Comfort and safety on the water are directly dependent on the quality of the deck, and many owners of inflatable watercraft have been using the bottom for years without thinking that it may not be suitable for their current tasks. Floor to PVC boat It is not just the plane on which you sit, but the bearing element of the structure that affects the performance and stability of the vessel.
The current market offers many solutions, from lightweight plywood to composite materials to aluminum, depending on the type of operation, whether it is a quiet fishing in calm or a high-speed outdoors with a powerful motor, and mistakes in the selection of material can lead to deformation of cylinders or even an emergency.
In this article, we will discuss all the nuances in detail, help determine the type of decking and give step-by-step instructions for installing it. You will learn how to properly prepare paioles, why impregnation is important and what tools will be needed for a quality bottom replacement.
Materials for flooring: plywood, aluminum or composite?
The main purpose of the flooring is to provide a rigid and flat base. plywood or FSFThe first option is more environmentally friendly and cheaper, but less moisture resistant. The second type of plywood is impregnated with phenolformaldehyde resins, which makes it water resistant, but these stoves are heavier and more expensive.
Aluminum sheets (most of the whole brand) AMG) They are gaining popularity due to their lightness and absolute immunity to rot. However, the metal is highly thermally conductive, so it will be uncomfortable to sit on it without a mat in cold water. In addition, aluminum requires careful handling during installation, so as not to damage the PVC fabric with sharp edges.
Composite materials and plastic sleighs are the middle ground. They're lightweight, they don't absorb moisture, they don't rot. But they often cost more than quality plywood, and the stiffness can be inferior to metal under heavy loads. The choice of material is always a compromise between weight, durability and price.
⚠️ Warning: Never use chipboard or OSB boards on the floor of the boat without serious waterproofing. These materials instantly absorb water, swell and lose strength, which can lead to floor destruction during operation.
Design features: floorboards, sleigh and inflatable floor
The design of the floor determines not only comfort, but also the speed of assembly of the boat. Paiola These are a set of individual slabs that are assembled inside the boat in a single plane using profile connections, and this system provides excellent rigidity and allows you to create complex underbody contours.
Sleighs are longitudinal elements that are inserted into or stacked on top of pockets at the bottom of a boat, a simpler and cheaper option often found in rowing models or small boats, easier to transport, but they are less effective than floorboards in terms of creating a level space for seating or tables.
inflatable floor (BBB) is a separate category where the floor is a high-pressure sealed compartment, which makes the boat as light as possible and makes assembly easier, but is inferior to the hard floors in planing speed and puncture protection. Hard floor always gives a win in hydrodynamics.
Step by step instructions: how to make the floor in the boat yourself
If the flooring is broken or you're trying to improve the boat, you can make the new flooring yourself, and it starts with taking accurate measurements of the interior space of the cylinders, and it's important to consider not only the length and width, but also the shape of the bow where the cylinders converge.
After the measurements are taken, the material is cut, the optimum thickness for plywood is 9-12 mm depending on the size of the boat, the edges of the sheets must be carefully polished to eliminate the risk of damage to the fabric of the cylinder, all ends and surfaces are treated with protective compounds.
The assembly is done on a flat surface, the elements are connected by aluminum profiles or special docking slats, it is important to ensure that there are no gaps and distortions, the finished floor is tried on in the boat without fully pumping the cylinders to check the geometry.
☑️ Checklist for preparation of materials
⚠️ Warning: When working with power tools for cutting metal or plywood, be sure to use eye protection. Small shavings or sawdust trapped inside the boat can damage PVC fabric under load.
Protection and treatment: how to cover the floor for long service
Even moisture-resistant plywood requires additional protection, especially if you plan to operate the boat in salt water or leave it assembled for a long time. Impropriation of oliphus It's a classic method that's been tested for decades, and it goes deep into the structure of the tree, clogging the pores.
Modern yacht lacquers and enamels create a strong film on the surface, which protects not only from water, but also from ultraviet radiation, which destroys wood, and for maximum effect, it is recommended to apply several layers with intermediate grinding.
Alternatives to varnishes are special epoxy-based formulations that create a very hard and chemically resistant coating.
The Secret to Long-Term Painting
Before applying the finishing layer of varnish or paint, warm the surface with a hair dryer, which will help to identify the hidden villi of the tree, which will need to be removed with fine sandpaper to make the surface perfectly smooth.
Comparison of specifications of different types of sexes
To make a final decision, you need to compare the key parameters of the materials, and the table below will help you visualize the differences and understand which option is suitable for your boat and skiing style.
| Parameter | FSF phanera | Aluminum (AMG) | Composite/Plastic | inflatable floor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (1 m2) | Medium. | Low. | Low. | Minimum |
| Toughness | High. | Very high. | Medium | Depends on the pressure. |
| Moisture resistance | High (with processing) | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Price. | Low/Medium | High. | High. | Included in the price |
As you can see from the table, aluminum It's a great combination of weight and strength, but it's a poor price, and plywood is still the most affordable and maintainable option, and composites are good for those who don't want to be in service, but are willing to pay too much.
Gender care and addressing common problems
Even the best flooring needs attention, and after every step of the way out, especially if the boat was used in salt water or dirty water, the flooring needs to be washed with fresh water and wiped dry, and this will prevent the accumulation of abrasive particles that work like sandpaper under the weight of the angler.
If you notice that the plywood has started to darken or there are bloating, you need to urgently audit the coating, the damaged areas are cleaned, dried and covered with a new layer of protection, ignoring minor defects will lead to the layering of the material.
For aluminum floors, it is important to check the condition of the oxide film and the absence of sharp burrs on the edges. Any roughness should be eliminated with a file or sandpaper. Regular inspection of docking profiles is also mandatory - they should not have cracks.
Put a special non-slip mat made of EVA material under your feet, which will not only increase comfort, but also protect the floor surface from scratches with fishing hooks and heavy shoes.
Regular drying and airing of the boat in assembled form is the best way to extend the life of any type of floor, preventing the development of fungus and corrosion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a regular floorboard to make a floor?
In theory, it can, but it's not recommended. Boards tend to warp when humidity changes, which will cause gaps and irregularities, and board docking is less reliable than solid sheets of plywood or metal.
How often should I update the flooring?
When active operation (every weekend) it is recommended to inspect and, if necessary, locally update the varnish or olive oil once a season. If the boat is stored in a dry room and is rarely used, one quality coating is enough for 2-3 years.
Will the replacement of the floor affect the boat’s load capacity?
Replacing a regular floor with a heavier one (e.g., from slate to thick plywood) will reduce the payload capacity of the boat by the weight of the material difference. For small boats, this can be critical, so always weigh the new floor before installing.
What is the best way to glue the floor elements if there are no profiles?
For temporary connection, you can use reinforced tape for pipes or special belts, but this will not provide the necessary rigidity. For permanent use, it is better to purchase aluminum corners or profile docking slats, since adhesives on water quickly lose their properties.