Any inflatable boat owner is faced with the problem of bottom rigidity, and the soft PVC bottom is, of course, buoyant, but it's uncomfortable to stand on, and when you walk on water, you get noticeable waves that reduce speed and increase fuel consumption. slate Hard flooring, turning an inflatable boat into a full-fledged vessel with a stable deck.
In modern models, such as Badger, Hunter or FlagshipSome models have lightweight aluminum profiles, others require heavy plywood sheets, and knowing which type of flooring is right for your operating conditions will help avoid typical assembly errors and prolong your life.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what slate is made of, how to properly stack it and, most importantly, how to store it so that it does not swell and rust in one season. The main rule: plywood slate should be stored in a dry room at room temperature, separately from the boat, if possible. Ignoring this fact is the most common reason for decking failure.
What is slate and why it is needed on a PVC boat
Slate is a typed hard floor that is embedded inside the inflatable tubes of the boat. Without this element, the boat is simply an inflatable sausage on which it is difficult to move, and it is almost impossible to fish standing up. The hard bottom distributes the load evenly, protects the cylinders from puncture with sharp objects at the bottom of the reservoir and allows you to install full-fledged seat banks.
The design can be made in the form of separate slats (slats) that connect with each other, or whole sheets of plywood / aluminum. In budget models, it is often the option that the slat is simply inserted inside, relying on special slat profiles or stringers. Air Deck (high pressure inflatable floor), partially replace the function of sleigh, but full rigidity gives it a solid flooring.
- 🛡️ Defense: Slate takes on the blows on stones, shells and driftwood, saving the bottom part of the cylinders from abrasion and puncture.
- 🚶 Comfort: The ability to stand confidently on their feet, move on the boat and install heavy equipment (echo sounders, anchor winches).
- ⚖️ Hydrodynamics: Hard bottom forms the correct profile of the body, improving the output for planing and course stability.
It's worth noting that the weight of the sleigh is a significant part of the weight of the entire boat assembly. If you plan to carry the boat alone, this becomes critical. Aluminum profiles weigh significantly less than wood, but also cost more. The choice of material depends on whether you are willing to sacrifice kilograms for ease of transportation or prefer classic reliability.
Materials of manufacture: plywood against aluminum
The main struggle in the market is between two camps: traditional plywood and modern aviation aluminum. sea-plywood The letters here matter: FC is less moisture resistant, but more environmentally friendly, and FF has increased moisture resistance due to phenolformaldehyde resins, but is considered more toxic when burned (although this does not play a role in water).
Aluminum decking, often found in premium boats such as Badger or WindboatThey are a profile with anti-slip riffling. They are not afraid of water at all, they do not rot, they do not dry out and they weigh 2-3 times less than a tree. But they have their own specifications: aluminum is cold to the touch and can be noisier in rain or hail.
The comparison table will help to determine the choice:
| Characterization | Marine plywood (FSF) | Aluminum profile |
|---|---|---|
| Weight. | Heavy (basic weight of the boat) | Lightweight (up to 40% lighter than plywood) |
| Moisture resistance | Requires drying and painting | Absolute (not rusting) |
| Price. | Affordable | High. |
| Durability | 3-7 years with proper care | Indefinitely |
Plywood requires a lot of processing, and even marine plywood eventually begins to delaminate if left unprotected, and aluminum requires little maintenance, except for periodic washing, but if you like to do it yourself, you can reinforce or replace damaged lamel, which is impossible with a single aluminum sheet.
Design features and types of connections
Not all sludges are the same in the way they are assembled. The simplest option is a set of separate boards that are simply laid on the bottom, which may not connect with each other, which creates a risk of displacement when moving actively. A more advanced option is sludges connected by a strong cloth tape or special locks.
In high-pressure inflatable floor boats (NDMAsleigh is often used by longitudinal beams inserted into pockets or by cross-stripes. Classic boats with removable bottoms use a stringer system, longitudinal profiles, into which transom sheets of plywood are inserted. lay-out: sheets rest on the sides, creating a rigid structure that cannot be folded without disassembly.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to fold a boat with a spacer sleigh installed without disassembling it! Forced folding will cause the slats to break and the cylinders to deform at the stops.
There are also models with an all-welded aluminum bottom that is inserted as a single unit, which is as rigid as possible, but requires a very large bag to transport and considerable physical effort during loading. For small boats (up to 3 meters), the most common use is sectional slate, which is assembled inside the boat on the principle of the designer.
When assembling sectional sleigh, always start the laying on the nose and move to the transom, which will allow you to not stomping on the already laid sheets and not to stain them.
Proper assembly and installation of flooring
The process of assembling a boat with slush takes longer than inflating a balloon. First, you need to completely straighten the boat on a flat surface, removing stones and branches, and then inflate the cylinders to the working pressure (usually 0.2 atm) to make the boat take shape.
