Any experienced boater knows that a boat is not just an inflatable cylinder, but a complex engineering system, where each element plays a critical role. paiolaIt is the quality and type of this element that determines the boat's performance, its stability on the water and, most importantly, the safety of the crew while in motion.
To the beginner, the choice may seem trivial, but the variety of solutions in the market can baffle even the sophisticated angler. floorboardWhat they are made of and how they affect behavior PVC boats It will allow you to make a competent purchase and avoid costly mistakes in the future.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the hard bottom, compare different materials and designs, and give you practical tips for operation, explain why some models require a special approach to assembly and how to extend the life of your boat.
Hard bottom design and design
Paioles are a set or solid elements that are inserted into an inflatable balloon and give it the necessary rigidity. Without them, the boat would become a soft raft, unable to keep its shape under load and resist the wave. hard-sex is the creation of a flat surface that distributes the weight of passengers and cargo over the entire area of the bottom.
Structurally, paioles are divided into several types depending on the way they connect and shape, and the most common are the set variants, consisting of several lamellae (slats) that connect together, which allows you to compactly fold the boat into a transport bag, which is critical for small car owners.
The second type is all-plywood or aluminum sheets, which provide maximum rigidity but require more storage space, and the choice between these options depends on where you plan to store the vessel and how often you disassemble it. flooring It directly affects the speed of the boat assembly on the water.
⚠️ Warning: Never use a boat with improperly installed floorboards, and shifting the floor elements during movement can lead to deformation of cylinders and even puncture, which poses a direct threat to life on the water.
High-quality floorboards must fit tightly together to form a monolithic surface. The gaps between the slats are unacceptable, as they can get stuck in debris, and also disrupt the aerodynamics and hydrodynamics of the vessel. Modern models are often equipped with special profiles that ensure tightness of the joints.
Materials of manufacture: plywood, aluminum and composite
The choice of floorboard material is always about finding a compromise between strength, weight and cost. plywoodIt's a very water-resistant, affordable price, but even that has its limits and requires careful maintenance.
Aluminum floorboards are considered a premium solution, they are not afraid of water, they do not rot and they have excellent rigidity. However, their weight is much higher than that of wooden counterparts, which can be a problem when carrying a boat to the water alone. In addition, the metal cools down faster, which creates discomfort when fishing in cold weather.
In recent years, composites and plastic have become increasingly popular, lightweight, corrosive and rotting, but often inferior in stiffness. For small inflatable boats, this is a great option, but for high-powered engines and heavy loads, it is better to consider stronger solutions.
When choosing plywood floorboards, pay attention to the number of layers of veneer - they should be at least 9-11 to ensure proper strength and moisture resistance.
We compare the main specifications of the materials in the table so that it is easier for you to decide on the choice:
| Materials | Weight. | Moisture resistance | Price. | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea plywood | Medium. | Tall (covered) | Low. | 5-7 years |
| aluminum | Highly | Great. | High. | 15+ years |
| Plastic/Composite | Low. | Great. | Medium | 7-10 years |
| LPDP (not rivers) | Medium. | Low. | Very low. | 1-2 years |
It's worth noting that the use of conventional chipboard is strongly discouraged, because it swells rapidly from moisture, loses strength and can collapse during operation, leading to an emergency, and the savings on floor material are absolutely not justified.
Types of floorboard Connection: Stringers and Profiles
The way the floor elements are connected depends not only on the rigidity of the structure, but also on the speed of the boat assembly. stringer Long profiles that are inserted into the slots at the ends of the paioles, which provides excellent longitudinal rigidity and reliability.
Stringers can be made of aluminum or durable plastic. Aluminum profiles are more durable but heavier. Plastic is lighter and cheaper, but over time they can deform or crack in the cold. When choosing, pay attention to the quality of the stringer fixation in the grooves - backlash is unacceptable.
There are also lock-connect systems where paioles dock with each other without additional profiles, which allow for faster boat assembly, but require perfect geometry of all the elements, and the slightest skew can make it almost impossible to assemble a boat in the field.
