Modern fishing requires not only high-quality equipment, but also the most comfortable boat. The standard configuration of an inflatable boat often prevents the angler from taking a stable position for catching a trophy or long fishing in a plumb. phish-platform It becomes an indispensable element of tuning, turning an ordinary PVC boat into a full-fledged small-class fishing boat.
Making this design yourself allows you to take into account the individual anthropometric data of the owner and the specifics of the gear used. A homemade platform is often stronger and lighter than store counterparts, since you control the quality of the assembly and the choice of materials. In addition, it is a significant savings in budget, because ready-made solutions from famous brands can cost as much as half the boat itself.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at the design, materials selection and build of a solid base, and learn how to properly reinforce the transom, calculate the load on the cylinders, and create a system that does not damage the bottom of the boat even when actively operating in difficult conditions.
Selection of materials and design of construction
The first and most important step is to choose the material for the base. plywoodIt is highly moisture-resistant due to the use of phenol formaldehyde resins when gluing layers of veneer, and the sheet thickness should be at least 9 mm, and ideally 12 mm, if you plan to install a heavy chair or additional equipment.
Alternatives to plywood are composite fiberglass or aluminum alloys, but work with them requires specific skills and equipment. For most anglers, plywood treated with special impregnations remains the optimal solution.
The design must take into account the geometry of your boat, and the platform must not rest on cylinders under load, otherwise it will damage the PVC fabric when rolled. The optimum gap between the edge of the platform and the inner perimeter of the boat is 1-1.5 cm.This compensates for the deformation of the balloons on the wave.
- 🛡️ Sea plywood A 12mm thick FSF is the best balance of price and strength for the base.
- 🧪 Epoxy resin with hardener - necessary for sealing all sections and surface.
- 🔩 Stainless steel or anodized aluminum - for fasteners to avoid corrosion.
- 🧶 Glasswork - to create a durable protective layer on the ends and surface of the plywood.
⚠️ Attention: Never use conventional building plywood (FC) without thorough multi-layered oliphide and varnishing, as it will swell after the first season of active fishing.
Before opening the plywood, be sure to make a life-size cardboard layout to check the cockpit landing of your particular boat model.
Disclose and prepare platform details
The process starts with precise measurements of the cockpit's interior space, and you don't have to rely on the eye gauge, because the symmetry of the boat can be broken during pumping or operation, and it's best to spread the boat on a flat surface, pump it to working pressure, and take measurements at several points: the transom, the middle, and the balloon.
After the sizing is removed, we start to mark the sheet of plywood. If you make a collapsible platform consisting of several sections, you need to provide docking units. The connection must be rigid to exclude backlashes and creaks during movement. This uses special metal plates or a groove-comb system reinforced by bolts.
Cutting is best done with a clean cut jigsaw on wood to minimize the chips on the top layer of the veneer. If chips do form, they will need to be splashed with a mixture of sawdust and epoxy before finishing. All corners of the future platform should be rounded with a radius of at least 5 mm, so as not to damage the fabric of the boat during installation.
The sequence of actions in the cutting:Marking the contour with a marker.
Fixing the sheet with strubcines.
3. Sawed with a small margin (1-2 mm).
4. Handling of the ends with a grinder to size.
| Type of boat | Plywood thickness (mm) | Platform weight (kg) | Max. load (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact (up to 3 m) | 9 | 6-8 | 120 |
| Medium (3.2 - 3.6 m) | 12 | 10-14 | 180 |
| Large (3.8 - 4.2 m) | 15 (or a sandwich) | 18-22 | 250+ |
| trolling | 12+12 (double) | 25-30 | 300+ |
Enhancement and waterproofing technology
Wood, even the best quality, doesn't like water, so the waterproofing phase is critical to the durability of your structure. Simply coating it with varnish won't be enough. The most effective method is epoxy-based glass, which creates a monolithic protective shell that is not afraid of moisture, mechanical damage, or ultraviolet light.
The process starts by impregnating all surfaces, including the end, with a liquid epoxy compound. After drying out the first layer, strips of fiberglass are glued onto the ends and corners. Then the entire surface is soaked, and the main layer of tissue is laid down. It is important to roll each area carefully to expel all the air bubbles and ensure that the reinforcement material is fully fit.
To promote wear-resistant You can use a slip-resistant coating on the top of the platform, which is a quartz sand paint, or a deck paint coating that's self-adhesive, which not only protects you from falling on a wet surface, but also protects the tree.
- 🖌️ ground-breaker - mandatory first layer to improve the adhesion of the resin to the tree.
