Operation of inflatable boats on rocky beaches, in the thickets of reeds or among driftwoods inevitably leads to wear of the material. Boat reservation It's becoming more than just a desirable option, it's a necessity for those who value their safety and don't want to take risks in the middle of a body of water, and technology is now enabling them to reinforce the most vulnerable areas of the hull, turning the standard tourist model into a true all-terrain vehicle.
The process of applying additional protection requires careful surface preparation and the correct choice of adhesive composition. Mistakes at this stage can lead to peeling of the material, which will negate all efforts and financial costs. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of creating a reliable shield for your vessel, from the selection of materials to the final polymerization of the seams.
Why you need to book the bottom and cylinders
The main purpose of the reinforcement is to protect five-point PVC from mechanical damage. Standard fabric, even high density (1100 g / m2), does not always withstand contact with sharp shells, broken glass or branches sticking out of the water. Boat reservation It creates an extra buffer layer that takes the hit, and this is especially true for boats that are used in extreme conditions or for professional fishing.
In addition to direct puncture protection, the extra layer of fabric acts as a shock absorber when hitting a berth or aboard another vessel, dissipating the impact energy over a larger area, reducing the load on the main seams and valves, which significantly extends the life of the entire product, maintaining tightness for many seasons of active use.
But it's important to understand that armor doesn't make the boat completely invulnerable. Excessive loads can still cause damage, but the likelihood of a critical puncture is reduced by many times. Owners often forget that protection is needed not only from below, but also on boards in contact with oars or motors.
Selection of material for protection
The market offers a variety of fabric options to enhance the body. technique It's good for cheapness and affordability, but it's heavier and less elastic, which can be critical in low temperatures.
Specialized fabrics for booking, such as tarpalin Or similar materials with polyurethane coatings, which have better adhesion to the main material of the boat, they are easier to glue and form a more monolithic structure, and when choosing a material, you should pay attention to its weight: too heavy armor can significantly increase displacement and reduce the speed of the vessel.
Can I use rubber for booking?
It is not recommended to use a clean rubber band or a truck camera. Rubber has a different thermal expansion coefficient and does not adhere well to PVC with polyurethane adhesives. Over time, this "armour" will detach, and under it the main material may begin to rot due to trapped moisture.
For best results, many craftsmen combine materials, such as a flat bottom with a stiffer cloth, and rounded parts of cylinders with more elastic options. adhesion between layers should be maximum, so save on the quality of material for armor is not worth it.
Surface preparation and necessary tools
The quality of the surface preparation determines 90% of the success of the entire operation. Before starting work, the boat must be thoroughly washed using degreasing agents. Even microscopic traces of dirt, fat or silicone grease can disrupt the process of polymerization of the glue. After washing, the surface must completely dry.
☑️ Booking tools
The next step is machining, and the glossy layer of PVC needs to be cleaned with fine sandpaper (grain 180-240) or a special abrasive sponge, which creates micro scratches that increase the area of contact between the glue and the material, and the dust that is formed after cleaning must be carefully removed with compressed air or moist rags, and then degrease again.
You will need quality work to do. polyurethaneSingle-component formulations often do not provide the necessary strength for such loads, and a construction hair dryer to activate the adhesive layer and roller is also necessary. It is important to work in a well-ventilated "loose room", since solvent vapors are toxic.
Technology of pasting: step-by-step instructions
The process of applying armor begins with cutting the material, the parts should cover the protected area with a margin of 3-5 cm on all sides, the corners should be rounded to prevent bullies during operation, after fitting, you can start applying glue.
The adhesive is applied in a thin, uniform layer to both the adhesive surfaces, the balloon and the armor, and after application, you have to wait a certain time (usually 10-20 minutes, depending on the brand of glue) to evaporate the solvent. The surface should stop sticking to your fingers. Then the surfaces are warmed to 50-60 degrees and rolled tightly from the center to the edges, expelling air.
Use weights to hold your weights evenly. After rolling, stick a layer of thick cloth or newspaper on top and put sandbags or dumbbells on top for 12 to 24 hours, which will ensure perfect grip without bubbles.
