Going out in an inflatable boat is always about balancing weight and comfort, and many boaters spend hours waiting for a cool ride or exploring the waters, and not having a normal backrest quickly turns pleasure into torture. PVC-seat It is not just a convenient option, but a necessity for those who value their health.
Unlike hard-deck boats, where seats are built into the structure, inflatable boats, each element must be lightweight, compact and, critically, not damage the delicate material of the hull. The market offers many solutions, from simple cans to full-fledged rotary seats with armrests, but choosing the right option requires an understanding of the specifics of mounts and materials.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what types of seats exist, how to install them correctly so as not to damage the sides, and what technical specifications should be paid attention to when buying. Properly selected equipment will allow you to enjoy fishing or cruising much longer without fatigue in the lower back.
Types of seats for inflatable boats
The first thing that a PVC boat owner encounters is the variety of designs. The simplest option is the rigid one. bank-benchIt's lightweight and simple, but it doesn't have a backrest, which causes you to constantly strain your body muscles to keep your balance.
A more advanced solution is folding chairs with soft backs that attach directly to the sides, which already provide basic ergonomics, allowing you to lean back. steering-chair on special platforms.
- 🪑 Bank benches: Classical variant, often adjustable in height, but devoid of backrest.
- 🎣 Folding chairs: lightweight structures with a fabric back, attached to the sides through special pockets or belts.
- ⚙️ Turning chairs: Professional solution with a plastic or metal base, requiring the installation of a platform.
The choice between these options depends on how you use the boat. For short runs, a bank will do, but for many hours of trolling or feeder fishing, you need a full-fledged seat with a support.
⚠️ Attention: Heavy metal boat seats on light inflatable boats are unacceptable, which shifts the center of gravity and risks damaging the bottom with sharp structural elements.
Types of cylinder anchorages
The most difficult technical question is how to securely secure the seat without damaging the PVC material. There are several basic ways of fixing, each with its own advantages and limitations, and the key factor here is load distribution.
The most common method is the use of belts and fastexesThe seat has a soft base or a rigid frame that encircles the balloon, and when you stretch the belts, the structure is fixed, which is a versatile way that is suitable for most boat models without modification.
More reliable, but requiring intervention in the design, is the installation of the lyctrose In this case, a cable in a special braid is placed on the top of the cylinder, to which the seat elements are attached, which prevents the seat from sliding down even with heavy rolling.
- 🔗 Belt system: easy to install, does not require glue, but can sag over time.
- 🧵 Licross anchorage: provides a rigid fixation, but requires the presence of a cable on the cylinder.
- 🛠️ Platform anchorage: requires the installation of a transom board or a separate platform on inflatable tubes.
It is worth noting that the platforms often rely on special inflatable pontoon cylinders that are attached to the main sides, which allows you to carry the weight of the angler and chair outside the main cockpit, increasing the usable space.
Materials and durability
The aquatic environment is aggressive: ultraviolet, salt water, temperature changes and mechanical stresses test any materials for strength. chair-frame must be made of corrosion-resistant alloys such as anodized aluminum or stainless steel.
The fabric part also matters. Cheap Oxford can burn out in one season and start rotting if not dried. Quality models use dense, water-repellent fabrics with a very high-quality, high-quality, high-quality, high-quality, high-quality, high-quality, high-quality, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high-performance, high UV protectionIt is important that the fabric dries quickly and does not absorb the smell of fish or fuel.
Plastic elements, such as the bases of the pivoting mechanisms, must be made of marine plastic that is resistant to impact. Cheap plastic in the cold becomes brittle and can burst when the boat is not carefully transported in its assembled form.
| Materials | Pluses | Cons | Recommended application |
|---|---|---|---|
| aluminum | Lightness, no rusting. | Can bend when overloaded | Light chair frames |
| Stainless steel | High strength | Big weight, high price | Heavy turning chairs |
| Marine plastic | Inertia, low price | Fragility in the cold | Bases, armrests. |
| Wood (varnish/oil) | Aesthetics, reliability | He needs care, he's afraid of water. | Bank benches |
When choosing, pay attention to the quality of the seams and fittings. A rusting zipper or a detached eyewitness can spoil the impression of the best model.
Installation of the rotary mechanism
Mounting a full-fledged chair with the ability to rotate is a more complex task than installing a simple chair. cross-board Or a special platform that is fixed rigidly in the cockpit, and without a hard base, the rotating mechanism will not work properly.
