Protecting an inflatable boat from external influences is not just a matter of aesthetics, but a necessity that prolongs the life of expensive property. transporter It allows you to take into account all the individual specifications of your model, whether it is the presence of a rigid transom or an installed sonar, and many owners are faced with the fact that ready-made store options are either unreasonably expensive or not suitable for size.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of creating a quality shelter that protects the sides and cylinders from ultraviolet, dirt and mechanical damage during transportation on a trailer. You do not need to be a professional tailor to cope with this task, but you will need attention to detail and accuracy in measurements. Properly selected materials will ensure the durability of the product comparable to factory counterparts.
The main purpose of creating such a product is to minimize wear and tear. PVC fabric Dust infestation and constant friction on fasteners can significantly reduce the life of the boat, and by making the case yourself, you have complete control over the quality of the seams and the choice of fittings, which is often more important than the manufacturer's brand.
Selection of material and tools for sewing
The first and most critical step is tissue selection, and the ideal solution is the selection of tissue. Oxford (Oxford) It's a material that's very tensile, very water-repellent, and resistant to sunburn, and has a density of 210 to 600 den with polyurethane or PVC coating. avill or tarpaulinThey are also widely used in the production of tents and tents.
When buying fabric, pay attention to the presence of impregnation PU or PVCIt's a stainless waterproof, and cheap, uncoated analogs will quickly lose their appearance and start to let moisture in, creating a greenhouse effect. It's better to choose light colors (gray, light green, beige), because they're less heated in the sun.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use conventional cotton fabrics or materials without water-repellent impregnation to sew the case. Wet fabric in the sun will act as a compress, accelerating the aging of the boat's adhesive seams and provoking mold.
In addition to the main fabric, you will need strong threads, preferably lausan (for example, stainless steel). 45LL or 70ll), which do not rot and are resistant to ultraviolet light, to strengthen the loaded places and create loops, you will need a strap tape, and also stock up on quality fittings: plastic or metal fastexes, carabiners and possibly lightning, if you plan to make removable sections.
Measurement and patterning
The accuracy of the cut directly affects how the case will land on the boat. You don't have to rely on standard sizes from the Internet, because even the models of the same series can differ in width of cylinders or transom height. You need to measure the total length of the boat from the nose to the cut of the cylinders at the transom, the maximum width of the cylinders and the height of the board in the widest part.
The most convenient way to build a pattern is to use millimeter paper or directly on the floor, gluing sheets of old paper or film. The design of the case usually consists of a central part that covers the paioles and two side wings that cover the cylinders. It is important to provide for seams, usually 1.5-2 cm on each side.
Pay special attention to the area squirt-board The cover should fit tightly around these places, but not stretched to the string, so that in the wind it does not break. pyre or rod-holderTheir height should also be considered, perhaps by making cutouts or additional bulky elements.
When calculating, be sure to add technological allowances for shrinkage of fabric, if it is natural or mixed, although synthetic Oxford is almost no shrinkage. It is better to make a pattern with a small margin that can be removed during fitting, than to detect a shortage of material at a critical moment.
Clothing and preparation of details
The cutting process requires a flat surface and sharp scissors or a special knife for the fabric. Spread the material on the floor, fixing the edges with loads so that it does not travel. Move the pattern contours onto the fabric with chalk or soap, clearly indicating the cutting lines and the direction of the lobe thread, if the fabric has a pronounced weave structure.
It's important to be symmetrical when you cut, especially if you're making a case that should fit on both sides the same way, so you can fold the fabric in half if the width of the roll allows, and cut two halves at once, but for dense and slippery fabrics like Oxford 600D, this can be uncomfortable, so more often cut one pattern.
All edges of parts that will not be turned into seams, it is recommended to immediately melt with a lighter or a thermoknife, this will prevent the shedding of threads during operation and give the product a neat appearance, This treatment is especially important for places where luvers will be installed or slings will be attached.
☑️ Check before opening.
Sewing technology and seam reinforcement
Sewing parts requires a powerful sewing machine that can sew through thick layers of fabric. Domestic machines may not be able to cope with the density of Oxford 600D in four additions, so for such work often use type machines. 2M If this is not possible, you can manually grind parts with a double seam using a strong line or a kapron thread.
The main seam is made with a double edge turning or with a edging tape, which protects the sections from moisture and mechanical stress. To seal the seams, if you want complete waterproofness, you can glue them with a special PVC tape or smear them with liquid PVC, although for a transport cover this is usually redundant.
Critical places, such as the angles and anchor points of the tie straps, need to be reinforced with additional linings of the same fabric, this will distribute the load and prevent the main cloth from rupturing when strong wind or tension, seams in these places are better to be cut several times or use a reinforced needle.
