Comfortable fishing or a quiet walk on floatboat Standard inflatable cans that come with a complete set of inflatable cans are often inconvenient for long sitting, especially if you plan to have an active stick or long journey through a body of water, which is why installing full seats becomes one of the first tasks in the tuning of a vessel.
Well-chosen seat-holding It solves several tasks: it provides stability for the fisherman, frees up useful area on the bottom for tackles and improves overall safety. Incorrect installation or use of poor-quality fittings can lead to damage to cylinders and even tipping the vessel on the wave, so the choice of structural elements should be approached with the utmost care.
The modern market offers many solutions, from simple removable brackets to complex systems with adjustable height and angle of inclination. It is important to understand that there is no universal solution, and the choice depends on the type of your child. PVC-boatIn this article, we will discuss all the nuances in detail so that you can make the right choice.
Main types of anchorages for inflatable vessels
The first thing that a boat owner encounters when looking for comfort is a variety of design solutions, and all systems can be divided into two large groups: those that are attached directly to the cylinders, and those that are based on the bottom or the sides. Inflatable stops (banks) are the easiest option, but they don't provide rigid fixation.
A more advanced option is suction-bracket They're designed to allow you to adjust the height of the seat, which is especially important for tall people who need more legroom, but they require a special profile (a beam) around the perimeter of the boat.
The most reliable are considered stationaryThey're mounted on slabs or platforms that are glued to the bottom, and they provide maximum stiffness, but they prevent the wearer from quickly changing the configuration of the cabin, and the choice depends on whether you're willing to sacrifice mobility for comfort.
- 🔹 Cover brackets - fastened to a shutter beam, easily removed, do not take up space during transportation.
- 🔹 Trantern seats - mounted on a hard transom, ideal for motor control.
- 🔹 Platform systems - glue to the bottom, provide maximum stability for active fishing.
- 🔹 Hybrid options - combine the functions of a cheerful accent and a seating place.
⚠️ Warning: When using hinged mounts on inflatable sides, strictly monitor the pressure in the cylinders. The pumped side can squeeze out the lock, and the under-pumped one will not withstand the load, which will lead to slippage.
Materials of manufacture and their impact on the operation
The durability of the whole structure depends on the materials from which it is made. The aquatic environment, especially salty, is aggressive against most metals, so it's very difficult to do that. sea-stainless (AISI 304 and AISI 316) are the gold standard, and cheap products can become rusted after the first season, damaging the look and strength of the product.
Aluminum alloys, such as AMG or AMZThey are also widely used for their lightness and corrosion resistance, and they don't rust, but they are oxidized to form a protective film, and for fasteners, this is acceptable, but the mechanical strength of aluminum is lower than that of steel, which is important to consider when choosing a seat for a large fisherman.
Plastic elements, often used as plugs or swivel mechanisms, must be made of impact-resistant polymers resistant to the use of plastics. UV radiationCheap plastic in the cold becomes brittle and can burst when a boat hits or moves abruptly against a wave.
To extend the life of metal fasteners, regularly lubricate movable joints with silicone lubricant, which is not washed away with water and protects against acidification.
By combining materials, manufacturers tend to balance weight and strength, for example, the racks can be steel, and the rotary mechanism can be brass or plastic, the main thing is that all the elements are compatible and do not cause any problems. electrochemical corrosion When in contact with water.
Step-by-step instructions for installing a hinged seat
The attachment bracket is the most popular tuning option, requiring no glue or complex tools, and starts with the preparation of the boat, which is to be fully inflated and mounted on a flat surface, ensuring that the sides are properly geometryd for precise fitting.
First, try the bracket on the tarmac, determine the optimal position. The seat should not interfere with rowing or motor control. If the design is adjustable, lock it in the middle position to begin with. Then carefully put the clips on board.
- Clean the surface of the timber from dust and moisture.
- Install the bracket, making sure that the locking screws do not touch the cylinder itself.
- Tighten the fasteners to the point, but without excessive effort, so as not to damage the plastic.
- Check the stability by pressing the seat with your hand – it should not turn or move.
