Long periods of uncomfortably watering quickly turn the pleasure of fishing or resting into a back-and-leg challenge. Standard inflatable seats, called cans, rarely have orthopedic properties, and rigid plywood inserts on the bottom do not help relax muscles. That is why the back of a can in a PVC boat becomes one of the most sought-after tuning elements for those who value their health.
The inflatable accessories market now offers a variety of solutions, from simple removable structures to complex tilt-adjusted systems, and the right support allows you to change your posture, lean with your whole body, and reduce the load on your lumbar during the long wait for cool or the motor section of the path. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of choice to make your swimming as comfortable as possible.
Why do you need extra support for your back?
The primary function of any backs It's about getting a person on a boat to fit properly, and when we're in a boat, we often sit low relative to the side, which causes us to slouch or arch our backs unnaturally, and when we're not supported, we get very tired, which is critical when driving. boat-engine Or catching large fish when concentration and stability are required.
In addition, a high-quality back serves as a buffer when pitching. in choppy conditions on the water, the boat body makes vibrational movements, and the presence of a solid support behind the back allows you to maintain balance without clinging to the sides or hands. cylindersThis is especially true for models with NDMA (low pressure inflatable floor), where the rigidity of the floor may not be sufficient for rigid fixation of the body in sharp rolls.
And thermoregulation is also important, because many of the current models of spinal supports are mesh-like or made of materials that don't store moisture, and this prevents the greenhouse effect that comes with wet clothing coming into contact with PVC tubes or plywood, and the comfort of being able to just lean back is one of the most important things.
- 🎣 Reduces the load on the spine with prolonged sitting in a static position.
- ⚓ Increases the stability of the fisherman during pitching and sharp maneuvers of the boat.
- 🛡️ Protects the back from contact with cold or wet elements of the structure.
It's important to understand that the back is not just a piece of plastic or plywood, it's an element that affects the overall ergonomics of the cockpit. If you plan to spend more than two hours on the water, having a foothold becomes not a luxury, but a necessity, and ignoring this aspect can lead to low back pain by mid-afternoon.
Types of constructions and materials of manufacture
All backs can be classified by type of attachment and the material of the base, the most common models that are mounted directly on the can, they are rigid and soft. sea-plywoodPlastic is good because it doesn't rot and it's easier to wash, but plywood is often stronger and cheaper to repair.
The second type is a soft back with a metal frame, usually a stainless steel pipe or aluminum, covered with a dense fabric (oxford, tarpalin), which often have pockets for small things and can fold, they are lighter than hard analogues, but require more careful handling, so as not to damage the fabric on hooks or sharp objects.
⚠️ Attention! When choosing a soft back, pay attention to the quality of the seams and the type of thread. Cheap models quickly diverge under load, and the water that gets inside the filler turns the support into a hotbed of mold.
Inflatable backrests are complex, sealed cylinders that attach to a jar or transom, and their main advantage is the minimum weight and the ability to blow off for transportation, but they are less stable and can shift when shaking heavily unless they are equipped with reliable fixation systems.
- 🪵 Hard (plywood, plastic) – maximum reliability, but more weight.
- 🧶 Soft (frame, fabric) - comfort, pockets, lightness.
- 💨 Inflatable - compact storage, but less rigidity of the support.
Materials must be resistant to UV and salt water, cheap metal will quickly become rust, and poor-quality plastic will become brittle in the cold. So always specify when buying what conditions the accessory is intended for. stainless-steelIt is better to change the rusty bolts every season.
Methods of fastening to the bank and transom
The way you lock your back has a direct impact on safety and usability, the simplest option is to be on the bottom or on the side. These models don't require installation, but they can slide across the slippery floor of a boat when you brake abruptly, and they often use anti-slip mats or suction cups to stabilize them, although they only work on perfectly smooth surfaces.
A more reliable method is to attach fastex or carbine belts to the chopper handles, which allows you to lock the back anywhere in the cockpit, and it's important that the belts are adjustable and made of a strong sling, and weak belts can burst at the most inopportune moment, leaving you without support.
There are also models that are attached directly to a transom or a special crossbar, which are often part of swivel seats, but can also be used as stationary backs, and installation of such systems requires a reinforced transom or additional bushings in the cylinders, which is more complex, but also more stable.
When choosing a method of attachment, consider the design of your boat. bottom-lineThe backrest can damage the flooring if you do not use protective pads. Owners of inflatable floor boats should be especially careful with rigid elements, so as not to push through the cylinders when heavy loads.
specifications comparison table
To make it easier to choose, let’s compare the basic parameters of different types of backs in numbers and facts, which will help you weigh the pros and cons before buying a particular accessory.
| Back type | Weight (approximate) | Sustainable | Compactness | Term of service |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plywood hard | 1.5 - 2.5 kg | High. | Low. | 5-7 years |
| Plastic. | 1.0 - 1.5 kg | Medium | Medium | 3-5 years |
| Soft (frame) | 0.8. 1.2 kg | Medium | High. | 2-4 years |
| Inflatable | 0.3 - 0.5 kg | Low. | Maximum | 3-6 years |
As you can see from the table, the trade-off between weight and sustainability is inevitable. If you prioritize lightness and you walk alone for short distances, soft or inflatable models will be ideal. plywood lacquer-coated.
