Owning an inflatable watercraft implies not only the pleasure of fishing or water walks, but also the constant struggle for useful space. PVC-boat runduct It becomes the indispensable element that turns a chaotic pile of things into an orderly storage system, and without a special box of gear, tools and personal belongings are often scattered along the bottom, which is not only inconvenient, but can disrupt the balance of the vessel on the water.
The modern market offers many solutions, from ready-made plastic models to composite options, however, many owners prefer to make them themselves. nose-dump It has several critical functions: it serves as a rower's seat, protects the load from splashes and direct sunlight, and adds stiffness designs. A properly selected or made container can dramatically change the level of comfort during a long stay on the water.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects of the choice of material, design and fastening methods. aluminum-alloy It can be better than plywood in certain conditions, and how to avoid the typical sealing mistakes. A competent approach to organizing space will allow you to focus on the main thing - the process of fishing or recreation.
Key functions and purpose of the onboard box
The main task of any device on a boat is to organize space, and when you go fishing for the whole day, you have to carry a lot of small things with you, from spare hooks and fishing lines to a thermos with tea. Runduk on a PVC boat It allows you to put all of these things in one place, freeing up the passageway and the work areas, and this is especially important in emergency situations, where you need to move quickly on the boat without the risk of tripping over scattered things.
The second, equally important, function is to protect the contents from moisture. Even in the quietest weather, the spray inevitably gets inside the side. A high-quality box with a dense lid creates a dry compartment where electronics, documents and dry clothes remain intact. Many models are equipped with a high-quality box. sealing-stringThis ensures water resistance even when the board is submerged in water for a short time.
⚠️ Warning: Never use a hazelnut as the only means of escape for valuables in the event of a complete overturning of the boat. Prolonged water pressure can impair the tightness of even a quality seal.
The third function is structural: A box across the cylinders acts as a spacer, preventing the side from collapsing inwards when heavy passengers land, especially for low-pressure inflatable floor boats (LBBBs), where the rigidity of the structure depends on internal pressure. Hard-boiled jock takes on some of the loads, prolonging the life of the PVC material.
Comparative analysis of materials of manufacture
The choice of material is the first and most important step in determining the durability and weight of a structure. plywoodIt's a classic solution that's easy to work at home, and plywood is very hard to break, but it requires high-quality impregnation and protection of the edges, because moisture is the main enemy of plywood.
Alternatives to wood are metals, in particular aluminum (AMG, D16T) Aluminum hazel is eternal, not afraid of water, ultrafi and mechanical shocks. However, it has two significant disadvantages: high thermal conductivity (it is unpleasant to sit in the cold) and the risk of oxidation in contact with some types of PVC, if not insulated, and metal is more difficult to process without a special tool.
The third option is ready-made plastic containers or use compositePlastic is lightweight and cheap, but often can't bear the weight of an adult in winter clothing, cracking in the cold. Composites (carbon, Kevlar) are ideal in weight and strength, but they can cost more than the price of the boat itself, making them the lot of professional athletes.
- 🌲 Plywood + fiberglass: optimal for self-manufacturing, requires careful waterproofing.
- ⚙️ Aluminum: maximum durability, but higher price and more difficult processing at home.
- 🛢️ Plastic: Low cost and weight, but limited strength and resistance to loads.
The choice of material should also take into account the climatic conditions of operation. For southern regions, where the sun is actively burning materials, colored metal or plastic is better suited. fiberglass It shows itself in the best way, retaining heat and not deformed from temperature changes.
Design features and geometry of the body
The geometry of the runduk depends on the location of its installation. sock-boxThese are placed between cylinders in the front of the boat, and they are usually trapezoidal in shape, making the best use of the narrowing space between the sides, and the corners of the box are often rounded so that they do not rub against the PVC when moving.
There are also transom johnduks that are attached to the motor and on-board versions that are mounted along the cylinders. motor protection The onboard boxes are convenient for storing long objects, such as rods or fishing cages, but they can narrow the useful width of the cockpit.
| A type of runduk | Optimal volume | Substantive function | Complexity of installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nose | 40-60 litres | The rower's seat, keeping the little things. | Medium |
| Trants | 20-30 liters | Motor protection, fuel storage | High. |
| board-board | 30-40 liters | Increased stiffness of the side, seat | Low. |
| Under-seat. | 15-25 litres | Hidden storage of valuables | Low. |
The lid is an important part of the design, and it has to open comfortably, even with gloves. gas-damper Or simple furniture hinges with a lock, and it's rational to divide the interior space with partitions or use removable plastic organizers to keep small objects from hanging around the entire volume when rolling.
Technology of self-manufacture from plywood
The process of creating a handmade kunduk begins with the construction of patterns, you need to accurately measure the distance between the cylinders at the installation site, given that under load the boat changes geometry. Drawing It is better to do at a 1:1 scale on dense paper to immediately see all the nuances of pairing details.
For cutting, moisture-resistant plywood is used with a thickness of at least 10 mm (for seats) or 6-8 mm (for side drawers), and should be cut with an electric jigsaw with a clean cutting file to minimize chipping. skin and impregnate with olive oil or special soil, since it is through unprotected fibers that moisture most quickly penetrates inside.
The parts are assembled on epoxy glue with the addition of aeroforce (for thixotropicity) or on polyurethane glue. lantern The outer skin is made of glass (T-11, T-13) in 2-3 layers with mandatory seam dressing, which creates a monolithic body that is not inferior in strength to metal.
☑️ Checklist for the manufacture of runduk
The final stage is painting. Use special yacht paints or polyurethane enamels. They create a strong, slippery film that easily washes away dirt and mud. You'd better choose a light color to make the box less heated in the sun, or a bright one to be clearly visible in the water.
Fixing and sealing systems
The fastening of the knob to the boat is a matter of safety. The only way to fix it is to keep it firmly fixed is if it is always assembled. fixationThe most commonly used belts are fastex buckles that cover cylinders, or a system of slings that run under the bottom.
When you use belts, it's important to protect the contact points of the PVC material from rubbing. shield-belt The tension of the belts should be such that the box does not dangle, but also does not deform the cylinders excessively, creating stress points.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid using metal brackets or rigid attachment elements that can contact the cylinders directly when vibrating. Any metal part must be either recessed or closed with a softener.
The sealing of the cover is achieved by using self-adhesive sealer (D profile or P profile) along the perimeter of the opening part, and you can also install simple slamming locks (tumblers) on the sides that will press the lid against the seal, which ensures that when a wave hits the box, there is not a drop of water.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can you use a regular silicone sealant to assemble a runduk?
No, conventional sanitary silicone does not have the necessary adhesion to wood and fiberglass in a constant vibration and aqueous environment. It will quickly detach. Use epoxy adhesives or polyurethane sealants (such as 3M 5200), which create a chemical bond with the material.
What is the optimal weight for a runduk?
For boats up to 3.5 meters long, try not to exceed the weight of 5-7 kg for an empty box. Heavier designs (10+ kg) only make sense on larger boats (4 meters+), where they also work as ballast to improve seaworthiness in windy weather.
Do I need to make holes for water drainage in the bottom of the runduk?
If you plan to store things in a drawer that should remain dry (clothing, electronics), there should be no holes - you need complete tightness. If the hazel is used as a seat or to store wet gear, drainage holes (with return valves or just from the bottom) will help remove the water that has fallen.
How to replace fiberglass during repair in the field?
In emergency cases, reinforced scotch or epoxy plasticine (cold welding) can be used to temporarily repair cracks, but this is a temporary solution. These materials will not be a complete replacement for fiberglass due to low tensile strength.