Long-term water outlets aluminum-boat The regular rigid aluminum cans that usually come with the body are not designed to be in the saddle for many hours, which is why installing specialized seats becomes not just a matter of comfort, but a necessity for maintaining the health and performance of the angler.
Choosing the right seat for metal-frame Aluminum is a tough, vibrating material that requires a special approach to fasteners, and planning errors can damage the bottom or disrupt the centering of the vessel, which is unacceptable when operating at high speeds or in stormy weather.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what types of seats exist, how to properly prepare seats and what to look for when buying. chair It can radically change the perception of fishing, making the wait for a bite a pleasant pastime.
Features of the operation of seats on an aluminum body
Aluminum boats, such as popular models Crimea, Ob or saluteThey are highly durable, but their floor is often a grooved sheet or plywood flooring stacked on top of stringers. Installation of the chair directly into the bottom without reinforcement is strongly discouraged, as this can lead to deformation of the metal under load.
Besides, vibrationThe slinging of the seat to the body will transmit all the shocks to the operator's spine, so it is important to provide damping pads or use seats with built-in suspension when mounting.
Another important aspect is corrosion resistanceAlthough aluminum does not rust, steel seat fittings are susceptible to oxidation in salt water, and you need to choose models with anodized elements or made of stainless steel.
Why can’t you drill the bottom without strengthening?
Drilling the bottom without installing a response plate or a mortgaged part leads to a concentration of metal stress around the hole. Over time, under the influence of dynamic loads (wave shocks), the metal can crack, which will depressurize the hull and flood the boat.
Types of seats for installation in a boat
The market offers many options, but not all are suitable for aluminum housings, the main division is by type of mounting and base construction.
- 🪑 Fixed seats - fastened rigidly to the floor or sides, do not have the ability to adjust the height, ideal for passengers.
- 🔄 Turning chairs - equipped with a 360-degree rotation mechanism, which is convenient for controlling the engine and catching in different directions.
- 📏 Altitude-adjustable - allow you to change the position of the seat relative to the floor plane, often used for trolling.
- 🎣 Specialized fishing chairs - have fasteners for fishing rods, cup holders and boxes for tackles.
Special attention should be paid upholsteryFor aluminum boats, which are often used in open water bodies with strong winds, vinyl or specialized marine fabric is best suited. Tissue inserts from a regular grid can quickly become unusable from constant contact with wet metal and salt.
There are also models with suspensionThey're attached to transverses or sides, and they allow you to free up space in the cockpit, which is critical for small aluminum boats.
Selection of upholstery material and filler
The comfort of a seat depends on what it is stuffed and what it is sheathed in. In water conditions, especially in an aluminum boat where condensate can accumulate on metal, the material requirements are high.
The best material for upholstery is considered sea-vinylIt doesn't absorb water, it's ultraviolet resistant, it's easy to wash. The more budget leather options can crack quickly in the cold or burn out in the sun. It's important that the seams are glued or made with special strands that are resistant to rot.
As a filler is most often used polyurethane (PPU) For fishing, the hardness of the foam is important: too soft will quickly writhe and lose shape, and too hard will be uncomfortable. The optimal density of the foam for a boat chair is 30-40 kg / m3.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid chairs with wooden elements in the frame structure. In conditions of high humidity and contact with aluminum, the tree will quickly begin to rot, and its swelling can damage the skin of the seat.
Installation methods and types of fastenings
Installing a chair in an aluminum boat requires careful preparation, and there are several basic fixation methods that depend on the design of your vessel's floor.
The most common option is to attach to plywoodIf the floor of the boat is covered with plywood, the chair can be fastened directly to it, but always using wide washers or response plates to distribute the load. The plywood must be moisture resistant (PSP grades) and at least 10-12 mm thick.
For more reliable fixation, they are used laying-inThese are metal plates that are placed under the floor or welded/stringed to stringers during the assembly or modernization of the boat, and they are already attached to the base of the chair.
