Finding a quality PVC can is a task that requires attention to detail, because it is not only the comfort of fishing, but also the safety of the water. Many owners of inflatable vessels face the problem when regular seats are too soft, unstable or quickly become unusable under the influence of moisture and sun, which is why the decision to buy a reinforced or specialized model becomes one of the first steps in the tuning of the boat.
The choice of the right option in today’s market is huge, and it’s easy for a beginner to get confused by the variety of materials, designs and mounting methods. Flagship, hunter or AquaIt is important to understand that there are almost no universal solutions, and before buying you need to carefully measure the internal dimensions of the cockpit, as well as pay attention to the type of inflatable tubes to which the seat will be attached.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what to look for when choosing, what materials are considered the most durable and where it is best to purchase components so as not to overpay for unnecessary functions.
Criteria for choosing a reliable seat for an inflatable boat
The first thing to decide before buying a PVC can is the fabrication material, as it dictates the weight, durability and cost of the product. The market is dominated by two main types: plywood coated with waterproof laminated film and extruded aluminum. Plywood options, often called “marine plywood”, have high strength and pleasant texture, but they are heavier and can over time dissect if the protective coating is damaged.
Aluminum cans, in turn, are profiles with perforation or riffling, which makes them almost eternal. They are not afraid of water, corrosion (with anode coating) and ultraviolet, and are much lighter than wooden counterparts. Norvik or AquaIt can be two to three times higher than plywood, and for those who value every gram of weight when carrying a boat to the water, aluminum is the only option.
The second critical parameter is the way you attach, which must fit your boat's design. There are several basic types of fixation, and a mistake in choosing will cause the seat to slide down or, worse, to fall into the water while you're driving.
- 🔹 Mounting "for the cord" is a universal option, where the bank is fixed between inflated cylinders due to the tension of a special cable or cord, passed through holes in the ends of the seat.
- 🔹 Mounting in the lyctross is a more reliable method, involving the use of a special groove (liktros) along the perimeter of the balloon, where the hard part of the can is inserted.
- 🔹 Inflatable pillows - a mobile option where the can is simply placed on cylinders and fixed by its own weight and friction, is often used in light cruising models.
Size and geometry: how not to make a mistake with dimensions
Geometrics are what determines whether a can you buy will fit into your boat without gaps and distortions. The standard width of the cockpit for most motorboats varies from 90 to 110 cm, but this parameter can "walk" depending on the pressure in the cylinders and air temperature. When ordering a product, it is important to consider not only the inner width, but also the diameter of the cylinders themselves, since this depends on the departure of the seat and the ease of landing.
The length of the can also plays a role, especially if you plan to install several seats or attach additional equipment to them, such as spinning holders or gearboxes. Too short can will be unstable, and an excessively long can rest on the sides, deforming cylinders and creating overvoltage points, which is dangerous for the integrity of the PVC fabric. The optimal length for a single seat is considered to be a range of 30 to 40 cm, which provides sufficient support area.
When ordering cans for individual sizes, always reduce the width by 1-2 cm from the measured, since inflatable tubes expand when heated in the sun and can squeeze out an incorrectly selected jumper.
The thickness of the material also matters: for plywood models, the thickness of 12-15 mm is considered optimal, which ensures stiffness and no deflection under the weight of an adult with a load. Aluminum profiles usually have a height of 40-50 mm, which also guarantees high load capacity. You should not save on thickness by buying thin “economy class” boards, since they can burst under sharp dynamic load, for example, when a boat hits a wave.
Comparison of materials: plywood, aluminum and plastic
To make a final decision, a detailed comparison of the specifications of the main materials used in the production of cans is necessary, each of which has its own strengths and weaknesses, which become noticeable only during long-term use.
Laminated plywood is a classic of the genre, proven for decades, it is warm to the touch, does not slide even in a wet state (if there is riffling), and is easily processed at home. However, if you decide to customize such a jar yourself by drilling holes or cutting edges, you will have to reprocess the ends with moisture retardants, otherwise moisture will quickly reach the inner layers of the wood.
Aluminum profile (often aviation aluminum D16T) is the choice of professionals and those who like minimalism. Such cans do not absorb the smell of fish or gasoline, they are easy to wash with a stream of water from a hose, and they do not require any drying before packaging. Plastic options are less common and are usually solid structures that can be fragile in severe frost, but very convenient to care.
| Characterization | Laminated plywood | Aluminum profile | Plastic (LPCP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (average) | High (2.5 - 4 kg) | Low (1.0 - 1.5 kg) | Medium (1.5 - 2.0 kg) |
| Resistance to water | Medium (requires care) | Tall (not afraid) | Tall (not afraid) |
| Price. | Low/Mediocre | High. | Medium |
| Term of service | 3-5 years | 10+ years | 5-7 years |
Aluminum cans pay off with their lifespan: once you buy them, you’ll probably never return to the question of replacing seats, even if you change several boats.
Types of fasteners and their features of installation
The right mounting of the can is a guarantee of safety, so it is worth considering the mechanisms of fixation in detail. The most common is the lyctross attachment. The lyctross is a welded strip of material with a hard core inside, forming a trough. The can is inserted into this groove along the entire length of the board. This provides rigid fixation along the entire length, but requires a precise match between the profile of the can and the shape of the lyctros.
