Buying an inflatable vessel is always about finding a compromise between ease of transportation and rigidity. PVC boat owners have long put up with hard aluminum floorboards that are difficult to assemble, or a soft inflatable floor that doesn't hold shape in choppy conditions. The emergence of technology AirDeck (or High Pressure Floor) has been a game-changer in the boating market, creating a bottom that is close to plywood in stiffness, but remains fully inflatable and lightweight.
The technology is to use special fabric partitions inside an inflatable structure, so when you pump that floor to the working pressure, it becomes hard like a board, but retains elasticity and compressibility. Modern models of boats With an integrated high-pressure inflatable floor, they weigh significantly less than their mutually-weighted counterparts, which is critical for single-handed fishermen and low-power car owners. However, the choice between classics and innovation requires a detailed analysis.
In this article, we will look in detail at what it is. high-pressureWe'll compare different types of designs, look at the materials, and give you practical operational tips to keep your boat in service for years to come.
What is AirDeck and its operation principle
The technology, known as AirDeck, High Pressure Floor, or simply inflatable floor of NDNDM, is based on a specific material with an internal mesh structure. Unlike conventional inflatable tubes, which are rounded, it uses thousands of vertical strands connecting the top and bottom layers of PVC tissue, and when pumped, the air cuts through those layers, and the strands are pulled together to create a flat, rigid surface. The working pressure in such structures can reach 0.6-0.8 bar (6000-8000 mB), which is 10-15 times higher than in conventional cylinders of a boat.
The key element is a high-pressure valve that allows air to be pumped to a state of "stone" hardness. Unlike standard valves, these devices often have dual pelting protection and pressure indicators. The material from which the floor is made is usually denser than the on-board cylinder and has a multilayer structure: a strong base, reinforcement and a protective layer against abrasion and ultraviolet. reinforced PVC provides the necessary torsion rigidity, allowing the boat to keep shape even when going to planing.
It's important to understand the difference between a removable inflatable floor and an integrated one. In the first case, you get a separate mattress that fits inside a soft bottom boat. In the second case, the bottom is the supporting element of the structure to which stringers and boards are attached. Integrated solutions such as: NDMAIt provides better hydrodynamics, since the floor surface is perfectly flat and has no joints that create resistance to water.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a high-pressure boat under direct sunlight unattended. Heating the air inside a closed volume can cause critical pressure to exceed and the seams or material itself to rupture.
The rigidity of the structure depends on the quality of the fabric and the density of the strands. Cheap analogues can play under the weight of the passenger, creating a hammock effect, while quality branded floors provide a stable platform. transom-wheel Or a motor where vibration is transmitted to the entire structure.
Use an electric pump with automatic pressure shutdown to pump AirDeck. Manual pumping up to 0.6 Bar is a heavy physical labor that will take a lot of effort before fishing.
Comparison: AirDeck vs. soldered and soft bottom
Bottom choice is a perpetual dilemma for the buyer, and to make a good decision, you need to compare three main categories: classic Soft Floor, high-pressure inflatable floor (AirDeck/HDND), and hard hard-bed (Hard Floor), each with its strengths and weaknesses, which manifest themselves in different operating conditions.
Soft bottoms are ideal for calm water and require minimal assembly time. However, they don't provide the stiffness to plane and are uncomfortable for standing at full height. The bottom of the pile gives excellent rigidity, but they weigh a lot and take time to build the "designer". High pressure inflatable floor It tries to combine the advantages of both worlds: it is light, quickly assembled and rigid enough for confident planing with low-power engines.
Let’s look at the main differences in the form of a list to structure the information:
- 🚀 Assembly speed: AirDeck wins against the floorboards, as it does not require stove stacking and stringer installation, but loses to the soft bottom, as it takes time to pump.
- ⚖️ Weight: Boats with NDNDM are usually lighter than the cleavage counterparts by 15-20%, which is critical for single-seat carrying.
- 🌊 Hydrodynamics: An integrated inflatable floor often has a more streamlined keel shape than a composite floorboard, which gives a gain in speed.
- 🛡️ Protection against puncture: Here, the floorboard wins unconditionally. Stepping on a sharp stone or a snag on the thin bottom of AirDeck is a risk that requires attention.
The issue of comfort deserves special attention. flatboat It's always cold to sit without a mat, especially in spring or fall. AirDeck's inflatable floor is a great thermal insulator in itself. You can sit right on the floor without fear of overcooling. Also, the lack of hard elements inside makes the space more ergonomic: there are no protruding corners of aluminum profiles that you can hit or catch with tackles.
Technical specifications and materials of manufacture
When choosing a boat with AirDeck technology or buying a separate inflatable floor, it is extremely important to pay attention to the technical specifications. Not all manufacturers honestly specify the parameters of the materials used. The basis of quality is the density of the fabric and the method of connecting the layers. Generally used PVC density from 750 to 1100 g / m2. For the bottom of high pressure, it is preferable to take values closer to the maximum of the maximum pressure. 900-1100 g/m2This provides better resistance to the tear loads.
The design of the partitions (Drop-stitch) can be different: in budget models, the threads are less often located, which requires higher pressure to achieve the same rigidity, or the bottom remains more "viscous". Double Wall Or a reinforced Drop-stitch, where the distance between the layers is minimal and the density of the strands is maximum, and this allows you to create thin, but incredibly rigid floors that do not deform under load.
Seams are another critical point: high-quality products use hot vulcanization or flat-sweetened gluing using high-strength adhesives. Cheap options can simply be stitched and glued, which leads to rapid wear under cyclic loads. Surface treatment is also important: the presence of a UV protection layer and antibacterial impregnation significantly prolongs the life of the product.
