Air deck v slatted floor.

[munster1967]

Hi there.
Is the much difference between an air deck floor (without inflatable keel)* and a slatted floor in an inflatable boat 2.7 meters. in terms of performance, handling etc. I specify that it's not a v floor , just laid in instead if slatted. I have option of air deck without inflated keel or slatted.

 

[Tranona]

Airdeck every time. Slats are the work of the devil. Airdeck stiffens the boat and keeps you away from any water that gets on board.

 

[Milgrip]

I agree, Airdeck. Even better if you can get one with an inflatable keel, steers better!

 

[B27]

Half the slats on mine broke ages ago and haven't been replaced,
I don't think they help much TBH.

 

[Ian_Edwards]

the first dinghy I owned was an old Avon Redstart, a black one, no slats just a floppy floor - terrible.
the second was a narwhal, slatted floor, better, although it blew apart one hot day, the seams failed.
next an Avon Redstart, grey with an inflatable floor, much better, still got it, it's in the attic.
then a series of Seago 270's with inflatable keel, much, much better, but they degrade quite quickly with UV exposure
current have a Hypalon Seago 270 with inflatable keel, hoping it will last a lot longer.

 

[vyv_cox]

My first Airdeck became very sticky after about 6 years in the sun. EP Barrus kindly replaced it under warranty, I understand with an improved formulation. The replacement showed no sign of stickiness after about 8 years.
No question vastly superior to slats or solid floor.

 

[onesea]

Only down side of air floor I have found if you do frequent beach landings stones and gravel get between air floor and traditional floor.
Potentially causing excess wear in these areas of you drag it.

 

[doug748]

Airdecks work well for average usage. Avoid if you need to do heavy, dirty stuff - moorings, moving chain etc. Solid floors are invincible.

 

[munster1967]

Will an air deck be quicker on water without a keel than a slatted floor. ?

 

[munster1967]

the first dinghy I owned was an old Avon Redstart, a black one, no slats just a floppy floor - terrible.
the second was a narwhal, slatted floor, better, although it blew apart one hot day, the seams failed.
next an Avon Redstart, grey with an inflatable floor, much better, still got it, it's in the attic.
then a series of Seago 270's with inflatable keel, much, much better, but they degrade quite quickly with UV exposure
current have a Hypalon Seago 270 with inflatable keel, hoping it will last a lot longer.

Will an air deck increase speed of the inflatable boat without a keel. Or just increase comfort. ?

 

[Slowtack]

I find the inflated keel better for rowing and towing... Directional stability...

 

[munster1967]

Any difference with an air deck without an inflatable keel. ? Over slatted floor. ?

 

[Tranona]

Will an air deck be quicker on water without a keel than a slatted floor. ?

No, nor will a keel do much for speed except that if you have enough power you might be able to get on the plane with one person. As said earlier the advantage of a keel is better directional stability.

 

[Ian_Edwards]

With just me (70kg) onboard a Hypalon Seago 270 with an inflatable keel, powered by an Epropulsion 1.0 Sprint I can get it to plane.
Add a 60kg Dog ... yes a Leonberger, even with her sitting, paws over the bow, it won't plane.
If the floor and keel aren't pumped up hard, a cool early morning after a hot day is sufficent, I can't get it to plane.
It seems that the hull has to be fairly ridged to get the right shape, and not flex.
A soft inflatable keel has about the same effect as a 60kg dog.
How's that for scientific precise experiment?