Going out on the water is always an exciting moment, which should not be overshadowed by technical difficulties on the shore. PVC It's the foundation of safety for all navigation, because the stability of the vessel and the protection from water depend on the quality of the installation, and many beginners make mistakes trying to speed up the process, which eventually leads to uneven tension of the bottom or even damage to the seams.
In this article, we will discuss in detail each stage of preparation, from the selection of the site to the final test. valveYou will learn why it is important to follow the sequence of installation of cylinders and how to work properly with inflatable keelCompetent preparation will take longer the first time, but guarantees comfort and confidence in each subsequent exit.
Do not ignore the recommendations of manufacturers section-pumpingBecause the designs of different models can be very different, like inflatable floor boats. NDMA They are assembled differently than models with rigid plywood or aluminum paioles, and understanding these nuances will help you avoid common mistakes and prolong the life of your equipment.
Preparation of the place and initial inspection of equipment
Before you lay the boat, you need to choose the right site, the ideal option is a flat surface without sharp stones, branches or barbed grass that can damage the material. PVCIf you are on the wild shore, put a special awning, an old mat under the boat or just clean the site of debris to eliminate the risk of puncture.
Unpack the bag and carefully remove the rolled-up boat, spreading it up with cylinders, at which point it is important to conduct a visual inspection for damage that may have occurred during transportation or storage. valve and the presence of all components, such as seats, pump and remix.
⚠️ Warning: Never start assembly on hot asphalt or concrete on a hot day, as contact with the hot coating can cause thermal damage to the bottom of the cylinders and impair the tightness of the seams.
Check the pump and make sure that the right nozzles are fitted to it. For primary balloon inflating, a conical nozzle is usually used, which allows a large volume of air to be supplied quickly, and it is also worth checking the integrity of the hose and the reliability of the connections, so as not to waste time looking for malfunctions during the pumping process.
Always take a piece of dense cardboard or a special mat to the pond - this will save the boat if you have to dock on an unexpected prickly shore.
The pumping procedure and pressure control
The pumping process should start from the bow, gradually moving to the stern to ensure that the pressure is evenly distributed within the structure. First, the cylinders are pumped to about 50-60% of the operating pressure specified in the product passport, usually about 0.2-0.3 atmosphere, which allows you to straighten the folds of fabric and give the boat its original shape without excessive tension of the seams.
After the initial inflating, you must allow the boat to lie down for 10-15 minutes to material PVC Then, we re-inflate the operating pressure, which is usually 0.25-0.3 air pressure for the side and 0.6-0.8 air pressure for the inflatable keel. The pressure gauge is critical at this point, because you can't see the right pressure.
- 🌬️ Use a foot or electric pump to fill the volume first so as not to waste energy in vain.
- 📉 Check the pressure with a pressure gauge only after the boat is in the sun and warmed up.
- 🔒 Make sure the valve petals are closed and the caps are tightly swirled, but without undue effort.
Special attention should be paid to the inflatable keel, if it is provided by the design of your model. The keel is pumped last and to a higher pressure than the side, as it serves as a function of the car. quiltIt's a longitudinal stiffness, and it's a performance enhancer, and a pumped keel can deform the sides, and a poor keel can't give you the stability you need on the course.
Installation of paioles: assembly of a rigid bottom
Hard bottom assembly is the most time-consuming step, requiring physical strength and a strict sequence of actions. Piolas (plain sheets or aluminum) are laid inside partially inflated cylinders, forming a plane on which passengers will later stand. It is important to stack the sheets smoothly, combining lock joints or profiles to avoid the formation of steps.
In the model system Fast Rigging Or similar profiles, the first sheet is usually put under the nose jar, and the next one is stacked sequentially to the stern. If you use a sling system in your boat, the paioles are first laid out on top of the cylinders, and then straps are pulled inwards to form a rigid structure, which takes longer, but provides excellent bottom rigidity.
| Type of pyeol | Materials | Weight. | Difficulty of assembly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plywood (sleigh) | Waterproof plywood | Highly | Medium |
| Aluminum | Aluminum profile | Medium. | High. |
| NDMA | inflatable floor | Low. | Low. |
| Fast Rigging System | Plywood/Aluminum | Medium. | Low. |
The last sheets may require considerable effort to be installed, as the cylinders already have pressure and resist compression, at which point it is important not to use sharp objects or tools that can damage the fabric, but rather to ask the assistant to lift the opposite side or use body weight to accurately straighten the floorboard in place.
