Comfortable fishing or long journeys in the water on an inflatable boat directly depend on the ergonomics of the resting place. Standard inflatable tubes or rigid plywood cans, coming in the basic configuration, are not able to provide the necessary support for the back with hours of waiting for a cool, which is why the question of how to make a chair in a PVC boat yourself becomes relevant for anyone who values their health and convenience. Homemade design allows you to take into account the individual anatomical features and specific model of a boat.
Creating a comfortable seat requires careful selection of materials that are resistant to aggressive aquatic environments, temperature changes and mechanical stress. Unlike purchase analogues, homemade products can be designed to fit perfectly into the existing one. boat hullA properly designed chair will not only enhance comfort, but also improve the weight of the vessel, which is critical for stability on the water.
In this article, we will take a look at the entire fabrication process, from the choice of wood to the final mounting of the structure. You will learn about the nuances of working with marine plywood varieties, methods of moisture protection and methods of reliable fixation on inflatable boards. A competent approach to design will avoid common mistakes, such as material rotting or structural instability in chop.
Selection of materials and tools for boat furniture
The first step in creating a quality seat is to find the right materials. sea-plywoodIt's a water-resistant phenolic adhesive, and conventional plywood will quickly dissipate under the influence of water and sun, so you can't save on the base, and the optimal thickness of the sheet is 12-15 mm, which provides sufficient stiffness at a minimum weight.
For upholstery and soft parts, materials designed for outdoor use are best used. The ideal choice would be car eco-leather or specialized fabric type. oxford It's water-repellent, and you'll usually have a high-density polyurethane sheet foam inside the seat, which doesn't absorb water and dries quickly, and you'll never get a regular foam here, because it'll turn into a sponge for moisture.
Fixing elements must be made of stainless steel brand AISI 304 or AISI 316Using conventional ferrous metal or even galvanizing will lead to rust after the first season, which will spoil the appearance and reduce the strength of the joints, you will also need carpentry glue (water resistant D3 or D4), screws on wood, edge tape to protect the ends and varnish for yachts.
⚠️ Attention! When working with phenolic resins and varnishes, be sure to use a respirator and work in a well-ventilated room. Solvent vapors are toxic and can cause serious poisoning.
Don't forget to prepare the tool: a clean-cut jigsaw, a grinder, a piece gluing rod, and a building stapler for upholstery. The accuracy of the saw directly affects the geometry of the future chair, so use guide tires. It's advisable to treat all wooden surfaces with a wood antiseptic before assembly, even if you plan to use moisture-resistant varieties.
Design of design and sizing
Before you pick up a jigsaw, you need to create a detailed drawing. Universal dimensions do not exist, as the dimensions of PVC boats vary from 280 to 450 cm or more. The chair should harmoniously fit into the space between the sides, without interfering with the work of the oars or control. boat-engineThe standard seat width for a single person is 40-45 cm, but for fishing, wider options are often made with the expectation of a lift or tackle box.
The height of the back and the angle of its inclination are key parameters of ergonomics. The optimal angle of inclination of the back for rest is 100-110 degrees, which allows you to relax the muscles of the lumbar. The height of the seat from the floor of the boat (or the transom plate) should be such that the legs are conveniently reached to the bottom or support, usually 35-40 cm. tannerousIts height must take into account the location of the lower unit motor.
There are several popular types of inflatable boat designs: a simple fixed chair is attached rigidly to paiolas or banks; a more complex option is a swivel chair on the base, which allows you to turn towards the throw or motor; folding models are also popular, which take up the minimum amount of space when assembled; the type depends on your priorities: maximum comfort or mobility.
When designing, consider the weight of the structure. A heavy, thick plywood chair can make a big difference in the load capacity of a boat, especially in small models. Use formulas to calculate the volume of displaced water if you plan for massive elements. Lightweight construction is achieved not only by the choice of materials, but also by competent geometry, eliminating unnecessary amplifiers where they are not needed.
Inclination angle formula
To calculate the optimal angle, use trigonometric functions based on back height and seat depth. The approximate ratio of back height to seat depth for a 100 degree angle is 1:0.8.
Step-by-step instructions for the manufacture of the frame
The fabrication process begins with cutting plywood according to the drawings prepared. All the parts of the base, backs and sidewalls are sawn with a tolerance of 2-3 mm for grinding. The ends of the parts must be thoroughly cleaned with sandpaper with grains of 80-100 to remove the burrs. After that, all the surfaces, including hard-to-reach places, are covered with several layers of yacht lacquer or epoxy impregation. barrier-layerProtecting the tree from the ingress of moisture.
The frame is assembled with water-resistant adhesive with additional screw fixing. To strengthen the angular joints, you can use metal corners of stainless steel or wooden stone-carving blocks. It is important to ensure that all angles are straight (90 degrees), unless otherwise provided by the design. The skewed frame will create tension in the upholstery and cause discomfort during operation.
Pay special attention to the bottom of the chair, which will contact the floor of the boat or fasteners. It is recommended to install plastic legs or rubber shock absorbers. They will prevent the seat from slipping along the slippery bottom of PVC and protect the material of the boat from istyrs abrasion. If the chair is attached to the banks, mark and drill holes under the bolts, strengthening the attachment sites with metal plates.
☑️ Frame assembly steps
After the frame is assembled, re-varnishing is done to close the screw caps and joints. Let the varnish dry completely for the time specified by the manufacturer (usually 24-48 hours) before proceeding to the upholstery. The smell of the varnish should completely weather away so as not to absorb into the soft materials of the seat. Test the structure for strength by loading it with a weight exceeding the calculated one.
