Choosing an inflatable vessel is always about finding a compromise between weight, load capacity and comfort on the water. One of the key factors determining performance is the design of the bottom. A boat with aluminum paioles is a “middle ground” for those who are looking for a rigid hull but are not willing to put up with the weight of all-metal counterparts. Aluminum sheets inserted into special pockets of cylinders create a smooth and durable surface that greatly improves hydrodynamics.
Unlike the airdeck, which flexes under the weight of passengers and cargo, aluminum-pyeol It provides a stable geometry of the hull, which allows you to develop higher speeds and feel more confident on the wave. For anglers and hunters, this design is often the only solution, because it allows you to stand on your feet with confidence and use more powerful motors without the risk of deformation of the bottom.
However, it is worth considering that PVC paiola It takes longer to assemble and disassemble, and it also has more weight in the transport bags. If you prioritize maximum ease and speed of deployment on shore, this may seem challenging. But if you value speed and stability on the water, then a hard bottom made of aluminum alloy will be your main advantage over competitors.
Design features of the aluminum bottomThe basis of rigidity in such models is a system of profiles and sheets that connect to each other, forming a single plane. Aluminum floorboards They're usually made of light alloys that are resistant to corrosion, which is critical for constant contact with water, and they can be whole or they can be made up of multiple sections that are connected by hinges or individual stringer profiles, and it's the stringers that are inserted into the grooves of the cylinders that take the bending load.
It is important to understand the difference between book-like The first one is folding like an accordion, which speeds up the process but increases the weight of the structure. The second one is putting together a constructor from individual aluminum plates. The second option often allows you to get a smoother surface without transom steps, which has a positive effect on the plane speed.
⚠️ Attention: When assembling a sectional bottom, make sure that all profile locks are snapped to a characteristic click. Insufficiently fixed element may shift under load, leading to local PVC tissue stress and potential rupture.
The thickness of the metal used varies depending on the class of the boat and the expected load. For small models up to 3 meters, sheets with a thickness of 1.2-1.5 mm are often used, whereas for serious motor boats with a length of more than 4 meters the thickness can reach 2 mm or more. Strength of construction It directly affects how much power the motor can be installed on the transom without losing controllability.
Advantages over the inflatable floor (AirDeck)Comparing a rigid aluminum floor to a high-pressure inflatable floor (HPD or AirDeck) is a perennial debate among water-powered motors. The main advantage of the soldering structure is that there is no trampoline effect. When you go against the wave, the inflatable floor starts to play, quenching some of the energy of the motor's stroke and creating discomfort for the legs. Aluminum bottom remains stationary, transferring all the thrust of the engine into forward motion.
The second important aspect is durability. It's easier to puncture an inflatable floor, even a high density, than to damage a metal sheet. Rocks, snags or careless handling of fishing gear are less scary for aluminum. Also, it's easier to navigate a boat on a hard floor, change fishing spots, or install additional equipment such as sonars or spinning mounts.
But the bottom of the inflatable floor has its own advantages: weight and comfort in a standing position. AirDeck absorbs the load on the joints, which is important for long fishing. gelling With minimal fuel consumption and maximum speed, the paioles win by a wide margin, and they create a more streamlined shape of the body that is easier to bring to scheduling mode.
Effects of Temperature on Materials
At negative temperatures, PVC becomes stiffer and the risk of damage to the inflatable floor increases. Aluminum floorboards retain their properties, but require careful assembly in the cold so as not to damage rubber seals or cylinder fabric with sharp edges of metal.
Rules for the Assembly and Installation of floorboards
The process of assembling a hard-bottomed boat requires a certain sequence of actions to avoid damaging the materials and ensuring that they are leakproof, first you need to straighten the cylinders and let them warm up a little in the sun or just spread out if they were in the cold, then you insert longitudinal profiles (stringers) inside the cylinders, which are the supporting element of the structure.
☑️ Bottom assembly algorithm
After installing the stringers are laid themselves aluminum-sheet. If the boat has a book structure, it just spreads out in the center. If the bottom is composite, the sheets fit together. At this point, it's important to make sure that the edges of the metal don't rub against the cylinders in the folding areas. Some models have protective tapes or soft pads on the ends of the profiles that you can't ignore.
The final step is to install transom cans (seats), which also serve as spacers, increasing the rigidity of the entire structure. Only after the complete assembly of all elements of the bottom can you start pumping cylinders. The pressure should be consistent with the manufacturer's recommendations, usually 0.2-0.25 atm. Pumped cylinders can squeeze the elements of the bottom out, and under-pumped ones will not provide the desired rigidity.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave an assembled aluminum-bottomed boat under direct sunlight unattended. The air inside the cylinders heats up and expands, which can lead to a critical increase in pressure and rupture of the seams or deformation of the aluminum elements.
Weight and dimensions: is sheepskin worth making?
One of the main arguments against buying a paiola boat is its weight. A kit consisting of cylinders, aluminum floor, cans and transom can weigh 10-15 kg more than an inflatable floor counterpart. For a single boat, this can be critical if you have to wear equipment alone. However, for two-seater and larger models, the weight difference becomes less noticeable against the background of the total weight.
