Buying an inflatable vessel is only the first step to a comfortable fishing or water trip, but it is the interior design that determines the level of fatigue at the end of the day. The standard PVC bottom, even reinforced, is often slippery, cold and does not provide proper cushioning when standing. buy Eva a rug in a boat Right after the body is purchased, or after the first season of operation, this material changes the experience of being on the water, turning a hard bottom into a soft, warm platform.
The modern market offers many coating options, from simple foam sheets to curly sets that exactly replicate the geometry of a particular vessel. However, it is easy for an inexperienced buyer to get confused about the thickness of the material, the density of the mesh structure and the types of adhesive bases. In this article, we will discuss in detail what to look for when choosing to avoid overpaying for unnecessary functions or, conversely, not saving on critical specifications of durability.
Special attention should be paid to the compatibility of the material with aggressive aquatic environment, sun and mechanical loads from hooks and tackles. The right coating will last decades, maintaining its original appearance and functionality. We will look at the technical nuances that will help you make an informed decision and equip your boat in the best possible way.
Benefits of using EVA foam in PVC boats
The main reason for the growing popularity EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) It's a unique closed-cell structure, and unlike open-porous materials like foam or sponges, this polymer doesn't absorb water at all, and even if you accidentally flip a boat over or you get a lot of water on the deck, it's dry inside, which eliminates mold, rots and the unpleasant smell of dampness.
In addition to water resistance, the material has excellent thermal insulation properties, and the legs of the fisherman do not freeze even when fishing in early spring or late autumn, when the water and air are low. Heat insulation It works both ways: in summer, the material does not get hot in the sun as much as black plastic or dark PVC, allowing you to walk barefoot without the risk of getting burned.
The most important aspect for active fishing is the anti-slip effect: the riffled surface provides a grip on the sole even in conditions where there is mucus, fish scales or oil on the mat, which is critical for safety, as falling into the water from an unstable boat can lead to injuries or loss of tackles.
- 🛡️ Chemical resistance: The material does not react to gasoline, engine oils, salt water and most cleaning products.
- 🦶 Depreciation: reduces the load on the spine and knee joints while standing.
- ☀️ Resistance to UV: It does not burn out or collapse under the influence of direct sunlight for years.
- 🔪 Mechanical strength: resistant to cuts with hooks, a knife and sharp edges of tackles.
⚠️ Attention! Despite its high strength, EVA foam is afraid of open fire and sparks from cigarettes. Smoking in a boat with such a coating requires extreme caution, as the material can melt and catch fire.
Selection criteria: thickness, density and texture
In deciding whether to buy Eva a mat in a PVC boatThe first thing to consider is the thickness of the material, and the most common sheets on the market are 4 to 10 millimeters thick. For simple inflatable boats without a hard solder floor, the best choice is 8 to 10 mm thickness, as it provides maximum comfort and hides the irregularities of inflatable tubes.
If your boat is equipped with plywood or aluminum floorboard floor, you can limit the thickness of 4-6 mm. thinner layer is easier to wash, it protrudes less above the level of the boards, but provides less cushioning. The density of the material also plays a role: denser foam (Hard EVA) is better in shape and less susceptible to swelling under the weight of the load, but it is harder to touch.
Surface texture is a matter of personal taste and function. There are several basic types of embossing, each with its own specifications in operation and care. Smooth surfaces are easier to wash, but can be slippery, whereas deep relief massages the feet better, but small debris can get stuck in the recesses.
Typical dimensions: ready-made sets or sheet material
Before you buy, you need to decide which acquisition format will be most convenient for you. Manufacturers offer two main ways: ready-made curly sets designed for specific boat models, and sheet material that is cut independently. NordWater, ComfortMat or frigateperfectly repeat the contours of the bottom, have ready cutouts for banks and fasteners.
Buying a ready-made kit saves time and guarantees an aesthetic appearance. However, if you have a rare boat, a homemade construction or want to save money, buying a sheet material (in a roll or sheets of 1x0.5 m) will be a rational decision, in which case you will need a sharp knife, a ruler and a little patience to cut.
When choosing a sheet material, it is important to consider the margin. It is recommended to take a material with a margin of 10-15% of the floor area to be able to correct errors when cutting or replace the damaged area in the future. The color scheme is also diverse, from classic gray and black to bright camouflage colors.
The secret of perfect fitting of sheets
When you cut the sheet material yourself, don't try to cut the complex shapes at once. First cut the rough pattern out of cardboard or old wallpaper, try it on in the boat, and only then circle the outline on the EVA. This will save you expensive material.
