PVC Bench Strap – 35 x 12 cm, Set of 2 for Inflatable Boat Bench

These PVC bench straps are an original solution to stabilize the bench seat of an inflatable boat. In many inflatable dinghies, the wooden bench is removable for when the boat is deflated and packed. To keep it in place during use, straps like these are used – they are glue-on PVC strips that form a “loop” or bracket over the bench on each side. The set includes 2 straps, sufficient for one bench (one for each side).

Dimensions and material: Each strap measures 35 cm in length and 12 cm in width. They are made of the same type of PVC material as the boat itself, ensuring excellent bonding compatibility and uniform flexibility. Their thickness is enough to handle the load of seated passengers while remaining flexible when the boat is folded or the tubes expand when inflated. The grey/white color (depending on batch) blends in with the boat’s interior.

Installation: Installing the straps requires correctly positioning the bench. Typically:

1. Inflate the boat and set the bench at the desired height between the tubes.
2. Mark the spots where the bench’s edges touch the tubes on each side.
3. Glue the straps to the inside of the tube just below those marks, applying two-part PVC adhesive over the entire strap surface.
4. While gluing, create a slight arch (U-shape) gap under the strap – this will be the pocket for the bench edge. Some strap designs have pre-formed rounded ends that remain unglued to form the loop; others may require you to leave a small unglued section in the middle to create the slot.
5. After the adhesive cures, slide the bench under these straps. They will press down on it and prevent it from lifting.

Functionality:

• Stability: In waves or when people move around, the bench won’t slide or tip. This is crucial for safety – a stable seat means the person seated won’t lose balance, and the boat’s structure isn’t strained by a shifting load.
• Boat protection: The PVC strap creates a buffer between the sharp edge of the wooden bench and the tube. Without these straps, the bench can rub directly on the tube, which over time could wear through the fabric or cause a seam to peel. With the strap in place, the pressure is on a wide area of the strap itself, sparing the tube.
• Load distribution: When someone sits on the bench, the weight is transferred to the tubes via these straps. Since they are 12 cm wide, the force is distributed over a larger area of the tube, reducing point pressure. This prevents the boat from deforming and prolongs the life of the seam where the tube attaches to the floor.
• Easy removal: Despite holding the bench, most designs allow that with a simple upward tilt (often when the tubes are partially deflated a bit), the bench can be removed when you need to pack the boat. The straps remain glued to the boat, ready for the next assembly.

Compatibility: This product is universal for a range of small and medium inflatable boats. The 35x12 cm size is standard (often referred to as “seat straps” in catalogs). If your boat originally had such straps but they have come off or torn, this set will replace them perfectly. If your bench was previously unsecured – adding these straps will greatly improve the user experience and safety when operating the boat.

With these PVC bench straps, you ensure a simple yet effective way to keep your seat in place and protect your boat. It’s an often overlooked addition, but one that is essential for the comfortable and long-term use of your inflatable dinghy.