Installation of the rotary mechanism for the seat in the PVC boat

Comfort while fishing or cruising on the water is often more important than the technical specifications of the boat itself. Sitting on a hard can for hours is a questionable pleasure, especially if you have to actively spinning or waiting for a cool bite. turn-seatThis solution radically changes the ergonomics of the cockpit, allowing the fisherman to freely turn 360 degrees without getting up.

However, simply to fasten the chair from the office chair to the inflatable balloon will not work. PVC It's not designed for point loads of this type, and metal elements can damage the material when friction occurs. mounting-platform This is a floorboard that will spread the weight of the fisherman and create a rigid base for the mounting of the rotary device, and in this article we will look at all the steps from the selection of components to the final setup.

The challenge is that the boat is a dynamic system, and it's constantly moving under the influence of waves, wind and the engine, and any structure inside it has to be not only strong, but also strong. safeA faulty mechanism can cause injury or even damage to the cylinder, so the "only hold" approach is absolutely not working here, it requires an engineering approach to every part.

Choosing the optimal swing mechanism and seat

The first step is to find the right equipment, and the market offers a variety of options, from cheap Chinese to professional sea seats. PVC boats are most often used universal rotary mechanisms with a seat under the standard base. 5-1/4 inch It is important to note that the marine environment is aggressive, so the metal must be coated with corrosion-resistant compounds or made of stainless steel.

The mechanism of rotation itself usually consists of two plates with bearings of slip or rolling between them. friction (Steer angle fixing) and a spring-loaded pin for quick removability. Cheap options can just rotate, which is less convenient when rolling. The seat is chosen based on personal preferences: someone likes soft buckets with a high back, others like hard plastic chairs with ventilation holes.

When choosing, consider the maximum load specified by the manufacturer. If you plan to fish in warm clothes and with a stock of gear, take a model with a margin of safety. It is also worth checking the quality of welds on a metal base. Rust can appear after the first season if the metal is not protected.

• 🎣 Type of attachment: Choose mechanisms with standard thread or pin connection for compatibility with different bases.
• 🛡️ Material: Aluminum powdered or AISI 316 stainless steel is preferred.
• 🔄 Functional: The presence of a rotation stopper will help to fix the position when the boat is moving for an outboard motor.

You also have to think about the height of the seat, because if you're too high in the center of gravity, you can have a negative impact on the seat. resilience The optimal height is considered to be the height at which the legs are confidently standing on the floor of the boat, and the knees are bent at an angle of about 90 degrees.

Production and preparation of the installation platform

Since you can't attach the mechanism directly to the inflatable floor, you need a rigid platform, most often it's made of moisture-resistant plywood at least 9-12 mm thick or composite materials. The size of the platform depends on the size of the boat and the desired installation site, but usually it's a square with a side of 40-50 cm. laminated or a special coated paint to protect against moisture.

The fabrication process starts with sawing the workpiece to size, and the plywood edges are the most vulnerable place for water, so they need to be treated carefully, and the best way to soak the ends with olifu or special compound, and then paint in several layers, which will prevent the material from stratifying and swelling during operation.

To install the most rotary mechanism in the center of the platform, a hole is drilled or response studs are mounted. If you use a standard base, it is often enough to simply screw it over the top with screws, but for greater reliability, you better use a through mount with nuts from the bottom, having previously made a grooves (sweat) for the fastener hats so they don't get in the way.

The important thing is the weight of the platform, because if you build it too heavy, you'll reduce the payload of the boat, so you don't have to make the platform go beyond the minimum. Linkorama Or another (anti-slip) tape so that the platform does not ride on the floorboard of the boat while moving.

Fixing the platform to the paiola of the boat

Fixing the platform to the floor of an inflatable boat is a critical step. You can't just put the plywood in, it will shift when it moves, which will cause it to lose balance. There are several ways of attaching, each with its pros and cons. The most common is using regular plywood. ring-ring or special belts worn under paioles (hard floor).

If you have a boat model that has the option of adding additional accessories, you can use a sled or a guide, otherwise you have to be smart, and often you tie the platform to D rings on cylinders using strong slings, but this method can create tension in cylinders, which is not always desirable.

⚠️ Warning: Never drill the platform mount cylinders! This will break the seal of the boat and may cause a water emergency. Use only existing mounting elements or bandages.

It has been a well-established method of fastening through fastexThe platform has corners with a sling that covers the hard floor of the boat and tightens, which ensures that the rigid fixation is maintained without damaging the structural elements, and it is important that the platform is flat and does not sway the boat on one side.

When installing, make sure the platform does not press on the inflatable tubes in a deflated state, but sits tightly when fully pumped. The gaps between the platform and the sides should be minimal to prevent the tackle or legs from getting stuck.

Installation of rotary device on the platform

When the platform is securely anchored in the boat, you can start installing the rotational mechanism itself. If you use a standard sea seat, the process is usually easy. The base of the mechanism is applied to the marked holes on the plywood. Use the building level to mark up so that the seat does not end up falling to the side.

