Back on the can in the boat: comfort and ergonomics DIY

Any, even the highest quality factory equipment of an inflatable boat, eventually ceases to satisfy the needs of the owner, especially if we are talking about many hours of fishing or long alloys. The standard jar, which is a simple plywood board covered with waterproof fabric, is good for short-term movement, but is not suitable for a full rest. The back is leaky, the leg muscles are in constant tension, and the pleasure of being on the water is replaced by a desire to return to shore.

The best solution to the problem is installation. bait-backIt's not just a piece of foam attached to a board, it's a complex ergonomic that requires the correct calculation of the angle of inclination, height and stiffness of the base. A well-designed support allows you to unload the spine, change the center of gravity and, importantly, free your hands for other tasks, such as gear or navigation. In this article, we will discuss all aspects of creating and selecting such an element.

The modern market offers many off-the-shelf solutions, from simple overlays to full-fledged transformer seats, but many boat owners prefer the self-manufactured way, which allows you to take into account individual anthropometric data, the specifications of a particular boat model and personal preferences for seat rigidity. Homemade backrest It is often cheaper than factory analogues and can be made from materials that are already available, making the project affordable for any budget.

Why do you need extra support for your back in a boat?

The main reason for the modernization of the cans lies in the human physiology, sitting on a hard surface without a back support leads to rapid fatigue of the lumbar region, and on water, the situation is aggravated by the constant vibration of the motor, pitching and the need to maintain balance. Orthopedic support It becomes not just a convenience, but a necessity to maintain the health and efficiency of the fisherman during the daylight hours.

In addition, having a full back allows you to change the landing, which is especially important when fishing with spinning or trolling. The fisherman gets the opportunity to lean, relax his legs and focus on wiring or watching the sonar. In hot summer, the opportunity to recline and put your back in the wind becomes a salvation, and in cool weather, an additional layer of insulation retains body heat.

⚠️ Warning: Installing a backrest that is too high or too massive can shift the boat's center of gravity upwards, which will negatively affect the stability of the craft. When designing, consider wind load and the possibility of tipping over.

Another important aspect is versatility: the back can be designed to be folded as an additional luggage compartment or even a safety element that blocks access to water. Some models include mounting rod holders or pockets for small things, turning a regular jar into a multifunctional organizer.

Selection of back fabrication materials

Starting manufacture boat-seatSo, you have to carefully select materials that will meet the tough conditions of use, and the main characteristic of any material used on water is moisture resistance, and conventional plywood or chipboard will quickly gain moisture, swell and lose strength, so it's not acceptable to use them without serious waterproofing.

The most common type of frame is marine plywood, aluminum or durable plastics. Marine plywood is characterized by the use of special water-resistant adhesives and quality veneer varieties, but even this requires coating with varnish or epoxy. Aluminum profiles are light and do not rust, but require metal skills. Plastic, in particular. polypropylene or ABS plastic, ideal in weight and resistance, but more difficult to process at home.

The soft filler is best suited to high-density foam or special furniture polyurethane foams. The regular soft foam will quickly doubt and turn into a pancake, no longer performing a supporting function. It is important that the filler material has a closed cellular structure that prevents water from absorbing. The upholstery must be wear-resistant, fast-drying and resistant to ultraviolet.

• 🛡️ Sea plywood - classic choice, requiring high-quality varnishing and protection of the edges.
• ⚖️ Aluminum profile Maximum strength and minimum weight, but high cost and complexity of assembly.
• 🧵 Oxford 600D - a popular fabric for upholstery, which has excellent water resistance and strength.
• 💧 Closed-cell polyethylene foam Modern material that absolutely does not absorb water and does not rot.

Special attention should be paid to fasteners. All bolts, nuts and screws must be made of stainless steel grade AISI 304 or AISI 316. Conventional ferrous metal will rust after the first season, spoiling the appearance and reliability of the structure. Plastic fasteners can only be used for elements that do not carry loads.

Design features and types of fastenings

There are several basic ways to attach the back to the bank, and the choice depends on the design of the boat itself and the type of can. The easiest option is a fixed back, which is rigidly fixed on the board. It is easy to manufacture, but takes up a lot of space when transporting and storing the boat in a deflated state.

A more advanced version. fold-backIt's mounted on furniture hinges or hinges, allowing you to fold the structure in a flat position, which is especially true for inflatable boats, where it's important to compactly pack all the elements into a bag, and the folding mechanism must be reliable and fixed in the working position to prevent spontaneous slamming while driving.

Sequence of action:
1. Marking and sawing the base according to the template.
2. Treatment of edges with epoxy glue.
3. Applying adhesive spray on the base and foam.
4. Twisting the fabric with the edges turning inward.
5. Fixing of tissue with stapler or glue.