Comfort during fishing or cruising on the water often depends on the quality of the equipment. Boat sofa inflatable It becomes an indispensable attribute that allows you to spend several hours on the water without fatigue in the back. Unlike hard plywood cans, which come as standard, the soft seat takes the shape of the body and extinguishes the vibration from the waves.
Modern models are made of high-strength materials that can withstand contact with water, sun and sharp objects. PVC fabric Or reinforced rubber, which is durability, and the design is very thoughtful, so the seat doesn't slip off at the most inappropriate moment, and it's important to understand that it's not just a cushion, it's a complex accessory with its own geometry and attachment system.
Choosing the right model requires a variety of parameters, including the size of the cockpit and the type of operation of the vessel. Some anglers prefer low models for better stability, others choose high backs for a full rest. The optimal height of the inflatable sofa should be 5-10 cm below the upper section of the boat cylinder.not to disturb the view and controllability.
Design features and types of inflatable seats
The water-motor accessories market offers many variations, but they are all divided into several basic types by design. Inflatable jar It is a sealed cylinder, often with a flat top, that can be used as a stand-alone seat or leg support, and is as simple and reliable as possible, as there is nothing to break in.
More complex designs include soft-topThis is where the cylinder frame is covered with a strong cloth or is equipped with a rigid element, which provides a flat surface, which is especially important for long journeys. slip-offprevents the load from being moved during rolling.
- 🛶 Classic bank: One or two cylinders, minimum weight, suitable for rowing boats.
- 🪑 Backed sofa: provides support for the waist, ideal for fishing in the style of "sedentary" fishing.
- 🛋️ Tranza seat: It is mounted on the rear side, freeing up space in the cockpit for tackles.
- 🎒 Multifunctional raft: It can be used as a seat, a bathing mattress or a life-saving device.
Special attention should be paid to the models with pocket-in They allow you to hold a phone, sonar or box of baits without taking up useful space at the bottom of the boat, and these sofas usually have additional valves for quick pumping and deflation.
Manufacture materials and strength requirements
The main material for the production of high-quality inflatable accessories is reinforced PVC (polyvinyl chloride)The density of the fabric varies from 750 to 1100 g/sq.m., which provides resistance to puncture and abrasion3. Cheap analogues of ordinary rubber or thin vinyl quickly lose their tightness under the influence of ultraviolet light and temperature changes.
Seams in high-quality products are performed by the method hot-weldingThis is a critical point, because the glue can dry out when exposed to salt water and constant pressure. Welded seams create a monolithic structure that can withstand a load of several hundred kilograms.
⚠️ Warning: When buying, be sure to check for the remix. Even the strongest material can be damaged by a hook or a sharp stone on the shore, and the ability to quickly repair in the field is vital.
The surface of the material is often treated with special compositions that prevent the development of mold and fungus. For anglers who spend a lot of time on the water, the tactile pleasantness of the material is also important. A rough surface The antislip does not allow the person to slide down the bottom of the boat, but may be less comfortable for the feet in hot weather.
Effects of temperature on material
At low temperatures, PVC becomes stiffer, so inflating the sofa in the cold should be carefully, not exceeding the recommended pressure to avoid microcracks on the folds.
Boat anchorage and installation systems
Water safety is the number one priority, so a reliable fixation of the sofa is a must. Simple stacking of the can to the bottom is only permissible in complete calm. For active operation, various mounting systems are used, integrated into the design of the boat or the sofa itself.
The most common option is the use of leuricIn this case, the sofa has special rings or loops through which a cord is pulled between the sides of the boat, which allows you to rigidly fix the seat in the center of the cockpit, eliminating its displacement during sharp maneuvers.
- 🔗 Fixing to the stringers: if the boat is equipped with a rigid bottom, the sofa can be tied to the stringers through special eyelets.
- 🔩 Velcro fixers: Some models have a Velcro back on the bottom that sticks to the boat floor (less reliably).
- 🪢 Rhyme bolts: for stationary installation in inflatable boats with a hard bottom, you can paste rim bolts for mooring the sofa.
