Inflatable boat owners often face the problem of insufficient stability, especially when fishing or landing on the beach. boatboatThese are not just decorative pads, but functional modules that change the hydrodynamics and behavior of the vessel on the water.
Installing additional cylinders allows you to place more equipment without disturbing the balance, and allows you to stand in full growth even on a narrow flat bottom. However, before buying or manufacturing, you need to clearly understand what type of boules will suit your tasks and the model of the vessel. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances, from the choice of fabric to the technology of gluing.
The issue of upgrading a boat often comes up in the face when the standard width is not enough to accommodate two fishermen or install additional equipment. A well-designed Boolean module solves the problem of rolling and creates the feeling of being on a larger boat, especially for older models or budget versions with a narrow bottom.
Purpose and functionality of Boolean modules
The main task of any boule is to increase the width and displacement of the vessel without a radical alteration of the structure. inflatable tubesThese floats, which are mounted on the sides, act as extra floats that take on the load when rolling, which reduces the risk of tipping even in sharp movements of the angler or strong side winds.
In addition, the bules greatly expand the cockpit, providing space for anchoring, gear or even installing a second motor. elevation Water contact also has a positive effect on plane, allowing the boat to go into mode more easily when fully loaded, but there is also a potential risk: the wrong shape can create unnecessary resistance.
When installing boules on a motorized boat, be sure to check whether the additional cylinder blocks the flow of water to the lower unit to avoid overheating the engine.
Consider that they are used as buffers when mooring to concrete walls or rocky banks. The soft side protects the main balloon system from puncture and abrasion. In an emergency, if the main side is damaged, the outer module can be the only salvation, keeping the boat afloat.
Structures and materials
The modern market offers many options, but they are divided into several main types of design and mounting method, the choice depends on the model of your boat and the purpose of use.
- 🛶 Classic longitudinal - fasten along the entire side, repeating its curves, and ensure a uniform distribution of the load.
- ⚓ Nose and feed - are installed only in the front or rear part to compensate for the gap or increase the working area.
- ⛵ transom bules - special modules that expand the transom to install a more powerful motor or a second engine.
Materials for manufacture must be as strong and resistant to ultraviolet light as possible, usually using the same fabric as for the main cylinders: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) density from 750 to 1100 g / sq.m. denser fabric withstands heavy mechanical loads, but has more weight, which is important to consider when calculating the load capacity.
⚠️ WARNING: When buying finished boules or tailoring fabric, make sure the material has UV protection. Conventional awning PVC will quickly lose elasticity under the sun and start cracking on the folds.
Special attention deserves hard-paint Some models have internal partitions or a rigid frame that holds the shape even when the pressure is partially ejected, which is useful for keeping the contours, but makes it difficult to pack and transport the boat when folded.
Advantages and disadvantages of installation
Before you start tuning, you have to weigh the pros and cons. boat modernization is an irreversible process in the case of gluing, so it's important to understand the implications. Let's look at the key aspects that affect operation.
Among the undeniable advantages is a radical improvement. stabilityThe boat becomes less sensitive to shifting of the center of gravity, which is critical for fishing standing or catching large fish, and also increases the useful area of the deck, allowing you to place sonars, fish boxes and other equipment.
But there are downsides: The increase in width leads to increased sailing, which makes the boat more susceptible to lateral wind. Hydrodynamic resistance It also increases, which may require an increase in engine power to maintain speed, and a boat with booleans may not fit into a standard case or trailer unless it is planned to dismantle them.
Installing boules is a trade-off between stability and speed: you win in safety and comfort, but you can lose a few kilometers per hour on planing.
Another important nuance is the complexity of storage: inflatable modules take up additional volume in the trunk. If you plan to disassemble the boat often, it is worth considering options with removable boules on fastexes or Velcro straps, although their reliability is lower than that of permanently glued.
Technology of self-manufacturing
For those who prefer to do things DIY, creating boules is a great way to save money and get a product that fits perfectly for a particular boat. It requires precision, quality glue and cutting fabric. The basis of success is accurate drawings.
First, you need to take measurements from the side of your boat, and it's important to take into account the curvature of the balloon and the height of the side, and you can cut the fabric with the seams (usually 2-3 cm), and you can use a needle and foot for thick fabrics, or you can glue hot air in the air if you have this technology.
The key step is the installation valve-systemIt is recommended to use valves identical to the main one on the boat, so as not to look for a special tool for pumping different types, the leakiness of the seams is checked with soap solution under pressure before the final assembly.
