Installing a seat with a rotation function on an inflatable vessel dramatically changes the perception of fishing or cruising on the water. If you used to have to constantly turn the body of the boat against the wind or current, now all the manipulations are performed with a single movement of the wrist. It is not just a matter of convenience, but also a significant reduction in physical fatigue, especially when waiting for many hours of bites. Modern models allow you to forget about stale back and uncomfortable postures, making the process of fishing a real pleasure.
However, the integration of the rotary mechanism in the design of the soft board requires a competent approach. inflatable tubes This article will discuss the types of fasteners, materials selection and step-by-step installations, which can damage PVC fabric or, worse, tip over the vessel when a fisherman turns abruptly.
It's important to understand that the market offers solutions for all budgets and boat types, from simple turning pads to complex systems with height adjustment and armrests. Aluminum alloys And marine plywood are the basic materials you'll have to deal with, and the specific solution you choose depends on the size of your boat, the load you're supposed to be carrying, and of course, your personal preference for comfort.
Advantages of Installing a Rotary Seat on an Inflatable Boat
The main argument in favor of modernization is ergonomicsFishing often requires a quick response to changing conditions: the wind changed, the sun started to dazzle, or the fish pecked off a side opposite to your current position. In a classical scheme, you would either have to stand up at risk of stability or you would have to cramp your torso, and the pivot mechanism solves this problem elegantly and quickly.
And having a full back seat is a critical position for spinal health, and staying in a static position on a hard slant or a balloon is bad for you, and being able to recline and relax your back muscles between throws is not a luxury, it's a necessity for maintaining your performance.
⚠️ Attention: Installing a heavy chair with a rotary mechanism shifts the center of gravity of the boat. Be sure to consider the load capacity of your vessel, so as not to overload the cylinders and maintain stability on the water.
And the functionality is also important. Many anglers use the rotary chair as a platform to attach additional equipment, and you can attach rods, sonar or navigation holders to the armrests or backrests, which frees up space at the bottom of the boat and keeps everything you need at hand at any time.
Types of structures and turning mechanisms
When choosing equipment, you need to understand the types of mechanisms, because it depends on the durability and smoothness of the ride. pivotIt can be made as a bearing block or a simple sliding sleeve. Bearing assemblies provide smoother rotation and withstand heavy loads, but they are sensitive to sand and require regular lubrication.
The second important element is the type of paiola attachment or inflatable floor attachment, and there are fixed base systems that are fastened to the floor, and removable designs are often used. quick-removal Quick release base, popular in the automotive industry, allows you to remove the seat in seconds, making room for overnight stays or transportation of goods.
Also worth mentioning is the combination system, which combines a rotary mechanism with a spring seat that extinguishes vibration and wave impacts, especially for hard-floor boats (HBBBs), where the cushioning is minimal, and the use of these seats greatly improves motor comfort.
- 🔄 360 degrees: Full circular rotation without restrictions, allows you to control the situation around.
- 🔒 Position retainer: The latch mechanism that holds the chair in the chosen direction even with strong pitching.
- 📏 Altitude adjustment: The ability to change the landing relative to the board, which is important for people of different heights.
Manufacture materials: aluminum, plastic or plywood
The choice of seat material directly affects the weight of the boat and the life of the equipment. In conditions of constant humidity, salt water and ultraviolet light, conventional materials quickly become unusable. sea-aluminumAluminum frames are lightweight, but they can withstand the weight of a large fisherman along with equipment.
Plastic structures are less common and usually fall into the budget segment. Quality engineered plastic is not afraid of water and corrosion, but can become brittle in the cold or burn out in the sun. When choosing a plastic chair, be sure to check the quality certificates and resistance of the material to UV radiation.
Many anglers prefer to make their own seats out of moisture-resistant plywood, which is a reasonable trade-off between cost and functionality, and it's easy to process, paint and adapt to a particular boat, but it needs to be well-covered to last long. sail-lacquer Or epoxy resin in several layers.
