Choosing the right bottom is a fundamental step that turns a simple inflatable slob into a full-fledged floating tool that can confidently hold the wave and glid. Many owners of budget models do not even suspect how much the behavior of a vessel on the water can change if you replace a regular inflatable paiola with a rigid one. PVC-floorIt's not just a matter of comfort, but also safety and fuel economy when using the motor.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the designs that exist, from classic plywood sleigh to modern aluminum platforms. AirDeckFor others, just a single sheet of marine veneer, and understanding these nuances will help avoid the mistakes that beginners often make when trying to upgrade their boat without considering its design features.
The hardness of the bottom directly affects speed, handling and stability when throwing a spinning or installing a sonar. Soft bottom extinguishes the power of the motor, creating an additional wave of resistance, while a hard surface allows the boat to go sliding faster. Let's determine which option will be optimal for your style of fishing or recreation.
Why change the inflatable floor to hard
The regular inflatable floor, which often comes with budget models, has a number of significant drawbacks that are noticeable on the first serious step into the water. It creates a trampoline effect that prevents you from standing up steadily, especially when fishing in a standing position. In addition, the soft surface is quickly wiped from sand and gravel, requiring frequent repair or replacement.
Installation of a hard floor, whether it plywood Or aluminum flooring, which changes the geometry of the hull, and the boat stops bending under the weight of the passengers and the engine, keeping the optimal contours for sliding through the water, which is especially critical for models from 3 meters long, where the absence of a rigid keel and flat bottom makes glides almost impossible without losing controllability.
Another important aspect is the thermal insulation and the tactile sensation: the inflatable floor, pumped with cold water from the pond, quickly cools down, creating discomfort when sitting or lying down. EVAIt keeps the heat better and doesn't get cold under the knees, which makes fishing in cool weather much more enjoyable.
- 🚀 Increased speed by reducing water resistance and plane output.
- 🎣 The possibility of comfortable fishing standing due to a flat and stable surface.
- 🛡️ Increased wear resistance: Hard floors are harder to damage with dog claws or sharp stones.
⚠️ Attention: Not all boats are designed to fit hard floors, and trying to insert plywood into a boat designed exclusively for inflatable floor can cause cylinders to deform and the seams to rupture due to excessive internal pressure.
Plywood slate: classics of the genre
The most common solution for equipping PVC boats remains plywoodIt's a set of moisture-resistant plywood sheets connected by aluminium profiles, which can be folded into a compact roll or folded into multiple sections, making it much easier to transport and store in the trunk of a car.
Aircraft is used to produce high-quality slag or plywood The thickness of the sheets usually varies from 9 to 12 mm, which provides the necessary balance between strength and weight. It is important that the ends of the plywood are properly sealed, since it is through them that moisture penetrates into the structure of the material, causing stratification.
The main advantage of plywood is its affordable price and maintainability, and if one segment breaks or swells, it can be replaced without changing the entire structure, but the weight of this floor remains a significant disadvantage: for a boat 3.5 meters long, the weight of plywood deck can reach 15-20 kg, which is noticeable when carrying equipment to the water.
When buying or manufacturing sleigh be sure to treat the ends of the plywood with epoxy resin or a special yacht lacquer in several layers - this will prolong the service life of the floor at times.
The connecting profiles into which the sheets are inserted must be made of anodized aluminum. The use of steel or substandard profiles is unacceptable, as they quickly rust and can damage the cylinders. The design is assembled by sequentially connecting the segments, forming a single rigid plane, which is then placed inside the boat.
Aluminum floors: lightness and durability
For those who are willing to pay more for comfort and minimal weight, the ideal solution is to make a better choice. aluminum-floorThese designs are often performed in the form of grooved sheets or profiles that are assembled into a single platform. The weight of aluminum decking can be two to three times less than the weight of a plywood counterpart, making it indispensable for solo anglers, who often carry a boat alone.
Aluminum is completely inert to water, it doesn't rot, it doesn't swell, it doesn't require any drying after use, it just rinses with fresh water and lets it dry. The mechanical strength of aviation aluminum allows it to withstand tremendous loads, including sharp impacts that would instantly disable plywood or PVC.
But metal has its own operating specifications. In the sun, aluminum floors can get very hot, so light colors or protective mats are mandatory. In addition, the metal has a high thermal conductivity, so without a thermal insulating layer, it will be uncomfortable to sit on it in cold water. Some models have a built-in mounting system for cans and switches, which increases the functionality of the boat.
| Characterization | Plywood slut | Aluminum floor | inflatable floor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (per boat 3.2m) | 12-15 kg | 5-7 kg | 3-4 kg |
| Term of service | 3-5 years | 10+ years | 2-4 years |
| Price. | Low. | High. | It's included. |
| Transportation | Overall | Compact | Very compact. |
The myth of aluminum slipperiness
Some people think that aluminum floors are too slippery. In fact, modern grooved sheets (like "quintet" or notched) provide excellent grip on the sole even in the wet state, surpassing smooth plywood.
