As autumn arrives and yachts head into Italian shipyards for the winter, the crew must prepare the deck equipment for hibernation. A proper routine for cleaning a teak look inflatable platform ensures the materials stay in good condition during months of storage ashore. Yachts returning from a final Mediterranean cruise around the Amalfi Coast or Sardinia often carry platforms that have spent weeks sitting in salt water and direct sun. Before these floating decks are folded away in a dark locker for the off-season, they require a methodical wash and a complete drying process.
The body of a Dockee platform is constructed from drop-stitch fabric combined with reinforced PVC. Specifically, the platforms use a durable 0.9 mm PVC, giving them immense stability on the water when correctly inflated. The top layer features a non-slip teak-look surface, which offers the warm appearance of a traditional yacht deck. Because it is a teak look only and absolutely not wood, your end-of-season routine is simply about removing salt, dirt and the residue of summer sunscreens before packing the items away.
- Rinse away the salt: Move the platform to a clean, flat space on the quay or in the shipyard, making sure the area is completely free of sharp objects. Rinse the entire product thoroughly with fresh water to remove heavy salt crystals and surface grime.
- Wash the surfaces: Clean the PVC fabrics with a mild soap solution and a soft sponge. Give the teak-look surfaces a regular, gentle clean with a soft brush to keep their appearance sharp and lift any ingrained dirt.
- Rinse again: Wash away all soap residue with plenty of fresh water. Pay particular attention to the connection loops and straps, ensuring nothing is left trapped in the crevices.
- Dry completely: Allow the platform to air-dry completely in the breeze. Any trapped moisture can cause issues over the winter, so wipe down the sides with a towel and double-check the seams for hidden dampness.
- Deflate fully: Open the valve and use the deflate setting on your air pump, such as the Air Pump for Inflatable Docks 1200W, to draw out all the remaining air until the platform lies completely flat.
- Fold and pack: Fold the drop-stitch platform neatly, keeping the folds loose enough to avoid stressing the reinforced PVC. Store it dry and out of prolonged direct sunlight in a dedicated locker or storage bag.
Handling Large Platforms During Winter Layup
When dealing with a substantial floating deck, such as a large yacht platform, the crew will appreciate having a wide, flat concrete space on the quay for the washing process. In busy shipyards in Liguria or Tuscany, space can become tight in November, so it is wise to plan your washing schedule carefully. A thorough freshwater rinse is essential after the equipment has had prolonged contact with salt water in the anchorages of the Mediterranean.
If you use multiple platforms connected by an AirLink Tube, remember to separate all the components before you begin washing. Each separate item requires the same mild soap solution and fresh water rinse. Treat the connection straps, D-rings and loops with care, removing any sand, grit or salt that might have built up during the busy Italian summer season. Doing this properly now saves considerable time during the spring refit.
Drying Practices for Drop-Stitch Fabric
The most critical part of yacht platform winter layup is ensuring every single item is entirely dry before it gets folded. Even a small amount of dampness folded into the 0.9 mm PVC can degrade the materials while the yacht sits quietly in winter storage. On a dry, breezy autumn afternoon, let the platform sit fully inflated on the dock until the sun and wind have done their work. Run a dry towel over the underside just to be absolutely certain.
Once deflated, cap the valve securely so no dust or moisture can enter the internal threads of the drop-stitch core. Marine inflatable storage is best done in a dry locker on board or in a climate-controlled container ashore. Keep the folded platform well away from prolonged direct sunlight and severe temperature changes. With a two-year warranty from delivery covering defects in materials and workmanship, following the correct drop-stitch platform care routine keeps your equipment safe and ready to perform next spring.
Maintaining the Teak-Look Surface
Teak-look deck maintenance does not involve the heavy, dusty work associated with traditional wooden yacht decks. Because the top surface is not wood, you avoid any complex preservation steps entirely. The material is designed to handle UV rays and saltwater exposure well, provided it is kept clean and rinsed regularly during the season.
A gentle scrub with a mild soap solution is entirely enough to lift dirt and footprints from the textured finish. After a final rinse and proper drying, the surface will look crisp and clean when you unroll the platform, such as the compact Premium Teak Platform 2.05 m, for the first cruise of the new season. If you discover you need to add more accessories or perhaps a larger layout for next year, remember that Dockee offers worldwide, fully insured shipping for all new orders. Should your plans change, returns are accepted within 14 days of delivery for unused items in their original packaging, although tailor-made items are excluded.
