Operation of inflatable floating craft is not only the pleasure of fishing or water walks, but also constant care about maintaining the integrity of the vessel. polyvinyl chloride The 360 centimeter boat is the middle class, most popular among anglers for its load capacity and stability, but it is this size that often becomes inconvenient when transported disassembled or stored in a garage without adequate protection from external factors.
Buying a quality case is not just an extra budget, but an investment in extending the life of your property. Moisture, ultraviolet radiation, dust and mechanical damage in the garage can cause irreparable harm. tissue A properly selected awning can turn a conventional plastic packaging into a reliable barrier that preserves the presentation and technical specifications of the vessel for many years.
Many owners underestimate the importance of ventilation In the case of a protective casing, believing that the main thing is to simply close the boat from dust, a fatal mistake that can lead to mold formation and an unpleasant smell that is then difficult to get rid of. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the nuances of choice, materials and features of the operation of protective awnings for boats with a length of 360 cm.
Criteria for material selection and tissue density
The first thing to consider when choosing protection for your PVC boatsThe market offers a variety of options, from cheap polyethylene to high-tech Oxford. Cheap options are often thin films that quickly lose elasticity in the cold and crack under the sun. These products are only able to protect against large dust, but are completely useless against moisture and mechanical damage.
The most popular and reasonable choice is considered fabric. Oxford The density of such material usually varies from 210D to 600D. The higher the Denier (D), the thicker the thread and the stronger the fabric. For a boat with a length of 360 cm, which can have rather bulky cylinders and a rigid transom, the best choice will be a density of at least 300D-400D. This will provide a balance between the weight of the cover and its strength.
The most important parameter is the presence of water-repellent Even if you plan to keep a boat in a dry garage, temperature changes can cause condensation. PU or PVC-labeled fabric is great at removing moisture from entering. But it's worth remembering that waterproofness doesn't mean that the seams are completely sealed, so having vents is critical.
⚠️ Warning: Never pack a wet boat in a sealed case of dense synthetics without first drying it, guaranteed to cause the fungus to appear on the fabric within a few weeks.
There are also combinations where the top is made of a strong Oxford and the bottom is made of softer, but less durable fabric, which is done to save weight and cost, but for long wintering, it is better to choose a monolithic design. The quality of the seams also plays a role: double stitching and glued joints increase the life of the product, preventing the filaments from diverge under load.
Design features and types of covers
360 cm PVC boat cases are divided into several design types, each designed for specific tasks. Universal models are often a simple puff bag that is pulled over a assembled or disassembled vessel. They are cheap, but do not provide a tight fit, which can sail when transported on the roof of the car.
A more advanced option is the covers with prairieThey replicate the outlines of the boat, including the shape of the bow and the transom. These products are often equipped with valves to access handles or drain holes, which allows you to not remove the protection completely for simple manipulations. For boats with an inflatable floor (NDB) and a hard floorboard bottom (CPV), the cut may differ, because the dimensions assembled they have different dimensions.
Transport covers designed for carriage on a trailer or roof of a car are of particular importance, they are equipped with reinforced belts, reflective elements and often have an aerodynamic tail. The use of a conventional storage case for high-speed road driving is strongly discouraged, as wind load can tear the fabric or damage the boat itself from the inside.
Lightning is a double-edged stick. On the one hand, lightning allows you to quickly check the contents or ventilate the boat. On the other hand, it's a weak spot where the fabric can get stuck, and the lock itself can rust. If you choose a lightning model, make sure it has a zipper. bar It is made of (anti-corrosion) materials, such as brass or high-quality plastic.
Exact dimensions and compatibility with 360 cm boats
The concept of a 360 is rather arbitrary. The actual length of an inflated vessel can vary from 355 to 375 cm depending on the manufacturer and model. The width is also a critical parameter: the standard 140-150 cm or wide 160-180 cm Case, designed for a narrow model, simply will not fit on a wide boat with large cylinders.
When choosing a size, you need to take into account not only the length of the cylinders, but also the presence of corn-transeTranets add stiffness and volume, but also increase the overall length in packaged form if the boat is kept assembled. For models 360 cm long, covers marked "up to 3.7 m" or "3.6-3.8 m" are usually recommended to have a margin at the corner.
Below is a table matching the sizes of covers and popular boat models to make it easier for you to navigate the range:
| Marking of the cover | Max. boat length (cm) | Max. width (cm) | Suitable models (examples) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size M (3.2-3.4) | 340 | 145 | Flagship 340, Hunter 340 |
| Size L (3.5-3.7) | 370 | 160 | Cayman 360, Solar 350, Badger 360 |
| Size XL (3.8-4.0) | 400 | 180 | Flagship 380, Orca 385 |
| Universal (up to 3.8) | 380 | 170 | Most 360 models with wide cylinders |
In deflated form, the solder boat takes up less space, but has rigid angles that can wipe the fabric of the cover from the inside when friction is recommended to use an intermediate layer of soft fabric.
How to measure a boat to buy Czech?
