Choosing a swimming aid for fishing or resting on the water often comes down to finding a balance between weight, compactness in folded form and comfort in operation. AirDeckThis is an evolution of classic inflatable boats, and unlike traditional rigid plywood floorboard solutions, it uses a system of bottom-shaping inflatable tubes that fundamentally changes the user experience.
This design allows you to get a hard bottom, resembling the deck of a boat, but it retains the ability to fold the boat into a relatively small bag. High pressure inflatable floor The High Pressure is a powerful force, providing excellent fluid dynamics and wave stability, making it a popular type of vessel for those who value mobility but are not willing to sacrifice performance.
But despite the obvious benefits, technology has its own specifications that you need to know before you buy. aluminum-stringer And the right pressure in the bottom cylinders is critical to the durability of the product, and in this article we will discuss the device, the pros and cons, and give practical tips for operation.
Design features of the inflatable floor
The basis of comfort in type boats AirDeck It's a complex internal structure of the bottom balloon, and it has thousands of strong strands that connect the top and bottom shells of the material, and when you pump air, these strands are pulled together to keep the balloon from swelling to the sides, and they create a rigid, flat surface, and that's what allows you to walk on the bottom and stand confidently while you're fishing.
The most important element of the system is aluminumIt's a keel pocket, often called a stringer or a keel, and it's inserted into a pocket from the bottom of the inflatable floor, and it acts as a keel, providing course stability and protection against impacts to the bottom, and without that element, the boat would be prone to yaw and would be worse off when it's for an outboard motor.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a fully inflatable boat under direct sunlight unattended for long periods of time. The air pressure inside the cylinders rises with increasing temperatures, which can cause seams to rupture or deform the structure.
The inflatable floor is connected to the sides through special slots or a fastening system, which must be sealed and reliable, the quality of the glue and the width of the seams at the docking of the bottom cylinder with the sides directly affect the quality of the adhesive and the width of the seams. exploitation Modern models use two-component polyurethane adhesives to ensure the monolithic structure.
Use a pressure gauge to monitor bottom pressure. The optimal value is usually 0.2-0.25 bar (or according to the manufacturer's instructions), exceeding this value is dangerous, and insufficient - reduces the stiffness of the deck.
Comparison: AirDeck vs. plywood floorboard
The eternal dispute between proponents of inflatable floor and classical floorboard (plywood or aluminum deck) requires an objective consideration of the facts. Each type of design has its own target audience and use cases, so the choice must be based on the specific tasks of the owner.
Main advantage AirDeck The weight and compactness of the plywood is the absence of heavy plates, which makes it easy to transport the boat in the trunk of the sedan and launch it alone, which is not possible with heavy solder models, and the inflatable floor provides better thermal insulation and cushioning, which is especially noticeable when fishing standing or in cold weather.
But plywood floorboard is better at assembly and disassembly speeds, hard sheets don't take time to pump and wait for pressure to build, and they're less sensitive to punctures with sharp objects at the bottom of a pond. For those who change ponds often and appreciate every minute, this can be a deciding factor.
From the point of view of hydrodynamics, a qualitatively made inflatable floor with a correctly installed quillson It's showing results that are comparable to, and sometimes superior to, floorboard because there's no joints between the sheets that create additional resistance, but it's worth remembering that the inflatable floor is more demanding of properly mounting a stringer.
Technology of assembly and installation of stringer
The process of preparing a boat with a system AirDeck The way you go out requires you to follow a certain algorithm, and the way you break the sequence can make it difficult to install an aluminum profile, or even damage the bottom material, and the way you build it, you get the most rigidity and safety.
First, you have to straighten the boat completely and pump the sides to working pressure, and only after the sides have taken their shape, you can start working with the bottom. stringerThis is the key point that needs to be carefully addressed.
☑️ AirDeck's build algorithm
When you set up a profile, it's important to make sure that it doesn't end up in the pocket cloth with excessive force, but lies exactly along the entire length. Some models require that the stringer be fixed with special latches or belts. Once the bottom is installed, it is fixed along the perimeter, and the boat is left for 10-15 minutes to stabilize the pressure before the final pumping.
⚠️ Warning: When installing an aluminum stringer, make sure there is no sand, rocks or debris inside the pocket. Foreign objects can damage the inner surface of the cylinder or the profile itself when loaded.
