Operating an inflatable boat to the limit of its capabilities often leads to discomfort, especially when fishing for long periods or moving around the waters at high speed. Standard equipment rarely provides a full seat, and using a soft bottom as a seating place quickly tires your back and legs. chair-standIt can be made independently by adapting the design to a specific model of the boat.
Self-manufacturing not only saves a significant amount, but also takes into account all the individual specifications of your craft, such as the type of floor, cockpit dimensions and desired landing height. In this article, we will discuss all the stages of creating a reliable support, from the selection of materials to the final installation of the vessel. floorboard.
The main purpose of this design is to ensure stability and safety. Poorly assembled racks can cause injury or damage to cylinders during rolling, so the choice of fasteners and the geometry of the structure must be approached with engineering precision, not by eye.
Selection of materials and tools for construction
The base of the future rack is most often a profile pipe or a durable timber. The metal version is preferable because of the lower weight with high strength, but it requires welding skills. If there is no welding machine, an excellent choice will be pipe-pipe with flange joints or moisture-resistant plywood with a thickness of at least 20 mm.
You need a basic toolkit to work with, and it's important that all cutting surfaces are sharp, so that the cuts are clean and that the material is not bullied, and you pay special attention to the fastener, because it will carry the main load.
- 🔧 Drill screwdriver with a set of drills for metal and wood.
- 📏 Roulette, coal mine and marker for accurate marking.
- 🔩 The stainless steel, the stainless steel, the stainless steel.
- 🪚 Metal knife or jigsaw (depending on the material).
If you're staying on the wooden version, use only special impregnations or varnishes for yachts. The usual paint will quickly peel off and the tree will begin to rot from constant contact with water. Metal elements also require corrosion protection, especially if the boat is used on salt water.
Design and calculation of rack dimensions
Before cutting materials, you need to create a precise drawing, the height of the strut directly affects the center of gravity of the boat. Too high a landing can make the boat unstable on the wave, and low one uncomfortable for motor control or spinning.
⚠️ Note: When calculating the height, keep in mind that the standard rotary chair adds another 10-15 cm The optimal height of the rack above the floor level is usually 25-35 cm.
Pay special attention to the base area. The wider the base, the more stable the structure will be. In inflatable boats, it is critical to spread the pressure on the floor so that the sharp corners of the rack do not damage the sharp corners of the rack. cylinders Or soft floor when rolling.
When you design, consider the possibility of dismantling, the removable structure is more convenient for transportation and allows you to quickly free up space in the cockpit, you can use threaded connections or a quick removal system based on studs.
There are several types of designs that can be implemented:
- 📐 T-shaped rack with a wide lower bar.
- 🏗️ A frame structure of four supports connected by jumpers.
- 🔩 Adapter for standard sockets switches (if the model of the boat allows).
Instructions for assembling a metal support
So let's look at the assembly process with a 20 x 20 mm square tube, which is the best combination of lightness and stiffness, and first cut the workpieces according to your drawing, with 90 degrees.
☑️ Pre-welding check
You better do the assembly on a flat surface. First, weld the main knots, check the geometry, and then boil the seams completely. If you don't weld, use reinforced corners and bolts, but remember that bolts can weaken from vibration.
The top area should be perfectly flat, and it will be attached to the rotating mechanism of the chair, often using a transition plate of plywood or metal, which is welded or screwed to the rack.
The bottom of the structure, which will rest on the boat floor, should have a maximum contact area, you can weld additional "ears" or screw wide plastic linings to increase the contact spot and not push the floor under the weight of the angler.
⚠️ Attention: All welds must be cleaned with a Bulgarian and covered with anti-corrosion compound. Scales and sharp edges can tear the inflatable floor with careless installation.
Installation and anchorage to the boat floor
Installation of the finished rack in the boat requires care.floorboard And you can actually attach it to aluminum or plywood, and you can actually drill holes into it, and you can lock it with a wide hat and a rubber washer.
In the case of inflatable floors (BHD), you can't drill holes, and these are the methods of pressing platforms or special anchorages that are fixed overboard or use existing stringer systems, and the pressure is distributed through a large area.
Secrets of fastening to the soft floor
To install on the soft floor, you can use a system of two plywood sheets between which a balloon or stringer is clamped, or you can make a platform that relies on the sides of the boat through soft inserts. The main thing is to eliminate point pressure.
When bolting, be sure to use growers (spring washers) or a thread fixer. Vibration from the motor and shocks against the wave can untwist even a tightly tight nut in a matter of minutes.
Check the stability of the seat. Sit in it, stagger from side to side. The structure should not luft, and the floor under it should bend more than you can. If you hear a creak, use rubber or felt pads.
Comparison of rack materials
The material you choose depends on your skills, budget and operating conditions, and each option has its advantages and disadvantages, which are worth weighing before you start work.
| Materials | Weight. | Strength | Difficulty of manufacture | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Profile pipe (steel) | Medium. | High. | High (welding required) | Low. |
| Aluminum profile | Low. | Medium | Medium (bolts) | High. |
| Plywood (moisture-resistant) | Highly | Medium | Low (saw/glue) | Low. |
| Furniture pipe | Medium. | Medium | Low (assembly) | Medium |
Steel structures are the most durable, but they require perfect painting. Aluminum is light and rust-free, but it costs more and is less durable at breaking; plywood is easy to work, but it is afraid of water and heavy; furniture pipe is a compromise option for those who can not cook metal.
Finishing and safety
Once the structure is assembled, the metal parts that come into contact with the boat are better coated with a soft material, such as polyethylene foam or rubber, which will prevent friction and damage to PVC when driving.
The turning mechanism The chair also requires inspection, make sure it is securely fixed on the rack, use high-end bolts (at least 8.8), as conventional self-tapping screws may not withstand dynamic loads.
Check the condition of the fastener regularly. After each fishing, it is advisable to rinse the rack with fresh water, especially if you have been fishing at sea.
To increase comfort and safety, coat the bottom of the rack (which is in the boat) with a soft foam wrapped in dermatine. This will protect the cylinders from accidental kicking or tackle.
Remember that the installation of additional equipment changes the weight of the boat, a high rack with a person sitting on it raises the center of gravity, which can be dangerous when you turn abruptly on the engine. Be careful not to exceed the recommended passenger capacity.
The main secret of the durability of a homemade rack is high-quality anti-corrosion treatment and the use of wide support platforms to distribute pressure on the boat floor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I attach the rack directly to the cylinder without floorboard?
You can't attach a rigid strut directly to an inflated balloon, it will damage it, but there are special inflatable platforms or stringer attachments that distribute the load, and in any case, the fulcrum must be rigid and wide.
What weight can a homemade rack from a profile pipe withstand?
With the correct calculation of the cross section (for example, 20x20 mm or 25x25 mm) and high-quality welding, such a rack easily withstands a load of 150-200 kg. The critical point is not the pipe itself, but the method of attaching to the floor of the boat.
Do I need to remove the rack when transporting the boat?
Yes, it's necessary. First, the rack takes up useful space. Second, when the boat is blown away and rolled up, the rigid elements can damage the PVC material. The demolition design is the most practical option.
Will a regular office chair be suitable for installation on a boat?
Theoretically, yes, if the mechanism allows, but office chairs often have plastic bottoms and weak rollers that will quickly become unusable from moisture and sand. sea-chair Or adapted car seats with a rotary mechanism.