Choosing a swimming vehicle is always about finding a compromise between capacity, speed and ease of transportation. For many aquatic motorists, the middle ground is becoming the middle ground. aluminum-bottom inflatableIt combines the lightness of PVC tubes with the rigidity of the metal hull, and it allows you to achieve high speed for an outboard motor without sacrificing the ability to fold the boat into the trunk of a passenger car.
Unlike classic plywood floorboards, aluminum decking (often called an “aluminum book”) doesn’t get wet, rot, or deform over time, making it an ideal choice for those who value durability and are willing to put up with a little more weight for reliability. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the features of these boats, their design nuances, and help you decide on the model that will suit you.
It should be noted immediately that aluminum-bottom It's not just a sheet of metal, it's a complex engineering system with longitudinal and transom profiles, and it's a system that provides stiffness comparable to all-metal Kazankas, but also allows for quick assembly and disassembly on the shore, and let's look at why this type of flooring is becoming increasingly popular among professional anglers and high-speed hikers.
Design features of aluminum flooring
The basis of rigidity in such boats are slabs made of aluminium alloy aircraft (usually D16T), connected by special loops or profiles, such a design in the assembly resembles a "book" or harmonica, which is laid out along the entire length of the cockpit. aluminum pyeol It is based on longitudinal stringers (beams), which, in turn, transfer the load to the inflatable sides, distributing the pressure evenly.
The main advantage of metal over plywood or plastic is its absolute inertia to water. If plywood, even laminated ones, needs to be dried after every fishing trip to avoid stratification and rotting, then aluminum can simply be rinsed and forgotten. It does not gain moisture, which is critical for maintaining the overall weight of the boat. In addition, the metal has a high kink strength, which makes the bottom resistant to impacts against rocks or drifts in shallow water.
But there are some nuances, too: Aluminum is a great conductor of heat, so it's uncomfortable to sit on a bottom like this in cold weather without an extra mat, and it's noisier: raindrops or a falling gear will create a distinctive ringing that can scare off a cautious fish, but for many users, these cons are overshadowed by the ability to install powerful attachments without risking damage to the floor.
Why is it D16T alloy?
Aluminum-magnesium alloys such as the D16T are highly durable and corrosion-resistant, do not rust like steel, and when properly maintained (anodized or oxidized) last for decades without losing properties.
Comparison: Aluminum vs Plywood and inflatable floor
To make a good choice, you need to be clear about the difference between the main types of bottoms on the market, each has its own target audience and use cases, and let's look at the key differences that will help you decide.
Plywood plywood (often marine plywood) is a budget classic, cheaper than aluminum, warmer to the touch and quieter, but plywood is afraid of prolonged contact with water, requires regular drying and processing, and has the property of getting heavier when wet. For seasonal use with dry storage in a dry garage, it is a good option, but for year-round use or storage in assembled form, it is less suitable.
inflatable floor (NDB) It's the most comfortable, because the high-pressure tank is part of the design, and these boats are the lightest and fastest to assemble, but they're the least efficient in running, the soft bottom is worse than the wave, and at high speeds you can see the effect of "slapping" on the water, and it's easier to punch through the inflatable floor with a sharp object than a metal one.
Aluminum bottom is the choice of those who prioritize durability, the ability to install stationary seats and high speed, sacrificing some of the weight and comfort of landing.
The table below compares the main specifications of the different types of bottoms:
| Characterization | aluminum pyeol | Plywood plywood | inflatable floor (NDB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure weight | Medium/High | Medium. | Low. |
| Durability | Very high. | Medium (depending on care) | High (with careful use) |
| Assembly speed | Long-term (requires profile assembly) | Medium | Very fast. |
| Driving performance | Excellent (hard gleaming) | Good ones. | Satisfactory |
The Benefits of Hard Aluminum Bottom
Why do experienced water-engines often choose metal? geometryThe aluminum bottom boat is perfectly shaped, which has a positive effect on handling and course stability, especially when driving against a wave or in strong side winds. The hard bottom better "holds" plane, allowing the motor to operate in optimal mode.
Second, it's the possibility of modernization, where you can safely attach all sorts of things to flat and solid aluminum, like anchor rundoos, sonar mounts, rigid seat cans, even small tables, and you don't have to worry about the fastener pushing through or shifting like you do with a soft bottom, and that turns the boat into a full-fledged work platform.
The third important aspect is safety and permeability: 3 to 4 mm thick aluminum sheets are virtually impossible to damage against roots, sharp shells or rocks sticking out of the water. You can safely dock on unequipped shores without fear of puncture, which makes such boats indispensable for expeditions to hard-to-reach places where field repair is impossible.
To reduce noise from rain and improve thermal insulation on the aluminum bottom, it is recommended to lay special rugs made of foamed polyethylene or tourist foams carved in the shape of a cockpit.
