Organizing space in an inflatable boat is not just a matter of convenience, but a critical element of safety and fishing efficiency. Boxing in a PVC boat It allows you to organize the storage of gear, fuel, tools and personal belongings, getting rid of chaotic scattered objects. Unlike metal boats, where niches are often designed structurally, in inflatable vessels, every element of ergonomics has to be thought out and implemented independently.
The main difficulty is the need to maintain a balance between the rigidity of the structure and weight, so as not to overload the boat. inflatable tubes So any internal elements should not have sharp edges or points of overpressure, and a properly designed box will become not only a storage, but also a full-fledged seat, which significantly increases comfort during long transitions or waiting for cool.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the materials, design features and ways of attaching boxes in boats of different sizes, you will learn how to avoid typical errors in the design and make the operation of the vessel as comfortable as possible. The optimal box width for a boat with a width of 160 cm is 30-35 cm, which leaves enough space for a rower on the sides.
Selection of materials for the manufacture of the box
The first step in creating a functional interior element is the choice of material. phanera The solution remains the most popular due to its availability and ease of processing, but it requires careful protection from moisture. The use of marine plywood is preferable, but even it must be coated with several layers of yacht lacquer or epoxy resin to prevent stratification.
An alternative to wood is modern composite materials, such as: PVC foam or compositeThese materials are completely inert to water, do not rot and have high strength at less weight, but they are much more expensive and may require special tools to work with them, making them the lot of professional workshops or experienced boat owners.
It's important to consider that the material has to withstand not only the static load from the things, but also the dynamic weight of the person sitting on the lid. The structure has to be reinforced by the stiffness ribs, especially if the span between the sides is large. The lightness of the design directly affects the carrying capacity of the boat, so every gram counts.
Use plywood at least 10 mm thick for the box cover so that it can withstand the weight of an adult without deflection.
When choosing wood, pay attention to the absence of knots and cracks, which can become points of destruction under the influence of vibration. PVA glue The carpentry, combined with the lacquer coating, creates a great barrier, but it's better to use epoxy compounds for the ends. Don't skimp on protective coatings, as replacing the rotten box will require complete dismantling and new costs.
- 🌲 FSF phanera - moisture-resistant, affordable, but requires high-quality treatment of the ends and surface.
- 🛡️ Foamed PVC Lightweight, water-free, durable, but expensive and more difficult to process.
- ⚖️ Composite aluminum Maximum strength and minimum weight, high cost of material.
Design features and drawings
Designing a box starts with taking precise measurements of the interior of the boat, and not only the width between the cylinders, but also the curves. coatboardThe shape of the box can be rectangular, trapezoidal or complex geometric shape, repeating the contours of the cylinders for maximum use of volume.
The box lid has a dual function: it covers the contents and serves as a seat, it should open comfortably even when the fisherman is sitting on it, or be completely removable. It is better to use metal hinges with anti-corrosion coating or plastic ones designed for marine use, since ordinary furniture quickly rust.
Why is geometry important?
The exact repetition of the contours of the boat allows you to increase the storage volume by 20-30% without compromising the comfort of rowers, using the space at the bow.
The interior space is recommended to be divided into sections by means of partitions, which will prevent the rolling of heavy objects, such as: anchor Or a canister of fuel, while you're on the wave, and having removable containers inside the main box makes it easier to access the little things and quickly extract what you need without lifting the whole lid.
To ensure that the box is unsinkable and buoyant, you can put blocks of foam inside the box, which is especially true for large boats, where the volume of the box is significant, and if the boat capsizes, this box will be an additional float that keeps the boat afloat.
| Parameter | Budgetary option | The best option | Premium option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case material | Plywood 10-12 mm | Plywood + PVC fabric | Foamed PVC 10 mm |
| Protection | 2 layers of lacquer | Epoxy + lacquer | Factory coverage |
| Furniture | Galvanized steel | AISI 304 Stainless Steel | Stainless steel AISI 316 |
| Weight (for 100 l) | ~8-10 kg | ~6-7 kg | ~3-4 kg |
Ways of anchoring in the boat
Fixing the box inside the PVC boat is a safety issue. When braking or hitting a wave, an unfixed box can shift, disrupting the boat's balance or damaging the balloon. There are several basic ways to attach: on belts, on Velcro straps, or rigidly fixing to the vessel. lyctros and stringers.
The use of fastex textile belts allows the box to be quickly dismantled when needed, such as drying a boat or cleaning the bottom of the sand. The belts are thrown over the cylinders and tightened, pressing the structure to the bottom. It is important that the belts do not rub against the fabric of the boat when vibrating, so soft pads are often placed under them.
