Store your tube with confidence

 It is that time, well for most it is that time, and storage of your float tube is the question? So how should you store your float tube or pontoon for the winter months to keep it safe and ready for the warmer months?  I feel the best idea when it comes to storing your float tube is to leave it partially inflated.    By keeping it inflated you don’t have to worry about it ending up with any damaging creases in the bladders.  Those creases that come from folding and storing your tubes and pontoons can over time leave creases in the bladders that can become structural weaknesses.  This can become a weak spot in the bladder ending your first outings of the next season early once you pull your float tube out of storage.

     The other benefit of leaving the tube partially   inflated, the shell (outer canvas) is protected from folding as well as over inflation which will damage the seams.  I myself like to hang my tube in my garage partially inflated.  Some may say that you should lay the tube flat
and I don’t disagree.  The reason for this is to not put pressure on the handles and seams which will put unneeded pressure as you boat
hangs over time.  I can see this being a good point but I don’t have the floor space so I hang mine.  The other point that makes a lot of scenes when it is hanging the bladder is slipping inside the shell.  If it hangs for a long period of time the bladder will move down, this will cause the valves to move out of line causing you to need to reposition the bladder each time you set up you tube..    

     Of course to keep it inflated to store it you do need the room for this and I am sure that this is not possible for some of us.  So what are the alternatives?  The only other option is to deflate it and pack it away, but is this being done right.  First off if you live where there are definite off season meaning you might get iced out or snowed in and getting your legs in the water would mean a trip to the hospital do to front bite or hypothermia, then you do need to store your tube.

 To put your gear away you must always first clean it up, your float tube or pontoon are no different you spent some good money on that so you should take good care of it.  Make sure that you clean out all pockets and even inside the sell around the bladders.
Dirt and sand can get into places you cannot see and if left there when folding your bladders up could cause some unseen damage.  This might lead to break down of and the need to replace your bladders.  The other important thing to do is to make sure all parts are completely dry after washing done and before storing.  Mildew is one of the worst things you can get on your float tubes and pontoons; it will eat away at your tubes and decrease the life of your boat.

     So from what I have read and looked into and had experienced the best idea and what most fisherman believe is leave you boats partially deflated for best storage.   Of course if

you don’t have the space to do this you can safely store your float tube, and not have to worry about too much.  Just make sure whatever you clean and dry your boats completely.  Weather it is hanging or lying flat and partially deflated or completely deflated and stored away, keeping it clean and dry is the best way to help your float tube last as long as possible.

Articles from: Float Tube Fishing Forum Quarterly Magazine: link below
 https://www.joomag.com/en/newsstand/the-float-tube-fishing-forum-vol-1-issue-3/0081505001405147900