Choosing a boat for fishing or recreation on the water is often a challenge, especially when it comes to water bodies with variable depth. PVC flat-bottle is one of the most popular solutions for fishing in overgrown reed bays, shallow rivers and wetlands. It is this design that provides maximum stability and the ability to approach the shore where cider models would inevitably land.
Unlike classic models with an inflatable keel or a rigid V-bottom, the flat shape allows for the sludge down This is a critical parameter for those who prefer spinning in grass or duck hunting, where noiselessness and patency come to the fore, and the flat bottom greatly simplifies the process of landing on unequipped shore, allowing the bow to fit tightly to the ground without the risk of damaging the cylinders on the rocks or driftwood.
However, despite the obvious advantages, such a boat has its own design features that must be considered before buying. Understanding the physics of the behavior of a flat-bottom on the water will help you avoid unpleasant surprises and make operation as comfortable as possible. In this article, we will discuss in detail the technical nuances, compare different types of bottom and give practical tips for choosing and caring for your new boat.
Design features and types of bottom
The basis of any inflatable boat is the type of bottom, which determines its driving qualities, load capacity and stability. Flat bottom In the context of PVC boats, there are two main ways to do this: fully inflatable (NDM) or rigid (plywood/aluminum). The first is to use a special inflatable floor with an internal stretch that creates a flat surface; the second is to use a moisture-resistant plywood or aluminum alloy typed sleigh that is placed on a stringer.
A hard flat bottom provides an excellent loading capacity It allows you to stand on your feet even in extreme excitement, which is very important for active fishing. Plywood sleighs are usually 9 to 12 mm thick and are covered with wear-resistant laminate. Aluminum variants are lighter and more durable, but they cost much more. Inflatable floor, in turn, easier to transport, because it does not require disassembly into separate sheets, but it is more sensitive to punctures and requires careful preparation of the descent site.
It's important to note that the shape of the bottom directly affects handling. A flat-bottom boat has high initial stability, but less course stability than its keel counterparts. This means that it can scour on a straight course, requiring more active oars or engine rhumel. However, for speeds up to 10-12 km / h, characteristic of trolling or moving along narrow ducts, this is not a critical disadvantage.
- 🛶 NDND (inflatable floor of low pressure): It provides maximum comfort, as you can sit directly on the floor, and the best seaworthiness among flat models.
- 🪵 Plywood slate: classic solution that provides rigidity of the design and the possibility of installing stationary equipment.
- 🔩 Aluminum floor: premium option, not afraid of water and rotting, but having more weight in the assembled form.
Air Deck Technology
Air Deck technology is an advanced version of the inflatable floor, where the pressure inside can reach 1 PSI (about 0.07 bar). This allows the floor to hold the shape almost like a rigid material, without bending under the weight of passengers, while maintaining the advantages of the inflatable structure in terms of weight and packaging.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Flat-bottomed Models
Every technical solution has its pros and cons, and a flat-bottomed boat is no exception. passabilityYou can walk up close to a grassy shore, go into a shallow duct, or drag a boat through shallow water without fear of catching a keel, making these models ideal for duck hunters and anglers who use the boat as a floating platform to throw tackles.
On the other hand, flat-bottomed aerodynamics and hydrodynamics leave much to be desired when going out for planing. It takes significantly more engine power to get a flat boat to the plane than a similarly sized keel model. If you plan to move actively through large reservoirs with chop, the flat bottom will create a "pumping" effect about the wave, which quickly tires passengers and puts strain on the transom.
Another important aspect is wind sailing. Flat bottom design and often high sides make the boat sensitive to lateral wind. In open water, this may require more frequent course adjustments. However, for calm lakes, river scorches and coastal areas, these disadvantages are often overshadowed by usability and versatility.
To improve comfort on a flat-bottom boat in windy weather, use an anchor rope with a load (anchor-cat) attached to the nose. This will help keep the boat nose-to-wave while fishing, reducing the onboard swing.
Comparison: Flat bottom vs Kielow
When choosing between a flat-bottom boat and a keel boat, many beginners face a dilemma: a keel boat with a V-shaped profile is better at dissecting the wave and has excellent course stability. It is faster at planing and saves fuel when driving at high speeds. However, the keel is a vulnerable place when going to a gentle shore or moving through shallow water with a rocky bottom.
