Buying the first PVC inflatable boat often poses a difficult question for the owner to choose the type of bottom. In manufacturers' catalogs and stores, you will inevitably come across the term "book sleigh" and wonder what it is and why it is often cheaper than hard plywood paiola. It is not just a marketing name, but a specific engineering design that has its own unique features of operation, weight and durability.
Unlike the traditional hard-to-sex, slate This approach reduces the time of assembly and disassembly of a vessel, and reduces the size of the vessel in transport position, and for many anglers and tourists, this is the decisive factor in the choice of equipment, especially if the boat often has to be carried on foot or in the trunk of a compact sedan.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the aluminum bottom, compare it to classic plywood, explore the nuances of installation and maintenance, and learn why some models require special attention to the profile, and how to extend the life of your swimmer without common mistakes in installing rigidity elements.
Design features of aluminum slate
The design is based on individual plates made of lightweight and durable aluminum alloy, most often duraluminum. These plates are connected by special hinges or flexible tapes, which ensures the possibility of folding. The perimeter of each section often has a profile that is inserted into a special pocket on the sides of the boat, ensuring rigidity and bursting of cylinders. Slur of a book It can consist of different number of sections, but the principle of operation remains the same for all modifications.
The most important element is the longitudinal and transom profile, which takes the main load, preventing the boat from bending under the weight of passengers and the engine. In high-quality models, the profile is reinforced with stiffness ribs, which prevents deformation during prolonged operation on the wave. Aluminum, unlike wood, absolutely does not absorb water, which makes it an ideal material for constant humidity.
⚠️ Attention: When buying, pay attention to the quality of the joints of the sections. If the hinges are made of thin metal or low-quality plastic, they can quickly fail under load, turning the bottom into a pile of individual plates right on the water.
There are two main types of design: flat slate and profiled slate, the first one simply lying on the floor of the boat, and the second one has curved edges that are fixed in the pockets, the second option is considered more reliable, as it provides better hull geometry and stability on the go. Bottom hardness It directly affects the seaworthiness and safety of navigation.
When choosing a boat, be sure to check whether the kit includes a longitudinal stringer (beam) passing under the sleigh. It significantly increases the rigidity of the structure and prevents the deflection of the bottom for an outboard motor.
Comparison: Aluminum vs. Phanera
The eternal dispute between the aluminium and plywood proponents has been going on for years. What's best for a boatPlywood paiola (usually water-resistant Plywood Plywood FSF) is very hard and cheap, but it is much heavier and afraid of prolonged contact with water, although it is covered with a protective layer.
Aluminum slate is a great weight and longevity slate, it doesn't rot, it doesn't swell, it doesn't dry after every fishing trip, but it has its own specifications: it's colder and more slippery than wood, and it can get a dent when it hits rocks or driftwood that's hard to fix, whereas plywood is likely to split or chip.
The table below provides a detailed comparison of specifications that will help you decide on the choice:
| Characterization | Aluminum slate | Plywood paiola |
|---|---|---|
| Weight. | Easy 30-40%. | Harder, especially when wet |
| Assembly | Fast (decomposes) | Requires stacking of sheets in order |
| Durability | Tall (not rotting) | Medium (requires drying) |
| Toughness | High (if there is a profile) | Very high. |
| Price. | Higher. | Below. |
Advantages and disadvantages of design
In the process, The Boat Books What Is It?The main advantage is the speed of assembly, you don't have to search for each sheet and stack it in a specific sequence, like plywood, you just spread the boat, straighten the bottom and pump the tanks, which is especially valuable in windy weather or when you need to pack up quickly after fishing.
The second important advantage is compactness: a book-folded slate takes up less space in the bag than a set of individual plywood sheets, which allows for more compact covers and saves space in the trunk. Aluminum is also hygienic: it does not absorb the smell of fish, gasoline or sludge, and it is easy to wash with a stream of water from a hose.
- 🚀 Speed: Assembly takes 2-3 times less time compared to typed plywood.
- 🛡️ Defense: Aluminum better protects the bottom of the boat from punctures when pulling on a rocky shore.
- 💧 Wet resistance: Complete absence of risk of swelling or stratification of the material.
- ❄️ Temperature: Metal cools down quickly, which can be unpleasant in cool weather without a mat.