☑️ What it takes to sew boules
When you build, you'll need to focus on the corners and the transitions, and that's where the leaks are most common, and you'll need to use reinforcement tapes at the inner corners to spread the load when you're under tension, and you'll want to make sure that the finished product is shaped like a sausage or a donut without any distortion.
Instructions for installation and fastening
Installing PVC boules on a boat is a process that requires clean surfaces and temperature control, and even the best gluing won't stick to dirty or wet fabric, and surface preparation takes up to 70 percent of the time.
To start, degrease the sticking areas on the boat and on the boules themselves. Use acetone or a special degreasing agent, but do not rub too hard so as not to damage the protective layer of PVC. Once the solvent is dry, apply the first layer of glue and let it dry to a stick.
| Work phase | Drying time | Temperature. | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degreasing | 5-10 minutes | Anything. | Until it evaporates. |
| First layer of glue | 15-20 minutes. | +20°C | Before the stickiness disappears |
| Second layer of glue | 5-10 minutes | +20°C | Don't overdry! |
| Final gluing | 24 hours. | +20°C | Under load or roller |
Applying the second layer of glue is the most critical thing. If you overstretch the glue, it won't catch, if you hurry, it will remain bubbling. Check the readiness with your finger: the glue should not stick, but it should leave a trace. Put the parts together and roll carefully from center to edges, expelling air.
⚠️ Warning: Never glue the bulges at a temperature below +15 C or above +30 C. Violation of the temperature regime will lead to the seam dispersed on the first fishing.
For additional reliability, you can use mechanical fasteners. sling Or fastex belts that cover the main cylinder and the Boolean module, which is not a substitute for glue, but it's an insurance policy against detachment, and the fasteners must be made of stainless steel or salt water resistant plastic.
The secret to a sturdy seam
When gluing large areas, use a hair dryer to heat the joint. Warm glue penetrates deeper into the fabric structure, creating a monolithic compound that cannot be broken without damaging the tissue itself.
Operation and care of inflatable boules
Once installed, the new modules require careful treatment during the first period of operation, do not immediately apply full pressure or overload the boat, let the glue finally polymerize within a few days, even if the manufacturer specifies a shorter time.
Regularly check the bula pressure before each outing. A sun-pumped balloon can burst, and a poorly pumped balloon can cause instability. 0.2-0.25 atmBut it is better to focus on the elasticity of the touch.
The care of PVC fabric is standard: washing with fresh water after use in salt water, drying in the shade and storing in a straightened form. Avoid contact with gasoline, oils and aggressive chemicals that can dissolve plastic. Periodically lubricate the valves with silicone lubricant to maintain tightness.
If you notice any scuffling or minor damage, don't delay repairs. Use the remixes that come with the boat. A small cut, sealed in time, won't turn into a huge hole in the middle of the pond. Watch the straps and slings attachment, which is where wear happens the fastest.
The effect of the boules on driving performance
Many owners fear that the boat will become a roller or lose speed, in practice it depends on the shape of the boules. Streamlined, narrowed to the nose modules have minimal impact on speed, while square in section can noticeably slow the boat.
If properly calculated, bullies can even improve planing yield by creating additional lift on the nose, which is true for boats with a short transom or weak engine, but at high speeds (over 40 km / h), additional cylinders can create turbulence and splashes.
It's important to consider the change in the center of gravity, and if the boules are high, they can actually degrade stability when you turn abruptly, and the ideal position is at the bottom of the cylinders, closer to the water, but above the water cut-off level when you're driving, so you don't create too much drag.
Can I use the boats of other manufacturers?
Yes, you can. The key is that the radius of curvature of the cylinders matches and there is a flat area for sticking, there are no universal solutions, often requiring individual fitting patterns.
How long does the PVC glue dry when installing boules?
Full polymerization takes 24-72 hours depending on the brand of glue and temperature, and you can operate the boat in a day, but maximum strength is achieved in three days.
Will fuel costs increase after the installation of the boules?
The flow rate can increase by 10 to 15 percent because of the weight gain and the resistance of the water, but with the correct shape of the boules, the difference will be almost imperceptible at cruising speed.
How to keep a boat with glued boules?
Boolean boats should be folded as carefully as possible, avoiding sharp crevices in the places of gluing, it is better to store it in an unswerving form or in a special large case that does not crush the side.
Can I paint the boules in a different color?
Yes, there are special paints for PVC in aerosols or roller, and the surface should be cleaned with fine sandpaper and degreased before painting for better adhesion.