The process of mounting begins with the center of gravity, and if you put the chair too close to the nose or the side, the boat can become unstable, and the ideal place is along the diametric plane, closer to the transom, but taking into account the distribution of the weight of the motor.
☑️ Checking before installing the chair
The platform is attached to the sides through a sling system, and it's important to pull them evenly so that the platform doesn't walk from side to side. Some models use inflatable supports that increase the contact area and reduce the pressure on the sides.
⚠️ Warning: Never drill cylinders to install bolt anchorages of the chair. Use only methods that involve external fixation with belts or regular elements of the boat.
Once installed, be sure to check the stability of the structure on land. Try to stand up sharply and sit, simulating a fish cut. If the platform wobbles, you need to increase the tension of the slings or revise the installation scheme.
Comfort and ergonomics on the water
Being in a static position for a long time is bad for the spine, especially on the vibrating surface of the water. A good chair should have an anatomical back that supports the lumbar region. Armrests are also important because they help to fix the hands when fishing with spinning.
Seat height is key: too low (squatting) squeezes the veins in the legs, causing numbness; too high makes the boat unstable; optimal height is considered to be the height at which the feet are firmly on the boat floor and the angle in the knees is about 90 degrees.
Use extra cushions made of EVA material. They do not absorb water, are easy to wash and allow you to quickly harden the seat to your preferences.
Some modern models are equipped with backrest adjustment, which allows you not only to sit, but also to lie down while resting. For winter fishermen using PVC boats, insulated covers that retain heat are also important.
It is important to remember the dimensions: the chair should be easily folded or dismantled, so as not to interfere with the transport of the boat as assembled. Bulky structures can damage valves or seams when packing.
Safety and stability of the boat
The installation of additional equipment always affects the stability of the vessel. A chair, especially with a person, is a significant mass located above the waterline. The shift of the center of gravity upwards makes the boat more rolling.
High chairs on narrow boats ("Kazanka" or narrow keel models) are particularly dangerous, and with a sharp movement of the angler or a strong gust of wind, this design can cause rollovers.
The effect of wind on a high chair
The high back of the chair works like a sail, and in the case of strong side winds, this creates an additional roll, which has to be compensated by the work of the motor or oars.
Point pressure of the legs of the chair (if it is not on the platform) can lead to abrasion of the PVC fabric. It is recommended to use special linings or mats under the legs of stationary supports.
The maximum permissible load per seat is usually 100-120 kg, but dynamic loads when rolling can exceed this weight by several times.Always check the condition of the mounts before each exit. A weakened belt or cracked plastic can cause a fall overboard, which is extremely dangerous in cold water or on the current.
Maintenance and storage
For a chair to last, it needs to be cared for, and after every time you go out, especially at sea, you have to rinse it with fresh water, and salt corrodes metal and breaks down tissue structure faster than fresh water.
Drying is a must before packaging, and even if the fabric looks dry, there may be moisture in the seams and joints, which, when stored, will cause mold and unpleasant odors, and it is better to dry in the shade, because direct sunlight on wet fabric accelerates the degradation of the material.
- 💧 Washing: Use a soft sponge and neutral detergents.
- ☀️ Drying: in a shady place in a straightened form.
- 📦 Storage: in a dry room at a plus temperature.
Periodically check the tightening of the bolts and the condition of the pivot hinges. The screech can be eliminated with silicone lubricant, which is safe for rubber and plastic.
Proper storage and regular washing of salt increase the service life of the chair by 2-3 times, preserving its appearance and functionality.
By following these simple rules, you can ensure a comfortable fishing experience for years to come, and a good chair is an investment in health and pleasure.
Can I install a chair on a boat without a hard bottom?
Yes, you can. There are models of inflatable platforms or seats that are attached exclusively to the sides and balloons, without relying on the bottom, but the stability of this design will be lower than on a boat with a rigid floorboard.
How much weight can a standard seat hold on a balloon?
Most quality models are designed for a static load of up to 120-150 kg. However, it is important to consider that when rolling the dynamic load increases, so the safety margin should be significant.
Do I need to remove the chair when transporting the boat?
It is advisable to remove bulky structures and swivel mechanisms. You can only leave light folding chairs, if they are securely fixed and do not have sharp angles that can damage PVC when compressed in the bag.
What is the difference between a sea chair and a regular garden chair?
The sea chair is made of materials that are resistant to ultraviolet, salt water and corrosion. Garden furniture quickly rusts and fades under the influence of aggressive aquatic environments.