Comfort while fishing is not just a whim, but a guarantee of productive pastime on the water. Sitting for hours on a hard transom or a coiled deck on board is a questionable pleasure, especially if you plan long fishing, which is why a folding chair in a boat yourself becomes the ideal solution for those who appreciate ergonomics and want to save money.
Self-manufacturing allows you to take into account all the nuances of your particular boat, whether it is a boat. PVC You can choose the height of the back, the stiffness of the seat, the type of attachment, which is almost impossible to do when buying a ready-made store version, and it's also a great way to get the engineering savvy.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of creating a reliable and lightweight seat, we will look at the choice of materials, the necessary tools and step-by-step instructions for assembly. security Stability of the structure is in the first place, so you should not neglect the quality of materials.
Selection of materials and preparation of tools
The first step in any product is to make a good selection of raw materials. For a boat chair, moisture resistance, UV resistance and low weight are critical. Aluminum profiles or stainless steel pipes will be an excellent frame, as they are not susceptible to corrosion in salt water.
For the seat and back, moisture-resistant plywood of the brand is most often used. FC But if you want to be a minimal weight, you can think of a frame of durable textiles that's strung over a frame. foul-fed high density, which does not absorb water, or use ready-made sea seats.
Don't forget to prepare all the necessary tools in advance so that the process does not stop. You will need a metal hacksaw or a Bulgarian, a drill with a set of drills, a roulette, a marker and fasteners. Pay special attention to the choice of bolts and nuts - they must be from the top of the wheel. stainless steel Or have a zinc coating.
- 🛠️ Aluminum profile or pipe with a diameter of 20-25 mm for the frame.
- 🪑 Moisture-resistant plywood or durable fabric for the seat base.
- 🔩 The stainless steel (bolts, nuts, washers).
- 🧵 Strong threads (capron or lavsan) and foam for upholstery.
- 🔨 Tools: drill, hacksaw, roulette, sandpaper.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use conventional ferrous metal for the frame, even if you plan to paint it. In conditions of constant humidity and salt spray, it will rust from the inside very quickly, which will lead to breakage of the chair at the most inopportune moment.
Design and design drawings
Before cutting materials, you need to create a detailed drawing. A folding chair in a boat yourself requires precise geometry calculation to make the folding mechanism work without jamming. The standard height of the seat from the boat floor is 35-40 cm, but these parameters can be adapted to your height.
When designing, consider that the legs of the chair should have an extended base or additional stops to prevent tipping over on the wave. The folding mechanism is usually based on the principle of scissors or uses loops at the junction points of vertical and horizontal pillars. fixer in a decomposed state.
For the back, it is better to adjust the angle of the inclination or fix it at 100-110 degrees for a comfortable landing. If you are drawing on paper, be sure to specify the places where the holes are drilled under the bolts. The gaps between the moving parts should be minimal so that there is no backlash, but sufficient for free running.
| Parameter | Optimal value | Permissible range | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 380 mm | 350-420 mm | Depends on the height of the fisherman. |
| Seat width | 400 mm | 380-450 mm | Standard for adults |
| Back angle | 105° | 90°-115° | To relax your back. |
| Structure weight | 2.5 kg | 2.0-4.0 kg | Excluding anchorages |
Use 3D modeling software or just millimeter paper for visualization, which will help you avoid building errors. ergonomics It can also cause fatigue in the back during long fishing.
Do you need an armrest?
Armrests increase comfort, but make the chair wider. In a narrow PVC boat, they can interfere with rowing or movement. If the boat is less than 130 cm wide, it is better to abandon the armrests or make them removable.
Manufacture of the frame and folding mechanism
The fabrication process starts with cutting the workpieces according to your drawing, and if you're using an aluminum profile, the edges of the cuts need to be thoroughly cleaned with a file or sandpaper to remove the sharp edges, which will prevent hand injuries and damage to the boat's fabric.
The most critical step is to assemble the folding mechanism, and the spin axes need to be smooth and lubricated, and the tubular elements often use wide washer bolts between which Teflon or plastic bushings are laid, which reduces friction and prevents the appearance of creaks.
Check the mechanism idle several times. The chair should fold and unfold in one confident movement. If you feel jamming, find the reason - maybe the holes are not drilled exactly in the center or the length of the levers is wrong. Stability The structure in the unfolded form is checked by body weight pressure.
