Any trip on the water, whether it is a long fishing from dawn to dusk or active trolling, requires not only reliable boats, but also basic comfort. Standard equipment inflatable boats are often limited to rigid cans, which in a couple of hours cause numbness of the back and legs, significantly reducing the pleasure of the process. Which is why the choice and proper installation of the seat in the PVC boat becomes one of the first to decide an experienced boating after buying the vessel.
Ergonomics on the water is critical, because the lack of a comfortable fit directly affects concentration and even safety of control. Incorrectly selected or unstable seat can cause a fall overboard during a sharp maneuver or a gust of wind. In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects of the modernization of the cockpit, look at existing types of structures and determine which option will be ideal for your use case.
The need to replace regular cans with ergonomic seats
The regular plywood cans that come with most budget models of inflatable boats serve as a simple overlapping of cylinders, but they do not care about the health of the passenger. The hard surface does not repeat the curves of the body, which leads to impaired blood circulation and rapid fatigue, especially if you have to overcome the water for several hours without interruption. Replacing such elements with specialized seats is not just a whim, but an important modernization that increases the comfort class.
And also, fixed or removable seats allow the center of gravity to be lowered in the boat, which has a positive effect on the stability of the vessel. When you're sitting on a low chair, not a high bank, the likelihood of a turnaround is significantly reduced when you move or get excited, and this is especially true for flat-bottom boats, which are more prone to roll.
It is important to understand that ergonomics In boats, it also affects the efficiency of rowing or motor control, and a comfortable landing allows you to better control the paddle or the humming wheel, reducing the load on the lumbar. Many modern seat models are equipped with adjustable elements, which allows you to adjust the position of the body to your anthropometric data.
The main types of seats for inflatable boats
The water accessories market offers a wide range of solutions, from simple overlays to full-fledged seats with addition mechanisms. The choice of a particular type depends on the size of the boat, the presence of a transom and your personal preferences.
The first and most common type is fold-backThey are a metal frame, covered with a strong fabric (usually Oxford or Cordurha) with foam filler. These designs are lightweight, dry quickly and take up minimal space in a transport bag, and their main advantage is versatility, since they can be installed on almost any boat with room for legs.
The second popular option is hard-plastic seatsThese are made of marine plastic that is resistant to ultraviolet and salt water, and they are more durable, easier to wash from dirt and fish slime, but take up more storage space, and often have built-in storage compartments for small things or the ability to attach to the floor.
- 🪑 Bag seats: combine the function of a seating place and a sealant for storing things, which saves space in the cockpit.
- 🏗️ Fixed seats: They are attached directly to the floorboard or inflatable floor, providing maximum stability, but require complex installation.
- 🔄 Rotary models: They are equipped with a 360 degree rotation mechanism, which is convenient for fishing or watching surroundings, but can be heavier.
When choosing a seat type, it is also worth considering the seasonality of use. For summer heat, mesh or plastic structures with ventilation are better suited, whereas for cold weather, soft models with a thick layer of insulation that retains body heat are ideal.
Can I use car seats in a PVC boat?
Theoretically, yes, but that's a bad idea: car seats are too heavy, absorb moisture, dry for a long time, and may have metal elements that are prone to rapid corrosion in salt water.
Fixing systems: from belts to sliders
The safety and stability of the seat depends on the mounting system chosen, and simply putting the seat on a balloon or paioles is not enough — it can shift when rolled or hit by a wave, which will lead to a loss of balance. Modern manufacturers offer several reliable ways of fixing.
The simplest and most common method is fastening with the help of tie-stringThe seat has special straps that are thrown through the cylinders and fastened with fastexes or carabiners on the back side, which is good for its simplicity and no need to drill or glue additional elements, but it does not allow you to rigidly fix the position, and the seat can slightly "walk" when rowing.
A more advanced option is to use the system lyctros The liktros is glued along the inner side of the boat, and the seat is equipped with a reciprocating part, which allows not only to securely lock the seat, but also to easily move it along the side, choosing the optimal position, a solution that is often found in mid- and premium boats.
⚠️ Warning: When using belt mounts, be sure to check the tension of the belts before each step into the water. Weakened belts can cause the seat to suddenly slip at the most inopportune moment.
For those who prefer maximum stiffness, there are fixtures on the slider The seat is inserted into the runners and fixed by a latch, which eliminates any transom displacement, but requires a hard floor (NDD or plywood paioles) and a more complex installation.
☑️ Checking of the attachment reliability
Materials of manufacture and their impact on the operation
The durability of the PVC boat seat is determined by the materials it is made of. Aggressive aqueous environment, constant contact with moisture, ultraviolet radiation and mechanical loads dictate their requirements for the quality of components.
The frame is most often performed from stainless steel or aluminum-alloy. Stainless steel is stronger and heavier, ideal for large boats where stability is important. Aluminum is lighter and does not rust, but can deform when you exceed the weight load. Cheap models can use conventional steel with powder paint, but this option is short-lived — scratches quickly lead to rust.
