Any trip on the water, whether it is a serious fishing or family vacation, requires a certain level of comfort. The cold, slippery and hard floor of PVC tubes or plywood quickly tires the legs and back, especially if you have to stand or move on a boat for a long time. Eva's a boat matIt changes the feeling of operating the boat.
This material, known as ethylene vinyl acetate, has long been proven in water sports and shipbuilding due to its lightness and moisture resistance. However, just buying sheets is not enough - it is important to choose the right thickness, surface structure and method of attachment, so as not to spoil the expensive bottom of the boat. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances that will help you make the perfect floor.
Choosing between a ready-made solution and a self-disclosure is often a dilemma for owners: ready-made kits for specific models of boats save time, but can cost more. Self-assembly allows you to take into account the individual specifications of equipment and save budget, but requires accuracy and time.
What is Eve Material and Its Benefits for Inflatable Boats
EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) is a foamed polymer that, in its tactile properties, resembles a dense but soft rubber. water-absorbentThis is a critical parameter for use in conditions of constant humidity and contact with the water surface.
The main advantage of using Eva mat in PVC boat It's a very insulating floor, and even in the early spring or late autumn, when the water is cold, it keeps the feet from freezing, unlike bare plastic or wet plywood, and it's also very cushioned, reducing the stress on the spine when you're standing up.
⚠️ Attention: Don’t confuse low-quality technical Eva with specialized water mats. Cheap options can crumble under the influence of ultraviolet and have an unpleasant chemical smell that does not weather for a long time.
The durability of the material is also worth noting: With proper care and the absence of mechanical damage by sharp objects, a quality mat lasts for many seasons without losing its original appearance and elasticity, it is resistant to rot, mold and the effects of gasoline or oil.
Before buying a large sheet, be sure to smell the material. The sharp, pungent smell of "chemistry" is a sure sign of poor quality that will irritate in the confined space of the boat.
Selection criteria: thickness, density and texture of the surface
The market offers many options, and it can be difficult to understand them. leaf-thicknessFor inflatable boats, the optimal range is 8 to 10 mm. thinner sheets (4-6 mm) may not be comfortable enough and quickly rub, and too thick (12-15 mm) will add excess weight and reduce usable space inside the cockpit.
The surface texture is important for safety, and the smooth Eva mat looks aesthetic, but when water and fish mucus hit, it can become slippery, so boats tend to choose the topography:
- 🌊 Wave: The classic version, well diverts water and provides adhesion.
- 📐 Rhombus: more aggressive riffling, popular in tuning boats, massages the feet perfectly.
- ⚪ Point: It is less common, but also effective against slipping.
The density of the material directly affects its wear resistance. For PVC boats, it is recommended to choose a high-density Eve, as it holds its shape better and less crumples under the weight of equipment and people. Low density will lead to the fact that after the season the mat will turn into a pancake, losing its shock-absorbing properties.
Preparation of the boat and tool before sticking
The quality of the installation depends on the preparation of the surface. Even the most expensive glue will not hold the mat on dirty or greasy PVC. The first thing you need to do is wash the boat thoroughly using degreasing agents. White Spirit or specialized cleaners for PVC.
After cleaning, the surface should dry completely. Humidity is the enemy of any adhesive. If you plan to glue the mat onto plywood flooring (transe plates), make sure that the plywood is also dry and free of bloating. You will need the following set to work:
- ✂️ Sharp construction knife with interchangeable blades (a dull knife can damage the structure of Eva).
- 📏 A long metal ruler or rule for smooth cutting.
- 🖌️ Brushes or rollers for applying glue.
- 🌡️ Hair dryer (preferably industrial, but it is possible and household) for activation of glue.
It's important to make a pre-configuration decision. Will it be a solid sheet or a set of modules? A solid sheet is easier to wash, but harder to glue alone. A modular system ("puzzle" or separate stripes) allows you to remove some of the coating to dry the bottom of the boat if you need it.
☑️ Preparation for installation
Installation technology: step-by-step instructions
The process of sticking the Eve Mat requires patience and accuracy. Most craftsmen use two-component polyurethane adhesives (for example, adhesives). Desmocoll Or analogues of it), which provide a reliable connection to PVC, you first need to make a cut of the material in the shape of the bottom of your boat.
