RIB Tube care during winter

wavecrosschris · 09 October 2006, 18:28

After my first season of ribbing this summer and keeping the tubes inflated to correct preasures etc - what is the best thing to do over the winter? - My boat is stored outside at the moment and has a fitted overall cover, but I plan on moving it into a barn (if I can make space first!) when the weather gets really cold. Is there anything I should do to the tubes - I realise they will go down with the cold weather - should I just let them deflate with the lower air temp - or will this over the years cause them to leak and the adhesive holding them together to become fragile??? I just want to do whatever is best to keep them in good condition - Obviously keeping them indoors in a stable temp environment is best - but does the cold/frosts really do any damage???!

codprawn · 09 October 2006, 21:15

Actually it's the sun that does the real damage - winter is much better!!! keep tubes inflated and watch for rodents in barns.

Boatcareuk · 10 October 2006, 01:03

a coat of polish or a uv protectant is always sensible - gives the tubes a good shine aswell!

Ribshop · 10 October 2006, 08:41

You are doing the most important thing and that is covering up. We find leaving the tubes inflated by far the best option, making sure all the salt residue from the season has been washed off and then applying a protectant combining a UV blocker.

Some of our products are available on line http://www.rib-shop.com/prodtype.asp...ageHistory=cat.

Also available are the products for winterising your engine.

Any questions don’t hesitate to give us a call.

wavecrosschris · 10 October 2006, 19:05

wow! what a great website! - favorited instantly!

Mugshot · 10 October 2006, 21:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by wavecrosschris

I realise they will go down with the cold weather - should I just let them deflate with the lower air temp - or will this over the years cause them to leak and the adhesive holding them together to become fragile???

Is this the reason for keeping the tubes inflated or is there more to it? My first winter with a rib too, when I had the sib I never did anything to it at all, it just stayed up all year round, and considered itself lucky if it got a wash in the spring