Choosing a boat for fishing or resting on the water often poses a difficult question for the future owner: which is better, a rigid body or an inflatable structure? Compromise and in many cases becomes the ideal solution. plastic-bottom inflatableIt's a hybrid, often called Rigid Inflatable Boat, which combines a soft inflatable side with a hard, molded bottom of composite materials.
Why plastic, not traditional aluminum or plywood? The answer lies in the balance between weight, durability and performance. A plastic bottom boat It is corrosion-free, lighter than similar aluminum models, and critically, it doesn't require painting or heavy maintenance. In this article, we'll take a look at all the design details so you can make an informed decision.
It's worth noting that the term "plastic bottom" in the context of inflatable boats is most often meant fiberglass or composite materials based on epoxy resins. It's not the fragile plastic that makes disposable dishes, but the strongest material that can withstand impacts on rocks and coastal soil. RIB design allows you to combine the unsinkability of inflatable tubes with excellent hydrodynamics of the rigid body.
Advantages and disadvantages of plastic bottom
The main trump card that he has plastic-bottom inflatableThe plastic glass is much lighter than aluminum at the same strength, making it a real challenge to transport a boat on the roof of a passenger car or even in the trunk of a crossover, and you don't need a trailer or a powerful winch to launch, which is especially true for solo anglers.
But there are some things that we can't keep quiet about, and plastic is afraid of hitting hard in the cold, and if the aluminum bottom just gets a little bit more brittle at sub-zero temperatures, the poor fiberglass can crack when it hits the ice or the concrete pier. winter-time requires increased caution and, preferably, warm-up of the body before getting on the water.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal objects to clean the bottom of ice or dirt. The sharp edge of a shovel or axe can leave a deep scratch or chip, disrupting the tightness of the gelcoat layer.
Another important advantage is repairability: Unlike aluminum, which requires welding with argon in a workshop, a fissure in fiberglass can be repaired by yourself in the field with a set of epoxy resin and fiberglass. Boat repairs It is a matter of technology, not of finding a specialized service.
When buying a boat with a plastic bottom, pay attention to the presence of keel protection (keelband) along the entire length of the hull - this will prolong the life of the bottom with frequent pullings on the pebble shore.
Types of construction: RIB vs. inflatable floor
It is important not to confuse hard-floored boats (RIBs) and low-pressure inflatable floor boats (LBBBs), where stringers impart stiffness. plastic-bottom We're talking about a full-fledged rigid hull that gives the vessel a great germination on the wave, and it doesn't slap the water, it cuts it apart, providing a comfortable and fast walk.
The design of RIBs usually involves the cylinders being attached to a rigid perimeter housing, which creates additional buoyancy and protection for the side. aluminum-bottom Or plastic, it's a great advantage to be able to create complex contours, and it can make a V-shaped bottom with a competent angle of kiletia, which you can't make sheet metal without complex welding.
- 🚤 Hydrodynamics: Plastic bottom allows you to create complex contours that improve the course stability and softness of the wave.
- 🛡️ Defense: PVC boards protect the hard hull from impacts on piers, logs and other boats, acting as a huge bumper.
- ⚖️ Balance: The center of gravity of such boats is often lower than that of fully inflatable counterparts, which increases stability.
And we also have hybrids, where the bottom is made of composite sandwich panels, which are even lighter than pure fiberglass, and have better thermal insulation properties. plastic-bottom It does not cool as much from water as metal, allowing you to keep the heat of the legs longer.
Comparison with aluminum analogues
The eternal confrontation of materials in shipbuilding has reached the small craft segment. aluminumAluminum is stronger in compression and better in shape under constant strain, but it's heavier and noisier. Plastic is quieter, lighter and more technologically advanced in the production of complex shapes.
Noise is a separate subject, and when it comes to the wave or rain, the aluminum bottom makes a distinctive ringing sound that can be tiring. A plastic bottom boat It can quench these sounds, making it more comfortable to stay on the water, and plastic doesn't require annual corrosion treatment, although it can become algae if it stays in the water for a long time.
| Characterization | Plastic bottom (RIB) | Aluminum bottom | inflatable floor (NDB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight. | Medium/Low | Highly | Low. |
| Strength of impact | High (except frost) | Very high. | Medium |
| Hydrodynamics | Great. | Good. | Medium |
| Repairability | High (independently) | Low (welding needed) | High (patch) |
Importantly, aluminum holds geometry better when it is under load for long periods of time, and plastic can become tired over time if the boat is kept with the engine installed and the tank full, although modern composites minimize this effect. Glass plastic is not subject to electrolytic corrosion, making it ideal for salt water, provided the correct metal fittings are used.
