Comfort on the water is not just a pleasant addition, but a factor that directly affects the effectiveness of fishing or the duration of cruising. PVC boatside It can turn a normal inflatable vessel into a fully mobile office or a convenient platform for cutting catches, and without this element of equipment, the angler often has to balance trying to hold gear, sonar or sandwiches, which is especially dangerous in choppy conditions.
The modern market offers many solutions, from simple boards to complex engineering structures with height adjustment. accessory So it solves the space problem by allowing the navigator, the thermos and the bait box to be placed in close proximity, and it's important to think ahead about where the surface will be fixed so that the boat doesn't get in a bad shape.
Installing a table requires careful attention to the details of the mounting, since inflatable sides do not always withstand point loads without special distribution. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of choice, compare materials and consider the step-by-step installation process to make your stay on the water as convenient as possible.
Why you need an extra table on an inflatable boat
The main problem of owners of compact PVC boats The standard configuration often involves only two inflatable seats (banks), which take up a lot of space, but do not provide a flat surface for work. Table. In this case, it becomes the central element of the organization of space, allowing ergonomically arrange the necessary objects.
For anglers, having a fixed pad is critical when using sonars and navigation charts, the gadgets must be fixed and protected from falling into the water, and the angler's hands are free to control the tackle. You can safely place a gas burner on the table. to make hot tea or food, which cannot be done on rickety sides or slippery floors.
And the household needs, too, are: cutting fish, cleaning gear, or simply placing personal items, all require clean space, without a desk, all of these operations are transferred to your lap or board, which increases the risk of losing valuables overboard. Proper zoning of space increases safety and reduces fatigue during long waits for cool.
Types of structures and methods of fastening
The right model depends on how you plan to use it and where to fix it. Designally, all tables can be divided into several main categories, each of which has its own advantages and limitations for installation on the table. flyboard.
- 🪵 Tranza tables: fastened directly to the transom, often combined with holders for fishing rods or sonar, ideal for motor placement and navigation.
- ⚓ Onboard models: fixed on an inflated balloon with the help of special belts or suction cups, without taking up a place in the cockpit.
- 🏗️ Fixed platforms: are installed on a hard bottom (NDND) or plywood floor, require drilling or the use of standard fasteners.
- 🎣 Universal brackets: allow you to change the position and angle of inclination of the countertop, often used for fastening equipment.
transom options are most popular due to their reliability, as the transom is the hardest part of the boat. Onboard models require caution: excessive pressure on the cylinder can lead to deformation or damage. PVCIn hot weather, when the pressure inside the chambers increases, fixed solutions provide maximum stability, but can interfere with the movement of the boat.
⚠️ Attention: When attaching the table to an inflatable cylinder, never use sharp hooks or wire that may damage the material. Use only wide soft-laid belts or special suction cups designed for the aquatic environment.
For temporary fastening of light objects, use suction cups with an eccentric clip - they hold better than usual and are easily removed with one hand.
Materials of manufacture: wood, plastic or metal
Your durability accessory The aquatic environment is aggressive: constant contact with water, ultraviolet radiation and temperature changes require the use of persistent materials. The most common options are moisture-resistant plywood, various types of plastic and corrosion-resistant metals.
Wood, in particular plywoodIt looks aesthetic and pleasing to the touch, but requires regular maintenance. Without quality varnish or oil, wood quickly absorbs moisture, becomes heavier and can begin to rot. Plastic (ABS, polyethylene) is devoid of these drawbacks, it is light and not afraid of water, but in bright sunshine cheap models can become fragile.
Metal frames, usually made of stainless steel or aluminum, provide high strength of the structure. However, it is important to monitor the quality of welds and coating to avoid rust that can stain clothing or stain the skin. PVC boatCombined options, where the countertop is made of plastic and the frame is made of aluminum, are considered the middle ground in terms of weight and reliability.
How to extend the life of a wooden table?
