Operating an inflatable boat in challenging environments requires not only durable material but additional protection. Owners often face the need to reinforce the hull's vulnerabilities, especially if the water bodies are rich in shell or rocky bottom. PVC scaleThis is an effective solution for extending the life of your boat.
This tuning element has a dual function: mechanical abrasion protection and aesthetic enhancement. Properly selected and well-glashed protection can withstand enormous loads during mooring and dragging. In this article, we will examine all the nuances of the choice of materials, pasting technologies and maintenance of reinforced bottom.
Don't underestimate the role of additional protection, because the restoration of a punctured cylinder is a time-consuming and costly process. Modern materials allow you to create armor that is almost as strong as the factory layers of fabric. The optimal thickness of the protective layer for severe conditions is 3 to 5 mm, which provides a balance between flexibility and strength.
Types and specifications of materials for protection of the bottom
The choice of the material for the pasting is the first and most important step, and the market offers different options, each with its own specifications, most often using what is called scales made of PVC fabric of different density, but also using composite materials and special tapes.
The main difference is in the density and texture of the material. For a quiet fishing on the sandy bottom, thin tape is suitable, and for rafting on mountain rivers you need to do it. reinforcedIt is important to consider the compatibility of materials so that the glue provides a monolithic connection.
- 🛡️ PVC ribbon 640-900 g/m2 - a standard solution for protection against abrasion against sand and small pebbles, easily glued and repeats the contours.
- ⚓ composite scales - multilayer material with high tensile strength, often used for edging the transom and bottom.
- 🌊 Hydroinsulating membranes - special elastic materials resistant to ultraviolet light and aggressive environments.
When buying a material, pay attention to the presence of a protective layer against ultraviolet light. Cheap analogues can quickly burn out and lose elasticity, turning into a fragile crust. PVC scale must retain its properties at temperatures from -40 to +70 degrees Celsius.
Necessary tools and surface preparation
The quality of the protection adhesive depends on the surface preparation and the tool used. You can't just smear the glue and attach a piece of fabric, it will detach at the first load, and you will need a set of specific tools to work, which you need to do.
The first thing you need to do is to degrease and clean the application area, and if the boat already has protection, it needs to be carefully removed so that it doesn't damage the main material, and the surface needs to be absolutely clean, dry and rough for better adhesion.
- ✂️ Scissors and construction knife - for accurate cutting of material on patterns.
- 🖌️ Brushes and rollers - a hard brush for applying glue and a hard rubber roller for rolling.
- 💨 Fen - necessary for activation of glue and heating of the material in the corners.
Pay special attention to the choice of adhesive. Use only specialized two-component compounds designed for PVC. Household adhesives or "moments" will not provide the necessary elasticity of the seam, which is constantly experiencing deformation.
⚠️ Warning: Never use acetone or aggressive solvents to degrease unless you are sure of the chemical resistance of your boat. Some compounds can "eat" the top protective layer of tissue, making it sticky and loose.
☑️ Preparation for pasting
Technology of applying scales on the bottom of the boat
The process of pasting requires patience and compliance with the temperature regime. The optimal temperature in the room should be from +18 to +25 degrees Celsius. drafts and dust are the main enemies of quality work, so close the windows and remove unnecessary objects.
Start applying a thin layer of glue to the boat first, then to the scales themselves. Let the first layer dry to a "no stick" state, usually this takes 5-10 minutes. Then apply the second layer and immediately connect the surfaces.
Sequence of action:1. Degrease the surface.
2. Apply the 1st layer of glue (thin).
3. Wait 5-10 minutes.
4. Apply the 2nd layer of glue (plentiful).
5. Apply the material and warm up with a hairdryer (60-70°C).
6. Roll the roller from the center to the edges.
The roller roller is a critical step, and you have to move from the center to the edges, and you have to drive out all the air bubbles, and if you have the bubble, you can gently prick it with a needle and roll it back until the glue is grasped. Two-component glue It gives you the final strength in 24-72 hours, so don’t rush to load the boat right away.
What to do if the glue freezes too quickly?
