Helena Frye
Aluminium floorboards for inflatable boats are durable, stable, and resistant to damage from sharp objects. They are also lighter than marine-grade plywood floors and do not rust when exposed to salt or fresh water. However, they take longer to assemble and disassemble than inflatable floors.
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What You'll Learn
The pros and cons of an aluminium floor in an inflatable boat
Aluminium floorboards for inflatable boats are a separate part of the boat, which means you can stack or store them as you see fit. They are very durable and lighter than marine-grade plywood floors. You can put whatever gear you have with you on the deck without worrying about damaging it, including sharp, pointy objects like fish hooks. Anodised aluminium floors will not rust when exposed to either fresh or saltwater.
Aluminium floorboards have no flex, meaning they do not bend at all. The side rails that keep the slated floor together lock the floorboards in place, and when you inflate the keel tube that is positioned beneath the floorboards, the tube pushes up against the aluminium floor creating a very stable rig. This makes aluminium floorboards excellent for handling brittle and pointy materials that would otherwise damage the floor. Pets are permitted on board with no threat of puncture or slashing the floor.
However, it usually takes a little more time to assemble and disassemble an inflatable boat with slated flooring compared to using an inflatable floor. If you want to be able to swiftly set up your inflatable boat, bring it down into the water, and just go, an air mat floor would be ideal.
If safety and stability are your priorities, an aluminium floor might provide you with the peace of mind you need. When standing in the boat while it's on the water with aluminium floorboards inside, it feels very stable, much like standing inside a boat with a fibreglass hull or a hardshell boat.
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The stability of an aluminium floor
Aluminium floorboards for inflatable boats are a great option if you're looking for stability. They have no flex, meaning they don't bend at all, and the side rails keep the slated floor together, locking the floorboards in place. When you inflate the keel tube beneath the floorboards, it pushes up against the aluminium floor, creating a very stable rig.
Aluminium floors are also durable and lighter than marine-grade plywood floors. They won't rust when exposed to either fresh or saltwater, and they can withstand sharp, pointy objects without damage.
When standing in an inflatable boat with aluminium floorboards, it feels very stable, similar to being inside a hardshell boat. This sense of stability is further enhanced by the fact that the floorboards don't budge at all.
However, it's important to note that assembling and disassembling an inflatable boat with aluminium flooring takes a little more time compared to using an inflatable floor. But if you're willing to put in that extra effort, you'll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a stable and durable floor.
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The durability of an aluminium floor
Aluminium floorboards are very durable. They are lighter than marine-grade plywood floors and do not flex or bend, even when supporting a lot of weight. This means you can put whatever gear you have with you right on the deck without worrying about damaging it, including sharp, pointy objects like fish hooks. Anodised aluminium floors will not rust when exposed to either fresh or salt water. They also feel quite stable, similar to being inside a hardshell boat. When you inflate the keel tube that is positioned beneath the floorboards, the tube pushes up against the aluminium floor, creating a very stable rig. This makes aluminium floors excellent for handling brittle and pointy material that would otherwise damage the floor.
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The ease of assembly of an aluminium floor
Aluminium floorboards are very durable and lighter than marine-grade plywood floors. They are also stable and do not flex or bend, even when supporting a lot of weight. The side rails that keep the slated floor together lock the aluminium floorboards in place, and when you inflate the keel tube that is positioned beneath the floorboards, the tube pushes up against the aluminium floor, creating a very stable rig.
Aluminium floorboards are also excellent for handling brittle and pointy materials that would otherwise damage the floor. For example, you can bring things like fish hooks and other sharp, pointy objects on board without worrying about damaging the floor.
It is important to note that assembling and disassembling an inflatable boat with an aluminium floor usually takes a little more time compared to using an inflatable floor. However, the extra time and effort are worth it if you prioritise stability and peace of mind.
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The safety of an aluminium floor
Aluminium floorboards are very durable and stable. They are lighter than marine-grade plywood floors and are resistant to bending, flexing, or rusting. This makes them ideal for handling sharp or pointy objects, such as fishing gear, without damaging the floor. They are also suitable for pets, as they cannot be punctured or slashed.
Aluminium floorboards are a separate part of the boat, which means they can be stacked or stored as needed. They are easy to remove and can be assembled and disassembled in a short amount of time.
When deciding between an air mat floor and an aluminium floor, it is important to consider your intended use and personal preferences. If you prioritise safety and stability, an aluminium floor may be the best option.
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Frequently asked questions
An aluminium floor provides more stability than an air mat floor, and is also more durable. It won't bend under weight, and it won't be damaged by sharp objects. It's also lighter than marine-grade plywood floors.
An aluminium floor takes longer to assemble and disassemble than an air mat floor. It's also a separate part of the boat, so you need to find somewhere to store it.
Yes, an aluminium floor is a safe option for an inflatable boat. It won't rust when exposed to either fresh or salt water.
