Mooring inflatable boat in Florida Sunshine

Grot

Cadet
Joined
Jul 12, 2010
Messages
9
I have been told that mooring the boat directly in the sun will cause the tube(s) to burst. Anyone experience this ?
 

deejaycee_2000

Captain
Joined
Mar 28, 2006
Messages
3,447
Re: Mooring inflatable boat in Florida Sunshine

Only if you have a black inflatable, most inflatables have pressure releasing valves, but the sun is it's worst enemy so should not be left in the sun forever ...
 

Grot

Cadet
Joined
Jul 12, 2010
Messages
9
Re: Mooring inflatable boat in Florida Sunshine

Probably maximum 6 weeks at a time in the sun. May well be beached as well as moored.

Three brands I'm interested in are:

Saturn, West Marine, Sea Eagle.
 

likalar

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 21, 2009
Messages
230
Re: Mooring inflatable boat in Florida Sunshine

Yes, an inflatable can burst; I found out years ago (black and red Zodiac left to bake in the sun). Relieve a bit of pressure when you leave the boat. A foot pump will plump it up quickly when you return. 303 protectant wipes on easily, and goes a long way to reducing harmful UV sun ray damage. A thin fitted cover might be worth the trouble, but tying it securely while the boat is floating won't be easy, unless you have another small boat to work from.

Larry
 
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