Choosing the optimal floor for an inflatable vessel is often a decisive factor when assembling a waterwalk or fishing kit. airdek (airdeck) is a modern solution that dramatically changes the comfort of operating a small vessel. Unlike rigid plywood or aluminum decks, this element is made from high-strength PVC fabric and pumped with air, forming a perfectly flat and elastic surface.
Many inflatable boat owners have put up with the weight of assembly and the greater weight of traditional sleigh for years, unaware of the existence of an easier alternative. floor-floor This allows you to reduce the total weight of the kit by 30-40%, which is critical for carrying equipment to the water, and it also provides excellent thermal insulation, which is especially appreciated by fishermen in the cold season.
But the transition to new technology requires an understanding of design and operating rules. Incorrect model selection or violation of pumping technology can lead to deformation of the side or inconvenience during rowing. airdecade It is becoming the standard for modern boats, how to assemble it correctly and what mistakes beginners most often make when they first come into contact with this material.
What is an airdec and its design features
Constructively airdecade This is a sealed chamber reinforced by thousand-lite threads perpendicular to each other, a technology known as Drop-Stitch that allows the floor to keep shape and high internal pressure without stretching to the sides. The perimeter of the product is often a rigid edging or special pockets that fix the floor inside the boat, preventing it from moving while moving.
Unlike the inflatable bottoms (ND), which are part of the balloon, airdec The thickness of the pumped floor is usually 5 to 10 centimeters, which creates an additional buffer between the water and the boat, which not only increases comfort, but also adds additional buoyancy, albeit a slight one.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a pumped airdec in direct sunlight unattended for long periods of time. The air inside the chamber heats up and expands, which can lead to a critical increase in pressure and rupture of the sutures or tissue.
An important element of the design is the valve through which the pumping is carried out. Bravo or LeafieldThe quality of the valve sticker and the tightness of the seams are the determining factors for the durability of the product. Cheap analogues can have weak spots in the adhesions, where air begins to come out over time.
Comparison of airdek with plywood sludge and inflatable floor
When choosing equipment, the owner faces a dilemma: leave the classic plywood, go to the airdeck Or choose an inflatable floor model (BBB), each with its own strengths and weaknesses, which must be considered based on the operating conditions. Plywood slate provides perfect rigidity, but has the greatest weight and complexity of assembly, as it consists of many sheets connected by profiles.
The inflatable floor (ND), which is part of the cylinder, is convenient to assemble, but has less rigidity and is subject to deflections under the weight of passengers. airdek It takes an intermediate position, combining a rigidity close to plywood (at the right pressure) and the lightness of inflatable structures. It does not absorb water, unlike plywood, and does not require drying after each trip unless there was direct contact with moisture inside the boat.
| Characterization | Plywood slut | inflatable floor (ND) | Airdeck (Airdeck) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight of kit | Tall (heavy) | Medium. | Low (light) |
| Surface rigidity | Perfect. | Low (bending) | High (in pumping) |
| Assembly time | Long-term (15-20 min) | Minimum | Mean (10 min) |
| Heat insulation | Low (cold from water) | High. | Very high. |
It is worth noting that ardekism If the plywood is always hard, the under-performing airdec will turn into a soft mattress that is difficult to stand on or sit on, so having a good pump with a pressure gauge is a prerequisite for comfortable use of this type of floor.
The Benefits of Using an Inflatable Floor in a Boat
Transition to use airdeck There are some tangible benefits that thousands of aqueous motorists have already appreciated, especially weight, and a 5-8 kilogram weight reduction may seem small, but if you have to carry gear on the shore or load it into the trunk of a small car, this difference becomes critical.
The second big thing is ergonomics, because the inflatable floor has no hard corners or joints that you can hit or hook with your clothes, and it's monolithic and nice to touch, and it's also very cushioned, which reduces the stress on your spine when you're in a boat for a long time, especially on the wave.
- 🚀 Assembly speed: The absence of the need to dock many plywood sheets and insert them into the slots significantly accelerates the process of preparing the boat for launching.
- 🛡️ Durability: quality PVC does not rot, is not subject to corrosion and does not deform from moisture, unlike plywood, which can be layered over time.
- ❄️ All-season: The inflatable floor creates an air layer, keeping the warmth of the legs even when fishing in cold water in late autumn.
And it's also worth mentioning universality. Many manufacturers produce. airdeckThis is a great way to replace the regular bottom of popular boat models, which allows you to upgrade the old kit, making it lighter and more comfortable, without having to buy a new boat entirely.
If you plan to use the boat mainly for anchor fishing, the airdec will be the best choice due to its silence (does not rattle on the wave like plywood) and warmth.
Technical specifications and pressure requirements
The key parameter determining the performance of the floor is the working pressure. Usually manufacturers specify a range of 0.2 to 0.6 atmospheres (or 3 to 9 PSI). To give the floor the necessary stiffness properties (“like a board”), you need to pump it to the upper limit specified in the product passport. Insufficient pressure will cause the floor to bend under the weight of the seat, creating a hammock effect.
