Inflatable boats have long ceased to be just rubber mattresses with oars, becoming full-fledged swimming facilities capable of withstanding severe loads and storm conditions. The key element determining the performance, stability and controllability of such a vessel is precisely the hard bottom. Without a quality basis, even the most expensive boat will not be able to realize its speed potential, and controlling it on the wave will be a real test for the nerves of the owner.
The market today offers a variety of flooring options, from classic plywood to high-tech aluminum alloys, and depends on many factors: type of operation, motor used, storage conditions and, of course, budget. In this article, we will discuss in detail what types of hard floors are, what they differ from, and what to look for when buying or self-manufactured.
Understanding the design of the bottom is essential for every boater, because it is the rigidity of the deck that directly affects the speed of exit for planing and fuel consumption. Poor or faulty bottom can cause rapid wear of cylinders or even an emergency on the water. So approach the selection of this element with the utmost seriousness and attention to detail.
Design features and types of flooring
The hard bottom in the PVC boat acts as a power kit that gives the entire structure the necessary rigidity and shape. There are two main types of decking: plyol (consisting of separate sections) and solid. Pillet bottom It is made up of several slabs connected by special profiles, allowing the boat to be compactly folded for transportation, and the whole bottom is usually found in small boats or in models with low pressure inflatable floor (LDPB), where rigidity is provided structurally.
The fabrication material plays a crucial role in performance. plywoodIt's a very durable, relatively low cost, but increasingly, technology is offering solutions to these problems. aluminum-magnesium alloys Aluminum is lightweight, doesn't rot or absorb water, but it costs more and can be noisier when hit by a wave.
The most important element of the design is the paiole connection system, most often aluminum profiles are used, which are inserted into the slots of adjacent plates. It is critically important that the profile has a sufficient wall thickness (at least 1.5-2 mm), otherwise on a large wave the bottom can form a "house", which will lead to depressurization of the seams of the boat. There are also systems with latch locks, but they are considered less reliable for heavy loads.
- 🚤 The soldering system provides excellent rigidity, but increases the time of assembling the boat on shore.
- 🔩 Aluminum profiles must be anodized to protect against corrosion in salt water.
- ⚖️ The weight of the bottom is up to 40% of the weight of the entire boat assembly, which significantly affects mobility.
When choosing the type of decking, you need to consider not only the size of the boat, but also the conditions of its storage. If you do not have a garage or a large apartment, a heavy plywood bottom 3.5 meters long can be a serious problem when transporting in the trunk of a passenger car.
Materials of manufacture: plywood, aluminum or composite?
The most common material for making a hard bottom remains plywood. Generally used birch plywood of high moisture resistance (PC or FSF brands). FC (carbamide glue) is more environmentally friendly and safe, but less resistant to water. FCF (phenol formaldehyde glue) has excellent water resistance, but emits harmful substances, so it is not recommended for use in enclosed areas without good ventilation. The service life of a quality plywood bottom with proper care is 5-7 years.
Aluminum flooring is gaining popularity amongst premium boat owners, it is not rotting, it does not swell from moisture and it is much lighter than plywood. However, aluminum has its downsides: high thermal conductivity (the bottom will be cold), noise when hit by waves and high price. In addition, aluminum can oxidize when in contact with certain types of rubber or when salt water is ingested if the coating is damaged.
⚠️ Warning: When buying a plywood-bottomed boat, be sure to check the certificates for the plywood used. Cheap Chinese counterparts can layer after the first season of active operation, turning into porridge.
Composite materials and plastic are less commonly used because of their high cost, but they are free from the disadvantages of wood and metal. They do not absorb water, do not rust, are easy to wash and last for decades. However, their flexibility may be lower than that of metal, which requires more frequent rigidity ribs. For fishermen who spend a lot of time on the water, the weight and tactile sensation of the bottom material becomes secondary to reliability.
A comparison table of materials will help make the final choice:
| Parameter | FSF phanera | aluminum | Composite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (per boat 3.6m) | ~18-20 kg | ~12-14 kg | ~13-15 kg |
| Moisture resistance | Medium (requires drying) | High. | Absolute. |
| Term of service | 5-7 years | 15+ years | 20+ years |
| Price. | Low. | High. | Very high. |
Technology of installation and assembly of the solder floor
Properly assembling a hard bottom is a guarantee of safety and longevity for your boat. The process begins with the installation of cylinders on a level surface. It is important that there are no sharp stones, branches or debris under the boat that could damage the PVC fabric. The cylinders are first inflated by about 30-40% to take shape, but remain soft enough to lay the floor.
Then you put paioles inside, start the assembly from the nose, and then you put in the pivot profiles. Aluminum stringers They're inserted into special pockets on the sides, or they're stacked on top of transom floorboards, fixing their position, and when you assemble them, you need to make sure that all the elements are standing up smoothly, without distortions or gaps.
☑️ Checklist of proper bottom assembly
Once all the elements are laid down and the stringers are installed, you can start the final pumping of the cylinders, and this should be done gradually, alternating the sides so that the pressure is evenly distributed. If you feel that some element of the floor has got wrong or the profile is bent, the process should be immediately stopped and re-engineered. Attempting to inflate the boat with the wrong bottom can lead to tearing of the fabric or break the profiles.
