Installing Aluminum Floors In Inflatable Boats: A Step-By-Step Guide

Aluminum floors for inflatable boats are a great option for those seeking a durable, rigid, and puncture-proof surface. They are easy to install, often taking just a few minutes, and provide a stable platform similar to a hardshell boat. Aluminum floors are ideal for leisure boating, fishing, and carrying equipment or pets on board without worrying about damage. However, they are heavier and more challenging to assemble than air floors, which are lightweight and easy to transport. Ultimately, the choice between an air floor and an aluminum floor depends on your intended use and personal preferences.

The benefits of an aluminium floor in an inflatable boat

When it comes to choosing a floor for your inflatable boat, you may be considering an aluminium floor. Aluminium floors offer a range of benefits that make them a great choice for boat owners. Here are some of the advantages of selecting an aluminium floor for your inflatable boat:

Easy to Use and Low Maintenance

Aluminium floors are extremely easy to use and require relatively low maintenance. You can leave the floor inside the boat after deflating it, making the process of inflating and deflating your vessel more convenient, especially if you do it frequently. Aluminium floors are also more accessible and don't require complex installation processes.

Durability and Stability

Aluminium floors offer superior durability compared to other options. They are designed to withstand years of use and abuse, even in harsh climates. The rigidity of aluminium floors allows you to run a larger outboard motor while retaining stability. The floorboards have no flex and are locked in place by side rails, providing a stable platform similar to a hardshell boat. This stability is further enhanced by the keel tube underneath, which inflates to push against the aluminium floor.

Protection and Security

Aluminium floors provide excellent protection and security for your inflatable boat. They are ideal for leisure boating, fishing, and river rafting. You can place equipment, including sharp objects like fish hooks, directly on the deck without worrying about damage. Additionally, pets are welcome on board without the risk of punctures or slashes to the floor.

Storage and Transportation

While aluminium floors are heavier than air floors, they are still relatively easy to transport and store. They are completely foldable, taking up less room than air floors, and can be arranged however you like during storage.

In conclusion, aluminium floors offer a range of benefits for inflatable boat owners, including ease of use, durability, stability, protection, and convenient storage and transportation. These advantages make aluminium floors a great choice for those seeking a stable, secure, and low-maintenance boating experience.

The drawbacks of an aluminium floor in an inflatable boat

While an aluminium floor in an inflatable boat has its advantages, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Firstly, aluminium floors are heavier than air floors, which can make assembly and disassembly more time-consuming and challenging. The increased weight also means that more storage space is required. Additionally, an aluminium floor may not be the best option if you plan to use a larger outboard motor, as it may not perform as well as an air floor in terms of speed and manoeuvrability.

Another drawback of aluminium floors is that they are less comfortable than air floors. The hard aluminium surface can be uncomfortable for your knees and does not absorb vibrations as effectively. This may be a particularly important consideration if you plan to spend extended periods in the boat or if you have young children who will be using the boat.

Aluminium floors also require more careful consideration when it comes to the size of your boat. While they offer stability, they can make the boat feel smaller due to the thickness of the floor. This can be a trade-off that some users may not prefer, especially if they are looking for a more spacious feel.

Lastly, the installation process for aluminium floors is more complex than that of air floors. While aluminium floors are low-maintenance once installed, the initial setup is more difficult and may require additional time and effort.

The installation process of an aluminium floor

Firstly, ensure that the boat tubes are fully inflated and that there are no wrinkles or soft spots. Then, inflate the keel and position it so that the air valve is at the top and in the middle. After that, deflate the keel, keeping the valve in the middle, and place the floor plates inside the boat's hull. Make sure to leave equal distances between the edges of the floor plates and the edge of the boat bottom, as you will need these spaces to install the stringers.

Next, insert the stringers into the side edges of the floorboards. The side edges should fit easily into the C-channel of the stringer. The stringers are designed to cover the joint points of the floor blocks, so they should not run the entire length of the floor. Once the floor is assembled, make sure to keep the sharp edges of the aluminium away from the tubes, and cover them with duct or painter's tape during installation if necessary.

Finally, connect with the boat manufacturer or a representative to ensure that you have all the necessary parts for a standard installation and that you understand the process.

The differences between an aluminium floor and an air floor

When choosing between an aluminium floor and an air floor for an inflatable boat, it's important to consider the differences between the two and how you intend to use your boat. Here is a detailed comparison to help you decide:

Installation and Maintenance

An air floor is a blow-up option that you place within the flooring of your inflatable boat, similar to a blow-up mattress. It is extremely easy to use and requires relatively low maintenance. You can leave the air floor inside the boat after deflation, making it convenient when inflating and deflating the vessel. Air floors are also lightweight, making them a preferred choice for customers who make fly-in trips. Additionally, they are thicker, providing a softer surface that is comfortable for young children and excellent for cushioning your feet during the summer months.

On the other hand, an aluminium floor consists of hard surfaces that fold into each other and click into the boat. While it provides a rigid and durable platform, it is more difficult to install than an air floor. Aluminium floors are also slightly heavier, which contributes to their durability.

Performance and Stability

Air floors are ideal if you intend to frequently inflate and deflate your boat, as they allow for a compact and quick assembly and disassembly process. They are also lightweight, enabling the boat to reach higher speeds. Air floors are comfortable for your knees and absorb vibrations better than aluminium floors. However, they may not perform as well with larger outboard motors.

Aluminium floors, on the other hand, offer the most rigidity among flooring options for inflatable boats. They enable you to run a larger outboard motor while retaining stability through the tubes. This added rigidity makes aluminium floors highly durable and capable of withstanding harsh conditions for many years.

Durability and Versatility

Air floors are generally stable and performant, especially with plywood support above the keel in the bow section of the boat. They are easy to transport due to their lightweight construction. Additionally, they are easy to disassemble and store. However, air floors are more susceptible to damage than aluminium floors.

Aluminium floors provide excellent stability, similar to a hardshell boat. The aluminium floorboards have no flex, ensuring a stable platform regardless of the weight they are supporting. They are also ideal for handling brittle and pointed objects without damaging the floor. Additionally, pets can be safely taken on board without worrying about punctures or slashes.

In summary, the choice between an aluminium floor and an air floor depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritise swift assembly, lightweight construction, and a comfortable soft floor, an air floor is ideal. On the other hand, if durability, stability, and the ability to handle heavier loads are your main concerns, an aluminium floor might be the better option.

The suitability of an aluminium floor for leisure boating

Aluminium floors and air floors are the two options available for inflatable boats. While air floors are blow-up floors that are similar to air mattresses, aluminium floors are hard surfaces that fold into each other and click into the boat.

Aluminium floors are extremely durable and can withstand harsh climates and many years of use. They are also more rigid than air floors, which means they can support larger outboard motors. This makes them a good choice for leisure boating as they can provide a stable and sturdy surface for standing, sitting or carrying equipment. They are also suitable for pets as there is no risk of puncture or slashing.

However, aluminium floors are heavier and more difficult to install than air floors. They are also not as comfortable, especially for young children, as they are harder and less soft on the knees. Additionally, they can result in a slight loss of interior space.

Ultimately, the choice between an aluminium floor and an air floor depends on the intended use of the boat and personal preferences. If you are looking for a floor that is easy to set up, lightweight and comfortable, an air floor may be more suitable. On the other hand, if you prioritise durability, stability and the ability to handle larger motors, then an aluminium floor would be a better option.

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