Operation of an inflatable boat from pieola (NDND) is always associated with a certain discomfort, which becomes especially noticeable in the off-season or during long transitions. Cold air coming from the water and the hard surface of plywood or aluminum floorboards quickly tire the legs of the fisherman, reducing concentration and pleasure. ethylene vinyl acetateIt changes the tactile sensations and microclimate inside the cockpit.
The material known as EVA Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, a cross-linked foam polymer with a unique combination of lightness, elasticity and water repellent properties. Unlike classic carpeting or felt, it does not absorb water, rot or mold, which is critical to the health of the owner and durability of the boat itself.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects of selection, fit and operation. EVA-twisted for NDNDD boats, so that you can make an informed choice and avoid common mistakes when tuning your boat.
Advantages of EVA material over traditional coatings
The main reason for the popularity of ethylene vinyl acetate lies in its cellular structure, which provides excellent quality. heat-insulation. Being in the boat in the early morning, when air and water temperatures are low, you won't feel the penetrating cold through the sole of the shoe, as you would when in contact with bare plastic or floorboard metal. The material works as an effective thermos, keeping the body warm and creating a buffer zone between the fisherman and the cold water.
The second key factor is hygieneTraditional carpets, even synthetic fibers, accumulate silt, fish mucus and the smell of mud over time, which are almost impossible to wash. EVA-coating If you just rinse with water from a hose or a bucket, it looks new again, and it's especially valuable for those who are actively fishing for pike or perch, where scales and blood are common on the bottom of the boat.
In addition, the material has excellent shock-absorbingWhen you kneel or walk on the bottom of a boat for long periods, the load on your joints is significantly reduced, which is important not only for comfort, but also for safety: a soft surface reduces the risk of injury if you fall or roll a boat on a wave.
- 🌊 Zero water absorption: The material does not absorb moisture, which excludes the development of bacteria and the appearance of an unpleasant odor.
- ❄️ Thermal insulation: It retains the heat of the legs even at sub-zero air temperatures and ice water.
- ⚖️ Low weight: The coating does not increase the total weight of the boat, which is critical for compliance with the limits of the GIMS.
- 🛡️ Chemical inertia: resistant to gasoline, oil, fish mucus and ultraviolet radiation.
When buying a mat, pay attention to the density of the material: for NDNDD boats, the density of 180 kg / m3 is considered optimal, since softer options can quickly be crumpled under the weight of floorboard and cargo.
Technical specifications and types of EVA-mats
The market for water-motor accessories offers many coating options that differ not only in color, but also in production technology. density A material that directly affects its wear resistance and ability to keep shape. Hard deck boats (HDL) require denser sheets that can withstand mechanical friction of the floorboards during assembly and disassembly of the vessel.
The second important aspect is surface-line. Mats can be smooth, making them easier to clean, but making the surface slippery when wet. Rifled variants, often mimicking the texture of wood or having a geometric pattern ("rhombus," "cells"), provide better grip on the sole of the shoe, preventing slipping in a wet boat. Some models have a two-way design, which increases their lifespan.
It is also worth mentioning temperature-range - Quality of operation. EVA It retains its elasticity even in severe frosts (up to -40 ° C and below), without blubing or cracking on the folds. Cheap analogues from ordinary polyethylene foam (EPE) in the cold can become brittle and lose their properties, so you should focus on proven brands when choosing.
Below is a comparative table of the main specifications that will help determine the choice:
| Parameter | Economy option (EPE/low density) | Standard (EVA 160-180 kg/m3) | Premium (EVA >200 kg/m3) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term of service | 1-2 seasons | 3-5 years | 7 years |
| Water absorption | Up to 2% mass | Less than 0.5% mass | 0% (completely closed cell) |
| Temperature conditions | -10°C to +40°C | -40°C to +60°C | -60°C to +80°C |
| Resistance to compression | Low (mints remain) | Medium | High (restores shape) |
Preparation of the NDND boat for laying the coating
Before you start the installation, you need to carefully prepare the surface. swellingAny folds on the cylinders or irregularities in the joints of the floorboard can lead to premature abrasion of the mat or the formation of air pockets that will interfere with cruising.
The first step is the complete clean-up Use warm water with a mild detergent to remove dust and sand. If the boat was previously operated without a mat, a layer of dirt or oxides could remain on the floorboards (if the floor is aluminum). Cleaner Plastic.
It is important to give the boat a full boat. dry outAlthough the EVA material itself is not afraid of moisture, the glue (if you plan to fix) and the paioles itself must be dry to ensure a better fit. If the mats are to lie loose (without glue), dryness is needed to prevent condensation under them in the future.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use aggressive solvents such as acetone, 646th solvent or Kalosha gasoline for degreasing, which can damage the structure of PVC tubes and destroy the protective lacquer coating of floorboards, which will lead to irreversible damage to the boat.
☑️ Preparation for installation
Instructions: how to unclose and lay the mat yourself
There are two main ways to equip a boat: buying a boat. ready-madeIt's a model-based model, or a self-fitting sheet material, and the first one saves time, but the second one is a perfect fit for your boat's individual specifications, like the location of the transom slabs or the keel arch.