The fabric upholstery must be made of water-resistant materials. Oxford 600D or CorduraThey have a high tensile strength and isthirst. It is important that the internal fillers (powder) have a closed cellular structure to minimize the absorption of water. If the foam picks up water, the seat will become heavy and dry for a long time, which can lead to mold.
Plastic cells must be labeled as UV-stable, ordinary plastic becomes brittle and brittle after one or two seasons of active use, and quality marine plastic retains elasticity and strength even after years of use.
After every saltwater fishing, be sure to rinse your seat with fresh water. The salt, when dried on the fabric and metal, accelerates corrosion and destroys the structure of the fibers.
Comparative table of seat specifications
To make it easier to choose, we have prepared a comparative table of the basic parameters of different types of seats, which will help you weigh the pros and cons before buying.
| Type of seat | Weight (kg) | Comfort. | Complexity of installation | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soft collapsible | 1.5 - 2.5 | Highly | Low. | Low. |
| Plastic chair | 2.0 - 3.0 | Medium. | Low. | Medium |
| Fixed-mounted fixed | 3.0 - 5.0 | maximum | High. | High. |
| Sit-bag | 1.0 - 1.8 | Low/Mediocre | Low. | Low. |
| The turning chair. | 4.0 - 6.0 | Highly | Medium | High. |
The table shows that the choice often boils down to a trade-off between weight/compactness and comfort. For small boats where every kilogram counts, soft collapsible models remain the uncontested leader. For large PVC boats where space allows, it is better to consider stationary or rotary options.
Instructions for installing the seat yourself
If you decide to install a rigid seat or upgrade the mounts, you will need a minimum set of tools and materials. the installation process does not require special skills, but requires accuracy and adherence to technology, especially when working with PVC glue.
First, you need to determine the optimal place to set up. You need to get on a pumped boat and have the assistant move the seat to find a point where your legs are comfortable to fall to the bottom or paioles, and your back is not tense. Lock this position. If you plan to mount to lyctross, make sure that the cord is straight and not twisted.
When mounting fixed mounts on the floor (NDM), it is important not to damage the leakage of the cylinders. Use special PVC fabric linings that are glued to the floor of the boat, and already they are mounted on the fittings, this will distribute the load and protect the main material.
⚠️ Warning: Never drill through the tuna or cylinders of an inflatable boat without the use of sealing bushings and special fittings, this will lead to depressurization and loss of boat buoyancy.
The process of gluing the pentacles requires degreasing the surface with alcohol or a special cleaner, applying two layers of glue (the first dries to stick, the second to join) and carefully rolling with a roller. After installation, allow the glue to be polymerized according to the instructions (usually 24 hours) before loading.
A properly installed seat should not have backlashes and be displaced under load, but it should not deform the cylinders of the boat at rest.
Care and maintenance of seats in the off-season
For a seat to last you for years, you need to properly care for it not only during use, but also during storage. Residues of moisture, dirt and fish scales can be a catalyst for destructive processes.
After the season is over, be sure to rinse all the elements with fresh water using a mild soap solution. Dry the seat thoroughly straightened at room temperature. Do not dry the fabric elements in direct sun or open heat sources (batteries, heaters), as this can lead to tissue drying or foam deformation.
Metal parts, even if they are made of stainless steel, are recommended to be lubricated with silicone lubricant or WD-40 before winter storage, this will create a protective film and prevent oxidation in welds or joints, and it is better to store seats in a dry room, in straightened or neatly folded to avoid claws.
How to remove the smell of fish from the seat?
Use a baking soda solution or special odor neutralizer sprays for fabrics. Soak the removable covers in solution for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install a car seat in a PVC boat?
Technically, you can, but it's not recommended. Car seats have a metal frame that rusts quickly, and fabric upholstery that absorbs water and dries for a long time, which will lead to mold and excess weight. It's better to use specialized sea seats made of materials that are resistant to water and UV radiation.
How much weight can a standard soft seat withstand?
Most high-quality soft seats for PVC boats are designed for a load of up to 120-150 kg. However, when choosing, you should pay attention to the thickness of the frame tubes and the quality of welds. For people with more weight, it is better to choose models with a reinforced frame or stationary options.
Do I need to remove the seats when transporting the boat in assembled form?
If the boat is transported on the roof of the car in an inflated state, the seats create sailing and can shift when braking sharply. If the boat is carried in a bag, the seats must be removed and folded separately, so as not to damage the fabric of the boat and not deform the frame of the seat itself.
What is better to fasten the seat: on belts or on lyctros?
Liktross is considered more reliable and convenient because it tightens the seat and allows it to easily change position along the side. The belts are easier to install and versatile, but can weaken over time and require periodic lifts.