Swimming in a polyvinyl chloride rowing or motorboat is not only a way to get to the coveted cool spot, but also a serious test for the back of the fisherman. The standard rigid cans that are included in the basic equipment of most models are not designed for many hours of sitting, which is why the inflatable chair in the PVC boat becomes the first and most important element of tuning, which the owner of the vessel acquires after buying the boat itself.
The current market offers dozens of seat options, varying in design, material and attachment, from simple inflatable cubes to complex systems with inflatable backs and armrests, depending on which boat you use and which fishing style you prefer. A properly selected seat can turn the tedious process of waiting for a bite into a full-fledged outdoor recreation.
In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of choice, compare popular models and give practical tips for installation to make your stay on the water as comfortable as possible. float-up It often wins over hard-core counterparts, and how to properly distribute weight in a cockpit for safety.
Advantages of inflatable seats over rigid analogues
The main argument for buying an inflatable chair is its versatility and weight. Unlike plywood or aluminum cans, which can be heavy and take up a lot of space during transportation, inflatable models weigh no more than 300-500 grams in deflated condition, which is critical for those who commute to the reservoir on foot or use public transport, where every kilogram of cargo counts.
And inflatable seats have a unique ergonomics, and the air inside the chambers takes the shape of the body of the seat, which ensures that pressure is evenly distributed and reduces the load on the spine. Rigid cans, even when they're lined with foam, can't match this effect, especially when fishing in cold water, when surface insulation becomes a priority.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use homemade inflatable seats made of dense packages or unreliable materials. A sharp temperature drop or contact with sharp elements of equipment can lead to instant loss of leakage and fall into the water.
Another advantage is the variability of use, which can be mounted not only across the boat, but also along the side, or even used as a sleeping pillow during night fishing. Many anglers The presence of an inflatable seat significantly increases the overall level of comfort, making fishing affordable even for people with back diseases.
Types of structures: from simple cubes to backrested seats
The range of PVC boat seats is wide enough to avoid confusion, and it's important to understand the design features of the models, and the basic option is a so-called "cube" -- a simple inflatable product that is square or rectangular in shape -- that acts as a soft lining on a rigid jar, increasing the height of the seat and adding softness.
A more advanced level is the inflatable backrest chairs, which often have a belt system that allows you to lock the back behind the transom frocks or special hinges on the sides. The backrest allows you to change your position, recline and rest, which is impossible with a simple cube. Some models are equipped with armrests that can also be inflatable or made of rigid plastic.
- 🪑 Inflatable cube: The simplest form, the minimum weight, is used as a lining on the can.
- 🛋️ Backrest chair: It provides support for the waist, often has fasteners for fixation in the boat.
- 🎒 Transformer 3-in-1: It can be used as a seat, sleeping pillow or life jacket (in emergency cases).
And the other thing that's worth mentioning is foldable structures, where the inflatable parts are only soft parts, and the frame is made of fiberglass or aluminum. These hybrids provide better stability, but they lose in compactness when transporting. The choice of the specific type depends on the size of your boat: for small models like this. Hunter 200. or Frigate M-2 It is better to fit light cubes so as not to overload the cockpit.
The secret of durability of inflatable seats
To extend the life of an inflatable chair, leave it slightly lower after fishing if stored in a strained state. The product pumped in the sun can burst at the seams, and the completely deflated when folded can stick together inside.
Manufacturing materials and resistance to external factors
The quality and durability of an inflatable chair depends on the material it is made of. Most manufacturers use the same fabrics as for the production of PVC boats themselves: reinforced polyvinyl chloride of different density. The optimal is the density of fabric from 750 to 900 g / sq. m, which provides high tensile strength and puncture.
The important parameter is the resistance of the material to ultraviolet radiation and temperature changes. Cheap analogues made of thin film or low-grade rubber quickly lose elasticity in the cold and become sticky in the heat. reinforced PVC retains its properties in the temperature range from -40 to +60 degrees Celsius, which allows you to operate the chair all year round.
The joints of the product should be made by hot welding, not gluing. Adhesive joints under the influence of moisture and constant deformation can be delaminated, whereas the weld is a monolithic continuation of the material. When buying, be sure to inspect the joints of the chambers for bloating or unpaved areas.
Boat anchorage and installation systems
The right seating in a boat is not just a matter of comfort, it's also a matter of safety. Sliding down the wet bottom of a cockpit when rolling or moving abruptly can cause a boat to fall overboard or tip over. Modern seat models come with a variety of attachment systems that need to be used properly.
The most common option is to use regular rims (rings) on the transom and sides of the boat, and the chair is equipped with slings with carabiners or Velcro straps attached to these elements, which requires the seat to be pumped to working pressure, mounted on the can and fixed slings, stretching them so that the back holds an angle of about 100-110 degrees.
⚠️ Attention: Never attach an inflatable chair to the inflatable tubes of a boat with sharp hooks or carbines without protective linings. A puncture of a balloon in the midfield area can lead to rapid loss of buoyancy.If your boat doesn't have comfortable backrest clamps, you can use the fixation method for funky cushions or special liner struts. Some anglers practice attaching the chair to the hard floor (floorboard) with Velcro straps if the boat design allows. The main rule is that the seat should not be able to move more than 5-10 cm under load.
☑️ Checking the seat installation
Comparative table of popular models
To make the choice easier, we have compared several popular inflatable seat models on the market, based on specifications and user feedback.
| Model | Type of design | Materials | Weight (g) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cube-Comfort | cockpit | PVC 640 g/m2 | 250 | Minimalism, low cost |
| Fisherman-Pro | With the back | Oxford 900D | 650 | Handbags, cup holder. |
| Eco-Sid | Transformer. | Eco-PVC | 480 | No smell, frost resistance |
| Maximum Plus. | Transformer chair | PVC 1100 g/m2 |