The modern market of inflatable equipment for water tourism offers many solutions, but among them stand out models with a reinforced design of the board. A Gladiator boat with a false-board It's not just a marketing ploy, it's an engineering solution that improves the safety and comfort of the crew, and unlike standard versions, it uses an additional inflatable balloon that attaches to the outer perimeter of the mainboard.
This design changes the behavior of a vessel on the water, especially in agitation or in sharp maneuvers, and many fishermen and hunters choose this option because it is not the only way to do it. false-board It creates an extra air cushion and increases the useful area of the cockpit, which makes you feel more confident even in strong side winds.
In this article, we will analyze in detail the design features, consider the popular brand models. Gladiator And we'll see if you can buy one of these, and you'll see why, for some things, having an extra cylinder becomes critical, and in some cases, you can do it as a standard option.
Design features of the false board
The main difference is that there's an additional inflatable element that encircles the main board around the perimeter or part of it. false-boatIt's attached to the main balloon system with strong slings and Velcro straps, and as a result, the overall width of the boat increases, and the height of the board above the water becomes greater, which significantly reduces the risk of flooding.
The material for the manufacture is the same high-strength PVCThis is the same as the main boat, usually with a density of 1150 or 1200 g/m2, which ensures the same resistance to puncture, ultraviolet and aggressive environments. The connecting seams are performed in hot air, which makes the structure monolithic and sealed even under high pressure.
⚠️ Attention: When pumping the bulwark, carefully monitor the pressure. Pumping an additional cylinder can lead to deformation of the main board and rupture of the connecting slings.
An important detail is the presence of discharge valves The water can be drawn from the main side and the bulwark, and it has to be removed periodically, and the design allows for easy access to these valves without having to remove things from the cockpit.
Technology of connection of cylinders
The main and bulwark are connected through a system of reinforced belt slings that distribute the load evenly over the entire length, which prevents the outer cylinder from being displaced by shocks against the wave.
Advantages of using additional board
The main advantage is the increased stability The boat becomes wider and more resistant to roll, which is especially important when fishing while standing or when passengers move inside the cockpit, the center of gravity shifts, and the boat reacts less to sudden movements of the crew.
The second important aspect is the splash protection, the wave protection, the high side acts as a breakwater, taking on the impacts of water, and this allows you to keep the interior dry, which is critical for the airborne system. winterfishing or long expeditions where wet clothing and equipment can cause hypothermia.
- 🌊 The increased height of the side prevents the wave from overflowing even in strong winds.
- 🛡️ An additional air chamber serves as insurance in case of puncture of the main board.
- 🎣 There is more space for placing gear and equipment along the sides.
Also worth noting is psychological comfort: Being in a boat with high sides makes you feel safer, especially if you don't have the skills to operate a boat in open water, which reduces fatigue and allows you to enjoy your vacation longer.
Popular models of Gladiator with false borough
Manufacturer Gladiator It offers several series of boats where the bulwark option is most effectively implemented. Pro Or specialty lines for trophy fishing, like a model. Gladiator 380 Pro Often completed with an additional cylinder, turning into a full-fledged boat for difficult conditions.
The table below compares the main specifications of popular modifications with a false bort:
| Model | Length (cm) | Width with false-board (cm) | Load capacity (kg) | Kit weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gladiator 330 SB | 330 | 165 | 550 | 42 |
| Gladiator 380 Pro | 380 | 190 | 750 | 58 |
| Gladiator 420 Fish | 420 | 210 | 900 | 65 |
| Gladiator 360 Air | 360 | 180 | 650 | 48 |
It is worth noting that the series models Fish often have a reinforced bottom and special fastenings for sonar And the rod holders, and the bulwark in these models allows for more powerful motors, because the rod part becomes stiffer and more resistant to vibration.
When choosing a model, pay attention to the compatibility of the bulwark with a specific modification of the boat, as fasteners may differ in different years of production.
Impact on driving performance and speed
The addition of an additional cylinder inevitably affects the aerodynamics and hydrodynamics of the boat. Increased sailing in lateral winds may require more active steering. The false-board creates additional lift, helping the boat to go into mode faster.
On the other hand, drag increases, and if you're planning to go at maximum speeds, having a high side can slightly reduce the total km/h at the same engine power, a cost for comfort and safety that many people find acceptable.
In quiet water, the difference in speed is almost imperceptible, but on a large wave, the boat with a false bort behaves more stable, prowls less and passes softer through the crests of the waves. NDMA (low pressure inflatable floor) in combination with high sides provides excellent seaworthiness.
⚠️ Warning: When installing a powerful motor on a boat with a false bort, be sure to check the angle of the trim, you may need to rearrange the transom plate or change the position of passengers.
For speed-walkers, there are models with a removable bulge, which allows you to quickly transform a boat from a safe cruiser to a high-speed car, simply by lowering or unfastening an additional cylinder.
Installation and maintenance of additional equipment
The bulwark process takes a little while, but it requires a certain sequence of actions, first, the main board is pumped to operating pressure, then an additional camera is attached. The slings were not twisted and lay flat.
The most convenient way to pump is to use a phase switch foot pump or an electric compressor, and the pressure in the bulge is usually slightly less than in the main cylinder to ensure the necessary elasticity of the connection, the exact values are indicated in the product passport.
☑️ Boat assembly procedure
Care for the structure involves regular inspection of the integrity of the valves and slings. After each operation, you must carefully dry the space between the sides to avoid mold and unpleasant odor, it is better to keep the boat in an unswerving form or in a spacious bag.
Lubricate the valve thread with silicone lubrication before long storage – this will prevent boiling and ensure tightness next season.
Comparison with peers and competitors
There are other manufacturers on the market that offer similar solutions, for example, Badger or hunter. However, Gladiator It often benefits from more sophisticated ergonomics and quality of components used, and reinforced fittings are used here, designed for high loads.
The brand's pricing policy positions these boats in the mid- to high-end segment: overpaying for brand and quality is justified by the durability of the PVC material and the reliability of the seams. Analogues can cost less, but often have a thinner material or less reliable mounting system of the bulwark.
When choosing a boat, you should compare not only the price, but also the weight of the kit. Boats with false bores are inherently heavier than standard ones, and the difference of 5-10 kg can become significant when transported over long distances without a car.
- 🏆 Gladiator uses 5-layer reinforced PVC of increased density.
- 🔧 Repairability is high, spare parts are available in most services.
- ⚖️ The optimal ratio of weight and strength for its dimensions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you unfasten the balcony and use the boat without it?
Yes, in most models, the bulge is a removable element. You can unfasten it and store it separately, using the boat in a standard configuration to reduce weight or increase speed.
Do I need a separate pressure in the false bort?
Yes, the bulwark is pumped separately, and the recommended pressure is usually about 0.15 to 0.2 atm, which is lower than the pressure in the main cylinders, which ensures the necessary rigidity and cushioning.
Does the bulge affect the boat’s loading capacity?
Formally, the payload is determined by the volume of water to be displaced and the design of the bottom. Falshbort does not increase the payload directly, but increases the buoyancy margin and safety when fully loaded.
Is it difficult to repair the bulwark in case of a puncture?
Repairs are made in the same way as the main boat, with remixes and glue, and access to the damaged area is usually free, since the cylinder is located outside.