You just bought a PVC boat and you came across the term "sling" but you don't really understand what it is and why it's needed, or you're an experienced boating, but you want to upgrade your flooring to a more practical one? PVC boat-slingWhat functions it performs, what species exist on the market and how to choose the best option for your tasks - whether it is fishing, hunting or active recreation on the water.
Slate is not just a “floor in a boat”, but an important structural element that affects the water. resilience, comfort even security Without it, it's hard to imagine long trips, especially with cargo or passengers, but how do you not go wrong with the choice of dozens of models from different manufacturers? Let's sort through the order from theory to practice.
What is slate and why it is needed in a PVC boat
Slan (sometimes called Slan) deck or flooring) is a removable or fixed surface of the bottom of the boat, which performs several key functions:
- 🛡️ Protection of PVC material from mechanical damage (stones, branches, sharp objects in the cargo).
- 👟 Increased comfortIt is more convenient to walk, sit and stand on the sleigh than on the bare bottom of the boat.
- ⚖️ Load distribution: prevents sagging of the bottom and deformation of cylinders at high weight.
- 🎣 Improved ergonomics: on sleigh it is easier to fasten accessories (rods, drawers, seats).
Without a slug, the PVC boat loses to 30% hardness (According to tests in the journal Boats and Yachts, 2023), which is particularly critical for models with an inflatable keel, for example, when a lake or river is turbulent, the absence of rigid flooring can lead to a “ trampoline effect” – when the bottom bends under the weight of the motor or passengers, making it difficult to control.
Besides, slug extends the life of the boatAccording to service centers, 60 percent of PVC boat damage is due to bottom punctures, and high-quality flooring reduces this risk by 3-4 times.
Types of sleigh for PVC boats: a comparative review
All slan can be divided into three main groups by design: rack-like, cast (flat) and inflatableEach has its pros, cons and scope. Let's take a closer look at them.
| Slut type. | Materials | Weight (per boat 3.2 m) | Complexity of installation | Price (to) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rattle | Aluminum, plastic, plywood | 8-15 kg | Medium | 5 000–12 000 ₽ |
| Cast (flat) | Plastic, composite, chipboard | 12–20 kg | Low. | 7 000–18 000 ₽ |
| Inflatable | High-pressure PVC | 3-7 kg | High. | 10 000–25 000 ₽ |
Rack slugs It's the most popular option for anglers, and it's made up of individual slats that are stacked across the boat and fixed to the cylinders.
- 🔧 Repairability: You can replace a damaged slat.
- 💧 Ventilation: water does not stagnate under decking.
- 📦 Compactness: Reiki is easy to remove and transport.
Cast sludge They are a single sheet (usually made of plastic or aluminum) that replicates the shape of the bottom of the boat. harder-than-lifeIt's heavier and more expensive. V-keel Or for those who often walk in the wave.
Inflatable sleigh It's an innovative solution that combines lightness and depreciation, and they're often chosen for the future. camping They require regular pumping and careful handling of sharp objects.
If you often walk in shallow water, choose aluminium rack slate - it is less afraid of hitting stones than plastic.
Materials for sleds: which is better - aluminum, plastic or plywood
The material depends not only on the price, but also longevity, weight and resilienceLet's look at the basics.
Aluminum slugs
The leader in price/quality ratio. rustlesslightweight (rail weight ~1.5 kg) and can withstand loads of up to 150 kg per m2. transmessel and engines up to 15 hp Popular brands: Flinc, Wings, Aqua.
Cons: Over time, backlashes can appear in the mounts, and when strong impacts are bent (although this is better than cracks in the plastic).
Plastic sleigh
Aluminum is cheaper, but less durablePlastic is afraid of frost (becomes brittle at -10°C) and UV rays (burns out in 2-3 seasons). silent It doesn't scratch the cylinders. It's often used in cast for motorless boats.
Plywood slugs
Budget option for homemade structures: plywood (10-12 mm thick) is soaked with moisture-resistant compounds, but even after that it serves no more than 2-3 seasons. keelless or temporary use.
⚠️ Attention: Plywood absorbs water, increasing its weight by 20 to 30 percent, which can cause the boat to overload and lose stability.
Composite and inflatable materials
Composite (glass fiber, carbon fiber) is used in premium slants for sportsboatIt's lightweight, it's strong, but it's expensive (from 20,000 RUB. "" Inflatable sleigh is made from a very small amount of water. reinforced PVC (0.9–1.2 mm thick) with high pressure chambers (up to 0.3 bar).
How to check the quality of aluminum sludge?
Notice the thickness of the rack walls (optimally 2-2.5 mm) and the presence of corrosion-resistant coatings. Cheap models are often painted with regular enamel that peels off during the season. Quality slats have anodized or powder coating.
How to choose a slate for a specific PVC boat
There's no universal slate -- even for boats of the same length, different manufacturers might need different decking. key-periodswhich should be guided by:
- Boat length and width (measured by the inner perimeter of the cylinders).
