Aerotec 380 floor

SmithG · 29 July 2012, 21:55

Anyone any idea how tight the floor retaining straps on aerotec 380 should be,
as in hot sun the floor expands and tries to ride up the tubes pulling on the straps to the point they look like something's got to give.
the manual has know mention at all.
I want to look after this boat, so it looks after me.as it's a fantastic bit of kit.
Graham

Nick Hearne · 30 July 2012, 09:12

I tighten my straps up as far as they will go on mine but I dought they are all exactly the same!

SmithG · 30 July 2012, 13:03

Hi Nick
I usually pull them tight but when the HP floor heat up and expand the straps pull on the hull fabric you would think something got to give.
thought I would just through in the mix to see what others think,
as this model has been manufactured for many years the straps must be ok.
Graham

Nick Hearne · 30 July 2012, 22:10

Might be wronge but the floor is under sutch presher already and holds little volume I would not worry too much!

Nasher · 31 July 2012, 18:43

We get the boat and floor up to full pressure then pull the straps tight.

As Nick says, I think the amount of thermal expansion that will happen when the floor is already at that sort of pressure isn't going to make and differance.

Nasher.

SmithG · 31 July 2012, 22:44

cheers nick & nasher, come friday going to scotland for 4 weeks inner hebrides,
don't expect any heatwave but fingers crossed.
Guess I was over concerned aerotec floor retaining straps pulling away from hull fabric. Usually only 1 or 2 in boat but family will be coming up, so would be good to know what is the most weight to expect aerotec 380 + new yamaha 15hp 2 stroke to get on plane, I have standard 9in & 8in pitch prop.
does anyone plane with a load onboard ? cheers graham

Nick Hearne · 01 August 2012, 21:35

I have had mine plane with all 5 of us in it you may have to get Peale to move forward to get it up, but the 15hp is a good match!

SmithG · 02 August 2012, 14:47

Or well packed up setting off soon.
Will be taking aerotec 380 + 15 Yam 2st, for her in doors and me.
Also Honwave air floor 320 + 9.8 tohatsu 2st for when the rest of the family arrive.
I like both boats and engines and will be comparing them loaded up,
Will post any findings that may help others with pics soon.

John Kennett · 02 August 2012, 16:06

If you need to keep things easily portable then multiple boats is a great way to increase capacity. Works for me

foxyloxey · 06 September 2012, 17:11

Hi all,
I pulled my straps tight and one split on the HP floor at the back.

I'm in the process of making a fibreglass floor that directly replaces the HP floor.
It will hopefully be held in place by the tube once inflated and the rear 4 side straps.
Its early days and I've made a rough plug which fits well and will be used to make the mould once completed.
Would any one be interested in one if it proves successful or live close to the Selby area to try.
If it doesn't work out it will be developed further in to a full blow boat.
I would be grateful for fuel tank sizes too so when I do the floor plug, I can put a recess in for various fuel tanks not just mine.