Every owner of an inflatable vessel sooner or later thinks about increasing the comfort and reliability of his boat. plywoodIt's a time when it can get too moisture-free or too heavy, and it's at that point that an alternative is on the horizon. aluminum-flooringThe silk is a permanent service and a minimum weight, which is especially important for fishermen and tourists.
But switching to metal is not just about replacing one material with another, it's about changing the whole concept of how you operate a boat, and you're going to have to deal with new build nuances, corrosion risks if you don't care about it, and changes in driving performance. aluminum-floorIt’s like what they say in stores, and who really should invest in this upgrade.
Unlike wood, metal doesn't absorb water, but it's highly thermally conductive and can create noise. Choosing the right alloy and sheet thickness can overcome many of the drawbacks by turning your boat into a light and fast boat. But it's easy to make mistakes here, so it's important to understand the physics of the process before you buy the first sheet.
Why Aluminum: Physical Properties and Benefits
The trump card. polyol The density of aluminum is approximately 2700 kg/m3, whereas moisture-resistant plywood can weigh up to 700 kg/m3 or more, and when wet, this weight increases significantly. loading capacity And the speed of planing.
The second undeniable advantage is the absolute water-resistanceAluminum doesn't rot, it doesn't swell, it doesn't change its geometry when it's moist. If the plywood floor requires constant drying and varnishing, then you can just rinse the metal sheet with water and forget about the problems with stratification, which is especially important for those who leave the boat assembled in the country house or in the garage.
⚠️ Attention: Pure aluminum is soft, so special alloys (for example, AMG or D16T) are used for floorboards, which are highly durable, but can be subject to electrochemical corrosion when in contact with other metals.
It is also worth noting the high swellingWell-made aluminum floors can withstand significant loads without deflection, which is critical when installing heavy batteries or motors. Unlike wood, the metal has no natural structural defects, such as knots, which can become stress points.
- 📉 Reduce the total weight of the kit by 30-40% compared to plywood.
- 💧 Complete inertia to water, oil and gasoline.
- 🛡️ High mechanical strength and resistance to impact.
- ❄️ Ability to operate at extremely low temperatures without loss of properties.
Hidden Enemies: Corrosion and Oxidation
Despite the myths of the "perpetual metal," aluminum The main problem is the oxidation of the surface in contact with water and air, which leads to whitish plaque. Although the oxide film protects the metal from further destruction, in salt water or in contact with copper elements (for example, a lower unit motor) can begin active production. electrochemical.
Aluminum is particularly dangerous when it comes to stainless steel or copper in the presence of electrolyte (water), in which case aluminum acts as an anode and begins to decay rapidly. Therefore, when installing mounts or cans, you need to use insulating pads made of plastic or rubber, ignoring this rule can lead to through holes in the floor in one season.
For surface protection, it is often used anodizing The anodized layer is much harder than the metal itself and it resists scratches perfectly, but if you damage that layer to the metal, corrosion can start at the site of the damage, so taking care of the coating is key to the durability of your floorboard.
How to deal with white corrosion?
If you notice a white plaque, don't rush to clean it with abrasives. Treat the surface with a weak solution of acid (lemon or acetic) to neutralize the alkaline reaction, then thoroughly rinse and dry. Use special spray preservatives for aviation aluminum for prevention.
Design features and types of connections
aluminum pyeol It's rarely a monolithic sheet because it's difficult to transport, and it's usually made up of several sections that are connected together, and there are several ways to organize joints: by flap, by profile stringer, or by locking, and each method has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of rigidity and speed.
Connection fly-over It's the simplest, but it creates a step on the floor, which can be uncomfortable when you're moving on a boat. H-profile It allows you to make the joint smooth, but requires precise fitting of dimensions. Lock joints (like spike-pitch) provide high rigidity of the structure, but more difficult to manufacture and install.
An important element of the design is stringer They take the main load and transfer it to the boats. In aluminum floors, stringers are often made from a profile pipe or corner, and their correct location is critical to maintaining the shape of the bottom of an inflatable boat.
When choosing or making floors, pay attention to the thickness of the metal. For small boats up to 3 meters long, 2-3 mm thickness is enough. For larger models where rigidity is important, it is better to use sheets 4 mm thick or more, perhaps with stiff ribs. The thin sheet will rattle and bend under the feet, negating all the advantages of metal.
