Owners of inflatable floating vehicles sooner or later face a dilemma: whether to spend the budget on the water. pads Or you can do with regular slate, and it's a question for those who plan long-duration rafting, or fishing in rocky waters, or just want to extend the life of their boat, and buying quality equipment is not just comfort, it's also an investment in the safety of the crew and the safety of an expensive PVC can.
The modern market offers many options, from budget Chinese counterparts to professional plywood systems. Log system It's a longitudinal mount that's mounted on the sides, which creates a rigid platform, so you can navigate the boat without fear of damaging the bottom, and you can securely hold the cargo.
Decision buy pawns It often comes after the first major outing, when it becomes apparent that the soft bottom quickly wears off against stones or gravel. The right model depends on the design of your boat, the type of use and the desired level of comfort. In this article, we will break down all the nuances so that you can make an informed choice.
Why do we need paddings: functionality and benefits
Main objective laying-piece Unlike inflatable bottoms (BBBs) or simple plywood on the floor, this system does not directly contact the water and rocks under the bottom, remaining dry and clean, and this is critical for long expeditions where every gram of dry weight and equipment safety matters.
Besides the protective function, pads They're going to fundamentally change the ergonomics of the interior, and they're going to be able to have a full-fledged rotary chair, which you can't do on a soft inflatable floor without risking damage, and they're going to appreciate being able to move around with a box or a sonar without bending in a hammock between the cylinders.
An important aspect is protection against punctures. Log system It takes the brunt of the impact of underwater obstacles, protecting the most vulnerable place, the bottom of the boat, and this is especially true for models with high-pressure inflatable bottoms, who, despite their strength, are afraid of sharp objects.
When installing the pawns on a boat with NDND, be sure to use a protective tape or an additional layer of fabric between the balloon and the support to avoid rubbing when pitching.
Materials of manufacture: wood, metal or plastic?
Choosing which ones lay-upThe traditional and most common option is marine plywood (often laminated), which is very durable, but requires careful treatment of the ends with varnish or epoxy, because it's very hard. plywood They are afraid of constant contact with water.
Aluminum profiles are the choice for those looking for durability and minimal weight. Alutium doesn't rust, rot or require painting. However, the cost of such structures is higher, and installation can require more time and skills to work with metal. Plastic options are less common and usually represent a compromise between price and quality, but can be fragile in severe frost.
Pay attention to the coverage. laying-piece They're covered with a slip-resistant film or a special paint, and it's not just aesthetics, it's also safety, and wet feet on smooth plywood are a direct route to swimming in cold weather.
- 🌲 Plywood: Affordable price, easy to handle on its own, but heavier than aluminum and afraid of moisture with poor protection.
- ⚙️ Aluminum: Eternal material, lightweight, does not require maintenance, but is more expensive and more difficult to install without ready-made kits.
- 🛡️ Composites: Combining strength and lightness, often used in the premium segment, high cost.
Design features: removable or stationary?
When buying, it is important to decide on the type of fastening. Removable lodgings They can quickly transform the boat from a cargo version into a cruising boat with an inflatable floor, they can be attached to special brackets or inserted into slots on boards, which is ideal for those who use the boat in different modes.
Fixed systems are usually installed once and for all. They often come with a complete set of systems. hard-bottomed These structures are more rigid and reliable, but they increase the weight of the boat when assembled and require more space for transportation, and the weight of the assembled boat with aluminum beds can increase by 10-15 kg.
There are also hybrid versions where the longitudinal beams are fixed and the crossbars are removed, a compromise solution that allows you to keep the structure rigid, but reduce the size of the package. anchorage It should not damage cylinders when inflating and deflating the boat.
Impact on speed
Installation of rigid loads increases sailing and weight, which can reduce the maximum speed of the boat for an outboard motor by 2-4 km / h, but improve the course stability.
Where to buy padding for a boat: markets and manufacturers
Question: Where buy pawns for the boat" is now easily solved thanks to online stores. Large specialized water-motor sites offer both ready-made kits for specific models (for example, Flagman, Cayman, Mev) and universal solutions. Buying a finished kit is the easiest way, since all the holes and brackets are already designed by the factory.
The alternatives are private craftsmen and small-scale productions, which can be found on profile forums or bulletin boards. customization This can be more advantageous if you have a rare model or specific configuration requirements.
When buying, pay attention to the equipment. A good set should include not only the beams themselves, but also all the necessary accessories: bolts, nuts, washers, brackets, mounting. Not even one bolt of the right length can turn the installation into a multi-hour quest to find an analogue.
| Type of purchase | Advantages | Deficiencies | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Factory kit | Perfect compatibility, guarantee | High price, long wait for delivery | High. |
| Private master | Individual approach, flexibility | Quality risk, no guarantee | Medium |
| yourself. | Cheap, complete quality control | Labor costs, we need a tool | Low. |
Instructions: How to install the system correctly
Installation laying-piece The first step is always to try on a pumped boat. Don't rush to drill holes or tighten bolts. Check how the beams fit on the cylinders, whether there are any skews. If you bought a universal kit, you may need to adjust the length.
The sides are fastened either through special pockets (if provided by the design of the boat), or with brackets covering the balloon. shield-belt The silk between the metal/wood and PVC rubber can be rubbed in a single season by the friction of a boat in a wave.
The final step is to test the rigidity. Put a weight on the system (stand on it, jump on it) The structure should not "walk" or shift. If you use a bolt connection, after a few hours of operation, be sure to tighten the threaded joints, because wood and plastic tend to shrink.
☑️ Pre-installing check
⚠️ Attention: Never use screws that are screwed directly into the cylinder or into soft elements without reinforcement to attach the pads, which is a guaranteed way to get a hole in the bottom and flood.
Maintenance and care of lodgings
Even the best quality laying-piece After each release, especially in salt water or muddy conditions, the system needs to be washed with fresh water and dried, and wet plywood is the perfect medium for a fungus that breaks down the structure of the material from the inside.
Check the condition of the fasteners regularly, and the vibration and load can weaken the nuts. covering (Lencroon or paint) has started to wear off or peel off, immediately clean the area and cover it with a protective compound, ignoring minor defects will lead to rapid rotting of the base.
Keeping a boat with the beds installed is better in disassembly or at least with a relaxed tension, if the design allows, this will relieve residual stress from the materials and prolong their life. In winter, store the wooden elements in a warm dry room.
Timely drying and checking of fasteners is a guarantee that the lozenges will last you 5-7 years without loss of strength.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install a bed of flatbeds on an inflatable floor boat (BBB)?
Yes, it's possible, but it takes care, and normally the inflatable floor is removed or used as an extra protection, and the lozenges are supported directly on the cylinders through protective tapes, so it's important not to squeeze the cylinders, so as not to disturb the geometry of the boat.
How much will the weight of the boat with the system increase?
The weight depends on the material. Aluminum lodgings will add about 5-8 kg to the weight of the boat. Wooden (plywood) systems can be heavier - from 10 to 15 kg, depending on the thickness of the plywood and the number of crosses.
Does the boat’s speed affect the boat’s speed?
Yes, weight gain and changes in contours (if the losages are high) can reduce speed slightly and increase fuel consumption, but for pleasure boats and fishing boats, this loss (2-3 km / h) is usually offset by increased comfort.
Can I make the sleeves myself?
Yes, if you have carpentry skills, you'll need moisture-resistant plywood (at least 10-12 mm), timber, epoxy glue and quality impregnation, but factory kits are often cheaper given the cost of materials and time.