Owning a Stryker inflatable boat means you’re already ahead of the curve. Whether you’re cruising remote coastlines, fishing your favorite hidden cove, or launching into a rapid river, your Stryker is built to perform. But like any high-performance gear, your inflatable boat needs regular care to stay in top shape. Proper maintenance doesn’t just keep your boat looking good—it enhances safety, maximizes performance, and protects your investment for the long haul.

In this article, we’ll walk through the key steps every inflatable boat owner should follow—especially Stryker boat owners—to extend the life of your vessel and get the most out of every adventure.

Keep it clean

Routine cleaning is one of the most essential tasks in inflatable boat care. After just a few trips, dirt, algae, salt, fish slime, oil, and debris can build up and start to degrade the boat’s materials. This can dull the surface, cause stains, and lead to wear over time.

For everyday use, a simple mix of mild dish soap and fresh water will remove surface grime. Use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub the boat, paying extra attention to seams, under-seat areas, and foot traffic zones. For stubborn grime or salt buildup, especially after ocean use, opt for a marine-grade inflatable boat cleaner.

Stryker tip: our boats are built with ultra-durable 1.2mm PVC or Hypalon, but keeping that surface clean extends the material’s elasticity and UV resistance.

Also, avoid using bleach or harsh chemical cleaners, which can weaken the fabric and compromise welds or seams.

Store it completely dry

One of the biggest enemies of inflatable boats is moisture—especially when trapped during storage. Even a little leftover water can invite mold and mildew, especially in folded boats or those stored for the season.

After cleaning or removing your Stryker boat from the water:

• Use a towel or microfiber cloth to dry all surfaces
  
• Open the drain plugs and air chambers to allow interior moisture to escape
  
• Pay special attention to floorboards, seams, transoms, and around valves
  

Mold won’t eat through your Stryker’s fabric, but it can leave permanent dark staining and a musty odor that’s hard to remove.

If you’re storing your boat deflated and folded, it’s especially important to make sure every panel is dry. A few minutes of drying now can prevent hours of cleaning or costly restoration later.

If your inflatable boat gets caught in the snow or rain, like in the photo above, make sure you thoroughly dry it before storing it away — even if it looks “frozen clean.” Trapped moisture can lead to mildew, mold, and weakened seams over time.

Pro Tip: Use a soft towel or a shop vac on reverse to blow-dry seams, valves, and under the floorboards before storage. A covered boat isn’t always a dry one — especially after a snowstorm.

Use the right protectant

Even with Stryker’s rugged construction, UV rays and harsh elements can degrade PVC, rubber, and plastic over time. That’s why using a protectant is a smart move for long-term care.

We recommend 303 Aerospace Protectant—a trusted formula that provides a non-greasy, matte finish and UV-blocking properties. It helps shield your inflatable from:

• UV damage and sun fading
  
• Dirt and grime buildup
  
• Cracking and drying of rubber components

303 Protectant is silicone-free, non-toxic, and safe for the environment—making it a perfect match for eco-conscious boaters.

Stryker owners love how this protectant restores the boat’s like-new look and feel after just one application.

Apply the protectant every few trips or at least once a month during peak season. (*Not for use on EVA as it will stain)

Inspect valves and drain plugs regularly

Inflatable boats depend on airtight integrity, and even the best-made models need routine valve inspections. Stryker Boats come with a valve wrench in the included accessory kit—designed to easily tighten or adjust valves if you detect slow leaks.

Check all air chambers for firmness before and after every trip. If you notice one section losing pressure faster than the others, a slightly loose valve might be the culprit.

Also, be sure to:

• Inspect your drain plugs for wear and proper seating
  
• Clear any debris or sand that may prevent sealing
  
• Look for signs of aging rubber or cracking

Don’t ignore soft chambers or mysterious water leaks—addressing these early can prevent more serious issues later.

Keep your Stryker boat covered

Even when you’re not on the water, your boat is still exposed to the elements. Rain, frost, wind, snow, tree sap, bird droppings, and UV rays can all wear down your inflatable over time.

Protect your investment with a high-quality boat cover or tarp that is:

• UV-resistant
  
• Waterproof and breathable
  
• Custom-fit or large enough to fully cover your Stryker

If you’re trailering or transporting your boat frequently, also consider a cover with reinforced seams and tie-down straps to prevent flapping or tearing.

Stryker Boats offers a selection of fitted covers—ask your dealer for recommendations to match your model

Monitor your PSI and inflation

Proper inflation is critical—not just for ride performance but for avoiding structural damage. Under-inflation makes your boat sluggish, unstable, and prone to rubbing or warping. Over-inflation, especially in hot sun, can put excess pressure on seams and valves.

For all Stryker inflatables, the recommended PSI is 3.6. Always use a reliable pressure gauge when inflating. Many Stryker boats come with a pressure relief valve to help prevent accidental overinflation.

Additional inflation tips:

• Re-check PSI after sitting in the sun for 30 minutes (air expands with heat)
  
• Never use compressors that lack automatic shutoff features
  
• If your boat feels spongy or flexes too much in the water, it’s time to top off

Know how to handle repairs

Stryker Boats are built tough, but accidents can still happen—sharp objects, fishing hooks, or rough landings can cause small punctures or abrasions.

Your Stryker repair kit includes patches and glue to fix minor tears. For best results:

• Fully deflate the boat and clean the area
  
• Sand lightly with included sandpaper
  
• Apply patch and adhesive according to instructions
  
• Let cure fully for 24 hours before re-inflating or using

For larger or structural issues, we recommend contacting your nearest authorized Stryker dealership or reaching out to our customer service team. We’ll help you assess the damage and find the best solution—whether that’s repair or replacement parts.

Need more details? Explore our guide to repair inflatable boats.

An ounce of prevention…

When you invest in a Stryker inflatable boat, you’re choosing more than a watercraft—you’re joining a community of outdoor explorers, anglers, and professionals who rely on tough, reliable boats built for Canadian conditions.

By taking care of your Stryker boat with regular cleaning, proper storage, and basic inspections, you’ll extend its life, protect its performance, and keep it looking great for years to come.

Explore our full line of Stryker accessories, repair kits, boat covers, and maintenance products on strykerboats.com. And don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help you get the most from every journey on the water.