The assembly of inflatable floating craft is often a question for beginners, especially when it comes to mounting hard decking. PVC boats They have difficulty in trying to stack the slate straight, which leads to cylinder deformation or inflatability, and a properly installed floor is not just comfort, but also a guarantee of safety on the water, because it creates the necessary framework.
The process of laying depends on the type of bottom, whether it is plywood or aluminum paioles or high-pressure inflatable floors. Errors at this stage can lead to the cylinders experiencing excessive pressure or, conversely, sagging, which will adversely affect the performance. In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions for different types of designs.
Before you start assembling, you have to prepare the place, it has to be smooth and cleaned of sharp objects that can damage the fabric. Surface cleanliness A key factor in preventing punctures: Carefully examine all elements of the flooring for chips or sticking screws.
Types of flooring and their features
The modern market offers several options for organizing a rigid bottom in inflatable boats. plywoodPlywood, which may be made up of separate sheets or joined by textile strips, is highly durable and maintainable, but requires careful drying after each operation to avoid stratification.
Aluminum profiles are a lighter, more durable alternative to wood, they don't absorb moisture, they don't rot and they're easy to wash, but metals have the ability to heat up quickly in the sun and cool down in cold water, which can make sitting uncomfortable without an extra mat, and aluminum sheets can be slippery when wet.
⚠️ Warning: Never use conventional building plywood to replace sleigh without special moisture-resistant impregnation. Moisture will quickly destroy the material and the floor will lose its hardness right on the water.
Air Deck inflatable floors are becoming the standard for light boats, providing excellent thermal insulation and flat surfaces, but are inferior to rigid structures in terms of stability and the ability to install rigid seat mounts, and the choice of floor type should be based on the operating conditions and carrying capacity of the vessel.
For heavy boats designed for trolling or long-distance crossings, a combined option is often used: hard sheets in the bow to anchor and an inflatable floor in the stern for the convenience of accommodating the fisherman.
Preparation of the boat for flooring
The first step is always to properly pump the cylinders. Don't try to insert the floor into a completely deflated boat, because it will lead to chaotic displacement of the elements. Pump the cylinders to about 60-70% of the operating pressure specified in the product's passport, which will allow them to take shape, but leave room for maneuver during installation.
Spread the cylinders so that the keel (if any) lies exactly in the center. In boats with an inflatable keel, it is important to first straighten it along the entire length, removing the folds. If you miss this step, the inserted floor can rest on the keel fold, which will cause it to skew and potentially damage.
Make sure there are no foreign objects, sand or small debris inside the boat. Even a small pebble caught between a balloon and a sleigh can push through PVC fabric or damage the lacquer coating of the plywood under the weight of a fisherman.
Plywood sleigh stacking algorithm
The stacking of plywood sheets requires consistency and precision. The first piece of paper is usually a trapezoid or triangle, and should fit tightly into a transom beam or bow reinforcement, and it is important that the edges of the sheet do not swell upwards, creating stress on the seams.
Stack the rest of the sheets consistently, connecting them together. If your slate is assembled on tapes, just lay it out like a mat, straightening the folds. If you use separate sheets, connect them with special profiles or put them together to control the smoothness of the seams, each next element should fall into place without undue effort.
☑️ Checking the sleigh
Once all the elements are laid, you have to finalize the cylinders to the working pressure, and as the pressure increases, the cylinders will squeez around the slate, locking it in the working position, at which point you may have a characteristic crunch or crackle of the straightening material, which is normal.
If you are using a boat with flat-bottomedIn deep cockpit boats, the central sheets may be shaped to make it easier to board, and make sure that the plywood angles don't rub against the side when moving.
Installation of aluminum flooring
Aluminum sheets often have a profile structure, which gives them additional rigidity. When assembled, it is important to observe the direction of the stiffness ribs - they must go along the side, from nose to stern, this ensures the correct distribution of the load and prevents longitudinal bending of the floor.
The aluminum sections are connected by grooves or overhead profiles. Put the protrusions of one sheet into the slots of another until the characteristic click or tight fit. Don't put too much effort if the connection is not going well, check the orientation of the sheets.