- ✂️ Cut the profile into segments of the desired length with a margin of 2-3 mm.
- 🔩 Drill holes under the axis of rotation, observing perpendicularity.
- 🧼 Treat all sections and surfaces, eliminate burrs.
- 🔧 Build a basic frame without upholstery for kinematics testing.
⚠️ Attention: When drilling aluminum, use lubricating coolant or engine oil so that the drill does not “stick” and the hole is smooth, without ragged edges.
☑️ Screening of the frame
Seat and backrest installation
Once the frame is ready, you can move on to the seat and back, and if the back is plywood, it's pre-treated with antiseptics and coated with varnish or paint for outdoor work, which will protect the tree from moisture and rot.
To attach the base to the metal frame, use bolts with a secret head so that the hats do not interfere with or scratch the clothes. polyethylene foam Not only will it soften the seat, it will also protect the material from rubbing against the metal.
If you're making a soft seat, pull the foam cloth on the base and fasten it on the back with braces or glue. The fabric should be pulled evenly, without folds. The cloth is great for marine purposes. Oxford Or a specialized material for yacht furniture that dries quickly.
Make sure the backrest is securely fixed. Folding models often use an extra bar or strap on the back that limits the angle of recline. safetyprevents falling back when the boat is in a sharp roll.
To increase comfort, use a memory foam foam, but be sure to cover it with a waterproof case, since the material itself absorbs water.
Seat attachment systems in the boat
A homemade chair is useless if it can't be secured securely in a boat. There are several basic ways of fixing it. The easiest way is to use the response parts mounted on the bottom or sides of the boat. PVC boats often use special platforms-trans or mounts to stringers.
The fastening must withstand the dynamic loads that arise when the boat is moving on the wave. Screwing locks, latches or belts with carabiners - the choice depends on the design of your boat. It is important that the anchorage points do not damage the cylinders or the hull of the vessel.
If the boat is metal, you can weld the return pads or use powerful magnets (although the latter is less reliable on a strong wave).
- ⚓ Screwing fixtures (for hard floors or aluminum boats).
- 🔗 Seat belts with fastexes (universal version for the board).
- 🧱 Base-platforms (increase stability on the soft bottom).
- 🧲 Powerful neodymium magnets (only for steel boats, as additional fixation).
⚠️ Warning: Never attach a chair to just one point of support, at least two, or better three or four, anchorage points will provide the necessary stability and prevent the chair from being rolled up with the fisherman.
A strong seat attachment is more important than a soft seat, and in an emergency or a sudden stop of the boat, it is the fixation that will save you from falling overboard or injury to the side.
Finishing and corrosion protection
The final step is to protect all the elements from aggressive aqueous environments, and even if you used aluminum and stainless steel, additional protection measures will not hurt. All threaded connections are recommended to be treated with graphite lubricant or silicone spray.
Wooden elements are coated with yacht varnish in several layers, metal parts, if not anodized, can be coated with a special compound to protect against salt water, Regular care will extend the life of your product for many seasons.
After each fishing trip, it is advisable to rinse the chair with fresh water and dry it, which will wash away the residues of salt and dirt that can cause corrosion or mold on the fabric elements. Proper storage in a dry place in winter is the key to durability.
Check all the fasteners after you first use them on water. Vibration could have weakened the nuts, so you need to tighten them. Regular inspection of the hinges and lubrication of rubbing vapors is a mandatory procedure before each season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use regular plywood for the seat?
It is not recommended to use conventional building plywood, as it will quickly dissipate from moisture. If there is no other way out, it should be treated with epoxy very high quality or coated with several layers of water-resistant varnish on all sides, including the ends.
How much weight can a homemade folding chair withstand?
With proper calculation and use of aluminum profile wall thickness from 1.5 mm, the design can easily withstand up to 120-150 kg.
Do I have to put a stand under my feet?
It's a matter of personal preference, and for long-term fishing, the footrest improves circulation and reduces the load on the lower back, and when you make a homemade version, it's easy to make it removable or foldable.
How do you lubricate the hinges of the chair?
The best thing to do is to use silicone lubricants or Teflon sprays, which are not washed away by water, stick to sand and dirt, and do not break down rubber seals, if they are in the design.
How to reduce the weight of a chair for a small boat?
To reduce weight, use a profile with a thicker wall but smaller diameter, or replace the plywood seat with a framed sling, and you can also abandon armrests and make the back of the mesh.