Choosing a swimming facility is always a search for a compromise between mobility, load capacity and comfort. Inflatable boat Hard bottom has become the gold standard for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts who are not ready to put up with the soft bottom of classic models. aluminum-floorboard provide the same rigidity that allows you to confidently stand on your feet, set up chairs and effectively catch fish spinning or trolling.
Unlike a low-pressure inflatable floor (LBBB), a flat aluminum system creates a complete platform resembling a boat hull, which is critical when using powerful motors when maximum power is required. rigidity But this architecture has its own operational specifications that every owner should know about.
Understanding how they interact PVC tubes And the metal elements of the floor, which will help you avoid assembly errors and extend the life of your vessel, will be further explored in detail the design nuances, advantages and hidden disadvantages that you may encounter.
Design features of aluminum floor
The base of the hard bottom is made up of separate sections, called paiolaThese plates are made of marine aluminum, which is highly corrosive and has minimal weight, and are connected by special profiles, often called "stringers" or connecting slats, which are inserted into the slots and fixed by locks.
The most important element of the whole system is kielson It's a longitudinal beam that runs along the diametrical plane of the boat, and it gives the bottom a V shape, which is necessary for planing and seaworthiness, and without the keelson, the flat-bottom boat will scour the wave and become worse at planing.
⚠️ Warning: Never attempt to operate a boat without a keel, even on calm water. The absence of a central beam can cause cylinders to deform under engine load and loss of course stability.
The floor design can be removable or built-in. In the first case, you get a modular system that you can disassemble into parts for transportation. In the second case, the floor is an integral part of the frame, which speeds up assembly, but increases the dimensions in the packaged form.
Why aluminum?
Aluminum is not chosen by chance. It is lighter than steel, does not rust in salt water as fast as ferrous metals, and has sufficient strength to withstand the weight of people and cargo without bending under load.
Advantages of the hard sex over the NDD
The main trump card of the model with Aluminum floorboards are absolutely water-resistant, and you can move around the boat, stand up abruptly, change gear, and not feel the crooks under your feet, and this is especially valuable when you're on a stand-up or when you're using a sonar, where sensor stability is important.
Also worth noting is the best protection against puncture: a layer of metal and thick linoleum or corrugated plywood (if used in combination) reliably protects the cylinders from sharp stones on the shore, spines and fishing hooks. Wear resistance This is a much higher bottom than the inflatable one.
Here are the key benefits that users will appreciate:
- 🚀 Possibility of installing full-fledged seat-can with rods that will not be displaced during pitching.
- 🛡️ High Protection rating from mechanical damage and abrasion with frequent landings on the ground.
- 🎣 Ideal bottom geometry for the installation of stationary equipment, for example sonars or spinning holders.
In addition, the hard floor provides more predictable behavior of the boat at high speeds, less sailing bottom and clearer glides make navigation more comfortable and safer.
The hard floor turns an inflatable boat into a full-fledged small boat in terms of comfort, allowing you to use more powerful engines.
Difficulties of assembly and dismantling
The process of preparing for the release of water takes time and physical effort. So the aluminum floor is a sequential operation that requires a certain algorithm to be followed, and you fold the PVC cylinder first, then you put the floorboards in, you put the stringers together, and then you put the quilson in.
In cold weather or in extreme heat, metal can behave differently: shrink or expand, which sometimes makes it difficult to dock elements. It is important to make sure that sand or small debris does not fall between the sheets, as this can damage the elements. sealed a balloon or cause creaking while cruising.
☑️ Sex assembly algorithm
A common problem for beginners is the wrong fitting of the quillson, and if his heel doesn't get into a pocket on the nose, the boat won't get the stiffness it needs, while excessive force in scoring the quill can damage the nose.
Effect of weight and dimensions on transportation
Boat with aluminum-floor The weight of the floorboard, quill and stringer adds to the total weight of the kit from 15 to 25 kilograms. For single transportation, this can be a critical factor, especially if you need to carry equipment far before the water.
The dimensions of the packed boat also increase, the piolas cannot be rolled up, they can only be stacked, so you need a larger trunk of the car or a special trailer to transport them. Transportation The roof of the small car can be difficult due to the length of the package.
Comparison of package specifications:
| Parameter | Paul NDNDM | Aluminum floor | Plywood floor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sex weight | ~5-8 kg | ~15-20 kg | ~20-25 kg |
| Compactness | Tall (roll) | Medium (flat packaging) | Low (big) |
| Assembly speed | High. | Low. | Medium |
| Toughness | Low. | High. | Medium |
Care for aluminum elements and transceum
Despite the resistance of aluminum to corrosion, it requires maintenance, especially after use in salt water. Oxide filmThe metal protector can be destroyed by mechanical action, and after each fishing, it is recommended to wash the floor elements with fresh water and dry.
Special attention should be paid to the connection of floorboards and stringers, which is where moisture and dirt accumulate most often. If you leave the boat assembled and wet for long-term storage, you can "stick" aluminum parts to each other, which will make subsequent disassembly extremely difficult.
⚠️ Warning: Do not keep a boat with installed aluminum floorboards in a pumped state for longer than 2-3 days. Prolonged tense at the points of contact of metal and PVC can lead to microcracks in the tissue.
To lubricate rubbing surfaces and protect against oxidation, you can use special sprays based on silicone, but only after careful cleaning of the sand. Abrasive particles work like sandpaper, erasing the protective layer.
To make it easier for floorboards to enter the grooves of stringers, use talc or baby powder, which will reduce friction and protect the PVC coating from scratches.
Comparison with plywood and inflatable analogues
The choice of floor material is often a dilemma: plywood is cheaper than aluminum, but it is heavier, afraid of moisture and can eventually dissect even if treated with moisture-resistant impregnation. aluminum In this respect, it wins in durability and weight, but loses in price.
inflatable floor (BBB) wins in compactness and assembly speed, but loses in stiffness. At high speeds, the bottom of the BBB can bend slightly, creating a trampoline effect. For fishing while standing, this can be uncomfortable.
If you plan to use the boat primarily for trolling or long-distance crossings with a lot of equipment, aluminum-floor It's going to be the best solution, and it's going to provide the stiffness of the transom and the stability of the whole structure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I replace aluminum floorboards with plywood in my boat?
Theoretically, this is possible if the geometry of the balloon allows. However, paioles are usually thinner than plywood and have a specific lock profile. The plywood floor may not fit into the stringers or require replacement. In addition, the plywood will be heavier, which will affect the carrying capacity.
How long does the aluminum floor last during active operation?
With proper care and the absence of mechanical damage (dents from impacts on stones) aluminum-floorboard Metals don't rot or lose their properties over time, unlike organic materials.
Why does a paiola boat creak when cruising?
Screaming is caused by the metal elements rubbing against each other or against the fabric of the balloon, most often due to the sand between the pyeols or insufficiently tight fixation of stringers, the use of silicone lubricants and regular cleaning help eliminate noise.
Does the hard floor affect the speed of the boat?
Yes, a hard bottom provides better hydrodynamics, a boat glides faster and holds its course more stable, and a flexible bottom can play on the wave, increasing water resistance and fuel consumption.