Operating an outboard inflatable boat requires special attention to weight distribution and cargo safety, unlike rigid housings where fuel can be installed in a stationary compartment. PVC-boat (Low Pressure inflatable floor) is a soft platform that deforms under load. An improperly secured gasoline canister is not just a risk of staining things, but a direct threat to the safety of the crew, since a heavy tank can penetrate the cylinder or shift the center of gravity in a sharp maneuver.
The challenge is that the inflatable floor doesn't have a rigid structure to screw screw screws or bolts in. Any attempt to mechanically attach directly to the cylinder or bottom will result in depressurization. So owners have to find compromise solutions that ensure that the capacity of 12, 22 or more liters is fixed. fuel-bay This prevents the tank from rolling over even at a high wave.
In this article, we will explore proven fixation techniques, plywood substrates and specialty belts, and learn how to turn your boat's slippery bottom into a reliable platform for transporting fuel, and these rules are critical to preventing water accidents.
Features of operation of NDND with fuel tank
The low-pressure inflatable floor has excellent driving qualities, but its surface is usually made of slippery PVC material. fuel-tankWith a weight of up to 20 to 25 kilograms, there is considerable pressure on a limited area, and without additional load distribution, the plastic can push the chamber through the floor, especially in hot weather when the material becomes more elastic.
And then the vibration from the engine is transmitted through a transom across the entire structure of the boat, and if the tank is not rigidly fixed, it starts to jump and shift, and this not only creates discomfort, but can also cause the boat to skew. In an emergency, such as when you go around an obstacle, an unattached tank becomes a dangerous projectile.
⚠️ Warning: Never place a full fuel tank directly on an inflated bottom without a solid substrate. Local pressure from angles or irregularities of the bottom of the canister can cause the BNDD cylinder to rupture.
It is important to consider the material of the tank itself: plastic tanks are less durable than metal ones, and require more careful handling when fixed with belts. Excessive tightening can deform the body, disrupting the tightness of the lid or fuel intake. The anchorage system It should take into account the thermal expansion of the fuel and the possibility of its evaporation.
Selection and preparation of the seat
The first step to safe operation is to organize the right place for installation. In boats with NDM, the optimal solution is to use an intermediate rigid element. Most often, this is used moisture-resistant plywood at least 10-12 mm thick, which distributes the weight of the tank over a larger area, protecting the inflatable floor from damage.
The size of the plywood should be such that it does not rest on the side when inflating the boat, but completely covers the area of the bottom of the tank. Often use a rectangle of approximately 40 x 50 cm or 50 x 60 cm, depending on the dimensions of the container. The surface of the plywood must be treated with a protective composition or painted to prevent swelling from moisture.
Why plywood?
Plywood has a high bending strength and, unlike chipboard or fiberboard, it resists water better when handled properly. Aluminum leaf will also work, but it is heavier and colder, which can be unpleasant if you accidentally come into contact with your feet.
To improve safety, the plywood substrate is often coated with an anti-slip coating (such as carpet or special tape), which prevents the tank itself from slipping on the plywood, even if it is not fastened with belts. fixation It's mandatory.
- 📏 Choose the plywood so that it is wider than the tank by 5-10 cm on each side for stability.
- 🛡️ Treat the edges of the plywood with epoxy resin or paint over the ends to protect against stratification.
- 🔩 Do not use sharp metal elements on the underside of the substrate that can damage the balloon.
Fixing methods: belts, slings and standard elements
The most common and reliable way to lock a tank is to use textile belts with fasteners or buckles. The market offers a variety of options, from simple screed belts to specialized carbine systems, the main requirement for the material is resistance to ultraviolet, salt water and gasoline.
You can attach the belts directly to the elements of the boat (arms, leers) but with caution. Constant friction and tension can damage PVC. It is better to use regular rings if they are provided by the design, or to pass the belts under the seats (banks) if they are rigidly fixed in the boat. In boats with NDNDM often use a scheme, when the belt covers the tank and plywood, and the ends are attached to opposite sides or elements of the bottom through special loops.
Some boat models are equipped with special pockets or hinges in the trench part, designed specifically for fixing cargo. If such elements are not available, you can carefully glue additional hinges of PVC tape on the board (in the area of the cylinder, not at the bottom), but this requires professional repair and use of high-quality glue. Homemade anchorages They must withstand the thrust loads.
