Modern fishing for spinning or feeder requires not only a good rod, but also a well-organized workplace. phish-platform It's a rigid base that changes the geometry of an inflatable vessel, and if you're tired of sitting on pumped cylinders, losing your balance, or constantly getting confused in gears lying on the bottom, then creating a full-fledged cockpit is a logical step in the development of your boat.
A hard floor (dadewood) installation turns a normal rowing boat or motorboat into a full-fledged fishing boat, which can securely anchor a sonar, GPS navigation, anchor system, and even an additional seat, but the upgrade process requires careful calculation of the load capacity and the right choice of materials to avoid upsetting the boat's balance.
In this article, we will discuss all aspects of creating and installing a phish platform, you will learn how plywood differs from composite materials, how to correctly calculate the weight of the structure and what tools will be needed for installation. Competent approach will avoid typical mistakes of beginners and get a reliable design ready for harsh conditions of operation on the water.
Advantages of hard floor for active fishing
The main argument in favor of installation phish-platform Air Deck or aluminum slate doesn't provide the stability you need to catch a large fish or work with heavy gear. The hard floor creates a single plane that allows you to move confidently through the cockpit without fear of falling between the flooring elements.
In addition, the existence of a solid basis opens up opportunities for customizationYou can ram rod glasses into the platform, you can install sling wheels, you can mount brackets to attach additional equipment, and that turns the boat from being a simple means of getting the fisherman to the point of the pin into a full-fledged workstation.
- 🎣 Possibility of installation of fixed fixtures for sonar and navigation.
- 🎣 Uniform load distribution along the bottom of the boat, which reduces the risk of PVC damage.
- 🎣 Dry cockpit: Water drains to the lowest point rather than stagnating under your feet.
- 🎣 Convenience of bait boxes and fishing box (tackle box).
It's worth noting that a rigid platform makes it much easier to get ashore. You don't have to balance on soft sides trying to step over them with a backpack. Smooth surface allows you to kneel or lean on your hands without risking damage to the material of the cylinders with sharp objects or heels.
Selection of material: plywood, aluminum or composite
Before starting work, you need to decide on the material of the future design. plywoodIt's affordable, easy to work and strong enough, but it's important to choose moisture-resistant varieties that are soaked in special compounds, otherwise the structure will quickly dissipate from constant contact with water.
An alternative to the tree is aluminum-leaf A metal platform does not absorb moisture, does not rot and lasts for decades, but aluminum has its downsides: it is cold to the touch, can be slippery and requires more complex tools for cutting and drilling. In addition, the contact of aluminum with PVC requires a mandatory gasket to avoid chemical reactions or mechanical abrasion.
⚠️ WARNING: The use of conventional construction plywood is strictly prohibited! even after painting, it will start to soak moisture through cuts and holes under the fasteners, which will lead to swelling and weight gain of the boat by 10-15 kg per season.
The modern solution is composite They're lightweight, completely inert to water, and they allow for complex geometric shapes, but the cost of these materials and the complexity of their self-processing make this a choice for professionals or those who are willing to pay a lot for durability.
Design and drawings of the platform
Design starts with taking the exact dimensions of your boat's interior, and it's important to consider not only the length and width, but also the curvature of the cylinders, and the position of the stringers (if any), and the platform should not rest on the sides under pressure, otherwise, when pumping the boat or on the wave, there will be excessive stress, which can damage the seams.
The optimum thickness of the material for the plywood floor is 9-12 mm. The smaller thickness may not withstand the weight of the fisherman in full gear, and the larger will create an excess load. For aluminum sheets, 3-4 mm thickness is sufficient, provided that the ribs are used.
When creating a drawing, take into account the following parameters:
- 📐 The exact location of the holes for mounting the seats and the transom plate.
- 📐 The gaps between the platform and the cylinders (at least 1-2 cm around the perimeter).
- 📐 Location of water access hatches for pumping (if planned).
- 📐 Places of output of wires from the battery to the motor and electronics.