But there are downsides: Aluminum slate tends to be more expensive than plywood, and it can be noisier: when moving along the wave, metal can call if there is no tight fit to the cylinders, and it is more difficult to balance on slippery aluminum, so the use of anti-slip mats becomes almost mandatory.
Why is aluminum slippery?
Aluminum has a smooth oxide film on the surface. When water is ingested, the friction coefficient drops dramatically. For safety, it is recommended to use grooved aluminum sheets or special rubber mats.
Installation and installation technology
The right sleigh installation is a safety and comfort process, which starts with the boat being laid out on a flat surface, the cylinders being straightened out, then the folded sleigh is laid inside, and it needs to be carefully spread out along the entire length of the cockpit, making sure that the sections are flat and do not form clats.
If the design provides for the presence of a profile, it must be inserted into special pockets (litros) on the sides of the boat. Slut profile It must enter the pocket tightly, but without excessive effort, so as not to damage the PVC fabric. After that, the boat is pumped, and the pressure of the cylinders finally fixes the bottom.
☑️ Slag installation procedure
It is important to ensure that there are no gaps between the edges of the sleigh and the sides through which sharp objects can penetrate. Some models provide additional side stringers that are inserted into special slots, their installation requires care: skewing can lead to deformation of the balloon or the stringer itself.
Aluminum floor care and maintenance
Although aluminum is considered a non-pretentious material, some care is still needed. After each operation, especially in salt water or muddy environment, it is recommended to rinse the bottom with fresh water, which will prevent corrosion of hinge joints and accumulation of dirt, which can act as an abrasive.
When storing the boat, you don't have to disassemble it completely every time if you use it regularly. However, if you plan to store it for a long time (for example, in winter), it is better to remove the slate, wipe it dry and leave it straightened or carefully roll it away, avoiding sharp curvatures. The tissue joints between the sections are also worth inspecting for scuffs.
⚠️ Attention: Never use aggressive chemistry or abrasive sponges to clean aluminum. This can damage the protective oxide layer and lead to accelerated oxidation of the metal. Use soft rags and neutral detergents.
Check the condition of fasteners and hinges regularly. If you notice that the connection has begun to luft or creak, it should be lubricated with silicone lubrication or replaced with a damaged part. Slug repairs Early on, it will avoid more serious problems in the future.
The main rule of care for aluminum sludge is regular rinsing of salt and dirt, as well as storage in a dry form, which guarantees decades of service without loss of strength.
Frequent issues and problems of operation
Boat owners often wonder if they can replace the plywood floor with an aluminum book, which is mostly possible if the geometry of the boat allows, but it's worth considering that aluminum slate can be thicker than plywood, which will reduce the interior space of the cockpit a little bit, and it's also important to find the right thickness of the metal to match the estimated load of the boat.
Another common problem is noise and cold, and as I said earlier, metal gives off heat quickly, and the solution is to use special tourist mats or make a plywood floor on top of a sleigh, which will add weight, but make staying in a boat much more comfortable in cold weather.
- 🔧 Repair: When the hinge breaks, you can use a temporary solution from a durable sling, but it is better to order an original spare part.
- ⚖️ Balance: Aluminum slate distributes weight evenly, which improves the stability of the boat.
- 🌊 Wave: A hard bottom cuts through the wave better than an inflatable one, providing a drier and faster ride.
In summary, it can be said that book-book It's a modern and convenient PVC boat that combines strength, lightness and speed, and is ideal for those who value their time and don't want to put up with being overweight, and if you choose and care for them, it will last for years, making you feel safe on the water.
Can I walk on aluminum sleigh in shoes with metal spikes?
Not only can the metal elements of the shoe damage the PVC fabric if it is exposed in the pocket area, but also leave deep scratches on the aluminum itself, violating its corrosion protection, it is better to use rubber shoes or special mats.
How much heavier does a boat with aluminum sludge become compared to an inflatable floor?
The difference in weight depends on the size of the boat. On average, aluminum slate adds 5-8 kg to the weight of the boat compared to the fully inflatable floor (ND), but it is significantly lighter than the plywood variant. For boats 3.2-3.6 meters long, this is the optimal balance between rigidity and weight.
What if the slate is not fully straightened after storage?
If the slate has been folded for a long time, it needs time to straighten. Leave the boat pumped in the sun for 30-40 minutes. The heat will expand the metal and make it more plastic, which will help eliminate minor deformities. Don't try to forcefully straighten cold aluminum.