The modern inflatable boat is a complex swimming complex where every detail affects the comfort and safety of the crew. Owners often focus on choosing the engine, such as a balloon or sonar, forgetting about the critical element - the bottom. flooring It takes the brunt of landing, water contact and constant pressure on people and equipment, and properly designed flooring makes Spartan transport a comfortable place to fish or relax.
Many beginners underestimate the importance of floor quality, relying on the manufacturer's standard solutions. However, standard options often have trade-offs: they can be too slippery, heavy or quickly lose rigidity. Competent approach to the selection of material allows you to significantly improve the performance of the vessel and extend its life. In this article, we will discuss in detail which floor to choose for your boat, how to properly mount and maintain it.
Ergonomics and safety are important for long transitions: a hard, flat and slippery floor reduces leg fatigue and prevents accidental falls; and, a high-quality coating protects the bottom of the cylinders from mechanical damage, which is especially important for fans of rocky shores and shallow waters. The temperature expansion of floor materials can reach 2-3 mm per linear meter with a temperature difference from -10 to +30 degrees, which is critical to take into account when installing.
The main types of floor coverings for boats
The water transport accessories market offers several fundamental flooring solutions, depending on the type of boat (PVC or aluminum), operating conditions and personal preferences of the owner. The main competitors in this niche are plywood sheets, aluminum profiles and inflatable bottoms (NDH), each option has its own strengths and weaknesses that must be considered.
Plywood flooring, often called sleigh, is a classic solution: They are made of moisture-resistant plywood and are coated with a special non-slip coating, usually made of PVC film or special varnish. phanera It provides excellent rigidity and thermal insulation, which is important in the cold season, but it is very heavy and requires careful drying after each operation to avoid stratification.
Aluminum flooring is gaining popularity due to its durability and lightness. aluminum-alloy They're not afraid of water, they don't rot, they assemble faster than plywood. The surface of the metal is often corrugated or sprayed to make an anti-slip effect. Despite the high cost, they pay off at a lifetime comparable to the life of the boat itself.
- 🛶 Slani (plywood): The classic version, providing high rigidity and low thermal conductivity, but requiring drying.
- ⚓ Aluminum profile: Light, does not rust, dries quickly, but costs more and can be colder to the touch.
- 🎈 inflatable floor (NDH): Maximum comfort and light weight, but less stiffness and risk of puncture with sharp objects.
- 🪵 Combined systems: Combination of aluminum profiles and plywood inserts for weight and stiffness balance.
When choosing a floor type, it is important to consider not only the material, but also the design of the mount. Some systems require complex assembly with many mounts, others are assembled on the principle of a designer in minutes. For frequent trips “light” assembly speed can be a decisive factor, while for stationary storage of the boat assembled or for trolling, absolute rigidity of the structure is more important.
Material requirements and properties
The materials used to create the floor in the boat are subjected to extreme stresses, constant contact with water, ultraviolet radiation, temperature changes and mechanical friction are only part of the factors that affect them. waterproofness So, any absorption of moisture leads to weight gain, deformation and ultimately destruction of the material.
The second critical parameter is the bending and compressive strength: the floor must withstand the weight of several people, the engine, fuel and equipment, spreading the load evenly over the area of the bottom of the boat. Sea plywoodSo, for example, a brand of FC or FFM, it's specially treated with adhesives, but even that has strength limits, and aluminum benefits from having a high modulus of elasticity.
⚠️ Attention: The use of conventional construction plywood is strictly prohibited, and even after treatment with varnish or oliphate, it will begin to layer after 2-3 seasons of active use, which can lead to sudden destruction of the floor during movement.
The third aspect is chemical inertia and resistance to biological factors: the material should not react with gasoline, oil, fish mucus or salt; resistance to mold and fungus, which actively multiply in wet environments, is also important. Modern composite materials and special aluminum alloys do not have these disadvantages, unlike natural wooden bases.
The myth of laminate for a boat
Some people try to use moisture-resistant laminate flooring in a boat, and despite the claims of moisture-resistant manufacturers, these panels are designed for short-term contact with water (wiping with a rag), not for constant immersion and high humidity. Laminate in a boat will rise and become unusable in one season.
Comparative table of material specifications
To systematize the data and simplify the choice, it is advisable to consider the comparative specifications of the main types of decking. The table below will help you quickly navigate the advantages and disadvantages of each solution depending on your priorities: weight, durability or price.
| Characterization | Plywood (Slany) | aluminum | inflatable floor (NDH) | Composite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (on set) | Tall (15-25 kg) | Low (8-12 kg) | Minimum (5-8 kg) | Medium. |
| Toughness | High. | Very high. | Medium (depending on pressure) | High. |
| Assembly speed | Slow. | Fast. | Very fast. | Medium |
| Term of service | 5-7 years | 15+ years | 3-5 years | 10+ years |
| Price. | Low/Medium | High. | Medium | High. |
When analyzing the table, it can be seen that aluminum They lead in longevity and rigidity, but they lose in price. Plywood remains an affordable option for those who are willing to put up with excess weight for the sake of economy. Inflatable bottoms are ideal for fans of easy travel and frequent transportation of a boat in the trunk of a passenger car without a trailer.
