Operation floater It requires not only physical training, but also a clear understanding of the algorithms of preparation for the water. Many beginners make the fatal mistake of thinking that the process is limited to pumping cylinders and installing the engine. PVC materials Knowledge of the hydrodynamics of light boats is the key to your safety and durability of the property.
Water does not forgive light-headedness, especially when you are in a lightweight structure, dependent on air pressure in the cylinders. boat-work It starts long before the nose touches the water surface, and in this guide, we'll go through all the nuances, from choosing a pumping site to winter storage, so that your first exit is smooth.
It is worth understanding that polyvinyl chlorideThe material that your boat is made of is strong, but it has its own specifications in the face of extreme temperatures and mechanical stresses. Ignoring the rules of operation can lead to rupture of the seams or loss of sealing at the most inopportune moment. So carefully study the theoretical part before practice.
Selection of location and preparation for pumping
The first thing that any voyage begins with is finding a suitable site to prepare the vessel, the ideal option is a flat, debris-free surface away from prickly plants, broken glass or sharp stones. PVC fabric It has high wear resistance, but puncture of a sharp object during pumping can happen instantly due to the pressure of a person's weight on the material.
If you are on a sandy beach, try to choose a site without a shell. In the forest zone, it is better to put a special awning, tarp or even an old blanket under the boat to protect the bottom from boughs. inflatable tubes In the process of pumping, they become elastic and vulnerable to any sharp protrusions on the ground.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a partially pumped boat in direct sunlight for long periods of time unattended. The air inside the cylinders heats up rapidly, the pressure rises, and the valve may not be able to withstand, causing the seam to rupture.
And the wind direction is also important, and you need to make the boat so that the wind blows in the side or in the nose, but you don't pick up the structure by dragging it on the ground. chute or the inset bottom of the NDNDM can damage the valves if the boat is dragged by the wind over the abrasive surface.
Proper pumping and pressure control
The pumping process is not just about filling the volume with air, but creating a load-bearing structure. For paillon bottom boats ("book" or individual stoves), the cylinders are first pumped to a state of elasticity, then inserted into the bottom, and only then they get the pressure to normal. NDMA (low pressure inflatable floor) the sequence may differ, but the principle remains the same.
It's critical to use a pressure gauge, especially in cold weather, because the air expands when heated, and if you pump a boat to 0.2 atm (200 mbar) at 10°C, and then pull it out in the sun, where the temperature rises to 30°C, the pressure inside the cylinders can rise to critical levels. The 10% rule: When you go out in the sun, add no more than 10% to your working pressure or pour excess.
Use a foot or electric pump to fill the volume first, but always make the final adjustment with a manual pump (two-way) that will allow you to feel the resistance and not pump the balloon. Working pressure This is usually 0.2-0.25 atm, but the exact figures are always indicated on the product’s passport or on the manufacturer’s plate.
- 🌬️ Start pumping from the nose compartment, then go to the side, and finish with a stern (trans) cylinder, if the design suggests it.
- 🔧 Check the tightening of all screws on fittings (tiller, switch) immediately after full pumping, as the geometry of the boat changes.
- 🌡️ Always carry air in a pulmonary pump or small foot for rapid pumping on water.
⚠️ Warning: It is strictly forbidden to use compressors for tires or powerful industrial pumps without a gearbox and a precise pressure gauge, the risk of explosive rupture of the seams during such pumping is up to 100%.
☑️ Boat's descent readiness
Installation of equipment and equipment
Once the boat is fully prepared, the equipment stage begins. transom The motor must be placed in the center, and the motor must be moved sideways, and rolling can cause rolling and loss of stability, especially in the wave, and the motor's fasteners must be tightened with moderate force, so as not to push through the wooden transom base, but to ensure rigid fixation.
The cockpit must be properly equipped, and heavy items (anchors, batteries, crates with supplies) should be placed as low and close as possible to the diametric axis (symmetry axis). stability An anchor, for example, is never kept in the nose on a free bed, only in a special bag or a kunduk.
Don't forget to check the kit with life-saving aids. lifejackets In terms of passenger numbers, it's not just a requirement of GIMS, it's a necessity, and it's also worth securing the anchor shaft beforehand, passing it through the anchor rail (if any) or strapping it to the nose handle, so that in an emergency situation you don't waste time looking for the end.
| Equipment element | Location | Importance | Features of attachment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery | Along the side, by the seat. | High. | In the sealant, strap-fixing |
| Anchor | In the nose, in the bag. | Medium | The fall must be free of knots. |
| Life jackets. | Under seats or on passengers | Critical | Easy access in 5 seconds |
| cerpak | On the sling by the side | High. | Always on hand, not in the bag |
Launch and safety
The launch of an inflatable boat into the water requires caution. Unlike metal vessels, PVC is afraid of friction against stones and shells even in a semi-swimming state. You need to bring the boat to the water's edge with liner ropes (fails) located on the sides, trying not to drag the bottom.
