The distance for a PVC boat is not just a metal pipe, but a key element on which the safety, controllability and resource of your boat depends. transmutationIt's the same as the vibrations of the engine, and at worst, the mounts break down or even the water controls go out, and many PVC boat owners mistakenly believe that "anything is right" based on length or diameter.

The choice of distance depends on the boat-like (inflatable, hard-hulled, keeled), motor-power, transmessel (aluminum, plywood, composite) and even the style of operation, whether it's a quiet fishing or high-speed walks, in this article we will discuss how to avoid typical mistakes, to find a distance for a particular model of boat (for example, the most common type of boat). Frigate., "Bark." or Corvette.) and properly installed so as not to encounter problems on the water.

What is the distance for a PVC boat and why it is needed

Distance (or remote insertion) is a metal pipe that is installed between the trunk of the boat and the attachment of the outboard motor.

  • 🛡️ Protecting the transom from deformation under the weight of the motor and dynamic loads.
  • 🔧 Adjustment of the engine inclination angle for optimal running (especially important for flat-bottom boats).
  • ⚙️ Prevention of vibrationswhich are transferred from the motor to the body.
  • 📏 Adjustment of engine height water (relevant to high-transcent boats).

Without a distance, even a lightweight 5-10 hp motor can eventually sink a transom, especially if it's made of plywood or thin aluminum. Salyut 320. or Omega-360. transneurs often go with factory distances, but their length is not always suitable for engines with long lower unit (for example, Yamaha F20 or Mercury 15).

The distance is also compensated Difference between the height of the trans mantra and the standard motor mountingIf the engine is set too low, the propeller will burrow into the water, increasing resistance and slowing down, and if it's too high, the boat will start bouncing around on the wave.

📊 What engine are you using on the PVC boat?
Up to 5 hp.
5-15 hp
15-30 hp.
Over 30 hp.
No motor.

Types of distances: what are and how are they different

Distances for PVC boats are classified according to several criteria: material, length, construction and fixationLet's look at each type in detail.

1. By material

  • 🔩 Aluminum Lightweight, resistant to corrosion, but can deform when hit hard, suitable for motors up to 20 hp
  • 🛢️ galvanized steel Stronger than aluminum, but heavier and require regular rust testing, optimal for motors of 20-50 hp
  • 🧲 Stainless steel It's a premium version, it doesn't rust, it can withstand high loads, and it's used on professional boats.
  • 🔬 Composite They're ultralight and durable, but they're expensive, and they're rare, mostly on race boats.

2. In length

Standard distances - from 10cm before 50 cmHowever, there are also non-standard ones (for example, 60 cm For high-transage boats, the length is defined as:

  • 📏 Transcent height (measured from the bottom edge to the deck).
  • 🔧 The length of the lower unit engine (Short, long or ultra-long).
  • 🚤 Type of boat (e.g. for "Kazanki" with a keel requires a shorter distance than for flat bottom Ufimki.).

3. By design.

Here we can highlight:

  • 🔗 Whole - monolithic pipe, the most reliable, but unregulated.
  • 🔄 Combatable with a threaded connection, allow you to adjust the length (for example, The Vodnik).
  • 🔧 Regulated - with a telescopic mechanism (rare, usually homemade).

For most PVC boats, it is suitable. single-piece aluminum distances 20-30 cm longFor example, for a boat. Frigate 360. motorized Tohatsu 9.8 often use distance 25cmfor Bark-420. s Mercury 25 — 35 cm.

How to check the quality of the distance when buying?

During the inspection, pay attention to:

1. Thickness of pipe walls - at quality distances it is not less than 3-4 mm.

2. Welded seams - should be smooth, without cracks and inflows.

3. Coverage - galvanizing or powder paint should not flake off.

4. Taper joints (if the distance is collapsible) - the thread should be clear, without burrs.

How to choose the right distance for your PVC boat

The choice of distance is not only a question of compatibility with the engine, but also of the engine. water-boardFor example, too long a distance will shift the center of gravity backwards, which will lead to "nose picking" on the move, and too short to excessive load on the transom.