An important aspect is the number of stringers. For boats up to 3 meters long, two side stringers are usually enough. For larger models, especially those designed for high-powered engines, a third, central stringer is needed, which prevents the floor from bending under load.
Features of operation and care of sex
Even the best paiolas require proper care, and the main enemy of wooden elements is moisture, which, when contacted for a long time, leads to the decomposition of the veneer and the appearance of fungus. After each foray into the water, paiola must be thoroughly dried before packaging.
If you use a plywood boat, it is recommended to treat the ends and surfaces once a season with a special varnish or olifu, which will create an additional protective barrier and prolong the life of the material.
Keep floorboards in a straightened or upright position to avoid deformation, and long-term storage in a folded state under pressure from other things can lead to curvature of the elements, which will complicate subsequent assembly.
☑️ Daily care for the paioles
Pay attention to the condition of the fasteners. Weakened bolts or damaged locks can cause the floor to shift during movement. Regular visual inspection will help identify problems at an early stage.
Comparison of inflatable and hard bottom (NDND vs. Paiola)
The choice between high-pressure inflatable bottoms (HPD) and classic paioles is a challenge for many buyers. HPD provides excellent comfort and ease, but is inferior in driving performance at high speeds. Paioles provide stability and predictability of boat behavior.
Hard-bottomed boats are better at steering and less prowling, more stable at planing and require less engine power to achieve planned speeds, but the weight of such boats will always be greater than that of an inflatable floor.
For cuckoo fishing, a hard floor is also preferable, as it provides a stable platform for the fisherman. On an inflatable floor, it is more difficult to maintain balance when fishing actively, especially in windy weather.
The myth of slipperiness of the pyeol
Many people think that floorboard is slippery to walk on, and that's only true for smooth plywood. Modern models have a slip-resistant coating (mark film) that's as close to the clutch of specialized shoes.
If your goal is high-speed walks, trolling or fishing from long distances, then the choice is in favor of the trip. pyeol If the priority is to be as compact as possible and easy to carry in a backpack, then I think I should consider the options with BND.
Installation and replacement of floor elements
The process of installing the paiola requires a certain sequence of actions: first, the balloon is decomposed, then the main elements of the floor are laid, then stringers are inserted.
When replacing damaged floorboards, it is important to choose elements of the same thickness and geometry. Using thicker plywood can lead to excessive tension of the balloon and break the seams. Thin floorboards will not provide the necessary rigidity.
If you are planning a self-substitution, make sure the new elements have the correct edge processing. sharp edges can damage the inner surface of the cylinder or cockpit bag when transported.
Properly installed floorboard increases the life of the boat by 30-40% and ensures safety on the water.
In some cases, it makes sense to contact a manufacturer or a specialized workshop for the manufacture of an individual set of paioles, especially if the standard dimensions do not fit your requirements or the model of the boat is discontinued.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use regular plywood instead of sea for paiola?
Regular plywood quickly absorbs moisture, swells and loses strength, marine plywood has a special impregnation and a number of layers that provide resistance to the aquatic environment.
How do you know if it’s time to change the floorboard?
The main signs are: edges are bundled, soft areas appear, deformation that interferes with assembly, or cracks in the material. If the plywood has become loose to the touch, replacement is urgently needed.
Do I need to lubricate the stringers before assembly?
Yes, using silicone lubricant or talc makes it easier to insert profiles and protects aluminum surfaces from oxidation, which is especially true in the cold season.
Does the color of the paiole affect the heating of the boat?
Yes, dark paioles heat up more in the sun, which can be uncomfortable when cruising barefoot, and lighter colors reflect more heat, but they get dirty faster.
Can a broken floorboard be repaired?
Small cracks can be fixed with epoxy, but this is a temporary solution, and to restore the load-bearing capacity, it is better to replace the whole element, since the integrity of the structure has already been broken.