When choosing a material, be not only price-oriented, but also tactile. Aluminum in the sun can get very hot, and plastic can slide. Soft-coated plywood is the most comfortable in this regard.
| Materials | Weight. | Durability | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine aluminum | Low. | High. | Medium/High |
| Waterproof plywood | Medium. | Medium (depending on coverage) | Low. |
| Engineering plastic | Low. | Medium | Low/Medium |
| Stainless steel | Highly | Very high. | High. |
Ways to fasten a chair on a PVC boat
The mounting of a swivel seat is the most critical step. There are several proven fixing methods, each with its own specifications. gravy-can If the design of the boat allows you to place a transom jar in the right place, it will be the perfect support.
High-pressure inflatable floor boats (HPDBs) often use a mount directly to stringers or special pockets, and it is important not to damage the tightness of the cylinders, but to use soft screeds or special brackets that cover the cylinder, but do not overly squeeze it, and load distribution is a key factor.
The third option is a hinge beam, which is only suitable for boats with a rigid pivot profile, and the bracket is attached to the side, and the seat is taken to the center of the cockpit, which frees up space on the floor, but requires very strong attachment, because the lever on the board will be significant.
☑️ Pre-installing check
⚠️ Warning: Never drill holes in inflatable tubes for mounting unless you have professional PVC patching skills. This can cause the boat to depressurize on the water.
Step-by-step instructions for DIY installation
If you're going to make and install a seat yourself, you need to be careful and precise. Start by choosing a seat. Get on a boat (on land) and determine the optimal point where you can drive and fish. Mark that point on the floor or on the can.
Then there's the base preparation step, and if you're using a wooden jar, reinforce it at the mounting site, and you can stick extra sheets of plywood on the bottom, or you can cut metal plates. Self-tasher They should be passed through and fixed with nuts with a wide puck, so as not to push through the tree.
The rotary mechanism is installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. The base is usually screwed with four bolts. Once the base is fixed, check its stability by trying to shake it with your hands. The luft is not allowed. Then the seat is installed and the rotational smoothness is checked.
Sequence of action:Marking of the installation centre.
Drilling holes (drill diameter = bolt diameter + 0.5 mm).
3. Treatment of slices with varnish or sealant.
4. Setting washers and tightening nuts.
5. Final puff check.
The Secret to Sustainable Fixing
Use grover washers (spring washers) under the nuts. Vibration from the motor and waves over time unwind the usual connections, and the grover prevents the fastener from self-unscrewing.
Maintenance and care of the turning mechanism
For your chair to last for years, it needs to be taken care of, and the aquatic environment is aggressive, especially when it comes to seawater, and after every fishing, it is recommended that you rinse the metal parts with fresh water, which will wash away the salt and dirt, which are the main enemies of metal.
The moving parts of the machine require regular lubrication. silicone lubricants Or special formulations for marine equipment (e.g., lithium-based) Do not use conventional solidol or graphite, as they can fill the sand and turn into abrasive porridge that will quickly disable bearings.
Before long-term storage (winter), the mechanism should be preserved. Remove the seat, wipe it dry and lubricate the moving parts with conservation grease. It is better to store the structure in a disassembled form in a dry room to avoid deformation of plastic elements and corrosion.
Regular maintenance of the rotary mechanism prolongs its service life by 2-3 times and guarantees the safety of your landing during fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install a rotary chair on a boat without a hard bottom?
Yes, it is possible, but it requires special inflatable platforms or rigid liners that distribute the load, but the stability of such a chair will be lower than if it is attached to a rigid floorboard or a bank.
What is the maximum weight of a standard rotary chair?
Most high-quality models are designed for a load of 100 to 150 kg. When choosing, pay attention to the specifications of a particular model, since cheap counterparts can have a safety margin of only 80 kg.
Do I need to grease the mechanism before every fishing?
No, visual inspection is sufficient before each fishing, lubrication is required less often - about once a season or after winter storage, if the mechanism has not been mothballed.
Will the seating affect the speed of the boat?
The weight of the chair (3-5 kg) alone will not have a noticeable effect on speed, but if the chair is set high and has a sailing speed, it can slightly impair handling in strong side winds.