Operating an inflatable boat in difficult conditions often damages the most vulnerable element of the structure, the floor. Owners who regularly go to rocky shores, overgrown with algae shallow waters or just love active recreation with bonfires on the water, sooner or later face the need to protect the water. bottom The standard density of PVC fabric, even with reinforcement, does not always withstand aggressive external influences, especially when the vessel is fully loaded.
The process of upgrading the floor allows not only to extend the service life of the cylinders, but also significantly improve the comfort of swimming. A smooth and hard surface makes it easier to move around the cockpit, allows you to stand confidently while fishing and protects property from getting wet. In this article, we will discuss in detail the materials, methods and subtleties of the protection installation so that you can choose the best option for your model.
Why additional reinforcement is needed
The main function of the regular floor is to ensure rigidity of the structure and distribution of loads. However, when moving on water at high speed or when mooring to unequipped shore, it is the lower part that takes the blows of branches, stones and shells. bottom creates a buffer layer that takes mechanical damage on itself, maintaining the tightness of the main cylinders.
In addition to the protective function, the extra layer of flooring solves the problem of pressing. Inflated slan or thin plywood, when a strong wave is formed, deflections can form, where water flows and where it is uncomfortable to sit. The rigid overhead element levelles the surface, making the boat more stable and predictable to drive. This is especially true for models where it is used. low-pressure inflatable floor (LDP).
⚠️ Warning: Excessive weighting of the stern of the boat can shift the center of gravity and impair driving performance. When choosing a reinforcement material, always consider the carrying capacity of your boat.
It's important to understand that reinforcement is not just puncture protection, it's thermal insulation, and a thin layer of material between the water and the passengers doesn't save you from the cold, whereas an extra layer of plywood or composite creates an air cushion, which allows you to keep your body warm longer and feel comfortable even in cool weather when the water is cold.
Selection of material for bottom protection
The water-based market offers several major solutions, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on budget, weight requirements and operating conditions. plywoodFor boat applications, FC or FF plywood typically are used with a thickness of 9 to 12 mm.
Alternatives to wood are composite materials and aluminum. Aluminum leaf The corrugated plate has minimal weight and absolute water resistance, but is more expensive and difficult to process at home. Composite plates, such as fiberglass or special polymer sheets, represent the middle ground, having high wear resistance and not absorbing moisture.
- 🪵 Plywood: The classic choice, easy to process, keeps heat well, but requires high-quality impregnation with varnish or epoxy to protect against water.
- 🛡️ Aluminum: It does not rot, it is very light, it is not afraid of water at all, but it can slide and thunder when the waves strike.
- 🧱 Composite: High strength, durability, does not require maintenance, but has a high cost and is complex in cutting without a special tool.
Comparison of the cost of materials
Plywood is the most budget option, the cost per square meter starts from 600 rubles. Aluminum grooved sheet will cost about 2500-3000 rubles per sq.m. Composite materials can cost from 4000 rubles and above, depending on the production technology and brand.
When you choose a material, you should pay attention to its weight, because the extra kilogram on the bottom of the boat feels stronger than in the trunk of a car, and if you plan to carry the boat alone often, every gram counts. The best choice will be a thin aluminum sheet or compositeThey provide protection at a minimum mass.
Design features of the overhead floor
The protective layer can be made as a single sheet or a prefabricated structure. The whole sheet is easier to manufacture and install, but it is more difficult to transport and store. The prefabricated version, consisting of several segments interconnected, is more convenient for owners of small cars or those who store the boat in a limited space.
Fixing elements to each other and to the boat also requires attention. screedIt is important that the joints do not have sharp edges that could damage the cylinders from the inside when inflating or while driving.
☑️ Design selection criteria
Special attention should be paid to the geometry of the bottom, the floor should not repeat the curves of the cylinders in an inflated state, it should lie flat, forming a flat platform, to do this, when making a template, take into account the inner width of the boat and the distance between the stringers (if any), improperly calculated size can lead to deformation of the cylinders or the formation of gaps.
| Parameter | Plywood (10 mm) | Aluminum (2 mm) | Composite (5 mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (kg/m2) | ~7.0 | ~5.4 | ~4.5 |
| Moisture resistance | Medium (requires processing) | High. | High. |
| Heat insulation | High. | Low. | Medium |
| Difficulty of installation | Low. | Medium | High. |
Technology of protection DIY
The process of creating a reinforced bottom starts with precise measurements, you have to measure the maximum width of the boat inside the cylinders in the widest part and in the cockpit area, and you also measure the length from the transom to the start of the inflatable bow balloon, and you create a paper template that you try on in an inflated boat to test the geometry.
