Fishing in a boat can only be comfortable if the interior space is properly organized. Many water-engines suffer for years on a rigid plywood floorboard, unable to turn around or change position without the risk of turning the boat over. rotary-boardThis device turns a static seat into a full-fledged work post, allowing you to fish with spinning or donking with maximum convenience.
Installing such a mechanism requires not only the rotary device itself, but also a competent approach to the choice of fasteners. Inflatable boards are an area of increased risk, and any careless movement of a metal part can lead to a puncture. In this article, we will discuss what types of platforms exist, how to securely attach them to a transom or inflatable floor and what to look for when buying, so as not to harm your boat.
Why you need a rotary mechanism in an inflatable boat
The main function of the rotary device is to ensure the mobility of the fisherman. Unlike a metal boat where you can get up and walk, in a PVC vessel, every movement must be weighted. The turning chair. It allows you to change the angle of view and the direction of the tackle, without getting up, and this is especially critical when you catch a predator on a track or when you have active flare, when you need to quickly respond to bites from different sides.
And the right mechanism also reduces the load on the vestibular apparatus, and when the boat is swaying on the wave, the rigid seat causes the fisherman's body to make unnecessary movements to try to keep his balance, and the rotating platform often has a cushioning element, which makes the swaying less noticeable. ergonomics In this case, it directly affects fatigue and, as a result, the effectiveness of fishing.
⚠️ Attention: The use of homemade rotary devices with sharp edges or poor-quality welding is strictly prohibited. Any sharp ledge is a potential hole in the cylinder, which on the water turns into an emergency situation.
There's also a safety aspect to motor control, where if the chair is mounted on a rotary platform, the angler can quickly turn to the tiller without shifting the rod or losing control, especially when there's a sudden change in wind or current, when you need to adjust your course instantly.
Design features and types of platforms
The PVC boat accessories market offers several types of solutions. translucentIt attaches directly to the squirrel board and takes the chair outside the cockpit or holds it at the side, usually made of stainless steel or aluminum with anti-corrosion coating.
The second type is floorboard floor systems, which can be stationary or mobile, and the mobile versions are equipped with sleds or suction cups, which allows you to move the chair around the bottom of the boat. Universal platforms They often have a standard seat for a sea seat (usually a flange with 4 or 6 holes), which allows you to change the seat depending on the tasks.
- 🔩 Materials: AISI 304 stainless steel, anodized aluminum, marine plywood.
- 🔄 Type of rotation: 360 degrees, with a position lock or free ride.
- 📏 Dimensions: From compact models (20x20 cm) to reinforced structures for large seats.
Why is the platform material important?
Cheap steel structures without proper processing rust in one season. Salt and water are aggressive environments. Rust not only spoils the look, but also creates sharp edges that are dangerous to PVC. Aluminum is lighter but afraid of galvanic pairing with other metals. The ideal choice is high-quality stainless steel or metal core plastic.
Criteria for the selection of a rotating platform
When choosing a device, you need to consider the carrying capacity. The fisherman in winter clothes, the gear and the boat itself create a dynamic load. The platform must withstand a weight of at least 120-150 kg with a margin of safety. A weak mechanism can develop at the most inopportune moment, which will lead to a fall overboard.
The important parameter is the height of the mount. A chair that is too high raises the center of gravity of the boat, making it roller, too low, inconvenient for spinning. The optimal landing height is calculated individually, but standard solutions usually assume a height of 30 to 45 cm from the floor level.
Pay attention to the presence of rubber gaskets in the kit. If they are not, be sure to buy or cut yourself from the car camera. Metal should not touch PVC or plywood without gaskets.
Also, you should pay attention to the fixation mechanism. For active fishing, free rotation with the ability to stop by force of the legs is better. For trolling or waiting, you need a rigid lock so that the chair does not spin from every gust of wind. Regulated models allow you to change the angle of inclination of the back, which adds comfort during long transitions.
Installation of the platform on transom and floorboard
Installing the rotary mechanism is a process that requires care. If you attach the platform to a trawler, make sure that the fasteners do not pass through the tree without protection. The bolt hats inside the boat should be covered with plugs or sealed to prevent contact with the balloon when moving.
floorboard is often used for installation by special adapters, which can be attached to plywood or fixed to the inflatable floor by a sling system, and in the latter case, it is important to properly pull the slings so that the platform does not "walk" along the bottom, but also does not pass the cylinders. inflatable floor requires special care: any folds under the platform can lead to uneven wear.
☑️ Pre-installing check
When drilling holes in plywood floorboard, be sure to use wood drills and zinku holes under the bolt hats. After installation, all holes are recommended to be treated with moisture-resistant varnish or epoxy resin to prevent plywood from being decomposed of moisture.
Comparison of popular models and materials
To make the choice easier, we will give a comparative description of the different types of platforms: the market offers both low-end options made of conventional metal and professional solutions from leading manufacturers of boat equipment.
| Type of platform | Materials | Load capacity | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tranza classic | 3 mm steel | 150 kg | Hard fixation, heavy fixation. |
| Aluminum turn-around | Aluminum D16T | 120 kg | Light, afraid of scratches. |
| Modular system | Stainless steel + Plastic | 180 kg | Altitude adjustment, easy. |
| Budgetary option | Painted steel | 100 kg | It needs rework, it's rusting. |
Stainless models certainly benefit in durability. They don't require painting and maintenance, only occasional freshwater rinsing. Aluminum structures are good for those who monitor every gram of weight, but they require caution when in contact with other metals to avoid electrochemical corrosion.
⚠️ Warning: When buying painted platforms, carefully examine the quality of the paint in the welding areas, which is where corrosion most often begins, which can stain clothes and gear.
Care and maintenance of turning mechanisms
Even the best quality. pivot After every fishing trip, especially in salt water, the mechanism needs to be washed with fresh water, and the salt, when it dries, crystallizes and can jam the bearings or the sleeves of the rotation.
Once a season, it is recommended to perform a revision of the fasteners. Vibration from the motor and rolling can weaken even well-tightened nuts. Use a thread fixer or growers when assembly. The movable parts of the mechanism should be lubricated with silicone lubricant, which is not afraid of water and does not destroy rubber seals.
Regular lubrication and washing with fresh water increase the service life of the rotary mechanism by 2-3 times.
It is better to store the platform in a dry room in winter, detaching it from the boat, which will avoid the deformation of the rubber from the pressure of metal for a long period and prevent parts from freezing if the boat is stored in an unheated garage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you install a rotary platform on the inflatable floor without floorboard?
Yes, there are special platforms with a wide base and a system of slings that distribute the load over a large area, but for active fishing with active movements, the presence of hard floorboard is preferable for stability.
Will the platform withstand the weight of a fisherman in winter clothes (130-140 kg)?
Most high-quality models of stainless steel or thick aluminum are designed for a load of up to 150-180 kg. When choosing, be sure to look at the manufacturer's declared load capacity and take a model with a margin of 20-30%.
Do I need to remove the platform when transporting a boat in a deflated form?
Even if the platform is flat, its rigid elements can damage the cylinders when folded and rubbed, and it is better to dismantle it and transport it separately or in a rigid case.
How to prevent metal creaking when turning a chair?
Screeching usually occurs because of metal friction or lack of lubrication. Use Teflon or silicone lubricants. You can also install additional fluoroplastic washers between rubbing parts.