The question of what is called eggboatIt is often confusing to the newcomers to the boating world, who are first faced with the need to repair or assemble a boat. In fact, it is not about some exotic shape of the hull, but about a specific element of the design of inflatable boats with a hard bottom, known in the professional environment as the "Squad". kielson or balloon-puck.
This piece, which is oval or egg-shaped, has a critical load distribution function, and it's the reason that inflatable tubes don't deform excessively when they're moving, and the hard bottom keeps its geometry even at high wavelengths. PVC boats for proper exploitation.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the anatomy of this element, how it can be replaced and why it may require the attention of the owner. The egg is a buffer between the inflatable side and the hard floorboard.How to properly maintain this node to extend the life of your vessel.
The construction of the kielson: the anatomy of the "egg"
The keelson, commonly referred to as the egg, is a pad located on the inside of an inflatable cylinder, made of the same material as the boat itself, or of a denser reinforced fabric, and serves as a fulcrum for the edges of the hard bottom (floorboard), the shape of the part is not accidental: the oval configuration allows for the efficient redistribution of the vector pressure generated by rolling.
The main purpose of this element is to prevent the abrasion of the cylinder fabric against the edge of the plywood or aluminum floor boards. quilt-plate A hard bottom when moving up and down (the “accordance” effect) would quickly damage the sealed layer of the balloon, which would lead to air leakage and an emergency on the water.
⚠️ Warning: When buying spare parts, make sure the shape of the egg matches the model of your boat. There are almost no universal solutions, since the curvature of the cylinder from different manufacturers PVC boats It might be different.
Structurally, the part can be welded to the cylinder by hot vulcanization or glued to a special two-part glue. In the second case, when you are in intensive operation, you can break the edges, which requires immediate repair, the quality of the execution of this unit directly affects the rigidity of the entire structure.
When inspecting the boat, pay attention to the condition of the tissue around the egg. If you notice scuffing or bloating glue, it is better to carry out preventive repairs in a dry room, without waiting for the season.
Functional purpose in PVC boats
The main function of the egg is to create a stable attachment point for a system of slings that hold the floorboard. When you pump the boat, the balloons swell and press down on the floor. Kielson takes some of that pressure, transferring it over a large surface area of the balloon, which reduces the risk of local tissue rupture.
It's also involved in the right angle of bottom kilewitness, and the hard bottom, leaning on the washers, sets the hydrodynamic profile of the boat, and this is especially important for planing models, where any asymmetry can lead to yaw or difficulty in entering mode.
There are several types of floorboard attachment to these elements:
- 🔹 Sling system: Textile tapes passing through special eyelets or covering the keelson, tighten the floor and sides.
- 🔹 Profile system: The edges of the paiola are inserted into the profile, which, in turn, is fixed to the "eggs".
- 🔹 Combined: a combination of rigid profile and additional textile fixtures to strengthen the design.
Some modern boat models use enhanced quillson This engineering solution allows you to use a thinner and lighter floorboard without losing the overall stiffness of the structure, which has a positive effect on the driving performance and weight of the projectile.
Typical faults and wear of elements
Despite the high strength of modern materials, the element called the egg is subject to wear, and the most common problem is the dissection of tissue or the detachment of the washer from the main cylinder, due to constant cyclical stress: each time the boat is launched and ashore, the boat experiences compression and stretching loads.
The second common problem is that the slings are slinging the slings themselves, and if they're pulled or backed up, they act like a saw, gradually thinning the material, and visually, this is manifested by the appearance of whitish threads or scuffs in the central part of the oval.
Signs that require immediate intervention:
- 🚩 The appearance of air bubbles under the edges of the “egg”, indicating a violation of the tightness of the glue seam.
- 🚩 A noticeable deformation of the shape of the oval, loss of elasticity.
- 🚩 The presence of through scuffs to the cord of the fabric.
Ignoring these symptoms can cause the boat to become unsafe at the most inopportune moment, such as in high winds or waves. Regular defects These components should be the rule for each water motor.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to seal a torn pendant with conventional superglue or rubber glue "Moment". PVC repair requires specialized two-component polyurethane adhesive that provides chemical welding of materials.
Technology of replacing the keel lining
The process of replacing the egg requires accuracy, cleanliness and temperature, and the first thing you need to do is to remove the old pad, if it's glued, it's carefully cut or separated with a hair dryer, heating the material to 60 to 70 degrees, and it's important not to damage the main cylinder during this operation.