- 🌡️ Temperature conditions - work at a temperature not lower than +15 ° C for proper polymerization.
- ⏳ Time to dry - between the layers to withstand the interval specified by the resin manufacturer (usually 12-24 hours).
- 🛡️ UV protection - add an ultraviote filter to the finishing varnish so that the resin does not turn yellow.
⚠️ Attention: Work with epoxy resins and hardeners is necessary only in a well-ventilated room and in personal protective equipment ( gloves, respirator), as the vapors can be toxic.
The Secret to the Perfect Surface
If the surface is uneven after drying the fiberglass ("orange peel"), do not rush to hide. Apply a thin layer of finishing epoxy varnish with low surface tension - it will spread itself into the mirror.
Installation of sleds and anchorage systems
The platform itself has to be on a hard base, or it's going to bend under the weight of a person. slate-matter Or rigid inflatable cans, but for a phish platform, it's better to use a system of rigid supports distributed along the bottom, often using longitudinal stringers made of PVC pipe or wooden timber wrapped in fabric.
The platform's attachment to the cylinders should be reliable, but not traumatic, using special belts with buckles-fastex or carabiners, straps are thrown over the side and fastened to the rings on the platform itself or to the ruff bolts screwed into the ends of the plywood, and it is important that the belts do not rub against sharp corners when rolling.
If you are planning an installation transom-wheel Or rod holders, where they're attached, you need to make sure that they're attached and reinforced in advance, and you drill holes in the plywood, and you put stainless steel bushings in, and then you seal everything, so you can reconfigure the equipment without damaging the platform itself.
☑️ Checklist of installation
Modernization: places for equipment and ergonomics
The fish platform is not just the floor, it's the fishing area, so ergonomics is crucial, and the front end of the platform is often a cutout or legging bench, so you can fit comfortably closer to the boat's nose, and there are also places to fit the boat. spinner, brackets for sonar and mounted organizers.
You can have sealed compartments to store the little stuff under the platform or in the thickness, and if the platform has two halves, you can leave a technological gap between them, where the gearbox is installed, so you can use the cockpit space as efficiently as possible without cluttering it with extra containers.
Visual control is also important, and the platform should not block the view of water in the immediate vicinity of the boat, especially if you catch short distances or plumb. The holes in the floor (drainage) will also be useful so that water that gets inside quickly flows into the boat, rather than stagnating on the surface.
- 🎣 Rod-holders They are placed in the ends or on special slats.
- 🔋 AKB anchorage Reliable battery fixation for an electric motor or sonar.
- 🪑 Residence Possibility of installing a rotary chair on a standard glass (pedestal).
- 💡 Light - Installation of LED tape around the perimeter for night fishing.
A well-designed platform increases the usable area of the cockpit by 30%, allowing you to place more equipment without losing comfort.
Final assembly and testing on the water
After all the assembly and processing work is done, there comes a moment of truth, the first step out, and you don't have to load the platform as hard as you can, but first check its behavior in calm water: how it holds its center of gravity, whether it shifts sideways, whether it rubs the cylinders.
Notice how the boat behaves under load. The platform adds rigidity to the structure, which can change the performance of the boat, it can become more roller or, conversely, more stable. In the first hours of operation, it is recommended to periodically check the tension of the belts of the fixation, as the new material can stretch slightly.
A properly manufactured fish platform lasts for years without requiring complex maintenance, it is enough after each fishing to rinse it with fresh water, especially if you have been fishing in salt water, and store it in a dry place.
⚠️ Attention: After the first season of operation, be sure to remove the platform and inspect the lower surface for scuffs or moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much will the weight of the boat with the platform be increased?
The weight of a 12mm plywood platform for a boat with a length of 3.2-3.6 meters is usually 10 to 15 kg. This is an essential weight additive, but it is fully justified by the comfort and rigidity of the structure.
Can I use the platform in winter when fishing from ice?
Yes, but with caution. At low temperatures, epoxy resin and varnishes become more brittle; sharp impacts on ice or heavy equipment can lead to cracks; in winter, it is better to avoid harsh loads and keep the platform warm before leaving.
How to clean the platform from fish mucus and dirt?
Use a soft brush and warm soapy water. Abrasive powders are best avoided so as not to scratch the lacquer layer. To disinfect and remove the smell, you can use a weak solution of vinegar or special sprays to clean PVC and plastic.
Do I need to disassemble the storage platform?
If the design allows for 2 or 4 parts disassembly, it's ideal for transportation and storage, it's easier to store a whole platform, but it takes up more space, and the key is to provide ventilation during storage so that the moisture remains completely evaporate.