The modern market of water technology offers many options for recreation on the water, and among them a special place is occupied by inflatable vessels. plastic-bottomThis solution has become a bridge between lightweight paddle mattresses and full-fledged rigid enclosures, allowing users to enjoy comfort without being overweight.
The main feature of these designs is the use of whole or precast floors made of low pressure polyethylene (HDPE) or propylene. Unlike plywood, this material is absolutely not afraid of water, does not rot and does not require painting. Many models equipped with AirDeck system or just a low pressure inflatable floor, but it is the rigid insert of plastic that provides the same stability when entering planing.
Choosing a watercraft like this is always about finding a trade-off between weight, strength and cost, and you should weigh the pros and cons, because plastic has its own unique specifications that can be a crucial factor in your use case, and let's look at why this material has become so popular.
Design features and materials
The basis of reliability of any inflatable boat is the quality of the materials used, and the boards of such vessels are traditionally made of multilayered surfaces. PVC-reinforced fabricBut the key difference in this class is the bottom part, the plastic bottom can be made as a single sheet, which excludes the entry of water between the floor layers and cylinders, or consist of several docked sections for ease of transportation.
Often, manufacturers use technology where the plastic sheet has a corrugated surface, and it's not just a decorative element, but an important functional feature that prevents slipping. Polypropylene inserts They are highly chemically inert, and they don't react as aggressively to gasoline, oil, or sunlight as some rubber or untreated wood, making the bottom's life virtually unlimited under normal operation.
⚠️ Note: Despite the high strength of the plastic, when installed on a flat hard surface (asphalt, concrete) in hot weather, the bottom can be deformed. Always use a lining or mat when descenting into the water from hard surfaces.
It's important to note that the rigidity of the structure depends not only on the material of the floor, but also on the system of its attachment. In quality models, special slings or grooves are used to fix the sheet in the horizontal plane, which prevents the hammock effect, when the middle of the boat sags under the weight of passengers, which is especially critical for the development of the aircraft. motorboat Small class.
Why plastic and not aluminum?
The aluminum bottom would be stronger, but it's significantly heavier, colder to the touch and more expensive to produce. The plastic retains heat, is easier to process and cheaper, making the boat more affordable for the mass buyer.
Advantages over plywood analogues
When a customer is faced with the choice between classical plywood and modern polymer, performance is often the deciding factor. Plywood, even moisture-resistant (PSF), tends to become saturated with moisture over time, resulting in boat weight gain, swelling of layers and eventual bundling. Plastic bottom It is completely free of these disadvantages, remaining light and dry in all conditions.
Plastic is also lighter than wood of the same size and thickness, and for fishermen and tourists who have to carry a piece of fiber, every kilogram counts, and reducing the total weight of the craft allows for lower power engines to achieve the same speed performance or carry more payload. Environmental friendliness The material also plays a role - it does not emit harmful substances and is subject to secondary processing.
- 🚫 Full water resistance: the material does not absorb water even during prolonged immersion.
- ⚖️ Reduced weight: The boat is 20-30% lighter than plywood.
- 🧼 Easy care: it is enough to rinse with water and wipe with a cloth, no varnishes and paints are needed.
- ❄️ Heat resistance: The material does not change properties at low temperatures, remaining elastic.
Another important aspect is hygiene: a smooth surface of plastic does not retain dirt, silt or fish mucus, which often become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi on the porous surface of the tree, and you can clean the boat after fishing in just a few minutes from a hose, which is especially true for those who store equipment in a garage or on a balcony where cleanliness is important.
The main advantage of the plastic bottom is the absence of the need for regular drying and treatment with antiseptics, which is required for plywood.
Motor and motor models: what is the difference
The market offers two main types of equipment: exclusively for paddles and adapted for the mounted-enginePlastic bottom rowing models tend to be smaller and simpler, often fixed by the pressure of pumped cylinders or simple mounts, because the tear loads are minimal, ideal for quiet fishing in small water bodies.
Motor modifications require a more serious approach to design, where the plastic sheet must withstand vibration and dynamic loads when driving on the plane. Trans insert The bottoms are usually reinforced in these boats, and the floor itself has special slots or stops for rigid fixation, without which, when going into planing, the bottom can "play", which creates discomfort and reduces safety.
When choosing a motor version, pay attention to the shape of the keel. Inflatable keel and hard bottom boats (HBB) show excellent seaworthiness, but the plastic bottom is often flat or with small guides to reduce weight, which imposes restrictions on the wave height at which the vessel can safely operate. Flat bottom less resistant to side wind, but easier to manufacture and cheaper.
