Paul NDND for the boat: selection, stowage and operation

The choice of the type of bottom is one of the key points when buying or upgrading an inflatable vessel, since it is this characteristic that directly affects the driving qualities, rigidity of the structure and, importantly, the weight of the finished product. boat-floor (Low Pressure Inflatable Day) has a special place, offering a unique balance between the comfort of a rigid body and the lightness of inflatable structures. Unlike traditional plywood or aluminum, this element is a complex engineering system that requires proper handling to achieve maximum efficiency.

Many water engines, moving from classical paioles, often face a misunderstanding of the specifics of operation. air deckThis leads to disappointment and even damage to property. The main difference between NDNDD and plywood is the impossibility of quickly replacing the damaged segment in the field. Understanding the physics of the pumping process, temperature expansions and water sliding features will allow you to avoid common mistakes and enjoy fishing or cruising without unnecessary problems.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the inflatable floor, analyze its strengths and weaknesses, and look at the nuances that manufacturers often leave out of the boxes. You will learn why this floor will be the perfect solution for some, and for others – a source of constant discomfort. Deep immersion in the topic will help you make an informed decision when choosing gear for your next season.

Design features and design of the BDLD

A low-pressure inflatable floor is a single design or set of interconnected cylinders made of reinforced PVC material. drop-stitch It's a technology that allows the floor to keep the upper and lower walls from inflating into a balloon when pumped, keeping the given flat geometry, and it's this technology that allows you to create rigid surfaces that can withstand the weight of people and motors, while remaining much lighter than plywood.

It is important to understand that the rigidity of the NDND floor is achieved solely by internal air pressure, which is usually between 0.2 and 0.6 atmospheres, depending on the model and the manufacturer's recommendations. Insufficient pressure will lead to deflections that can deform the sides of the boat and disrupt hydrodynamics, while excessive pressure in hot weather can rupture the seams or the material itself. Drop-stitch technology It has a strength limit, and ignoring pressure recommendations is unacceptable.

Structurally, the floor can be made as a single mattress or consist of several inflatable sections (usually two or three) connected by valves or sealed jumpers. Whole models are easier to assemble, but more difficult to transport and repair, since they take up more space when folded. Sectional options allow you to replace one damaged part without throwing out the entire floor, which is a significant plus for active travelers.

The floor surface is often covered with a special anti-slip coating that mimics the texture of the EVA mat or has the corrugated structure of the PVC itself. This is a critical safety element, since wet smooth plastic turns into a skating rink at the slightest ingress of water, the quality of this coating directly affects the comfort of movement inside the cockpit, especially in conditions of active fishing or landing.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Inflatable Floor

The main advantage of the NDND floor is its weight, which can be 2-3 times less than the weight of an equivalent area of plywood deck. For owners of small cars or those who have to carry a boat to the water for a considerable distance, this factor is often decisive.

The second thing that's really good about this is comfort, because the inflatable floor acts as a shock absorber, and it's going to blow the waves and make the swing less visible to the passengers, unlike the hard plywood floor, which transmits all the vibrations from the motor and the water shocks right into the spine. air deck This is especially appreciated by fishermen who spend 8-10 hours in a boat, when the fatigue of sitting on a hard one becomes unbearable.

• 🌊 Hydrodynamics: Inflated bottom often has optimal keeliness, set by the design, which improves the course stability.
• 🎒 Transportability: In the assembled form, a boat with NDND takes up less space and weighs less, which is critical for hiking.
• 🛡️ Safety: When hitting an obstacle, the inflatable floor will act as a buffer, reducing the risk of breakdown, unlike hard plywood.

But there's a downside to the coin: The main drawback is the time and effort required to prepare the boat for descent. Inflating the floor takes longer than pumping cylinders, and requires a pump with good performance or an electro-pump. In addition, the inflatable floor is more vulnerable to mechanical damage by sharp objects (hooks, knives, dog claws) than laminated multi-layered plywood.

Another nuance is temperature. In winter or cold weather, the material tans, and it takes time to get to normal rigidity, or to use hot water for pumping, and in summer, in the sun, the pressure in the closed volume increases, and there is a risk of "transfer" the floor, which can lead to deformation or damage to the valves.

Comparison: NDND vs. plywood (floorboard)

Choosing between an inflatable floor and a classic plywood paiola (often called a book system because of the way it folds) is a perpetual dilemma for a water motor. Plywood floor provides absolute stiffness, allowing you to stand on your feet even on a strong wave, and does not require time to pump, but the weight of such a kit can reach 15-20 kg, which significantly increases the total weight of the boat and the load on the back when carrying.