Treat the plywood ends with epoxy resin before painting – this will create an impermeable barrier to moisture, which usually penetrates precisely through unprotected sections.
Comparison of material specifications
To make the choice easier, consider a comparative table of basic materials, which will help to weigh the pros and cons before buying or self-manufacture. table.
| Materials | Weight. | Moisture resistance | Difficulty of care | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea plywood | Medium. | Tall (covered) | High (requires care) | Medium |
| ABS Plastic | Low. | Very high. | Low (wash with water) | Low/Medium |
| aluminum | Low. | High. | Medium | High. |
| Stainless steel | Highly | Maximum | Low. | High. |
As you can see from the table, plastic benefits in practicality and ease of care, making it a favorite for most anglers. Metal structures are preferred for those who plan to mount heavy equipment, such as high-powered sonars with large screens, while wood is chosen by connoisseurs of classical style, ready to devote time to maintenance.
The best choice for most users is a combination of an aluminum frame and a plastic countertop – it’s a balance of strength, weight and durability.
Installation and installation instructions
The installation process depends on the type of attachment chosen, but the general safety principles are the same for all designs. Before starting work, you need to completely inflate the boat and let it stand in the sun for 15-20 minutes to stabilize the pressure in the cylinders, which is important, since on an under-inflated boat, the mounts can sit loosely.
If you're mounting squirt-tableMake sure that the screws or clamps do not touch the motor or block access to the lower unit. For on-board models, use wide slings that cover the cylinder by diameter. The tension should be such that the table does not travel, but does not deform the balloon excessively.
☑️ Checklist for table installation
When drilling holes in the hard floor (HND), be sure to seal the edges of the hole, even if the boat is not designed to swim into the ford. This will prevent the layering of the floor material in the future. All metal elements of the fastener (bolts, nuts) must be made of stainless steel or have a zinc coating.
⚠️ Attention: Never use conventional screws on wood to attach the table to the transom - vibration from the motor will quickly shake them, and they can fall out or damage the tanning board. Use only bolt connections with growers.
Table care and storage
Proper maintenance will prolong your life. equipmentAfter every fishing trip, especially if it was in salt water or rain, the countertop and fasteners must be washed with fresh water, and salt and silt are abrasives and corrosive agents that destroy even persistent materials.
Keep the table disassembled if the design allows, saves space in the backpack bag for the boat and prevents breakage of protruding parts during transportation, wood elements once a season are recommended to be treated with special teak oils or yacht varnish.
Check your belts and plastic mounts regularly for cracks. Ultraviolet makes plastic brittle over time, and a sudden rupture of the mount while driving can cause you to lose an expensive sonar or navigator. Timely replacement of worn belts is a matter of five minutes, but saves you from big losses.
How to remove scratches from a plastic table?
Small scratches on a plastic countertop can be polished with a felt circle with polished paste for plastic, returning the surface to its original shine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make a table for a PVC boat myself?
Yes, it's a popular option. It's made of plywood PVF (moisture resistant), which is soaked in oliphide and lacquered, car seat belts or wide slings with buckles, and the main thing is to grind all the edges carefully so that they don't damage the cylinders.
Will the inflatable board withstand the weight of the table with equipment?
The weight of the table itself will hold, but the problem is that if you attach a heavy table to a narrow belt, it can push through the balloon, you need to use wide tapes to distribute pressure or you need to lean the structure on a rigid bottom/trans.
What is the maximum weight you can put on a table?
Depending on the design of the transom of the boat. Usually safe is considered to weigh up to 10-15 kg. Exceeding this value can lead to deformation of the transom board, especially on economy-class boats with plywood transom.
Do I need to take a table when driving on the motor?
Not necessarily if it's securely secured and doesn't interfere with the steering, but if the table is tall and sailing, it can create resistance or obstruct the view, and if there's a strong wave, it's better to dismantle the extra items for safety.