Choosing a quality deck for an inflatable boat is often a decisive factor in determining comfort and safety on the water. Many beginners underestimate the importance of a hard floor, relying on standard inflatable bottoms, but it is precisely the same as the one that is used for the water. slug It's a powerful tool that can change the performance of your boat, and it not only provides a stable platform for fishing or recreation, but it also protects the camera from punctures on sharp objects.
When buying budget boat models, manufacturers often complete them with a soft inflatable floor or a thin deck, which quickly deforms under the weight of passengers. plywood It gives the body the necessary rigidity, allowing it to develop higher speed and better hold its course, which is especially critical when installing an outboard motor with a capacity of more than 5 hp.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the design features of the different types of decking, the nuances of their installation and maintenance, and you will learn why choosing the right floor material can extend the life of your boat and make each journey more predictable. The ideal bottom geometry reduces water resistance by 15-20%, which directly affects fuel consumption.
Design features and types of materials
The modern market offers several options for rigid floors for inflatable boats, each with its own physical properties, the main difference is in the material of making slats that can be made of moisture-resistant plywood, aviation aluminum or composite alloys, depending on which is more important to you: minimum weight, maximum strength or budget cost.
Plywood versions are typically made of laminated birch plywood 9 to 12 millimeters thick, with high load-bearing capacity and a pleasant surface that does not slide even when wet. plate It is prone to swelling with prolonged contact with water if the protective lacquer coating is damaged.
Aluminum profiles are devoid of the drawbacks of wood, because the metal does not absorb moisture and does not rot. D16T They are extremely light and corrosion-resistant, but they cost much more than wooden counterparts, and the metal cools faster in the sun and can be cold to the feet in cool weather.
- 🪵 Plywood: affordable price, good thermal insulation, but requires careful drying after operation.
- ⚙️ Aluminum: Minimum weight, absolute water resistance, high price and noise when moving.
- 🧪 Composite: The combination of lightness of plastic and strength of metal is rare in the budget segment.
Advantages of installing a rigid flooring
Installing a full-blown sleigh turns a soft inflatable boat into a complete vessel with predictable behavior on the water. leaseIt allows the boat to go out and plane more easily and to steer more confidently in the side wind, and passengers get a flat platform where they can move freely without fear of falling between cylinders.
One of the key benefits is to protect the bottom of the cylinders from mechanical damage, and when you dock on a rocky shore or move through shallow water, it is the slate that takes on the impact and friction, which significantly reduces the risk of puncture of the chamber, which, far from civilization, can be a matter of safety for the entire team.
⚠️ Warning: Using too heavy plywood floors on small boats can shift the center of gravity and degrade the stability of the vessel. Always check the maximum load capacity specified in the product passport.
To reduce the weight of plywood sleigh, you can treat the ends of the slats with olive oil or a special water-resistant varnish, which will also prolong the life of the tree.
Step-by-step instructions for installing slurry
The process of laying the rack floor requires a certain sequence of actions to ensure the tightness and reliability of the structure. Incorrect assembly can cause the slats to shift during movement, creating discomfort and damaging the PVC fabric. Before starting work, you need to completely straighten the boat and pump the cylinders to working pressure.
First, you put the extreme bars that are fixed in special pockets or straps on the sides, then you put the intermediate rails in succession, tightly fitting together, and it's important to make sure that there are no gaps between the elements that can allow water or small debris to enter the boat.
☑️ Pre-launch checks
The final step is to install a transom board that closes the contour of the rigid bottom. Some boat models require additional locking slings through special hinges on the sides. After assembly, it is recommended to walk along the entire surface, checking the stability of each slat under load.
specifications comparison table
To make it easier to choose the right flooring, we suggest you look at comparative data from different materials. Figures can vary depending on the manufacturer and the particular boat model, but the general trend continues.
| Parameter | Plywood (9 mm) | aluminum | inflatable floor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight 1 m2 | ~6.5 kg | ~2.8 kg | ~1.2 kg |
| Moisture resistance | Medium | High. | Absolute. |
| Toughness | High. | Very high. | Low. |
| Price. | Low. | High. | It's included. |
Floor care and maintenance
The durability of your sleigh depends on how you store and maintain it after each fishing trip, and the moisture left between the slats or absorbed into the structure of the material can trigger irreversible processes of destruction, especially for wooden structures that, if not dryed properly, can decompose or become covered with mold.
After each release, the flooring must be dismantled and each bar wiped with dry rags. If the boat was operated in salt water, it is mandatory to wash with fresh water to remove salt plaque, which aggressively affects both metal and adhesive compounds. It is better to dry in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight, which can deform thin elements.
⚠️ Warning: It is strictly forbidden to dry plywood slugs on hot batteries or heaters. A sharp temperature drop and drying will lead to cracking of the laminate and deformation of the geometry.
To protect aluminum profiles, it is recommended to periodically lubricate the joints and attachments with silicone lubrication, this will prevent oxidation and jamming of the moving parts. Store the disassembled decking should be in a dry, ventilated room, preferably in a horizontal position, to avoid curvature of the slats under its own weight.
Frequent errors in selection and operation
One common mistake is to try to use conventional building plywood instead of specialized laminated plywood, which is quickly soaked in water, becomes heavy and loses strength, which can lead to breakage in the middle of the reservoir. Technical plywood It does not have the necessary protective layer and is covered with a rough surface, which can damage the fabric of cylinders.
The other extreme is the use of sheets that are too thick and heavy, which exceed the load on the cylinders, the boat becomes a roller, accelerates slowly and consumes more fuel, and it is important to balance the rigidity of the bottom with the total weight of equipment recommended by the boat manufacturer.
The myth of "eternal" aluminum
Some people believe that aluminum sleighs require no maintenance, but galvanic corrosion when in contact with salt water and other metals (such as motor fasteners) can destroy a thin profile in a few seasons without proper care.
Some anglers ignore the need to fix the slats, relying on their own weight. When moving or excited, the loose slat can shift, creating a dangerous situation for people in the boat. Always use the manufacturer's stipulated slats. strap-and-belt for a secure floor attachment.
Properly selected and installed slate increases the safety of the boat and the comfort of fishing, turning an inflatable vessel into a reliable tool for conquering water expanses.
Questions and answers
Can you make a slate by yourself?
Yes, it's possible if you have the skills to work with wood or metal, plywood needs to use moisture-resistant varieties (PSF) and to laminate the surface, but factory products are tested for load and compatibility with a particular model of boat, which guarantees safety.
How often should I change the coating on the plywood?
It is recommended to inspect the condition of the varnish before each season. If you notice darkening of the ends or bloating of the coating, you need to clean the damaged area, dry the bar and apply 2-3 new layers of yacht varnish.
Does the type of slug affect the speed of the boat?
The hard flat bottom improves hydrodynamics, allowing the boat to go plane faster, and the inflatable floor creates additional drag and sail, which reduces top speed and increases fuel consumption.
How cold is aluminum slate than plywood?
Metal has a high thermal conductivity, so it is really colder to the touch, but in the summer the difference is not critical, and in cold weather it is recommended to use special mats or insulated clothing, regardless of the type of floor.