Disadvantages and features of operation
Despite the obvious advantages, aluminum-bottom boats have a flip side to know about before buying. weightAluminum is lighter than steel, but much heavier than plywood and, especially, air. A boat with a length of 3.5-4 meters with a full set can weigh 50-70 kg or more, which requires the presence of a wheel transom or the help of a partner when launching.
The second is the complexity of the assembly: Aluminum flooring is made up of many elements (sheets, stringers, locks), and the assembly process is like a designer: you need to insert profiles correctly, snap the locks and evenly distribute the sheets. In cold weather, when your fingers freeze, or in the dark, this procedure can take 15-20 minutes and require some effort.
⚠️ Warning: When assembling aluminum floors, make sure that locks and profiles do not fall between the inflatable cylinder and the metal sheet, which can lead to PVC fabric wiping and depressurization of the cylinder under load.
Also worth mentioning is temperature. As mentioned, metal cools and heats up quickly. In the summer, the bottom can get hot in the sun, and in the fall it can get icy. This requires the use of additional insulation if you plan long stays or fishing overnight. Besides, aluminum is prone to electrochemical corrosion when in contact with some other metals in salt water, so after fishing at sea, you should definitely wash the boat with fresh water.
☑️ Assembly of aluminium-bottomed boat
Popular models and manufacturers
The hard-bottom inflatable boat market is saturated with offers from various manufacturers, and Russian brands are traditionally considered leaders in this segment, which are better adapted to local operating conditions. Flagship, hunter, Aqua and Master..
Model series U's flagship or Hunter 320/360 They are often equipped with aluminum books, they have proven themselves to be reliable workhorses, it is important to pay attention to the thickness of the aluminum used - quality models use sheets as thin as 3 mm. Also important is the design of locks: they must be made of stainless steel or durable plastic that will not burst in the cold.
When choosing a specific model, pay attention to the availability of timber It protects not only the sides, but also the junction between the cylinder and the aluminum bottom. A good sign is the presence of reinforced linings in the mounting of the stringers. Don't chase the maximum length if you don't have a powerful motor: sailing and weight are important for aluminum, so a boat 3.2-3.6 meters is often optimal for 5-9.9 hp engines.
The secret to the durability of locks
Many manufacturers use plastic locks that become brittle in the cold. When choosing a boat, check the material of the accessories. If plastic is extremely careful when assembled in sub-zero temperature, it is better to warm the locks in the warmth before installation.
Care and storage of aluminum boats
Proper care of an aluminum-bottomed boat will extend its life for decades. After each foray into the water, especially if you've been fishing in salt water or in bodies of abundant vegetation, the boat needs to be washed. Sand caught between aluminum sheets works like an abrasive and can damage the PVC-balloon's protective layer from below when pumped.
It's best to keep a boat assembled but deflated, or completely disassembled. If you leave aluminum inside the tank for the winter, make sure it's completely dry. Although the metal itself doesn't rot, the moist environment between the sheets and the cloth can cause mold to appear on the fabric or oxidize the fasteners. The optimal storage temperature is between -20 and +30 degrees, but sharp changes are undesirable.
Periodically check the condition of stringers and locks. If you notice that aluminum has begun to oxidize (white coating appeared), clean these places with small sandpaper and cover them with a special composition to protect metals, which will prevent further corrosion and preserve the aesthetic appearance of your boat.
⚠️ Warning: Never use aggressive chemistry or abrasive brushes to clean the aluminum bottom inside the boat. This can damage the oxide film and reduce the corrosion resistance of the material.
Regular washing and drying of a boat with an aluminum bottom is the guarantee that after 10 years of operation it will look and behave like new.
Can I replace the plywood floor with aluminum in my boat?
Theoretically, it can, but it requires engineering. Aluminum is heavier, so you have to make sure that the boat can withstand the increased load and pressure, and you have to recalculate and re-build the stringer system, because the geometry of plywood and aluminum floors is often different. It's easier and safer to buy a boat originally designed for metal.
Which motor is better for an aluminum-bottom boat?
Hard bottom allows you to use the power of the engine efficiently. For boats with a length of 3.2-3.6 meters, the optimal engines are 5-9.9 hp Due to rigid planing, the boat enters mode faster and consumes fuel more economically than NDND. However, remember the weight limitations of the transom.
Does the aluminum floor make a lot of noise during rain?
Yes, the sound of rain on aluminum is quite loud and loud. For fishing, it can be a drawback, because noise can scare fish away or interfere with concentration. The solution is to use insulation mats that dampen the sound and make sitting more comfortable.
Is it difficult to collect aluminum bottoms alone?
In boats up to 3.2 meters long, it is quite possible. For models 3.6 meters and above, assembly alone can be difficult due to the weight of the structure and the need to straighten the cylinder, it is recommended to build at least the first time with an assistant or use special devices to fix the sides.