The material of manufacture is reinforced PVC fabric density from 750 to 1100 g / sq.m. denser fabric provides better resistance to puncture and abrasion, but slightly increases the weight of the product. Drop-Stitch Technology (thousands) allows you to maintain the geometric shape of the product during pumping, not allowing it to inflate to the sides, like a normal balloon.
⚠️ Attention: When pumping the airdec in a warm room (garage, apartment) and then taking it out into the cold or cold water, the pressure inside will drop. Conversely, the floor pumped in the cold in the sun can burst. Always check the pressure with a pressure gauge just before descending to the water.
The dimensions of the floor must be strictly consistent with the internal geometry of the boat, too narrow a floor will leave gaps at the sides, where water will flow and things will fall, too wide can rest on the cylinders and deform them, which will violate the hydrodynamics and stability of the vessel. floor-floor It is important to know the exact internal dimensions of your boat cockpit.
☑️ Checking before buying an airdec
Instructions for installation and assembly of airdek
Installation process airdeck It's easier than mounting plywood sleigh, but it requires a certain sequence of actions: first, you need to spread the boat and spread the cylinders. Then the floor is placed inside the cockpit in a deflated state. It is important to spread it so that it lies flat, without folds, and the valve is in a convenient place to access (usually closer to the transponder or center, depending on the model).
After the laying, the primary pumping is done. You don't have to immediately pump to the working pressure. You just need to shape the floor so that it spreads out and takes its place. Then you put on the sides of the boat and pump them, and when the cylinders are inflated, you can start the final floor pumping to the working pressure specified by the manufacturer.
Sequence of action:1. Spread the boat.
2. Put a blown airdec in.
3. partially pump the floor (up to the form).
4. Inflate the boat's cylinders.
5. Roll the floor to 0.5-0.6 atm.
6. Set the seats.
If the design includes fixing elements (pockets, Velcro straps, grooves), they must be fastened or fastened after the final pumping, which will prevent the floor from shifting during active movement or rowing. Some models have special mounts for the installation of tables or sonars, which are also mounted at this stage.
The main rule of assembly: always first partially pump the floor, then the sides, and only at the end bring the pressure of the floor to the working state.
Care, storage and repair of inflatable floor
In order to airdecade After every operation, especially in salt water or dirty water, the floor must be washed with fresh water and wiped dry, the product must be deflated, straightened, dry and dark, and folded in a tight lump for a long time can lead to cloth cloth cloth and microcracks in the adhesive layer.
In case of a puncture or cut, repair floor-floor It's easy. It uses a remix that comes with the boat, and the damage site is degreased, cleaned and sealed with a patch of PVC fabric using a special glue, and it's important to let the glue fully polymerize (dry) before re-inflating.
- 🧼 Cleanup: Use a soft sponge and soap solution, avoid aggressive chemicals and abrasives.
- ☀️ Protection against UV: for long-term storage on the street, cover the boat with an awning so that ultraviolet light does not destroy the structure of PVC.
- 🔧 Valve inspection: periodically check the valve for sand and dirt that may interfere with the tightness.
Compliance with these simple rules will allow you to maintain the performance properties of the floor for many seasons. airdeck When used carefully, it can survive the boat itself, becoming a reliable element of your equipment.
What if the airdec is poisoning the seam?
If you find that air is coming out at the seam, don't panic, and often this is solved by gluing the joint of liquid PVC or a special sealant for inflatable products. However, if the seam has spread significantly, professional repair in the workshop using high-frequency welding or hot gluing, as self-repair of large damage to the seams can be inefficient and dangerous on the water.
Can I use an airdec instead of a regular bottom in any boat?
Not any. It is important that the inner dimensions of the cockpit match the size of the airdec. In addition, in some budget boat models, the design may not include the installation of a hard or semi-rigid floor, relying only on an inflatable floor. Be sure to consult the boat manufacturer or seller regarding compatibility before buying.
What pressure is optimal for airdressing?
The pressure specified in the product passport is considered optimal, usually 0.5-0.6 atmosphere (about 8-9 PSI). At this pressure, the floor becomes hard to the touch and does not buckle under the weight of an adult. Pumping "on the eye" without a pressure gauge often leads to under-pumping and discomfort.
Should I lower the airdec overnight?
If the boat is left on the water or on shore in warm weather, the pressure in the airdec can increase due to the heat of the sun, which threatens to rupture. In such cases, it is recommended to put a little air out. If the boat is stored indoors at a stable temperature, constant descent is not required, but for long-term storage it is better to relieve pressure.
What is the difference between an airdec and a regular inflatable floor?
The airdec is a separate element (deck) that is embedded inside the boat and has high rigidity thanks to Drop-Stitch technology. The conventional inflatable floor (ND) is an integral part of the boat's design (at its bottom), it is softer, thinner and is not designed to create a rigid platform, but only seals the bottom.