Comfortable fishing or long waiting for a cool boat requires not only the right place, but the right equipment. Sitting on a hard tank or on the bottom of a PVC boat for hours is a test for the back and legs, which quickly turns an exciting process into torture. chair-carryer It becomes one of the most popular elements of tuning for lovers of the water element, allowing you to organize a full-fledged workplace.
The modern market offers many solutions, from simple plywood patches to complex engineering systems with adjustable height and angle of inclination. However, the key element here is the rotary knot, which allows you to remove the seat when it is not needed, freeing up space for maneuver or snatching a trophy. pivot It provides stability of the structure even on the wave.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what types of mounts exist, how to calculate the load and correctly install the seat so that it does not fail at the most critical moment. You will learn about the nuances of materials, the features of installation on different types of floorboards and secrets that will prolong the life of your equipment. For inflatable floor boats (BBBBs), it is critical to use distribution platforms so as not to damage the cylinders with point load.
Design features of the turning knots
The basis of any fishing chair is a rotational mechanism that allows you to rotate the seat 360 degrees and fix it in a horizontal position, most often for this purpose, marine rotary devices made of stainless steel or aluminum with anti-corrosion coating are used. bearing assembly inside such a mechanism must be protected from water and sand, otherwise creaking and jamming will become your constant companions.
There are two basic types of design: with and without a lock, and the lock-in models allow you to rigidly lock the seat in the right position, which is important when working with a sonar or a navigator. The fix-free options allow you to rotate freely, which is convenient for fishing in the throw, when you need to quickly turn in different directions, the choice depends on your fishing style and personal preferences.
It's important to pay attention to the height of the rod and how it's attached to the base. The rod can be straight or curved, which affects the ergonomics of the landing. Curved options often make it easier to position your legs, especially if you use a backrested chair. The diameter of the rod It should fit the seat of your seat or adapter.
The quality of the mechanism has a direct impact on safety, cheap Chinese counterparts may not withstand the dynamic load of a sharp thrust of a boat on the wave, so you should give preference to proven brands specializing in marine equipment. spinner It is an investment in comfort that pays off with the first fishing.
Types of PVC boat anchorages
Installing a chair in an inflatable boat requires a special approach, because you can't just attach the mechanism to a balloon or a thin floorboard. The main solution is to use a platform extender or adapter for a can. The platform is a sheet of moisture-resistant plywood that lies across the cylinders and is fixed with belts or special stops.
The second popular option is to attach directly to the sleigh jar (bench seat), which uses special brackets that cover the ends of the can, which is good because it doesn't take up too much space at the bottom, but it requires that the can itself be strong and stiff. Slushboard It must withstand not only the weight of the fisherman, but also dynamic loads when moving.
The third type is universal suction or vacuum-mounted bases, but for PVC boats, they are not suitable for the relief surface of the cylinders and the risk of material damage, and the most reliable is to use mechanical mounting through a platform that distributes the weight of the fisherman and equipment over a large area. Load distribution The key factor in the safety of the bottom of the boat.
⚠️ Warning: Never attach heavy machinery directly to inflatable tubes without a protective platform. Point pressure can cause the sutures to deform or rupture the PVC tissue under load.
When choosing the type of attachment, consider the dimensions of your boat. In narrow models, a wide platform can interfere with the work of oars or rest on the sides. In such cases, compact adapters installed on the nose or aft cans are the best solution. type It ensures the stability of the entire chair.
Manufacture materials and durability
The aquatic environment is extremely metal-aggressive, so the material of the mechanism plays a crucial role. The ideal option is food stainless steel AISI 316, which is almost not susceptible to corrosion even in salt water. However, such mechanisms are expensive and heavy, so for freshwater fishing often choose aluminum with a quality powder coating or anodizing.
Plastic elements in the design are only permissible as decorative linings or handles. The bearing parts, such as a rod, flange and rotary platform, must be metal. Cheap silumine or plastic can crack in the cold or on impact. Corrosion resistance The main criterion for buying.
You also need to consider the compatibility of the seat and the mechanism materials, and if you use a soft chair, the base of the chair should be made of moisture-resistant plywood or special marine plastic, and the wood elements without protection will quickly dry out or, conversely, swell. Marine plastic (HDPE) is a great choice for the seat base as it does not absorb water.
How to take care of metal in a boat?
After every fishing trip, especially in salt water, the mechanism should be rinsed with fresh water. Once a season, it is recommended to lubricate the moving parts with silicone lubricant, which is not washed away by water and protects against oxidation. Do not use solidol or litol - they collect sand and abrasive particles.