Upholstery and soft seat creation
The upholstery of the chair is a step that turns a rigid wooden structure into a comfortable place to relax. The base of a 30-50 mm thick sheet polyurethane foam (PUF) is cut out first. The PPU is easily cut with a conventional stationery knife or electric bread knife. The shape of the foam should exactly resemble the geometry of the seat and back, perhaps a slight rounding of the edges for convenience.
Then you cut the cover from the selected fabric (eco-leather, Oxford, vinyl). When you cut it, leave the entrances and seams, usually 2-3 cm on each side. If you use a fabric with a pattern, make sure that it is symmetrical. The seams are placed on the sewing machine with special threads (lausan) resistant to ultraviolet and rotting. Conventional cotton threads rot quickly in the sun.
The cover is stretched on the base by a construction stapler. The fabric must be stretched evenly, without folds or sagging, but not too tight to not break when loaded. The stapler brackets must also be made of stainless steel or stained to avoid rusting on the fabric. The edges of the fabric are turned on the back of the plywood and fixed in 2-3 cm increments.
⚠️ Attention! When you stretch the cloth at the corners, make neat cuts or builds to avoid coarse folds, and the quality of the upholstery directly affects the appearance of the product.
For added comfort, you can also provide a removable zipper case that can be removed for washing or replacement, especially if the boat is actively used and the fabric is often stained with fish mucus or dirt, and the inner foam can also be wrapped in a thin layer of syntepon before putting on the cover to smooth out minor irregularities.
Seat mounting systems in PVC boat
Water safety is the number one priority, so the seat mounting needs to be robust. There are several basic ways of fixing. The easiest way is to put it on a transom board, if the boat design allows it, in which case the chair is simply bolted to a board, which is in turn sandwiched between the sides and the inflatable tubes, which provides rigid fixation, but limits mobility.
A more versatile option is to attach to removable cans (seats), which use special brackets or clamps that cover the can, and fasten the seat to prevent it from moving forward or backward when the boat is jerking. quick-releaseIt's important that the mounting points don't damage the material of the can or cylinders.
The paiolas use a runner or guide system to place them on the floor of the boat, and the bottom of the chair is a slat that is inserted into the slots between the paiolas, or a suction cup/Velcro is used for temporary fixation, but on an inflated bottom, this is less reliable, and the best solution is a combined mount: a floor mount and a fixation to the sides or banks.
The following is a table comparing different fastening methods:
| Type of attachment | Reliability | Mobility | Difficulty of installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| To the transom board | High. | Low. | Low. |
| To the removable bank. | Medium | High. | Medium |
| Inflatable base | Low. | High. | Low. |
| Stationary to paiola | High. | Low. | High. |
Use rubber pads between the metal mounting elements and the PVC material of the boat to prevent rubbing and damage to the cylinders when moving.
Protection from moisture and durability of the structure
Even the use of marine materials does not guarantee eternal service without proper care. Water, salt, fish oil and solar ultraviolet are the main enemies of any equipment on the boat. Wooden frame, even lacquered, requires periodic inspection. Once a season, it is recommended to check the integrity of the lacquer coating and restore it if necessary. Microcracks can become an entrance gate for moisture, which will trigger the process of rotting from the inside.
Metallic elements, even stainless steel, need to be washed with fresh water after each release to salt water. Salt coating destroys the protective oxide film on the metal, leading to spot corrosion. Lubricate the moving parts (if there is a rotating mechanism) with silicone grease that is not washed away by water and does not harm PVC materials.
Keeping the chair in the off-season is also important. Don't leave it in a damp garage or barn for the winter. The ideal environment is a dry room at room temperature. If that's not possible, pack the chair in a breathing case and lift it above the floor to allow air to circulate, which will prevent mold from appearing on the upholstery and warping the tree.
⚠️ Attention! Don't use aggressive solvents, gasoline or acetone to clean your seat. They can dissolve the glue, spoil the lacquer, and make the eco-leather sticky and brittle.
Timely repair of minor damage will prolong the life of your chair, cut on the upholstery can be sealed with special glue for PVC or sealed, a loose bolt needs not just tighten, but check the landing place and perhaps drill into a larger diameter or use a fixing sealant, careful attitude to homemade products will pay off years of comfortable fishing.
High-quality impregnation and regular care increase the service life of a wooden chair in a PVC boat by 2-3 times compared to untreated analogues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you use conventional plywood instead of sea?
Theoretically, you can coat it with epoxy resin in several layers on all sides, including the inner cavities. However, conventional plywood has voids inside the veneer that are hard to reach with varnish, and it will eventually dissect, and marine plywood is devoid of internal voids and glued with water-resistant glue, making it the only reasonable choice for long-term use.
How much weight can a homemade chair withstand?
When using plywood 12-15 mm thick and the correct design (with triangular headscarves or tsargas), the chair calmly withstands the load up to 150-200 kg. It is important to correctly calculate the points of support and not make too long console overhangs without additional supports.
Do I need to make a chair with a box for gear?
It depends on the type of boat. In small boats (up to 3 meters), the box chair can be too bulky and upset the balance. In large boats (3.5 m+), this option is very convenient, because it allows you to combine seat and storage, saving space. The main thing is to make the lid airtight if you plan to store dry things there.
How to secure the chair so that it does not fly overboard in a sharp turn?
Using friction alone or light hooks is not enough. Be sure to use a safety cable or straps fastened to the loose bolts on the sides of the boat. Even if the main mount (such as suction cups or jar clips) weakens, insurance will keep the chair in place.