- Type of bottom: flat, V-shaped or with an inflatable keel.
- Presence of transom (For motor boats, you need a slate with a cutout under the tran.)
- Maximum loading (Indicated in the boat's passport).
- Budget budget (from 5 000 RUB for rack to 30 000 RUB for composite).
Example: For a PVC Ob-330 boat (length 3.3 m, inflatable keel) will fit aluminum rack slate Flinc AL-330K with 7 slats and a cutout under the tan. Kazanki-2M. (flat bottom, no motor) it is better to choose cast plastic slate Aqua Plast-320.
⚠️ Attention: If you are installing a slate on a boat with keelMake sure the flooring does not block the keel valve, otherwise the keel may deform when pumped.
☑️ Checking the compatibility of the sleigh with the boat
Installation of slug: step-by-step instructions
Sleigh installation is not a complicated process, but it requires care. slug-lac:
Preparation of the boatInflate the cylinders to working pressure (usually 0.2-0.25 bar), make sure that the bottom is dry and clean.
Laying of rods: Lay the slats across the boat, starting from the transcent (if any). The distance between the slats is 15-20 cm.
Firming: use regular belts or screeds. Don't pull over, it can deform cylinders.
Stiffness checkStand on the slate - if the slats bend more than 2 cm, add additional supports.
For slate The process is simpler: the flooring is laid whole and fixed with 4-6 screeds. Inflatable sleighs are first pumped to the specified pressure (usually 0.2-0.3 bar), and then attached to the cylinders with Velcro or belts.
🔧 Advice: If the slate is cruising when moving, use it. slip-lace (sold in boat shops) or double-sided scotch for fixing slats.
Even the strongest slate can't save you from puncture if you have water under it. After each trip, dry the boat with your flooring up.
Care and repair of slant: extending the service life
The slate, like the boat itself, requires regular maintenance. basic:
- 🧼 Washing: After each exit, rinse the slate with fresh water, especially if you walked on a salty pond.
- 🔧 Lubricant: Aluminum slats once a season treated with silicone lubricant (for example, WD-40 Specialist).
- 🌞 StorageKeep slate in a dry place, away from direct sunlight (UV destroys plastic and PVC).
- 🛠️ Repairs: Fill cracks in the plastic with epoxy resin, line the bent aluminum slats with a wooden hammer.
If the rail is bent or cracked, don't rush to throw it away. Aluminum cells can be straightened by heating with a hair dryer and gently tapping. Plastic slats with cracks are repaired with the help of a recycled glass. plastic-welding (A special soldering iron and a filler rod are used).
⚠️ Attention: Never use a sleigh to repair the sleigh. superglue or silicone sealant They can not withstand dynamic loads and can detach at the most inopportune time.
Top 5 Mistakes in Selection and Operation of Slug
Even experienced water-engineers sometimes make mistakes that lead to premature wear and tear of the sleigh or even damage to the boat.
Size mismatch: buying sleigh by eye without measurements. Ob-320. not fit for Ob-330. - the difference of 10 cm is critical.
Ignoring weight: overloading of the boat due to heavy sleigh (especially relevant for cast variants).
Lack of ventilation: water under decking causes mold and rotting of PVC.
Use of sharp anchorages: screws or nails to fix slush will puncture the cylinders.
Compressed storage: if you keep the slate strapped for a long time, the slates deform.
To avoid these mistakes, always check with technical specifications boats and sleighs, and when installing, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
FAQ: Frequent questions about PVC boat sleighs
Can you make a slate yourself?
Yeah, but it requires material skills. plywood (Epoxy impregnation is mandatory!) or plastic-pipe (for rack construction) The finished drawings can be found on the forums, for example, "Fisherman's Fisherman." or "PVC boats".
⚠️ Attention: A homemade slate should weigh no more than 10% of the boat’s carrying capacity, for example, for a boat with a maximum load of 500 kg, the weight of the sleigh should not exceed 50 kg.
Which slug is better for fishing with a motor?
It's optimal for motorboats. slate-lac She's got a cutout.
- It can withstand vibration from the motor.
- It does not accumulate water (unlike cast water).
- Easy to repair.
Example: Flinc AL-360T or Wings of Aluminum-340M.
How do you fix the slate so it doesn't creak?
The squeak is caused by the slats rubbing against the cylinders or against each other.
- Use it. silicone lubricant for aluminum slats.
- Put it down. rubber-stick between the rakes.
- Keep the slacks tight (but don’t pull them!).
How much does a slate serve on average?
The service life depends on the material and care:
- aluminum7-10 years.
- Plastic.3-5 years (burns out in the sun).
- phanera1-3 years (even moisture-resistant).
- Inflatable PVC5-8 years (with careful operation).
Can I use slate in the winter?
Yes, but with reservations:
- Aluminum and composite frost-free.
- Plastic becomes brittle at -10°C and below.
- Inflatable slate in winter is better let go - PVC is losing its elasticity.
After winter operation, dry the slate thoroughly to avoid corrosion (for aluminum) or cracks (for plastic).