Operation of an inflatable vessel such as Flagship 320It inevitably confronts the owner with the need to protect the interior space from moisture and mechanical damage. Standard plywood or aluminum floorboard, although a reliable base, eventually loses its appearance and can start to slide underfoot, which is why a competent boat mat becomes not just an element of comfort, but an important part of the design that prolongs the life of your boat.
Owners often underestimate the role of decking, relying on standard coating, but constant contact with water, sand and fishing gear quickly leads to abrasion of the surface. The right material can dramatically change the experience of fishing or cruising, making it safer and more enjoyable to be in a boat. In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects of choosing and installing a mat for a model. Flagship 320.
It's important to understand that there are no universal solutions here: what is ideal for quiet fishing on the lake may not be useful on fast rivers with rocky bottoms. We'll look at the different types of materials, their advantages and disadvantages, and also provide step-by-step instructions for self-made coatings, which will save you money and get a result that fully meets your personal requirements.
Materials for creating flooring: a comparative analysis
The first and most important step is to choose the material that will serve as the main coating, and the market offers many options, but for PVC boats, and in particular for the PVC boats. Flagship 320The main contenders are rubber-based carpets, synthetic lawns and specialized sea mats from EVA. Each has its own application specifics.
Rubber-based carpets (often called “car mats”) are a classic choice. They are cheap, easy to cut and perfectly divert water down to the floorboard. However, their main drawback is the ability to accumulate dirt and dry slowly, which, when stored for long periods of time, can lead to unpleasant smells or even mold. Synthetic lawn lacks this drawback, since water passes through it unimpeded, but its texture can be unpleasant to the legs without shoes.
The most modern and efficient solution is ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) mats, which do not absorb water, have excellent thermal insulation and cushioning. EVA-rug boat The flagship 320 will be the perfect choice for those who value comfort and are willing to pay a little more for durability. It does not rot, is resistant to ultraviolet light and is easy to wash with ordinary water.
- 🌊 Rubber mats: budget option, well diverts water, but long dries and collects small garbage.
- 🌿 Synthetic herb: excellent drainage, does not slip, but can scratch delicate skin of the feet and requires frequent cleaning.
- 🛡️ EVA material: premium segment, high depreciation, 100% water resistance, easy to wash, but has a higher cost.
You should also consider the seasonality of use when choosing, and if you plan to fish in the cold season, the thermal insulation properties are also important. EVA It's going to be a crucial factor, and in summer, you might have to do with simpler solutions, and the key is to avoid natural materials like cotton or wool, which are immediately degraded by moisture.
The exact dimensions and geometry of the floorboard Flagman 320
Model boat range Flagship It's wide enough, and even within the same length (320 cm), there may be variations with different cockpit widths. Flagship 320 It varies from 130 to 140 cm, but you can't rely on "average" values for cutting material. Accuracy is critical here, because an improperly carved mat can interfere with the work of the oars or rest on cylinders.
Before purchasing materials, you need to measure your own boat. Measurements should be made along the inner perimeter, from side to side, in the width of the cockpit, and in the area of the transom and bow. Often the shape of the cockpit has narrowing or expansions that you need to consider when creating a pattern. Ignoring these nuances will cause the coating to fall in waves or, conversely, be too short.
⚠️ Attention: When you take measurements, be sure to consider the presence of an inflatable keel or stringers. If you plan to put the mat on top of them, the dimensions will be the same, if in between - others. A mistake of 2-3 centimeters can make installation impossible.
For ease of perception, data on typical cockpit sizes for various modifications Flagship 320 Remember that the actual size of your specimen may vary by 1-2 cm due to the specifics of PVC fabric production and assembly.
| Boat modification | Cockpit length (cm) | Cockpit width (cm) | Type of paiola |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flagship 320 Economy | ~210 | ~130 | Plywood (leaf) |
| Flagship 320 Luxury | ~220 | ~138 | aluminum |
| Flagship 320 Simplified | ~205 | ~128 | Plywood (lances) |
| Flagship 320 NDLD | ~230 | ~140 | inflatable floor |
Once you have the exact numbers, you should create a paper pattern on a 1:1 or at least 1:10 scale, which will allow you to visually assess how the material will lie down, and provide cutouts for seats (banks) and motor suspension. Only after approval of the pattern geometry can you proceed to the opening of the main material.
Instructions for manufacturing and installation DIY
The process of creating a boat mat Flagship 320 It doesn't require complicated equipment, but it requires precision and patience. The first step is to prepare the tool: you'll need a sharp construction knife, a metal line (preferably a meter), a marker and, in the case of EVA, you may need a hair dryer to form complex curves.
Spread the material on the floor and move the dimensions of your pattern. When cutting rubber mats or synthetic grass, the knife must be perfectly sharp, otherwise the edges will be ragged. The movements must be confident and continuous. EVA materialYou can cut it with a regular stationery knife, but for the sake of clean cuts, you can lay a board. Don't forget to make 1-2 cm passes, which you can then cut in place.
☑️ Checklist of preparations for disclosure
The mat should not be "cruising" on the bottom of the boat, but it is not always advisable to rigidly fix it with glue, especially if you plan to dry the floorboard separately. The optimal solution is to use bilateral PVC tape or special Velcro straps at key points (nose, transom, corners), this will prevent the material from slipping while driving.