Then you put the sleigh elements inside. If you have a plywood set, it's important to correctly orient the slats. Often they're numbered or have a specific shape that only fits their place. Aluminum profiles are usually connected by swallowtail locks or inserted into each other's grooves. Make sure all the connections are snapped to a characteristic click.
After the flooring is laid, the cylinders are finally pumped, and the pressure rises to 0.25-0.28 atm (depending on the model, see below). manufacturer's instructionThe rigidity of the inflated balloon bursts the sides, and the slate becomes one with the hull. Check the tension: on a properly assembled boat, the floor should not "walk" underfoot.
☑️ Checklist for boat assembly
Pay special attention to the transom section. The last section of the sleigh should fit tightly to the transmunist, but not overly press it, unless it is designed. In some boats, the transmutation plate is part of the sleigh and is fixed with special stops.
Protection and treatment of plywood slug
If you're a lucky plywood boat owner, you'll have to start to conserve it right after you buy it, and factory soaking is often shallow, and can't withstand long-term water contact, and you'll have to process it to keep the plywood from turning into a sponge by the end of the season.
The best solution is to use a yacht lacquer or special impregnation for wood based on oils. The lacquer creates a hard crust that is well washed, but if it is damaged (scratch, chip), the water will reach the inner layers, and the stratification will begin. Pinotex For terraces or special boats) penetrate deep into the fibers, pushing water, but require regular updating.
- 🎨 Painting: Using rubber paint or epoxy enamels creates a strong layer, but hides the texture of the wood and can crack on the folds (if the slate is foldable).
- 💧 Impropriation with olive oil: Old proven method, requiring multiple application with drying between layers, cheap, but long-term drying and has a specific smell.
- 🛡️ Combined method: The ends of the lamellae (the most vulnerable place) are impregnated with epoxy resin or PVA glue carpentry, and the planes are covered with varnish.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use conventional interior varnishes or water-based paints. They will wash off after the first release into the water and can be toxic to the inhabitants of the reservoir.
The secret of perfect plywood processing
Remove the chamfer (skos) from the sharp edges of the slats before painting. On sharp edges, the varnish always drains and remains a thin layer, that's where the destruction begins. Rounded edges hold the coating for years.
Storage, drying and typical errors
The most critical moment for your boat's longevity is the end of the season. Leaving plywood slate in a rolled-up boat for the winter is a guaranteed way to get mold, rot and stratified plywood by spring. Even if you dry the boat before packing, the residual humidity in a confined space will trigger the rotting process.
The ideal scenario is that after the season, the slate is taken out, wiped with dry rags, and stored in a straightened form (or a stack of pads) in a warm, dry room. The boat is stored separately. If there is little space and you have to store everything together, make sure that the boat and the deck are completely dry, and periodically (once a month) check the condition.
Aluminum slate is easy enough to wash with fresh water, especially if you've been swimming on the sea or salt lakes, and wipe dry. It's not scary, but dirt and salts can damage PVC tissue when friction occurs.
Typical mistakes of beginners:
- Drying sleigh in the direct sun (leads to deformation and cracks of the varnish).
- Using aggressive chemicals for cleaning (dissolves glue and impregnation).
- Laying wet sleigh in a case "once" (starts the process of rotting).
Proper storage of slug is more important than its original cost, and a cheap plywood with good drying will last longer than an expensive one left wet in a case.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I replace the plywood slate with aluminum in my boat?
Theoretically, you can, if dimensions and the mounting system allow, but the aluminum profile often has a different thickness and lock system, and the easiest way to order a customized liner from a boat manufacturer or specialized firms, providing the old lamellas with the peels.
What is the best way to wash slate after fishing?
Use regular fresh water and a soft brush. To remove fish mucus or oil, you can add a little soft soap. Avoid gasoline, acetone and chlorine products, which destroy the protective layer of plywood and the glue that holds the layers together.
Slan has swelled and stopped getting into the boat, what to do?
This is a sign that the tree has gained moisture, the boat needs to be completely dried in disassembled form, if the booze is severe, you may need to grind the edges of the lamellae, in the future, be sure to treat the ends with moisture retardants.
Do I need to lubricate the locks of aluminum sludge?
Yes, it is recommended to lubricate moving parts and locks with silicone lubrication periodically (once a season) to prevent jamming and facilitate assembly/disassembly, especially if sand gets into the locks.
How thick should plywood be for sleigh?
The optimal thickness depends on the size of the boat. For boats up to 3 meters, 7-9 mm is usually enough. For boats 3.5-4 meters or more, a thickness of 10-12 mm is recommended. Using too thin plywood will lead to its deflection and rapid failure.