Operating an inflatable vessel on rocky rivers or in overgrown bodies of water often puts the owner in front of the need to strengthen the hull. The standard layer of PVC fabric may not be enough to protect against the sharp edges of shells or driftwood, which forces you to think about serious improvements. Boat reservation becomes a key stage of tuning, extending the life of the craft.
There are many approaches to protecting the bottom, but the most effective method is to install an additional hard or semi-rigid layer, which is not just patching, but creating a full-fledged protective circuit that takes the brunt of contact with the bottom, and well-designed work allows you to forget about the constant repairs and leakage checks before each get on the water.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what materials are best for creating a reliable shell for your boat, you will learn about the nuances of working with different types of fabrics, adhesives and structural features of reinforcement that professionals use.
Selection of optimal materials for protection of the body
The first and most important step is to select materials that will serve as protective materials, and the market offers many options, but not all of them are equally effective in real water conditions, and the focus should be on tensile strength and abrasion resistance.
One of the most popular materials remains reinforced PVC Unlike standard cylinder fabric, this material has a thicker top layer and a reinforced net, making it an ideal candidate for creating underbody linings. Tissue density It should be at least 900-1100 g/sq.m. to ensure adequate protection.
The alternative is a special belt to reinforce the seams or a so-called "heel" that is sold in rolls of different widths and often has a sticky base activated by heating, but for full-fledged booking of the bottom, it is better to use single sheets that cover the entire work area.
- 🛡️ PVC reinforced - Classic choice, providing maximum protection from punctures and abrasion.
- 🧶 Cordura (Cordura) - durable nylon fabric with polyurethane coating, perfectly holds the impact, but requires glue.
- 📏 Rubber ribbons Budget option for local gain, but less durable in constant contact with water.
When choosing material, be sure to consider compatibility with the main material of the boat. five-layered PVCThe armor should be of a similar composition to ensure high-quality adhesion.
Technology of adhesive of the protective bottom (Laying)
The process of installing the protective layer, often called "welding" or bottom adhesive, requires strict adherence to temperature regime and surface preparation technology, and errors in this step can lead to detachment of the material at the most inopportune time.
The first step is always to thoroughly clean and degrease the surface, use special cleaners based on acetone or isopropylol to remove all contaminants, fats and factory lubrication. The surface should be completely dry and matte.
⚠️ Warning: Never use gasoline or solvents with aggressive additives for degreasing, as they can damage the structure of PVC and cause it to swell, making gluing impossible.
Next is the process of applying glue. polyurethaneThey provide an elastic seam that does not crack when the cylinders deform, and the adhesive is applied in a thin, uniform layer on both surfaces that are glued together.
☑️ Preparation for gluing
It's important to let the first layer of glue dry completely (stand up), and the second layer apply immediately before the parts are joined, and after the surfaces are aligned, they need to be carefully rolled with a hard roller from center to edge to expel all the air bubbles.
Reinforcement of cylinders and critical areas
Reservations are not only for the flat bottom, but also for the most vulnerable areas on the cylinders, including the beams, the docking points of the transom and the sides, and the thongs, where the scuffs and cuts are most common.
To reinforce the hinge beam, a tape of the same material as the boat itself is used, and it is glued over the main seam, covering it with a margin of 2-3 cm on each side, which prevents the cord threads from abrading and protects the seam from ultraviolet light.
Special attention should be paid to the area transponderWhere the balloon is in contact with the hard transom, an additional rubber or multi-layer PVC lining is often installed, which reduces friction when moving along the wave and protects against rubbing.
- 🔺 Strengthen the nose - protection from impacts on the shore when docking.
- 🔩 Protection of the places of fastening of the cans - preventing the pressing of the fabric under the weight of the cargo.
- 🌊 Keel reinforcement is critical for inflatable keel boats that experience maximum pressure.
Why can't you save on glue?
Cheap single-component adhesives eventually tan and lose elasticity. When a boat is deformed, this seam bursts, breaking the tightness. Two-component compounds remain elastic for years.
Comparison of methods: plywood vs. linings
Many owners wonder: which is better - removable plywood bottom or pasted lining? Each method has its supporters, and the choice depends on the style of skiing and the operating conditions of the vessel.
The plywood floor (slip) creates a hard floor that is convenient for cruising and standing fishing. However, it increases the overall weight of the boat and requires time to assemble and dry after use. In addition, the edges of the plywood can rub cylinders from the inside when rowing actively.
In contrast, the PVC pad adds minimal weight and does not require assembly, it tightly fits the contours of the bottom, creating a smooth surface that improves driving performance, but it does not provide the rigidity that plywood provides.
| Parameter | Plywood bottom (Slip) | Pluted lining (PVC) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight. | High (depending on the thickness of the plywood) | Minimum |
| Floor rigidity | High (perfect for standing) | Low (soft bottom) |
| Protection against puncture | Medium (protects only from below) | High (flowing and protecting) |
| Assembly time | Requires stacking and fixation | Not required (embedded) |
For fishing from the shore and frequent crossings, it is better to choose a glued lining, and for long parking and hunting, a hard plywood floor is preferable.
Tools and adhesives
The quality of the reservation depends on the tools and chemistry used, and do not rely on the "Moment" household adhesives or similar analogues, which are not designed for constant contact with water and tear loads.
Professionals use specialized formulations such as Texacoll K-102, Wurth or RadicalThese adhesives are designed specifically for gluing PVC and polyurethane tissues, and they provide high adhesion and maintain elasticity over a wide range of temperatures.
It also requires a building dryer that can adjust the temperature accurately, and heating the surfaces to 50-60 degrees will activate the adhesive layer and significantly increase the strength of the joint, and without a dryer, it is almost impossible to glue large areas of water.
Use a hard rubber roller as a clamping tool. Wooden bars or metal objects can damage the fabric or leave marks on the adhesive layer. The roller allows the pressure to be evenly distributed throughout the seam area.
Typical errors and care of armor
Even with quality materials, you can make mistakes that will negate all efforts, the most common of which is the violation of the temperature of the glue, the underheating does not activate the glue, and overheating can melt the tissue or make the glue "dead."
Another common mistake is not enough degreasing, and the microscopic residues of fat or dust create a barrier between the layers, and after a while the lining begins to move away, and it's also important to take your time to operate it, because the complete polymerization of the glue takes 24 to 72 hours.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to accelerate drying with a hair dryer after gluing. Sharp heating of already connected parts can lead to boiling of solvent residues inside the seam and formation of bubbles.
Caring for an armored boat is simple: after each outing, wash the bottom with fresh water to wash away the sand and silt. Sand, getting between the lining and the bottom of the reservoir, works as an abrasive and gradually wears the protective layer. Regularly check the condition of the seams and, if necessary, glue the departed edges.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Can I book a boat in the garage?
Yes, it's very real. The main thing is to ensure cleanliness in the room, a stable temperature (at least 15 ° C) and the presence of a building hair dryer. It is important to observe the technology of applying the glue and the drying time between the layers.
How much does the PVC glue dry after gluing?
Primary polymerization takes about 24 hours, but the glue gains full strength after 3 days. It is not recommended to operate the boat before this time, so as not to disturb the structure of the seam.
Do I need to skin the surface before gluing?
Smoking should be done carefully and only if the material has a glossy protective coating. PVC reinforced usually has a matte surface that requires only thorough degreasing, not machining.
What thickness of the lining to choose for rocky rivers?
For difficult conditions, it is recommended to use a lining with a thickness of at least 3-4 mm (density 900-1100 g / sq.m.). Thinner materials may not withstand constant contact with sharp stones.