If you use a bolt connection with nuts from below, make sure that the sharp ends of the bolts do not protrude or are securely closed so as not to damage the floorboards of the boat from below. puck-puckto increase the area of the press and prevent plywood from pressing under dynamic loads.

To protect threaded joints from spontaneous unwinding due to vibration, be sure to use a thread fixture (for example, LoctiteOn water, the loss of even one bolt can be a problem if a spare tool is not available. Metal parts of the mechanism are also recommended to be additionally coated with lubricant intended for marine applications, for example, lithium lubricant with the addition of molybdenum disulfide.

Once installed, check the rotary assembly. It should rotate smoothly, without creaking or jamming. If the mechanism has a position lock, check the clarity of its operation. The seat should be installed on the base without backlashes. If there is backlash, it can be eliminated by lining rubber gaskets or adjusting the tightening of the central bolt, if the design allows.

Drilling of the transmuner and alternative fastening options

Sometimes anglers prefer to place the seat not in the center of the boat, but on a transom (sternboard), especially if we are talking about boats without a hard floor or when using electric motors. In this case, transom drilling is required. This is a valid operation, but it requires accuracy and adherence to technology, so as not to interfere with the tightness of the PVC connection and plywood of the transom.

The drilling is done with a PVC drill or a sharp feather drill, and the hole is made strictly under the diameter of the mounting bolt, and before screwing the bolt, the hole is necessarily missed. polyurethane sealant Or PVC glue. A bolt is inserted, and a wide puck and nut are placed on the back, and the sealant fills all the voids, preventing water from entering between the layers of fabric and plywood.

There are also hinged seats that are attached directly to the balloon with special belts and a rigid backrest, which do not require drilling and platform installation, but are less stable and comfortable for long-term fishing, such options are suitable for lightweight inflatable boats where installing a heavy platform is not advisable.

Type of attachment	Pluses	Cons	Difficulty of installation
On the platform (centre)	Sustainability, comfort, universality	Takes up space in the cockpit, requires the manufacture of a platform	Medium
On the transom (drilling)	Saving space, a good review	Risk of leakage, load on the transom	High.
A hinged one (on a cylinder)	Mobility, does not require improvements	Less stability, swelling	Low.

When choosing a place to set up, always consider the boat's balance. Shifting the weight of the stern can cause the transom to burrow into a wave while for an outboard motor, which is not safe.

Safety and maintenance of the mechanism

The rotary seat makes its own adjustments to the behavior on the water. The fisherman is higher above the water level, which increases the center of gravity of the entire boat-fisher system. This requires more careful behavior when moving sharply, especially in windy weather or on the wave. A sharp spinning jerk or trying to stand up quickly can lead to a sharp shift in the direction of the fisherman. tipping boats.

Always use a life jacket. This is always the case, but with a seat installed, the risk of falling into the water when you lose balance increases. Also, make sure that the seat does not block access to emergency gear, anchor line or fuel tank. Everything should be at hand, even if you are turned back to nose.

⚠️ Warning: When the boat is for an outboard motor at high speed, the seat must be fixed at the course or removed. A freely rotating chair can cause the angler to fall overboard during a sharp maneuver.

The maintenance of the mechanism is simple, but it is mandatory. After every fishing, especially in salt water, the mechanism should be rinsed with fresh water. Bearings and rubbing parts require periodic lubrication. Once a season, it is recommended to completely remove the seat, clean the platform from dirt and sand that works as an abrasive, and re-oil the knots.

How to keep a boat with a platform installed?

Keeping a boat with a heavy platform installed is not recommended if there is no space. Plywood can deform under constant pressure, and the belts can lose elasticity. It is better to dismantle the platform and store it in an extended form separately, and blow the boat away according to the instructions. If there is plenty of space, you can leave the platform, but ease the tension of the fasteners.

Check the condition of the fasteners regularly. Vibration and moisture are the main enemies of metal. A weak bolt can unscrew unnoticed, and at the most inopportune moment the seat will lose stability. Visual inspection and lifting of threaded joints should become a habit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I install a swivel seat on a boat without a hard floor (HDND)?

Yes, you can, but you'll need a platform that relies on perimeter inflatable tubes or straps on stringers, but it's less stable than on hard floors, and often uses curtained seats attached to cylinders.

How much weight can a standard rotary mechanism withstand?

Most high-quality marine mechanisms are designed for a load of 120 to 150 kg. Cheap models can have a limit of 90-100 kg. Always look at the specification of a particular model and take a margin of safety, taking into account the weight of clothing and equipment.

Do I need to remove the seat when transporting the boat in assembled form?

The mechanism and the seat occupy volume and can damage the fabric of the boat during deflation and packaging, and the metal parts can oxidize in the confined, wet space of the case.

How to lubricate the rotary mechanism so that the lubricant is not washed away with water?

Use special, consistent bearing lubricants labeled "Marine" or "Waterproof." They are highly adhesive and not washed out with water. The regular Lithol-24 will also work, but you'll have to apply it more often.