The decision to buy a high-pressure inflatable floor boat is perhaps the most frequent choice of a modern water-engineer who is looking for a balance between the comfort of plane and the mobility of equipment. High Pressure inflatable floor (HPA) It was a breakthrough in the industry, eliminating heavy plywood and bulky stringers, and now the boat is assembled in minutes, and its weight allows it to be transported even in the trunk of a compact sedan.
Many beginners mistakenly believe that the inflatable floor is the lot of only small boats up to 3 meters, but modern technology allows you to create reliable structures up to 4.5 meters and more in length, which confidently carry powerful engines. polyester The reinforcement mats used in these bottom mats can withstand enormous loads comparable to the hard bottom, but still retain flexibility. In this article, we will discuss in detail who will suit this type of design and what to look for when choosing.
Design features of the HPA bottom
The technology is based on a special material that is structured like a honeycomb, and thousands of strong strands that connect the top and bottom layers of tissue, keeping them from swelling, but allowing them to gain height and stiffness when pumped. 0.8-1.0 BarThis makes the soft-looking structure into a solid platform that can withstand the shocks of waves.
Unlike the classic low-pressure inflatable floor, which flexes under the weight of a person, high-pressure It's critical to keeping the boat running. If you plan to glid actively, the hardness of the bottom directly affects the output and fuel consumption. Soft bottom creates sailing and additional water resistance, whereas the HPA mat works as a full-fledged mat. hydroplane.
Comparison with plywood floorboard: pros and cons
The main advantage of buying a boat with an inflatable floor is the speed of assembly and weight. You don't have to carry heavy sheets of plywood covered with waterproof film and suffer with the installation of aluminum profiles. Assembly takes 5-10 minutes, and disassembly allows you to pack the boat in a bag that can be carried into the elevator or left in the restaurant wardrobe, which you will never do with the restaurant. plywood.
However, plywood has its own undeniable advantages, which are worth knowing before buying. Hard floor provides better stability when cruising, especially in boats longer than 3.6 meters. On an inflated bottom, you can feel a slight elasticity, which when parked for a long time can tire your legs, although modern mats with a system V-floor Or the longitudinal stiffness beams solve this problem.
It's important to consider the temperature of operation, because in winter or in the off-season, PVC becomes tough, and it becomes harder to pump the bottom to working pressure. Plywood is more inert to temperature, although it tends to freeze. For summer fishing and cruising, the inflatable floor is the no-choice leader for convenience.
The impact of the bottom on seaworthiness
Driving specifications of a boat with high-pressure Because the mat repeats the contours of the cylinders, the boat gets a more V-shaped profile of the bottom in the bow, which improves germination on the wave. The hard flat bottom of the plywood boat often leads to splashing against the water at speed, while the HPA bottom acts as a shock absorber, softening the impacts.
But there's a nuance about sailing: An inflated bottom has a larger area of contact with water and wind when disassembled (in wind terms), but it creates fewer splashes on the go. The design with longitudinal inflatable beams (kilsons) adds longitudinal rigidity, preventing the "trough" effect when the middle of the boat bends under the weight of the motor and passengers.
Choice criteria: what to look for when buying
The first thing you need to look at is the density of the fabric and the technology of making the bottom. A high-quality mat must be made of fabric with a density of at least the same. 750-900 g/m2Thinner materials may not withstand the pressure or quickly lose shape. Note the presence of valves: they must be reliable and not poison the air.
The second important aspect is the reinforcement system, which is that a simple flat mat may not be enough for boats longer than 3.2 meters. quill-drill or rigid inserts (stringers) made of composite or aluminum, which are inserted into special pockets at the bottom.
- 🚤 Type of connection: Check how the mat is attached to the cylinders (through a hinged beam or lies freely), this affects the geometry.
- 🎒 Weight gathered: The boat 3.2 meters with HPA bottom should weigh about 35-40 kg, which allows you to carry it to one person.
- 💨 Package: The presence of a high-quality pump with a pressure gauge is critical, since pumping the bottom with your mouth to 0.8 Bar is almost impossible.
☑️ Checking the boat before buying
Top manufacturers and popular models
The inflatable boat market is full of offers, but leaders can be distinguished by the quality of materials used and the thoughtfulness of the design. European brands often use lighter fabrics, while domestic manufacturers rely on excessive strength and adaptation to harsh conditions.
Among the models with float-bottom It's worth noting that there are lines that are specifically designed for use in challenging environments, like the keel-enhanced series and the UV-protected cylinders, and it's important to choose a manufacturer that offers a real warranty and has service centers.
th>Maximum power (hp)
| Model | Length (cm) | Weight (kg) | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Badger Hunter 320 | 320 | 38 | 9.9 | Reinforced keel, V-bottom |
| Flagship 330 | 330 | 42 | 12 | Wide cockpit, cylinder protection |
| WinBoat 320RF | 320 | 36 | 9.9 | Lightweight, compact packaging |
| Solaris 350 | 350 | 45 | 15 | Increased load capacity |
HPA's operating rules and bottom care
Operation of a boat from float-bottom The rule is not to overload the boat or exceed the recommended pressure, and the pumped bottom in the sun can burst as the air expands when heated.
After each operation, especially in salt water or muddy rivers, the bottom must be thoroughly washed with fresh water. Sand and dirt, stuck between the threads of fabric, work like an abrasive, grinding the fibers when bending, Drying the boat in the shade, completely straightened, so that moisture does not remain in the folds.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave a pumped boat in direct sunlight unattended for long periods of time, and the pressure inside the cylinders and bottom can grow so high that the seams can't withstand, causing the tissue to rupture.
Repair and maintenance
Repairing punctures at the bottom of high pressure is not much different from repairing cylinders, but requires more care. Since the bottom is under constant strain on stretching, the repair site should be carefully defatted and reinforced with a patch larger than the puncture itself. Use only specialized PVC glue.
Check the valves regularly, they can get sand that breaks the tightness, clean them carefully, without using metal objects that can damage the thread or sealing gum, timely replacement of valve seals is the guarantee that the boat will keep the pressure throughout navigation.
⚠️ Attention: When transported on a trailer or top trunk, be sure to cover the boat with an awning or a cover. A counterflow of air at a speed of 80-90 km / h can tear the valve or damage the bottom fabric if it is not protected.
Can I use a boat with an inflatable floor in winter?
You can use it, but with limitations. PVC tans in the cold, and the bottom becomes less rigid. There is also a risk of damaging the frozen fabric when hitting the ice. If you plan to go fishing in the winter, consider models with additional insulation or use special mats.
Which pump is better for pumping the bottom?
To pump the bottom of high pressure (up to 1 Bar), a two-stage pump with a pressure gauge is required; low pressure foot or electric pumps cannot create the required stiffness; the ideal is a two-cylinder pump: one for volume, one for high pressure.
How long does the inflatable floor last?
When properly operated and stored, the lifespan of the HPA quality bottom is 10-15 years. The main wear and tear comes from ultraviolet light and mechanical damage. Regular treatment with protective compounds prolongs the life of the material.
What is the difference between HPA and Air Deck?
It doesn't matter, they're synonymous: HPA (High Pressure Air) is the generic name for the technology, and Air Deck is a commonly used marketing name, both of which are inflatable bottoms pumped to high pressure.