Measure the maximum length from nose to edge of the transom (including inflatable elements). Then measure the maximum width by cylinder. Add 5-10 cm to each measurement for stock, especially if the boat is stored with equipment installed.>
Protection from UV and atmospheric influences
One of the main functions of the cover is to protect against UV radiation. Polyvinyl chloride, which is the boat, is itself resistant to the sun, but constant heating and exposure to ultraviolet light accelerates the aging of plasticizers. The fabric becomes stiff, loses elasticity and can crack. The quality case has a special impregnation that blocks the sun's rays.
However, if the case is made of dark fabric without reflective elements, it can work as a thermos. In the sun, the dark surface is heated to 60-70 degrees Celsius. Inside, a greenhouse effect is created, which is harmful to the adhesive seams of the boat. Therefore, for summer storage outdoors, it is preferable to choose covers. silvery Or light gray.
The dampness of the fabric directly affects the safety of the metal fittings of the boat: the switch, the mountings of the cans and the transom. Even if the PVC fabric itself is not afraid of water, the metal elements can become corrosive in a wet environment. A good case diverts water along the ramps, preventing it from accumulating in the recesses.
And you also have to consider the wind load, because if you're using a cover in an open parking lot, it has to sit tight on the boat, and the sailing of a poorly secured awning can just blow it away with all the contents, or it can clap, rubbing about the roughness of the cylinders.
Seasonal storage: preparing the boat for winter
Preparing for winter storage is a ritual that cannot be ignored. Even if you have a great case, an improperly prepared boat can get hurt. cleaning Abrasive particles under pressure from cylinders can damage tissue during long-term storage.
After washing, the boat must be completely dry, and this applies not only to the outer cylinders, but also to the inner compartments, if you are talking about boats with inflatable floor. Residual moisture is the main enemy. PVCIt will restore the protective layer.
When packing a boat, try not to create sharp clamshells in the same places every year. This leads to premature wear of the material on the folds. It is better to change the layout or use a rolled storage method if the dimensions of the room allow. The case should cover the boat completely, but not be stretched like a drum.
⚠️ Warning: Do not keep the boat in a case near heating appliances or open fire sources. Synthetic materials can easily ignite, and high temperatures deform PVC.
Periodically, at least once a month, it is recommended to check the condition of the boat in the case. Ventination will help to remove the accumulated moisture and make sure that rodents who like to chew rubber products do not get inside.
☑️ Checklist of preparation for wintering
Transportation: a cover as a security element
When carrying an inflatable boat on the roof of a car or trailer, the cover serves not only as a protection against dirt, but also as an additional fastener. However, a conventional storage bag is not suitable for this. Transport covers of 360 boats often have reinforced handles and hinges for strap fixation.
The use of a cover during transportation reduces aerodynamic drag, making the movement of the car more stable and quiet, and it protects the cylinders from the impact of small stones and insects at high speeds. It is important that the material of the cover in this case was as strong as possible, preferably with reinforcement.
When you're on the roof, watch your belts. cylinders through the fabric of the cover, especially in the cold, when PVC becomes less elastic. Use soft linings under the belts, if the cover does not have special shock absorbing inserts.
For trailer transport, it is important that the cover is tightly covered with a transom and does not hang around. The dangling fabric can wind on the wheels of the trailer or create a dangerous situation on the highway.
The transport case must be made of fabric with a density of at least 400D and have a belt fastening system, unlike lightweight garage storage bags.
Care for the cover itself and repair
The case needs to be maintained, too. It should be washed periodically to remove dust and mold spores, and it is better done manually using soft detergents that do not contain chlorine and aggressive solvents. Machine washing can damage the water-repellent layer and deform the fabric.
If a small tear appears on the fabric, it can be sealed with special patches for PVC or even for awning fabrics. It is important to degrease the surface before repair and allow the glue to dry completely. For small holes from sparks or burns, you can use thermal glue to match the color of the thread or fabric.
Keep the case dry, rolled up, don't leave it wet after use, or it may sour and acquire a persistent damp smell that will then pass to the boat. Regular treatment with water-repellent fabric sprays will prolong the life of your accessory.
Following these simple rules will allow you to keep the boat in perfect condition for many seasons, and the case will become a reliable assistant, not a source of problems.
Do I need to lubricate the boat inside before packing it in a cover?
Lubricating the entire surface is not necessary if the boat is clean and dry, but it is recommended to wipe the cylinders with a UV filter and antistatic, which will prevent dust from sticking and protect against fading.
Can I use a 360 case for a 380?
Using a smaller case (by 360) for a larger boat (380) is highly discouraged. The fabric will be stretched to the limit, the seams may burst, and the protection from moisture and dust will be broken.
How often should I ventilate the boat in the cover?
When stored in a garage, it is enough to open the case every 2-3 months for visual inspection and ventilation. If the boat is stored on the street or balcony, it is worth checking more often, especially after rains or snowfalls.
What is the difference between a NDND cover and a PDD cover?
The main difference is in volume and shape: the inflatable floor boat (BBBB) assembled has a more rounded, plump shape and a higher height. They make the covers more spacious. The solder boats are flat and require less bulky covers.