☑️ Checking the bottom assembly
Final pumping and installation of equipment
Once the floorboards are laid and straightened, you have to make the final pumping of all sections to the working pressure, and that's where the boat gets its final rigidity and shape. The pressure in the cylinders should be checked with a gauge, because the floorboard might have dropped during the straightening process. Remember, the pressure inside the cylinders will increase in the sun, so it's better not to pump the boat ashore.
Now you can install a transom board, if it's removable, and you can strap it up with belts or locks, make sure that the transom is vertically and securely fixed, because it will be the main traction load from the engine, and you can also install seats (banks) that are locked in special pockets or on stops.
⚠️ Warning: It is strictly forbidden to leave a fully assembled and pumped boat under direct sunlight unattended, since heating the air inside can lead to rupture of the seams or deformation of the valves.
Install an anchored snare and check the liner cable that runs around the perimeter of the boat, which is a safety net for passengers and helps them get out of the water in case of falling overboard, and make sure that all the carry handles are freely folded and ready to use.
Why does the pressure drop after assembly?
Once the paiola is laid and finally assembled, the boat may appear softer due to cooling of the air or micro-stretching of the fabric. This is normal - just push the boat to the desired values before launching.
Checking tightness and troubleshooting
Before launching, make sure to check the leakproofness of all joints and valves. The easiest way is to apply soap solution to the valves and joints, especially if the boat is new or has not been used for a long time. The appearance of bubbles will indicate the site of the leak, which must be eliminated before getting on the water.
If you find an etching valve, try to wipe the inside of it from sand or dirt, as most often the cause of leakage is a foreign particle that has fallen under the sealing gum. In case of damage to the fabric or seam, use the remake included in the package, following the gluing instructions. PVC materials.
- 🧼 Use soap solution to look for micro-leaks at home before the season.
- 🔍 Carefully inspect the area of stringers (internal cylinders) for rubbing from floorboards.
- 🛠️ Always carry glue and patches with you, even if the boat seems to be fully serviceable.
Pay special attention to the state lanternMake sure that the transom attachment points to the cylinders are free of bloating or detachment, and any deformation in this area can lead to a critical situation under the load of the engine, and if the boat has been tested and holds the pressure for 15-20 minutes, it is ready to launch.
Regularly checking the valves with soap solution is the quickest way to prevent unexpected loss of pressure on the water.
Rules for safe operation in water
Once successfully assembled and launched, it is important to follow the rules of operation to extend the life of your vessel. Don't jump abruptly into the boat from the shore or the pier, as a sharp load on one side can lead to a tipover. Go into the center of the boat holding on to something stable, and then take your seats.
When you're driving, watch the boat on the wave, if you hear the characteristic chanting or feel that the paioles are cruising, it's possible that the pressure in the cylinders has dropped and you need to pump on the shore, and overloading the boat is also unacceptable, as this reduces the height of the board above the water and increases the risk of flooding with the wave.
After each operation, the boat must be washed with fresh water, especially if you have been swimming on the salt sea, and salt and sand are abrasives that, when dry, begin to destroy the protective layer. PVCDrying should take place in the shade, in the straightened form, to prevent the formation of mold in the folds.
Can I collect a PVC boat in the cold?
Assembly at temperatures below -10°C is not recommended, as the material becomes rigid and brittle. If assembly is inevitable, let the boat warm up in a warm room before leaving, and pump very carefully, avoiding sharp inflections.
How often should I pump a boat in the heat?
In hot weather, the pressure inside the cylinders increases, you need to periodically blow excess air through the valve to avoid rupturing the seams, check the pressure every 30-40 minutes of exposure to the sun.
What to do if you punctured a boat on the water?
With a small puncture, the boat is kept afloat by sectionality. Keep it quietly ashore using a patch remake. Large damage requires towing.
Do I have to completely lower the boat after fishing?
For short-term parking (lunch, bathing), just blow a little air. Full descent is only required for transportation and long-term storage to relieve stress from the seams.