Aerdek on PVC boat to buy: selection guide and installation

Buying an inflatable watercraft is just the first step to full comfort on the water. Many budget model owners are quickly faced with the fact that a regular inflatable floor or a simple plywood slate does not provide the necessary rigidity and stability when fishing in a standstill or during a heavy chop. PVC boats to buyTo turn a normal "boat" into a full-fledged boat with a flat deck.

The airdec, or inflatable deck, is a specialized design that is mounted on top of regular stringers and cylinders, creating a perfectly flat surface. Unlike hard sheets of plywood or aluminum, this element does not increase the weight of the boat critically and allows you to compactly fold the vessel for transportation. The right choice of this accessory can dramatically change the experience of driving a vessel, adding confidence even in difficult weather conditions.

The market today offers many options, from budget models of reinforced PVC to professional solutions with aluminum profile. To avoid making the wrong choice and not overpay for unnecessary functions, you need to clearly understand the difference between the types of designs and know which specifications to pay attention to first when ordering.

What is an airdec and why does your boat need it?

The airdec is an additional inflatable element that serves as the upper deck, hiding the cylinders under it and creating a single plane, and its main purpose is to increase the comfort and safety of operating a small vessel. PVC boats to buyYou actually get a hard bottom without using heavy and bulky sheets of plywood, which are also afraid of moisture and rotting.

These decks are usually designed with several inflatable sections connected together, or are a single cylinder of complex shape, and inside the sections are special stretch marks (I-beam), which prevent the deck from swelling into a bubble and provide the necessary rigidity to break, which allows you to confidently kneel, move on the boat and install heavy equipment without fear of deflection of the floor.

⚠️ Note: Not all aircraft models are compatible with all boats. Be sure to measure the inner width of the cockpit (the distance between the cylinders) in the bow, center and stern parts before buying, as the geometry of the board may differ even for boats of the same length.

The use of an inflater deck also solves the problem of cruising the floor. The classic sleigh, consisting of separate sheets, eventually develops cracks into which water and dirt enter. The solid airdec completely seals the space under the feet, which is especially important for those who are engaged in spinning fishing and often move around the cockpit.

Comparison of materials: plywood, aluminum or inflatable deck

When upgrading a boat, the owner always has to choose the material for the floor. plywood It's cheap, but it's heavy and it's prone to stratification. Aluminum leaf is durable and durable, but it gets very hot in the sun and can create glare that scares fish. Inflatable airdec is intermediate, and often the leading consumer aggregate.

Let’s look at the key differences in more detail so you can weigh the pros and cons:

• 🛡️ Strength: Aluminum cannot be damaged accidentally, plywood can be split, and a quality airdec made of 5-layer reinforced PVC is almost impossible to damage under normal operating conditions, although it is vulnerable to sharp objects.
• ⚖️ Weight: Inflatable structures are much lighter than metal and plywood, which reduces the total weight of the boat and facilitates its descent and pulling ashore.
• 🌡️ Thermoregulation: Unlike metal, which is cold as ice in winter and hot in summer, PVC retains a temperature close to ambient temperature, which is comfortable for the legs.
• 📦 Transport: A blown airdec takes up a minimum of space in the trunk, while a hard floor requires a trunk or trailer to be transported.

But it's worth noting that the inflatable floor stiffness is still inferior to the hard aluminum. If you're planning to install a heavy outboard motor with a power of more than 15-18 hp, the acceleration dynamics on the airdeck can be slightly worse due to the greater water resistance (the sailing of the cylinder) and the flexibility of the design. For small and medium-powered engines, this difference is almost imperceptible.

Choice Criteria: What to Look at Before Buying

Decision PVC boats to buy The first and most important parameter is the density and quality of the material. The optimal choice is reinforced PVC density at least 850-900 g / sq.m. Thinner materials wear out faster and may not withstand pressure under load.

The second critical point is the design of the interior partitions, where quality models use fabric lintels that connect the top and bottom walls of the balloon, and their frequency and strength directly affect how woody the floor will be after pumping, and cheap ones may not have enough internal connections, turning into a soft mattress.

Also note the presence of additional elements:

• 🔩 Fixtures: The presence of timbers or special pockets for fixing to the cylinders of the boat prevents the deck from shifting during movement.
• 💨 Valves: Quality valves (for example, the type of "frog" or screw) should reliably hold the pressure and not poison the air even with prolonged sun exposure.
• 🎒 Package: Having a carry bag and remix is the standard for good manufacturers.

Equally important is the geometry of the product. Airdek should perfectly repeat the contours of your boat. Universal models often require improvement or leave gaps at the sides, which is inconvenient when fishing. It is best to purchase a deck specifically made for the model of your boat (Nord, Cayman, Flagman, etc.).

Overview of popular models and manufacturers

There are dozens of brands in the Russian market offering their solutions, leading the way in the production of PVC products for water transport. Time Trial, Aerodeck, Nord and various workshops working on order.

The budget segment is often represented by products from China or local garage production. They can cost cheap, but the savings on adhesive seams and PVC fabric quality often go sideways. The mid- and premium segment offers products with reinforced seams, double bottom and manufacturer warranty.

For comparison, we will give data on popular sizes (prices are indicative and may vary):

When choosing a manufacturer, you should read the reviews of real owners on fishing forums, and it often turns out that an expensive model can have a constructive valve marriage, and a budget one can last for years. Guarantee obligations The seller also plays a role.

Instructions for installation and pumping of airdeck

The process of installing a new deck requires careful and consistent action. Incorrect installation can damage the cylinders of the boat or the airdeck itself. Before starting work, make sure that the boat cockpit is clear of sand and sharp objects.

First, you have to partially pump the airdec so that it spreads out and takes shape, but it stays soft, and then it fits neatly inside the boat on top of the regular stringers or directly onto the cylinders, depending on the design, and it's important to distribute it evenly so that the edges don't get jammed.

Once positioned, the final pump is done, and that's the secret to success. The air pressure must be strictly within 0.25-0.3 of the atmosphere (250-300 mbar).Exceeding this value, especially in hot weather, will cause joints to rupture or deform the structure. For control, be sure to use a pressure gauge, even if the pump comes complete without it.

⚠️ Warning: Never pump the airdec to a ringing state. In the sun, the air inside will expand and the pressure will rise critically, which can cause the balloon to explode.

The final step is to lock, and if the model is designed to hold mounts, put them in the appropriate slots or pockets, and if there are no mounts, just make sure that the deck is tight and doesn't move when the boat is swaying.

Care, storage and repair of the inflatable deck

For the airdec to last, it must be properly taken care of. After every fishing, especially in salt water or dirty water, the deck must be thoroughly washed with fresh water and wiped dry. The remaining moisture in the folds can lead to mold or unpleasant odor.

Store the product in a deflated state, in a dry and dark place. Direct sunlight of the ultraviolet spectrum destroys the structure of PVC and adhesive seams. The optimal storage temperature is from -20 to +40 degrees Celsius. Before long-term storage (for the winter), it is recommended to treat the surface with a special composition to protect PVC.