Operation of an inflatable vessel on a rigid frame inevitably raises the question of safety for the owner. PVC tubesStandard plywood sleighs, which come with budget models, often have sharp corners or rough surfaces that can damage valuable material of the case with prolonged contact or dynamic loads. That is why competent padding of the pawns becomes not just an aesthetic improvement, but a critical procedure for extending the life of the boat.
The process of choosing a coating requires considering many factors, from budget and availability of materials to storage conditions and frequency of use of the boat. Incorrectly selected material can accumulate moisture, rot or, conversely, slide, creating discomfort when fishing. In this article, we will discuss in detail the main types of coatings, their advantages and disadvantages, and the technology of application that will ensure the durability of the design.
Before starting to purchase materials, you need to defect the existing plywood elements. Any protruding nails, chips or sharp edges should be eliminated during the preparation stage, since no layer of skin will save the cylinder from mechanical puncture if there is a sharp knot under it. Surface grinding This is a mandatory first step that ensures the finishing layer is tightly fit.
Criteria for the selection of material for the skin
The main function of the coating is to create a buffer layer between the rigid frame and the elastic cylinder. The material must be highly wear-resistant, as it will be subject to constant loads from the weight of passengers, equipment and the engine itself. water-resistance UV radiation, as the boat is often in the open air or in a damp garage.
And the tactile properties of the surface, too, should not be ignored. If you plan to use a boat not only for fishing but also for family vacations, the coating should be pleasant to the touch and not slip even when wet. Some materials, such as smooth linoleum, can cause a fall, which is especially dangerous on the water. Also consider the weight: too heavy a skin can adversely affect the carrying capacity of a small vessel.
An important aspect is the ability to quickly repair or replace the surface area. In field conditions, the material should be easily processed without requiring complex equipment. For example, carpet can be glued with conventional water-resistant glue, but for the installation of composite panels, presses or specific tools may be required.
⚠️ The use of materials that emit toxic substances when heated or in contact with water (such as some types of technical felt or cheap ruberoid) is strictly prohibited, as it can harm the health of people on the boat.
Overview of popular materials: pros and cons
The market offers a wide range of solutions, from budget to premium. carpetIt's a very good cushioning system, and it's a very good protection against abrasion, but it's a very good way to store moisture and dirt, which requires regular drying and cleaning, and if you leave the wet carpet rolled up in the tube, you're at a high risk of mold and bad smell.
The second most popular option is linoleum It's a completely waterproof solution that cleans easily and doesn't absorb odors, but it's less rigid than textiles, and when compressed, it can transmit plywood irregularities to the balloon, and it can heat up more in the sun, making it uncomfortable to walk barefoot.
Modern alternatives are composite materials and special rubber-mat They provide perfect drainage, they don't rot, they have great wear resistance, and the only downside is the high cost and complexity of cutting into the complex geometric shapes of the bottom of the boat.
- 🧶 Carpet: excellent depreciation, low price, but requires careful drying.
- 🛡️ Linoleum/PVC: Full water resistance, easy to wash, but can slide and warm.
- 🌿 Rubber mats: perfect drainage, durability, high cost.
- 🪵 Plywood and varnishMinimalism, but low protection of the balloon from abrasion.
Technology for preparing plywood beds
The quality of the finishing is directly dependent on the preparation of the base. Regardless of the material chosen, the plywood must be freed from the old coating, if any, and thoroughly cleaned. This uses a grinder or sandpaper of large grains, the goal is to remove all splinters, irregularities and residues of glue.
After machining, the degreasing step follows, the surface is wiped with solvent or acetone, which allows dust and fat stains to be removed, ensuring maximum adhesion of the glue. If the plywood is of poor quality and prone to stratification, it is recommended to pre-treat it. oliphae or a special impregnation for the tree to prevent swelling when moisture enters the coating.
Pay special attention to the edges and corners, and this is where the most common damage to cylinders occurs, and it's recommended that you round all the sharp corners of plywood with a 45-degree beam, which will significantly reduce the risk of mechanical damage. PVC fabric Even with a heavy load on board.
