On a hot summer day, being on the water without protection from the scorching rays of the sun can turn a pleasant walk into torture. PVC boat It's not just an accessory, it's a vital piece of equipment for any inflatable boat owner, and it creates a life-saving shadow that keeps you working and in a good mood even in the midday heat, when the temperature is reaching its maximum.
The structure is a pipe frame that is pulled over by a tent made of special fabric that is resistant to ultraviolet light and water. bionitope In an inflatable boat, it should be lightweight, foldable and critically safe for cylinders, and a properly designed canopy not only protects passengers from burns, but also protects the boat itself from burnout and overheating of PVC material.
In this article, we will take a look at all the nuances of choice, from the type of frame to the density of the awning fabric, and also consider the step-by-step installation process. You will learn how to avoid typical errors that can lead to damage to the board, and which materials will last the longest in an aggressive aquatic environment. A competent approach to cockpit equipment is the key to a safe and comfortable swim.
Why do you need a biminitope for the owner of an inflatable boat?
The main function of the canopy is obvious - it creates shadows, but many underestimate the Protection rating that quality provides. bionitopeDirect sunlight not only causes heat stroke and dehydration, but also dramatically reduces concentration, which can be dangerous in water, and even a small shaded space allows the driver to maintain clarity of thought and reaction.
In addition, the sun protects the boat itself, and the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that makes the cylinders, although it contains UV filters, loses elasticity and color when subjected to intense irradiation over time. Canopy It takes the brunt of the challenge by keeping the structure of the housing material, and it's also safe to store things that are afraid of overheating, like electronics or food, under the awning.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave electronic sealants or gas cans under a biminitope in a completely enclosed space without ventilation in extreme heat. The temperature under the awning still rises, and the lack of air circulation can damage the equipment.
Another important aspect is rain protection, and raincoats, of course, save you from wet clothes, but biminitopes allow you to stay dry completely without constraining your movements, and this is especially true for anglers who need time to set up gear, or for families with children who have difficulty dressing in raincoats while driving.
Structural features of the frame: aluminum or steel
The basis of any canopy is its load-bearing frame. PVC boats most often use two types of materials: anodized aluminum and stainless steel AISI 304. aluminum frame It's lighter, which is critical for inflatable boats, where every kilogram counts, it doesn't rust unless the protective coating is damaged, and it's generally cheaper to produce.
Steel frames are more robust and stiff, they are better able to withstand wind loads and impacts. However, the weight of such a design can be significant. When installing on an inflatable floor (NDB) or paiola, it is important to consider the weight distribution so as not to overload the nose or sides. Steel also requires quality coating, since welds can be vulnerable to corrosion in salt water.
Structurally, the tubes can be round or square. 20x20 mm or 25x25 mm It looks more aesthetically pleasing and allows you to fasten the awning with bolts or special clips, eliminating the friction of the fabric against the metal. 16-20 mm It is easier to dock with telescopic methods, but require a careful tying of the awning so that it does not slide.
When choosing a frame, pay attention to the quality of treatment of the ends of the pipes. They should be muffled with plastic or rubber stoppers so that, if you accidentally contact the balloon, you do not damage it with sharp edges of the metal.
The boat attachment system is an important element. For inflatable sides, the use of rigid metal stops is strictly prohibited, instead, soft belts with fastexes or special cylinder linings are used. The frame should be able to fold forward or backward, so as not to interfere with the passage and view when driving.
Tent materials: Oxford, Tarpaulin or Acrylic
Choosing fabric for biominitope It determines the durability of the canopy and the level of comfort. The most common material is fabric. Oxford (Oxford) with polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coating. It's a dense, waterproof fabric that holds a great shape and is easy to clean. Oxford density is usually between 240 and 600 Den, and for boat awnings, it's best to choose options no lower than that. 450 Den.
Tarpaulin (a woven polyethylene thread awning laminated with film) is often a budget option; it is completely waterproof, but less durable on fracture and can fade faster; Tarpaulin is also less aesthetically pleasing and can create a greenhouse effect if ventilation is not provided; For seasonal use in fresh water, this is a valid option.
Premium solution is considered to be acrylic fabrics or specialized marine vinyls (for example, SunbrellaThey don't burn out for years, they're good at letting air through (don't make stuffy stuffy) and they have self-cleaning properties, but the cost of a biminitope like this would be much higher. For most anglers and tourists, the best balance of price and quality is a dense, impregnated Oxford.
| Materials | Waterproofness | Protection from UV | Weight. | Term of service |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxford (PU 2000) | High. | Good. | Medium. | 5-7 years |
| tarpaulin | Absolute. | Medium | Low. | 2-3 years |
| Acrylic (Sunbrella) | Water-repellent | Great. | Medium. | 10+ years |
| PVC fabric (450 g/m2) | Absolute. | Great. | Highly | 7-10 years |
When you make or buy a finished product, look at the seams, they have to be glued or boiled, and the threads have to be reinforced, resistant to rot, ordinary cotton threads will rot in one season, and the awning will simply fall apart at the seams.