The following types of databases are often used:
- 🔩 Direct attachment - four bolts, rigidly fixing the base.
- 🔘 Ski anchorage - allows you to move the chair along the side on the guide.
- ⚓ Rotary pole anchorage It requires a powerful base, as it creates a lever when rolling.
When drilling holes in the aluminum bottom, be sure to use a sealant for each bolt to exclude leaks. Plyurethane sealant or special formulations for marine applications are ideal.
☑️ Checking before mounting the chair
Comparative table of chair models
To make the choice easier, consider the comparative specifications of the popular types of seats available on the market for small craft.
| Type of chair | Frame material | Weight, kg | Features | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget foldable | Painted steel | 3.5 | Compact, soft back | Low. |
| Turning fishing | aluminum | 6.2 | Altitude adjustment, armrests | Medium |
| Bucket sports. | Fiberglass | 4.0 | Hard fixation, spray protection | High. |
| Trans folding | Stainless steel | 2.8 | Fixing on the transom, saves space | Medium |
When choosing between aluminum and steel frame for an aluminum boat is preferable aluminum or stainless steelConventional powder-painted steel in conditions of constant contact with water and mechanical damage (scraps) will quickly rust and rust can pass to the boat hull.
A critically important parameter is the height of the back: for active fishing with frequent turns of the body, a low back is optimal, not interfering with oars or tackle, while for walks, high head support is important.
Ergonomics and safety on water
Safety is not just about life jackets, it's also about landing stability. In an aluminum boat that can bury its nose abruptly on the wave, the chair must provide a reliable fixation of the body.
A good chair should have anatomicalA flat seat causes the back muscles to strain constantly to keep their balance. Having a little blockage back and lateral support (like in bucket seats) reduces fatigue.
It is also worth considering. dimensionsToo wide a chair in a narrow aluminum boat (for example, in the Kazanka or Wind) can interfere with freedom of movement, restricting access to runduks or gear.
⚠️ Warning: Do not place high-backed seats near engine compartment locks if access is blocked. In an emergency (water entering the case), you may need quick access to a pump or fuel faucet.
The main criterion for choosing a chair for an aluminum boat is not only comfort, but also compatibility of the method of fastening with the construction of the floor and the total weight of the equipment.
Maintenance and maintenance of boat seats
For the seats to last, they need to be taken care of. Aluminum boat is often stored on a trailer or under an awning, where the seats are exposed to temperature changes.
After every fishing trip, especially in salt water, the seats are required. freshwaterSalt, drying, crystallizes and destroys the structure of vinyl and seams. To clean, use a soft sponge and special products for the care of vinyl products, avoiding aggressive chemicals.
Metal attachment elements should be regularly inspected for corrosion. If you notice rust on the bolts, they should be cleaned and covered with a protective composition. The screeching of the adjustment mechanisms is eliminated by silicone lubrication, which does not destroy the rubber seals.
For winter storage, it is better to remove the chair and bring it into a warm room, which will prevent the plastic and upholstery from cracking from frost, and also free up space in the boat.
How to keep chairs in the winter?
Ideal storage is horizontal at temperatures between -10 and +25 degrees Celsius, it is not recommended to fold heavy objects onto the seats so as not to deform the filler, metal parts can be preserved with light lubrication.
Can I use car seats in a boat?
Technically possible, but not recommended: Car seats have fabric upholstery that quickly wets and dries, and their adjustment mechanisms are not designed to swing and can jam, and they are significantly heavier than specialized marine counterparts.
What kind of fastener to use for aluminum?
Use stainless steel bolts (A2 or A4) with a wide hat. Be sure to use growers and wide washers. The threaded joint should be fixed with a thread lock so that the vibration does not unwind the fasteners.
To protect the floor of an aluminum boat, you can cut circles of carpet or rubber under the legs of the chair, which will prevent the seat from sliding over smooth metal and preserve the corrosion-resistant flooring.