When you board a boat, you have to do one leg here, one leg there. First load the nose, then gently carry the weight on the balloon or the can. Dramatic movements can flip a light vessel. If you start a boat from a flat shore, it's best to get on a tray first (if you can) or on a stern tank, push yourself back and then move on to the seat.
Load capacity The number on the passport includes the weight of passengers, motor, fuel, anchor and equipment, the overloaded boat loses its driving performance, becomes roller (unstable) and receives more spray into the cockpit, which is dangerous for the crew. electric motor Or a gasoline engine.
- 🛶 Check for water in the cockpit every 15-20 minutes of movement, especially when you are excited.
- 🔋 Make sure that the transom plate is not submerged in water deeper than indicated in the instructions for the motor.
- ⚓ In high winds, always keep the anchor ready for immediate recoil so as not to be blown to stones.
⚠️ Warning: When you go out for the first time, don't go far from the shore. Check the boat in the safe zone, see if the air is poisoning, how the engine behaves, if you're comfortable sitting.
Boat control and manoeuvring
Management rowboat And the basic principle on oars is to row alternately or simultaneously, using the steering wheel (if any), or tilting the paddle at the side to turn, and the main thing is rhythm and synchrony, if you're two.
When driving the engine, it's important to remember inertia. A light PVC boat accelerates quickly, but also stops quickly. However, when planing (sliding over the surface of the water), you need to make turns smoothly. A sharp turn of the ramp at high speed can cause the boat to throw out of a turn or it will flip over. Centre of gravity It shifts, and stability drops.
If you just get hit on a hard hull, the PVC boat's soft nose can fold ("slam") if it hits the junction of the balloon and the bottom. In a strong wave, it is recommended to move at an angle to the wave (foreshog or beidewind) to soften the blows.
What if the boat starts to get its nose?
If you're moving, the boat's nose burrows into the water and it scoops up a wave, you need to immediately release the gas, you're probably overloaded, or you're going against the wave, move the load or the passenger closer to the transom to raise your nose, and change course, going at an angle to the excitement.
To stop the engine, use a commandore tiller attached to your clothes, which ensures that when you fall overboard, the engine stops instantly. The drag (at low speeds) saves fuel, but make sure that the exhaust does not hit the water next to the cylinders, although modern materials are resistant to short-term heating.
Ashore, drying and storage
Returning to base is only half the battle, and preserving a boat properly determines its lifespan, and once you're ashore, you need to remove the water from the cockpit and rinse the boat with fresh water, especially if you've been swimming in the salt sea. salt And sand is abrasives that break down the protective layer of PVC.
Drying is a must before packing. Even if the boat seems dry, there may be moisture in the folds of the bottom and under the paioles. Leave the boat in the shade (not in the sun!) in a half-deflated state for a few hours or overnight. You can't completely blow the hot boat out, you have to wait until it cools to ambient temperature.
When packing in the cold season, make sure that the material does not freeze to itself. Stow the boat freely without traming it excessively. For long-term storage, the temperature from +5 to +20 ° C away from the heating appliances is ideal. Ultraviolet It is also dangerous when stored, so keep the boat in a cover or dark room.
Use talc to treat seams and valves before long-term storage, which will prevent rubber surfaces from sticking together and microcracking on the folds.
The main secret of the longevity of PVC boats is complete drying before packaging and storage in a straightened or slightly compressed state at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I leave a pumped boat in the sun?
Exposure to sunlight heats and expands the air inside the cylinders, which can cause joints to rupture or deform the structure, and if you leave the choice, you need to regularly put excess pressure through the valves.
What pressure should be in the cylinders in winter?
In winter, at negative temperatures, the PVC material becomes stiffer, and pressure can be kept at the lower end of the operating range (about 0.18-0.2 atm), since the risk of pumping is minimal, and the elasticity of the material is more important than rigidity.
How to seal the PVC boat in the field?
For emergency repairs, use special self-adhesive tape remixes or two-component polyurethane glue. It is important to degrease and clean the surface before the patch sticker. Water should not get under the glue at the time of gluing.
How long has a PVC boat been in operation?
With careful operation, proper drying and storage, the service life of a quality PVC reinforced boat is 10-15 years or more. Five-layer materials are more durable than three-layer ones, but require more careful handling.
Can I wash my boat with household chemicals?
The use of aggressive solvents, gasoline or chlorine-containing products is prohibited. To wash, use warm water with a soft soap solution and a sponge. (oil stains) can be carefully removed with white spirits, but immediately flushing it with water.