The Kazanka series of floaters, whether legendary five-meter or more modern modifications, have been a hit in the domestic water market for decades, but the basic equipment of these aluminum boats rarely boasts ergonomics comparable to the comfort of foreign counterparts. Hard aluminum cansThe products provided by the manufacturer quickly tire the back even during short walks, not to mention a full fishing day.
That is why the issue of replacing regular seats arises before owners almost immediately after buying or during the first major upgrade of the boat. boat-seat It's not just a luxury, it's a health guarantee for the operator and passengers, and it's a factor that directly affects the safety of the vessel when you're excited. The smart approach to the organization of seats makes the Spartan Kazanka a cozy family boat.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available upgrade options, from simple overlays to full-fledged seats with adjustable mechanisms. You will learn about materials, fastening methods and nuances that will help avoid errors when you install yourself. The main rule when choosing seats for Kazanka is to maintain the stability of the vessel, so the weight and center of gravity of the new design are critical.
Types of seats for aluminum boats
The water accessories market offers a wide range of solutions that can be divided into several categories, depending on the owner’s budget, the frequency of use of the boat and personal preferences. Fixed seats These are capital structures that are attached directly to the sides or bottom of the boat on a permanent basis, which provide maximum reliability, but limit the usable space in the cockpit.
The second popular option is detachable They're using legs that are mounted in nests or on rails, and they're really transforming the boat space quickly, by removing the seats that carry large cargo or fishing gear. Soft linings On regular banks - this is the most budgetary way to increase comfort, although full back they, alas, are not equipped.
Special attention deserves turn-chairThese are often mounted on pedestals in the nose or at the transom, providing excellent visibility and ease of handling, but require careful sealing of the attachment sites to avoid leaks, each type has its advantages and disadvantages that must be considered before buying.
- 🪑 Stationary sofas are the maximum reliability, but take up space.
- 🔩 Removable seats on legs - versatility and mobility.
- ☁️ Soft pads are a cheap way to improve the comfort of regular cans.
- 🔄 Rotating seats are a premium comfort for the steering wheel and passenger.
Upholstery and filler materials
The choice of material for upholstery in water is a critical factor in durability. Aggressive aquatic environments, ultraviolet radiation and temperature changes quickly destroy poor-quality materials. Sea vinyl It's considered the gold standard for upholstery, it's resistant to fading, it's easy to wash, it doesn't absorb moisture, and cheap upholstery can crack after the first season.
The internal filler also plays a major role, and the normal foam quickly gains water and loses shape, turning into a heavy load. high-density polyurethane Or special mesh materials that, even if the shell is damaged, do not absorb water, which allows the seat to remain light and dry quickly.
The frame of the seat is most often made of plywood, plastic or metal. phanera The plastic bases are light and do not rot, but may be less durable when impacted, the metal frame is reliable, but requires high-quality corrosion treatment, especially in welding areas.
⚠️ Warning: Never use materials designed for furniture or cars for seat upholstery. They do not have protection from salt water and ultraviolet light, which will lead to rapid destruction and the appearance of mold inside the filler.
Mounting and installation options
Installation of new seats on Kazanka The aluminum alloy that makes a boat has its own specifications in drilling and mounting. bolting It's a sealant, and if you just screw it up without a sealant, it'll leak out and corrosion.
Special seats are often used for removable seats cup holdersIt's a very simple system that welds or sticks into the structure of the boat, which allows you to quickly install and remove the seats as needed, and it's important to correctly calculate the location of the nests so that you don't disturb the weight of the vessel and block access to important nodes.
In the installation of stationary structures are often used bracket And stainless steel or aluminum corners, which allow you to lift the seat above the floor, which is convenient for storing things underneath, and all the metal parts of the fastener must be made of corrosion-resistant materials.
☑️ Check before seating
Special attention should be paid to sealing the holes, before installing the fastener, the surface must be degreased, a layer of sealant is applied, the element is installed and tightened tightly, the excess sealant that is exposed to the outside is removed after partial drying, which will provide reliable protection from water for many years.
Self-manufactured seats
For many boat owners do it yourself It's not just a hobby, it's a way to get exactly what you need, and it saves you a lot of money. Kazan It's very real yourself, with basic tool skills, and you can use a frame made of a profile pipe or a wooden bar.
The process starts with creating a drawing or sketch that takes into account the dimensions of the cockpit of your particular boat model, then cuts out the base, which is then attached to the filler, and it is important to correctly calculate the angle of inclination of the backrest to ensure a comfortable landing. ergonomics In this case, the external aesthetic is more important.
The finishing of the finished structure requires precision and the use of special glue for the foam and fabrics. The tension of the material should be uniform, without folds and sagging. The seams should be made hidden or use decorative stitching with threads that are resistant to UV radiation.
| Materials | Difficulty processing | Weight. | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| FSF phanera | Low. | Medium. | High (at protection) |
| aluminum | Medium | Low. | Very high. |
| Plastic (ABS) | High. | Low. | Medium |
| Stainless steel | High. | Highly | Maximum |
Where can I get the seating plans?
Drawings can be found on specialized forums of boaters, in groups of owners of Kazanka boats in social networks or to develop independently, removing the dimensions from the existing cans.
Safety and impact on sustainability
Any changes to the boat’s design, including the installation of new seats, affect the boat’s design. stability Shifting the center of gravity, especially if the seats are high or heavy, can make the boat roll more, which is especially dangerous for narrow-hull Kazanka models when they are on the wave.
When installing heavy stationary sofas or seats, you need to recalculate the permissible load on board. Passenger capacity The vessel must be strictly observed, and light removable structures are preferable in this regard, since they can be easily dismantled if necessary.
It's also important to consider the attachment of the seats in emergency situations. In the event of a strong impact on a wave or obstacle, a poorly secured seat can become a dangerous projectile inside the cockpit.
⚠️ Attention: Seat installation should not block access to emergency equipment, anchor wire and drainage holes, and check if the new design prevents the boat from quickly leaving in an emergency.
When setting up high seat backs, make sure they do not close the driver’s view, especially when driving against a wave when the boat’s nose rises.
Seat maintenance and maintenance
To keep the new seats long and neat, they must be properly cared for, regular fresh water washing after each exit, especially if the boat was operated in salt water, is mandatory. The salt crystallizes and can damage the structure of the upholstery material and metal elements.
To clean up pollution, use special means for care sea-vinylAggressive chemicals, solvents or abrasive sponges can damage the protective layer and lead to cracks. It is recommended to treat the upholstery with protective compounds with UV filters.
For winter storage, it is better to leave the boat with open hatches and, if possible, with the soft elements of the seats removed to ensure ventilation and prevent condensation, which will prolong the life of the filler and frame.
Regular care of the seats increases their service life by 2-3 times and maintains the aesthetic appearance of the boat for many seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install car seats on Kazanka?
Theoretically, it can, but it's not recommended, car seats don't have any protection from moisture and salt, their machinery quickly rusts and their upholstery will become unusable, and they're also much heavier than specialized marine suits.
What height should a seat be for a comfortable fishing?
The optimal height of the seat above the floor level of the cockpit is 35-45 cm This provides a comfortable fit with bent legs in the knees at an angle of 90 degrees, which reduces the load on the spine.
Do I need to drill the sides to install seats?
For stationary seats, yes, it's necessary for a secure attachment, and for temporary solutions, you can use special clamps or fit the seats onto existing boat structures without drilling.
How to replace marine vinyl if it is not available for sale?
Alternatively, you can use PVC-coated Oxford dense fabric or a special awning fabric, but they can be inferior in tactile sensation and durability when constantly in contact with water.