If the glue starts to cling before the time, don't try to force the material to stretch. Carefully warm the joint with a hair dryer to reactivate the glue, and smooth the surface. If the glue is completely hardened, you have to cut the site and redo it, first cleaning the residue.
Comparison of protection methods: scales, keelson and linings
Boat owners often argue about what is the most effective way of protecting themselves, scales are solid coating, but there are other options, such as pendants (longitudinal linings) or spot linings on stringers, depending on the operating conditions.
The Kielson takes the brunt of dragging on the rocks, but leaves the sides vulnerable. Scales protect a larger area, but are harder to install and increase the boat's overall weight. Point linings are only good for protection from specific protruding elements.
| Type of protection | Area of coverage | Weight (approximate) | Difficulty of installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| It's all scales. | 100% bottom | High (+2-3 kg) | High. |
| kylson | Just a keel. | Low (+0.5 kg) | Medium |
| Thonger patches | Locally. | Minimum | Low. |
| Combination | Keel + boards | Medium. | High. |
For lovers of trophy fishing, where the boat is often pulled to unequipped shore, flat-paint It's a non-alternative, not only protection against rocks, but also against sharp branches, hooks and anchor chains.
To reduce the weight of the boat with solid pasting, a lower density material (for example, 640 g / m2) can be used in two layers, which will give better elasticity than one layer of thick fabric 900 g / m2.
Typical errors in installation and ways to eliminate them
Even skilled craftsmen make mistakes that can nullify all efforts, the most common being poor degreasing, and fat spots are not visible to the eye, but the glue will not stick to them, and over time, detachment will form.
The second mistake is uneven heating, and if you warm the center more than the edges, the material will stretch unevenly, and waves will go around the perimeter. PVC boat scales It should lie flat, without tension, repeating the geometry of the balloon.
- ❌ Applying glue to a wet surface - will lead to clouding of the seam and loss of adhesion in a month.
- ❌ Savings on drying time If you do not allow the first layer to dry, the solvent will remain inside and cause swelling.
- ❌ No rolling. Without a thorough roller roller will remain micro-bubbles, which will turn into large defects.
If you notice the edge detachment a week after pasting, don't expect complete destruction. Bend the edge carefully, clean the surfaces again, degrease and glue using the same two-part glue. The repair site should be warmed up with a hairdryer to activate the old layer.
⚠️ Warning: Don't try to repair flaked scales in the cold or in wet weather. The glue doesn't polymerize properly, and the repairs will have to be remade. Wait for a warm dry day.
Protected boat care and service life
The proper care of a glued-up boat prolongs its life, and although scales create a powerful barrier, they also require attention, and after every fishing trip, especially in salt water, the boat must be washed with fresh water.
Salt and silt, stuck in the micropores of the fabric, can over time destroy the structure of PVC. Regular washing with a soft soap solution and sponge will help to maintain the elasticity of the material. Do not use rigid brushes that can damage the upper protective layer.
Store the boat should be in a dry, ventilated room, away from direct sunlight and heating devices. Ultraviolet The main enemy of any polymer, and even the highest quality scales over time can lose color and strength under the scorching sun.
Regular washing of the boat after salt water and proper storage in the shade increase the life of protective scales by 30-40%.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can you put scales on a boat that has already been assembled without disassembling it?
Theoretically, it's possible, but it's not recommended, because good pasting requires access to all surfaces and the ability to spread the balloon flat, and when you assemble a boat, you can't get the tension and rolling in tight places.
How much does PVC glue dry before operation?
Primary grip occurs after 2-4 hours, but the glue gains full strength after 24-72 hours depending on temperature and humidity.
Do I need to remove the old scales before gluing the new one?
The glue will not provide a reliable connection between the two layers of tissue if the old layer is damaged or contaminated, the old protection must be completely removed, the surface cleaned and then glued to the new one.
What temperature does the scales withstand?
High-quality PVC-based materials retain elasticity in the range from -40 ° C to +70 ° C. However, it is recommended to glue the material at a temperature not lower than +15 ° C.
Can I paint the scales in a different color?
Painting is possible with special paints for PVC, but this reduces the adhesion and elasticity of the coating. It is better to choose the material of the desired color immediately or use a colored ribbon for edging.