Comfortable fishing or a pleasant day on the water is impossible without a comfortable seat. Many owners of swimming aids wonder how to install a chair in the boat to ensure maximum stability and not damage the sides. Proper installation reduces back fatigue during long waits for cooling and improves the overall level of safety on the water.
There are many ways of fixing, depending on the material of the hull and the design of the vessel. Hard installation requires the drilling of holes, while float-platform This allows you to do without disturbing the integrity of the cylinders, and the choice of method directly affects the stability of the structure during pitching and maneuvering.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the stages of preparation and installation of various types of seats. You will learn about the nuances of working with PVC and aluminum housings, and also understand what tools you will need for quality work.
Choosing the right type of seat for your boat
Before installation work begins, you need to decide on the type of seat, and the market offers a wide range of solutions, from simple folding chairs to professional rotary seats with armrests. Chair design It must correspond to the dimensions of the cockpit and withstand dynamic loads.
Small inflatable boats often have lightweight models on inflatable bases, which do not require complex fasteners and are easily dismantled, while metal or fiberglass housings are ideal for fixed, rigidly fixed versions to the bottom or transom.
⚠️ Warning: Using a heavy metal chair on a lightweight inflatable boat can shift the center of gravity and reduce the stability of the vessel, which is dangerous in windy weather.
When choosing, pay attention to the material of upholstery. Marine vinyl fabric It's salt water and ultraviolet resistant, whereas normal foam will quickly become unusable, and it's also important to have drain holes in the seat so that the water doesn't linger after a wave or rain.
Necessary tools and materials for installation
Quality installation is impossible without the right tools, the equipment range varies depending on the chosen method of attachment and the material of the boat, the basic kit should include reliable measuring instruments and protection.
Hard mounts require an electric drill with a set of metal or wood drills. aluminum-hullBe sure to use cobalt-coated drills to avoid overheating and sticking to the metal.
- 🛠️ Electrical and speed-adjusted screwdriver
- 📏 Roulette, coal and marker for marking
- 🔩 Set of wrenches and screwdrivers
- 🧴 Polyurethane-based sealant for waterproofing
Don’t forget to prepare a surface degreasing. acetone Or specialized alcohol will provide the perfect adhesion of glue or sealant. Inflatable boats may also require special glue for PVC if you plan to stick pentacles under the attachment.
Preparation of the installation site and markings
Accurate markings are essential to stability and symmetry, and a few centimeters of error can cause seat swaying and discomfort, and first determine the optimal position of the seat relative to the center of the cockpit.
Use roulette to measure distances from the sides and the transom. Axis line The boats should be placed in the center of your future seat, which is especially important for single-seater boats, where balancing is critical.
☑️ Pre-drill check
Apply the seat base or mounting platform to the marked area. Circle the circuit with a marker. If you are installing a swivel chair, make sure that the radius of rotation of the back does not affect the sides or other elements of the tooling when turning.
Technology of installation on PVC inflatable boats
PVC boat owners often face a dilemma: how to secure a chair without damaging the cylinders. float-platformIt spreads the load over a large area and doesn't require drilling.
The installation process begins by pumping the platform to the working pressure, then it is laid on the floor of the boat (sleigh), and a plywood or aluminum base is installed on top, which is fixed with belts to the rings on the sides or simply pressed by the weight of the seat.
The secrets of PVC sustainability
To increase stability on an inflatable platform, you can use anti-slip mats, they prevent seat displacement during sudden movements of the boat, and it is also recommended to use platforms with multiple independent compartments - damage to one will not lead to complete loss of functionality.
An alternative method is pasting quinta It's a more time-consuming process, requiring special glue and exact adherence to the technology, but it allows you to install a full-fledged rotary chair on the rack.
When you paste the pentacles, the PVC surface is thoroughly cleaned and degreased, the glue is applied in two layers with intermediate drying, and after polymerization, the pentacles are screwed into bolts that are mounted on the chair rack.
Installation of a chair on boats with a hard bottom
Installing on aluminum or plastic boats requires drilling holes, which provides the most reliable fixation that can withstand any load, and the main rule is high-quality waterproofing of drilling sites.
After marking, drill the holes with a smaller diameter drill for centering, and then expand them to the desired size. The edges of the holes should be cleaned from the burrs so as not to damage the seals and ensure that the fastener fits tightly.
| Type of fastener | Materials | Recommended diameter | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bolt with a nut. | Stainless steel | M8 - M10 | Maximum strength, requires access from below |
| Metal screw | Galvanizing | 6-8 mm | Quick installation, suitable for thin metal |
| Rivet. | Aluminum/Steel | 5-6 mm | Reliable but difficult to dismantle if necessary |
Be sure to use it. sealant You can apply a layer on the bottom of the chair and around the holes, and this will prevent water from getting under the floor and corrosion of the metal, and tighten the fastener evenly using a cross circuit.
Use larger diameter washers under the bolt head and nut, which will spread pressure on the bottom surface and prevent metal or plastic from being pushed through when tightened.
Final inspection and security measures
Once you've finished the installation, you need to do a thorough check, make sure all the bolts are tightened and the structure is free of backlashes, and try to loosen the chair with your hands, because it should stand monolithic.
Do a test swim in shallow water, test the chair's behavior when the boat is moving and on the wave, and if you notice creaking or bias, immediately eliminate the cause. The first check of the tightness of the glued elements should be carried out not earlier than 24 hours after installation.
⚠️ Attention: Regularly check the condition of fasteners. Vibration and constant contact with water can weaken the threaded joints, so once a season it is recommended to carry out preventive stretching.
Keep your hair clean. After every fishing, wash the chair with fresh water, especially if you've been swimming in a salty pond, which will extend the life of the metal parts and preserve the appearance of the upholstery.
The safety of the seat installation directly depends on the quality of sealing of the holes and the compliance of the load capacity of the mounting with the weight of the passenger.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install a swivel chair on the trunk of an inflatable boat?
Theoretically, you can if the transom is hard and reinforced, but this will shift the center of gravity back, which can cause the bow of the boat to bury in the wave and reduce handling, and it is recommended to use only light models.
Which sealant is best for aluminum?
For aluminum and marine conditions, polyurethane sealants (e.g. 3M 4200 or 5200) are best suited. They are elastic, resistant to UV radiation and reliably hold on metal to compensate for vibration.
Do I need to take off my chair for the winter?
It is advisable to remove the soft elements and bring them into a warm room to avoid cracking plastic and upholstery. Metal structures can be left if they are made of stainless steel or aluminum, previously lubricating the threaded joints.
Will the inflatable platform of an adult weighing 100+ kg?
Quality inflatable platforms from proven manufacturers are designed for loads of up to 120-150 kg. However, it is important to monitor the pressure in the compartments and avoid sharp objects in the cockpit of the boat.