The modern market of inflatable watercraft offers many constructive solutions, but it is precisely the airdock It's a popular water-based sport, and unlike classic hard-bed models, it uses an inflatable stove, which changes weight and ease of transportation, and its ease of assembly and compactness make it an ideal choice for those who value mobility.
However, for comfort you have to pay certain nuances in operation. Low pressure inflatable floor (BDND) requires a more careful approach to the surface of the water body and compliance with temperature regimes. Understanding the physics of the pumping process and knowledge of the specifications of materials will help to extend the life of your boat.
Design features and physics of airdek
The design is based on a special PVC reinforced plate, which contains thousands of strong strands of heavy metal, which connect the top and bottom of the plate, preventing it from swelling into a ball when internal pressure increases, and it is this technology that allows you to create a rigid surface that is comparable to plywood, but still retains elasticity.
It is important to understand that bottom-stiffness It depends on the air pressure, and if it's not pumped properly, it'll be cruising underfoot, making it uncomfortable to walk and driving less, but pumping in hot weather can cause the internal connections or seams to break, and the optimum pressure is usually 0.25 to 0.3 atmospheres, as checked by the touch of a finger, which should be hard but slightly springy.
Drop-Stitch Technology
At the heart of the airdec is Drop-Stitch technology, where thousands of threads connect two layers of fabric, and this allows you to create structures that withstand tremendous pressure without changing geometric shape, while remaining light.
The cylinders of such boats often have complex geometry to ensure better germination on the wave. Inflatable keelsIf they're modeled, they also work on the principle of high pressure, forming a sharp cheekbones, which is critical for planing and stability of course when driving for an outboard motor.
Advantages and disadvantages of inflatable floor
The main advantage of the Ayrdek is its transportabilityThe absence of heavy aluminum or plywood sheets allows the boat to be packed into a backpack that is easy for one person to carry for even long periods of time, especially for anglers who walk through thickets or difficult terrain to reach the water.
But there's a downside to the coin: Inflated bottoms are more vulnerable to mechanical damage from sharp objects, rocks or driftwood on the shore. Unlike hard floorboard, they can't be used as a platform to set heavy anchors without additional protection. Also worth considering is the effect of temperature: PVC blubs in the cold, and in the sun, the air expands, requiring constant pressure control.
And the benefits are also the speed of assembly, so you don't have to waste time putting the floorboard sheets together, putting them in stringers, aligning the structure, spreading the boat, pumping the cylinders and the bottom, and it's ready to go down, and that saves you up to 15 to 20 minutes at each exit.
Comparison with the soldering structure
When choosing between classics and innovation, many people wonder which is better. Unite boats are traditionally considered more "unkillable" in rocky bottoms and thickets. Hard sheets take the hit to protect cylinders. Airdec is more gentle in this regard, although modern materials with high density of fabric have significantly increased its wear resistance.
In terms of performance, a well-made boat with NDMA The lack of gaps between the floor sheets and stringers ensures a perfectly smooth surface, which reduces water resistance, and the weight of such a boat can be 30-40% less than its counterpart with a plywood bottom of the same carrying capacity.
| Parameter | A boat with an airdec | Pillet boat |
|---|---|---|
| Weight gathered | Easy 30-40%. | Much heavier. |
| Floor rigidity | Depends on the pressure. | Absolute. |
| Assembly time | 10-15 minutes. | 20-30 minutes. |
| Vulnerability of the bottom | High. | Low. |
And the price is also important. Technologically, the inflatable floor often makes the boat more expensive to produce, which is reflected in the final cost to the consumer, but the difference in price is often offset by not having to buy a separate trolley to transport the heavy load to the water.
Proper assembly and pumping of the boat
The process of preparing the boat for the launching requires a certain sequence of actions. Disruption of the pumping order can lead to deformation of the structure or difficulty in installing attachments. Always start with cylinders, creating a primary volume.
☑️ Boat assembly algorithm
The key is to use a quality pump with a pressure gauge, and you can't tell the right pressure on the eye, and the "touch" will depend on the temperature of the environment. Manometer This is not a whim, but a necessity to preserve the guarantee and integrity of the product.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight unattended. The air pressure inside rises in proportion to the temperature, which can cause the seams or valves to rupture. In the heat, blow excess air.
When assembled in the cold season (late fall), the materials become rigid, and in such conditions it is recommended to bring the boat into a warm room a few hours before leaving, or use warm (not hot!) water to warm the valves before pumping, which will restore the elasticity of PVC and facilitate the process.
inflatable floor management and care
After every fishing or walk, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, especially if you have been swimming in salt water or contaminated water bodies. The sand and silt, when dried inside the folds, act as an abrasive, gradually destroying the protective layer of tissue.
Pay special attention to drying. Unlike the solder boats, where you can quickly wipe sheets, the airdec dries longer because of the relief surface and many internal partitions. Complete drying must be packed before packaging, otherwise mold will quickly enter inside, which will destroy the glue and fabric.
Use a special PVC spray air conditioner after washing, which restores plasticizers in the material, preventing drying and cracking in the sun.
Keep the boat in a straightened or freely folded state, avoiding sharp clamps, the optimal storage temperature is from +5 to +25 degrees Celsius, sharp temperature changes and storage in the cold make the material fragile.
Repair and restoration of leakage
Although it's tough, it's likely that a puncture or a cut is a possibility, and the same techniques are used to repair the airdecs as the cylinders: PVC fabric and two-part polyurethane glue, but there's a caveat: the area of damage at the bottom is mechanically stressed when cruising.
When installing a patch on the inflatable floor, it is important to degrease the surface not only from the outside, but also make sure that moisture does not get inside. If the damage is serious (incision greater than 5 cm), it is better to contact a specialized service, as it may require replacing part of the stove or an internal insert.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use Moment glue or other household cyanacrylate-based adhesives to repair PVC. They create a rigid, inelastic seam that will burst at the first deformation of the bottom. Use only specialized PVC adhesives.
For temporary field repairs, self-adhesive remix patches are great, allowing you to quickly seal the puncture and get to the place of full repair. Always carry a minimum repair kit.
Timely drying and proper storage are the main factors prolonging the life of a boat with an airdock more than any expensive accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I walk in a boat with an airdek in boots?
You can walk, but it's not recommended to do it in hard shoes with treads or metal elements, it's better to use special shoes with soft soles (tramor shoes) or take off shoes. Sharp pebbles stuck in the tread can damage the bottom.
Which pump is better for pumping airdec?
The best solution is a two-mode switched foot pump or an electric pump with adjustable pressure. Hand pumps require too much effort to create the necessary pressure of 0.3 atmosphere in large volume.
How safe is the airdec bottom when meeting a snag?
Safety depends on the speed and angle of the encounter. In small moves and when mooring, the airdec is strong enough. However, sharp buckets or concrete protrusions at high speed can lead to a cut. In difficult conditions, it is recommended to use a protective mat or exercise maximum caution.
Can a stationary transistor be installed on an airdec?
Yes, most boats with NDND already have a built-in rigid transom or the ability to install it. Inflatable transom can is also possible, but for powerful motors (more than 5 hp), a combined option with a rigid insert is preferable for reliability of mounting.