When installing a transom seat, it is important to keep the boat balanced. Shifting the center of gravity too far on the stern can lead to a loss of power. nose-buried For boats less than 3 meters long, the use of heavy inflatable sofas on a transom is not recommended.
☑️ Checking before getting on the water
Comparative table of popular models
To make the choice easier, consider the specifications of several common types of inflatable seats on the market, these parameters will help to navigate the variety of offers and choose the option for a specific budget and tasks.
| Model/Type | Materials | Load capacity | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic bank | PVC 750 g/m2 | 150 kg | Low price, simplicity |
| The Comfort sofa. | PVC 900 g/m2 + fabric | 200 kg | Back, armrests. |
| Tranza seat | PVC reinforced | 120 kg | Train anchorage |
| Raft-sofa | PVC 1100 g/m2 | 250 kg | Multi-chambered, swimming |
When choosing between models, consider not only price, but also maintainability. Expensive models often have interchangeable elements, such as covers or inflatable cushions, which prolongs the life of the product. Cheap counterparts are usually monolithic and require complex repair if damaged.
For small boats up to 3 meters long, the best choice is a low inflatable jar without a backrest, so as not to disturb the centering and stability of the vessel.
Care, storage and repair of an inflatable sofa
The life of the inflatable equipment depends on the operating and storage conditions. After each release, especially in salt water, the sofa must be rinsed with fresh water. The salt is crilled in the pores of the material and begins to destroy the structure when drying. PVC fabric.
The product should be dried in a straightened form, in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight. Ultraviolet It is the main enemy of polymers, causing their degradation and the appearance of microcracks. It is recommended to keep the sofa in a slightly inflated state or freely folded, but not compressed under heavy loads.
⚠️ Warning: Never keep a wet or wet sofa rolled up in a closed case for more than 2-3 days, guaranteed to cause mold and an unpleasant odor that is almost impossible to remove.
The standard puncture repairs are used for minor repairs, the surface is degreased, cleaned and sealed with a patch of the same material using special glue. Large cuts require professional repair with the use of a special adhesive. hot-welding in the workshop.
Lubricate the valves with silicone lubrication once a season - this will prevent the mechanism from sticking and ensure tightness during pumping.
Final selection recommendations
Choosing an inflatable sofa is an investment in your comfort and safety, and you should not skimp on the thickness of the material and the quality of the seams, because this depends on the reliability of the seat in an emergency situation, and for fishing, a model with non-slip surface and the ability to fasten the gear is preferable.
Pay attention to the package: having a pump, remix and storage bag makes life much easier. If you plan to use a boat during the cold season, make sure the material maintains elasticity at low temperatures.
Well-chosen cockpit It turns the Spartan conditions of a small boat into a cozy place to relax, and competent installation and timely care will allow the accessory to serve faithfully for many seasons, giving pleasure from every step on the water.
The Secret of Longevity
Store the sofa indoors at temperatures between +5 and +20 degrees Celsius, and extreme temperature changes and storage on an unheated balcony reduce the material lifespan by 40% in winter.
Can I use a sofa as a lifesaver?
No, inflatable boat sofas are not certified as life-saving aids. If a boat tips over, they can quickly lose their buoyancy or slip out from under a person. For safety, use only certified life jackets.
What is the optimal pressure for pumping the sofa?
Generally, manufacturers recommend pressures in the range of 0.2 - 0.25 bar (or to the point, but with the ability to push your finger 1-2 cm).
What is the difference between a sofa for a PVC boat and a sofa for a metal boat?
For metal boats (season, salad), sofas are often made with a rigid frame inside or with a flat bottom without valves at the bottom, so that they lie flat on the metal floor. For PVC boats, softness and the absence of sharp elements that scratch the cylinders are important.
How to dry the sofa after fishing?
It is best to wipe it with an absorbent cloth and leave it in the shade for 15-20 minutes in the air. The use of hair dryers or heating appliances is prohibited, since hot air can damage the adhesive seams.