Any experienced angler or tourist knows that prolonged static stress on the spine can ruin even the best fishing. Inflatable cans, complete with budget models of swimming aids, often bend under the weight of a person, causing significant discomfort. PVC boat seating yourself This is one of the first tasks that the owner decides after buying a boat.
Self-manufacturing allows you to take into account individual anthropometric data and the specifics of the use of the vessel, whether it is trolling, spinning or just family walks. Properly designed design not only increases the level of comfort, but also significantly improves the level of comfort. seaworthiness boats, ensuring the correct distribution of load on the cylinders and bottom.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of creating a reliable and convenient place for fishing, choose the optimal materials and consider ways of fastening that will not damage the expensive fishing. PVC materialYou'll learn how to create ergonomic solutions that will turn your boat into a full-fledged fishing boat.
Selection of material and type of design
The first step is always to determine the type of design, because it depends on the choice of materials and the complexity of the execution. The most popular option is a rigid seat-bank, which is installed across the cockpit, relying on the sides or a special stop. plywood (Moisture-resistant), because it has a high strength and resistance to deformation.
Alternatives to wood can be composite materials or profiles made of aluminum alloy, but they require more complex processing and special tools. If you plan to use the boat in high humidity or salt water, you should consider coating the plywood with epoxy or using epoxy resin. marine-plastic.
Particular attention should be paid to the thickness of the material: for single boats, 10-12 mm is enough, while for two-three-seater models, the plywood thickness should be at least 15-18 mm. Strength of construction directly affects safety, so saving on the material of the base is strictly not recommended.
Design and sizing
Before you pick up a jigsaw, you need to create an accurate drawing that takes into account the geometry of a particular boat model. Standard height from inflated to bottom varies, so the seat should be so wide that it relies reliably on the cylinders, but not deform them excessively. The optimal solution is to create a template of cardboard that will allow you to "try on" the future design without risking damage. PVC fabric.
The height of the installation also plays a critical role: too low a seat will make you slouch, and too high can shift the center of gravity and make the boat unstable. When designing, consider that the distance from the surface of the seat to the bottom of the boat should be approximately 35-45 cm for comfortable operation with oars or spinning.
Formula for calculating sustainability
To calculate stability, it is important to consider that the width of the seat support must be at least 2/3 of the inner diameter of the balloon when inflated, which will prevent slipping when rolling.
Below is a table with approximate dimensions for boats of various load capacity, which will help you navigate when creating your own project:
| Type of boat | Seat length (mm) | Support width (mm) | Material thickness (mm) | Max. load (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-seat | 600-700 | 100-120 | 12 | 100 |
| Double-seat | 1100-1200 | 120-140 | 15 | 180 |
| Three-seater | 1600-1700 | 140-160 | 18 | 250 |
| Large-sized | 2000+ | 160-200 | 21 | 350 |
Manufacture of the frame and the base
The fabrication process begins with cutting the material according to the drawings prepared. When working with plywood, it is important to immediately treat all the ends to prevent moisture from stratifying and entering the structure of the tree. epoxy or special water-resistant varnishes that create a durable protective film.
If you make a composite seat (for example, with a folding back or gearbox), you must provide in advance places for the installation of hinges and locking mechanisms. All metal elements of the fastener must be made of stainless steel or have a zinc coating, since ordinary metal in fishing conditions rusts in one season.
⚠️ Note: When drilling holes under the fastener, be sure to use a drill with a depth limiter so as not to damage the bottom layer of plywood and not create entry points for water, which can lead to swelling.
To increase comfort, the upper part of the seat is often pasted with a soft material, such as: isolyte Or a foam wrapped in dermatine or a special fabric, which not only makes the seat softer, but also prevents the plywood from slipping on the smooth surface in wet clothes.
☑️ Checklist for preparation of the framework
Mounting systems and stops
Reliable seat fixation in a boat is a safety issue, so choosing a mounting system should be taken seriously. Simple placing on the sides is only suitable for calm water, but when moving against a wave or when a fisherman moves sharply, the bank can shift. tracing-stitch and side-holders.
One of the most effective ways to use the system Slideme Or analogues, where the seat moves along the guides fixed on the sides, but for homemade structures, removable stops are more often used, which rest on the transom at one end and lock the back of the seat to prevent it from slipping forward.
When installing stops, it is important to ensure that they do not rub against the cylinders when pitching, otherwise mechanical damage PVC material It's a matter of time. Use soft pads made of rubber or dense fabric in the contact points of the stopper with the sides of the boat.
To fix the seat without drilling the boat, use wide belts with carabiners, thrown over the sides and buttoned under the bottom of the boat - this will create a reliable weight.
In some cases, especially on larger boats, it makes sense to have stationary beds on the bottom to which the seat frame will be attached, and this allows you to create a structure that is independent of the pressure in the cylinders and always at the same height.
Installation of a soft seat and ergonomics
Once the hard base is ready, it's the turn to create a comfortable landing site. Simple plywood, even lacquered, will start to "itch" and cool the body after an hour of fishing, so the layer of insulation is mandatory. water-freeFor example, tourist mats or special marine fillers.
The ergonomics of the seat affects back fatigue: optimally, if the surface has a slight slant back or a special notch under the hips. Many anglers install additional removable backs that are attached to the transom bank, which allows you to unload the lumbar section with a long wait for the stick.
- 🪑 Use a material with anti-slip coating so as not to move when the boat rolls.
- 💧 Choose upholstery that is resistant to ultraviolet and salt water, otherwise it will quickly lose its appearance.
- 🔧 Consider the possibility of quickly removing the soft element for drying and cleaning.
Don’t forget that the volumetric seat takes up space in the cockpit, so when designing, consider the need to move around the boat and place the gear. The height of the seat above the floor should not exceed 45 cm to maintain the stability of the boat when standing up.
Finishing and protection
The final stage is a quality finishing process that will extend the life of your product for many years. Even moisture-resistant plywood requires protection, especially in places where the risk of water ingress is maximum.
All metal parts, including bolts, nuts and hinges, should be checked for no sharp edges that can tear the boat, and the ideal option would be to use plastic plugs or decorative linings on all protruding parts of the fastener.
⚠️ Note: Do not use conventional water-based furniture varnishes – they may not withstand constant contact with water and will start to bubble, opening moisture access to the structure of the tree.
Once assembled, test the seat on land, loading it with a weight greater than planned to make sure there are no deflections and creaks, and only when you make sure the structure is reliable can you make your first descent into the water.
High-quality finishing and use of marine components of the fastener increase the service life of the seat by 3-4 times compared to conventional materials.
How often should I check the condition of the homemade seat?
It is recommended to conduct a visual inspection before each season and after each long fishing, pay special attention to the attachment sites, the condition of the lacquer coating and the presence of cracks. If the seat is wet, it must be dried in a disassembled form at room temperature, avoiding direct sunlight and heating batteries.
Can I use a car seat in a PVC boat?
Car seats can be used, but with caution: they are heavy and have complex geometry, which can disrupt the balance of the boat. In addition, the fabric of car seats quickly absorbs water and dries for a long time. It is better to adapt only the frame, replacing the upholstery with a specialized marine fabric.
How much weight can a standard plywood can withstand?
A standard can of plywood FSF thickness of 15 mm with proper support on the board (at least 5-7 cm on each side) calmly withstands a load of up to 200 kg. However, the dynamic load when pitching can be higher, so always leave a margin of safety in 30-40%.