For self-stacking, you'll need a roll material, a sharp knife (staff or construction knife with a new blade), a marker and possibly a glue spray to fix (though often not necessary). Start by measuring the maximum length and width of the cockpit. If you use sheet material, it can be stacked in a single piece or cut into segments for easy storage.
The fitting process is as follows:
1. Put the EVA sheet on the boat floor.
2. Press it against the corners and sides so that it spreads.
3. Carefully trim the excess along the cylinders, leaving a small gap of 1-2 cm to compensate for thermal expansion and the boat's movement on the water.
4 If the boat has protruding elements (for example, mounting jars), circle them with a marker and cut the holes.
For boats, NDND often cover only in the leg area, without completely covering the entire floor, so as not to disrupt the drain holes (if they are structurally provided in floorboard) and not to create excess weight. The edge of the mat can not be glued, since the weight of the floorboard and equipment securely fixes them in place.
Do I need to glue the mat?
Most of the time, NDND boats don't require glue, and the mat is securely fixed by the weight of the floorboard, motor, battery and passengers, and the glue only makes sense if you're making a low-pressure inflatable floor coating (LDP) where there's no hard floorboards, or if you want to lock the rug in the nose where it can fizzle when it lands.
Features of operation and proper care
Despite its high strength, EVA rug The main enemy of the material is abrasive particles (sand, small pebbles), which, when caught between the mat and the floorboard, can work as sandpaper when loaded, rubbing the bottom layer of the coating and damaging the boat floor itself.
So rule number one: regular cleaningAfter every fishing trip, especially if you've landed on a sandy beach, you need to take the mat off and shake out the garbage from under it, and once a season, it's recommended to do a deep cleaning using a brush and warm water.
You can store a boat with a mat laid, but it is better to remove the coating for long-term winter storage, this will check the condition of the paioles for corrosion (if they are aluminum) or stratification (if plywood), and also give the opportunity to ventilate the mat itself.
- 🧼 Wash: Use a soft brush and water, avoid metal scrapers.
- ☀️ Drying: Dry the mat in the shade, direct sunlight with prolonged exposure can lead to fading.
- 🧊 Winter: The material is not afraid of frost, but it is better to store it in a straightened form or rolled up in large rings to avoid clamps.
⚠️ Attention: Never dry an EVA mat on an open fire, fire or excessively hot heaters. The material is a polymer and when heated above +80 ° C can begin to melt, deform or emit harmful substances.
Regular removal of sand from under the mat is the only way to ensure that the coating will last the entire stated term and will not damage the boat floor.
Comparison of finished solutions and self-manufacturing
When deciding to buy, many anglers face a choice: order a ready-made kit for their model of boat (for example, a boat). Fregat, Gladiator, Badger) or buy sheet material from a construction shop: finished solutions tend to be more expensive, but offer the perfect cut, often with already cut holes for plums and mounts, as well as aesthetic edging.
Self-made from sheet EVA (often sold in rolls for baths or sports) is cheaper, but requires time and skill to work with the tool. In addition, a construction EVA can have a different density and smell, which does not weather immediately, but this method gives complete freedom in choosing color and thickness.
If you own a popular boat model, it is wiser to choose a boat. ready-madeThis will save you hours of knife work and guarantee that you will close all problem areas, but if your boat is not standard size, or you want to cover the entire length from transom to nose, then the sheet material will be a more flexible solution.
Where can I get a lure?
If you're making your own cuts, but you're afraid to make mistakes, make a drawing out of an old newspaper or a packing paper, spread the paper on the floor of the boat, circle the outlines, cut it out, try it on, and then move the outlines to the EVA list.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use the EVA mat in winter at a temperature of -20 ° C?
Yes, EVA retains its elasticity and cushioning properties at temperatures as low as -40°C or even lower, does not tan or crack, while still performing thermal insulation function, but must be handled with care in extreme cold, although it is completely safe when assembled in a boat.
Do I need to drill holes in the water mat?
In hard floorboard-bottomed boats (HPD), water usually accumulates between floorboards or in special channels, if designed. If you put a solid mat on top of the floorboard, the water will remain under it. In this case, it is recommended to either make small slots at the joints of the floorboards, or periodically raise the mat to remove water.
How to glue two pieces of EVA if there is not enough width of the sheet?
For gluing EVA is best suited to special adhesives for foamed materials on a polyurethane basis or contact adhesives (for example, 88-NP Before gluing the surface, you need to clean it with fine sandpaper and degrease it, apply the glue to both surfaces, condition it to "stick" and then press the parts tightly.
How much does a set of rugs weigh on a boat 3.6 meters long?
The weight depends on the thickness of the material and the density. The standard set thickness of 8-10 mm on a boat length of 3.6 meters weighs in the range of 2.5 to 3.5 kg. This is a slight increase in weight, which is more than compensated for by the comfort and protection of the bottom of the boat.
Does the mat fade in the sun?
High-quality EVAs contain UV stabilizers that protect the material from UV damage. However, when exposed to direct sunlight (especially in southern regions), color can gradually lose saturation (burn out) after 3-5 years.