--- title: "Pack Drop-Stitch Inflatables for Winter · Dockee" url: "https://dockee.it/blog/how-to-pack-drop-stitch-inflatables-for-winter" description: "Follow these steps for deck crew to clean, deflate and fold your yacht platforms before winter lazarette storage. Ready them for the next season." language: "en" --- ![How to Pack Drop-Stitch Inflatables for Winter Storage](https://shelter.hunpera.com/blog/dockee.it/how-to-pack-drop-stitch-inflatables-for-winter-hero.jpg)# How to Pack Drop-Stitch Inflatables for Winter Storage [ Back to the Journal](https://dockee.it/blog)Dockee Editorial4 min read The Italian season is drawing to a quiet close. As the final charter guests step ashore in Liguria or the Amalfi Coast, the deck crew shifts focus to the end-of-season routine. Before the yacht moves to the shipyard or winter berth, the floating equipment needs proper attention. Knowing exactly how to pack drop stitch inflatables for winter keeps your gear in good order. A careful wash, thorough drying and precise folding mean the platforms will unroll next spring exactly the way you left them. 1. Bring the inflatables onto the deck and rinse off all Mediterranean sea salt with fresh water. 2. Wash the PVC and top surfaces gently using a mild soap solution and a soft brush. 3. Leave the equipment to air-dry completely in a breezy area, avoiding prolonged direct sunlight. 4. Connect your electric pump to the valve and use the deflation setting to extract all residual air. 5. Fold the flattened unit evenly, checking that the valves do not end up folded on a sharp crease. 6. Stow the packed equipment and accessories in a dry, ventilated lazarette away from the winter damp. ## Rinsing and Drying the Materials Throughout the summer, your platforms and pools sit in direct sun and warm sea water. Dockee platforms are built from [drop-stitch](https://dockee.it/glossary#drop-stitch) fabric with 0.9 mm PVC, which is highly resistant to the marine environment. Even so, leaving dried salt on the surface over the winter traps unwanted moisture. Begin by washing down the entire unit. A mild soap solution removes sun cream and sea salt without stressing the fabric. Give special attention to the connection loops and straps. The top of a [Premium Teak Platform 2.05 m](https://dockee.it/product/premium-teak-platform-205) features a [teak-look surface](https://dockee.it/glossary#teak-look-surface). Since it is a teak look only and not real wood, it needs no sanding or oiling. A simple, gentle wash keeps its appearance clean and sharp. Once rinsed, drying is the most vital step of the layup process. Any trapped water can cause mildew or persistent odours during months of dark storage in the hull. Let the unit air-dry thoroughly. The autumn breeze at a calm anchorage is usually enough to dry the surface within a few hours. Remember to turn the platform over so the underside dries completely. ## Deflating with an Electric Pump When the exterior is fully dry, it is time to bring the unit down to its minimum size. Simply opening the [valve](https://dockee.it/glossary#valve) allows the bulk of the air to escape, but it will not flatten the product enough for tight storage. You need to extract the remaining air mechanically. An electric unit like the [Air Pump for Inflatable Docks 1200W](https://dockee.it/product/air-pump-1200w) handles this task quietly and efficiently. ![Air Pump for Inflatable Docks by Dockee](https://shelter.hunpera.com/blog/dockee.it/how-to-pack-drop-stitch-inflatables-for-winter-inline-1-c5713bc5.jpg) *Pictured: Air Pump for Inflatable Docks* Connect the pump to the valve and switch it to the deflation mode. As it draws out the remaining air, the internal threads of the drop-stitch construction pull tight, flattening the two PVC layers against each other. This turns a bulky platform into a neat, thin sheet. A completely flat unit is far easier for the crew to handle and requires much less space in the storage locker. It also prevents air pockets from putting uneven pressure on the seams while the product is stowed away. ## Folding Without Creasing the Valves Folding requires a methodical approach. Start from the end furthest from the valve, rolling or folding the material evenly towards the valve side. This allows any tiny pockets of trapped air to escape as you work. Pay careful attention to the placement of the valves themselves. A hard crease across a valve can distort the fitting over a long winter, which might lead to minor air leaks when you re-inflate the platform in the spring. Make sure the valve rests flat within a fold. If you are packing a larger unit, having two crew members work together ensures the folds remain parallel and tight. Secure the folded platform with a soft strap if needed, but do not pull it overly tight. The goal is a compact package that still allows the PVC to rest naturally. Place the equipment into its storage bag to protect it from dust and minor abrasions in the lazarette. ## Organising the Lazarette for Winter With the main platforms packed, gather the connecting pieces and smaller items. The [AirLink Tube](https://dockee.it/product/airlink-tube), which securely joins multiple units together during the summer, needs the same washing and drying routine. Small accessories like the [Air Cushion](https://dockee.it/product/air-cushion) also benefit from a thorough clean before they go into storage. Grouping these items near the main platform in the lazarette makes the spring setup much simpler. ![Airlink Tube, inflatable connector by Dockee](https://shelter.hunpera.com/blog/dockee.it/how-to-pack-drop-stitch-inflatables-for-winter-inline-2-b31830b8.jpg) *Pictured: Airlink Tube, an inflatable connector* Ensure the lazarette or storage space is dry and well ventilated. While the materials are robust, a dry environment is always best for winter layup. If you have any custom pieces, remember that [tailor-made](https://dockee.it/guide#tailor-made) products require the exact same care routine as standard models. Following these simple steps protects your equipment, so you are ready to set up the floating deck as soon as the yacht drops anchor next season. Share[](https://x.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdockee.it%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-pack-drop-stitch-inflatables-for-winter%3Futm_source%3Dx%26utm_medium%3Dsocial_share%26utm_campaign%3Djournal&text=Prepare%20your%20yacht's%20inflatable%20platforms%20for%20winter%20storage%20with%20these%20simple%20steps%20for%20the%20deck%20crew. 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"Share on Pinterest") ## Frequently asked questions - ### Do I need to apply oil to the teak-look surface before winter storage? No, the surface is a teak look only and not real wood. It needs no oiling or sanding, just a gentle wash with mild soap and complete air-drying. - ### Should the valves be left open or closed over the winter? Once the unit is deflated and folded, cap the valves to prevent dust and debris from entering the mechanism while the product sits in the lazarette. ## Recommended for this article [Air Pump for Inflatable Docks 1200W · €160.00](https://dockee.it/product/air-pump-1200w)The 1200W electric pump features a deflation mode to quickly vacuum out residual air for tight packing. [Airlink Tube | Seamless Floating Connector · €210.00](https://dockee.it/product/airlink-tube)Clean and dry your inflatable connectors alongside the main platforms for safe winter storage. ## More from the Journal [The Autumn Transom Water Toy Safety Checklist · Read](https://dockee.it/blog/autumn-transom-water-toy-safety-checklist)[The Crew's Checklist for Winterising Yacht SUP Boards · Read](https://dockee.it/blog/the-crews-checklist-for-winterising-yacht-sup-boards)[Managing SUP Safety in the Yacht Anchorage · Read](https://dockee.it/blog/managing-sup-safety-in-the-yacht-anchorage)