Many drivers who plan to get outdoors on the water are faced with the question of transporting a boat. boot-staffThis is a specialised device called a boat crane or a kilblock, which allows the vehicle to be freed up and the trailer to be placed directly above the roof of the vehicle.
Choosing the right equipment is critical, because aerodynamics and the center of gravity are as important as the boat itself, because improperly secured design can cause an accident or damage to the paintwork, and in this article, we will look at what types of fasteners exist and how to make sure you don't make a mistake when buying.
Terminology and design of boat cranes
In professional environments and accessories catalogs, you rarely find the word "boat trunk" in the correct name of the device. boat-crane Boat davit, or a keelblock system, is a structural support that is mounted on the crossbars of the base trunk and repeats the contours of the bottom of the boat.
The main task of these cranes is to fix the boat in a stationary state, excluding sideways displacement or hull twisting. keelblockheavy metal or rigid PVC boats require reinforced metal supports with angle adjustment.
It's worth noting that cranes themselves don't attach directly to the roof of the car, and they need a solid base in the form of longitudinal arcs or crossbars from proven brands, such as: Thule, Atlant or LuxWithout a quality base, even the most expensive boat crane will not provide safety.
Why can’t you use conventional arcs without cranes?
Using standard cross-sections without specialized lodgings or cranes for the boat is dangerous. Point pressure of the arcs on the hull can deform the PVC sides or damage the fiberglass, and the lack of lateral fixation will lead to the cargo slipping in a sharp maneuver.
Types of fasteners for different boats
The type of support depends on the material from which your boat is made. For PVC inflatable boats, soft stops are the best solution, which will not damage the cylinders, while aluminum and wooden boats require rigid fixation.
There are several basic support configurations, the most common being a pair of front and rear cranes covering the sides, and T-shaped stops supporting the boat per keel are also popular, which is especially true for boats with a rigid bottom.
- 🛶 Belt-belt kilblocks: universal option, where the boat is laid underside on the supports and attracted by belts from above.
- 🛶 Airborne grippers: special clamps covering the sides of the inflatable boat, preventing it from flattening by the wind.
- 🛶 Combined systems: a combination of the front crane and rear roller stop for easier loading.
It is important to understand that Maximum static load on the roof of a passenger car rarely exceeds 75-100 kgTherefore, the transportation of heavy motor boats can be limited by the technical specifications of the car itself, and not only the strength of the trunk.
Comparison of materials for the manufacture of supports
The durability and reliability of a boat crane depend on the materials used in its production. Cheap models are often made from ordinary steel with powder paint, which can rust over time. More expensive counterparts are made from anodized aluminum or stainless steel.
Plastic elements, such as the pads themselves, must be made of marine plastic that is resistant to UV and salt water. Cheap plastic in the sun quickly becomes brittle and can burst at the most inopportune moment.
| Materials | Weight. | Corrosion resistance | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Painted steel | Heavy. | Low. | Low. |
| aluminum | Light. | High. | Medium |
| Stainless steel | Medium. | Very high. | High. |
| Marine plastic | Very light. | Maximum | High. |
Instructions for the installation of a boat crane
Installation of the boat transport system requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions. An error during the installation phase can lead to loss of cargo on the highway. Before starting work, make sure that the base trunk is installed according to the instructions of the car manufacturer.
First, you need to fix the cranes themselves on the crossbars, and the distance between the front and rear crane should be maximum for a given length of the boat, to distribute the load and prevent sagging of the hull in the middle.
☑️ Checklist of installation
Once the supports are fixed, you should lay the boat down and do the initial fitting. The belts should not twist, and the pressure on the sides should be uniform. If you use a system with T-shaped stops, make sure that the boat's keel is tightly attached to the surface.
⚠️ Warning: Never use conventional ropes or cords to fix the boat on the roof. Only special gear belts or reliable sling junctions can guarantee safety.
Rules of safe transportation
Safety on the road is priority number one, and when you're driving with a boat on the roof, the aerodynamics of the car changes dramatically, you get more sail, you shift your center of gravity upwards, and you need to drive more carefully, especially in windy weather and when you overtake trucks.
Speed mode also requires adjustment: it is recommended not to exceed the speed of 90 km / h, and in areas with strong lateral winds to drop it to 60-70 km / h.
- 🚗 Control of the fastener: Be sure to stop every 50-70 km to check the tension of the belts.
- 🚗 Protection from stones: When transporting a boat nose-first (keel-up) on the hood and bumper can fly stones, consider installing a protective film.
- 🚗 Dimensions: If the boat protrudes beyond the dimensions of the car more than 40 cm behind or on the sides, the law requires the installation of the sign "Bulk cargo" and a flashing beacon.
Pay special attention to the condition of the belts before each trip. The fabric should not have scuffs, and plastic fittings should have cracks. Snoring mechanisms They should work smoothly, without jamming.
To ensure that the belts do not slap on the roof and do not damage the varnish at high speeds, tighten the free ends with rubber harnesses or special retainers, creating tension in the unnecessary part of the sling.
Maintenance and care of the system
Operating in water, sand and sun requires regular maintenance of equipment. After each trip, especially in salt water or in rain, the metal elements of the taps and trunk must be wiped with a wet cloth.
Lubrication of the moving parts of the cranking mechanisms of the belts and the crane adjustment screws must be produced with silicone lubrication. Conventional machine oil can attract dust and sand, which will lead to abrasive wear.
It is better to store boat cranes in a dry room, in a disassembled form. Plastic elements (platelets) should not be left in the direct sun for a long time without loading to avoid deformation.
⚠️ Warning: If you notice even microscopic paint chips on the metal parts of the tap, immediately paint them with an anti-corrosion compound. Pressurized water at speed will quickly reach the metal and start the rusting process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you carry a boat on the roof without a special crane, just tied to the arcs?
Theoretically, it's possible, but it's not recommended, because the trunk arcs are rounded and have a small contact area, and it can deform the sides of the inflatable boat or damage the hull of the hard boat, and without the side stops, the boat can just blow away with a gust of wind.
What is the maximum length of a boat for a rooftop?
The limit is not so much length as overhangs. If the boat protrudes beyond the front or rear bumper by more than 1 meter (total more than 2 meters), special warning signs are required. The optimal length for the roof is up to 4-4.5 meters, everything larger is wiser to carry on a trailer.
Do I need to remove the engine when transporting a boat on the roof?
Yes, absolutely. Transporting a boat with an engine on the roof is prohibited and dangerous. The engine puts a tremendous strain on the transom, which, when vibrating at speed, can simply break off. The motor must be transported separately in the trunk or on the floor of the trailer.
Will universal cranes be suitable for any boat?
Universal cranes with adjustable height and width supports are suitable for most models, but for boats of complex shape (for example, with highly inflated cylinders or a specific keel), it is better to choose specialized lodgings that repeat the geometry of your vessel.
The main conclusion: The trunk in the form of a boat is a system of cranes and lodgings that requires regular checks of fasteners and compliance with the speed mode for safe delivery of the boat to the water.