The durability of the machine depends not only on the material, but also on the storage conditions. If you leave the chair assembled in a damp garage environment in the winter, even good steel can become coated with plaque. conservation During the winter, the equipment will be extended.
Instructions for installing the mechanism yourself
Installing a folding mechanism is a process that requires precision and precision, first you need to determine the place of installation, it should be convenient for rowing and fishing, and not interfere with the control of the engine, mark the holes on the platform or the bank, making sure that the rod will not touch the sides when turning.
Use only stainless fasteners (bolts, nuts, washers) to fasten the mounting. Ordinary ferrous metal will rust in one season and stain everything around. Plywood holes must be drilled and treated to avoid chipping. Fastening elements They must be fitted in length so as not to damage the boat's camera from below.
☑️ Checklist of installation
Once the base is installed, check the stability of the lock. shaking the mechanism with force, it should not be backlash. If you use a platform on the belts, make sure that the belts are tightly stretched and do not slide on the cylinders. platform-fixing - a guarantee of your safety on the water.
| Parameter | Optimal value | Permissible limit |
|---|---|---|
| The height of the rod | 150-200 mm | 100-250 mm |
| Flange diameter | 140-160 mm | 120 mm |
| fastener material | Nerzh. steel A4 | Galvanizing |
| Breaking load | > 150 kg | > 100 kg |
The final step is a test landing, and you get in a chair, you get around, you try to stand up, and the mechanism has to be smooth, without jerking, and if you're okay, you can get on the water, but you better get out in calm weather for the final check.
Ergonomics and comfort of the fisherman
The folding mechanism is just the base on which your comfort is built. The landing height should be such that the legs are comfortable on the bottom of the boat or on a special stand. A chair too high raises the center of gravity of the boat, which can be dangerous on the wave, and too low causes the legs to leak.
Back angles also play a role, and for active fishing with spinning, it's more convenient to have a straight landing, which allows for mobility, and for passive waiting, for example, when fishing on the bottom, the back can be deflected back. Ergonomics of planting It directly affects the fatigue of the fisherman.
Use removable soft linings on the seat, which not only add comfort, but also provide additional thermal insulation from cold air and water.
Don't forget to have foot space. The mechanism should not interfere with placing the gear, the drawer or thermos in close proximity. Think about the layout of your workspace in advance. Freedom of movement It is no less important than the comfort of sitting.
⚠️ Note: When mounting a high chair (especially with a backrest), consider the sailing of the boat. In high winds, a high seat can work like a sail, making it difficult to drive.
Safety and limitations of operation
The use of a chair in a boat imposes certain restrictions on the behavior of the fisherman; sudden movements, getting on board a chair or using it as a stepladder are strictly prohibited; the mechanism is designed for the static and dynamic load of the sitting person, but not for acrobatic sketches. Safety rules The water is one for all.
It is important to monitor the condition of the fasteners. Before each season, check the tightening of the bolts and the absence of cracks in the welds (if any), vibration from the motor and constant shaking on the wave can weaken the connections. Regular technical inspection It'll prevent trouble.
Also worth considering is the boat's own carrying capacity: a heavy metal chair with a massive mechanism can significantly reduce the payload of a small boat. Always leave a margin of weight for gear and catch. Safe operation - priority number one.
The main principle of safety: the chair should not compromising the stability of the boat. If the boat is dangerously tilted during landing, the mechanism should be dismantled or replaced with a lighter one.
Can I use a car seat in a boat?
Technically possible, but not recommended: Car seats are heavy, absorb moisture and have a complex design that is difficult to clean, and their tilt mechanisms are not designed to rock and can jam, and it is better to use specialized marine or fishing models.
What is the maximum weight of the standard mechanism?
Most high-quality sea rotary devices are designed for loads up to 120-150 kg. However, when choosing, always make a margin of 20-30% of your weight, especially if you plan to actively fish with sharp movements.
Do I need to clean the machine before each exit?
No, before each exit, you just need to rinse the mechanism with fresh water, lubrication is required less often, usually once a season or after prolonged downtime, to restore the protective layer and smoothness of the course.
Will the mechanism be suitable for a boat with a hard bottom?
Yes, for boats with hard bottoms (aluminum, plastic), installation is even easier, and you can use a flange mount directly to the floor of the boat, which will ensure maximum rigidity and stability of the structure.