How To Clean An Inflatable Dinghy?

[C08]

My Plastimo (so I think PVC) dinghy has scuff marks of mostly anti foul from rubbing against the boat side. I cannot seem to be able to shift it and I am looking for ideas. So far detergent and a pan scrub shows little improvement. I am reluctant to use solvents such as Acetone. Any bright ideas?

 

[johnalison]

I don't know the dinghy, but maybe some thinners No 3 might do for the antifouling marks?

 

[Capt. Clueless]

I placed a similar request on Ribs and Sibs page on faceache, Mine is PVC too, I was told "Vim" which I am going to try as I have some white paint where my tender rubbed against some fresh paint without me noticing.

 

[KINGFISHER 9]

I'm sure Starbrite (or someone similar) make a dedicated Inflatable Dinghy cleaner. Any big chandler will stock it.

 

[Ian_Edwards]

Be very careful using solvents on a PVC inflatable, I tried IPA on a Seago, it cleaned it, but it also softened the surface, which eventually lead to the fabric becoming porous and the dinghy slowly deflating .... it took about 5 years.

Someone who knows more about the chemistry of PVC and solvents, may be able to tell you what solvent is safe to use, until then I'd avoid using a solvent.

 

[VicS]

Poymarine offer cleaners and cleaning kits for inflatable boats

https://polymarineshop.com/boat-care-cleaning/inflatable-boat-care.html

 

[TQA]

I would leave it dirty.

PVC dinks often get very sticky after cleaning.

Get/make a set of dinghy chaps.

 

[duncan99210]

Try Magic Eraser sponges (link to Sainsbugs https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/webapp...https:gb/groceries/flash-eraser-extra-power-x other stores sell the same things).
We've found them surprisingly effective on all sorts of surfaces that we'd previously have used Jif to clean. Cheap but they do wear out quite quickly.

 

[pks1702]

Poymarine offer cleaners and cleaning kits for inflatable boats

https://polymarineshop.com/boat-care-cleaning/inflatable-boat-care.html

+1

Brought a very grubby RIB up like new.

 

[ip485]

Yep Polymarine is great - may take some work if really in bad shape, but you will eventually get there. Use without dilution and a very mild scouring pad is fine if needed.

Consider some chaps as they provide vital UV protection and making managing keeping the RIB clean so much easier - but of a work up, but the RIB will last for ever, well almost.

 

[C08]

I placed a similar request on Ribs and Sibs page on faceache, Mine is PVC too, I was told "Vim" which I am going to try as I have some white paint where my tender rubbed against some fresh paint without me noticing.

Thanks for all suggestions. Result - I tried Vim (£1 carton so used about 10p worth) and the slightly abrasive cleaner shifted everything and it has all come up like new. So much for fancy (expensive) marine cleaners!

 

[davidpbo]

We bought some inflatable boat cleaner when we first got our boat 16 years ago. It is still full.

I see limited point in making something more desirable to thieves, although it is "functionally clean" i.e it doesn't make anything else dirty.