AirDeck design and inflatable paioles
Technology AirDeck The High Pressure Floor is a high-tech inflatable floor made of Drop-Stitch material, and thousands of threads that connect the top and bottom surfaces allow the floor to be pumped to 0.6-0.8 atmosphere pressure, making it rock solid, a solution often used in SUP surf boats and light cruising models.
The main advantage of AirDeck is its incredible lightness and compactness when deflated, a boat with a bottom can be folded into one backpack and thrown on the shoulder, which is not available for models with sleigh, and the lack of rigid elements makes landing and landing on the canopy shore as safe as possible for cylinders.
However, for serious fishing or driving under a powerful engine, AirDeck loses to rigid structures, even at maximum pumping, there is a micro-flex that extinguishes some of the engine's energy, and such floors are sensitive to punctures and require very careful treatment and the use of protective mats.
- 🎈 Perfect compactness: the boat fits in a medium-sized bag.
- ⚖️ The minimum weight of the entire structure, available for carrying by one person.
- 🌊 Comfortable cushioning in chop, resembling an inflatable mattress.
⚠️ Warning: When pumping the AirDeck floor, use only a pressure pump with a pressure gauge. Excess pressure in hot weather (when the air inside expands) can cause the internal threads to rupture and swell the floor (the “pillow effect”).
Comparison of driving qualities and controllability
When it comes to speed and fuel consumption, hard-on There's no competition, a plywood or aluminum floorboard boat has a clearly defined zygomatic line that directs the flow of water and creates lift, which allows the motor to quickly bring the vessel into planing mode, where water resistance is minimal.
On the soft bottom, the boat behaves differently, and under the weight of the engine and the passengers, the stern bends, increasing the area of contact with the water, and this creates a yaw effect, where the boat starts to prowl from side to side, especially at high speed or at a lateral wave, and the steering wheel has to constantly adjust its course, which tires and reduces the average speed of travel.
For fishermen using sonars, a hard floor is also preferable. The inflatable floor can cause additional interference to the sensor or change the angle of its inclination when moving, whereas on a rigid platform the mounting of the transom sensor works more stable. In addition, on a hard floor it is easier to arrange the correct placement of equipment so that the center of gravity is at the optimal point.
Hard floor reduces fuel consumption on planing up to 15-20% due to improved hydrodynamics of the body.
Care, storage and protection of the sex
Regardless of the type of floor you choose, proper care will extend the life of the floor. Plywood slate after each departure should be wiped with dry rags and allowed to dry completely before packaging. Store wet plywood in a closed bag is a sure way to get mold and bundle after one season. Periodically, once a year, it is useful to update the lacquer coating.
Aluminum structures require minimal maintenance. Just wash away salt (if fishing was at sea or in salt lakes) and sand, which acts as an abrasive. Particular attention should be paid to the connecting elements and hinges, if any, lubricating them with silicone lubrication to prevent creaking and jamming.
To protect any type of floor from abrasion and to increase comfort, it is recommended to use special mats made of material. EVAThey don't absorb water, they don't rot and they clean easily, and they also protect their feet from overheating in the sun and from the cold coming from the water, and they also hide minor defects in the floor surface.
☑️ Annual floor services
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I make a floor for a PVC boat myself?
Yes, it's possible if you're skilled in wood or metal, plywood sleigh requires moisture-resistant plywood (PSF), aluminum profile and sealant, but it's important to make sure you're sizing up the floor so that it doesn't slam into cylinders with too much effort, but it doesn't hang around, and a miscalculation can damage the boat.
What thickness should be plywood for the floor?
The optimal thickness depends on the length of the boat. 9 mm is sufficient for models up to 3 meters. 10-12 mm thickness is recommended for boats 3.2-3.6 meters. The use of thinner plywood will lead to a deflection, and a thicker one will create excess weight, which will be difficult to compensate.
Why is the floor in the boat swelling?
This is a common problem with airdeck or poorly made sleigh, and in the case of AirDeck, it's because of the temperature difference: pumped indoors, exposed to the sun, the air expanded, and in the case of sleigh, the moisture got between the layers of plywood and turned into steam when heated, or used a poor-quality glue in the manufacture.
Does the color of the floor affect the heating of the boat?
Dark floors (blue, black, dark gray) are much more heated in the sun than light floors (beige, light gray, camouflage with a predominance of light colors). If you plan to fish in hot weather, choose light shades or use an awning / umbrella.
Should I lubricate the profiles of the slug?
Yes, periodic lubrication of aluminum profiles with silicone spray or special PVC lubricant will make it easier to assemble and disassemble the boat, especially after winter storage, and it also prevents the oxidation of aluminum at the points of contact and the appearance of a characteristic creak when driving.