Operating an open metal boat is always a balance between reliability and comfort. Many owners of the "Kandak" and "Ob" sooner or later come to the idea of upgrading, wanting to improve stability and protect the sides from impact. Installing inflatable tubes on an aluminum boat becomes the ideal solution, turning a hard and noisy "tree" into a comfortable floating vehicle for recreation or fishing.
The main purpose of such tuning is not only in aesthetics, but also in functionality. Inflatable boards They significantly reduce noise from waves splashing against metal and dampen vibration when the engine is running, and they also provide effective protection against scratches when mooring on rocky shores or moorings.
However, the modernization process requires careful consideration of materials and fastening methods. PVC tubes In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of choosing, installing and caring for additional boards for your aluminum vessel.
Advantages of Installing Inflatable Boards
The first thing that the owner notices after installing the soft sides is a sharp change in the behavior of the boat on the water. air-flow The sides are very stable, and this is critical when fishing actively, when fishermen move from side to side, or when they go out into open water, where a side wave is possible.
The second important aspect is the safety of passengers, the metal sides are hard and cold, contact with them at speed can be painful. flyboard It cushions shocks and protects people from injury. In an emergency, if the boat does flip over, having sealed cylinders drastically increases the chances of staying afloat.
⚠️ Attention! Installation of cylinders that are too large in volume can change the boat's differential and increase sailing, which will adversely affect handling in high winds.
Also worth mentioning is noise insulation. Aluminum conducts sound very well, and splashing water against the side while glides can be annoying. PVC material The balloons effectively quench these sounds, making the walk more enjoyable for everyone on board.
- 🌊 Improvement of stability and insinkability of the boat
- 🔇 Reducing noise from waves on board
- 🛡️ Protection of aluminum housing from mechanical damage
- 👶 Safety of children and passengers when pitching
Types of cylinders and materials of manufacture
The market for accessories for boating equipment offers various options for the implementation of additional boards. PVC (polyvinyl chloride)This material is highly tensile, resistant to ultraviolet light and petroleum products.
There are also options from hypolatone (CSM) synthetic rubber. They are more durable and better able to tolerate aggressive environments, but they cost much more and weigh more. For most aluminum boat owners, the best choice is a quality 5-layer or 7-layer PVC density of at least 750 g/sq.m.
Structurally, cylinders can be integral or consist of several compartments. Multi-cutting structure It's preferable because it keeps the buoyancy even if one section is damaged, and it's also important to look at the presence of the harnesses and the liner cable, which give the structure a stiffness.
Methods of attachment of cylinders to the shell
The safety of the mount is a safety issue, and there are several basic ways to fix the cylinders on an aluminum case. staples and bolt joints that are attached to the transom arc or the bolt bars.
The second option is to fix with the help of beltThis method is less traumatic for the hull, because it does not require drilling additional holes, but requires regular tension checks. The third method is a combination, where the nose is fixed rigidly and the aft is fixed on the belts.
When choosing a method of attachment, you need to consider the design of a particular model of the boat. For example, for boats of the Kazanka type, regular holes under the hinges are often used, while for the Ob or Wind, an individual solution may be required.
☑️ Check of the anchorage system
Therefore, all bolt connections must be made from stainless steel and treated with sealant to prevent leakage.
Instructions for self-assembly
Installation of cylinders yourself requires accuracy and adherence to technology, before starting work, you must carefully degrease the surfaces of the aluminum case in the contact areas with the mounts, this will ensure reliable adhesion and prevent displacement of elements.
First, you try on the cylinders without stretching. keelline The symmetry axis of the boat is matched, and the cylinders do not interfere with the engine or access to the anchor kunduk. After marking the mounting points, you can start drilling (if you choose the bolt method).