Comparison of the specifications of the bottom of different types
To make a final decision, a comparative analysis of the different materials used for flooring in inflatable boats is needed, each type having its own strengths and weaknesses, which are only noticeable when detailed technical parameters are considered. Plastic wins over plywood in durability, but can yield to it in stiffness at very low temperatures (below -20 ° C).
The table below shows you a comparison of the main specifications so you can see the difference. Pay attention to the maintainability parameter: if plywood can be replaced by cutting out a new one from the sheet, then it will be more difficult to seal a crack in the specific profile of the plastic bottom at home.
| Characterization | Plywood (FSF) | Plastic (DPP/PP) | aluminum | inflatable floor (AirDeck) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight. | Medium. | Low. | Highly | Very low. |
| Moisture resistance | Requires drying. | Absolute. | Absolute. | Absolute. |
| Term of service | 5-7 years | 10+ years | 15+ years | 5-8 years |
| Toughness | High. | Medium/High | Very high. | Low. |
| Price. | Low. | Medium | High. | Low. |
As you can see from the data, plastic-bottom It occupies a solid middle position, offering a great balance between weight and durability. Aluminum is too heavy for a small-scale inflatable boat, and plywood requires constant maintenance. The inflatable floor, in turn, loses in the comfort of standing and cruising on the bottom, as the surface remains soft.
Operational and maintenance rules
Although plastic is considered an “unkillable” material, following certain rules of operation will prolong the life of your boat for many years, especially in terms of temperature, and despite the frost resistance of many polymers, they become more fragile in severe frost. Curtailment or active bending load at temperatures below -15°C can lead to microcracks.
Keeping a plastic-bottom boat is recommended in a straightened or semi-folded state to avoid the appearance of stable creases. If you use a boat in salt water, be sure to thoroughly rinse the bottom with fresh water after each foray. The salt is cryalized and can act as an abrasive, scratching the surface when rubbed against sand or rocks.
☑️ Annual maintenance of the boat
To clean the surface, use soft sponges and neutral detergents. Aggressive chemistrySolvents or abrasive powders can damage the top protective layer of plastic, making it matte and rough, and avoid contact with open fires or red-hot objects, as polyethylene is easily melted.
When storing a boat in an unheated room in the winter, put a few bags of silica gel inside, which will prevent condensation and mold from appearing on the fabric, even if the bottom itself is not exposed to water.
Criteria for Choosing the Perfect Boat
When you buy plastic-bottomed It's important to pay attention to a few key points that beginners often miss: the first is the thickness of the plastic. A sheet that's too thin will bend under your feet, creating a sense of instability. The optimal thickness for boats up to 3 meters long is 3-4 mm, for larger models - up to 5-6 mm.
The second criterion is the quality of the bottom docking with cylinders. There should be no sharp edges or burrs at the place of gluing or inserting plastic into the slots, which can rub the PVC fabric when inflated. Protective tapes (Treads) on the outside of the side should also be of high quality, since they take the main blow when mooring.
Remember to lift. The plastic bottom, though light, has its weight, which is subtracted from the total payload. If you plan to bring a lot of gear or fish with three or four, take a model with a margin in length and volume. Better buy a boat of higher class than huddled in cramped space, which is especially important for long fishing.
⚠️ Warning: Never exceed the maximum permitted power of the engine specified in the boat's passport. Using an engine that is too powerful can cause the transom to tear off or the boat to tip over, regardless of the quality of the bottom.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can a plastic floor be replaced if it is cracked?
Yes, in most cases, manufacturers sell the bottom sheets separately as spare parts, but if the boat is an older model, it may require customization or finding an equivalent of the right size, and it is possible to cut the bottom of the sheet plastic by yourself, but it is difficult to get into the geometry of the anchorages.
Is the plastic bottom slippery when it gets wet?
Modern models have special riffling (antislip), which significantly reduces the slip even in the wet state. However, in rubber boots on wet plastic, you need to walk carefully. For complete comfort, many fishermen put on top of the mat of EVA or artificial grass.
How much more plastic is noisier than inflatable?
Hard bottoms do transmit more noise from waves and water splashing than airDecks, but there is little difference compared to plywood, and if silence is critical for you (e.g., when you fish with a sonar), you can reduce noise by putting a soft mat on the bottom.
Is this a good boat for winter fishing?
Yes, special winter models with plastic bottom are popular among anglers, plastic does not freeze as hard as metal, and does not absorb moisture like plywood, the main thing is to be careful when installing a tent and stove, so as not to burn through the material or boards.