The feeling of a stiff back and the lack of footrest is a familiar picture for many anglers who spend hours waiting for a stick on a regular peck. floatboatStandard equipment often involves only two inflatable tubes and a simple plywood slate, which does not contribute to a long comfortable stay on the water. That is why the decision to turn a regular flat-bottom into a full-fledged boat by installing a specialized boat is becoming increasingly popular. transformer-room.
This upgrade is a major change in how you operate a small vessel, adding not only convenience but also added safety. You don't have to balance on slippery sides or sit on a hard paiola, risking turning over in a sharp traffic. space-sizeplacing tackles, sonar and navigation so that they are always at hand, but do not interfere with the control.
Modern remodeling solutions allow you to keep the mobility of an inflatable vessel, since most designs are removable or foldable. This means that you can dismantle the soft elements at any time and use the boat for alloying or fast crossing, where minimal sailing and weight are important. In this article, we will discuss in detail what a quality cabin consists of, which materials to choose and how to avoid typical errors when installing yourself.
Advantages of installing a soft cabin in an inflatable boat
The main argument in favor of modernization is ergonomicsUnlike rigid plastic or plywood seats, the soft elements of the transformer cabin take on the shape of the body, reducing the stress on the spine, which is especially critical for people with back diseases or for those who plan long-term fishing sessions. back allows you to change the position of the body, which improves blood circulation and reduces fatigue.
The second important aspect is functional zoning, and when you have a convertible cabin, you can easily switch between fishing, rest and cruising, and when you're fishing, you can deploy the seats side-to-side for easy squatting, and when you're resting, you can have a single bed. universality This makes the boat suitable not only for fishing, but also for family walks.
And the temperature comfort is also important. PVC inflatable tubes, although they are thermal insulators, still give off cold in cool weather. The transformer salon, made of modern materials with insulation, creates an air layer between the body and the water, which allows you to stay warm longer and feel more confident in the off-season when the water is still cold and the air is already warm.
⚠️ Warning: Installing a massive cabin increases the boat's center of gravity, which can negatively affect its stability. Always check the vessel's balance after making structural changes.
Selection of materials: moisture resistance and durability
The basis of any quality cabin is materials that can withstand aggressive aquatic environment. waterproofnessUsing ordinary furniture fabric or foam will lead to rapid rotting of the frame and the appearance of an unpleasant smell of mold after the first season. yacht-cloth (marine grade vinyl), which does not absorb water, is resistant to ultraviolet light and is easy to wash.
Seat frames are most often made of moisture-resistant plywood or composite materials. If you choose plywood, make sure it has a label. FSF or FC With high moisture resistance, and all the ends are carefully treated with epoxy resin or varnish. Aluminum profiles are also in demand due to their lightness and corrosion resistance, but they require insulation from direct contact with PVC tubes so as not to damage them.
The filler must retain volume even after getting wet, and the regular foam quickly loses its elasticity and turns into porridge. polyurethane High density or specialized synthetic fillers that dry quickly and do not accumulate moisture inside the structure, which ensures that your cabin will remain light and comfortable for many years to come.
- 🛡️ Yacht vinyl It does not fade in the sun and is easy to clean from fish mucus.
- 🪵 Sea plywood It can withstand constant contact with water without stratification.
- 🧽 Synthetic filler - quickly dries and does not mold inside the upholstery.
How to check the quality of the fabric?
Smell the material – quality yacht vinyl should not have a sharp chemical smell. Also, swipe your nail over the surface: if there are irremovable scratches, the fabric is too soft and quickly loses its appearance.
Design features and types of transformation
The salon-transformer is a complex engineering system that must be securely fixed in the boat, but it is easy to dismantle. slingon Velcro (Velcro) or using regular D-ringThe most reliable is the combined method, when the base is fixed rigidly, and the backs and armrests have a hinge connection.
One of the most popular configurations is a sofa bed, which is assembled to be two or three seats with backrests across or along the side, and when needed, the backrests are lowered to form a flat surface for the night, and requires precise geometry calculations so that there are no gaps left in the unfolded state, and when assembled, the backrests do not interfere with rowing or motor control.
