The navigation season opens suddenly, and it's often on the water that a hastily assembled boat is behaving in an unpredictable way. Proper assembly of a solder boat with stringers is not just a mechanical connection of parts, but a process on which your safety and rigidity on the wave depends. PVC For years, boats have made mistakes, not understanding the principle of the operation of the force frame.
Unlike an inflatable floor, a plywood floor requires a clear sequence of actions. Stringers act as stiff ribs, linking individual floor plates into a single monolith. If you ignore the right installation technology, you risk a cruising floor that can fold at speed or, worse, damage the cylinders from the inside.
In this article, we will examine in detail the anatomy of the pitting bottom and the algorithm of actions that will turn chaos from cylinders and plywood into a reliable vessel. Strength of construction It can only be achieved by properly stretching and fixing all the elements, so let's start to explore the nuances that are not mentioned in the instructions.
Design features of the paillon bottom
The basis of the rigidity of flat-bottomed and wicked PVC boats is a set design, which consists of several aluminum or plywood slabs, which are connected together by special profiles — stringers. aluminum stringer takes the main load on the bending, not let the bottom bend under the weight of passengers and the engine.
It's important to understand the difference between the types of compounds. Badger or hunterIt uses a system where stringers are inserted into the slots of the plates, creating a swallowtail effect, which prevents elements from moving relative to each other horizontally. Cheap analogs can rely only on friction force and cylinder pressure, which is less reliable.
The key element here is central quillsonIt's a keel that's often integrated into the thong design, or it's a separate central slab, and it provides the longitudinal stiffness and forms the keel that's needed to go into plane, and without a properly installed central element, the boat will scour the course.
Why is plywood better than aluminum for the floor?
Plywood floorboards, which are waterproof laminated, have better heat and noise insulation, aluminum in the sun gets hot, and in the wind instantly cools, transmitting cold through the sole of the shoe, and the plywood slides less and does not rattle when hit by a wave.
Tools and preparation of the site
Before assembly begins, a flat and clean site must be prepared. Assembly on asphalt, concrete or gravel is strictly prohibited - abrasive particles can damage PVC fabric or scratch stringers. The ideal option is a lawn, wooden flooring or a clean garage floor.
You don't need a sophisticated technical arsenal, but without some tools, it's going to take a long time, especially in the final stage, where you have to put a lot of effort into locking.
- 🛠️ Kiyanka (rubber or wooden) - for beating stringers without damaging the coating.
- 🧤 Tight work gloves – protection of hands from burrs on aluminum profiles.
- 🧹 A sponge or rag - for the prompt removal of sand and moisture from the surface of the plates.
- 🦶 Comfortable shoes with soft soles - for even distribution of weight during installation.
Pay attention to the state of affairs. aluminum profilesBefore assembly, it is recommended to wipe them with a dry cloth, dirt or sand trapped in the grooves will not allow the elements to tightly connect, which will lead to backlashes, cleanliness is the key to rapid assembly.
In the cold season, aluminum shrinks and PVC becomes stiff. If you assemble a boat at temperatures below +5°C, let it warm up in a warm room for 2-3 hours before work begins, which will make it easier to install stringers.
Step-by-step instructions: from cylinders to the floor
The assembly process always begins with the preparation of the cylinders, which must be fully pumped to the operating pressure specified in the data sheet (usually 0.2-0.25 atm), poorly inflated cylinders will not provide the desired geometry, and the floor will simply not fall into place, forming a hump in the middle.
Once the cylinders are straightened, the bottom is placed inside, which is a critical step, the fabric must lie flat, without folds, then the floor plates are placed on it, and it is important not to confuse the nose and aft parts if they are of different configurations.
☑️ Stowage of elements
The most critical thing is to install the stringers, start with the central profile if you want to, or the onboard profile, and the stringer is inserted into the groove of the first plate, then bending into the groove of the next one, and locking or bolting is used to fix it.
If you are using a boat with bolt-jointDon't tighten the bolts all the way to the end. First, pull the nuts, straighten the plane, and then make the final puff, and that will prevent the design from skewing.
Technique of installing stringers and fixation
Side stringers require physical strength and the right technique. Many beginners try to push the profile with their knees, which often leads to slippage and injuries. The right method is to use body weight and lever.
Stand on your knee (plug something soft) on the already installed part of the floor. Take the stringer with both hands, wind it into the groove of the extreme stove. Then, pressing the entire body weight down and slightly inward, push the profile along the grooves of the remaining plates. A characteristic click or tight fit signals success.
