Buying a 2.6-meter inflatable vessel is often the first step into the world of water tourism and fishing, but many budget models come with an inflatable floor or thin sleigh, which significantly limits the owner’s ability to navigate the water. Hard floor. turns the bubble into a full-fledged floating craft that can hold the wave and provide a stable platform for parking.
And that's why the question of what kind of flooring material you choose is really important to the owners of these boats. plywoodAluminum sheets or composites – depends not only comfort, but also the carrying capacity, as well as the speed of assembly of the vessel.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all available decking options, their impact on driving performance and installation features. You will learn how to properly prepare the boat for installation of a hard floor and what mistakes beginners make when assembling a structure.
Why Change the Bottom to Hard
The standard inflatable floor (NDB) or thin slate in boats measuring 260 cm often do not withstand criticism when actively operating. When moving against the wave, the soft bottom begins to bend, creating a hammock effect, which significantly reduces the stability of the vessel. Hard flooring. eliminates this effect by distributing the load evenly over the entire area of the cylinders.
And also, having a solid surface changes the ergonomics of being in a boat, so you don't have to balance on your knees anymore, because you're afraid to hit the bottom with a hook or a sharp object, and you can get up and move around and install additional equipment, like, you know, you can get up and you can get up and you can move around with confidence. sonar Or rod holders.
⚠️ Warning: Installing a heavy plywood floor in a boat of 2.6m can shift the center of gravity and reduce payload capacity. Always check the boat's passport details before upgrading.
- 🚣♂️ Increased speed due to improved hydrodynamics of the bottom.
- 🎣 The possibility of comfortable installation of stationary fishing equipment.
- 🛡️ Protection from punctures and mechanical damage from the soil.
Types of materials for the floor in the boat 2.6
The market offers several basic types of materials, each with its own specifications. plywoodIt's a combination of affordability and strength, but for those who value every gram of weight, aluminum alloys and modern composites are relevant.
Plywood stamp FC or FSF (the latter is more moisture-resistant but toxic when processed) usually has a thickness of 9 to 12 mm. This is the optimal balance between stiffness and weight for a boat of this size. Aluminum sheets, often with riffling, are lighter and more durable, but they are colder to the touch and can rattle when the waves hit the side.
⚠️ Note: The use of conventional construction plywood is unacceptable - it will dissipate after the first contact with water, even if it is coated with varnish.
Comparison of the weight of materials
Plywood 9mm weighs about 6-7 kg / sq.m, while aluminum sheet of the same area will weigh about 2.5-3 kg Composite materials are in the middle, but their cost can be 3-4 times higher than plywood.
Slate or floorboard: What's the Difference
Often beginners confuse the concepts of “sleigh” and “floorboard”, although constructively they are different solutions. Slate. It's a set of individual boards that are stacked across the cylinders, and it's easier and easier to install, but it's not monolithic, with gaps between the boards.
pyol It's usually a single or large-sized, rigid flooring that forms a single plane. For a boat, 260 cm floorboard is most often made from 2-3 pieces connected by an aluminum profile, which ensures maximum rigidity of the structure, turning the bottom into a full-fledged deck.When choosing between slate and floorboard, consider the frequency of assembly and disassembly. Slate is faster to collect, but floorboard gives the best move.
The difference is also the way the slate is attached, and it's often just put inside, with the cylinders on it, whereas the floorboard can require the thongs or the sides. For 2.6-meter models, where space is limited, drop-off The two-part solution is the most popular.
Self-made flooring from plywood
If you're going to make the floor yourself, you're going to need a moisture-resistant plywood at least 9 mm thick, and the first step is to make a precise pattern, and you can use old newspapers or thick paper to lay them on the bottom of an inflated boat and circle the contours.
The manufacturing process requires accuracy and compliance with the technology of processing edges.
- 📐 Take accurate measurements of the inner width and length of the cockpit.
- 🪚 Saw the parts with an electric jigsaw with a file for clean cutting.
- 🖌️ Soak the ends with epoxy resin or a special varnish in 3-4 layers.
- 🔩 Wrap the edges with aluminum tape or paste with a baking to protect against abrasion.
It is important to understand that the geometry of the PVC boat is not perfect. Cylinders can inflate unevenly, so when cutting, you need to leave small gaps (3-5 mm) between the boards and sides. Hard floor. It should not rest on cylinders under pressure, otherwise, when heated in the sun, the air will expand and damage the structure or the floor itself.
☑️ Plywood flooring
The influence of the floor on the driving performance of the boat
The hard bottom installation changes the fluid dynamics of the boat, and the boat gets heavier, which requires more engine power to go into the planing. hard-bottom It works like a hydrofoil, cutting the wave and reducing yaw.
For boats 2.6 meters, which are often equipped with engines with a capacity of 2-5 hp, each extra kilogram is palpable. Plywood floor weighing 10-12 kg can reduce the maximum speed by 1-2 km / h, but will add confidence during the course. Aluminum analogue weighing 4-5 kg is almost invisible to the engine, but costs more.
| Parameter | inflatable floor | Plywood slut | aluminum pyeol |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure weight | ~2 kg | ~10-12 kg | ~4-5 kg |
| Toughness | Low. | High. | Medium/High |
| Heat insulation | High. | Medium | Low. |
| Price. | Basic | Low/Medium | High. |
Installation and operation rules
The hard floor installation requires a certain sequence of actions: first, the boat must be partially pumped to take shape, but remained soft for laying the elements, then the longitudinal elements (if any) or immediately the transom boards are laid.
The final pumping should only be done after all the flooring is laid, and that's a critical point: if you pump the boat to working pressure. 0.2-0.25 atm before installing the floor, inserting rigid elements will be impossible without the risk of damaging the valves or seams.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a hard-floor boat under direct sunlight in hot weather unattended. The air in the cylinders will expand, pressure will rise, and the hard floor may warp or tear the PVC material.
When stored, plywood floors are best removed and dried separately to avoid mold and the smell of dampness. Aluminum structures can be stored inside, but it is advisable to wipe them from moisture. Regularly check the condition of fasteners and linings on the ends of the boards.
Proper pumping sequence: 30% pressure -> flooring -> 100% pressure. Disorder leads to assembly difficulties and risk of damage.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I use the floor from a boat 280 cm in a boat 260 cm?
The floor from the larger boat will put excessive pressure on the cylinders, resulting in deformation of the hull or rupture of the seams. The geometry of cockpits of different models and sizes is different.
What thickness of plywood to choose for a boat 2.6 meters?
The optimum thickness is 9 mm Plywood 12 mm will be too heavy for this size, and 6-7 mm can bend under the weight of an adult, especially in the center of the span between cylinders.
Do I need to paint the plywood floor inside the boat?
You should not paint with ordinary paint, as it can crack when bending or storing in a twisted form. It is better to use special impregnations for wood or leave the plywood in its natural form, having treated with varnish.
Does a hard floor affect the speed of the boat assembly?
Yes, build time increases by 5-10 minutes, you need time to lay the boards and fix them, but with frequent use, this skill is brought to automaticity.