Fishing or resting on the water is always a balance between the functionality of the boat and personal comfort. Inflatable boats with low pressure inflatable floor (NDNDM) have become a benchmark for mobility, but their standard equipment often leaves much to be desired in terms of ergonomics, and sitting for hours on a rigid plywood can, especially in cold water, becomes a real test for the back and legs.
That is why the installation of specialized PVC NDND It's one of the most popular tuning options, and it's not just a whim, it's a necessity for people who spend a lot of time on the water, and it's a good fit to keep the trophy fighting and avoid back pain when they get back to shore.
But choosing the right model is not an easy task, because the market is full of offers, and it is important not to get confused about the specifications. The key compatibility parameter is not only the width of the boat, but also the type of bank attachment that varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. In this article, we will discuss in detail what to look for to avoid turning a light boat into an unstable platform.
Types of chairs for inflatable boats
The first thing that an angler encounters when searching is a huge variety of designs. PVC-seat You can divide it into a few basic categories, each with its own advantages and limitations, and understanding these differences will help narrow down the search.
The easiest option is to have a soft jar lining, which is not in the transport bag, is easy to wash and inexpensive, but it doesn't solve the problem of spinal stress, because they either don't have a backrest or they're symbolic, and it's a short-foray option.
- 🪑 Folding chairs: have a rigid frame and are mounted directly on the jar, often using regular sockets for oars or additional brackets.
- ⚓ Fixed seats: They are attached to the sides or bottom of the boat on a permanent basis, providing maximum stability, but reducing usable space.
- 🎣 Rotary platform: They allow you to rotate 360 degrees, which is ideal for spinners who need to quickly change the direction of the throw.
⚠️ Attention: Installing a heavy stationary chair in a narrow boat can shift the center of gravity and reduce the stability of the vessel. Always check the balance in shallow water before going to depth.
More complex designs, such as transformer-chairThey can be folded into a fully recumbent space, which is convenient for overnight stays in a boat, but when assembled, they take up a considerable volume. For owners of NDNDM boats, where every liter of volume in a cockpit is important, this is often a decisive factor.
Criteria of choice: what to pay attention to
When choosing PVC-boat chairs It's not enough to just look at a beautiful picture. You have to consider the technical parameters of your boat. HND boats have a specific design of the floor that can bend under load, so weight distribution is critical.
First of all, look at the material in the framework. D16T) Steel is preferable, as it does not rust and is much lighter, the plastic elements must be made of a frost-resistant polymer, otherwise they may burst from careless movement during winter fishing.
The second important aspect is the way the boats are attached to the bank. Most boat manufacturers use standard socket spacing, but there are exceptions. Some chair models require the can to be drilled, which violates the tightness and integrity of the structure, so it is better to choose the options with the right size. clamp-up Or regular pins.
- 📏 Dimensions: The width of the seat should be less than the inner width of the boat by at least 20-30 cm on each side for comfortable rowing.
- ⚖️ Load capacity: The manufacturer’s safety margin must be 20-30% higher than your weight for safety.
- 💧 Wet resistance: The upholstery must be made of a type of material Oxford with PVC coating, which does not absorb water and dries quickly.
And remember, the ergonomics of the back, it has to be curved like the spine, or it has to be adjusted to the angle of the tilt, and sitting in an unnatural position for a long time will lead to fatigue, which can be dangerous on the water.
When buying a chair, take a roulette and accurate measurements of the width of your boat at the place where the can is installed.
Features of installation on NDND boats
Installing a chair in a low-pressure inflatable boat has its nuances. Unlike hard-bed floorboard boats, it relies on inflatable tubes hidden under a cover. Excessive point pressure can damage the slings or the cylinder material itself.
For safe installation, it is recommended to use additional distribution-placeThese are rigid plates that are placed under the legs of the chair or under the jar itself, increasing the contact area. If you use a pin-mounted chair, make sure that the truncheons do not press on the cylinders when the boat rolls.
The process of installation is usually this: first, the boat is inflated to the working pressure, then the jar is installed, and only then the chair is mounted, and it is important to fix the structure so that it does not shift in choppy conditions.
⚠️ Warning: Never place a chair with sharp metal elements directly on the cylinders of NDNDT without a protective gasket.