The dimensions of the packaged car are also different. The aluminum sheets don't crumple, so the bag will be long and stiff, and this can cause problems in transporting the luggage in the trunk of a compact car, often requiring either the seating in the cabin or the use of a trailer. transportability Such a boat is still incomparably higher than that of all-metal "Kazak" or "Crimea".
It is worth considering the comparison table to understand the real difference in specifications for popular sizes:
| Parameter | Boat 3.2 m (NDND) | Boat 3.2m (floorboard) | Boat 3.6 m (NDND) | Boat 3.6m (floorboard) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kit weight (kg) | ~45-50 | ~55-60 | ~55-60 | ~70-75 |
| Assembly time (min) | 10-15 | 20-30 | 15-20 | 25-35 |
| Max engine power (hp) | 10-12 | 15-18 | 15-18 | 25-30 |
| Speed with engine 10 hp (km/h) | ~28-30 | ~32-34 | ~30-32 | ~35-38 |
As can be seen from the data, the increase in speed and permissible power of the motor during the transition to a hard bottom is significant. Aerodynamics And the way that you can get out of the water is more predictable, which is especially important when you're going through side winds or water waves, and if you're going to go out into big bodies of water where you can get storm wind, the power and stability that aluminum provides is not superfluous.
Use rubberized gloves when assembling a boat with aluminum floorboards. The metal edges of the profiles can be sharp, and in the cold or after a long stay in the water they become slippery and cold, which increases the risk of cuts or splinters.
Care for aluminum cells and PVC
Operating a hard-bottom boat requires special attention not only to the fabric, but also to the metal components. Although modern alloys are coated with a protective layer, constant contact with water, especially salt water, can lead to oxidation. After each foray into the water, especially if it was a sea fishing, you need to thoroughly wash all the elements with fresh water.
Special attention should be paid to the joints of the profiles and joints of the sheets, there can accumulate sand and fine debris that works as an abrasive. When repeatedly assembled and disassembled, sand can damage the protective coating of aluminum and even rub the fabric of the cylinder from the inside. floorboard-pocket And profiles will prolong your boat's life.
It is better to keep the boat disassembled, but do not fold it in a tight roll immediately after use if it was wet. Moisture left between the layers of fabric and metal can cause mold or an unpleasant smell. The ideal option is to let all the elements dry in the straightened form, and then carefully fold, avoiding the creases on the aluminum sheets.
If you notice that aluminum It has begun to deform or has deep scratches, and it should be painted with a special anti-corrosion paint for the metal, and ignoring small defects can lead to through corrosion, which will weaken the structure and require expensive replacement of the element.
Tuning and modernization of solder boats
Aluminum-bottomed boat owners often resort to tuning to unlock the potential of the structure, and hard bottoms allow them to attach various elements that cannot or are dangerously installed on the inflatable floor, such as the installation of additional liner racks or sonar mounts directly onto the surface of the floorboards.
Installation of trans-wheels
On floorboard boats, the transom plate often experiences heavy loads. When installing transom wheels, make sure that the fasteners do not rest on the aluminum profiles of the bottom, as this can violate the tightness or damage the metal.
Also, a hard bottom allows you to use more powerful outboardIncreasing power requires strengthening the transom, but the contact area with water allows more efficient use of thrust. Many anglers install full-fledged cockpit tables or spinning platforms on the solder boats, which turns the vessel into a floating platform for trophy fishing.
And don't forget to protect, because you can put a slip-resistant coating on aluminum sheets, if you don't think the factory solution is tenacious enough, it makes it safer to move around the boat in the rain or when you get splashed, and additional overhead pendants that are glued along the cylinders will protect them from hitting the bottom when you land.
The hard aluminum bottom turns the inflatable boat into a full-fledged speedboat, allowing you to install more powerful equipment and feel comfortable on the water, despite the weight gain of the kit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can aluminum floorboards be replaced with an inflatable floor in the same boat?
In most cases, this is not possible. The solder boat cylinder design has special pockets and profiled inserts inside, designed for a hard floor. inflatable floor requires a different shape of cylinders and the absence of internal rigid elements that prevent AirDeck from straightening.
What is the best thickness of aluminum for a boat 3.5 meters long?
For a length of 3.5 meters and using a 15-18 hp motor, 1.5 mm is considered the optimal thickness. This will provide sufficient stiffness to get on plane with two passengers, but will not make the boat excessively heavy. For more powerful engines, it is better to look for options with a thickness of 2 mm.
Is aluminum hot in the sun and can it be burned?
Aluminum is indeed highly conductive and can heat up to high temperatures in the sun, but because paioles are inside cylinders or under the feet, direct contact with the skin is minimal, and in hot weather, it is recommended to use shoes or a mat to avoid discomfort.
Do I need to lubricate the profiles and locks of the connections?
You can't use liquid lubricants (oils, solidol) because they will spoil the PVC fabric and attract sand. You can use dry silicone lubricants to make it easier to assemble, or you can just keep the profiles clean. If the compound is tight, it's better to tap it lightly with a rubber cue than you can use force or chemistry.
Does a hard bottom affect fuel consumption?
Yes, it's positive. With flat surfaces and no deflections, the aluminum piola boat gets to planing mode faster and keeps speed better, allowing the engine to operate in a more economical rev range, which reduces fuel consumption compared to soft bottom boats at the same speed.