Installing Flooring In Your Inflatable Boat: A Step-By-Step Guide

Installing a floor in an inflatable boat can be done in a variety of ways, depending on the type of boat and personal preference. The most basic floor type is the roll-up floor, also known as a slat floor, which is easy to assemble and store but lacks rigidity. Hard floors, made of aluminium or wood, offer more durability and performance, and are suitable for fishing or diving. Air floors are separate flat tubes that can be inflated to high pressure, providing rigidity while being lighter than hard floors. RIBs (rigid-hulled inflatable boats) have a traditional boat hull design and offer advantages such as stability.

For those looking to install a DIY floor, the process typically involves measuring the floor area, cutting and shaping plywood to fit, and adding optional enhancements like waterproofing, carpeting, and insulators to protect the boat from the wood. This project requires some handyman skills and tools such as a saw and sandpaper.

Measure the floor of your inflatable boat by flipping it over and tracing the seam where the floor and tubes are sealed together

To measure the floor of your inflatable boat, start by flipping the boat over. You should see a seam where the floor and the main tubes are sealed together. Take a drop cloth and wrap it tightly around your boat, taping it down to keep it in place. Then, use a marker to trace this seam, making sure to mark the inside of the seam rather than the outside. Cut the drop cloth along the traced line. This will give you a precise model of your floor. Place the cut-out on your plywood and trace the measurements.

Now, you're ready to cut the plywood to size. Find a flat surface to rest the plywood on and use a saw to cut it to the perfect shape. You can use an electric saw, such as a circular saw or jigsaw, or a hand saw if you have the skills. Remember to sand the edges of the plywood to prevent splinters from damaging your boat.

Cut out your chosen flooring material, such as plywood, to the traced shape

Now that you have your chosen flooring material, such as plywood, and have traced the shape of your boat's floor onto it, it's time to cut out the plywood.

Using an electric saw, carefully cut out the plywood following the traced shape. Take your time and cut slowly and steadily to ensure a straight and accurate cut. If you are not confident using an electric saw, you can ask your local hardware store to cut the plywood for you based on your measurements.

Once you have cut out the plywood, it's important to smooth out the edges to protect your boat from splinters. Use sandpaper or an electric sander to sand the edges until they are nice and smooth. Run your fingers along the edges to feel for any bumps or rough areas, and continue sanding until the entire edge is smooth.

If you are using a larger piece of plywood that needs to be cut into multiple pieces, now is the time to do that. Cutting the plywood into two or three pieces will make storage and transportation much easier. Use a hand saw or an electric saw to cut the plywood to the desired number of pieces. Remember that the more pieces you have, the less sturdy your floor will be.

Finally, if you plan on using jointing strips or H-sections to connect multiple pieces of plywood, you will need to make some adjustments to the length of your floor pieces. The jointing strips will add a bit of length to the overall floor, so you will need to reduce the total length of the floor by cutting about 1/4 inch off the adjacent sides of the floor pieces.

And that's it! You have now successfully cut out and prepared your chosen flooring material for your inflatable boat. The next steps will involve priming, painting, and/or carpeting your new floor before installing it in your boat.

Sand the edges of the flooring to prevent splinters

Sanding the plywood is an important step in the process of building a floor for your inflatable boat. It helps to smooth out the edges of the plywood, removing any splinters that could puncture your boat. Here are some detailed instructions on how to sand the edges of the flooring to prevent splinters:

Tools and Materials:

• Sandpaper or electric sander: You can use ordinary sandpaper and sand the edges by hand, or you can opt for an electric hand sander for quicker and easier sanding.
• Safety gear: Wear safety goggles and a dust mask to protect your eyes and lungs from wood dust and debris.
• Work gloves: These will protect your hands from any splinters or abrasions during the sanding process.

Process:

• Choose the Right Grit: Start with a coarse-grit sandpaper (around 60-80 grit) to remove any rough spots and smooth out the edges. Then, gradually move to finer grits (up to 200 grit) for a smoother finish.
• Attach Sandpaper: If using a sanding block or electric sander, attach the sandpaper securely to ensure even pressure distribution and better control.
• Direction of Sanding: Always sand in the direction of the wood grain. For the edges of the plywood, this usually means sanding in a linear motion along the length of the board.
• Apply Even Pressure: Apply steady, gentle pressure as you sand. Avoid pressing too hard in one area to prevent creating dips in the wood.
• Regularly Check Your Progress: Step back and inspect your work frequently to ensure a uniform appearance and to avoid oversanding or missing any spots.
• Smoothen Edges: Pay extra attention to the edges of the plywood, as these are the most likely to cause splinters. Use a smaller piece of sandpaper and fold it to fit into tight spaces along the edges.
• Transition Between Grits: When moving from a coarser grit to a finer one, clean the surface thoroughly to remove any dust and debris. This prevents coarse particles from scratching the surface during finer sanding.
• Avoid Over-Sanding: Be careful not to sand too much in one area, as this can thin the wood, especially at the edges.

By following these steps and taking your time, you can effectively sand the edges of your flooring to prevent splinters and create a smooth, safe surface for your inflatable boat.

Prime and paint the floor to make it waterproof

To make your plywood floor for your inflatable boat waterproof, you need to prime and paint it.

First, you need to use a waterproof primer on the plywood and be sure to paint both sides. If the primer you purchase calls for two coats, then apply two coats. Make sure that you give each coat adequate time to dry.

After letting the primer dry, you can decide whether to carpet your floor or paint it. If you decide to paint it, it is best to use non-slip deck paint for this purpose. This is optional, and not necessary if you decide to carpet your floor.

Add a carpet to the floor for comfort and extra protection

Adding a carpet to the floor of your inflatable boat is a great way to increase comfort and provide extra protection. Not only will it make the floor softer on your knees and feet, but it will also add a layer of protection against water damage.

To add a carpet to your boat's floor, start by purchasing an indoor/outdoor carpet that is resistant to UV rays and moisture. You can find these carpets at most hardware stores or online. Once you have your carpet, follow these steps:

• Prime and paint your plywood floor with a waterproof primer and non-slip deck paint. Allow the primer and paint to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
• Lay your carpet out on a flat surface and place your plywood floor on top. Trace the outline of the floor onto the carpet.
• Cut the carpet along the outline, making sure to add a little extra around the edges for a snug fit.
• Spread a layer of indoor/outdoor carpet adhesive onto your plywood floor using a putty knife.
• Carefully place the carpet onto the adhesive, pressing evenly along the surface to ensure there are no loose parts or wrinkles.
• Allow both the adhesive and the carpet to dry for at least 24 hours before using your boat.

By following these steps, you will create a soft, comfortable, and protected floor for your inflatable boat that will enhance your boating experience.

Frequently asked questions