How to choose a needle for a sewing machine?
For dense fabrics like Oxford 600D, use needles labeled 100-110 (European) or 16-18 (American) and needles should be sharp (Sharp point) or specifically designed for skin and dense tissue (Leather/Denim) to pierce the fibers rather than tearing them.
Don't forget. needle-pressurization in places where the cover will constantly get wet, although for a transport option that is stored in a garage or on a trailer under the awning, this is less relevant than for a running awning.
Installation of fittings and fasteners
Fixing a boat case is a guarantee of its safety during transportation. The most common option is the use of elastic cords (slings) with hooks or carabiners that cling to dice or special loops on cylinders. However, just a strained cord can slide, so it is better to use a fastexed string system.
At the bottom of the case, where it covers the side, it is recommended to put a cage into which the cord is put, this will tightly tighten the fabric around the cylinder, preventing sailing. In places where the screeds are, be sure to install the lavers or make loops from the sling so that the fabric does not rub.
If you plan to keep a boat with an engine installed, provide a separate pocket or notch in the back of the case. squirrel-engine Every time you put a shelter, the edges of the cutout also need to be treated so that they don't rag.
Use reflective elements or bright edging on the cover if the boat is often left outdoors or transported at night, which will increase the visibility of the vehicle on the road and scare away animals.
For additional fixation in the wind, you can sew several loops around the perimeter, through which the main screed tape will be thrown over the entire case, pressing it against the boat hull.
Comparison of materials for cover
The choice of fabric determines not only the appearance, but also the functionality of the product. Other materials have unique specifications that can be decisive in specific conditions of use. Below is a comparative table of the main fabrics used for sewing awnings.
| Materials | Density (g/sq.m) | Water resistance | Resistance to UV | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxford 210D | ~120-140 | Medium | Medium | Low. |
| Oxford 600D | ~260-300 | High. | High. | Medium |
| tarpaulin | ~180-200 | Very high. | High. | Low. |
| Avil (Tent) | ~220-260 | High. | Very high. | High. |
As you can see from the table, Oxford 600D It's a middle ground for most users, it's strong enough to withstand loads when transported, it's easy to handle, it's cheaper, but it's often smelly and less pleasant to touch, and it can also be noisier in the wind.
Type materials avill Or specialized acrylic-coated awnings are more expensive, but they last much longer, retaining color and elasticity over the years, and if budget allows, choosing them will be an investment in durability.
Carrying and storage
To make a self-made case last, it also needs to be taken care of. Regularly clean the fabric of dirt and dust using a soft brush and soap solution. It is not recommended to use aggressive chemicals containing chlorine or solvents, as they can destroy the protective coating of the fabric.
Before you remove the cover for long-term storage, be sure to dry it. Even if the fabric is treated with water-repellent impregnation, moisture residue in the folds can lead to mold, which is very difficult to remove.
⚠️ Warning: Never pack a wet case in a sealed bag or bag. The lack of air circulation is guaranteed to lead to the formation of a fungus that will spoil not only the case itself, but can also spread to the boat.
Periodically check the condition of the joints and fasteners. If you notice divergent threads or scuffs, immediately make local repairs, sew damage or put a patch. Timely elimination of minor defects will prevent the need for major repairs or sewing of a new product.
Independent tailoring of the case allows you to save up to 50% of the cost of the factory analogue and get a product that is ideally suited to the configuration of your boat.
Can I use a cover for year-round boat parking on the street?
You can use a homemade case for permanent street parking, but with reservations: the fabric must be as dense as possible (at least 600D) and have high UV protection, you must ensure ventilation inside to avoid condensation, and secure the cover from the wind, otherwise it will quickly become useless.
Do I need to take off my cover in winter?
In winter, the cover is needed to protect the boat from snow, naledi and ultraviolet, which is active even in the cold season. However, it is important that there is good ventilation under the cover and the boat itself is cleared of moisture before packaging. Heavy snow on the roof of the cover is better to periodically shake off.
Which seam is best used to connect parts?
For dense fabrics, a sewing seam or a seam with a edging is best suited, which hides the cuts and prevents shedding. If a sewing machine is used, the step of the line should be increased (3-4 mm) so that the needle does not perforate the fabric too often, weakening it.
How do you calculate the amount of tissue?
To calculate, take the length of the boat and add 20-30 cm to the gateways. The width is calculated as the semicircumference of the cylinders plus the width of the floorboard plus the seam allowances. Always buy fabric with a margin of 10-15% in case of an error when cutting.