Materials and durability of construction
The main material for the production of boats AirDeck It's a multi-layered fabric made up of a polyester base and multiple layers of polymer coating, and it's the density and quality of the PVC layer that determines the boat's resistance to abrasion, ultraviolet and mechanical damage.
For the bottom, a high-density material is usually used, often with the addition of special protective layers, such as: Slime These coatings protect the balloon from abrasion against sand, rocks and vegetation when pulling the boat ashore, and the quality material maintains elasticity even at low temperatures.
The seams in modern models are glued on top or on top using tapes. The gluing technology affects the tightness and strength of the joint. The two-part adhesives provide chemical welding of materials, making the seam almost indistinguishable in strength from the material itself.
Secrets of PVC's Long-Life
Sunscreens and special compounds (UV protectors) significantly prolong the life of the material, preventing it from drying out and cracking. Regular treatment at least once a season will add years of service to your boat.
The fittings used in the design also play an important role: the valves must be reliable and not poison the air, and the mounts for cans and transoms must withstand dynamic loads. The use of stainless steel or quality alloys in critical units prevents corrosion and breakage.
specifications comparison table
To illustrate the differences between the types of bottom and their impact on the boat's performance, a comparative table can be useful to help organize the data and make informed choices based on priorities.
| Characterization | inflatable floor (AirDeck) | Plywood plywood | aluminum pyeol |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight gathered | Low/Mediocre | Highly | Medium/High |
| Assembly time | 15-20 minutes. | 5-10 minutes | 5-10 minutes |
| Compactness | High. | Low. | Medium |
| Deck rigidity | High (at the right pressure) | Very high. | Very high. |
| Heat insulation | Great. | Low. | Low. |
The table shows that AirDeck It wins in weight and compactness categories, making it ideal for hikers and fishermen using small personal transport, but if speed is the priority, the pacifier options may be preferred.
Care and storage of inflatable boats
The durability of a PVC boat depends on its storage conditions and regular maintenance. After each operation, the product must be thoroughly washed with fresh water to remove salt, sand and organic residues.
Drying is a critical step, and you can't fold a wet boat, because it causes mold to break down the fabric base, and you have to dry it in the shade, in the straightened form, until all the folds and seams are completely moist.
⚠️ Warning: When stored in winter, avoid sudden temperature changes and storage near heating appliances. The optimal storage temperature of PVC products is from +5 to +20 degrees Celsius.
Regularly check the pressure in the cylinders and condition aluminum-fibreIf the stringer has burrs or dents, they must be removed with sandpaper so that they do not damage the fabric of the pocket when assembled, and it is also recommended to periodically lubricate the valves with silicone lubrication to maintain elasticity.
Proper drying and storage in straightened form or in free twisting at plus temperature is the guarantee that the boat will last 10 years or more without loss of leakage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I repair the inflatable floor puncture on my own?
Yes, small punctures and cuts can be repaired by yourself with a remix that comes with the boat, which requires cleaning and degreasing the surface, applying glue, attaching a PVC patch and rolling roller, and allowing the glue to be fully polymerized according to the instructions.
What pressure should be in the day of AirDeck?
The working pressure is usually indicated in the product passport and is most often 0.2-0.25 bar (about 3-3.5 psi), which is dangerous to exceed, as when heated in the sun, the pressure inside will increase even more, which can lead to rupture of the seams.
Do I need to remove aluminum stringer during storage?
Yes, for long-term storage (e.g., in winter), it is recommended to remove the aluminum profile from your pocket, which will relieve the constant load on the fabric of the pocket and prevent the possible deformation or "remembering" of the folds with the material in the areas of contact with the metal.
Can I use a boat with an inflatable floor on a rocky bottom?
Although modern PVC materials are highly durable, sharp edges of stones pose a risk, and in such conditions, it is recommended to use a protective cover for the bottom or special protective linings (treads).
Does the inflatable floor affect the speed of the boat?
With a properly installed stringer and pumped to the desired pressure bottom, hydrodynamic specifications of the boat AirDeck The hard bottom models are almost as tight as the hard bottom models, the surface rigidity ensures proper flow around the water, and the lack of joints between the sheets even reduces resistance.