Dinghy dilema, advice needed.

**bammylovechops** · 29-09-10, 10:26

I was wondering about the pro's and con's regarding if or when to deflate my 2.4m Zodiac airdeck and take it home for winter. It currently sits on the back of my boat on davits in a resonably secure marina.

Our little gang at the marina, (You know who you are!!), have covered nearly all aspects of the rights and wrongs.

Your thoughts please.

**duncan** · 29-09-10, 10:38

the material would appreciate being stored in a nice cosy place rather than open the the ravages of the UK winter (or summer) - preferably not too scrunched up.

basically work back from there.

**bammylovechops** · 30-09-10, 13:31

Hi duncan,

Many thanks for your reply, appreciated.

It would appear to be one of the few area's where people dont appear to have a opinion

**blueglass** · 30-09-10, 18:50

always deflate ours and store below. Can't' think of any advantages in leaving it out on the davits but if stored below.......

1. can't get nicked off the davits
2. less degradation from weather - including UVF -(we are in the med).
3. doesn't fill up with rainwater if the drain hole gets blocked and bend the davits with the extra weight.
4 ditto above for snow if in UK???
5 no damage to adjacent gelcoat from possible chafe if rocked around in high winds.
6, PVC or Hypalon is given a rest from stress on joints etc when inflated.
7. no bird sh*t stains

**blueglass** · 30-09-10, 18:52

Originally Posted by blueglass

always deflate ours and store below. Can't' think of any advantages in leaving it out on the davits but if stored below.......

1. can't get nicked off the davits
2. less degradation from weather - including UVF -(we are in the med).
3. doesn't fill up with rainwater if the drain hole gets blocked and bend the davits with the extra weight.
4 ditto above for snow if in UK???
5 no damage to adjacent gelcoat from possible chafe if rocked around in high winds.
6, PVC or Hypalon is given a rest from stress on joints etc when inflated.
7. no bird sh*t stains

also just remembered - much less strain on the davits which can create stress cracks in the gelcoat around fixing points.