Operating an inflatable swimmer often comes down to comfort and safety, especially when it comes to the surface you are on. Plastic bottom For boats, PVC is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to classic plywood, offering drivers and passengers a number of undeniable advantages: Unlike wood, modern composite materials and polymers do not absorb moisture, do not rot and are much lighter, which is critical for small craft.
Choice between standard plywood flooring and advanced HDPE or ABS And the fact that you're not just looking at plates is an aesthetic, it's an investment in the durability of your boat. Many owners of budget models are faced with the fact that regular paioles quickly become obsolete, soak and lose shape. hard-board plastic solves these problems by providing stable geometry of the bottom even with prolonged exposure to water.
In this article, we will discuss in detail why it is worth considering replacing the regular bottom, what materials are used in the production of quality paioles and how to properly install yourself. You will learn about the nuances of care for polymer surfaces and understand what type of decking is suitable for your use case, whether it is a quiet fishing or active water tourism.
The advantages of plastic flooring over plywood
Traditionally, inflatable boats were equipped with plywood sheets covered with water-resistant paint or varnish. plywood It has the ability to accumulate moisture in areas of cuts and damage to the coating, and plastic analogs are completely free of this drawback, since the material is chemically inert and not subject to biodegradation.
Also, weight is a critical factor. Plastics, especially foamy PVC or polypropyleneFor a single fisherman who has to carry a boat assembled long distances to the water, every kilogram saved matters. The reduction in the total weight of the boat also has a positive effect on the carrying capacity and driving performance.
Hygiene is an important aspect: on the rough surface of plywood, fish particles, silt and other organic residues often remain, which eventually begin to smell unpleasant. Plastic bottom It has a smooth, non-porous structure that can be washed with a hose or disinfected, making the boat more comfortable and enjoyable.
When choosing plastic, pay attention to the presence of an anti-slip coating (antislip), as smooth wet plastic can be dangerous to the feet.
Types of materials: from ABS to composites
The water-powered accessories market offers several basic types of materials for making rigid decking, and understanding their properties will help you make the right choice. ABS plastic (acrylonitrile butadienestyrene), which is characterized by high impact strength and rigidity.
The second popular option is PVC foamThese sheets have excellent thermal insulation properties, which is true in early spring or late autumn, when the water is cold, and it is more pleasant to sit or stand on the bottom than on cold metal or wood, but foam structures may be less resistant to point loads, such as from heels or sharp objects.
The third type is composite materials, which combine layers of plastic and reinforcement fibers (fiberglass or carbon fiber), which is a premium segment that provides maximum strength at minimum weight. floorboard It is almost impossible to break during normal operation, but their cost is much higher than analogues made of pure plastic.
The myth of slipping
Plastic is thought to be slippery, but modern technology allows the surface of plastic sheets to be coated with a texture of "shagrene leather" or a spray of quartz sand, making them even more tenacious than a painted tree.
Comparative specifications of bottom materials
To organize the information and help you make your choices, we have created a comparison table that shows the key differences between traditional plywood and modern plastic counterparts in terms of basic performance.
| Parameter | Sea plywood | ABS plastic | Foamed PVC | Composite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moisture absorption | Medium/High | Missing. | Missing. | Missing. |
| Weight (per m2) | ~6-7 kg | ~4-5 kg | ~3-4 kg | ~3-5 kg |
| Impact resistance | Low. | High. | Medium | Very high. |
| Term of service | 3-5 years | 10+ years | 7-10 years | 15+ years |
As you can see from the table, plastic-bottom It's a winner in most areas, especially in the category of durability and water resistance, where even the best plywood, it's layered over time, and it's decking that needs to be replaced, and plastics last for decades, and they retain their original properties.
However, the cost is also important, and if you plan to use the boat infrequently and only in calm weather, overpaying for the composite may not be feasible, while investing in quality water for active users and professionals who spend a lot of time on the water. ABS or composite will pay off with comfort and no need for constant repair.
Technology of installation and replacement of floorboard
The process of replacing the regular bottom with plastic requires care and care. It is important not just to insert new sheets, but also to ensure the correct interaction with the cylinders of the boat. The first step is always to dismantle the old floorboards and thoroughly clean the inside of the cockpit of sand, dirt and glue residue.
Installation plastic-flooring The assembly sequence specified by the boat manufacturer must be followed, the sheets must enter special pockets or lie on hinged beams with a certain tension. If you order customized production, be sure to provide the master with accurate measurements or patterns of cardboard.
Special attention should be paid to fixation. Unlike plywood, which can be slightly polished or fit with a file, plastic is more difficult to cut and adjust in the field. So fitting should be done before the final installation. Make sure that the edges of the sheets do not have sharp barbs that can damage the PVC cylinder fabric when loaded.
☑️ Bottom replacement procedure
Plastic bottom care and exploitation
Despite the high wear resistance, plastic-bottom The main goal is to prevent the accumulation of abrasive particles (sand, pebbles) between the cylinders and decking, which act like sandpaper, rubbing the fabric of the boat as it moves through the water and wind.
Regularly wash the inside of the boat after each outing. If you have been fishing in a sluggish pond or in a place with a lot of algae, be sure to remove all the residues of organic matter. In the off-season, when putting the boat into storage, it is recommended to completely remove the floorboards, wash them with soapy solution and dry them separately from the cylinders.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use aggressive solvents, acetone or gasoline to clean plastics, which can destroy the structure of the polymer or wash away the protective anti-slip coating, use only detergents or specialized PVC chemicals.
When stored in winter, avoid extreme temperature changes, although most modern plastics are frost resistant. It is not recommended to keep a boat with a hard bottom installed in a highly compressed state under heavy loads, this can lead to deformation of the sheets or cracks in the bending places.
The main enemy of any decking is the sand between the layers, and regular cleaning of the cockpit prolongs the life of not only the bottom, but also the fabric of the boat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you cut the plastic bottom from the sheet yourself?
Theoretically, this is possible if you have access to cutting equipment or a powerful jigsaw with a special file for plastic. However, it is difficult to achieve high accuracy of size and quality of the edges on your own. Uneven edge can damage the cylinders. You should order a ready kit for the size of your model from the manufacturer.
Will a plastic-bottom boat become heavier?
In most cases, the boat will be lighter, because the density of plastic is lower than the density of multi-layer plywood, except for cases where a very thick and heavy composite is installed instead of a thin plywood, but this is rare. ABS or PVC It reduces the weight of the boat.
Do you need to lubricate plastic paioles before installation?
The use of talc or silicone lubricant to facilitate the slipping of sheets during assembly is allowed, but not mandatory. The main thing is to keep the surface clean and dry. Lubrication can attract dust and sand, creating an abrasive mixture, so it is better to just keep the parts clean.
Will the plastic bottom withstand the installation of an electric motor?
Yes, modern plastic flooring, especially from ABS And the composites are rigid enough to fit the transom plates and the electric motors, and all that matters is to distribute the load properly and use the regular anchorages that the boat design provides.