Comparison with plywood: specifications table
To make a final decision on the choice, let’s compare aluminum-pyeol It's a traditional laminated plywood, and it's a key way to weigh the pros and cons specifically for your skiing style.
| Parameter | aluminum pyeol | Plywood floorboard (9-12 mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (on set) | Low (5-8 kg) | Tall (12-18 kg) |
| Moisture resistance | Absolute. | Requires drying, risk of stratification |
| Thermal conductivity | High (cold) | Low (warm) |
| Noise | High (ringing) | Low (deaf banging) |
| Price. | High. | Affordable |
As you can see from the table, aluminum It's a great advantage in weight and durability, but it's a loss in comfort. Metal floors will always be colder than wood floors, which is noticeable in the off-season. In addition, metal resonates, amplifying the sound of waves and the operation of the motor, whereas wood works as a natural noise absorber.
Price is also a big factor. aluminum-set It can cost 2-3 times more than a quality plywood floor, but when you consider the life of the metal, it pays off by not having to replace rotten plates in 3-5 years.
Installation and DIY installation
If you decide to make aluminum-floor You need to cut the sheets accurately and have a special tool, and you can use electric scissors or a metal saw to cut aluminum, and you can work with Bulgarians, but you can be careful not to overheat the edges and deform the sheet.
Use aluminum alloy rivets to bond the elements together and with the profile of stringers. Steel bolts or rivets are not recommended due to the risk. galvanicAll holes should be thoroughly cleaned and preferably sealed before installing the fastener.
☑️ Checklist for making paiola
Pay special attention to the edges of the sheets. They should be smooth, without barbs, which can damage the PVC fabric when friction or pumped state of the cylinders. It is recommended to round all corners with a radius of at least 5-10 mm. It is also not superfluous to paste the ends of the profiles with soft tape or cloth.
⚠️ Warning: When drilling holes in aluminum, be sure to use lubricant (kerosene, oil or a special emulsion), otherwise the drill will quickly blunt and the edges of the hole will melt.
Operation: noise, cold and slip
The most frequent complaint of owners metal-floor An empty metal resonator is very good at transmitting vibration. To minimize this effect, the professionals recommend using it. vibratingSticking sheets of vibroisol (used in autosound) onto the back of the floorboard does wonders.
The second aspect is slipping. Smooth aluminum becomes dangerous when wet. Be sure to provide a slip-resistant coating. It can be a special paint with quartz sand, self-adhesive tape with abrasive or just rubber mats from an old car cut out in size. Neglecting this item can lead to injuries on a slippery bottom.
In cold weather, metal quickly gives off body heat, so sitting or standing on it barefoot or in thin shoes will be uncomfortable. The solution is one - using insulated mats or polyurethane foam mats, which not only warms, but also reduces noise levels.
To reduce noise and cold from the aluminum floor, use roll foam (foil foamed polyethylene) which is lightweight, does not absorb water and perfectly reflects heat back into the boat.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I use ordinary sheet aluminum from a construction store?
Construction aluminum (often grades AD0 or AD1) is very soft and easily deformed under load. For paiola, it is better to use aviation alloys (D16T, AMG) or, in extreme cases, a thick sheet of AD31 at least 4-5 mm thick, but it will be heavier.
Do I need to paint an aluminum floor?
You don't need to paint to protect yourself from water, aluminum protects itself with an oxide film, usually for aesthetic purposes or for applying an anti-slip layer. If you use paint, choose non-ferrous metal compounds with pre-priming.
Is aluminum heated in the sun?
Yes, in the open sun, dark aluminum floors can heat up very much, up to burns. Light anodized coating or white/light gray paint can help reduce heat. In hot weather, it is better to cover the boat with an awning or use removable mats.
How to repair aluminum floorboard when damaged?
Small dents can be repaired. Through holes or cracks are welded with argon. If welding is not available, you can use epoxy glue with fiberglass reinforcement or put an aluminum patch on sealed rivets.
Aluminum floorboard is the choice of pragmatists willing to sacrifice warmth and silence for the sake of minimum weight and perpetual life. For sports fishing and frequent travel, it is the best option, for family holidays by the shore, sometimes good plywood is enough.