The flatbed, by contrast, loses in speed and comfort on the wave, but gains in versatility in difficult conditions. shallowIf you have overgrown areas and you need to land frequently, you'll have a flat bottom that's out of competition. If you have a large body of water that's very important, you'll prefer a keel structure.
| Characterization | Flat bottom (Flat) | Keel bottom (V-shape) |
|---|---|---|
| Parking stability | Tall (not tilting) | Medium (may heel) |
| Shallow water permeability | Great. | Limited (risk for keel) |
| Exit to plane | It requires more power. | Light and fast. |
| Comfort on the wave | Low (hard punch) | High (wave cut) |
Materials and build quality
The durability of your boat depends on the quality of the boat. PVC materialModern boats are made of five-layer reinforced PVC, which is resistant to ultraviolet, fuel and lubricants and mechanical damage. The density of fabric usually varies from 750 to 1150 g / sq.m. For flat-bottomed models that often come into contact with the bottom, it is recommended to choose a material with a density of at least 850-900 g / sq.m.
Special attention should be paid to the quality of the seams. They can be glued or welded. Welded seam It is considered more reliable because it eliminates the layering of materials under load and temperature. Adhesive compounds made using two-component polyurethane adhesive also show excellent results, but require strict adherence to the technology in production.
The boat's trawler is another critical element. For flat-bottoms, where the load on the back can be high when driving against the current or wind, the correct angle of inclination of the transom (usually 15 degrees) and its rigidity is important. The quality transom is made of multi-layered water-resistant plywood (PSP grade) and is sheathed with plastic or reinforced PVC to protect against moisture.
⚠️ Warning: When buying a plywood-bottomed boat, be sure to check the plywood ends. If they are not protected by varnish or plastic, moisture will quickly penetrate inside, leading to stratification and rotting. Treat the ends yourself before the first operation.
Choice of motor power and attachment equipment
The choice of the engine for flat-bottomed boat requires a special approach. As mentioned earlier, the flat bottom creates high drag. So if a keel boat with a length of 320 cm often put the engine 5 hp, for a flat-bottomed boat of the same length for comfortable movement with 1-2 passengers may require 6-8 hp. forbiddenThis can cause the boat to break and the boat to overturn.
Electric motors are a great solution for fishing in shallow waters, they are silent, they don't require fuel, and they allow you to move at very low speeds, which is important when catching a predator. The flat bottom is ideal for installing a trolling motor, because the low draught allows you to lower the screw deeper without risking catching the bottom.
☑️ Checking before getting on the water
You also need to think about additional equipment. stationary: fishing rod holders, sonars, tackle boxes. Many anglers attach platforms to the sleighs, but it's important to remember the weight distribution: the one-way shift on the flat-bottle is felt more strongly than on the keel boat, due to the shape of the hull.
Operation, storage and care
Proper care will greatly extend the life of your boat. After every fishing, especially in salt water or polluted water bodies, the boat must be rinsed with fresh water. The flat bottom often collects sand and silt, which, when dried, work as an abrasive. So bottom washing is a mandatory procedure before drying.
Dry the boat in the shade, in the straightened form. In the sun, even in a shady place, it is better not to leave an inflated boat, since when heated, the pressure inside the cylinders increases, which creates excessive stress at the seams. It is recommended to store the PVC boat in a straightened or semi-assembled form at plus temperature, although modern materials allow you to store them in the cold, if you follow the rules of "heating" before pumping.
The main enemy of PVC boats is not water, but improper storage and drying. Never pack a wet boat, it will cause mold and break the adhesive seams.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use aggressive solvents such as acetone or gasoline to clean the boat. They can damage the PVC protective layer. Use special PVC cleaners or soap solution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I put a motor more powerful than the one on my passport if I am alone?
No, you can't. The maximum power is given by the strength of the transom and the stability of the hull, and exceeding the power with even one person poses a risk of the transom being pulled off or the boat tipping over at a turn, which is life-threatening.
What pressure to pump in the balloons of the flat-bottom?
The optimum working pressure for most PVC boats is 0.2 atmospheres (about 200 mbar or 3 psi). In hot weather, pressure can rise, so it is recommended to vent the air slightly to avoid rupturing the seams.
How difficult is it to build a plywood boat by yourself?
Boats up to 330 cm long with plywood floors (sleighs) can be assembled by one person in 10-15 minutes. inflatable floor models (BBB) are assembled even faster, since they do not require heavy sheets of plywood.
Is the flat bottom of the rocks afraid?
The PVC material is resistant to abrasion, but sharp rock under load (boat weight + motor + people) can damage the shell. There are special PVC treads or "splashers" that are glued to the outside of the bottom to protect the bottom.