Finding the perfect fishing spot often takes hours, sometimes days, but even finding a catchy spot can ruin your enjoyment if you have to sit for hours on the hard, cold bottom of an inflatable vessel. folding-chair It's an accessory that changes the way we fish, and it's not just a comfort element, it's a matter of keeping our backs healthy and making fishing more efficient.
The modern market offers many options, from simple folding stools to complex engineering designs with swivel mechanisms. The choice of the right model depends on the type of boat, the method of fishing and, of course, the owner’s budget. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the nuances of choosing, installing and operating this important element of equipment.
It is important to understand that the wrong seat can upset the balance of the vessel or damage its bottom, so the purchase should be approached carefully, taking into account not only the price, but also the design features. Comfort on the water - it is the key to a successful catch and good mood.
Why do you need a folding chair in a PVC boat?
The main reason for acquiring such an accessory is obvious: fatigue. Long exposure to a static position on a hard surface leads to muscle leakage, low back pain and decreased concentration. Fishing chair It allows you to change your body position, which improves circulation, and this is especially critical for those who prefer to catch trolling or long waiting for a bite in one place.
The seat also lifts the fisherman above the bottom of the boat, which gives a better view of the water and the surface, an advantage often underestimated, but it is from a height that it is more convenient to throw gear and control their position, and the presence of a seat frees up space in the cockpit, allowing more rational placement of drawers and other equipment.
And the protective function is worth noting: PVC can heat up in the sun or freeze in cold weather, and you can insulate yourself from the temperature changes of the hull when you're sitting on your own gear. The optimal landing height for trolling is 35-45 cm from the bottom levelThis provides a better viewing angle and work with gear.
⚠️ Warning: Setting a seat too high in a small boat can shift the center of gravity and increase the risk of a boat tipping over with sudden movements.
Types of constructions and addition mechanisms
Engineering is a very dynamic process, and today, there are several types of designs available to anglers. fold-chair It's lightweight, cheap, and takes up minimal space when folded, but these models often don't have a transom or a side attached, making them unstable on the wave.
A more advanced option is a fixed-base seat with a removable or folding seat, attached to a bank (bump seat) or directly to the sides of the boat, and the mechanism of addition can vary from simple recline to a complex system that allows you to fold the structure to zero for transportation.
And the rotary chairs, which allow the fisherman to turn 360 degrees without getting up, are incredibly convenient when catching fish or changing directions, and they're usually based on a bearing assembly that requires periodic maintenance and sand protection.
Criteria of choice: what to pay attention to
When choosing boat-seat So there's a lot of things that you need to consider, and the first and most important thing is the frame material. Aluminum alloys, like duraluminum, are lightweight and non-rustful, but they can bend under extreme loads. Stainless steel is stronger, but it's much heavier, which is critical for small boats, where every kilogram counts.
The second criterion is the type of upholstery and filler, the fabric must be resistant to ultraviolet, salt water and mechanical damage, the best performance of fabrics like Oxford with PVC impregnation, the filler must dry quickly and not absorb water, otherwise the chair will become heavy and begin to limp. High-density polyurethane It has proven itself to be the best material for this purpose.
When choosing a chair, be sure to check the quality of welds and joints. Even a microscopic crack in the metal in the water can lead to breakage of the entire structure.
Don't forget the dimensions. When folded, the chair should fit in your boat bag or car trunk, measure the available space in advance, and payload capacity is also important: the safety margin should be at least 20-30% greater than the weight of the largest member of your fishing company.
Ways to fasten a chair in a boat
The installation method has a direct impact on stability and safety, and the most common way is to attach to a transom, using special brackets that are held at the top edge of the transom, which allows you to place the fisherman closer to the motor, which is convenient for controlling it, but can interfere with rowing.
The second popular option is lyctros (tension cable) attachment to the sides, which is suspended on a cable between the sides, a universal solution that allows you to adjust the height and position of the seat, but such a system requires rigid elements in the design of the boat or the installation of additional supports.
☑️ Checking before installing the chair
The third option is to put it on a removable can, and the chair is mounted on a transom beam that in turn rests on the sides, which is the most stable structure that does not deform the side of the boat, and many modern banks already have built-in sleds or holes for mounting swivel mechanisms.
⚠️ Warning: When attaching to the transom, make sure the clamps do not damage the PVC material and do not block access to the drain valve or transom handles.
Comparative table of popular models
To make it easier to choose, we have compared several models that are on the market, and the data may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but the overall specifications remain similar.
| Model | Frame material | Load capacity | Weight. | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic folding | Steel | 120 kg | 3.5 kg | Low price, simple mechanism |
| Turning the tranny | aluminum | 150 kg | 5.2 kg | Rotation 360°, attachment up to 50 mm |
| Suspended (Lictross) | aluminum | 130 kg | 4.0 kg | Altitude adjustment, universality |
| Premium with armrests | Nerzh. | 200 kg | 7.5 kg | Maximum comfort, long service life |
As you can see from the table, the difference in weight and function is significant. For small inflatable boats, where every hundred grams is important, aluminum models are better suited. For large PVC boats, where durability and maximum load are the priority, steel options are worth considering.
Care and maintenance in the offseason
Operating in an aggressive aquatic environment requires regular maintenance, and after every fishing trip, especially in salt water, the metal parts must be cleaned with fresh water and wiped dry, preventing corrosion that can imperceptibly destroy the load-bearing elements.
The tissue parts also need attention, and should be dried in the straightened form, avoiding direct sunlight, which can burn out the dye and weaken the threads, and it is recommended that the fabric be treated with special water-repellent impregnations to preserve its properties.
How to keep a chair in winter
The ideal storage location is a dry, ventilated room with a temperature of +5 to +20 degrees. It is not recommended to keep the chair in a compressed state under heavy loads, since the filler can lose shape and the fabric can break down. It is best to hang it or fold it in a straightened form.
Mobile connections such as hinges and swivel mechanisms need lubrication. Use silicone lubricants that are not washed away by water and are not aggressive to plastic and rubber. Regular maintenance will extend the life of your gear for several seasons.
Impact on boat balancing
Many anglers forget that the chair is an extra weight that affects the boat's trim, and placing a heavy fisherman and a massive chair on one side can cause a noticeable roll, which is not only uncomfortable, but also dangerous, as it reduces the stability of the vessel.
When you have two seats, try to position them symmetrically relative to the diametrical plane of the boat. If you have one seat, it's better to place it in the center or closer to the stern if you're driving the engine. In rowing boats, the fisherman's seat should be strictly in the middle to keep the balance when rowing.
And wind sailing, too. The high back of the chair can work like a sail, especially on boats without windshields. It increases drag and can make it difficult to drive. In windy weather, sometimes it makes sense to lower the back or use low profiled back models.
Proper weight distribution in a boat is not only a matter of comfort, but also the basis of safety on the water.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I use a regular office chair in a boat?
Office chairs are not protected from moisture, their mechanisms will quickly rust, and the wheels will damage the bottom of the boat, and they do not have the necessary attachments to fix on the water.
How much weight can a standard folding chair withstand?
Most high-quality models for boats are designed for a load of 120 to 150 kg. However, you should always look at the product passport, since cheap analogues can not withstand 80 kg.
Do I need to remove the chair when transporting the boat?
It is advisable to remove, especially if the boat is carried assembled on a trailer or roof of the car. Wind load can tear the mounts or deform the structure of the chair.
How to clean the seat from fish mucus and smell?
Use warm water with neutral soap and a soft brush. You can use a weak solution of vinegar to disinfect. Chlorine is best avoided, it can damage tissue.