Recommended course of action:Marking of the holes
Drilling a hole with a smaller diameter drill
3. Drilling to the desired diameter
4. Anti-coat edge treatment
5. Installation of the fastener on the sealant
When tightening the bolts, it is important not to overdo it so as not to deform the thin aluminum. Use wide washers to distribute the load. After installing all the elements, you need to test the balloons and check the geometry.
- 🔧 Prepare all the necessary tools in advance
- 🧼 Clean and degrease the surface thoroughly.
- ⚖️ Watch the symmetry of the installation from both sides
- 🔩 Use a thread locker for all connections
Impact on driving performance and safety
The installation of additional volumes inevitably changes the hydrodynamics of the boat. Sailing The boat is growing, which can become noticeable in the side wind, while the soft sides extinguish the shocks against the wave, making the journey smoother and more comfortable.
Stability is the main advantage of modernization, the boat becomes less sensitive to the movement of goods and passengers. wide-bore They can create additional resistance, which will require a little more engine power to accelerate.
Impact on speed
Additional cylinders can reduce the top speed by 3-5 km/h due to increased wetting surface area and air resistance, but ride comfort compensates for this small loss.
In critical situations, such as a sharp roll or a water spill, the presence of sealed cylinders on the sides gives precious time for reaction. life-savingNot allowing the boat to quickly lose its buoyancy.
⚠️ Attention! When installing cylinders, make sure that they do not block access to drain holes and do not interfere with the operation of the lower unit engine at low speeds.
Table of comparison of popular fasteners models
The choice of mounting system depends on the budget and readiness to drill the case, and below is a comparison of the main types of solutions available on the market.
| Type of attachment | Difficulty of installation | Reliability | Impact on the body |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bolt (on brackets) | High. | Maximum | Requires drilling. |
| Belt (coverage) | Low. | Medium | No damage. |
| Combined | Medium | High. | Partial |
| On the timber. | Medium | High. | Uses regular holes |
As you can see from the table, each method has its pros and cons. For new boats, where it is important to preserve the presentation of aluminum, often choose to use the new method. belt-systemFor older boats, where functionality is more important than appearance, a rigid bolt fastener is preferred.
The choice of the method of anchorage should be based on the condition of the boat hull and the frequency of operation of the vessel in difficult conditions.
Inflatable elements maintenance and maintenance
For the cylinders to last, they need regular maintenance. After each release, especially if the boat was swimming in salty or polluted water, the cylinders must be rinsed with fresh water. PVC fabric.
Keeping a boat with cylinders installed is better in the shade or under an awning. Direct sunlight, although PVC is resistant to UV, over time reduces the elasticity of the material and the brightness of color. Before a long winter, it is recommended to slightly lower the pressure to compensate for the temperature expansion of the air.
Regularly check the anchorages of the belts and braces. Aluminum and steel (mounting) can form a galvanic pair, which leads to accelerated corrosion. gasket or lubricants between different metals.
- 🚿 Wash your balloons with fresh water after each trip
- ☀️ Avoid long-term storage under direct sun
- 🔍 Check the pressure in the cylinders before each season
- 🧴 Process the material with special means for PVC
Use a soap solution and a soft sponge to clean up the heavy contaminants. Abrasive cleaning products can damage the protective PVC lacquer layer.
What pressure should be in the cylinders?
The optimum working pressure is usually 0.2-0.25 atmosphere (about 3-4 PSI). The cylinder should be hard to the touch, but retain a slight elasticity.
Can I seal the balloon myself?
Yes, small punctures can be sealed with special remakes for PVC. The surface must be cleaned, degreased and glued patch with heating (for some types of glue) or cold gluing, following the instructions of the glue manufacturer.
Will the speed of the boat with cylinders decrease?
A slight decrease in speed (by 2-4 km / h) is possible due to increased resistance, but in calm water and moderate wave, the difference is almost not felt, and comfort increases significantly.
Do I need to remove the cylinders for the winter?
They don't have to be removed if they're securely secured and protected from UV light, but many owners prefer to remove them for storage in a warm room to extend the material's lifespan.