Instructions for installing a biminitope on a PVC boat
The installation of a canopy is a process that requires care and safety, and the main task is to secure the structure so that it withstands the wind, but does not damage the soft sides of the boat. Before you start installation, make sure that the boat is fully pumped and standing on a level surface.
First, the frame is assembled. Pipes are inserted into each other, fixed by stoppers or bolts. If the frame is collapsible, check the reliability of all the connections. Then try on the frame on the boat, identifying the points of support. Usually, the supports are installed on stringer cylinders or on special platforms, if they are designed by the boat.
☑️ Pre-installing check
The mounting of supports to the sides is carried out only through soft gaskets. Metallic clamps Or rigid elements should not touch PVC. Use wide straps from the sling that cover the cylinder and are fixed by fastexes or buckles. The tension of the belts should be moderate: too weak attachment will lead to a bolt of the frame, and too strong can deform the balloon.
Once the frame is installed, the awning is pulled, it is attached with a tie, adhesives or lashes, and it is important to ensure that the tension is uniform so that the fabric does not slam in the wind, which will quickly lead to its destruction, and if the awning has a back wall or sidewalls, they should be fixed last.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to attach biminitope supports directly to inflatable tubes without wide soft linings. Point pressure of metal when rolling or wind is guaranteed to cause PVC to be cut or wiped.
How do you strengthen the mount in the wind?
If you plan to go out in windy weather, it is recommended to use additional stretch marks (storm ladders) that go from the upper corners of the frame to the bow ducks or rims of the boat, stabilizing the structure and preventing it from tipping back.
Operation and care of the canopy
And bionitope After every fishing trip, especially if you've been fishing or drinking in a boat, it's advisable to rinse the cloth with fresh water, salts, fish mucus and organic residues can erode the protective layer of tissue and cause mold to appear when stored.
Drying the awning before packaging is a must. Stacking wet Oxford or tarpaulin in a sealant for long-term storage (between seasons) is guaranteed to lead to fungus and an unpleasant smell, which will be difficult to get rid of later. Metal frame should also be wiped with dry rags to prevent corrosion at the joints.
Periodically check the condition of the joints and fasteners, if you notice divergent threads, it is better to immediately sew them up or glue them, otherwise a small hole under the load of the wind quickly turns into a huge hole, and also monitor the condition of rubber plugs on the ends of the pipes - their loss is fraught with injuries and damage to property.
Proper drying and storage of biminitope in straightened or freely folded form in a dry room is the main secret of its durability.
Self-manufactured or finished solution
Many boat owners are thinking about making a biminitope DIY, and it's possible if you have the skills to work with a pipe bender and a sewing machine, and buying pipes, fittings and a cloth cut separately is often cheaper than buying a finished product, especially for boats of unusual sizes.
However, ordering a ready-made bionitopeYou get a product that has already passed the durability tests and is adapted to a particular model of the boat (for example, the model of the boat). Flagship, Kazanka or BadgerManufacturers take into account the geometry of the cockpit, the location of the cans and keys, which is difficult to calculate when self-manufactured.
If you decide to make a canopy yourself, start with accurate measurements. The width of the cockpit, the desired height and the length of the awning are the basic parameters. For the frame, it is better to use PND water pipes (black, for cold water) with a diameter of 32-40 mm or aluminum pipes. PHD is good because it does not rust, bends when heated and is completely safe for the sides, but it is less rigid on large spans.
Ultimately, the choice between a homemade product and a factory product depends on your budget, the time and tools available, and having a roof over your head on the water is a step to a new level of comfort that pays off with the first hot trip.
When sewing the awning, use a double seam and LL (lausan) threads at least 50-70 thick. The edge of the fabric must be melted or treated with an overlock so that it does not fall off.
Can I use biminitope in a storm?
No, a PVC biminitope is not a sail or a storm shield, and in high winds (over 10-12 m/s), the canopy sail can flip the boat over or tear out the anchorages, and in such conditions, the awning must be removed or folded.
How often should I change the tissue on the biminitope?
When used and stored in the sun, the Oxford fabric lasts about 3-5 seasons. If you notice that the fabric has stopped holding water (it gets wet in light rain) or has become brittle on the folds, it is time to change it.
Will the biminitope affect the boat's stability?
Lightweight frames alone don't affect stability, but high sailing in windy weather can reduce handling, and it's important that the center of gravity of cargo and passengers stay low.
Are there universal biminitopes?
There are models with adjustable width arcs that can be adapted for different boats, but the ideal seat will be only the canopy that is selected or sewn to a particular model of the vessel.