It is also important to consider the repairability: plywood floors can be re-adhesived or replaced with individual slate; aluminum requires little repair, except for the replacement of fasteners; the inflatable floor is repairable with remixes, but requires constant pressure monitoring; composite materials are often not subject to local repair and require replacement of the entire element.
Technology of installation of floor covering
Installing a new floor is a process that requires careful and consistent work. Incorrect installation can lead to deformation of cylinders, uneven tension of the bottom and reduced driving performance. Before starting work, you need to completely clean the inside of the boat of sand, dirt and moisture. Any abrasive particles under the new floor will work like sand, rubbing the PVC fabric.
The assembly process starts with laying the elements of the bottom in the straightened state. If you use sleighs, they must be joined according to the numbering usually applied to the ends or surface. For aluminum profiles, it is important to properly dock the lock joints, ensuring a tight fit. Tightness joints in this case are not required, but the density of the adjoining is critical for a uniform distribution of the load.
☑️ Checklist of floor installation
Floor fixation in the boat is carried out by means of special slings, Velcro straps or grooves in cylinders. In inflatable boats, the floor is often inserted into a special pocket around the perimeter or attached to the bottom of the shaft. In rigid structures (aluminum), a groove-comb system or bolt joints can be used, which should not touch the fabric of the boat with sharp edges. All sharp edges must be treated with a file or closed with plugs.
⚠️ Attention: When installing aluminum floor, make sure that the sharp edges of profiles or bolt caps do not touch the fabric of the cylinders. Vibration when moving can quickly wipe the PVC material, which will depressurize the boat on the water.
The final step is to check the geometry: the floor should lie flat, without humps or troughs. If you use an inflatable floor, it should be pumped to the operating pressure specified in the data sheet (usually 0.2-0.25 bar), and allowed to stand for 10-15 minutes to stabilize the shape before installing in cylinders. The pumped bottom can deform cylinders, and the under-pumped one can reduce the rigidity of the structure.
Tip: Before you finally fix the floor, walk over it in the shoes you plan to fish in, which will help identify creaking joints or rickety elements that can be eliminated before you get on the water.
Floor care and maintenance
The durability of flooring depends on the quality of care. After every fishing or walk, the floor must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, especially if it was used in salt water or dirty water bodies. Salt and silt are aggressive agents that destroy both wooden and metal structures. Corrosion Aluminum in a salty environment may not be visible to the eye, but over time will weaken the structure.
Drying is the most important step in maintenance. Plywood sleighs are not to be stored in a wet state, must be placed in a dry, ventilated room until completely dry. Aluminum profiles dry faster, but also require moisture removal from joints. Inflatable bottoms are dried half-deflated, away from direct sunlight, to avoid overheating and deformation of the material.
Periodically, fasteners should be audited. Bolts and nuts may weaken from vibration. Regular lifting of joints will prolong the life of the structure. For wooden floors, it is recommended to treat end parts once a season with special impregnation or varnish, restoring the protective layer. Metal elements can be treated with silicone lubrication to prevent oxidation.
Storage of a boat with a floor mounted or separately depends on the type of material. Plywood is better stored separately, in a horizontal position to avoid curvature. Aluminum can be left in the boat, but always in a dry place. inflatable floor is stored in a slightly deflated state to avoid stretching the seams. Following these simple rules will allow your decking to last for many years.
The main enemy of any gender in the boat is not the water itself, but the moisture left inside the structure when stored. The rule of dry and clean is the pledge of long service of the deck.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can linoleum be used to cover the floor in a boat?
It's not recommended to use household linoleum. It gets slippery when wet, it tans and cracks in the cold, and it can also release harmful substances when exposed to the sun. There are specialized marine coatings, but they're expensive. It's better to use standard sleigh coating or anti-slip tape.
How often should I change the flooring in the boat?
The life of the floor depends on the material and the intensity of operation. Plywood sleighs last an average of 5-7 years, after which they require replacement due to bundling. Aluminum floors can last 15 years or more. Inflatable bottoms (NDHs) are usually changed after 3-5 years of active use due to loss of tightness or elasticity.
How do you handle the ends of plywood sleigh?
To protect the ends of the plywood, it is best to use epoxy resin, special yacht varnishes or polyurethane impregnations. Ordinary olifer or paint is less effective in constant contact with water and mechanical friction. It is important to ensure that the composition penetrates deeply into the structure of the tree.
Does the type of floor affect the speed of the boat?
Yes, it does. inflatable floor (NDH) has a smaller displacement and better contours, which can give a speed increase of 1-2 km / h compared to the hard floor. However, hard floor (plywood or aluminum) provides better course stability and handling at high speed and excitement.
Can I paint the aluminum floor in a different color?
Yes, you can, but you need special training, you need to clean, degrease and coat the aluminum with non-ferrous metals (such as zinc-based), then you apply paint that is resistant to water and UV radiation, without soil, the paint will quickly peel off.