⚠️ Warning: Never use sharp metal objects (screwdrivers, knives) to tweak a stringer or widen grooves. A sharp sting can easily cut through the cylinder fabric or damage the reinforcing layer, which will depressurize the boat on the water.
The final fixation is done by end locks or bolts, in models with locks (e.g., a system). Click-to-lock) It's important to hear a clear click. If the lock doesn't close until the end, then the stringer is crooked and the force needs to be applied again, aligning the element.
Typical errors in the installation of floorboard
Assembly errors often only become noticeable on the water when you can't fix anything, and the most common problem is the hump in the middle of the boat, which happens if the cylinders are poorly pumped or if the lining cloth is folded.
The second common mistake is incomplete insertion of stringers, and if the profile doesn't reach the end of the groove, the structure loses its rigidity, and at speed, the floor begins to vibrate and make an unpleasant hum, and at worst, it shifts, clamping the toes.
The third mistake is about care. plywoodAfter operation, the floor is often left wet inside the boat, moisture trapped in the microcracks of the coating leads to plywood dissection in one or two seasons, and the paiola must be dried separately from the cylinders.
The key to rapid assembly is consistency, first the central axis, then the sides, and trying to assemble a boat chaotically always leads to skewedness and difficulty closing locks.
Comparative table: types of sex compounds
Other manufacturers use different engineering solutions to connect plates, and understanding these differences will help you master the assembly of your model faster.
| Type of connection | Difficulty of assembly | Hardness on the water | Structure weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bolt (through) | High (key needed) | Maximum | Above average |
| The lock (Click-to-lock) | Medium (needs skill) | High. | Standard. |
| Lockless Stringers | Low (just insert) | Medium (depending on tension) | Minimum |
| NDNDM (inflatable floor) | Minimum | Low (soft bottom) | Light. |
The choice of the type of bottom depends on your tasks. For fishing in standing water, NDND will also work, but for going to large water with a powerful motor, a hard floor with stringers and a hard floor is preferable. bolt-joint.
Sex care and boat storage
The durability of a solder boat depends on how you dry and store it. Aluminum stringers do not rust, but oxidize, so it is recommended to periodically lubricate them with silicone lubricant or WD-40, especially if the boat was operated in salt water.
Plywood plates require special attention. Even laminated plywood is afraid of prolonged contact with water through the ends. Once a season, it is recommended to inspect the coating and, if necessary, cover the ends with moisture varnish or a special composition for wood.
⚠️ Warning: Keeping the boat assembled (with the floor set) in a deflated state is only possible for a short time. Prolonged storage with stringers inserted can lead to deformation of profiles and the appearance of cloth cloth at the folding sites.
When packing a boat in a transport bag, try not to bend the stringers in places where it is not intended by the design. Aluminum has a shape memory, and a constant bending to one side will weaken the metal. Stack the boat carefully, alternating the direction of folding.
Can I leave a boat with a floor in the sun?
It's not recommended. The air in the cylinders expands when heated, the pressure increases, and the plywood floor, when heated, can deform or detach. Also, ultraviolet light destroys PVC fabric. Always cover the boat with an awning or hide in the shade.
How do you know if the stringers are inserted incorrectly?
If you hear a metal clang while cruising on the bottom or feel the stoves cruising under your feet, then the stringers are not snapped to the end, and the sign of error is the loose attachment of the transom bar to the cylinders.
Should I lubricate the grooves of the stringers?
Yes, it makes assembly easier. Use silicone spray or talc. Do not use petroleum products (oil, solidol) under any circumstances, as they can destroy PVC tissue upon contact.
What to do if the stringer lock is broken?
In the field, you can temporarily lock the connection with string straps or wire, but you can't operate the boat at full capacity. You need to replace the lock. Often, universal locks from other manufacturers with a similar profile are suitable.
Can I walk on the floor in tough shoes?
Hard soles with stones or metal elements (heels, spikes) can damage the coating of the plates or the very fabric of the bottom, it is better to use special shoes for boats (slip-on) or walk in socks / barefoot.
Why is the floor creaking on the move?
Screeching occurs due to the friction of aluminum against aluminum or aluminum against PVC in places of loose fit. Eliminated by lubricating rubbing surfaces with silicone or by a denser assembly (checking the pressure in cylinders).