rafters in your garage or from hangers on the wall...anywhere. Otherwise, wherever you have enough space, go for it.[/#0000ff]
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Lots of good ideas, already, here's mine.

Long term storage of 1 yr or more: deflated, preferably unfolded, with the valves pointing up, especially if it has a bladder. Folding can shift the bladder around so it does not line up properly so even the inflation port doesn't match. Armorall or plastic treatment several weeks before and wipe. If they will be used in 6 months or less, store with enough air to barely retain shape- tied to the flat ceiling of my garage to leave me more space. For those in constant use, I keep so that full pressure max is not exceeded on the very hottest day in my garage mounted on frame, with gear, poles, and some motor parts mounted, ready at a moment's notice.

Mildew can be a problem if there is not enough air circulation or the slightest moisture remains if stored in an enclosed box. So I always allow as much drying as possible, in the open, between uses.

Pon




[quote tielk15]So much room to write and I got my question out in just the subject line.....[/quote]
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Just a quick question...Armorall????? Man, I hate what is does to the PVC coating on fly line...I don't think I would be putting it on my toon/tube.
Have you looked into 303? It is made for these.

Also, TD's point of leaving the tubes flat.... As I said, I fold mine, but a point is, do it in a warm place and I won't try to unfold them till they are nice and warm, so I basically don't touch all winter, but Ice off, they spend a few days in the house first.[cool]
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Never tried 303, since my Buck's pontoon purchased in '94 and still in use recommended Armorall.

Which 303 do you use, fabric or aerospace? Can one of these be used on nylon fabric, or are you referring to PVC coated fabric? Do you use it on bladders as well? I would like to try it.

Thanks,

Pon

[quote flygoddess]Just a quick question...Armorall????? Man, I hate what is does to the PVC coating on fly line...I don't think I would be putting it on my toon/tube.
Have you looked into 303? It is made for these.

Also, TD's point of leaving the tubes flat.... As I said, I fold mine, but a point is, do it in a warm place and I won't try to unfold them till they are nice and warm, so I basically don't touch all winter, but Ice off, they spend a few days in the house first.[cool][/quote]
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I use the aerospace, but I did spray the H3 which was cloth. It looked new, which is tuff for Red.

I had a dash board crack and was told it was Armourall, then I read what effect it has on fly lines, I have never used it since, but if it works for you, go for it.
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