Choosing the right deck for an inflatable board is one of the most critical moments when buying or upgrading a boat. what floor is in the boat And it's going to be installed, and it's going to be very important not only for the comfort of fishing, but for the safety of the whole structure on the water, and many beginners make the mistake of not thinking about the stresses that the bottom will experience when operating in different conditions.
The modern market offers several basic types of decking, each with its own unique specifications and applications. Light slate is suitable for calm lakes, while heavy plywood flooring is indispensable for installing an outboard motor. It is important to understand the difference between materials so as not to overpay for unnecessary strength or, conversely, not to risk the integrity of the vessel.
In this article, we will take a look at all the options, weigh their pros and cons, and give recommendations for care and storage. A properly selected bottom will turn even a budget PVC boat into a reliable tool for conquering water bodies.
Types of decking for inflatable boats
The basic classification of genders divides them into rigid and flexible designs. plywood or aluminumThey provide a level surface that you can walk on confidently. slate-rugThey are a set of rods connected by a strong strap.
The hard floor turns an inflatable boat into a complete keel vessel, which greatly improves driving performance. On the contrary, the soft flooring retains the lightness and compactness of the product, but requires caution when moving inside the cockpit. The choice depends on whether you plan to stand while fishing or prefer to sit.
There are also combinations where part of the floor is rigid and part is flexible, which allows you to find a balance between weight and comfort, but the three main types that we'll look at in more detail are the most common.
Plywood flooring: classic reliability
Plywood sheets remain the most popular choice among motorboat owners. plywood It's 9 to 12 mm thick, soaked in special compounds, and it's a perfect floor level, which is critical for glides.
The structure is made up of separate sections that are connected by aluminum profiles or lock joints, and this prefabricated system allows you to compactly fold the floor into a case, although the total weight of the kit can be significant. For boats longer than 3 meters, this is often the only right solution.
Plywood's main enemy is moisture, and even the best impregnation loses its properties over time, and the material can begin to layer or rot, so caring for such a floor requires regular drying and finishing of the ends.
- 🛡️ High strength and ability to withstand heavy loads.
- 🚤 The ideal geometry of the bottom for high-speed travel.
- 🔧 Possibility of installing fixed fixtures for cans.
- ⚖️ It is a heavy weight, which makes it difficult to transport alone.
⚠️ Warning: Never keep wet plywood floors rolled up or in a closed case, guaranteed to cause mold and deformation of the sheets after one or two seasons.
Aluminum sheets: perpetual motion
Aluminum flooring is a premium solution for those looking for maximum durability. aluminum-magnesium alloy They're not afraid of water, corrosion, mechanical damage, and they have virtually unlimited lifespan.
Aluminum weighs about as much as plywood, and sometimes more if you use a thick sheet, but the lack of constant drying and processing makes up for this disadvantage. The surface of the metal can be slippery, so often a grooved sheet or a slip coating is applied.
The cost of an aluminum kit is much higher than the plywood one, but if you think of it as a decades-long investment, it's worth the price, and these floors are often put on boats that are used commercially or in harsh operating conditions.
How to remove the creak of aluminum floor?
Over time, the aluminum sections can start to creak against each other, and to fix the problem, use a self-adhesive sealing tape made of foamed polyethylene, putting it in the docking areas of the profiles, which will also reduce heat loss from cold water.
Slate-mat: mobility and ease
The slate mat is a flexible structure of wooden or plastic slats sewn into a strong fabric, the best choice for rowing boats and small electric motors, the main advantage is the ability to roll the floor into a roll with cylinders.
Although flexible, well-made slate makes it a tough enough base for comfortable sitting fishing, but standing on it, especially when fishing or in windy weather, can be uncomfortable because of the hammock effect.
There are reinforced versions with additional longitudinal cylinders, which increase the rigidity. Plastic slate is lighter than wood and absolutely not afraid of water, but in the cold plastic can become brittle.
- 🎒 Minimum weight and compactness in assembled form.
