Operation of inflatable boat requires not only a reliable motor and anchor, but also a well-organized space for trifles. Bag for the balloon. It becomes an essential piece of equipment, allowing you to keep tools, gear or personal belongings on hand without cluttering the bottom of the cockpit. Unlike stationary kofars, soft kofars can easily move and adapt to a specific task of fishing or cruising.
The accessories market offers many solutions, but not all of them are universal. The mounting design directly affects the stability of the load during the wave movement. The wrongly selected or installed container can shift the center of gravity or, worse, damage the tank material when frictioned, which is why the choice of material and fixation system should be approached with special attention.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what types of bags exist, how they differ in the way they are installed and how to extend the life of the accessory in an aggressive aquatic environment. You will learn about the nuances of compatibility with different pipe diameters and understand what to look for when buying, so as not to overpay for unnecessary functions.
Design features and types of fastenings
The main difference between the models is the way they are fixed on the PVC cylinderManufacturers use a variety of engineering solutions to ensure that the bag fits reliably against the round surface of the pipe. The most common option is a system of belts with fastexes or buckles that cover the cylinder in diameter, such models are versatile, but require manual tension adjustment.
More advanced versions are equipped with rigid plastic or aluminum beds that repeat the bending of the cylinder, which allows you to distribute the load evenly and avoid point pressure on the material of the boat. Hard frame. It also protects the contents of the bag from deformation, which is critical when transporting fragile appliances or glass containers.
⚠️ Note: When using models with a rigid bed, make sure that the inner corners of the frame do not have sharp edges that can RUB or damage the fabric of the cylinder during prolonged vibration.
There are also magnetic mounts, but their use is limited to boats with built-in metal elements or special linings. For classic inflatable structures, they are not suitable. When choosing between belts and a rigid frame, it is worth considering the frequency (assembly / disassembly) of the boat: the belts are removed faster, and the frame provides better stability of the shape.
Manufacturing materials and water resistance
Water dictates strict requirements for materials, the basis of a quality bag must be made of dense material. oxford (Oxford) with polyurethane or PVC coating, fabric with a density index of less than 600D will quickly become unusable under ultraviolet light and mechanical stress. PVC 800-1000 g/m2It's completely waterproof.
The fittings are as important as the fabric itself. Waterproof Plastic elements such as fastexes and adjusting buckles must be frost resistant to prevent bursting in sub-zero temperatures. Metal parts, if present, must be made of stainless steel or zinc coated.
The seams of a product are a weak point of any textile product, and good models use double-stringed thread, and often use the method. welding High-frequency welding, which makes joints completely sealed, cheap ones where the seams are simply glued can disperse after several seasons of active use.
For additional waterproofing of internal items, use small-volume sealants inside the main bag, even if the bag itself is declared waterproof.
Model comparison: specifications table
To make it easier to choose, let’s look at the basic parameters of popular bag types in a comparative table, which will help determine which model will best suit your tasks and budget.
| Type of bag | Basic material | Method of attachment | Waterproofness | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Universal soft | Oxford 600D | Buckle belts | Waterproof | Low. |
| Modular with frame | PVC 1000 g/m2 | Hard padded | Complete (IP67) | Medium |
| Tactical (Molle) | Corduroy 1000D | Slings + Velcro straps | Waterproof | High. |
| Specialized | PVC reinforced | Individual tailor | Complete. | High. |
As you can see from the table, waterproof Most often achieved in models with a rigid frame or a specialized version of reinforced PVC. Soft bags from Oxford perfectly keep the shape and protect against splashes, but when fully immersed can get wet through the seams or lightning.
Instructions for installation and fixation
The proper installation of the bag is a guarantee of safety and security of the property. The installation process begins with the choice of location, most often the bag is attached to the bow or aft cylinder, less often to the central one, if the boat design allows, it is important that the cargo does not interfere with rowing and does not block access to valves.
☑️ Checklist for bag installation
When you're strapped, you need to keep the tension even, and if you pull one belt harder than the other, the bag will skew, and under the influence of inertia, it will start to slide or rotate around the balloon, and the uneven pressure can lead to local deformation of the balloon, which is undesirable.
For Velcro models, the surface of the balloon should be clean and dry. Over time, the adhesive layer of Velcro loses its properties, so it is recommended to periodically check the reliability of the clutch. In some cases, it makes sense to attach the reactive part of the Velcro directly to the boat case, if the manufacturer allows it.
⚠️ Warning: Never attach the bag to an inflated overpressure cylinder "in tension." When heated in the sun, the air in the balloon will expand, the pressure will increase, and the bag may burst or damage the valve.
Ergonomics and distribution of goods
The loading affects the boat's performance, and a bag attached to the nose can act as a weighting bag, helping the boat to cut the wave better, but in choppy conditions, it will take the main blows. Aft accommodation is convenient for accessing gear, but can interfere with the installation of the motor or runduk.
It is important to consider the volume of the bag and its fullness. An empty or semi-empty soft bag will dangle in the wind, creating sailing and noise. Filled uniformlyIt becomes a stable structure, and it's recommended to use internal organizers or soft inserts to balance.
Effect of weight on speed
An extra weight of 5-10 kg on the nose can reduce the planing speed by 1-2 km / h, but improve the course stability.
Do not overload the bag with heavy metal objects, if it is attached only to Velcro or thin slings. The optimal weight for one section on the cylinder should not exceed 3-5 kg, otherwise there is a risk of detachment of the attachment or damage to the fabric of the boat.
Care, storage and repair of accessories
After each fishing, the bag must be removed, cleaned of dirt, sand and salt (if fishing was at sea), and thoroughly dried. Storing wet products in a rolled-up form will lead to mold and an unpleasant smell that is almost impossible to remove.
In winter, the accessories are stored at room temperature. Frost makes the materials rough and brittle, so do not leave the bag on an unheated balcony or in a garage where the temperature drops below -10 ° C. Periodically check the condition of the seams and the integrity of the lightning.
If you find minor damage, such as a splintered seam or a broken loop, you can do the repair yourself. PVC and Oxford fabrics have special remixes with glue and patches. Metal fittings can be replaced with a similar one, choosing the right size.
Regular preventive cleaning and drying of the bag after the season increases its service life by 2-3 times, preserving the water-repellent properties of the fabric.
Can I wash my boat bag in the washing machine?
Aggressive mechanical pressure on the drum and high temperatures can damage water-repellent impregnation, deform rigid elements and unstitch the seams, only manual washing with soft detergents is allowed.
Will the bag fit from one boat to another?
Universal models on belts are suitable for most boats with a cylinder diameter of 28 to 36 cm, however, specialized bags with hard lodging, sharpened for a specific radius of curvature (for example, for boats). Flagship or hunterThey may not be able to approach other brands.
How to protect lightning from spelling?
Regularly lubricate the runner and teeth of the lightning with silicone lubricant or special wax. After contact with salt water, be sure to wash the lightning with fresh water, since salt crystals are the main enemy of locking mechanisms.