Nuances form platform
The shape of the platform should be the same as the outlines of the boat, but with a smaller radius. Often a segmented floor is made of 2-3 parts connected by loops or linings to facilitate transportation and assembly. A monolithic stove is more convenient for fishing, but more difficult to store.
Step-by-step instructions for manufacturing and assembly
The process of creating a phish platform yourself requires precision and adherence to technology. First, you cut the material according to the prepared patterns. If you work with plywood, all the ends and holes must be carefully ground and treated with epoxy resin or yacht varnish in several layers.
This is followed by the stage of assembling the frame (if a sandwich structure is used) or strengthening the sheet with stiff ribs. The fasteners must be made of stainless steel (A4) or galvanized to avoid corrosion in salt water.
☑️ Checklist for preparation of materials
The final step is to put the platform in the boat, and it should lie loose, without tension, using regular liner rings, welded to the cylinders of pentacles or special latches, and it is important to ensure that you can quickly dismantle, for example, to dry the boat or replace the battery.
Comparative table of materials for sex
To make it easier for you to choose the best option, we have prepared a comparative description of the main materials used to create a hard floor in inflatable boats.
| Parameter | Sea plywood | Aluminum (AMG) | Fiberglass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (sq.m., 10mm) | ~6.5 kg | ~2.7 kg | ~4.0 kg |
| Moisture resistance | High (with processing) | Absolute. | Absolute. |
| Difficulty processing | Low. | Medium | High. |
| Cost | Low. | Medium | High. |
When using plywood, be sure to paste the bottom side of the platform with self-adhesive carpet tape or linoleum, which will protect PVC from abrasion on the rough surface of the tree when the boat moves through the water.
Equipment integration and electrical wiring
One of the main advantages phish-platform And under a hard floor, you can put a battery compartment that's protected from splashes and mechanical damage, and this is especially true for boats with electric motors, where the weight of the battery is critical in the centering.
To remove the wires in the platform drill holes, which are necessarily equipped with rubber bushings (passages), this prevents rubbing the insulation on the edge of plywood or metal, all connections must be made using moisture-resistant terminals and thermal shrinkage.
It is recommended to provide installation sites in advance cockpitIf the platform blocks access to the transom, the wheels can be mounted directly on the back end of the phish platform, if its design allows, and often a panel with a USB socket and a voltmeter is mounted on the front of the platform to control the battery charge.
⚠️ Warning: Never place the battery directly on the floor of the boat without fixing. In a sudden maneuver or wave, a heavy battery can move, break through the cylinder or cause injury. Use special hazelnuts or belts.
Hard floor care and maintenance
Proper maintenance will extend the life of your platform. After every fishing, especially in salt water, the structure should be rinsed with fresh water. Wooden elements are recommended to inspect once a season for varnish chips and, if necessary, restore the protective coating.
When you store the boat assembled (where space permits), the platform is better removed to allow ventilation of the internal space of the cylinders, which will prevent condensation and mold from forming. If the boat is stored in disassembled form, make sure that the platform does not deform under the weight of other things.
The main principle of durability of the phish platform is high-quality waterproofing of the ends and no direct contact of the metal with moisture. Regular check of the fastener is mandatory due to vibration loads.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much will the weight of the boat increase after installing a phish platform?
The weight depends on the material and the area. For a standard boat 3.2-3.6 meters long, the additional weight will be 8 to 15 kg for plywood and 4-7 kg for aluminum. This has a slight effect on the overall load capacity, but may require redistribution of the cargo.
Can I use a Fish Platform with an inflatable floor (Air Deck)?
Technically possible, but not recommended without modifications: a rigid platform will block air access to the pump valve, and sharp corners can damage the soft bottom. Usually, the Air Deck is completely dismantled, replacing it with a rigid structure.
How to protect PVC from rubbing on the edge of the platform?
Use special tread belts, car felt or tight rubber edging around the platform, and lubricating the contact areas with silicone spray before installation also helps.
Do I need to make holes in the platform for water drainage?
Yes, it's good practice. Small holes (5-8 mm) with drain valves or plugs installed in them will allow you to remove the water that has entered the water without removing the platform.