Simple SIB question

[matgriff]

Hi all, sorry for what might seem a simple question.

Recently bought first ever boat- Quicksilver 530 XS HD SIB

it's been standing for a while so 've stripped it all down, took off the outboard for servicing etc.

Question is.... do I install the aluminium floor panels, then inflate the boat, or inflate the boat then install the floor panels or doesn't it matter ?

At the moment the floors out for cleaning, and the boat tubes are inflated as I've been washing it off... I just wondered if I need to deflate it again or justfit the floor..

Cheers

Mat

[Nick Hearne]

Floor in then inflate you will never get them in onese inflated?

[The Gurnard]

Best follow this video..its not a quicksilver ..but its the same principle..ie part inflate tubes so as not to trap them under bits of floor etc That's how I do my quicksilver 4.3HD..yours is just a bit longer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AqIx7hCpC8

[matgriff]

OK great, thx for the quick replies :-)

Mat

[jyasaki]

Haven't watched the video, but on my Achilles, I found it easier to install the floor with the tubes about a quarter to half full. Keeps the folds out of way when messing in other areas.

jky

[matgriff]

Yep that's pretty much what the video shows

[chipko]

Just another point worth bearing in mind when re inflating, it's recommended to inflate all tube compartments to 50% pressure then 100% to avoid blowing the baffles.

[paddlers]

The video makes it look ridiculously easy fitting the stringers. I still find it much easier to have a second person pull the partly inflated tube up when I'm fitting them in my Honwave 3.5 AE.
There's also a sticker on the floor stating that you MUST stagger the stringers so that the joints on the different lengths aren't opposite each other presumably to stop it flexing or folding.

[prairie tuber]

Originally Posted by paddlers

The video makes it look ridiculously easy fitting the stringers.

Some SIBs are no doubt easier to assemble than others. One tip that is extremely helpful when installing floorboards and stringers, is to place 2 oars / paddles / poles under the boat (between fabric and ground) running fore/aft (dividing the boat width into 1/3rds to the outsides and between the poles).

Not only does it make your working surface flat and even along the length, but it gives a bit of separation between the floor boards and the ground, making it easier open up the angle between the floor fabric and tube fabric when installing the stringers. It will definitely be easier on finger tips / nails this way.