Every owner of an inflatable watercraft sooner or later faces a dilemma: whether to put up with a hard slate bottom that rubs the legs, or invest in the water. airdecThis tuning element is a game changer in the experience of being on the water, turning Spartan conditions into a comfortable pleasure yacht in miniature, and the market offers a variety of options, from low-cost Chinese models to premium solutions from famous brands.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the design of the inflatable floor, weigh the pros and cons of using it in different operating conditions, learn how to choose the right size so as not to disturb the geometry of the cylinders, and understand why for some anglers this is the only right solution. Aerdek This is not just a soft mat, it is a complex engineering element that affects driving performance.
And it's worth noting that going to the inflatable floor is often a point of no return. Once you've tried to walk down the wave without bruising your knees, you don't want to go back to hard plywood. But like any medal, there's a downside that manufacturers often keep silent about, focusing on the pluses. Let's deal with it honestly and objectively.
What is an airdec and how it is arranged
At its core, airdec The inflatable floor is a sealed chamber made of a strong reinforced PVC that, when pumped, takes the form of a hard floor, and typically has thousands of Drop-Stitch strands that connect the top and bottom surfaces, and these strands keep the bottom from swelling into a ball, holding the desired thickness, usually between 5 and 10 cm.
Quality airdec It's always equipped with a high-pressure valve, similar to those on SUP boards or inflatable boats, which allows you to pump the structure to 0.6-1.0 atmosphere, making it hard like a wooden board. The bottom part often has an anti-slip coating or special sleds to prevent abrasion on the ground when pulled ashore. The upper part can be covered with non-slip EVA material or have a textured surface.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a pumped airdec in direct sunlight unattended for long periods of time. The air inside tends to expand when heated, which can cause joints to rupture or deformation of the strands if the pressure exceeds the critical mark.
It's important to understand the difference between a normal inflatable mat and a full-fledged airdock bottom: the first is soft and does not hold the shape under the weight of a person, the second is a load-bearing element of the boat structure. Toughness - a key parameter on which the stability of the fisherman depends when throwing a spinning or the safety of passengers when passing a wave.
Comparison: airdec vs. plywood sleigh
The eternal boating dispute: which is better, classic plywood or modern inflatable technology? plywood slate, especially made of coated aviation plywood laminIt's absolutely rigid and durable, and it's not afraid of punctures, sharp stones, or sparks from a fire, but its weight and dimensions when assembled are often a problem for compact car owners.
The airdek is a winner in terms of transportability and comfort, and when it's deflated, it takes up a minimum of space in the trunk, and it weighs much less than the weight of the wooden floor, and the inflatable floor provides a better balance. heat-insulationSitting on cold PVC, under which water splashes, is unpleasant, whereas the air layer of the airdeck retains body heat.
On the other hand, plywood provides a more stable geometry of the bottom of the boat, which has a positive effect on speed and stability. inflatable floor under load can be slightly bent, creating additional resistance to water. For motorboats with a capacity of more than 10-15 hp, this factor can become noticeable, although modern high-density airdecks minimize this effect.
Let’s look at the main differences in the table to structure the information:
| Parameter | Plywood slut | Aerdek (inflatable floor) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight. | Tall (15-25 kg) | Low (5-10 kg) |
| Comfort. | Hard, cold. | Soft, warm. |
| Transportation | Oversized, you need long sleds. | Compact, in any backpack |
| Repairability | Difficult (replacement of sheet) | Easy (re-set) |
| Term of service | 10+ years | 5-7 years (depending on UV) |
Advantages of using the inflatable floor
The card card. airdeck Fishing or boating often lasts several hours, and being able to sit or even lie on a soft surface without extra foam or an inflatable seat is invaluable, especially for families with children who can frolic on the floor without the risk of injury or catch a cold from cold plastic.
The second important advantage is versatility, and you can use the Aerdek as a self-contained bathing raft by undocking it from the cylinders (if the design permits) or simply taking it ashore for a picnic. floatabilityIn a critical situation, if the boat gets punctured, a pumped airdec will help the boat stay afloat.
Use the airdec not only in the boat, but also as a mattress for camping on the shore - it perfectly isolates from moisture and irregularities of the ground.
And also, the ease of assembly is that you don't have to spend time laying heavy sheets of plywood, connecting them with profiles and aligning them, just spreading the blown bottom, inserting them into slots and pumping them, and the whole process takes 3-5 minutes, which is especially valuable when you're out on water.
Disadvantages and limitations of operation
Despite the obvious advantages, airdecks have downsides that you can't keep quiet about: sharp objects are the main enemy of the inflatable floor. Shells, spines, hooks and fishing gear can cause puncture. Although repairs don't take long, in the field, it's always stress and a waste of time that you want to spend on rest.