Special attention should be paid to the edges of the linings, which should be carefully rolled and, if possible, additionally smeared with a thin brush with glue around the perimeter, creating a kind of sealed rope, which will prevent water from entering the armor and flaking the edges under dynamic loads on the water.
Comparison of protection methods: specifications table
For the convenience of choosing the best method of protection, we will give a comparative description of the different approaches, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages, which must be considered before starting work.
| Protection method | Weight (per m2) | Complexity | Durability | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technician (autofabric) | Highly | Medium | 3-5 years | Low. |
| Special PVC fabric (Tarpalin) | Medium. | High. | 7-10 years | Medium |
| Liquid rubber (spray) | Low. | Low. | 1-2 years | High. |
| Kevlar ribbon | Very low. | High. | 5-7 years | Very high. |
As you can see from the table, the use of specialized fabrics is the middle ground between weight, cost and durability, and liquid rubber is good as a temporary solution or for abrasion protection, but it won't save you from serious puncture. Kevlar ribbons They are light and durable, but their application requires professional skills and expensive equipment.
Typical errors and precautions
One of the most common mistakes is to try to save on glue or use expired materials. Cheap analogues often do not withstand the cycles of heating and cooling, turning into crumbs or losing elasticity, as a result of which the armor is released in layers, and moisture accumulates under it, causing mold.
The main enemy of quality gluing is humidity and low temperature. Do not try to glue the boat in the garage at +15 ° C or in wet weather. Optimal temperature is +25 ° C and above, humidity is not more than 60%.
Another mistake is incomplete degreasing, and owners often wipe the surface with a cloth thinking that it's enough, but the greasy spots from the fingers left when you cut them reduce the adhesion to zero. It's also dangerous to overheat the material with a hairdryer: PVC can deform or float by changing the geometry of the balloon.
⚠️ Warning: Never use acetone or aggressive solvents to degrease colored boats without first testing in an inconspicuous area. Aggressive chemistry can dissolve the coloring pigment or top protective layer of fabric, leaving undetectable stains.
⚠️ Warning: When working with two-component adhesives, strictly observe the proportions of mixing the hardener. Excess hardener will make the seam brittle, and the lack will prevent the glue from gaining full strength, and it will remain sticky forever.
Caring for an armored boat
The presence of an additional layer of protection does not relieve the owner from regular maintenance. After each fishing or walk, the boat must be rinsed with fresh water, especially if it was operated in salt water.
Periodically, at least once a season, you should conduct a review of the condition of the linings, you need to check the edges for detachments and if necessary glue them, it is better to keep such a boat in a straightened or semi-folded form, avoiding sharp clamps in places where the armor is pasted, because the material is more rigid there.
What to do if the armor is damaged?
If the tank itself is pierced under the armor, don't rush to cut the protection. Often the hole can be fixed through the valve or with special remixes for covert repairs, if the size of the damage allows. Cutting the armor is a last resort.
Rightly executed PVC-boat It's an investment in peace, and it allows you to go to unknown places without fear for the integrity of the vessel, and enjoy the process of fishing or relaxing, knowing that your equipment is protected from the surprises of the underwater world.
Can I put armor on a wet or wet boat?
It's absolutely impossible. The moisture between the layers of glue and material will cause instant adhesion disruption. The surface must be perfectly dry. Even high humidity can interfere with the process, so it's best not to do it in the rain or immediately after the rain.
Which glue is better: two-component or one-component?
For reservations where the loads on the tear and shear maximum, it is recommended to use a two-component polyurethane adhesive (hardener) that creates a stronger, heat-resistant and durable connection than single-component counterparts.
Do I need to clean the cloth for the armor?
Yes, if the fabric has a smooth lacquer or polymer coating, its working side also needs to be slightly pasted with a fine skin for better adhesion to the glue, except for special fabrics with already prepared rough surface.
How much glue does it dry after rolling?
Primary grasping occurs in a few hours.