The boat's exploitation in the complex terrain of the bottom inevitably leads to wear and tear on the hull, and rocks, snags, shells and even just sand friction on the ground can cause serious damage to the material of the bottom. boat-boarding It's one of the most popular tuning procedures amongst aluminum and PVC boat owners, and it's not just a way to extend the life of a boat, it's also an opportunity to improve its performance.
Well-fitted flooring reduces vibration, reduces noise from wave shocks, and allows for comfortable movement across the cockpit. Unlike slippery metal or wet cylinder fabric, properly fitted flooring ensures confident footing even when pitching hard. Material choice depends on the type of vessel and the owner's budget, but this aspect of preparing for the season cannot be ignored.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the main types of protective coatings, their advantages and disadvantages. aluminum-leaf may be better plywood, and in which cases should give preference to corrugated flooringThe nuances of installation and care of different types of decking will also be considered.
Why you need to protect the bottom of the boat
The main function of booking is to mechanically protect the hull from damage. When pulling the boat ashore or moving through shallow water, the bottom takes the brunt of the blow. The abrasive sand works like sandpaper, thinning metal or wiping PVC fabric. The installation of an additional layer creates a buffer zone, taking on wear.
The second important aspect is heat and noise insulation, where the metal floor in the sun is heated to a frying pan, and in cold water, it instantly takes away the heat at the angler's feet, and the layer of material, especially if there's a heater underneath, significantly improves the microclimate inside the cockpit, and it also muffles the ringing from the waves and the water splash.
The third factor is safety and convenience, and smooth aluminum becomes as slippery as ice when water or fish slime is ingested. Riffled surface The flooring provides a reliable grip of the sole, which is critical for active fishing or trophies, which reduces the risk of injury and falling overboard.
- 🛡️ Protection from punctures and abrasion in contact with the ground.
- 🔇 Reduced acoustic noise from shocks of waves on the body.
- 🌡️ Thermal insulation, which maintains a comfortable temperature in the boat.
- 🦶 Anti-slip effect for safe movement.
Aluminum leaf: classic reliability
The most popular material for protecting metal boats is sheet aluminum, commonly used as an AMG alloy or similar sea alloys that are resistant to corrosion, and the sheet thickness varies from 2 to 4 mm, which provides the perfect balance between strength and weight, which is almost impossible to damage under normal operating conditions.
Aluminum's main advantage is its durability, it doesn't rot, it doesn't rust, it doesn't fear UV light. aluminum-bottom But there are also downsides to the material: high thermal conductivity (quickly heated and cooled) and a characteristic metal ringing that can only be eliminated by additional insulation.
Installation is carried out on special brackets or welded corners that are attached to the frames. It is important to ensure a ventilation gap between the bottom of the boat and the sheet to avoid electrochemical corrosion and moisture accumulation.
To reduce noise, use vibration insulating materials (such as bitumen-polymer sheets) between the bottom of the boat and the aluminum deck.
The cost of this solution is higher than plywood, but it's worth it. Aluminum doesn't require painting or impregnation, it's easy to wash, and it doesn't absorb the smell of gasoline or fish. most hygienic For those who appreciate cleanliness and order on board.
Plywood flooring: a budget decision
Plywood, especially aviation or laminated, is often used as an alternative to metal, it is an affordable material that is easily processed at home, only moisture-resistant plywood of PSF or FC grades, which has been specially treated with antiseptics and varnish, is suitable for boat applications.
Plywood's main enemy is moisture, and despite the claims of moisture resistance, constant contact with water and temperature changes over time lead to the veneer's stratification. plywoodIt needs to be sealed from all sides, including the ends, often using epoxy resins or special yacht varnishes.
Plywood has the advantage of having low thermal conductivity and excellent sound insulation, and it's nice to walk barefoot even in the heat, and it's easy to saw it under any, even the most complex geometry of the bottom, which is true for boats with non-standard contours.
⚠️ Warning: Never use conventional building plywood without careful waterproofing, it will absorb water, swell and become heavy, and can also be a source of mold in the hold.
Plywood flooring can be as heavy as aluminum flooring if you take thick sheets for strength, but over time, the wood gains moisture and becomes heavier, and regular drying and dry storage in winter are essential to preserve the material's properties.
Flooring and grooved sheets
Use of use aluminum Or grooved sheets (quintet) are a great trade-off between price, weight and functionality. The rifled surface provides excellent anti-slip coating without having to stick extra mats. The grooves of the floor work as drains, funneling water into the hold or overboard.
These sheets are tougher than smooth aluminum of the same thickness because of their geometry, which allows for a material that is smaller in thickness, gaining weight, and is easily mounted, can be cut with scissors on metal or with a Bulgarian, and fit to the size of a cockpit.
