Owners of inflatable watercraft often face the problem of lack of a convenient place for maintenance, repair or just seasonal storage of their transport. Installation pad for PVC boat It becomes an indispensable infrastructure that keeps the boat in perfect condition all year round, and without a specially prepared surface, the process of inflating, washing or installing attachments becomes a test, especially for large models.
The organization of such a place requires a careful approach to the choice of materials and design to ensure the durability of both the platform and the sides of the vessel. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to design and build a reliable base that will last for many years. Well-assembled playground Not only will it make it easier to care for the boat, but it will also protect it from mechanical damage during storage.
Design requirements and choice of installation site
The first step in creating a quality place to work is to define the requirements that a future design must meet. Floor platform The weight of a fully manned boat, including the engine, fuel tank and passengers, should be supported if it is to be used as a berth, it is critical to ensure a flat surface without sharp protrusions that can damage delicate PVC material upon contact.
The location of the site is also very important, and if you plan to use it outdoors all year round, you need to take into account the effects of ultraviolet light, temperature and humidity. Wooden structures They require antiseptic treatment, whereas metal ones may need corrosion protection, and the ideal option is to have a canopy or the ability to quickly disassemble the storage platform in the garage.
⚠️ Warning: Never place a boat on hot asphalt or concrete in direct sunlight without a protective layer. Local overheating of the bottom can lead to deformation of glue seams and weakening of the tissue strength.
The dimensions of the working area must exceed the length and width of the boat by at least 50-70 cm on each side, this "dead space" is necessary for free movement around the boat during the installation of a transom board or installation. attachmentA narrow platform will turn any job into an uncomfortable balancing act on the edge.
Selection of materials: wood, metal or composite
The modern market offers many solutions, but for self-manufacturing, three main types of materials are most often considered. Wood It remains a classic choice because of its accessibility, ease of processing and aesthetic appearance, but the tree is hygroscopic and requires constant maintenance, especially in conditions of high humidity near the water.
The metal profile, in particular aluminum or galvanized steel, provides maximum strength and durability. Aluminum corners And the pipes don't rust, they clean easily, and they allow you to create lightweight collapsible structures, and the downside of the metal is that it's very conductive, and it can get very hot in the sun, which is not desirable for a boat on it.
- 🌲 Tree: affordable price, easy to process, requires regular soaking in oil or varnish.
- ⚙️ Metal: high strength, durability, the ability to create modular systems, the risk of corrosion (except aluminum).
- 🧱 Composite/PVC board: absolute moisture resistance, does not rot, high cost, more difficult to install.
⚠️ WARNING: When using metal fasteners (bolts, screws) in a wooden structure, be sure to use plugs or deepen hats. Any sticking metal element is a potential puncture for your boat's cylinders.
Composite materials, such as terraced boards made of KDP (wood-polymer composite), are becoming more popular, combining the appearance of wood with the practicality of plastic. Such areas do not require painting, do not fade or absorb water.This makes them an ideal, albeit more expensive, solution for a stationary installation near the water.
Design of fixed and collapsible platform
Design begins with determining the type of design: whether it will be a stationary object or a modular system. Fixed area It is usually a rigid frame on support poles dug into the ground or fixed on a concrete foundation, ideal for private houses near the water, where the boat stands seasonally.
For those who keep a boat in the garage or in the country, the best solution will be folderIt's made up of separate sections that are easily dismantled and folded for transportation, and the junctions in these structures have to be robust, but easy to assemble without the use of a complex tool.
When calculating the load, it is important to take into account not only the static weight of the boat, but also the dynamic loads. If several people step on the site simultaneously while loading things, the structure should not bend. load-bearing capacity It is calculated with a margin of 30-40% of the planned weight.
Step-by-step instructions for assembling a wooden platform
The timber site starts with the foundation preparation, and if it's soil, it's recommended that you remove the topsoil and fill the site with rubble or drainage sand so that the tree doesn't pull moisture out of the ground, and then you put lags on the concrete base that have been treated with bitumen mastic or special impregnation.
Next, the main frame of the timber is assembled with a cross section of at least 50×50 mm or 50×70 mm. The step between the lags should be 40-50 cm to ensure the stiffness of the deck. All wooden elements must be covered before assembly. antiseptic to protect against rotting and insects.