For clarity, compare the specifications of different types of sexes in the table:
| Characterization | Soft bottom | Pillet bottom | AirDeck (NDM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (by 3.2 m) | ~25 kg | ~35 kg | ~28 kg |
| Assembly time | 5-7 minutes | 20-30 minutes | 10-15 minutes |
| Toughness | Low. | High. | Medium/High |
| Transportability | Great. | Medium | Good. |
| Price. | Low. | Medium/High | Medium/High |
And remember, the temperature of the operation, the PVC material becomes tougher in the cold and softer in the heat. Operating temperature range AirDeck floors are usually between -30°C and +50°C, but it is better to pump in the cold in a warm room to avoid microcracks when bending.
The secret to the longevity of seams
If you keep the boat deflated, try not to fold it down the same lines every time, change the configuration of the folding to avoid permanent clamping on the valves and floor seams.
Instructions: Assembly and installation of inflatable floor
Proper assembly is the key to the long service of your boat. The process of installing a high-pressure inflatable floor has its own nuances, ignoring which can lead to damage to the structure. Unlike paioles, you can not use force where you want accuracy. First you need to straighten the boat on a flat surface, cleared of sharp objects, branches and stones.
If you use a removable floor (mattress), it needs to be gently straightened inside the cylinders, align the valves for easy access. If the floor is integrated, make sure that the stringers (inflatable stiffness beams) are inserted into their pockets correctly and not twisted. Next comes the pumping process. It is recommended that the boat cylinders be pumped to 50-60% of the operating pressure first, then pump the floor to 80-90%, and only after that finish the pressure on the sides and bottom to the final values. This sequence allows the structure to properly sit down.
To control the pressure, be sure to use a pressure gauge. It is almost impossible to determine 0.6 Bar on the eye, and excess pressure is fraught with consequences. Below is a checklist that will help you not forget anything:
☑️ Preparation for launch
After pumping, let the boat lie down for 10-15 minutes. During this time, the material will stretch and the pressure may drop slightly (the effect of thermal expansion and stretching of the fabric). Make the final pumping if necessary. Make sure that the floor does not have unnecessary folds that can be rubbed when moving. fly-bottomMake sure that it does not move relative to the sides when pressed.
⚠️ Warning: AirDeck compressors that do not have a pressure gauge or a pressure relief system are strictly prohibited. Over-pumped floors can burst with loud cotton, damaging surrounding objects or causing injury.
Care, maintenance and repair of damage
Inflatable floors require careful care, but maintenance is no more difficult than taking care of the rest of the boat. After every fishing, especially in salt water or muddy bodies of water, the boat must be rinsed with fresh water. Sand and salt, drying, turn into an abrasive, which when folding the boat works like sandpaper, thinning the protective layer of PVC. Pay special attention to the valve area and the areas adjacent to the floor of the sides.
Drying is a critical step. Keeping a wet boat rolled up ensures that mold breaks down the fabric base and glue seams. If you can't dry the boat completely at home, at least try to wipe it dry and let it lie open for a few hours. Use special tools to remove persistent contaminants. PVC-cleaning or a weak soap solution, avoiding aggressive chemicals and solvents.
Small punctures or cuts can be repaired on your own in the field or at home, usually with a remake kit with pieces of cloth and glue, the damage site needs to be degreased (alcohol or special cleaner), cleaned with fine sandpaper, apply glue on both surfaces, let dry and press tightly. high-pressure inflatable floors It is important to put a patch with a margin, since the load on the gap in this zone is high.
The main enemy of inflatable floors is not water, but ultraviolet and dirt. Regular washing and storage in a dark place in a case will extend the life of the product by 5-7 years.
If the damage is serious (long break along the threads), it is better to contact a specialized service, they can perform professional vulcanization or replace the entire section. Do not try to seal large holes "dead" without preparation, as when pumped to high pressure, the patch can come off.
Frequent Questions and Answers by Experts (FAQ)
In conclusion, we will answer the most popular questions that arise from owners and potential buyers of boats with AirDeck, these answers will help to dispel doubts and avoid typical mistakes.
Can I use a boat with AirDeck to get out into the big water in a heavy chop?
Yes, but with limitations. High-pressure inflatable bottoms provide enough rigidity to plane confidently. However, the structure is still less rigid than aluminum paillon or all-metal body. On very strong waves, the bottom can bend slightly, which increases water resistance. For large reservoirs and sea walks, hard-bottomed boats or NDNDB with reinforced stringers are preferred.
How difficult is it to replace a floor if it becomes unusable?
If the floor is removable, it's elementary, just buy a new mattress of the right size, if the floor is integrated (pasted into the sides), it can only be replaced in a factory setting or a specialized workshop, it's a complex process that requires complete dismantling of the boat and professional gluing. So keep the floor from punctures.
Does the color of the floor affect its heating in the sun?
Dark colors (gray, blue, green) absorb more heat and heat up more, which leads to an increase in internal pressure. Light colors (beige, light gray) reflect the sun's rays and are less susceptible to overheating. If you plan to leave the boat on the water in the sun, choose light shades of floor.
Can I wear shoes on the floor?
Avoid wearing stiff shoes with treads or heels. Rubber boots with smooth soles are acceptable, but it is better to change shoes or use special soft shoes. Any dirt on the sole works as an abrasive. If you can not avoid cruising, put the rug in the cockpit area.
lifehack
For long-term storage (in winter), do not fold the boat too tightly, it is better to leave it in a half-blown state or hang it in an unstretched form, so that the material “rests” and straightens the folds.