Materials cylinders: PVC vs Haipalon
On its own. plastic-bottom The other half is inflatable cylinder material. Most modern boats are made of PVC fabric. It's a multi-layered material reinforced with synthetic thread. It's strong, lightweight and affordable. ipalon (Hypalon) or TPE.
Hypalon is incredibly resistant to ultraviolet light and abrasion. If you plan to leave the boat on the water all summer or pull it out on a rocky shore often, you should pay too much for this material, PVC requires more care and storage in the shade when the boat is not in use. Life of PVC The average age is 7-10 years, while Haipalon can last 15-20 years.
⚠️ Warning: When we glue the boats from Haipalon and PVC, we use different technologies and adhesives, and trying to glue Haipalon with PVC glue (or vice versa) will lead to the patch being detached at the most inopportune moment.
For hard-bottomed boats that don't fold into a small backpack, high-density fabric (1,100 g/sqm) is often used, which adds sailing and weight, but gives you confidence that the board won't penetrate a sharp branch or fishing hook. A plastic bottom boat Often completed with reinforced cylinders, as it is expected to be active operation.
The Secret to PVC Durability
To extend the life of PVC tissue, use special protective sprays (UV protectors) after each season, which create a film that reflects ultraviolet light and prevents color burnout and the destruction of polymer bonds.
Motor selection and transcretion
The hard bottom dictates its requirements for the power plant. A plastic bottom inflatable boat It is usually higher in transom and is designed to be more powerful than inflatable floor boats, and the glue transom in these models is often reinforced with fiberglass and wood, allowing motors up to 30-40 hp and even higher, depending on the length of the hull.
When choosing a motor, it is important to consider the height of the transom. RIBs are standard (508 mm), but due to inflatable tubes, the real position of the lower unit may differ. You need to choose the right length of the lower unit so that the anti-cavitation stove is in the same plane with the bottom or slightly lower. Installation will lead to cavitation, overheating of the engine and loss of speed.
- 🔧 Fixing: Use only standard transom fasteners. Homemade strubs can damage fiberglass when vibrating.
- ⛽ Fuel tank: For boats with plastic bottom, it is better to use remote tanks installed in the bow for balancing, since the tiller motors are heavier.
- 🌊 Watercraft: The plastic bottom is ideal for installing water jet engines, as it allows you to make a smooth water intake tunnel without protruding parts.
And you have to remember the electrical equipment, unlike aluminum boats, where you have to carefully isolate the wiring to avoid galvanic corrosion, you have to do this in a very small way. plastic-bottomed However, all electrical connections must be sealed, because salt water is an aggressive medium for all metals and contacts.
Operation, storage and care
Care for plastic-bottomed It's quite simple, but it requires regularity. After each saltwater drop, the body needs to be rinsed with fresh water. The salt, when it dries, crystallizes and can damage the gelcoat or leave indissoluble traces. Freshwater also washes away organic matter, which over time becomes a difficult to remove plaque.
Store such a boat is better in a horizontal position on special kilblocks or a suspension system. Putting the boat vertically on the nose or stern is not recommended for a long time, as this can lead to deformation of cylinders in places of attachment to the rigid hull. Proper storage prolongs the life of adhesive seams, which are a weak point of any inflatable structure.
☑️ Annual TO of RIB boats
Small scratches on the plastic bottom can be polished with car polish. Deeper damage requires remixing. It's important not to start the condition of the body: a small crack that water gets into can expand when it freezes and cause serious damage. Timely repairs - the guarantee of longevity of your boat.
The main secret of long-term service of RIB is storage in a dry, ventilated room at a temperature not lower than +5 ° C and not higher than +30 ° C, away from direct sunlight.
Can I use a plastic boat in winter?
You can use it, but with limitations. Plastic (glass plastic) becomes brittle at temperatures below -10°C. A hit on ice or a hard object can split the bottom. In addition, PVC tubes in the cold bluff and lose elasticity. If you need to go out, warm the boat, avoid sharp blows and use special winter valve lubricants.
Which glue is best for plastic bottom repair?
For fiberglass bottom repair, two-component epoxy resins with colloidal silica (for thixotropicity) are best suited. Use multiple layers of fiberglass to seal through the holes. Polyester resins are not recommended, as they are less adhesive to old fiberglass and more toxic.
Do I need to paint the plastic bottom?
You don't have to paint, but you do if you're on the water a lot, and you have a special anti-fouling paint that prevents algae and shells from being overgrown, but you don't have to paint the regular paint on the gelcoat, you only have to use specialized fiberglass paints, you've got to clean the surface with fine sandpaper.
What to do if a crack is formed at the junction of the cylinder and plastic?
This is critical damage. First, you have to completely deflate the cylinder, clear the damage on both sides, use a special PVC sealant (polyurethane or two-component) glue, apply a patch of the same material, press hard and let dry under the load, if the crack in the plastic itself, use epoxy resin.