Long fishing or water trip on PVC It quickly becomes a back test if you don't have a normal seat on board, and the hard bottom of the boat, even if it's made of high-quality plywood or aluminum, is not designed to sit for hours without additional cushioning. fly-chair It becomes not just an accessory, but a necessary element of equipment that provides a basic level of comfort.
Unlike stationary solutions, the soft seat has the unique advantage of completely repeating the anatomy of the body, spreading the load evenly, this is especially critical when fishing with a spinning or feeder, when the fisherman is in a static position for hours. In addition, such structures are incredibly light and compact in a deflated state, which makes it easy to place them in a backpack or a special compartment of the vessel.
The market today offers many variations, from simple pillows to complex designs with armrests and backrests. The right model depends on the type of boat you have, the expected length of time on the water and, of course, the budget. It's important to understand that saving on this element can cost you spinal health, whereas choosing the right one will make every step out on the water a pleasant experience.
Advantages of inflatable structures over rigid analogues
The main argument in favor of acquisition air-seat Traditional wooden or metal chairs, even folding ones, add a significant load to the board, which is especially important for small inflatable boats with limited capacity. The air camera weighs almost nothing, allowing you to take on more equipment or gear without the risk of overload.
The second key factor is the versatility of the placement: a rigid frame often requires a flat surface and special attachment, while a soft structure can be put in any corner of the cockpit, on a cylinder or even on a luggage platform. Elastic materialsPVC reinforced or Oxford are resistant to moisture, do not absorb odors and are easy to wash after fishing.
⚠️ Attention: Despite the high strength of modern materials, avoid contact with sharp objects, hooks and fish scales in an inflated chair so as not to damage the sealed layer.
Also worth noting is the thermal insulation properties of air: sitting on the hard bottom of a boat, you come in direct contact with cold water, especially in spring or autumn. The air layer in the chair creates a natural barrier, keeping the body warm and allowing you to fish in cooler weather without the use of additional insulation.
Types of structures: from simple pillows to transformer chairs
The range of seats for PVC It's extremely wide, and it's important not to get confused by the variety of shapes, and the basic option is the classic inflatable cushion, which is a simple solution that is a sealed chamber, often with a corrugated surface to prevent slipping, and these are ideal for short trips where you just need to cut the cold off from the bottom.
More complex level of construction with backThey can be made as a separate piece that attaches to the side of the boat, or as a whole with the seat, and the backrest makes a big difference, allowing you to relax the lumbar. armrestThis makes them a full-fledged chair.
The transformer models stand out, which inflated form a seat, and when deflated, turn into a flat mat or even a life-saving element, and also have a rigid frame inside the inflatable shell, which gives the product a shape but retains the softness of the contact.
The secret of valve durability
Modern petal valves allow you to quickly pump the chair, but require regular cleaning of sand and fine dust. periodically lubricate the valve thread with silicone lubrication to prevent boiling and ensure leakage for years to come.
Manufacture materials and their impact on the service life
The quality and durability of your fly-chair The market leader is traditionally considered to be the leader of the reinforced PVC It's the same material that boats make, it's very tensile, it's ultraviolet resistant, it's not afraid of extreme temperatures.
A more budgetary, but less reliable option is fabric. Oxford It's lighter than PVC, but it wears out faster when it comes in contact with sand or gravel. For PVC fishing, it's better to choose models where the outer fabric is duplicated with a denser layer, especially in the areas of contact with the bottom.
Seams are the most vulnerable place in any inflatable structure. hot-weldingThe adhesive compounds can dry up over time, especially under the influence of salt water and sun, so welds are preferable for serious loads.
| Type of material | Strength | Weight. | Resistance to UV |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC reinforced | High. | Medium. | Great. |
| Oxford fabric | Medium | Low. | Good. |
| neoprene | High. | Highly | Great. |
| PVC film | Low. | Very low. | Medium |
Fixing and installation systems
Installation seat In a boat, PVC can be done in a number of ways, each with its own specifications, and the simplest option is to sit on the bottom without fixing, which is suitable for calm water, but when you're excited or you're moving abruptly, the chair can shift, which creates discomfort.
For more reliable fixation, special belts with carabiners or Velcro straps are used, which are attached to the quince-plate Some chair models have built-in hinges that allow them to be fastened to transport handles or special slings.
☑️ Pre-installing check
There are also models with a rigid base that is mounted on a transom can (sit-to-slip), in which case the inflatable part serves only as a soft top, which is the most stable option, but requires the boat to have removable cans of appropriate width.
⚠️ Warning: Never use open flames or excessively hot air to pump the chair quickly, as this can cause material to deform and leakproof seams.
Rules of operation and care of inflatable inventory
And fly-chair It's been a long time, and you have to follow a number of rules, and the main one is pressure control, and a pumped product in the hot sun can burst because of the expansion of air, so pump it to a state of elasticity, leaving a small margin of elasticity, and an under-pumped chair will be uncomfortable and wear out faster.
After every fishing trip, especially in salt water or dirty water, the chair should be rinsed with fresh water and thoroughly dried, stored in a straightened or slightly deflated form, away from direct sunlight and heaters.
Regularly check the surface for microcracks or scuffs. Minor damage is easily repaired with a remix, which usually comes with a kit. Use adhesive specifically designed for PVC for repairs, and follow the drying time instructions.
Use talc for long-term storage: so that the walls of the inflatable chair do not stick together and the material remains elastic, slightly powder the inner chamber with talc before packaging in a bag.
Comparative analysis of popular models
When choosing a particular model, you should pay attention not only to the brand, but also to the functional content. Intex, Bestway or specialized fishing brands of the type Norfin and SalmoThey offer different price categories.
Budget models are often simple backrestless pillows. They're compact but don't provide a restful fit. The mid-range offers backrested and armrested chairs, often with pockets for trifles. The premium segment is complex designs with increased material density, anatomical shape and reinforced valves.
The optimal choice for active fishing is a mid-priced chair made of reinforced PVC with the possibility of attaching to the sides of the boat.
It is also important to consider the dimensions of the inflated. Too wide a chair in a narrow boat can take up useful space, interfering with the control of gear or moving on the cockpit. Always try on the dimensions of the chair to the interior of your boat before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the optimal pressure in an inflatable chair?
Generally, manufacturers recommend pressures in the range of 0.15-0.25 atmosphere (about 1.5-2.5 PSI). The chair should be elastic, but when pressed with a finger, the surface should be slightly slashed.
Can I use a car pump for pumping?
Yes, you can, but with caution. Use a low-pressure pump or a special junction nozzle. Powerful car compressors can quickly pump the chair and damage the seams, so monitor the process constantly.
How to seal a puncture if the remplekt is not at hand?
In an emergency, you can use a piece of rubber from the camera and superglue, but this is a temporary solution. For reliable repairs, you need a special glue for PVC and a patch of the same material as the chair. Normal tape or tape on the water does not hold for long.
Is the inflatable chair suitable for winter fishing?
Yes, but the material gets tougher in the cold, and it's recommended that you use cold-resistant PVC chairs that keep their elasticity at low temperatures, and that you use a regular summer model that can crack in the cold.