If you Flagship 320 With an inflatable keel, the mat must have a longitudinal incision or be composite to fit the keel without squeezing it. The pressure on the inflatable elements must be distributed evenly. After laying, walk around the perimeter, checking if the edges are lifted or interfere with the installation of the cans.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use aggressive chemical solvents or acetone-based adhesives when fixing the mat inside the boat, which can damage the PVC fabric of cylinders and disrupt the tightness of the seams, which will lead to expensive repairs.
floorboard protection and extension of boat life
Installing a mat is not just a matter of aesthetics, but a serious measure of protection. Pyol in the boat The flagship 320 is under tremendous stress: the weight of the fisherman, tackle, anchor, and constant friction. Without a protective layer of plywood quickly gains moisture through micro-scratches, swells and loses strength. Aluminum leaf, in turn, can oxidize or simply unpleasantly bask in the sun.
The mat takes on the buffer function, and it takes on hooks, the weight of footsteps in rigid shoes, and the abrasive action of sand, especially for plywood-floorboard boat owners. A layer of material with a thickness of only 5 mm can increase the resource of plywood 3-4 timesIt completely eliminates the direct contact of wood with water and dirt.
And it also improves the thermal insulation. The flagship 320 is good at keeping heat, but floorboard, especially aluminum, is an excellent conductor of cold from water. Sitting on cold metal or wet plywood is not only uncomfortable, but also harmful to health. EVA Or even a double layer of car mat solves this problem by creating an air layer.
For maximum protection of plywood paiola before laying the mat, treat the plywood with olive or special impregnation for wood. This will create an additional barrier to moisture if water still penetrates the mat.
Features of operation in different conditions
Conditions of operation of the boat The flagship 320 can be very different. On a calm lake, the mat is minimal: neat view and dew protection are the main thing. It is a completely different situation on rocky rivers or when using a hunting boat when it can get dirt, clay or even sharp objects.
In active fishing with a lot of gear, the ability of the material not to delay fishing hooks is important. Synthetic grass in this regard loses to dense rubber or EVA, since hooks can get stuck in the pile, creating a risk of injury when extracted. A dense grooved EVA is safer in this regard: the hook either slips or sticks superficially without getting caught dead.
And also, you should mention drying. After every trip, especially if the rug is wet, it needs to be dried, and it's better to take the rubber rugs out of the boat and dry them vertically so that the glass water is completely. The flagship 320 with a wet carpet laid, packed in a bag for long-term storage, is a guaranteed mold and the smell of dampness after a month.
- 🎣 For fishing: Choose materials from which scales and mucus are easily shaken off, avoid fluffy surfaces.
- 🏕️ For tourism: The priority is weight and the ability to dry quickly in the field.
- 🌧️ For rainy weather: The speed of water drainage to the drain holes of the boat is critical.
Care and maintenance of coverage
To have a mat in your boat The flagship 320 has been in service for a long time and looks like new, needs to be properly cared for. The main enemy of any coating is sand and fine dirt, which work like abrasive. Regular cleaning will preserve the structure of the material. The easiest way to use water under pressure (but not Kercher at close range to avoid damaging the structure) and a brush with hard bristles.
To remove persistent contaminants such as fish mucus or oil stains from the motor, you can use specialized PVC care products or a regular soap solution. Chlorine-containing products It is not recommended to use it, as it can change the color of the material and make it more brittle over time. after washing, be sure to let the mat dry completely before packaging.
Periodically check the condition of the edges of the mat. If you notice that the material has begun to crumble or peel off, it is better to replace the damaged area or the entire mat in a timely manner. Exploitation of the crumbling coating can cause small particles to fall into the mechanisms of the inflatable valves or simply constantly stain the clothes.
How do you get rid of the smell of dampness?
If the rug has already acquired the smell of dampness, soak it in a solution of water and vinegar (a ratio of 1:3) for a few hours, then thoroughly rinse and dry in the sun. Ultraviolet will kill the bacteria that cause the odor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a regular linoleum instead of a Flagship 320 boat mat?
It's highly discouraged, it gets brittle and cracks in the cold, it can deform in the sun, and it's very slippery when wet, which is dangerous for boat safety.
How often should I change the boat mat?
The service life depends on the material and intensity of operation. Rubber mats serve 2-3 seasons, synthetic grass - 3-5 years, and quality. EVA It can last 5-7 years or more with proper care.
Do I need to make holes in the mat to drain water?
No special holes need to be made if the material is water permeable (like synthetic grass) or if the mat is leaky. Flagship 320In EVA mats, water just stays on the floorboard surface under the mat, so it is advisable to raise them to dry.
Does the mat affect the weight of the boat?
Yes, it does, but it's not that big. A synthetic grass mat will add about 0.5-1 kg, a rubber one will add 1.5-2 kg, and an EVA will add 1 to 2.5 kg depending on the thickness. For a 320 cm boat, this weight gain is insignificant compared to the increased comfort.
A properly selected and installed mat is an investment in the comfort and durability of your Flagship 320 boat, which pays off by keeping the paiola and enjoying every fishing experience.