The inflatable floor, in turn, loses in stiffness: when cruising on it, you feel a slight elasticity, and when you are loaded, the center of the boat can be slightly bent. This affects the performance of powerful motors, since part of the engine energy can be used to deform the bottom, not to move forward. For high-speed gliders with powerful engines, plywood or aluminum are often preferred.

In terms of durability, good quality marine plywood, when properly maintained (drying and stored), lasts for decades. Inflatable bottoms have a limited resource of compression-crush cycles and are prone to aging of the material under the influence of ultraviolet light. drop-stitch PVC can weaken and lose elasticity, which requires floor replacement after 5-7 years of active operation.

For an objective comparison, consider the main parameters in the table:

Operational rules and inflatable floor care

To make the floor of the NDNDL last long and enjoy its rigidity, you must strictly follow the rules of operation. The first and main rule is to control pressure. The use of a pressure gauge is mandatory: it is impossible to determine the desired 0.4 atmosphere by eye, and errors lead to either a soft hammock or a tear. Pressure check should be done in the shade, away from direct sunlight, since heating in the sun quickly changes the readings.

The second important aspect is protection against mechanical damage. Despite the dense material, the bottom of the boat is in constant contact with sand, rocks, snags and fishing gear. It is recommended to use special protective mats in the places where the cans (seats) and transoms are installed, and also to thoroughly clean the bottom of debris before packaging.

⚠️ Attention! Never leave a fully-inflated boat with a NDNDM floor unattended in the direct sun, and internal pressure can rise to critical values in 15-20 minutes, causing the sides to deform or rupture the floor seams.

Care for the material also requires attention. After each operation, especially in salt water or muddy conditions, the floor must be thoroughly washed with fresh water and dried before packaging. Wet PVC is the ideal environment for the development of mold and fungus, which destroy the fabric structure and adhesive seams. Keep the boat in a straightened or semi-folded form, avoiding sharp cavities in the same place.

Use only specialized PVC or soft soaps to clean the surface. Aggressive chemicals, solvents, gasoline or alcohol can damage the protective layer and make the material sticky or brittle. Regular treatment with special compounds (UV protectors) will help the aging of the material under the influence of ultraviolet light.

Technology of installation and pumping of floor

The process of installing the NDND floor starts with the right placement in the boat cylinder, and it's important to straighten all the folds and make sure the floor is flat, without forming large cavities that can become stress points when pumped, and if the floor consists of several sections, it's best to connect them before the final unfolding in the cockpit, to avoid skewing.

Pumping should be done in stages. First, the floor is pumped to about 50-60% of the working pressure so that it takes shape and straightens the folds. After that, the boat is left for 10-15 minutes to acclimatize the material, then the final pumping to the nominal value is performed. two-stage pump or compressor significantly speeds up the process and reduces physical costs.

When installing a transom board (if it is designed and relies on an inflatable floor), you need to monitor the uniformity of the load distribution. Often an additional rigid platform is placed under the transmolina to avoid pressing the inflatable cylinder with the engine, this is especially true for boats with powerful engines, where the vibration and weight of the engine puts a serious load on the aft part.

In the cold season (early spring or late autumn), it is recommended to use room temperature air to pump. Cold air from a compressor or pump, cooled in the wind, can lead to under-pumping of the floor after it is warmed in a warm room or in the sun. Some experienced boaters use special bags-heat exchangers or simply warm the air in the room before pumping.

Repair and restoration of integrity

Despite the high strength, puncture or cut of the floor of the NDNDM is not uncommon. Repair at home is possible with the help of a remix kit that comes with a boat, or specialized PVC kits. The main condition for success is cleanliness and degreasing of the surface, any fat, dirt or moisture will reduce the effectiveness of the glue to zero.

The process of sticking a small hole (up to 3-5 cm) is standard: clean the area around the damage with fine sandpaper, degrease, apply two layers of glue (let the first one dry), press a patch of the same material (PVC) and roll heavily. It is important to allow the glue to polymerize the necessary time (usually 24 hours) before pumping the boat.

More complex damage, such as gusts of seams or damage to the valve system, requires professional intervention or the presence of experience and special equipment (hot welding hair dryer). Self-repairing seams without skill often leads to repeated depressurization, as it requires accurate compliance with temperature and pressure during welding.

If the damage occurred in the field and there is no time for a full gluing, you can use express means, such as self-adhesive tapes or liquid sealants, but it should be remembered that this is a temporary measure. Operation of a boat with such a "patch" should be limited to calm water and minimal loads until the moment of full repair.