⚠️ Warning: When using screed belts with a ratchet mechanism (rattle), do not put excessive effort. Clasped plastic tank can burst from vibration or fuel pressure.
Use of plywood base and its fixation
The plywood base has two things to do: it distributes weight and it serves as a platform for mounting. There are several ways to fix the plywood itself on the bottom of the boat so it doesn't go. The easiest way is to use an anti-slip mat under the plywood, but on a smooth bottom of the NDNDM, it works poorly.
A more reliable option is to stick or tie plywood to the elements of the structure. However, in boats with NDNDM, the method of “sandwich” is often used, where the plywood is held by the weight of passengers or specially sewn valves. If you plan to actively fish or move at high speeds, plywood is better to fasten with separate short straps to the lears or handles.
| Type of substrate | Weight (approximate) | Reliability | Difficulty of installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thin plywood (6-8 mm) | Low. | Medium (may bend) | Low. |
| Standard plywood (10-12 mm) | Medium. | High. | Medium |
| Aluminum leaf | Highly | Very high. | High (needs to be treated edges) |
| Specialized mat | Low. | Low (slip only) | Low. |
It's important that the edges of the plywood be rounded, and the sharp corners of the boat can act like a knife, rubbing the fabric of the balloon every time it hits the wave. Substrate geometry It should be perfectly fitted to the cockpit of your particular boat model.
The ideal tank substrate is a moisture-resistant plywood of 10-12 mm with an anti-slip coating on top and rounded edges, occupying no more than 70% of the useful area of the cockpit.
Safety and fuel placement rules
The tank's positioning not only affects the boat's safety, but also the stability of the vessel. The fuel tank is one of the heaviest cargoes in the boat, and placing it too close to the nose can cause the boat to bury in the wave, and too close to the stern can cause it to be difficult to get to the sleeve.
The best place is along the diametric axis, closer to the stern, but with the distance to the engine and passengers, you need to have free access to the tank crane and the ability to quickly disconnect the fuel hose in an emergency situation, the hose should not be stretched or twisted.
- ⛽ Arrange the tank so that the fuel hose goes to the engine without hinges and clamps.
- 🔥 Make sure there are no sources of sparking or excessive heating near the tank (motor exhaust).
- 🌊 When moving along the wave, the tank should be fixed at least at two points to prevent rotation.
Remember the ventilation. Gasoline vapors are heavier than air and accumulate in lowlands. In an inflatable boat, they can stagnate in the transom area or under the seats. Ventilate the cockpit periodically, especially after prolonged sun exposure.
Typical errors in the installation of the tank
Many beginners make mistakes that can cost them boats or health, one of the most common is the use of poor-quality ropes or wire, wire can rub the balloon, and rope can stretch and weaken on the water. strap-strap provide the necessary reliability.
Another mistake is to put a full tank on the eye, without checking the tension after the boat is launched. On shore, on a hard surface, the belts may seem tight, but on soft water the boat bends and the fixation weakens. Always check the mounting after descent.
☑️ Checking before getting on the water
It's also dangerous to ignore the belts themselves, because the textiles will eventually rot, fade, and lose strength, and if you notice any scuffs or mold marks on the slings, they need to be replaced. Regular examination Equipment is the key to safe navigation.
⚠️ Warning: Do not store a full tank of gasoline in a closed boat bag or garage without ventilation. evaporation of fuel creates an explosive concentration of vapors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I glue Velcro directly to the cylinder of the boat to fix the tank?
The adhesive used for Velcro can react with PVC material, and the Velcro itself cannot withstand the weight of a full tank (20+ kg) when pitching, and it will be almost impossible to tear off such a structure without damaging the boat.
What tank volume is optimal for a boat with NDND and an engine up to 5 hp?
A 12-litre tank is usually enough for these engines, lighter, more compact and easier to secure in a cockpit, and a 22-25-litre tank will put unnecessary strain on the transom and bottom, which is critical for lightweight inflatable structures.
What if the belt started to rub the side of the boat?
Stop right now and fix the problem. Put a soft pad under your belt (a piece of bicycle camera, dense fabric) or change the trajectory of its passage. Constant friction of a stretched belt on the water will quickly wipe even strong PVC.
Do I need to drain the gas from the tank after every fishing trip?
Yes, it's good practice, leaving gasoline in the tank for a long time (especially with ethanol impurities) is bad for the rubber seals and the tank itself, and it also reduces the fire risk when storing the boat.