Choosing a deck covering is not just a matter of aesthetics, it is a critical step in preparing the boat for the season. The choice of inflatable PVC mat will directly affect your safety, stability when moving and overall comfort during fishing or cruising. Many beginners mistakenly believe that hard plywood decking is the only right solution, but modern technology offers more flexible and safer alternatives.
The modern market of water-motor technology offers a wide range of solutions, among which a special place is occupied by the company. fly-deckUnlike stationary structures, it is not rotting, it does not deform from moisture and provides excellent cushioning. If you appreciate the ease of assembly and want to reduce the overall weight of the equipment, this option will be the best choice for your car. PVC boat.
In this article, we will explore in detail the design features, benefits and nuances of operating air decks, you will learn why professionals often prefer this type of coating and how to properly care for it to serve for many years.
Design features and materials of manufacture
The basis of high-quality flooring is a multi-layer fabric PVC This mesh, often called a cord, gives the material the ability to withstand tremendous tear loads while remaining elastic. Unlike the sides of a boat, the deck mat has a more complex internal structure to ensure rigidity.
The key element of the design are special Drop-stitch threadsThese threads are stretched with a certain force, which allows the inflated mat to be shaped like a flat slab, rather than becoming a shapeless ball. The density of the weave and the number of threads per square meter determine the stiffness of the final product.
The outer surface is often covered with a special anti-slip compound or has a relief texture. technological solution It's essential for the safety of the fisherman, especially when the deck is wet. High PressureThis allows you to pump the mats to a pressure of 6-8 PSI and even higher, making them harder plywood.
⚠️ Warning: Never use powerful car compressors to pump the deck without pressure control. A pumped mat can deform or burst when heated in the sun, and a poorly pumped mat will bend under weight, creating a risk of falling into the water.
The edges of the mat are usually reinforced with additional tape or have welded sides, which protects the main seams from mechanical damage when docking with the boat cylinders. suture-connector ensures the tightness and durability of the product even in extreme operating conditions.
Advantages of Air Deck over hard decking
The transition to the air deck gives the owner of the boat a number of undeniable advantages that become apparent after the first assembly on the water. The main advantage is the weight: the inflatable mat is much lighter than the plywood or aluminum counterpart, which is critical for single boats and low-power engines.
The second important aspect is thermal insulation and comfort, and being in the water for several hours, you don't feel the cold from the water, as you do when you come in contact with metal or wet plywood. Airspace It works as an effective thermal insulator, keeping the body warm.
- 🚤 Mobility: rolled up in a roll mat takes up a minimum of space in the trunk of the car and is easily carried in a backpack.
- 💧 Wet resistance: The material does not absorb water, does not swell and does not require drying after each fishing.
- 🛡️ Safety: The soft surface reduces the risk of injury when falling and protects the bottom of the boat from punctures from the inside.
- 🔨 Universality: It is suitable for boats of various manufacturers and can be used as an independent mat on the shore.
In addition, the absence of hard corners eliminates scratches on the sides of the boat, which inevitably occur when installing and removing plywood sleighs. Air Deck It gently fits the contours of the bottom, distributing the load evenly throughout the area.
Types of inflatable decks: from budget to professional
There are several types of inflatable floors on the market, and the choice depends on your specific tasks and budget. Basic models are simple flat mats that are laid on the bottom of the boat, and they require rigid sleighs or inflatable kilson cylinders to shape.
A more advanced option is full-deck These systems often have special attachments to fit seats, cans and even transom plates, and they turn an inflatable boat into a fully-fledged, flat-floored boat.
There are also combined solutions, where the central part is made of Drop-stitch High pressure material and the side is made of normal PVC, which reduces the cost of the product, while maintaining stiffness in the area of active cruising. High PressureThey hold the air safely.
⚠️ Note: When buying budget models without Drop-stitch, remember that they are not designed to walk in rigid shoes.
Professional models are often equipped with additional D-rings They're designed to mount gear and have a non-slip coating throughout the area, which is especially important for those who are active fishing with spinning or trolling, where you need confidence in every step.
Drop-Stitch Technology: How it Works
The heart of any high-quality inflatable mat is technology. Drop-StitchThe idea is that thousands of strong strands connect the top and bottom layers of tissue at right angles, and when pressure is applied in, the strands are pulled, preventing the mat from swelling outwards like a balloon.
