Modernization of inflatable watercraft is a process that sooner or later affects every owner who wants to improve comfort and safety on the water. Installation of a false board It's one of the most effective ways to improve the performance of a vessel, make it more stable and protect passengers from splashes. Unlike factory models, self-assembly allows you to take into account the individual specifications of your boat and the specific requirements of fishing or recreation.
The bulwark is a rigid or semi-rigid supercharge that is attached to the perimeter of the cylinders, and this solution not only visually expands the space, but also creates an additional air cushion that increases the unsinkability, but in order for the system to work correctly, you need to strictly adhere to the assembly technology, otherwise you can get the opposite effect of sailing or breaking the centering.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the stages of work, from the selection of material to the final sealing of the seams. PVC fabric Or composite sheets, which sealants will ensure the durability of the structure and how to avoid the typical mistakes of beginners, a competent approach will allow you to turn a regular inflater into a full-fledged boat with high sides.
Selection of material and preparation of tools
The first and most critical step is to choose the material from which the bulge will be made. The market offers many options, but for homemade structures, the most common use is dense reinforced bulges. PVC fabric The material has the necessary rigidity to keep the shape under the pressure of the wind, and at the same time remains sufficiently elastic for a sealed connection with cylinders.
Composite materials or thin plastics can be an alternative to fabric, but their fastening requires more complex technical solutions, such as special locks or rigid profiles. For most users, fabric is the best choice, since it allows you to create an inflatable or soft structure that is easy to roll up during transportation. Reinforced polyvinyl chloride It is resistant to ultraviet radiation and is not afraid of contact with water.
⚠️ Note: When choosing a fabric, pay attention to the presence of a UV protective layer. Cheap analogues without stabilizers can crack and lose leakiness after the first season of active use in the sun.
You need a specific set of tools to do this, without which you can't build a good piece, and if you don't have one piece, you can have a defective compound that you have to remake.
- 🔧 Dryer for PVC (industrial or special boat) with temperature control.
- 🧴 Two-component polyurethane adhesive (e.g., Desmocoll or Kleyberg).
- 🧪 Degreasing agent (acetone or specialized solvent for PVC).
- 📏 Roulette, marker and sharp blade scissors.
The workspace must also be prepared, the surface must be flat, clean and dry, the temperature must be in accordance with the recommendations of the adhesive manufacturer, usually in the range of +15 to +25 degrees Celsius, drafts and dust are the main enemies of quality gluing.
Disclose details and size calculation
The accuracy of the cut determines how tightly the bulwark fits the cylinders and how evenly it will distribute the load. The mistakes at this stage are the most difficult to correct, since the cut fabric can no longer be built up without visible seams. Before you start work, you need to take accurate measurements from your boat, given that inflated the geometry of the cylinders can change.
The standard height of a bulwark usually varies from 15 to 25 centimeters. It is not recommended to make a structure higher without serious engineering calculations, since this will significantly increase the sailing and risk of overturning the boat in lateral wind. For fishing models, cutouts are often made for the keys or mounts for fishing rod holders.
When you open, be sure to leave seams. For overhead seams ("flap"), 3-4 cm is enough on each side of the parts connected. If you plan to make a false-bort with air cameras, then the width of the workpiece should take into account the double height of the board plus the margin for the sphericality of the inflated product.
Formula for calculating the length of the workpiece
The length of the workpiece = perimeter length of the cockpit + (2 × width of the seam × number of joints) + 5% for shrinkage of the material during gluing. Don't neglect the stock, it is better to cut extra than to detect a shortage at the critical moment.
Marking is best done with chalk or a special marker for fabric that is easy to wash off. Pencil lines can be erased during operation, and alcohol-based markers are sometimes difficult to remove. Carefully cut out parts, trying not to make ripped edges, which can become points of the beginning of the material stratification.
Gluing technology and sealing of seams
The process of gluing is the most important stage, on which it directly depends tightness The failure of the technology will cause the bulwark to detach under pressure from air or water, which can cause an emergency in the water, and PVC glue works by cold vulcanization, penetrating the material structure and creating a monolithic compound.
First, the surfaces to be glued together must be thoroughly cleaned with fine sandpaper (220-400 grains) and degreased, removing the protective layer and dirt, ensuring maximum adhesion. The adhesive is applied with a brush in a thin layer on both glued surfaces. After application, you need to wait a certain time (usually 10-20 minutes, according to the glue instructions) for the solvent to evaporate and the glue to stop sticking to the fingers.
| Parameter | Meaning / Description | Criticism |
|---|---|---|
| Sticking temperature | +15...+25 °C | High. |
| Glue drying time | 10-20 minutes. | Critically. |
| Fryer temperature | 200-300 °C | Medium |
| Row pressure. | 2-4 kg/cm2 | High. |
Once the adhesive is activated by a hair dryer, the parts are joined and carefully rolled with a hard roller from the center to the edges, expelling air. It is important to prevent dust or villi from entering between the layers. The seams should be smooth, without bubbles or bloating.