The cord attachment (or tension attachment) is more versatile. In this case, the ends of the bank (or special brackets attached to it) are made with holes through which a strong cord is passed. The cord covers the cylinders of the boat on both sides and is stretched. The tension adjustment allows the same jar to be used on boats with slightly different cylinder diameters. However, this method is less rigid and may require periodic lifting during operation.
⚠️ Warning: Never use conventional ropes or twine that can be worn or stretched under load to mount the cans. Use only specialized rigging cord or regular belts that come with factory cans.
There are also combined systems where the can has rigid protrusions to enter the lyctross, but is additionally fixed with belts to prevent surfacing when rolling. For boats without a lyctross system (where the cylinders are simply glued or stitched), the only option is inflatable seats or special brackets that cover the cylinder and are fixed with Velcro straps or belts.
☑️ Check before installing the bank
Where to buy: market, specialty stores or yourself
The question of where to buy a PVC boat can has several solutions depending on your skills and budget. Large specialized boating stores and online sites offer a wide range of ready-made solutions from proven brands. Buying from an official dealer, you get a guarantee of the appropriate size and quality of materials, as well as the possibility of consulting with a specialist who will help you choose a model for your boat.
Markets and bulletin boards offer cheaper options, often used or handicrafts. You can find great examples here, but the risk of running into poor-quality plywood that rises after the first fishing, or poorly processed aluminum with sharp burrs, is very high. When buying from hand, be sure to ask for photos of the ends of the product and specify the conditions in which it was stored.
The DIY option is a tinkering option. It's really easy to buy a sheet of marine plywood and cut it in size. But, getting the end of the end of the epoxy, getting the right laminate, and making the right mounts, takes time, tools and skills. If you don't have experience with woodworking tools, it's easier and often cheaper to buy a finished product than to mess with a homemade one that can fail at a critical moment.
Secrets of saving when buying
Buy cans in the off-season (fall or early spring) when demand for water-motor themes falls and many stores make discounts of up to 30% on accessories and tuning.
Maintenance and maintenance of boat seats
Even the best quality jar requires proper care to prolong its life. After every fishing, especially in salt water or in muddy waters, the seats must be rinsed with fresh water. Salt and silt, when dried, can crystallize and act as an abrasive, damaging the protective layer of plywood or oxidizing aluminum.
It is better to store the cans in a dry room, in a horizontal position, to avoid deformation (curvature) over time. If you use plywood seats, once a season it is recommended to inspect them for chipped varnish or film. Minor damage should be immediately painted with moisture-resistant paint or coated with a layer of olifa to prevent moisture from entering the material structure.
For aluminum structures, care is minimal, but there are nuances here too. Periodically check the places of fasteners and joints. If traces of white plaque (oxidants) appear on aluminum, they can be easily removed with a soft brush and a special aluminum cleaning agent, after which it is advisable to treat the surface with a protective spray.
⚠️ Warning: Do not keep a boat with the banks installed in a heavily inflated state for a long time (months) without needing. Constant stress at the points of contact of the cylinder and the rigid can can can lead to deformation of the seams of the boat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you use conventional construction plywood to make a can?
It is strongly discouraged from using conventional building plywood, it is not moisture-resistant and will quickly dissipate when wet, losing its strength. For a boat, only FC plywood (on urea glue) or, ideally, FC-Sh (polished) with additional impregnation and lamination is more durable, but it contains phenolformaldehyde resins, which can be toxic, although in aquatic environment this is less critical than swelling.
What is the maximum weight of a standard bank?
A standard quality can of 12-15 mm plywood or aluminum profile is designed for a load of 150 to 250 kg. This is quite enough for an adult, given the dynamic loads on the water. However, if you plan to sit on the edge of the can or use it as a support for heavy loads, it is better to choose models with additional stiffness ribs or a reinforced profile.
How to prevent the can from slipping on the cylinders?
To prevent the bank from running over smooth PVC tubes, you can paste strips of anti-slip tape (abrasive or rubber) on the lower part of the seat (at the contact points). There are special linings made of porous rubber that increase friction. In the case of attachment "behind the cord" it is important to maintain the correct tension, and in the case of liktros - make sure that the profile of the bank is tightly entered into the slot without backlashes.
Does the color of the can affect the heat in the sun?
Yes, it does. Dark colors (black, dark blue) in the sun are heated much more than light colors (white, silver aluminum, light wood). The heating can be unpleasant for the sitter and theoretically can contribute to local overheating of the balloon at the point of contact, although modern PVC materials are quite stable. For hot climates, light colors or natural wood / aluminum are preferred.
Can I put a box on the can for the gear?
Yes, many modern cans have flat surfaces or special mounting holes. You can use belts, Velcro straps or special brackets to fix the fishing box. The main thing is to spread the weight evenly and not overload one edge of the can so as not to disturb the balance of the boat. Also make sure that the box does not have sharp angles that can damage the cylinders when rolling.