Swimming in an inflatable boat is often associated with comfort, but the reality of water bodies makes its own adjustments, and waves, wind and rough surfaces make a walk a test for the back if there is no quality seat. shock-stack become the critical element that separates painful shaking from confident sliding on the water surface.
Many anglers underestimate the importance of landing properly, spending hours in the boat at a time, and the lack of damping of the shocks against the wave leads to rapid fatigue and even spinal injuries. depreciation not only gives a soft ride, but also increases the overall stability of the vessel, allowing you to work more confidently with gear.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the design of such racks, how to install them and the nuances of the choice of components. floater How to build the perfect knot yourself.
Why do I need depreciation in an inflatable boat?
The main function of the shock pillar is to quench vertical vibrations. When the boat moves or is anchored in the wind, the bottom is constantly struck. If the seat is rigidly fixed or just lying on the floor, all the energy of the impact is transferred to the human body. Pneumatic rack It takes this blow on itself, compressing and unceasing like a car suspension.
In addition to comfort, the height-adjustable support allows you to optimally position the center of gravity, which is especially true for flat-bottomed boats that are prone to yaw. gas-spring helps to keep the body in a given position, reducing sailing and improving the course stability.
It's worth noting that the lack of depreciation on long transitions can cause serious discomfort. Professional boaters know that saving on comfort elements is equivalent to saving on their own safety. Installing a rack reduces the vibration load on the spine by up to 70% compared to a rigid fastening.
- 🛶 Significant reduction in fatigue during prolonged exposure to water.
- 🛡️ Protection of the spine and joints from shock loads on the wave.
- ⚙️ The ability to quickly adjust the height of the landing under the growth of the fisherman.
- 🌊 Improvement of the boat stability by quenching inertial oscillations.
⚠️ Attention: Using homemade shock absorbers with unpredictable compression can cause the boat to roll sharply.
Types of constructions: from springs to gas lifts
The market for accessories offers several options for the implementation of suspension. gas elevators (gas lifts)They work like car racks for trunk shock absorbers, providing a smooth and predictable ride, compact, water-free and easy to install.
The second option is spring mechanisms, which are cheaper, but they have one major drawback: rocking. The spring, after compression, tends to return to its original position with excess energy, creating a pendulum effect, and on the water this can be unpleasant, since the boat will continue to sway even after the excitement has stopped. Oil shock absorbers are less common due to the complexity of sealing and the risk of water contamination with oil during depressurization.
There are also combination options where the gas rack is supplemented with rubber dampers, which allows you to fine-tune the stiffness under the weight of a particular angler. When choosing, it is important to pay attention to the material of the rod: it must be made of stainless steel or have a high-quality chrome coating, otherwise corrosion will quickly disable the knot.
Criteria for the selection of depreciation rack
Choosing the right component is not just about buying the first part you find. The key is the compression force, measured in Newtons or kilograms of force. An 80-90 kg angler will need a rack with an effort of about 400-500N. If you take a too weak one, the seat will fall through; too strong one will not push through, and there will be no depreciation.
The length of the rod in compressed and uncrushed condition determines the range of height adjustment. You need to consider the dimensions of your boat and the desired landing height. Standard car racks are often excessive in length for PVC boats, so they have to be shortened or search for specialized ones. sea-likeFixing elements also play a role: ball supports provide freedom of movement, while hard eyelets require precise installation.
Remember the temperature. The gas in the balloon expands when heated in the sun, increasing the pressure. So a rack that works perfectly in a garage can become stone in the sun. You'd better choose products with a margin of force or the ability to eject gas.
- 📏 Accurate calculation of the compression force under the weight of the fisherman and equipment.
- 🔩 The presence of hinge joints (sylent blocks) to compensate for angular displacements.
- ☀️ Resistance of materials to ultraviolet light and temperature changes.
- 💧 The tightness of the seals of the rod to prevent moisture from entering.
The secret of the perfect selection of gas lift
For precise force selection, you can use the formula: Body weight (kg) + Weight of equipment (kg) = Total load. The force of the gas lift should be approximately 60-70% of this amount, since some of the weight is distributed to the legs. For example, with a total weight of 100 kg, look for a rack with a force of 600-700N (about 60-70 kgf).
Installation tools and materials
Installation of the cushioning system requires care and preparation. The basis is a strong seat, often called a "can" or "seat." To strengthen it and fasten the racks, you will need moisture-resistant plywood (PSP grades) at least 12 mm thick or sheet aluminum. The tree must be treated with impregnation and painted to protect from moisture.
