The inflatable boat is not just a tank and a trawler, but a complex engineering structure where each element affects performance and safety, and the basis of rigidity is the floor, which is often underestimated, focusing only on the power of the engine, and it depends on the quality of the floorboards (as the sections of the floor are called) whether you can stand comfortably while fishing or have to sit for fear of falling.
Choosing the right flooring directly affects the load capacity and speed of the vessel. Soft or deformed floor creates additional resistance to water, turning the boat into a “trough”, which is difficult to disperse even with a powerful screw. In addition, it is through the coating that the main heat exchange often occurs, so in cold weather, the correct floor becomes a matter of not only comfort but also health.
In this article, we will take a look at all types of decking in detail, from classic plywood to modern aluminum alloys, learn how to assemble a structure properly to avoid creaking and displacement, and understand why saving on this element can lead to a rapid failure of the entire boat.
The main types of decking: plywood, aluminum and slate
The market offers three main flooring options, each with its own unique specifications. plywoodIt's a multi-layered veneer, waterproof, classic of the genre, proven over decades, providing excellent stiffness at relatively low weight.
The second option is aluminum-floorboardThe most common type of aluminum found in premium boats or models designed to power engines: Aluminum does not absorb water, does not rot and is highly durable, but its cost is much higher and the weight can be comparable to heavy plywood.
The third type is the so-called slateThis is a small, narrow slat that fits into pockets at the bottom of the boat, which is a small, lightweight rowing or motor rowing model, and the slag does not give the bottom a complete rigidity, but it greatly simplifies the assembly process and reduces the overall weight of the kit.
- 🌲 Plywood: affordable price, good thermal insulation, but requires care and protection from moisture.
- ⚙️ Aluminum: Maximum durability, ideal geometry, high cost.
- 🚣 Slate: Minimum weight, suitable for small boats, low surface rigidity.
Production technology and protection of materials
The quality of the floor is determined not only by the material of the base, but also by the way it is finished. jet-glue And if you cut back on adhesives, you'll see the veneer layers that don't lose their properties when you get wet, and if you save on adhesives, that floor will dissect after the first serious season of active use.
The protective coating acts as a barrier between wood and an aggressive aquatic environment. The most popular solution is laminating with a special film that mimics the texture of the tree or has an anti-slip coating. The more budget options are simply painted with water-repellent enamels, which, however, are prone to mechanical damage when assembled and disassembled frequently.
Aluminum sheets usually undergo anodizing or are coated with a corrugated texture to bond to the sole of the shoe. It is important to understand that even the metal in salt water is susceptible to corrosion if the protective layer is broken. Therefore, inspecting the bottom of the floorboards after use in seawater is a mandatory maintenance procedure.
To extend the life of plywood floors once a season, treat the ends of the paioli with olifu or a special yacht lacquer, even if they look whole.
Comparative table of gender specifications
To make it easier for you to navigate the variety of offerings, we have prepared a summary table comparing the key parameters of different types of decking, which will help you make an informed decision when buying a new boat or replacing an old set of paioles.
| Parameter | Sea plywood | aluminum | Slan (reiki) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (per m2) | ~10-12 kg | ~8-10 kg | ~5-7 kg |
| Toughness | High. | Maximum | Low. |
| Term of service | 5-10 years | 15+ years | 3-5 years |
| Price. | Medium | High. | Low. |
Instructions for proper floor assembly
Mounting a hard floor into a PVC boat is a process that requires a certain sequence of actions, and mistakes at this stage can lead to the fact that the boat simply cannot be inflated to working pressure, or the floor will walk underfoot, first you need to spread the cylinders on a flat surface, making sure that the bottom of the boat has no folds.
Then you put the first row of floorboards, starting with the nose, each section should fit tightly into the pockets intended for it or rest against the cylinders. It is important to make sure that the joints of the sheets coincide with the stiffness ribs, if they are designed. When installing aluminum floors, you often need to exert physical force to snap the locks.
☑️ Floor assembly procedure
Once all the sections have been laid, you need to check the geometry, if the floor is properly set, the boat should take its design shape, then you can start pumping the cylinders, starting with the keel, if any, or from the stern, and it is recommended that the pumping process periodically correct the position of the floorboard until the material of the cylinders is finally stretched.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to jump into a boat with uninflated cylinders and a laid floor - this is guaranteed to lead to the pressing of the seams and deformation of the floorboards.
Operational problems and solutions
In the process of operation, boat owners often face a number of typical problems related to the floor, the most common of which is creaking, which occurs due to rubbing the floorboards against each other or against the fabric of the bottom, to eliminate this problem, you can use special greases on a silicone basis or lay joints with strips of dense tissue.
Another problem is plywood swelling, and even good marine plywood can eventually gain moisture through microcracks in the coating, and if you notice that the floor is heavier and the surface is bloated, you need to dry the floorboard immediately and restore the protective coating, and ignoring this fact will cause the material to rot from the inside.
Why can the floor shift during the turn?
The shifting of the floor is most often due to incorrect pumping sequence of cylinders or wear of fixing elements (pockets, locks), also the cause can be overloaded boats, when the center of gravity is shifted and the paioles are squeezed out towards the side.
Aluminum floors have a problem with denting when hitting rocks or concrete piers. Unlike plywood, aluminum doesn't reshape. Small defects can be repaired, but severe deformities require section replacement, because the sharp edge of the dent can damage the boat cylinder from the inside.
Floating care and winter storage
Proper storage of the boat in the off-season is the key to the long service of all its components, and the floor is no exception. Before packaging, you need to thoroughly wash and, most importantly, dry the paioles. The moisture left between the sheets will create the ideal conditions for the development of mold and fungus, especially if the boat is stored in a warm room.
Plywood floors are recommended to be stored in disassembled form, with sheets of paper or cloth to ensure air circulation. This will prevent surfaces from sticking together and stains. Aluminum floorboards are less demanding, but they should also be wiped with dry rags to remove residues of salts and minerals.
The main rule of storage: the floor should be completely dry and stored in a straightened or slightly laid state to avoid deformation under its own weight.
Remember to check the condition of the fasteners. Locks on aluminum floors can loosen, and plywood profiles can wear out. Timely replacement of worn parts will be cheaper than repairing the boat itself or buying a new set of floors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I replace the plywood floor with aluminum in my boat?
Theoretically, yes, but you have to consider weight and thickness. Aluminum can be thinner than plywood at the same strength, but if it's thicker, the boat might not fit into a regular bag. Also check the load capacity of the cylinders.
How to get rid of the creaking floor during movement?
Screeping is eliminated by lubricating the joints with silicone spray, laying strips of linoleum or drastically reassembling the floor with a tighter fit of elements, sometimes helping to change the order of laying the floorboard.
What to do if the plywood floor is swelled?
You need to completely dry the floorboards in a warm, dry room (not on the battery!) After drying, clean the bloating with sandpaper and cover them with several layers of moisture-resistant varnish or epoxy.
Does the color of the floor affect the heating of the boat in the sun?
Yes, dark colors (such as dark brown laminate) are heated much more than light colors (grey aluminum or light plywood). Light reflective surfaces are preferred for hot climates.