After the approval of the template, the main material is cut. plywoodThe edges of the sheets must be thoroughly ground and covered with several layers of yacht lacquer or epoxy resin, which will prevent the veneer from stratifying and swelling of the wood. Aluminum sheets require the edges to be treated with a file to remove the burrs.
⚠️ Warning: When working with epoxy resins and varnishes, be sure to use personal respiratory protection. Chemical vapors are toxic and can cause poisoning indoors.
To increase comfort and safety, it is recommended to paste the surface of the finished floor with an anti-slip coating. boat-carpetIt's a self-adhesive film with an abrasive coating, or even a conventional linoleum with a rough texture, which will protect the legs from slipping and keep the floor from scratching.
Use a building hair dryer when pasting the floor with an anti-slip coating. Heating the material allows it to stretch better and tighten tightly around bumps or joints of segments.
Installation and fixation in the boat
The reinforced bottom is mounted on a fully pumped boat, first the longitudinal elements are laid (if the floor is prefabricated), then the transom ones, and it is important to make sure that there is a small gap between the cylinders and the edges of the floor, otherwise, when heated in the sun, the air in the cylinders will expand and create excessive pressure, which can damage the seams.
Floor fixation is done by the density of the boarding and the weight of the passengers. Some models have special pockets or tapes for attachment. If you install a whole sheet, make sure that it does not move when you move sharply. You can use small stops made of dense rubber glued to the cylinders (but not to the floor!).
- 🔍 Check: After installation, walk around the perimeter and check for no sharp angles related to the cylinders.
- 💨 Ventilation: Make sure the floor does not completely block air access to the valves and bottom space to avoid condensation.
- 🧹 Gone: After each fishing, remove the floor and dry the space underneath to avoid mold and unpleasant smell.
A properly installed floor should not be cruising under your feet, if you feel a backlash or displacement, the structure needs to be modified, you may need to add sealing pads made of foamed polyethylene around the perimeter, which will also improve thermal insulation and cushioning.
Care and maintenance of the reinforced sex
The additional layer of protection requires regular maintenance, especially if plywood has been used. Periodically, at least once a season, you need to check the condition of the paint coating. The chips or scratches that appear should be immediately cleaned and coated with a new layer of varnish so that moisture does not penetrate the wood.
Aluminum and composite floors are more unpretentious, but they also need to be cleaned of dirt, sand and fish scales. The scraped dirt works like an abrasive, rubbing not only the floor but also the fabric of the boat when frictioned. Washing with warm water with a soft detergent is the best option for care.
Regular drying of the space between the bottom of the boat and reinforcement is a key factor in the long service of both the boat itself and the protective deck.
Keeping a boat with reinforced floors installed in assembled form is not recommended, especially in winter, it is better to dismantle the structure, wipe it and store it in a dry room separately from PVC materials, this will prevent the formation of pressure points on the fabric in the folded state and prolong the life of the adhesive seams.
Can I use a reinforced floor in the winter?
Plywood floors can be used in winter, but with caution: in the cold, wood becomes more brittle, and the lacquer coating can crack; aluminum and composites tolerate low temperatures better; The main rule is not to throw heavy objects on the floor and not to allow sharp impacts until the material warms up.
How much will the weight of the boat increase?
The weight will increase in proportion to the bottom area and the material chosen. For a standard two-seater boat (about 3 meters long), the weight of plywood flooring will be 5-7 kg, aluminum flooring will be about 3-4 kg. This is an essential additive that must be considered when carrying.
Will the floor protect the dog from its claws?
Yes, high-quality reinforced floors will protect the cylinders from the claws of animals. However, the floor material itself (especially carpet or cheap plywood) can be affected.
Does the floor affect the speed of the boat?
The floor doesn't have a direct effect on hydrodynamics when planing, because it's inside the circuit, but increasing the overall weight of the boat will require more engine power to get on plane, which can indirectly reduce top speed or increase fuel consumption.