Hard attachment to the elements of rigidity (stringers) is possible only in boats with low pressure inflatable floor (LDPB) or with a floorboard bottom, where there are rigid elements of the structure. In boats with inflatable floor of high pressure (HBP) drill or screw anything to the floor is absolutely impossible, here the only option is the use of the friction force and geometry of the box itself.
Velcro straps of large width and strength are a compromise: they allow the box to be securely fixed in place, but allow it to be quickly removed, the adhesive base of the Velcro straps should be applied to the prepared surface of the box, and the reciprocating part should be sewn or glued with special PVC glue to the fabric of the boat, if the design permits.
- 🔗 Fastex belts - universal method, suitable for all types of boats, does not require modification of the vessel.
- 🧵 Velcro straps (Velcro) - provide a tight fit, exclude displacement, but require sticker of the response part on the boat.
- 🔩 Hard fasteners - is possible only to wooden stringers or transoms, provides maximum reliability.
Instructions for assembly and installation
The process of making a box yourself requires precision and consistency of operations, first sawed parts according to the drawing, then pre-assembled to check the dimensions, all ends must be perfectly cleaned so as not to damage the fabric of the boat during installation.
The next step is to glue and build the frame, use quality carpentry glue and screws with a screw so that the hats are recessed and covered with plugs, and after assembly, a protective coating is applied in several layers with intermediate grinding.
☑️ Boxing assembly checklist
Installation of the finished product in the boat is done on a dry and clean surface. If you use a belt mount, make sure that they do not overly clamp the cylinders, but do not hang. Check the stability of the box by swaying the boat - it should stay in place.
The final touch is to fit the insides. Put the anti-slip mat on the bottom of the drawer so that the tools don't rattle. Install the organizers for the little things. Check the locks and hinges, grease them with silicone grease to protect against corrosion.
⚠️ Attention: When drilling holes for screws, use a drill with a depth limiter so that you do not accidentally penetrate the bottom of the box through and create sharp protrusions inside that can injure your hands or damage the contents.
Operating and caring for boxing
The durability of homemade boxing depends on the conditions of operation and maintenance. After every fishing, especially in salt water or in the rain, the box must be removed from the boat, wiped with dry rags and dried. The moisture left inside will swell the wood and corrosion the metal.
Regularly check the condition of fasteners and belts. The fabric of the belts has the ability to be rubbed, and the plastic of fastexes - tired of loads and ultraviolet. Replacement A worn belt will be cheaper than finding a lost anchor or tools at the bottom of a pond.
Once a season, it is recommended to update the lacquer coating or check the integrity of the color. Small chips should be painted immediately, preventing water from entering the material structure. Pay special attention to the corners and joints where the destruction most often begins.
Timely drying and storage of boxes in a dry room in winter prolong its service life by 2-3 times.
If the box is equipped with locks, lubricate their mechanism before the season begins. Rust can jam the lock at the most inopportune time. Use products that do not destroy plastic and rubber, such as silicone sprays, to lubricate the lock.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use the box as a seat to control the engine?
Yes, if the box is reinforced with ribs and the lid is made of a material at least 15-20 mm thick or has a metal frame, but the stability of the seat is more important to control the engine, so the box must be rigidly fixed so as not to shift under the weight of the operator when the engine jerks.
What is the best boxing volume for a boat 320-360 cm long?
For boats of this size, the optimal volume is 60 to 100 liters. A larger volume will take up too much useful space for legs and cargo, and a smaller one will not allow you to accommodate everything you need. The width of the box should not exceed 35-40 cm, so as not to hamper the movement of rowers.
Do I need to make holes in the bottom of the box to drain water?
Yes, if you plan to store wet gear in the box, or if you're at risk of water getting in, 5-10 mm holes that are covered with a garbage net will allow the water to flow out of the box, and if the box is sealed to store dry things, you don't need holes, but then you need perfect sealing of the lid.
What is the best way to handle plywood box for long service?
The best result is a combination of impregnation with antiseptic for wood, followed by 2-3 layers of epoxy soil and finishing with yacht varnish or polyurethane paint. Plywood ends require special attention - they need to be soaked more thoroughly, since they absorb moisture the fastest.
⚠️ Attention: Never store open containers of gasoline or oil in plastic or wood boxes without additional sealed containers. Fuel vapors can accumulate inside the box, creating an explosive concentration, as well as dissolving some types of glue and varnish.