☑️ Checking the bracket installation
Therefore, after installation, it is recommended to periodically check the tension of the fastener.
Installation of stationary platforms at the bottom of the boat
Installing a stationary seat on the floor is a more time-consuming process, requiring the use of glue and precise markings. platform-bankThey are ideal for inflatable floor boats (BBBBs) because they provide a rigid support that is independent of cylinder pressure.
The first step is to choose the seat, and the seat should be positioned so that the center of gravity of the boat remains optimal, usually the center of the cockpit or the displacement to the transom, and the markings should be done with a marker that is easily erased with alcohol, so that you can correct the error.
For gluing, a special polyurethane glue for PVC is used, for example, Desmocoll The surfaces are degreased, two layers of glue are applied with intermediate drying, and once the parts are joined, you need to ensure uniform pressure on the seam throughout the day.
| Parameter | Clinging mount | Fixed platform | Tranza seat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty of installation | Low. | High. | Medium |
| Effects on boat weight | Minimum | Notable. | Average |
| Mobility | High. | Missing. | Low. |
| Risk of damage to the side | Medium. | Low. | Low. |
⚠️ Warning: Before sticking the platform, be sure to test the fitting with the load. Make sure that in the selected position your feet do not rest against the cylinders when changing the landing, otherwise comfort will be lost.
Nuances of seat selection for motor boats
Possession motorboat The seat must not only be comfortable, but also allow you to effectively operate the tiller, and the optimal solution here is a rotary chair on the racks, which can be turned towards the movement or turned face to passengers while parking.
Seat height is critical. Too low a landing makes it difficult to control the engine and view the water surface, especially on the wave; too high raises the center of gravity of the boat, making it rolling and dangerous; Standard height is the height at which the feet of the angler stand confidently on the floor.
For long transitions, it is worth considering the models with back-on But remember, the volumetric backrest can interfere with paddles if the engine fails suddenly, so removable structures in this context beat stationary ones.
How to calculate the load capacity of the seat?
When calculating, consider not only your weight, but also dynamic load. When passing a wave, the load on the mounts can increase briefly by 2-3 times. Choose brackets with a margin of safety of at least 150 kg.
Maintenance and maintenance of fittings
Even the best quality. fittings It requires care, especially after being used in salt water, and it cries in threaded joints and can jam the adjustment mechanisms, and after each fishing, it is recommended to wash the fasteners with fresh water and dry them.
Check the condition of the screws and nuts once a season. The vibration from the motor and the shocks against the wave can gradually weaken the connections. Loctite) for screws which are not frequently unscrewed.
Keeping a boat with metal seats installed in a deflated state is not recommended. Metal elements can damage the fabric when folded, as well as create stress points. It is better to dismantle removable structures before packaging.
Regular maintenance of mounts is not only a matter of comfort, but also a guarantee of your safety on the water. A weakened bolt at the wrong time can lead to a fall overboard.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install a seat on a boat without a shutter bar?
Yes, it is possible. There are mounting models that are fixed by special slings around the cylinder or glued directly to the fabric (requires professional pasting of the response part), and options that rely on the bottom of the boat are also popular.
Will the inflatable board withstand the weight of an adult on a narrow bracket?
Modern PVC materials and the construction of the hinge beam are designed to be very load-intensive. If the bracket has sufficient adjoining area and is properly installed, it will safely withstand the weight of an adult, problems arise only when using sharp or too narrow clips.
What is the maximum speed with a seat?
There are usually no speed limits on the mounts themselves if they are securely fixed. However, at high speeds (planing), oncoming airflow and spray can create discomfort, and it is recommended to use back seats or slow down.
Do aluminum brackets rust in salt water?
Aluminum does not rust in the usual sense (iron oxides), but it is susceptible to corrosion and white plaque formation. Marine aluminum and AISI 316 stainless steel are best suited for permanent use in seawater.
Do I need to remove the seats when washing the boat with a kerkerker?
It is advisable to remove removable elements or at least loosen the clamps. A powerful jet of water under pressure can drive moisture and dirt into threaded joints, accelerating corrosion, or damage the surface of the seat if it is covered with a soft material.