⚠️ Warning: Aluminum can oxidize when it comes into contact with wet plywood or concrete, and if you store the slate separately, grease the ends and contact points with conservation grease.
Pay special attention to the edges of the aluminum deck, which should not touch the cylinder fabric at a sharp angle. If you notice that the sharp edge of the sheet rests on the cylinder, use protective linings or put a layer of dense tissue in this place before the final pumping.
To facilitate the sliding of aluminum sheets when assembled in hot weather, sprinkle the joints slightly with talc or use a soapy solution (for quick assembly only, then wipe dry).
Specifics of the inflatable floor installation (Air Deck)
High-pressure inflatable floors are installed simultaneously with the cylinders being pumped or separately, depending on the design of the boat. In most models, the floor is pumped first. Use a pressure pump to reach a pressure of 0.2-0.25 atm (or according to the manufacturer's instructions), pumping can cause internal partitions to rupture, and non-pumping can cause sagging.
Once the floor is pumped, it is inserted into the cylinders, and it is important to straighten it so that the side valves are not clamped by the cylinder cloth, and then the side cylinders are finally pumped, which expand and press the floor against the water, creating a single rigid structure.
The advantage of this system is that it doesn't have hard corners, which makes it more comfortable and safer. floor It's less resistant to puncture with sharp objects than plywood or metal. Be careful with hooks, knife scabbards and fishing gear.
| Parameter | Plywood slut | Aluminum floor | Inflatable floor (Air Deck) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight. | Medium/Severe | Light. | Very light. |
| Durability | High (when leaving) | Very high. | Medium |
| Comfort. | Hard, cold. | Hard, cold/hot | Soft, warm. |
| Difficulty of assembly | High. | Medium | Low. |
Typical errors and ways to fix them
One of the most common mistakes is to try to stuff slate into a fully pumped boat, which puts enormous strain on the seams of the cylinders and can cause them to rupture. Always leave the cylinders slightly lowered until the floor is laid.
Another problem is the wrong orientation of the sheets, and if you flip a sheet of plywood or aluminum, its geometry may not match the shape of the cockpit, leading to humps. Carefully examine the marking or shape of the elements before assembly.
What do I do if the slate doesn't fit?
If you're sure the sheets are positioned correctly but they don't fit in, try flushing some air from the cylinders (up to 0.1 atm). Sometimes lubricating the edges of the slurry with soap solution to improve slipping. After installation, be sure to wipe the floor dry.
Ignoring the drying of the floor after operation is a way to quickly damage property. The moisture left between the sheets of slug causes mold and rotting of the plywood, as well as corrosion of metal mounts. Always disassemble the boat only after drying all the elements completely.
Care and storage of flooring
Proper storage extends the life of the flooring for years, plywood sheets should be stored in a dry, ventilated room, and it is advisable to place them horizontally or vertically with support along the entire length, to avoid deformation (arching) under its own weight.
Aluminum profiles are less demanding, but they should also be cleaned of salt water and dirt. Periodically check the condition of the connecting elements and hinges. When you see burrs on aluminum, be sure to sand them with fine sandpaper so as not to damage the fabric of the boat.
To protect the surface of the sleigh from abrasion and slipping, it is recommended to use special mats or coatings, which not only increase comfort, but also serve as an additional layer of thermal insulation, regularly check the condition of the bottom of the deck for cracks or stratifications.
The main secret of floor durability is complete drying before packaging and storage in a straightened form at moderate temperature.
Can I use slate from one boat to another?
Normally not, the geometry of the cockpit, the shape of the nose and transom, and the mounting system are unique in different models and manufacturers, and the use of improper sleigh can lead to deformation of cylinders or impaired boat performance.
What if one of the slugs cracked?
The cracked plywood can be temporarily repaired by applying a metal plate and pulling bolts, but it is better to replace the whole sheet. The aluminum profile with a crack is not repairable and requires replacement to avoid injuries.
Do I need to grease the slate before assembly?
No special lubrication is required. In rare cases, with a very tight fit, it is allowed to use a soap solution, but only on a water basis. Oil lubricants can damage the PVC tissue of cylinders.