However, the corrugated surface has a feature: in the depressions can accumulate dirt, fish scales and mud. Wash such flooring should be carefully, using a brush and water pressure, otherwise in the season there will be an unpleasant smell. Also, sharp edges of ruffling can scratch soft shoes or equipment with repeated handling.
☑️ Criteria for the selection of material decking
Flooring is often combined with other materials, such as the bow, where impacts are most likely to occur, where a reinforced sheet is placed, and the stern, where the angler is sitting, where warmer and quieter material is laid, which allows you to optimize the specifications of the boat.
Technology of installation of protective coating
The process of mounting the flooring begins with careful preparation, the bottom of the boat must be cleaned of dirt, oil and old sealant, if you plan to attach to the brackets, you need to accurately mark the drilling points so as not to damage the power elements of the hull or not to disturb the tightness of the seams.
For fastening of sheets rivets or bolt connections are most often used. Rivets. They provide a more neat look and no protruding parts that can interfere. Bolts allow you to dismantle flooring if necessary to revise the bottom, but require the installation of nuts with counternuts so that they do not unwind from vibration.
Sequence of action:1. Measure the geometry of the bottom and carve a pattern from cardboard.
2. Transfer the template to the material and cut with a tolerance of 5-10 mm.
3. Try on the sheet, check the fit to the frames.
Drill holes under the anchorage (drill diameter = rivet diameter + 0.1 mm).
5. To treat the sections of the material with anticores.
6. Lay the insulating material (if provided).
Fill the sheet onto the fasteners.
It is important to leave small temperature gaps between the flooring sheets and the sides. Metal and wood expand when heated, and rigid fixation of "stretching" can lead to deformation of the structure or the appearance of creaks.
| Materials | Weight (kg/m2) | Term of service | Difficulty of installation | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum leaf (3mm) | ~8.1 | 20+ years | Medium | High. |
| Laminated plywood (12mm) | ~9.5 | 5-7 years | Low. | Low. |
| Aluminum Flooring | ~3-4 | 15+ years | Low. | Medium |
| Plastic (PHD) | ~1.5 | 10+ years | High. | Medium |
Do I need to paint the inside of the floor?
Yes, if it's aluminum without anodizing, paint will create an additional barrier against electrochemical corrosion in contact with other metals, and for plywood, painting is mandatory for waterproofing.
Floor care and maintenance
Any coating requires attention. Aluminum is enough to rinse with fresh water after each foray, especially if the boat was used in salt water. Salt aggressively affects any alloys, and regular washing prolongs the life of the hull. Once a season, it is recommended to inspect the attachment sites for loosening.
Plywood flooring needs more care, needs to be completely dried before storage, and if there is swelling or scratches, damaged areas should be cleaned immediately and covered with a new layer of protection, ignoring minor defects will lead to rapid destruction of the sheet.
If you find creaks that often occur over time, you should check the density of the sheets, sometimes you just need to put a piece of rubber or felt in the problem area to eliminate the annoying sound, and also check the condition of the anti-slip coating, if it is applied separately.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use aggressive chemicals or abrasive powders to clean flooring. They can damage the protective oxide layer of aluminum or wash the varnish off the plywood.
Regular washing with fresh water and drying are the main conditions for the long service of any decking in the boat.
Comparison of materials and final selection
Choosing the material to book the bottom is always about balancing price, weight and durability. floppy-sheet It will be a leader in all its qualities, and it will pay off by not having to replace it and not having to operate comfortably.
For those who like to walk or have a boat on a budget, a good option is a high-quality plywood with good protection, which will make you feel comfortable on the water for several seasons, the main thing is not to save on the quality of raw materials and protective coatings.
Remember that any extra weight affects performance. If every kilogram is important to your boat (for example, when using a low-power engine), consider lightweight composite materials or thin but rigid flooring.
Can different materials be combined?
Yes, it's a common practice, for example, to put strong aluminum in the nose to protect against shocks, and in the stern - warm plywood for sitting, the main thing is to ensure a reliable connection of heterogeneous materials to avoid creaking and displacement.
Do I need to take off the flooring for the winter?
Aluminum flooring can be left if the boat is stored in a dry room, plywood flooring is better removed, dried and stored separately to eliminate the risk of swelling from condensation in an enclosed space.
How to remove the creak of aluminum floor?
The screeching occurs because the metal is frictioned against the metal or fastener, a gasket of foamed polyethylene, rubber or a special vibration insulator between the sheet and the frames, and you can also use graphite lubricant at the contact points.
Does the boat’s loading affect the boat’s loading capacity?
Yes, the decking adds weight, which reduces the payload, but for most aluminum boats, this weight (10-20 kg) is not critical compared to the total displacement and engine power.