Another thing is that it's temperature-dependent, and winter fishing or early spring requires a different approach, and in the cold, PVC gets tough, and the pressure inside drops. You have to keep pumping. airdecIn addition, condensation formed inside the boat due to temperature differences can accumulate under the bottom, creating an unpleasant slug.
⚠️ Warning: When using a high-powered airdeck, watch the transom angle. The soft bottom can bend under the weight of the engine and passengers, changing the boat's differentiation and reducing the efficiency of planing.
And don't forget the price. A quality airdec from a proven manufacturer (for example, Time Trial, Flagship or SolarisIt is expensive, often accounting for a significant part of the value of the boat itself, and budget counterparts can keep the pressure low and quickly become unusable, turning into a shapeless bag.
How to Choose the Right Airdock for Your Boat
Choosing the right size is not just a matter of convenience, it's a matter of safety. The bottom doesn't have to be too tight, otherwise it will start to open the cylinders, deforming the boat and creating excessive stress at the seams, but too loose the bottom will lead to folds that will rub your legs and interfere with movement.
Pay attention to the density of the fabric. The optimal indicator is considered to be reinforced PVC density at least 900 g/sq.m. Thinner materials wear out faster and hold the shape worse. Also important is the design of the valve: it is desirable that it is compatible with your pumps, so as not to carry extra adapters.
☑️ Criteria for the selection of airdeck
If you plan to actively use a motorized boat, consider options for airdecks with a reinforced heel for an outboard motor or additional pads in the area of the propeller, which will protect the bottom from damage in the case of water touch by the screw during maneuvers.
Installation and pumping instructions
The process of installing the airdeck is quite simple, but requires a certain sequence of actions to achieve the best result. First, the boat is assembled and slightly pumped to take its primary shape, then the deflated airdeck is put inside.
It's important to spread the bottom right over the area. It should be flat, no clamps. Then you can start pumping. Use a pressure pump to control the pressure. The recommended value is usually indicated in the product's passport, but on average it's 0.6-0.8 atmosphere.
Sequence of action:1. Spread the airdec inside the boat.
2. insert the nose in a special pocket (if any).
3. Pump to 0.3 atm, straighten the folds.
4. To achieve a working pressure of 0.7 atm.
5. Check the stiffness with your hand.
The Secret to the Perfect Installation
Pump the airdec 10-15% less than normal if the boat stays in the sun for a long time, which compensates for the expansion of air and saves the seams from rupturing.
After pumping, let the boat stand for 10-15 minutes, the air temperature stabilizes, and you can finally adjust the pressure. airdec “Just in case” is the main reason for breakages in hot weather.
Care, storage and repair
For the airdec to last, it must be properly stored. After each foray, the bottom must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, especially if you have been swimming on the salty sea. The sand and salt work as an abrasive, rubbing the fabric. Drying is mandatory: wet PVC in the rolled-up state will quickly be covered with mold, which destroys the structure of the material.
Use a spacious bag to store, without squeezing the product with heavy objects. The optimal storage temperature is room temperature, away from the heaters. If contamination appears on the surface, use a soft sponge and special PVC cleaning products, avoiding aggressive chemicals.
If you puncture, don't panic. Find the damage with a soap solution, hide the surface and apply a patch of remixes using PVC glue. The main thing is to let the glue dry for the prescribed time (usually 24 hours) before use.
Proper drying and storage of airdeck in straightened or freely rolled up extends its service life twice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I walk on the airdeck in shoes?
You can walk, but it is highly recommended that you do not. Shoes, especially with hard soles or stones on them, significantly increase the risk of puncture or abrasion of the top layer, it is better to use special shoes with soft soles or walk in socks / barefoot.
How much stronger is the airdress than regular inflatable mattresses?
It's much stronger. It uses Drop-Stitch technology and high-density reinforced PVC, which is designed to handle loads of hundreds of kilograms per square centimeter, whereas mattresses are made of thin film.
Does the airdec affect the speed of the boat?
The effect is minimal. Because of the possible deflection under load, the hydrodynamics of the bottom change slightly. At low and medium speeds (up to 20-25 km / h), the difference is almost imperceptible, at high speeds, glides can be slightly less effective than on rigid plywood.
What pressure should I pump in winter?
In winter, at low temperatures, the pressure inside drops, you need to monitor the gauge readings and pump the airdock to the nominal value immediately before getting on the water, but try not to exceed the maximum permissible pressure specified by the manufacturer.
Can I repair the airbrush myself?
Yes, small punctures and cuts are easily repaired with the remix that comes with the kit. For major damage (sews, large holes), it is better to contact a specialized PVC repair shop.