Late October brings the Mediterranean charter season to a close. After weeks anchored off the Amalfi Coast or the Aeolian Islands, your inflatable equipment will carry a heavy crust of sea salt. If you are wondering how to wash a drop stitch PVC yacht dock before winter stowage, the process requires systematic care rather than harsh chemicals. Mediterranean salt crystals are sharp and abrasive. Left on the fabric over winter, they can wear down the material as the yacht moves.
A floating platform gives you a proper place to be on the water right beside the yacht, but it also catches salt spray and the wash from arriving tenders. By the time autumn arrives, you need a reliable deckhand procedure for cleaning inflatable boat platform PVC.
Setting up for a thorough clean
Before you begin washing, you need a firm, taut surface. Unfold the dock on a clean area of the quay or the aft deck, ensuring the ground is free of sharp objects. Connect your air pump. For large platforms, the Air Pump for Inflatable Docks 1200W provides the necessary volume. Always fill the platform to the pressure stated in the product instructions.
Once inflated, the drop-stitch construction reveals its strength. Two layers of fabric are joined by a dense array of internal threads, holding both surfaces parallel so the product becomes flat and firm. This rigidity makes removing salt crust from yacht inflatables much easier than trying to scrub loose, deflated material. The sides and base are built from 0.9 mm PVC, which is highly resistant to UV and saltwater but still benefits from a proper freshwater wash to maintain its flexibility.
The washing sequence
A systematic approach ensures no salt hides in the seams or fittings. Follow these drop stitch freshwater rinse steps for your platforms and docks.
- Start with a heavy freshwater rinse. Flush the entire dock with a hose to dissolve the loose salt crystals. Pay close attention to the waterline and the corners where salt gathers most heavily after days moored off Sardinia.
- Clean the teak-look surface. The top of the platform features a non-slip surface with the warm appearance of a teak deck, though it is not real wood. It needs no oiling or sanding. A gentle wash with a mild soap solution is enough to lift dirt, sun lotion and salt from the textured finish.
- Wash the PVC sides and base. Use a soft brush and the same mild soap solution on the 0.9 mm PVC edges. Scrub gently to dislodge any persistent salt deposits without scratching the material.
- Focus on the valves and connections. Clear any debris around the inflation valve. If you use an AirLink Tube to join multiple floating units, scrub the connection loops thoroughly. Salt often builds up heavily in these narrow folds and strap areas.
- Perform a final freshwater rinse. Flush the entire unit again with fresh water to wash away all soap and suspended salt. Leave no soapy residue on the surface, as this can become sticky during storage.
- Dry the dock completely. Let the platform air-dry entirely in the autumn sun. Use a dry towel to wipe down the seams, D-rings and valve covers where moisture tends to pool.
Drying and winter stowage
Once the yacht platform seasonal cleaning guide steps are complete, check the fabric one last time. Make sure the product is completely dry before you deflate, fold and pack it. Any residual moisture folded into the PVC can cause odours during the winter months. A clean, dry fold is the best way to protect your investment.
Store your inflatables dry and out of prolonged direct sunlight. If you are packing away a Premium Teak Platform 2.05 m or a larger pool setup, keeping the folded units in a dry, ventilated locker protects the materials. If you notice any manufacturing issues during your inspection, remember that Dockee provides a two-year warranty from delivery. If you are upgrading your setup for next season, returns are accepted within 14 days of delivery for unused items in their original packaging, though tailor-made items are excluded (see Returns for details).
We offer worldwide, fully insured shipping for all new orders, and many platforms can be tailor-made on request to fit your specific transom dimensions. Dry your gear fully before you fold it away at the end of the season, and it will unroll next spring exactly the way you left it.
