Comfort while fishing or cruising on the water often depends on the little things we take with us. PVC-boardIt's a tool that allows you to spread out your gear, your navigator, or just have a snack, and the lack of a fixed surface as standard inflatables forces owners to look for solutions on their own.
In this article, we will explore all the nuances of creating and installing a functional surface in an inflatable cockpit. You will learn what materials best tolerate aggressive aquatic environments, how to avoid damage to cylinders and where to find reliable mounting points. Properly designed furniture will turn even a small Kazanka into a full-fledged mobile office or fishing headquarters.
Material selection and design concept
The first thing the master faces is the choice of the basis. FSF phanera It is the most popular option due to its availability and strength, however, it requires careful treatment with varnish or epoxy to protect against moisture. composite (aluminum + plastic), which is much lighter and absolutely not afraid of water, but is more expensive and more difficult to process at home.
Designally, tables are divided into removable and stationary. Removable models are convenient in that they can be removed into the rod if you need to increase the space for cargo or passengers. Stationary options, fixed on a transom or hard floor, provide maximum rigidity, but limit maneuverability inside the cockpit. The optimal thickness of the countertop for a boat up to 3.5 meters in length is 8-10 mm.This provides a balance between weight and carrying capacity.
It's important to consider the weight of the entire structure. Overloading the stern or nose can change the differentiation of the vessel, which will negatively affect the performance and safety. Lightweight aluminum alloys and modern plastics allow you to create durable structures of minimum weight.
Necessary tools and components
And to make it work, you're going to need not only the material for the countertop, but also the reliable hardware. lever-stap They're stainless steel fasteners, or galvanized silumin, and they allow you to take your table off instantly without unscrewing your bolts, which is critical in the field of pitching and rushing.
The list of equipment required should include an electric jigsaw or circular saw for smooth cutting, a grinder for processing edges and a drill with a set of drills for metal and wood. terminal To fix the legs or the extras if the table is multifunctional, and the quality of the tool has a direct impact on the accuracy of the joints.
☑️ Basic set for work
Pay special attention to protective elements. All sharp corners of the countertop should be rounded, and the surfaces in contact with cylinders should be glued over. protector-belt The metal attachment elements must not have barbs that can damage PVC tissue when vibrating.
Step-by-step instructions for manufacturing
The process starts with taking accurate measurements of the interior of the cockpit, not only the length and width, but also the curves of the cylinders, the location of the cans (seats) and the stringers, draw a sketch to scale to avoid cutting errors, it is better to measure seven times than to remake an expensive composite sheet.
After cutting the material, the support frame is assembled if the design involves legs or brackets. Plywood tables often use a puzz-thorn system or metal corners. Wooden elements are necessarily impregnated with antiseptics and covered with yacht varnish in several layers, which will create a barrier to prevent swelling.
The secret of the perfect cut
So that you don't have chips on the front of the plywood file, stick paint tape along the cutting line and saw right over it, and you can also use a file with the back of the teeth.
The final step is to install the mounts in response, and the lever brackets are attached to the bottom of the countertop, and the back brackets are attached to the elements of the boat (banks, transom) or to a specially made hard floor. grover under the nuts so that the vibration of the motor does not lead to spontaneous unwinding of the fastener.
Mounting options and support points
The choice of mounting location depends on the design of your boat. NDMA (low pressure inflatable floor) often use special pockets or attach a table to rigid inserts in the area of the transom, for boats with slate floor support can serve as the floorboards themselves, if they are strong enough and fastened, or individual brackets that rest on the sides.
There are three main types of installation: on the trawler, on the board (through the liner cable or standard mounts) and on the central cockpit. The transom version is good for hanging sonars and navigators, but can interfere with the control of the engine. The center table is convenient for fishing, but requires reliable fixation so as not to turn over when rolling.
⚠️ Warning: Never drill cylinders to install racks! Use only standard mounts, liner cables or systems that rely on hard floors and cans.
If your table is leaning on the sides, make sure that the pressure in the cylinders is compensated by valves, otherwise, when heated in the sun, excessive pressure can squeeze out the points of support.
Comparison of design types
To make a choice, it is worth comparing the main specifications of different approaches. Below is a table that helps to assess the pros and cons of different solutions.
| Type of design | Weight. | Difficulty of installation | Universality |
|---|---|---|---|
| The tray table | Light. | Low. | For navigation/echo sounder only |
| Cockpit folding | Medium. | Medium | Tall (fishing, food) |
| Stationary on the jar | Heavy. | High. | Low (interfering with landing) |
| Lear-removable | Light. | Medium | Medium (requires tension) |
As you can see from the table, for most problems the best solution is the folding-out It provides maximum area with minimum dimensions folded, but for navigation devices only, the transom option is out of competition in simplicity.
Use an anti-slip coating (such as spray rubber or carpet) on the surface of the table so that the tackle and phone don't slip off when pitching.
Protection from moisture and durability
The aquatic environment is merciless to metals and wood. stainless steel AISI 304 can be corroded in salt water, so for marine conditions it is better to choose AISI 316 or titanium. Aluminum profiles should be anodized, and wooden parts should be covered with epoxy compounds.
Regular maintenance will extend the life of your table, and after every outing, especially if it's a bait fishing or a saltwater fishing, it needs to be rinsed with fresh water and wiped dry, and it will wash away the salt and fish mucus, which are catalysts for corrosion.
⚠️ Warning: Do not keep a table in the boat if it stays on the water for a long time. The sun's rays can overheat the metal that warps PVC tubes at points of contact.
Check the condition of the fasteners before each season. Weakened bolts can cause the table to lose during a storm or a sharp maneuver. Loctite) the medium fixation ensures that the vibration does not unwind the joints.
Tuning and additional functions
The modern fishing table is not just a board, it can be built into. gearboxThe latter will require sealed wiring and waterproof outlets to implement, and even USB charging ports powered by the boat's battery.
Some craftsmen integrate holes into the countertop to hold rods, which frees up their hands while waiting for the stick. Removable organizers are also popular, which are attached to Velcro straps or magnets to the bottom of the table, which allows you to keep the little things on hand, but not clutter the work surface.
A well-designed table increases not only comfort, but also safety of fishing, since the tackles lie in place, and not lying underfoot, creating a risk of hooks.
Experiment with configuration, but always remember the main rule: functionality should not be at the expense of safety and integrity of the boat. Easy dismantling is a key factor to quickly free up space in a critical situation.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I use regular plywood for a table?
Use conventional construction plywood (FC) is strongly discouraged as it will dissipate quickly from moisture. FSF (moisture resistant) with mandatory multilayer impregnation with varnish or epoxy, but it is better to choose composite materials.
How much weight does a table on a liner cable bear?
The structure on the liner cable (stretching between the sides) usually withstands up to 10-15 kg of evenly distributed cargo. Exceeding this weight will lead to sagging of the cable and loss of stability of the table.
Do I need to take a table when driving on the motor?
Yes, unless the table is a specialized transom mount for navigation, the large sailing effect and vibration can damage the mounts or cause injury, and when glides are made, all loose objects must be removed.
What is the best way to treat plywood ends?
The plywood ends are the most vulnerable, and they need to be skinned, ground with epoxy soil, and then covered with a few layers of yacht lacquer or sealed with PVC edge tape.