Metal boat owners often face the need to upgrade their boats to improve comfort and safety. balloonThis is not just tuning, but a complete improvement, allowing you to turn a hard and noisy Cossack into a comfortable boat, suitable for long walks and serious fishing.
The main task of these elements is to quench the shocks against the wave and reduce the noise level, which is inevitable when driving on metal housings. flyboard This is a way to increase the stability of a vessel by preventing dangerous rolling when disembarking fishermen or moving cargo. In this article, we will explore all aspects of the choice, from materials to the nuances of self-assembly.
It's worth noting that the market offers a lot of solutions, from low-end PVC options to premium sprayed models. It's important to understand that there's no universal answer, and the choice depends on the particular boat model, for example, the model that you're looking for. Kazanka-M, Ob-3 or saluteBelow we will take a detailed look at the key criteria that will help you not to make a mistake when buying.
Inflatable board materials and construction
The first thing to look at when choosing is the fabrication material. Most of today's inflatable tubes are made from dense, dense, and dense materials. PVC This material is characterized by high tensile strength, resistance to ultraviolet light and petroleum products. However, the density of the tissue can vary, and for responsible units it is better to choose values of at least 900-1100 g / m2.
Structurally, cylinders are sealed containers, often divided into compartments for additional safety. partitionThese are designed to prevent air pumping and shape deformation when moving, and high-quality models are equipped with reliable valves that prevent spontaneous air outflow.
⚠️ Attention: The use of cheap materials with low density PVC can lead to rapid abrasion of cylinders on the side of the boat and the appearance of microcracks in the places of folds.
An important element of the design is flat-bar It's a rigid insert that attaches to the side of the boat and serves as the basis for the inflatable element, and it's the quality of the attachment of the hinge beam that determines the durability of the entire system, and often additional slings and belts are used to reinforce the load.
Advantages of Installing Inflatable Elements
Installing inflatable boards on an aluminum boat gives the owner a number of undeniable advantages that are felt already during the first water launch. noise-de-noiseThe metal body, working as a resonator, transmits the hum of the waves, which is very tiring during long operation. Inflatable boards take the blow, making the stroke softer.
The second important aspect is the increase stabilityinflatable tubes create additional buoyancy on the sides, which is especially critical on small boats such as Kazanka or Metelitsa, which allows you to feel more confident when fishing in a standing position or when passengers are moving sharply.
In addition, the inflatable elements perform the function spray-proofHigh sides divert water to the side, preventing it from flooding the cockpit, which is especially true when you're moving against a wave or in a strong side wind, and it's worth mentioning the protection of the metal board itself from mechanical damage when you moor.
- 🌊 Significant softening of the stroke on the excitement due to the shock-absorbing properties of air.
- 🛡️ Protection of the metal side from scratches, dents and corrosion in the places of contact.
- 🎣 Increased usable area and comfort for fishing and recreation.
- 🔇 Reducing the noise level of the engine and the shocks of waves on the body at times.
And the aesthetics are also important. balloon It's more modern and presentable, and the color scheme allows you to come up with a solution that is in harmony with the color of the hull, or, conversely, to make the boat more visible on the water.
Type sizes and compatibility with boat models
The choice of a specific size depends on the model of your boat. accessories manufacturers usually produce ready-made kits for popular Soviet and Russian models, such as the one in the Russian Federation. Kazanka-M, Kazanka-5, Ob-1, Ob-2, Ob-3, Salute, CrimeaIt is important to know exactly the dimensions of your vessel, as even a small difference of a few centimeters can lead to problems in installation.
The diameter of the balloon is a key parameter. Too small a diameter will not give the desired effect of cushioning, and too large can disturb the centering and even turn the boat over when rolling. The optimal diameter is considered, at which the balloon slightly protrudes beyond the size of the board, but does not create sailing.
To be precise, you need to measure the maximum width of the hull in the midfield, the height of the hull from the bottom to the timber, and the length of the zygomatic line, three parameters that will help the seller to choose or manufacture the perfect kit.
The table below shows approximate compatibility data for popular models:
| Model boat | Recommended diameter of cylinder | Materials | Features of installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kazanka-M/MD | 200-220 mm | PVC 900 g/m2 | Fixing to regular openings |
| Ob-3 | 220-240 mm | PVC 1100 g/m2 | Requires a reinforced timber |
| salute | 180-200 mm | PVC 850 g/m2 | It's important not to override the transom. |
| Crimea-2 | 200-220 mm | PVC 900 g/m2 | Specific shape of the nose |
When ordering custom tailoring, you need to consider the shape of the bow. Wind 8 or nerlThe nose has a specific narrowed shape, and standard straight cylinders there may not fit without revision.
Instructions for self-assembly
Installing inflatable sides on an aluminum boat is a process that requires precision and technology, and mistakes at this stage can cause the cylinders to rub against the hull constantly or, worse, to tear off on the go, and before work begins, you need to carefully degrease the surfaces and prepare the tool.
It is primarily being installed flat-barIt is a rigid base that is attached directly to the boat, usually on bolts or screws with a press-schewing, necessarily using a sealant to prevent metal from corrosion in the drilling areas.
☑️ Checklist for installation
Then there's the fitting and fixing of the inflatable chambers themselves, and it's important to keep the tension of the belts or slings even if they're designed, and if you put too much tension on the balloon, you can deform the balloon, and if you put too little tension on it, you can shift the balloon.
- 🔧 Drill holes under the attachments of the hinge beam, observing the step indicated in the instructions.
- 🧴 Pour the sea sealant profusely onto the back of the timber before screwing.
- 🎈 Inflate the cylinders to operating pressure to check the geometry before the final installation.
- 🔩 Check the reliability of all threaded connections 1-2 hours after installation.
⚠️ Note: When drilling aluminum side, use only sharp drills on metal and low revolutions, so as not to overheat the material and not deform a thin sheet.
The final step is to check the leakage and overall stability of the structure, and the boat is recommended to be left inflated for several hours (or overnight) to identify possible leaks or weak points of attachment.
Operation and care of inflatable elements
And balloon They've been in the long run, and they've been in the long run, and they need to be properly cared for, and PVC is a resistant material, but it's afraid of prolonged exposure to open fire, sharp objects and some chemical solvents, and after every operation, especially in salt water, it's recommended that the cylinders be rinsed with fresh water.
Keeping a boat with cylinders installed has its own peculiarities: if the boat is kept outdoors, inflatable elements are better lowered slightly or covered with an awning to protect them from ultraviolet radiation. Constant exposure to the scorching sun can lead to color burnout and reduced elasticity of the material.
To clean up severe contaminants, use a soapy solution or special PVC cleaning products, but avoid chlorine-containing chemicals.
Check the pressure in the cylinders regularly. In hot weather, the air expands and the pressure can rise to critical values, so in such cases it is recommended to put the excess out. In winter, when stored in an unheated room, the material becomes stiffer, and it is not worth pumping it "before the bell."
Pay special attention to the joints and joints.