After the old part is removed, the surface of the cylinder and the new lining is degreased with a special solvent (usually toluene or acetone, but it is important to check compatibility with the material of the boat), then the first layer of glue is applied to both surfaces. After drying "to stick", a second layer is applied, and the parts are joined.
Main stages of work:
- Cleaning and degreasing the working area.
- Applying an activator (primer) to improve adhesion.
- Gluing followed by rolling roller to remove air bubbles.
- Exposure to press or load for 24 hours.
☑️ Tools for keelson replacement
The quality of gluing depends on the humidity and temperature in the room, the optimal conditions are +20 ° C and humidity is not higher than 60%, and a violation of the technology will cause the new egg to fall off after several pump-blow cycles.
Comparison of materials: PVC vs. Haipalon
The material of the egg must match the material of the main cylinder. PVC (PVC)It's a material made of polyester mesh coated with layers of polyvinyl chloride, lightweight, cheap and glued well, but afraid of ultraviolet light and extreme temperatures.
In more expensive models, especially those designed for extreme tourism or military needs, it is used. Hypalon (CSM) or NeopreneThese materials are more resistant to abrasion, chemistry and sunlight, but replacing the quillson with a haipalon boat is a much more complex process and often requires factory conditions or professional workshops.
| Characterization | PVC (PVC) | Haipalon (Hypalon/CSM) | TPU (TPU) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resistance to UV | Medium | High. | Very high. |
| Repairability | High (glue) | Medium (requires vulcanization) | High (welding/glue) |
| Weight of material | Easy. | Harder. | Medium. |
| Cost | Low. | High. | High. |
When choosing a boat, it is important to consider that quillson PVC on a haipalon boat can become a weak link, since they will have a lower resource than the main cylinder, in such cases it is recommended to order reinforced versions of the linings immediately.
Can I replace a PVC egg with Haipalon?
Theoretically, you can use a special sealant that is compatible with both materials, but because of the different elasticity of the materials, the seams can experience increased loads when pumping, and it is better to use the native materials of the boat manufacturer.
Care and extension of service
To keep the eggs on your boat lasting, you have to follow the rules of operation, the main rule is not to leave the boat inflated in direct sunlight for a long time. Overheating leads to expansion of air inside the cylinders, pressure increases, and the load on the attachment points (kilsons) increases significantly.
It is also important to properly wind the boat, twisting from transom to nose, avoiding sharp clamps in the places where the rigid elements are located. If the floorboard is complex, it is better to store it separately or unbuttoned, so as not to create a constant stress on the fabric in the area of the "eggs".
Care advice:
- 🧼 After each fishing, wash the boat with fresh water, especially if you were swimming in salt water, as the salt crystallizes and can damage the adhesive seams.
- 🌡️ Keep the boat in a dry room at temperatures from -10 to +30 degrees, avoiding the neighborhood with heating appliances.
- 🔍 Once a season, inspect the internal seams of cylinders through the valves or by hearing / touch.
⚠️ Warning: When washing boats, do not use aggressive chemicals, gasoline or solvents to remove dirt from cylinders. This softens the top protective layer of PVC, making the eggs vulnerable to mechanical damage.
These simple rules will keep the structure tight and rigid for many seasons, and remember that timely minor repairs are much cheaper than replacing a whole cylinder.
The quilson (egg) is not just a decorative element, but a key safety knot linking the soft sides and the hard bottom, and its integrity guarantees the boat's handling on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you operate a boat if one egg is unstuck?
A violation of the geometry of the paiola attachment will cause the bottom to skew, which can cause the boat to yaw on the move and even tip over, and the edges of the torn pendant will rub the balloon, quickly creating a fistula.
What is the difference between a thong and a thong?
A quilson is a lining on a balloon. A stringer is a longitudinal stiffness element (pipe or profile) that is inserted into the boat to reinforce the bottom, and they work in pairs, but they are different parts.
How much does the glue dry when replacing the “egg”?
The primary polymerization time is about 30-60 minutes, but the seam's full strength is gained after 24 hours at room temperature.
Where can I buy spare kilsons?
They can be found in specialty PVC boat parts stores, often sold as "cylinder repacks" or "cylinder linings."