The service life is averaged and depends on the intensity of operation and storage conditions. Proper care can extend the life of even a budget model, while careless handling quickly disables the most expensive accessory. Always dry the equipment before packaging.
To extend the life of the soft back, treat the tissue parts with water-repellent impregnation for shoes or equipment once a season.
Installation and configuration instructions
The backrest is a simple process, but it requires attention to detail. Incorrect fixation can cause the support to move constantly or, worse, injure the passenger. First, determine the optimal place to fit, it should allow the legs to comfortably rest against the jar or bottom, and the back to be in a natural position.
If you use a belt-mounted model, first fasten the lower ends. Strip the belts through crumple pens or special hinges. Tighten them so that the back does not dangle, but does not deform. Then adjust the angle of inclination. The optimal angle is about 100-110 degrees relative to the plane of the seat.
For hard backs that rest on the floor, it is recommended to use anti-slip mats. Cut a piece of rubber or special material according to the size of the leg support. This will prevent scratches on the floor and improve traction. If the floor is inflatable, place small areas of plywood or tight rubber under the legs.
☑️ Verification of backsetting
⚠️ Attention! Never attach the back to air supply valves or thin elements of inflatable tubes without protective linings. Point pressure can lead to depressurization of the boat.
Once installed, make sure to do a test on the shore. Get in the boat, stagger around, simulating a swing. If the back holds a load and does not shift, you can get on the water. During operation, periodically check the tension of the belts, as they tend to stretch.
Additional Options and Upgrades
Modern backrests are often equipped with extra comfort-enhancing features, such as pockets that allow you to keep your phone, keys or tackle on hand, and some models have headrests, which is critical for people with tall height or cervical spine problems.
Also popular are adjustable mechanisms that allow you to change the angle of inclination on the fly, through a system of grooves or telescopic racks, which, although heavier and more expensive, allow you to find the perfect position for each crew member, and this is especially useful in family boats, where the height of anglers can vary greatly.
You can also improve the standard back yourself, like sticking a leather upholstery on a hard surface for softness, or sewing additional straps to attach the gear, and creatively adapting the store product to your unique requirements.
The secret of a comfortable landing
Use small wedge-shaped pillows under the lower back in combination with the back, which creates an additional point of support and unloads the back muscles even more effectively than just a high back.
Keep in mind the aesthetics: the back color can match the color of the boat cylinders, creating a harmonious ensemble. Bright colors (orange, salad) increase the visibility of the angler in the water, which is important from a safety point of view, especially in fog or in poor light.
Care and storage of accessories
For the back to last, it needs to be properly cared for, and after every fishing, especially in salt water, the structure needs to be washed with fresh water, the salt aggressively affects metals and tissue seams, and if you used a soft back, you must dry it before packaging.
Store backs should be spread out or rolled up into large rings, avoiding crumbs of the frame. Hard plywood elements are better stored in a dry room to avoid stratification of the veneer or the appearance of fungus. Periodically lubricate metal hinges and carbines with silicone lubrication.
Check the condition of the fasteners regularly. The belt fabric is rubbed, the plastic cracks, the metal rusts. It's cheaper to replace a worn-out part in a timely manner than buying a new back or repairing a boat. Keep the seams intact on soft models.
Proper storage and regular cleaning of salt and dirt increase the life of the back by 1.5-2 times.
So in conclusion, the back of the can is an investment in your health and your enjoyment of the process. Don't skimp on comfort, because you have one back and there's still a lot of water ahead. A well-chosen accessory will make every boat trip you take really enjoyable.
Can I put a back on a boat without a crumb pen?
Yes, you can. There are floor-stamped models that are fixed by the friction and weight of the seat, and you can also use suction cups or strap them on the hard floor, if the boat design allows, but the mounting to the friction remains the most reliable.
Which back material is best for winter fishing?
Hard plastic or plywood backs are best for winter, because they don't absorb moisture or freeze, becoming brittle like some fabrics, and they're better at protecting against the wind, and soft backs can get condensed and freeze to become ice.
Do I need to remove the back when for an outboard motor?
If the backrest is securely secured and does not interfere with the control, it is not necessary to remove it, however, with a strong wave or high speeds, it is better to use low backs or remove high ones so that they do not create sailing and do not interfere with the view.
How to fix a torn pocket on a soft back?
Small gusts can be sewn with capron thread. For large holes, use patches made of PVC fabric or dense oxford, gluing them with special glue for fabrics (for example, polyurethane) or sewing them on top of the damage.