Long stays in an inflatable boat without proper back support quickly turns fishing or cruising into an endurance test. bankerThe squirrels that come with most models are functional, but they're completely ergonomic, and the lack of vertical support causes the back muscles to be constantly stressed, which is especially critical when fishing with spinning or waiting for a bite.
The solution to the problem is installation jar-backIt's not just a piece of plywood, it's an important tuning element to help you distribute weight and reduce fatigue, and in this article, we'll look at all the nuances of building and installing a backrest so you can be as comfortable as possible.
Well-assembled designs must be not only comfortable, but also safe, without compromising the integrity of the cylinders, and modern materials allow for lightweight and durable solutions that can be easily dismantled. Back on the can in the PVC boat This is the case when the minimum expenditure of time and money gives a huge increase in the quality of rest.
Why do you need extra support for your back?
The primary function of any backs This is the unloading of the spinal column, and when you're sitting on a flat surface, the center of gravity shifts, and the body starts to bend out unnaturally, and if you put it upright, you can take an anatomically correct position, which is close to sitting in a chair, and this is especially important for people with musculoskeletal problems or just for people who value their comfort.
In addition, the availability support It's a little bit more stable than a pitcher, and in agitation or a big fish jerk, you get a little more balance, you get less risk of losing balance, and more importantly, you don't fall overboard when you roll. PVC.
And thermoregulation is also important, because sitting upright and leaning on your back allows better air circulation between your body and your clothes, which prevents your back from sweating too much in hot weather, and helps keep you warm when it's cool and windy outside. A properly chosen back angle reduces the pressure on the tailbone and lumbar by 40% compared to sitting without a support.
Selection of materials for manufacturing DIY
Self-manufacture backs It's a perfect fit for your boat and height, and the main material is traditionally FC or FSF plywood, which is strong enough to support the weight of an adult, and when properly processed, it lasts for years, and the thickness of the sheet usually varies from 6 to 10 mm depending on the width of the span.
For upholstery and filler, tourist mats from EVA It's a material that doesn't absorb water, it's easy to wash and it dries quickly, and it's wrapped in a durable Oxford-type fabric or a leather substitute that's resistant to UV light and mechanical damage. 45LL or cockpitAs the usual cotton will rot quickly.
The fasteners must be made of stainless steel or aluminum. The use of conventional ferrous metal will lead to rapid corrosion and the appearance of rusty spots on the sides of the boat. loop-up or special hinges that allow you to adjust the angle of inclination.
When choosing plywood, be sure to check the ends for chips - they must be immediately skinned and impregnated with olive oil, otherwise moisture will quickly destroy the structure of the tree.
Design features and types of fastenings
There are several basic ways to attach backs The simplest option is to have a rigid fixation at right angles or with a slight tilt, which is easy to make, but takes up more space when transported, and most often a system of slots or metal corners that are screwed to the end of the can.
A more advanced version. fold-backIt allows you to fold the structure, reducing the dimensions of the boat in the assembled form, to implement this mechanism, using piano loops or special brackets, it is important to ensure that the back does not fold under the weight of the back during fishing.
The third type is removable modular systems, which are attached to transom plates or special racks that are mounted in paioles, and the good thing about this is that it doesn't require drilling the can itself, keeping it intact, but it's more complex to set up and requires more precise design calculations.
The nuances of fittings
When using a piano loop, make sure that the rotation axis has no backlash. Cheap loops quickly unroll, and the back starts to "walk", which is annoying when operating. It is better to use loops with a slip bearing or to properly lubricate the axis with graphite lubrication.
Step-by-step instructions for assembling the back
The manufacturing process begins with precise measurements. You need to determine the width of the can and the desired height of the support. The optimal height is the distance from the seat to the lower edge of the blades, usually 30-40 cm. After taking measurements, the plywood is cut with an electro-cloak jigsaw for clean cutting.