You'll need a wide hat and nut bolt to fix the elements, Grover's washers to prevent vibration from unscrewing. If you're planning to attach the rack to an inflatable balloon, you'll need special pencil platforms made of hard plastic or composite that are glued to PVC fabric, using two-component polyurethane adhesive or specialized PVC boat compounds as adhesive.
You can also use a standard set of tools: drills, metal and wood drills, wrenches, sandpaper and degreaser. Use a marker and a ruler to make sure the installation is symmetrical. Mistakes in the marking phase can lead to seat distortion and discomfort during operation.
☑️ Preparation for installation
Step-by-step installation instructions
The installation process begins with the preparation of the seat. Cut the seat base of the desired shape out of plywood. Then mark the mounting positions of the gas racks. Usually they are placed two on the sides or one in the center, if the design allows. Drill holes and install the reactive parts of the mounts (eyes or ball supports) on the bottom of the seat.
The next step is to prepare the floor of the boat or the tanning board, and if the boat permits, the racks are attached to the hard floor (shale), otherwise a special platform is mounted, glue the pentacles to the mounting racks to the cylinders or the hard floor, following the instructions for drying the glue. It is important to allow the polymerization to go through a full cycle, usually 24-48 hours before you put the knot under load.
The final assembly is to connect the movable parts. Put the gazillator rods in the mounts, fasten them with bolts. Check the free ride: the seat should fall under the weight of the person and smoothly return up. If the stroke is too tight or too easy, it may be necessary to replace the gaslifts with models with a different force. Adjustment of height is often implemented by changing the mounting point of the lower part of the rack.
| Work phase | Materials required | Implementation time | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacture of the seat | Plywood FSF, varnish, brush | 2-3 hours | Low. |
| Marking and drilling | Drill, drill, marker | 30 minutes. | Medium |
| Installation of anchorages | Bolts, nuts, washers. | 1 hour | Low. |
| Final assembly | Gaslifts, keys. | 30 minutes. | Low. |
⚠️ Attention: When drilling holes in plywood, use sharp-sharpened drills to avoid chipping and material stratification. Do bolt holes with a margin of 1-2 mm to compensate for backlashes.
Maintenance and operation
Even the most reliable depreciation After every fishing trip, especially in salt water, it is recommended to rinse the metal parts with fresh water, and the salt aggressively affects chromium and aluminum, triggering corrosion processes that can jam the rod.
Check the tightening of bolt joints periodically. Vibration when a boat moves can weaken even well-twisted nuts. Use a thread lock when assembly. Also monitor the condition of rubber seals and Silentblocks: if they crack, they need to be replaced, or there will be knocking and backlash.
In winter, keep the boat and seat unpacked or straightened so as not to put constant pressure on the gazillary gums. Although modern seals can withstand prolonged compression, reinsurance will prolong the life of the unit. It is not recommended to lubricate the rods with conventional oil, as it can destroy rubber cuffs; use silicone lubricants.
To lubricate movable joints and protect rubber seals, use a silicone spray that does not corrode rubber, repels water and maintains the elasticity of the cuff at low temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you use conventional car gaslifts for a boat?
Yes, you can. Car gaslifts (like those from the trunk of a VAZ or foreign cars) are often used by anglers, the main thing is to find the right compression force under your weight, but they can be longer than specialized ones, which will require reworking the mounts.
How to calculate the required force of the gas lift?
There is a rule of thumb: the force should be about 60-70% of the body weight of the angler. The exact calculation depends on the lever shoulder and the number of racks. For a weight of 90 kg, the optimal force will be about 500-600 Newtons (about 50-60 kgf).
Do I need to lubricate the shock absorber rod?
The gas lift rod already has factory lubrication under the oil oils, which is not necessary to lubricate from the outside, but it is useful to wipe with a silicone wipe to protect against corrosion. The use of aggressive solvents or gasoline for cleaning is prohibited.
What if the boat became roller after installing a heavy seat?
A heavy, depreciated seat raises the center of gravity. To compensate, try to place heavy items (battery, anchor) on the bottom of the boat, not on the sides. Also make sure that the pressure in the cylinders is normal.
A properly selected and installed shock counter turns a hard inflatable floor into a comfortable chair, allowing you to enjoy fishing for hours without back pain.