⚠️ Warning: Dryer overheating is unacceptable! The material will begin to melt and deform, which will lead to irreversible marriage. Keep the hair dryer in constant motion at a distance of 2-3 cm from the surface.
False-board attachment to cylinders
There are two main ways to attach the bulwark to the PVC tubes: glue around the perimeter and mechanical attachment with valves or Velcro straps. The first option provides maximum rigidity and tightness, turning the boat into a solid structure. The second option is convenient because it allows you to quickly remove the sides for storage or replacement.
With adhesives, the bottom of the bulwark sticks directly to the balloon, and to reinforce the structure, you often use an extra strip of fabric that overlaps the joint on top, creating a strong seam on the floor, and it's important to spread the tension evenly around the perimeter so that when you pump the cylinders, the bulwark doesn't get skewed.
If you have chosen the option with a removable mount, then the response parts of Velcro straps or valves are installed along the upper edge of the balloon and the lower edge of the bulge. Mechanical fastening It requires a special glue to fit the fixing elements themselves, a solution that is popular among those who keep the boat assembled and do not want to strain the seams.
☑️ Attachment quality check
In places where the switches or the transom plate are attached, the false board should have special reinforcements. Here the loads will be maximum, so simply gluing the tape is not enough. It is recommended to use inserts of a denser material or multilayer gluing.
Installation of the transom plate and strengthening of the structure
A slingboard is a rigid insert in the rear of a stern designed to hold an outboard motor, and it's the one that takes enormous loads when you're moving, so you have to pay special attention to it, and it has to be made of moisture-resistant plywood, aluminum or composite, and it has the right geometric shape.
The slab is mounted by sticking it between layers of fabric of the bulwark or fastening it to the already finished board with powerful adhesives and mechanical fixtures. Often the "pocket" method is used, where the fabric of the bulwark wraps around the plate and glues it on the back side, creating a reliable clip.
- 🛡️ The transom angle should strictly correspond to the lower unit of your motor (usually 10-15 degrees).
- 🔩 All metal attachments must be made of stainless steel to avoid corrosion.
- 💧 The lower edge of the plate should be protected from direct contact with water and impacts on obstacles.
To strengthen the aft, additional stiffness ribs or inflatable cans are often installed, which helps distribute the weight of the motor and prevents the transom from bending inside the boat under load. Trans rigidity A key factor in safety and efficiency of planing.
To protect the bottom edge of the transmolina plate, use an aluminum corner or a special rubber edging, which will prevent plywood from soaking and tissue damage when you often pull the boat ashore.
Final assembly and testing on the water
After all installation work is completed and the glue is dry (it is recommended to wait 24-48 hours before operation), a visual inspection and initial pumping should be performed, the boat is pumped to working pressure and left for several hours to make sure there are no air leaks and deformation of the seams.
The first outing should be in calm conditions, without strong waves or winds, check the behavior of the boat under load, the resistance of the bulwark to flooding with a wave and the operation of the transom plate under the weight of the engine, Any creaking, deflection or suspicious sounds should be the signal for immediate return to shore and inspection.
Regular maintenance of the new design was also not canceled, and after each trip, the bulwark should be washed with fresh water, especially if you were swimming in salt water, and thoroughly dried before packaging, which will extend the life of the adhesive compounds and preserve the elasticity of the material.
⚠️ Warning: Do not keep the boat with the installed bulwark in a pumped state for a long time out of season. Constant tension of the material and adhesive seams can lead to premature aging and loss of leakage.
A well-established false board increases the safety of the PVC boat, but requires strict adherence to gluing technology and regular monitoring of the state of the seams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install a false board on an already finished boat without factory mounts?
Yes, it's possible. You can glue the bulge directly to the cylinders of an existing boat using the same technology as you would in manufacturing, and you need to carefully prepare the surface and choose compatible materials.
How much does the bulwark increase the weight of the boat when assembled?
Weight depends on the material and the height of the board. On average, adding a full set of shaft boards with a transom panel increases the weight of the package by 3-6 kg. Inflatable versions are lighter than rigid composite counterparts.
Does the slack affect the speed of the boat?
The bulwark itself has a slight effect on speed, but it increases sailing, and in headwinds, it can feel stronger, but the correct installation of the transom panel often improves the plane output by optimizing the angle of the differential.
Which glue is best used for PVC fabric?
The best results are shown by two-component polyurethane adhesives (for example, Kleyberg 5020, Desmocoll 4006 with hardener) which create an elastic and water-resistant seam that withstands temperature changes and mechanical stress.