Pay special attention to the nose, where it is often installed. sink-board Or an extra sheet of plywood to hold the motor, which is the one that gets the most plane load, and make sure it's snugly attached to the cylinder and it's fixed with all the fasteners you want, and a weak transom fastener is a direct route to losing the engine at full speed.
Hard bottom care and extension of service life
Hard bottoms, especially those made of plywood, require regular and careful maintenance. The main problem with wooden elements is the moisture that remains between the floorboards after fishing. If you leave the boat assembled or store the wet bottom in a case, the plywood inevitably rots and the metal profiles corrode. Suit - mandatory procedure after each release to the water.
To dry, it is recommended to disassemble the boat, remove the paioles and arrange them in a well-ventilated room. You should not dry the plywood in the direct sun or near heating appliances, since the rapid change in temperature and humidity can lead to deformation and stratification of the material. It is optimal to allow the elements to dry naturally within 1-2 days.
To protect the ends of plywood floorboards from moisture, use special impregnations or paint them with moisture-resistant paint in 2-3 layers immediately after buying a boat. This will prolong the life of the bottom by 1.5-2 times.
Regularly inspect the condition of aluminum profiles and locks. Sand and small stones, when they get into the slots, work as abrasive, wear metal and make it difficult to assemble. Periodically clean the profiles with a soft brush and lubricate with silicone lubricant. This will ensure easy assembly even in the field and prevent the elements from jamming.
⚠️ Warning: Never use oil-based oil profiles (litol, solidol, machine oil) to lubricate PVC fabric and rubber seals, and collect sand into an abrasive paste.
If you notice that plywood has begun to layer or chipped, don't delay repairs. You can fix minor damage with epoxy resin or special wood repairs. Ignoring minor defects will cause water to penetrate the layers of plywood, and after a season the bottom will have to be completely changed.
Tuning and modernization of the bottom of the boat
Many boat owners don't stop at the factory and want to improve the specifications of their vessel. linoleum Not only does it make the boat more comfortable (warm and gently), it also protects the plywood from mechanical damage and dirt, and it washes easily and does not absorb fish slime or gasoline.
Another option is to replace standard profiles with reinforced or additional stiffness ribs, which is relevant for boats that operate with powerful engines or on high excitement. Bottom reinforcement allows the boat to better hold the "spot" of contact with water and reduces the risk of folding at speed.
Can I use laminate instead of plywood?
It is strongly recommended not to use household laminate. Despite its beautiful surface, its base (HDF plate) is very hygroscopic and quickly swells and loses strength when water enters. Laminate will only be suitable as a decorative top layer on a high-quality plywood base, but not as a power element.
Also worth mentioning is the installation. timber Or additional perimeter protection, if the boat design allows it, which is especially important for those who often dock on rocky shores or pull the boat onto pebbles, and additional protection will save cylinders from punctures and scuffs, which often occur in the area of contact with the hard floor when the side deforms.
Frequent errors in selection and operation
One of the most common mistakes is to try to save on weight by buying too thin plywood or using aluminum profiles with a small wall thickness. In the pursuit of lightness, owners forget that the bottom is a carrier element. On the wave or in a sharp maneuver, the thin bottom can not withstand the load, which will lead to breakage and potentially dangerous situation on the water.
Another mistake is to keep the assembled boat in the garage during the winter, and the moisture inside the structure expands when it freezes, which can damage the seams and deform the paioles, and it is better to store a hard bottom boat disassembled, or if this is not possible, thoroughly dry before long-term storage.
- 🚫 The use of materials not intended for boats (particle board, OSB) will lead to a rapid failure of the bottom.
- 🌊 Ignoring drying after each fishing reduces the service life of plywood 3-4 times.
- 🔧 The pulling of the transom fastening bolts can push the plywood and disrupt the geometry of the feed.
UV protection is also important. Although the PVC fabric itself is resistant to the sun, the plywood floor left in direct rays for a long time can dry out and crack. Always use an awning or keep the boat in the shade if it is assembled.
The correct choice of the bottom material and regular care for it increase the life of the boat by 2-3 times and ensure safety on the water.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
How to dry the plywood bottom if there is no room for its layout?
If you can't decompose the paioles completely, you can dry them vertically by leaning against a wall with a gap between the sheets to circulate air, and you can also use a household fan to direct air flow into the space between the paioles, without disassembling the boat completely, but leaving the valves open.
Can a broken aluminum profile be replaced with a wooden bar?
As a temporary measure in the field, yes, if you have a bar of the right size and hardness, but for permanent use, this is not recommended, because the tree is less hard on the kink and can damage the floorboard slots.
Why is it harder to turn a boat back if it has flipped?
The hard bottom (especially the plyol) has considerable weight and sailing. When you flip, water fills the space between the floorboards, creating additional weight. Also, the rigid construction prevents the boat from folding, which makes it easier to scoop up water.
Do I need to clean the profiles before each assembly?
No, you don't have to lubricate before every assembly, just one treatment at the beginning of the season or after winter storage, frequent lubrication will only lead to dirt sticking, if the profiles are tight, check them for deformities or sand.