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DEFLATING YOUR HYSIDE
The preferred way to deflate your inflatable is by deflating all main chambers simultaneously, as this will help
avoid stress on any one baffle (get a friend to help). You can then move on to deflating the thwarts and floor.
To set the valves for deflation, simply push the valve stem in approximately 3/8” and turn it about ½ turn until it
locks in the open position. You can use the bottom side of a pump to suck the remaining air out of the chambers.
CLEANING YOUR HYSIDE
Keeping your inflatable clean, especially prior to storage, will help prolong the life of your craft!
Sand and gravel can cause abrasion and plug air valves. If left to soak into an inflatable boat, salt water can cause
the material to deteriorate.
You can use soap and water to clean your boat. For grimy messes, there are inflatable cleaners on the market
that clean the surface and won’t harm it. Hypalon is very resistant to most chemicals, so the worst a heavy duty
cleaner can usually do is bleach the pigment, which doesn’t affect the Hypalon.
Use a large scrub pad with handle and work in four foot sections. Rinse the boat off with a power washer then spray
the cleaner on and wait five minutes. Using a circular motion, scrub the area and then fully rinse immediately. The
boat will appear to be faded, but a coat of 303 Protectant will bring back the shine.
PROTECTING YOUR HYSIDE
We recommend 303 Protectant for your HYSIDE. Like sunscreen for your
boat, it protects against UV rays and it seems to work as a coating that doesn’t
allow dirt to adhere as much as if it weren’t there.
Originally intended by American Propeller Co to protect rubber and vinyl
airplane parts from high altitude UV, it is ideally suited for inflatable protection.
Given that Hypalon is used to coat high power wires and reservoirs, it has
incredible UV resistance. We have found that 303 helps reduce pigment fading,
leaves a layer that is easier to clean off dirt and prolongs the life of the boat.
It is suggested that you apply 303 prior to storing your boats for the winter. Besides the fact that the boats will be
ready for use in the Spring and Summer, it can soften the areas that cause fold marks in some fabrics.
303 reacts to water, so polish until dry after applying to reduce the slippery effect.
Number of applications per year can vary, so to determine if it’s time for another application, rub some 303 on the
boat the size of a baseball. If it brings back the color to a noticeable degree, then it’s time for another application.
STORING YOUR HYSIDE
Removing Water
Preventing moisture during storage will greatly increase the lifespan of your boat.
Over time, moisture inside the tubes can break down the glue joints, so it needs to be removed promptly. The
obvious signs of trapped moisture are hearing it sloshing around or rubbing the two sides of a deflated tube
together and if it feels slippery/slimey inside, you probably have old moisture inside (part of a routine inspection).
Removing the valve to the chamber is the first step in cleaning it out. Use a pulley or turn the boat to the required
position and tie it off. The goal is to position the boat where you can get excess water to pool, then use a shop
vac with a hose outside in the sunlight. Next, tape a ½ inch piece of PVC hose to the end of the hose and stick it
in the chamber, use this to remove all remaining pooled water. For the remaining moisture in the tubes, turn the
ACC-878
ACC-875