An important element is the fixation system to the bottom of the boat, the salon should not slide along the floorboard when moving or rolling, using special sleds or anti-slip mats glued to the bottom of the structure. fly-boardThese additionally stabilize the seats and increase the overall buoyancy of the boat.
| Type of transformation | Complexity of installation | Comfort. | Structure weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monoblock (sofa) | High. | maximum | Heavy. |
| Modular seats | Medium | Good. | Medium. |
| Inflatable cushions | Low. | Basic | Light. |
| Frame chairs | Low. | Medium. | Light. |
Use stainless steel carbines to fasten the cabin elements. Conventional steel will rust after the first season, spoiling the appearance and reliability of the mounts.
Step-by-step instructions for assembly and installation
The process of equipping a boat with a transformer cabin requires care and precision. cleaning And degreasing the surface of the paiola, where the elements will be located, any dirt or sand can damage the bottom of the boat or cause the seats to shift during movement.
It's better to build on a flat, hard surface than on a weight. First, assemble the frame by checking all the hinges and latches. Make sure that the sharp corners of the wooden or metal elements are closed. Then try on the boat without fixing the structure completely, to assess the dimensions and ease of landing.
☑️ Checklist of salon installation
The final step is mounting. If you use a sling system, you can run them through. D-ring On the sides and tighten with moderate force, so as not to deform the cylinders. If the cabin is held by friction and shape, make sure it stands in its grooves before the click. After installation, be sure to rock the boat, simulating the movement to check the reliability of the fixation.
⚠️ Warning: Don't pull over the belts. Excessive tension can cause inflatable tubes to deform and even rupture under the pressure of the air inside.
Additional equipment and accessories
The presence of the cabin opens up opportunities for installing additional equipmentBuilt-in pockets in the backs of the seats are perfect for storing trifles, passages, scissors, telephones. Many anglers integrate the holders for the use of the scissors. rods and straps for fastening the sonar, which frees up the hands and makes the fishing process more organized.
Also worth considering is sun and rain protection, which is often awning arcs that allow you to quickly pull up an awning or raincoat, which makes the boat a shelter from sudden rainfall or scorching sun, which is especially true for multi-day trips to nature.
For night fishing or parking, an indispensable element becomes lightningSoft cells can be embedded with LED tapes powered by a portable battery, which is not only convenient, but also safe, because low-voltage lighting does not pose a threat of shock in humid conditions.
- 🎣 Spinning holders Free your hands for other tasks.
- 🔦 LED lighting Provides comfort and safety in the dark.
- 📱 Waterproof pockets Keep your gadgets dry even in a strong wave.
Integration of accessories should be thought out at the design stage of the cabin, so as not to violate the integrity of the design and not create unnecessary pressure points on the cylinders.
Care and maintenance of a soft salon
For your transformer salon to last, it needs to be properly cared for. After every fishing trip, especially if it's in salt water or in a muddy pond, the structure needs to be rinsed with fresh water. Salt and silt can destroy the fabric structure and accelerate the corrosion of metal fittings.
Drying is a critical step. Even if the materials are declared to be "quick-drying," make sure that all joints and joints are completely dry before packaging them. moldIt is almost impossible to remove from the yacht fabric without damaging the protective layer.
Periodically check the condition of fasteners. Screw screws can weaken from vibration, and slings can be rubbed. Timely replacement of worn parts will be cheaper than repairing the boat itself or buying a new set of seats. Use special spray air conditioners for PVC and fabric to keep them elastic.
⚠️ Warning: When cleaning the cabin, it is forbidden to use aggressive solvents, acetone or chlorine-containing agents, which can dissolve the glue connecting the layers of fabric, or change the color of the upholstery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install a transformer cabin on a boat without hard floorboard?
Installing a full-fledged rigid cabin on an inflatable floor boat (BBB) or without floorboard is highly discouraged, and requires a firm, flat support for stability, but there are special inflatable sofas that attach directly to the cylinders, but their functionality is limited.
How much will the weight of the boat increase after the installation of the cabin?
Weight depends on the materials. Lightweight aluminum frames with synthetic upholstery will add 5-8 kg. Marine plywood structures can be heavier, from 10 to 15 kg. This is important to consider if you plan to carry a boat alone.
Does the cabin affect the speed and handling of the boat?
Yes, the extra weight and sail (if high backrests are installed) can slightly reduce top speed and reduce handling in strong side winds. However, with low-power motors (up to 5 hp), the difference is almost imperceptible.
How to store the salon in the winter?
Store should be in a dry, ventilated room at a temperature above 0 ° C. It is best to keep it in a straightened form or in a free case to avoid cracks and cracks on the folds of the material.