Modern waterwalks and fishing require a reliable watercraft that can be transported and stored easily. blow-boat They've become incredibly popular among outdoor enthusiasts, and their design allows you to fold the boat into a compact backpack, making it ideal for traveling by car or even public transport.
Unlike the classic plywood floor models, the technology is used here. High Pressure Air DeckIt's a complex engineering solution, where each element performs its function, and understanding how these vessels work will help you avoid mistakes in choice and operation.
When choosing a floating craft, it is important to consider not only its cost, but also the conditions in which it will be used. inflatable floor of low pressure (LDP) or high (LDPD) radically change the driving qualities and stability on the water. Let’s take a look at all the nuances so that your acquisition becomes a source of joy, not disappointment.
Design features of the inflatable floor
The basis of any boat with an inflatable floor is a special cylinder divided into thousands of cells by threads that connect the upper and lower surfaces. Drop-stitchWhen pumped to high pressure (usually 0.25-0.3 atm), the balloon becomes hard as plywood, but retains elasticity and buoyancy.
There are two main types of bottoms: low pressure (LDP) and high pressure (HDPD), the former being pumped to 0.2-0.3 atm, softer to the touch, but perfectly shaped under load, the latter requiring a compressor or a powerful pump, as the pressure reaches 0.8-1.0 atm, which makes them tougher but heavier. The choice between them depends on your priorities in comfort and weight.
It is important to note that in blown boats often used system Air Floor or Air DeckIt's integrated into the structure of the cylinders, and it eliminates the removable elements that you can lose or damage when you build them, and the whole structure is a monolith that's ready to fight right after you inflate.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight on a hot day unattended. The air pressure inside the cylinders rises proportionally to the temperature, which can cause seams to rupture or deform the structure.
In addition, modern models often feature additional inflatable stiffness elements, such as the keel ball, which runs along the entire bottom, improving course stability and protecting the body from impacts, which is especially important when going out into open water or when driving against the current.
Drop-stitch technology
How does it work?: The essence of the technology is that inside the balloon, there are thousands of strong threads connecting the top and bottom walls. When pumped, these threads are stretched, preventing the balloon from swelling into width, but providing a rigid surface, which allows you to create flat, hard surfaces from a soft material.
Advantages and disadvantages before a hard bottom
Comparing aeroboats to classic plywood-bottom models reveals a number of significant advantages. The main advantage is weight: the absence of heavy sheets of plywood or aluminum makes it easy for even one person to carry the boat, which is critical for anglers who travel long distances to the water.
The second thing is comfort, and the inflated bottom acts as a shock absorber, softening the shocks against the wave. flatbed The shaking is transmitted directly to the spine, which can be a serious problem with prolonged fishing, and the soft bottom is also warmer, which is true in cold weather.
But there are also downsides to knowing about in advance: blown airships have less hardness at breaking when fully loaded than plywood, which can limit the installation of powerful motors or create excessive differentiation, and assembly and disassembly times can be higher because of the need to pump more air.
- 🚤 Mobility: Compact folded allows you to store the boat at home without requiring a garage or space on the balcony.
- 💨 Aerodynamics: A smooth, inflated bottom creates less resistance to water and slides better through shallow ripples.
- 🛡️ Safety: The absence of hard corners inside the body reduces the risk of injury when things fall or roll.
- 🔧 Repairability: A damaged inflatable floor is easier to seal in the field than to restore the geometry of deformed plywood.
Materials and production technologies
The quality and durability of the boat depend on the material used. Most modern models are made of multi-layered material. PVC (polyvinyl chloride)This material consists of several layers: a base of synthetic fabric (usually polyester) and protective layers that give resistance to ultraviolet light, abrasion and puncture.
The density of the fabric is measured in grams per square meter (g/m2). For the inflatable floor, a fabric with a density of 750 to 1100 g/m2 is usually used.for example, 1100 g/m2) provides better protection against stones and sharp objects, but increases the overall weight of the article.
Special attention should be paid to the quality of the seams. Good boats use three-layer gluing, where the material is bent and glued on both sides, and then a third strip is superimposed on top, which creates a strong connection that can withstand high loads. Cheap models can have simple overhead seams that are less reliable.
When choosing a boat, pay attention to the color of the fabric: Light colors (gray, light green) are less heated in the sun, which reduces the risk of increased internal pressure and makes staying in the boat more comfortable in the heat.
