After purchasing a PVC boat, many owners notice marks on the material and wonder whether it’s normal or a defect.
The difference is simple:
A fold is normal.
A crack is damage.
Fold — this is normal
Folds appear as:
- light marks or lines
- crease traces
- minor surface irregularities
These occur due to storage.
Causes:
- long-term folded storage
- temperature changes
Folds do not affect durability and disappear over time.
Crack — this is damage
A crack is a mechanical failure of the material.
Signs:
- visible crack
- reinforcement layer (cord) is exposed
- possible delamination
This type of damage does not disappear and requires repair.
Causes of cracks
- Poor material quality
- Folding in cold temperatures
At low temperatures, PVC becomes rigid and brittle.
How to prevent
Before using in winter:
- keep the boat in a warm place
- wait several hours
- only then fold or inflate
Summary
- Fold = safe
- Crack = repair needed
- Avoid handling PVC in cold conditions
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