- 💧 Complete water resistance and lack of care.
- 📉 Low price compared to hard analogues.
- 🌊 Less stability on the wave due to the flexibility of the design.
When choosing a sleigh, pay attention to the quality of the fabric-based base, which is the main load on the tear, cheap models can quickly become unusable if the fabric begins to wipe on the sandy bottom.
specifications comparison table
So to make a final decision, let's put the basics together in a single table, and that helps you visually measure the differences between materials.
| Characterization | phanera | aluminum | Slate-rug |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (per boat 3.2m) | ~15-18 kg | ~16-20 kg | ~5-8 kg |
| Toughness | High. | Very high. | Medium/Low |
| Moisture resistance | Requires care. | Absolute. | Absolute. |
| Term of service | 5-10 years | 20+ years | 3-7 years |
| Price. | Medium | High. | Low. |
As you can see from the table, Aluminum floor has the best combination of stiffness and service lifeSlan wins in weight, but loses in comfort.
Effect of sex on driving performance
The hardness of the bottom directly affects the speed and handling of the boat. On a hard deck, the right hydrodynamic sole forms, allowing the boat to go out faster for planing. The soft bottom absorbs some of the engine's energy, bending under water pressure.
When you put a powerful motor on a boat with sleigh, you can see a yaw and a decrease in top speed, and the hard floor distributes the load from the engine evenly throughout the length of the cylinders, preserving the geometry of the keel.
For those who like high-speed walks and long-distance crossings, having a hard floor is a must, but if your goal is quiet fishing on a small lake in calm, then the requirements for rigidity can be reduced.
To improve performance on sludge boats, use inflatable stringers (kilsons) that run along the sides under the sludge, which add rigidity to the structure without increasing weight.
Care and storage of flooring
Proper maintenance will prolong the life of your floor for many years, plywood must be dried after each fishing, wipe dry and leave in a warm room, spread out, and once a season, it is recommended to update the coating of the ends with varnish or oliphate.
Aluminum is easy enough to rinse with fresh water, especially after being in salt water, to avoid oxidation. Slat mat also requires drying, but when rolled up, it can only be stored completely dry, otherwise the fabric will start to shrivel.
When stored in winter, avoid extreme temperature changes, especially for plastic slug elements. Frost makes the material brittle, and when assembled in spring, it is possible to accidentally break the rail.
☑️ Checklist for winter preparations
Final selection recommendations
So to sum up, there's no universal answer to the question of "what sex is better" -- it depends on your specific tasks. slug-hardened.
For owners of cars and motorboats who put speed and comfort at the forefront, plywood It's the only right choice. Don't skimp on this element, because it's the floor that's under the greatest strain.
Remember, modernization is possible: you can always buy a boat with sleigh, and later buy a hard deck if you feel the need for it, the main thing is to start by understanding your real needs.
The golden rule is that the more powerful the motor and the higher the speed, the tougher the floor must be. For motors over 5 hp, sleigh is not recommended.
Can I use a plywood floor all year round?
You can use it, but with caution. In extreme cold, plywood becomes brittle, and moisture in the pores can freeze and expand, damaging the structure. In winter, aluminum or plastic is better.
How much harder is it to build a boat with a hard floor?
The assembly process takes 5-10 minutes longer than a sleigh boat, you have to spread the cylinders, you have to put the floor sections in, you put the locks in and then you pump them up, you have to do some skill, but after 3-4 times it becomes automatic.
Will the replacement of the floor affect the boat guarantee?
Replacing the floor does not affect the warranty of PVC tubes. However, if you install a floor that is too heavy or sharp, which will damage the fabric, the manufacturer may refuse repair.
Does it make sense to make the floor yourself?
Making a plywood floor yourself makes sense only if you have access to cheap materials and tools for high-quality moisture protection. In the factory, you use special fittings and impregnations that are difficult to replicate in the garage. The risk of getting a lead boat or a rotten floor is very high.