Apply the first layer of glue on both of the surfaces that you stick together, the PVC of the boat and the mat itself. Let it dry to the "straw" (usually 15-20 minutes, read the instructions on the jar), then apply the second layer and wait again. When the glue stops sticking to your fingers, the surfaces need to be activated with heating.
Activation temperature: 50-60 ° C (heating up with a hairdryer for 1-2 minutes)Once heated, the parts are tightly pressed together, so it's important to keep the air out of the Eve layer, roll the surface with a hard roller from the center to the edges, expelling the air bubbles, and if the bubble is still there, you can gently prick it with a needle and press it down.
⚠️ Attention: Do not overheat the PVC fabric of the boat! Temperatures above 80°C can irreversibly damage the polymer coating of cylinders, making them sticky or deforming the structure.
What to do if the glue freezes too quickly?
If you do not have time to connect the parts after activation, apply a thin layer of solvent (acetone or special activator) on both surfaces, wait for softening and repeat heating.
Comparison of materials: Eve vs. other coatings
To make sure that the choice is correct, it is worth comparing Eve with alternative flooring options in the boat: there are artificial grass carpets, rubber cell mats and various synthetic coatings on the market.
| Characterization | Eva (EVA) | Artificial grass | Rubber cells |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moisture resistance | It doesn't absorb water. | Requires drying. | Not absorbing. |
| Weight. | Very light. | Medium. | Heavy. |
| Gone. | Easy to wash. | Hard to clean. | Middle-Average |
| Comfort. | Tall (warm) | Tall (soft) | Low (hard) |
As you can see from the table, Eva's mat It benefits from a combination of factors, especially weight and ease of maintenance: artificial grass, while pleasant to the touch, accumulates dirt and fish scales that are extremely difficult to wash, rubber adds significant weight, which is critical for small inflatable boats with limited capacity.
Another plus of Eva is the ability to paint or apply logos. Many anglers use stencils to put the name of their boat or the logo of their favorite brand on the floor, which is impossible to do with pile coatings.
The Eva mat is the optimal balance between weight, comfort and durability, making it a leader in the inflatable boat tuning segment.
Coverage care and winter storage
Proper operation will prolong the life of your sex. After every fishing, especially if the fishing was carried out with bait or butchering fish, the mat must be rinsed with fresh water. Salts and organic residues can eventually destroy the structure of the material or cause an unpleasant odor.
Use a soft brush and neutral detergents to clean. Aggressive chemicals containing chlorine or strong solvents can change the color of Eve or make its surface sticky. Gasoline or oil stains are usually easily removed with rags dipped in diesel fuel or a specialized cleaner.
When preparing the boat for winter storage, make sure that the mat is completely dry. Although the material itself does not absorb water, there may be moisture between it and the bottom of the boat, which will create unnecessary stress when frozen. You can fold the boat with the mat, but it is better to avoid too tight twisting into the cold when the material becomes less elastic.
⚠️ Attention: Never dry the Eve Mat with an open fire or on hot heating batteries. High temperatures can cause cells to deform and lose shape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I put Eva-Mat on a wet boat?
Absolutely not. The glue will not catch on the wet surface, and after a short time the mat will start to peel off. The surface should be dry, clean and low-fat.
What thickness should I choose for fishing in winter?
For winter fishing, it is better to choose the maximum recommended thickness of 10 mm. This will provide better thermal insulation from cold water and ice, keeping the heat of the legs longer.
Do I need to take off the mat for the winter?
Not necessarily if the boat is kept in a warm garage. If the boat remains inflated in a cold room or outdoors, it is better to remove the mat to avoid freezing to PVC in places where moisture may have remained.
How to cut the Eve mat so that the edges are even?
Use a very sharp construction knife. Drive the knife at a 90 degree angle to the surface, pressing the material with a ruler. A stupid knife will chew the material, leaving ragged edges.
Can I paint the vela mat in a different color?
Yes, there are special dyes for EVA and polyurethane, but factory paint is usually better and more durable, because pigment is added to the mass of the material in production.