And also, it's worth mentioning reinforcement. High-quality PVC has a reinforcement mesh that prevents cuts from spreading, and if you prick that tissue with a nail, the hole doesn't go beyond one mesh cell, so you can quickly repair the damage.
Comparison of specifications of different types of bottom
To make the right choice, you need to clearly understand the differences between the main types of designs. Below is a table that will help you organize the data and choose the best option for your tasks.
| Characterization | BNDD (Low pressure) | NDVD (High pressure) | Plywood bottom (Pyol) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure weight | Medium. | Highly | Very tall. |
| Hardness on fracture | Medium | High. | Maximum |
| Comfort (depreciation) | Highly | Medium. | Low. |
| Assembly time | Long-term | Long-term | Fast. |
| Price. | Medium | High. | Low/Medium |
The table shows that NDVD closer to plywood in stiffness, but loses weight. NDMA Offers a better balance between comfort and weight while remaining a popular fishing choice: Plywood boats are becoming a thing of the past, giving way to more technologically advanced solutions.
It is important to consider that the stiffness of the bottom affects the maximum permissible power of the engine. The harder the bottom, the more powerful the engine can be installed without risking damage to the transom or disrupt the hydrodynamics. For powerful motors (from 15 hp), it is often recommended rigid designs or HDD.
Rules of operation and maintenance
To keep the boat running for a long time, you have to follow a number of rules of operation. First of all, always check the pressure in the cylinders before getting on the water. Insufficient pressure leads to deformation of the hull and slowing down, and excessive pressure leads to the risk of rupture. Use a pressure gauge built into the pump or a separate device for accuracy.
After each operation, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, especially if you have been swimming in salt water or dirty bodies of water. Salt and silt can destroy the structure of PVC and glue over time. Drying should be done in the shade, in a straightened form, so that there is no moisture inside that provokes mold.
☑️ Daily care of the boat
Store the product in a dry, cool place, it is not recommended to keep the boat folded for a long time (months) without periodic straightening and swap, this prevents the formation of "cracks" on the material and maintains the elasticity of the glue.
For small punctures, use the kits that come with the kit. For more serious damage, it is better to contact a specialized workshop, where you will use professional glue and patches of the same material. Homemade repairs can not withstand pressure and lead to a water emergency.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use aggressive solvents, gasoline or abrasive sponges to clean the boat, which can damage the PVC protective layer, making the material vulnerable to ultraphylete and mechanical damage.
Tips for choosing the optimal model
When choosing a blown boat, focus on the number of people who will be in it at the same time. The payload reserve is mandatory: if you plan to fish together with a lot of gear, take a model designed for three, which will ensure high board above the water and safety.
Notice the design of the transom. To install the motor, it has to be rigid and reinforced. In some models with NDND, the transm can also be inflatable, but with a rigid insert inside. Make sure that the angle of inclination of the engine is adjustable, this is important for the exit to the planing.
Also worth checking is the availability of convenient carry handles, perimeter liner cable (which can be held on when swimming or in the event of a flip), and anchor and sonar mounts. Small details often determine usability in real conditions.
The main criterion for choosing a boat size is the size of your task. Don't chase giant models "to grow up" if you plan to walk alone: a larger boat is heavier, sails in the wind and requires a more powerful engine.
Don't forget the warranty and the reputation of the manufacturer. Famous brands value their name and use quality glue and fabrics. Cheap counterparts can smell like chemicals, have uneven gluing and quickly fade in the sun. Savings during the purchase phase can turn into expenses for repairing or buying a new boat in the season.
How to properly pump a boat with NDNDM?
Pump the cylinders sequentially, alternating them to ensure an even distribution of pressure. First, bring the pressure to 0.1 atm in all compartments, then increase to the operating value (usually 0.2-0.25 atm). Don't pump in the heat, it is better to under-pump by 10%, as the pressure will increase in the sun.
Can I put an electric motor on the inflatable floor?
Electric motors are usually lightweight and don't produce much vibration, so they work well with NDND boats, and the key is to securely attach the lower unit to the transom and monitor the battery level, which is the main load in the stern.
What if the boat starts poisoning the air?
Find the leakage site with a soap solution (bubbles will point to a hole). Dry the surface, degrease and seal with a special PVC patch using adhesive for inflatable boats. Let the glue dry according to the instructions (usually 24 hours) before pumping.
What is the difference between a PVC boat and a inflatable boat?
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is much stronger, lighter and more resistant to ultraviolet and aging than rubber. inflatable boats are heavier, take longer to dry and prone to rot. Modern aeroboats are made only of PVC.