☑️ Assembly of wooden frame
The flooring is made of boards with a thickness of 25-30 mm. It's important to leave gaps Between the boards of 3-5 mm for air circulation and water runoff, if the boards swell from moisture, the absence of gaps can cause the entire structure to swell, and the boards are fastened by self-destructive screws.
| Element of construction | Materials | Section/Size | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Support poles | larch-burse | 100x100 mm | Bitumen mastic (bottom), oil (top) |
| Lagi (base) | Pine bar | 50x70 mm | Deep penetration antiseptic |
| floor | Terraced board | 27x140 mm | Terrace or non-processed oil (DPC) |
| Fastening | Stainless steel | Twisted 45-60 mm | Not required |
The final stage is grinding all surfaces, especially the upper faces of the boards. Slices and roughness They are not acceptable, as they can damage the PVC fabric when dragging a boat, coating with oil or varnish is carried out after full assembly and grinding.
Manufacture of metal frame and modular systems
Metal pad requires skills with a welding machine or the presence of special connecting elements. For the frame, it is best to use a profile pipe 40x20 mm or 40x40 mm. Aluminum profile It is preferable for those who do not want to depend on rust, but it is more expensive and more difficult to weld (argon is required).
Modular systems are built on a constructor principle: individual sections of 1x1 meter or 1x2 meter are connected by bolt joints or special locks, which allows you to change the configuration of the site depending on the size of the boat or the space available.
The secret to protecting metal
If you use steel, be sure to apply a rust converter before painting and coat the metal with epoxy soil. Conventional metal paint will quickly peel off in the street.
To cover the metal frame, moisture-resistant plywood (PSF) or the same composite boards are often used. Fixing The metal must be designed so that the fastener caps are drowned flush, and the protruding elements of the fastener are the main enemy of the inflatable sides.
Surface protection and additional accessories
Once the main structure is ready, care must be taken to protect the surface in contact with the boat. Even the polished wood can be too abrasive for sensitive PVC material.
A great solution is to use carmat They're made of thick rubber or special mats for boats, which create a soft buffer, prevent the boat from slipping in the wind, and protect the bottom from dust and small stones that can get stuck between the boards.
- 🛡️ Rubber mats: cheap, efficient, easy to wash with water from the hose.
- 🧶 Artificial grass: It is aesthetically, gently, but more difficult to clean from the sand.
- 🪵 Smooth plywood: It requires grinding and painting, but it creates a flat plane.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use barbed wire, rabies with sharp edges or materials with sticking nails in the vicinity of the boat to protect the boat. One careless jerk of the boat in the wind can cost you expensive repairs.
Additionally, the site can be equipped with fasteners for oars, hooks for drying life jackets and shelves for storing trifles. Organization of space around the boat makes the process of collecting quick and enjoyable, eliminating the search for scattered things.
Use soft screed belts with wide ribbon to hold the boat on the site in windy weather. Conventional ropes can rub the fabric in strong gusts of wind.
Operation and maintenance of the site in the off-season
The durability of your installation site depends on the quality of care, and wooden structures require annual inspection and renewal of the protective coating. butter or varnish They tend to wash and burn out, so ignoring this stage will lead to rapid destruction of the wood.
In winter, if the boat is retracted to a warm room, the site is recommended to be free of snow. Heavy snow cover creates an excessive load on the spans between lags. Metal structures should be periodically checked for corrosion, especially in welded areas.
Regular cleaning of debris and leaves from the surface of the site prevents the prohibition of wood and the appearance of mold, which can spread to the fabric of the boat during storage.
Properly equipped fitting-ground It's an investment in the longevity of your boat, it keeps the boat look and feel, it makes it easier to prepare for the season, and it extends the life of the materials, protecting them from contact with aggressive ground or dirt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a regular flooring board for flooring?
You can use a regular floorboard, but only if it has been treated with a high-quality antiseptic and is covered with moisture-resistant varnish or oil, but it is better to choose a terraced board or larch, since they are more resistant to rotting and temperature changes.
What is the minimum gap between the flooring boards?
The optimum clearance is 3-5 mm. This is enough for water drain and ventilation, so that the board does not swell when wet, but the gap is not too large to not get stuck in it small parts or fingers.
Do I need to bet supports for a stationary platform?
For light temporary structures, it is enough to dig pillars and tamp the ground with rubble. For heavy stationary platforms, especially on pulpy soils, concrete supports or the use of screw piles is necessary to avoid distortion of the structure over time.
What is the best way to wash the area before the boat?
It is best to use ordinary water from a hose with a brush. Chemicals (chlorine, aggressive solvents) are not recommended to use, as their residues can get on PVC boats and cause a chemical reaction or change in the color of the fabric.