☑️ Surface preparation
Instructions for mounting carpet
Installation of textile coatings requires precision and the use of high-quality adhesives. Best proven polyurethane adhesive or specialized adhesives for PVC and rubber, such as: 88-H The process begins with cutting the material: carpet is laid on plywood with a margin of 3-5 cm on each side for the turn-around.
The adhesive is applied with a roller or brush in a uniform layer on both the plywood and the back of the carpet. After application, you must pause the adhesive instructions, usually 10-15 minutes, so that the solvent partially evaporates. Then the surfaces are pressed tightly together, starting from the center and moving to the edges to squeeze out the air bubbles.
To enhance the fixation and prevent flaking of the edges, you can use a furniture stapler on the back of the plywood, bending excess material. However, it is important to ensure that the staples do not penetrate the plywood through and create sharp points on the front side. Once dry, the excess carpet is carefully trimmed with a sharp knife.
⚠️ Attention: Work with solvent-based adhesives should be carried out in a well-ventilated room or outdoors, using personal respiratory protection.
Linoleum and PVC materials
The linoleum has its own specifications related to the rigidity of the material, and the cutting in this case should be done with high accuracy, since it is more difficult to tuck and seal a thick linoleum than a soft carpet. It is optimal to use linoleum no more than 2 mm thick to maintain the flexibility of the sleigh.
It's often used in combination with perimeter glue, or in a solid layer of glue to stick linoleum, and it's important to avoid folding, because they can rub the balloon. PVC liningIt can be additionally warmed with a building hair dryer for better fitting of the shape, but this should be done carefully so as not to overheat and deform the material.
The seams between the pieces of linoleum, if any, must be sealed, using cold PVC welding or a special sealant, which will prevent water from entering the coating, where it can be preserved and cause plywood to rot. The smooth surface of linoleum can be slippery, so it is recommended to choose a material with a relief pattern (crocoil, stone).
How to make an anti-slip coating from linoleum?
If you've already glued smooth linoleum and it's sliding, you can put a thin layer of epoxy resin mixed with fine quartz sand on it, and it creates a rough texture that looks like sandpaper, but is safe for PVC. Or stick on top of the finished rubber anti-slip tapes.
Comparative specifications of materials
For ease of choice, we present a comparative table of the main parameters of the materials under consideration: the data are based on average life in temperate climates and regular use.
| Parameter | Carpet | linoleum | Rubber mat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protection against abrasion | High. | Medium | Very high. |
| Moisture resistance | Low (requires drying) | High. | Maximum |
| Coverage weight | Light. | Medium. | Heavy. |
| Difficulty of installation | Low. | Medium | High. |
| Term of service | 2-4 years | 3-5 years | 5-7 years |
As you can see from the table, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and the choice depends on the owner's priorities: if lightness and simplicity are important, choose carpet, if waterproofing is linoleum, and if durability is ready to put up with weight, rubber mats.
The optimal solution for most users is a combination of materials: carpet on cans (for sitting) and linoleum or rubber on sleigh (for protection from water and dirt).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you use regular plywood without skin?
You can only use plywood temporarily without protection, and over time, the water will smear the top layer of the veneer, and you'll get burrs that are guaranteed to damage the balloon, and you'll need minimal varnish or oil treatment, but you'll only get a soft coating to protect you.
How often should I dry the carpet after fishing?
Drying the carpet after each trip to the water, especially if it was rainy or splashy, if you leave it wet in rolled form for more than 2-3 days, the process of decay begins and there will be a persistent smell of dampness, which is difficult to remove.
What is the best way to glue carpet to plywood?
The best results are shown by polyurethane adhesives (for example, “Moment of Installation” for heavy products or specialized adhesives for PVC/rubber). They create an elastic seam that does not crack when bending the slurry and withstand temperature changes.
Does the color of the coating affect the heating of the boat in the sun?
Yes, dark colors (black, dark blue) absorb more heat and can heat up to 50-60 degrees in the sun, which creates discomfort when cruising barefoot. Light colors (gray, beige) reflect the sun's rays and remain cooler.
Do I need to put the joints between the sleeves?
There is no need to glue the joints between the individual sleighs, and it is even harmful. There should be a minimum gap between the elements of the bottom to remove water and compensate for temperature expansion. Only the coating on the plywood itself should be sealed.