☑️ Checking before installing the chair
If you plan to use it turn-chairMake sure the rotational mechanism does not affect the sides when turning, and in narrow boats this is a common problem that leads to rapid wear of the fabric of the board and the appearance of scuffles.
Comparison of popular models and manufacturers
The Russian market has many brands, from budget Chinese counterparts to eminent domestic manufacturers. The leaders of the segment are companies specializing in accessories for PVC boats, such as: bazukka, Aqua-Mania and Flagship.
The Comfort series models from different brands often copy each other, but differ in the quality of the fittings. Cheap counterparts can have weak welds on the frame that will disperse under load. More expensive options offer adjustable backrest and armrests.
| Model/Brand | Type of attachment | Frame material | Weight, kg | Price (probational) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bazaukka Profi | On the jar (pins) | aluminum | 3.5 | Medium |
| Aqua-Mania Standard | Clamps. | Steel/Powder | 5.2 | Low. |
| Flagship Luxury. | Turning. | aluminum | 4.8 | High. |
| Helvi Fish | Universal. | Mixed | 3.0 | Medium |
When choosing between specific models, you should pay attention to the presence of removable covers, and the ability to remove fabric and wash it is a huge plus, especially if you often fish in dirty weather or with a live catch.
The Secret to Durability of a Chair
After every fishing trip, especially salt fishing, rinse the metal parts with fresh water. Even anodized aluminum is susceptible to corrosion in an aggressive environment, and salt speeds up this process at times.
Homemade options: whether to do yourself
Many anglers with straight hands prefer to make boat-seat It allows you to perfectly fit the design to a particular model of the boat and save money, most often using a profile pipe or remnants of aluminum pipes.
There are risks, however: Homemade structures rarely pass safety tests; an incorrectly calculated back angle or weak junction can lead to injury; and finding quality marine plywood and moisture-resistant upholstery fabric is not always easier than buying a finished product.
If you're still making a homemade choice, use only certified materials. Aluminum corners should be thick enough, screw joints should be securely fixed by growers or carving fixers. Don't skimp on safety.
- 🛠️ Tools: To create a frame, you will need a bend, welding (for steel) or a set of keys (for bolt connections).
- 🧵 Upholstery: Use a tent fabric with double seam and reinforced threads.
- 📐 Drawing: Make a preliminary sketch with dimensions, so as not to make a mistake with geometry.
A homemade chair is the pride of the master, but in case of a breakdown on the water, you only have to blame yourself. Factory products have a guarantee, which gives a certain calmness.
Buying a finished chair from a proven brand is often cheaper than self-manufacturing, taking into account the cost of quality materials and time spent.
Care and storage of accessories
And PVC-seat After every operation, especially in salt water or muddy conditions, the structure needs to be washed with fresh water, and the sand and silt, clogged into machinery and under fabric, act as an abrasive.
Drying the chair in the shade, straight sunlight can burn out the color of the fabric and make the plastic brittle, and it is advisable to wipe the metal parts dry to prevent corrosion points, even if aluminum is used.
It is better to store the accessory in a case or bag, in a dry room. Sharp temperature changes in an unheated garage in winter can adversely affect the lubrication of moving parts and the elasticity of fabric elements.
How do you remove rust from the mounts?
If you have rust on the steel elements, clean them with fine sandpaper, degrease them and coat them with a layer of rust paint or car anticor, which will stop the metal from breaking down.
Can I use a chair in the winter?
Yes, but plastic in the cold becomes brittle, you need to sit on this chair smoothly, without jerking, metal parts in the cold can come to your hands, so use gloves.
How do you lubricate the turning mechanism?
Use silicone lubricant or lithol. WD-40 is only suitable for cleaning and short-term protection, but is not a long-term lubricant and can wash out existing lubricant.
Which fabric to choose for the stretch?
The best choice is Oxford fabric with a density of at least 400-600 g/m2 with polyurethane or PVC coating, which is durable, does not stretch and holds water perfectly.
Does the chair affect the speed of the boat?
When mounted on a transom or in the center of the boat, the chair creates sailing and additional resistance to water. At low speeds, this is imperceptible, but when glides with a powerful engine, the difference in fuel consumption and speed can be 1-2 km / h.