The result is a panel that is rigidly similar to a wooden board, but remains light and flexible when deflated. The number of threads can vary from 5,000 to 10,000 or more per square meter. The higher the density, the higher the maximum pressure and rigidity of the product.
Technical nuances of the Drop-Stitch threads
Inside the mat, the threads can be arranged in staggered order or bundles. Modern models use high-strength polyester filaments that don't stretch over time. It's important to know that when you first pump a new mat, it can appear soft -- that's normal, the threads take time to straighten and fall into place. After 10-15 minutes, the pressure stabilizes.
To pump such systems require special foot pumps with a pressure gauge or electric compressors that can give pressure up to 1 Bar (about 14-15 PSI). Conventional "frogs" complete with a boat, will not work here, as will not provide the desired rigidity.
And using this technology, you can create decks that can withstand the weight of an adult and the cargo bay without any visible deflection. Drop-Stitch Standard for inflatable SUP boards and serious fishing platforms.
Installation and assembly instructions
The process of putting an inflatable mat into the boat takes minutes, but it requires a certain sequence of actions. First, you need to spread the deflated mat inside the cylinders of the boat, straightening out all the folds, and it is important to make sure that the valves are in an accessible place.
Then there's the pumping process, and you're going to need to pump the mat to 60-70% of the nominal pressure, let it straighten, and then finish it to the working value, and you're going to avoid skewing and uneven tension.
☑️ Pre-launch checks
After pumping, the mat is fixed in its normal position. pockets or belts to attach to the elements of the boat, which eliminates the displacement of the deck during movement, if such anchorages are not available, the mat is held by the precise size and pressure of the cylinders of the boat.
Care should be taken when installing a transom motor on an inflatable deck boat. Although modern materials are strong, prolonged vibration at one point can cause abrasion. Use additional protective mats for an outboard motor leg.
For quick assembly in the cold, bring the deflated mat into a warm room an hour before exit. The warm material becomes more elastic, easier to straighten and quickly takes the desired shape when pumped.
Care, storage and repair of damage
An inflatable PVC boat mat requires minimal maintenance, but following simple rules will prolong its life for decades. After each operation, you must thoroughly wash the deck with fresh water, especially if you have been fishing in salt water or in a body of water with abundant vegetation.
Drying is a must before packaging, and although the material itself does not rot, moisture between layers of fabric or in folds can lead to mold and unpleasant odors, and the mat should be kept straightened or slightly rolled up in a dry room, away from direct sunlight and heating appliances.
If you get a puncture or cut, you can repair it easily, using a standard PVC remix, and the damaged area is degreased, cleaned and patched with a special glue, and it's important to let the glue be fully polymerized before use.
| Parameter | The Inflatable Mat (Air Deck) | Plywood flooring (Slani) | Aluminum floor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight. | Low (3-7 kg) | Medium (10-15 kg) | Tall (15-20 kg) |
| Comfort. | Tall (warm, soft) | Low (cold, hard) | Low (cold, slippery) |
| Assembly | Fast (pumped and ready) | Time-consuming (laying sheets) | Difficult (file editing) |
| Price. | Medium/High | Low. | High. |
Check the valves and joints regularly, even a microscopic grain of sand trapped under the valve can cause permanent air leakage, and use soap solution to check the leakiness before the season.
Proper storage of the inflatable mat in a straightened form or in a wide roll prevents the appearance of cracks on the reinforcing layer, which can eventually turn into cracks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I walk on an inflatable mat in shoes?
Yes, by rugs made with technology Drop-Stitch You can wear shoes with soft soles when pumped to working pressure, but it is recommended to use special boat shoes or walk barefoot/in socks if the temperature allows to prolong the life of the coating.
What is the optimal pressure for an inflatable deck?
The optimum pressure is specified by the manufacturer in the product passport and is usually between 4 and 8 PSI (0.3 - 0.55 Bar). Exceeding this value can lead to rupture of the seams, especially in hot weather, when the air inside expands.
Do I need to dry the mat after every fishing trip?
Yes, drying is necessary. Although PVC is not afraid of water, moisture residues in the folds and under the mat can lead to mold formation, which is difficult to remove and can damage the fabric of the boat, just wipe the surface with a cloth and let it dry in the shade.
Can I repair the carpet at home?
Small punctures and cuts up to 5-7 cm long are easily repaired with a PVC remix. For serious damage affecting the internal threads or valve system, it is better to contact a specialized workshop.