Then there's the frame and upholstery assembly stage. If you're making a soft back, you first put a 15-20 mm thick layer of foam on the plywood. Then you wrap it in a cloth that folds its edges to the back and is shot with braces or nailed to it. For tougher options, just treat the edges and paint the surface with varnish or paint.
The final step is to install fasteners, and it's important to keep the symmetry in place so that the back doesn't sway, and all metal parts should be treated with a protective compound, and before you put them in the boat, you should check the folding mechanism several times.
☑️ Back assembly checklist
Comparison of factory and homemade solutions
The market offers a plethora of ready-made accessories, but often they are not without drawbacks. backs They can be too heavy or flimsy, and homemade designs can take into account individual specifications, such as the height of the angler or the specifics of a particular boat model. Flagship or hunter.
Below is a table that helps to compare the main specifications of different approaches to the organization of a seating position:
| Characterization | Factory universal | Homemade plywood | Inflatable back |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight. | Medium. | Low/Mediocre | Minimum |
| Toughness | High. | Regulated | Low. |
| Price. | High. | Low. | Medium |
| Difficulty of installation | Low. | Medium | Low. |
It is worth noting that back-backThese are good for short-term exits, but they don't provide support for long-term fishing. Plywood structures win in price/quality/comfort. They are durable and easy to repair in field conditions.
The 8mm thick, homemade plywood back with soft upholstery is the “gold standard” for boats up to 3.5 metres long, providing a balance between weight and comfort.
Operation and care of the product
Even the best quality. back It requires proper care, especially if it is used in an aggressive aquatic environment. After each fishing, the structure must be dried. The moisture left between the upholstery and plywood can cause mold and rot. If foam was used, it must be squeezed very carefully so as not to disturb the structure.
Metal mounts should be lubricated periodically. silicone lubricant or WD-40 And then you can apply a thick composition, which will prevent the hinges from jamming and corrosion, and you can wash the fabric upholstery with warm water and soap, avoiding aggressive solvents.
⚠️ Warning: Never keep the wet back rolled up inside a sealer or boat bag, guaranteed to cause unpleasant odor and damage to materials.
Before the season begins, check the condition of the fasteners and nuts. Vibration when the boat is on the engine can weaken the connections. If you find backlashes, they must be eliminated immediately. Regular inspection will prolong the life of your product and ensure safety on the water.
Seasonal storage
For winter storage, it is better to dismantle the back and keep it indoors at room temperature. Sharp temperature changes can adversely affect the adhesive seams of upholstery and the properties of wood.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best angle for fishing?
The optimal angle is considered to be a vertical angle in the range of 15-20 degrees, which allows you to relax the muscles of the back, while maintaining the ability to quickly stand up or bend over the side. A 90-degree angle (straight) is only suitable for short smoke breaks, as it creates a load on the lower back.
Can I use regular plywood instead of moisture resistant?
It's not recommended to use conventional plywood, and even with good painting, it will quickly gain moisture through the ends and microcracks, swell and lose strength. In PVC boats, where contact with water is inevitable, only FC (carbamide glue) or FF (phenol formaldehyde, more moisture-resistant, but toxic when burning, which is not so important on the water) is suitable.
How much will the weight of the boat increase after the backrest is installed?
The weight of one homemade back of 40x40 cm of 8mm plywood will be about 0.8-1.2 kg together with upholstery and fasteners. For a two-seater boat, this will add about 2 kg to the total weight of the gear, which is a minor loss of carrying capacity for the sake of a significant increase in comfort.
How to fix the back if you do not want to drill the can?
There are hook or belt mounting systems, you can use wide fastex slings that cover the jar and hold the back, and you can also use paiola (boat floor) solutions through special legs, but they require a hard floor.
⚠️ Warning: When installing any additional designs, make sure that sharp edges or bolt heads do not touch the boat cylinders. Even a slight friction on the water can lead to scuffing and depressurization.