Methods of installation: glue or self-adhesive
The issue of fixing a mat on the bottom of a boat is one of the most talked-about. There are two main approaches: using a material with a self-adhesive base and landing on a special contact glue. Self-adhesive options seem more attractive to beginners, since they do not require additional purchases and chemical skills.
However, practice shows that in conditions of constant humidity, temperature changes and dynamic loads, the self-adhesive layer can eventually retreat, especially at the edges. Professionals prefer to use specialized adhesives for PVC and EVA, which create a monolithic compound indistinguishable from the factory.
If you're going to use glue, you should choose polyurethane-based compounds that are specifically designed for inflatable boats, and before applying the glue, the surfaces are necessarily degreased. The gluing process takes time to polymerize, but the result is worth it -- the mat becomes part of the boat's design.
☑️ Checklist before mat installation
Comparison of manufacturers and price categories
The market is filled with offers from dozens of brands, and the price range can be substantial. To help you navigate, we have compiled a comparative table of popular options available in the Russian market. Prices can vary depending on the region and the current exchange rate.
| Brand/Type | Estimated price (ruble/sq.m) | Guarantee | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget sheet (China) | 800 - 1200 | No. | Other density, possible smell |
| ComfortMat (Russia) | 1500 - 2000 | 1 year | High density, wide choice of colors |
| NordWater (Russia) | 1600 - 2200 | 1 year | Ready-made sets for models, excellent embossing |
| Frigate (Factory kits) | 2500 - 3500 | 1 year | Perfect geometry, high price for the kit |
When choosing between cheap sheet material and branded kit, consider not only the price, but also the time you will spend fitting. Cheap material can lose color faster or start to crumble after 2-3 seasons of active use. Investment A quality brand often pays off with a long service life.
Also worth paying attention to the availability of safety certificates: quality EVA foam should not emit toxic substances when heated in the sun. Cheap analogues can have a sharp chemical smell that does not weather and is harmful to health.
Useful advice: If you buy sheet material, ask the seller to cut off a piece with a margin of 5 cm on each side, which will allow you to trim the edges after gluing, achieving a perfectly smooth junction with the sides of the boat.
Deck surface maintenance and maintenance
Although the material is unpretentious, proper maintenance will prolong its life and maintain its aesthetic appearance. The main rule is to wash fresh water regularly after each exit, especially if the boat was used in salt water. The salt, when dried, crystallizes and can damage the structure of the cells when mechanically exposed.
To remove persistent contaminants, fat spots or fish traces, use soft detergents and a sponge. Abrasive brushes can damage the top layer of texture, making it less pleasant to the touch. After washing, the mat must be allowed to dry completely before packing the boat, although the material itself does not absorb water, moisture can remain between the mat and the bottom of the boat.
Keeping a boat with a mat installed is better in an unswerving or semi-folded state, avoiding sharp ruptures. Although EVA has shape memory and is recoverable, extreme deformations at low temperatures can leave traces.
⚠️ Warning: Never use acetone-based solvents or aggressive household chemicals to clean EVA mats, which can break down the polymer structure and make the material sticky.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I put Eva's mat on the wet bottom of the boat?
Absolutely not. The PVC surface and the material itself must be completely dry and fat-free. The moisture under the glue will cause the connection to fail and the mat to unstuck. If you're outdoors, make sure that no rain or dew is expected.
How long does the glue for EVA dry?
The polymerization time depends on the brand of the glue and the air temperature. Usually, the "open exposure" (the time when the glue should dry before gluing) is 15-20 minutes. Full grasping occurs in 24 hours, but it is better to give the load on the mat (boat entry) no earlier than 48-72 hours.
Will Eva damage the PVC mat with prolonged contact?
The quality EVA material is chemically inert and does not react with PVC plasticizers. However, if you use a cheap material of unknown origin, there is a risk of migration of substances, which can lead to a change in the color of PVC or soften it. Use only proven brands.
Can I paint Eva's mat?
Standard paints don't hold well on EVA because of its structure. If you want to change color, you'd better buy the right shade material initially. There are special sprays for rubber and EVA, but they require careful surface preparation and can be erased in areas of active leg friction.
What to do if a part of the carpet is broken?
You don't have to glue the entire sheet. You can clean the torn area and the boat space out of the old glue, you can degrease it, you can apply a fresh layer of glue, you can press it for a few hours, and if it breaks, you can cut the patch out of the residues and paste it in, and you can then get a texture pattern.
A properly selected and installed Eva mat is not just a decor, but an investment in safety and comfort that pays off with no fatigue and sliding at each outlet.