Selection algorithm:

  1. Measure the height of the transanth from the lower edge to the deck (where the motor is attached).
  2. Find out the length of the lower unit motor (indicated in the manual or on the nameplate) Standard values:
    • 🔹 S Short: 381 mm (15 inches).
    • 🔹 L (Long) - 508 mm (20 inches).
    • 🔹 XL Extra Long (25 inches) - 635 mm.
  • Calculate the required distance by the formula: 
    Distance length = Translation height - (Dadewood length - 38 cm)
    Example: if the transom is high 50 cmAnd the lower unit engine. L (50.8 cm).. 50 - (50.8 - 38) = 37.2 cm → round up 35-40 cm.
  • Check compatibility with the engine mounting (The diameter of the pipe must fit under the clamps).

    • For boats with keel (for example, Zodiac. or "Bombardier.") the distance shall be on 5-10 cm shorterIt is more than a topping up, because the keel itself raises the feed.

    Measured the height of the transom | Checked the length of the engine's lower unit |Clarified the diameter of the pipe under the mount | Estimated the material (aluminum/steel) |Conference table compatibility->

    Below is a table of recommended distances for common boat and motor models, based on feedback from owners and manufacturer recommendations.

    Model boat Transcent height (cm) Motor (L. S.) The length of lower unit Recommended distance (cm)
    Frigate-320 45 5–10 S (38 cm) 20–25
    Bark-380 50 15–20 L (50 cm) 30–35
    Corvette 420 55 25–30 XL (63 cm) 35–40
    Salute-360 40 5 S (38 cm) 10–15
    Omega-400 (with keel) 52 10–15 L (50 cm) 25–30

    Important: for plywood transom boats (e.g., Ufimka.) the distance is increased by 5-10 cm as the material sags over time.

    If your model is not in the table, use the universal rule: The distance must compensate for the difference between the height of the transom and the standard mounting of the motor.but not exceeding 50 cm (Otherwise, the management will deteriorate).

    Common mistakes in choosing and setting distance

    Even experienced boaters sometimes make mistakes that lead to breakdowns or inconveniences on the water.

    ⚠️ Attention: Distance setting weightless It can cause the transom to deform. Honda BF20 weighs ~50 kg - if the distance is too short, the plywood transom will bend in a season.
    • ❌ Ignoring the height of the transanth Buying distance by eye without measurements.
    • ❌ Diameter mismatch The distance pipe is wider or narrower than the motor mount.
    • ❌ Use of homemade distances from inappropriate materials (e.g. water pipes).
    • ❌ Absence of shock absorbers Without rubber pads, vibrations will destroy the transom.
    • ❌ Wrong fixation - weakly tightened bolts or the absence of counternuts.

    Another common mistake. distance-setting on low-transnance boats (e.g., Kazanka-2M.This leads to:

    • 🌊 The nose is slapped on the move (the boat "running on the hind").
    • ⚡ Increased load on the rummel (control becomes heavy).
    • 🔧 Accelerated wear of motor bearings due to uneven load.

    To avoid problems, always check with boat-instruction and motorFor example, for boats. Bars. The manufacturer directly indicates the minimum distance length depending on the power of the motor.

    💡

    If you're buying a used distance, check it for a bend: put it on a flat surface and roll. If the pipe is cruising, it's best not to take it, even if it looks normal.

    Step-by-step instructions for setting the distance

    Set the distance is a simple process, but it requires care.

    • 🔧 Keys (usually 10, 13, 17).
    • 🔨 Drilling (if you need to make new holes).
    • 🧲 Sealer (e.g. sealant) "Sicaflex." for PVC.
    • 🧴 Rubber pads (shock absorbers).
    • 📏 Line or bar.

    Sequence of action:

    1. Take off the engine. (a) the scalp (if it is already installed).
    2. Try the distance. It should be tightly attached to the transom and the motor attachment.
    3. Drill the holes. In the transom (if there are none) under the bolts of the distance, the diameter of the drill is 1 mm less than the diameter of the bolt.
    4. Install rubber pads between the transom and the distance, and between the distance and the mounting of the motor.
    5. Secure the distance with boltsBut don’t drag them out completely.
    6. Set the motor. Adjust its position so that the anti-cavitation plate is parallel to water.
    7. Tighten all the bolts. Cross-cross (like a car wheel) to avoid skewing.
    8. Check the backlashes. The motor should not be wobbled to the sides.

    After installation, it is mandatory check the boat on the water:

    • 🚤 Make sure there are no vibrations on the low end.
    • 📉 At full speed, check if your nose is swelling.
    • 🔧 After the trip, inspect the transom for deformations.
    ⚠️ Attention: If the engine starts to stall on the move after setting the distance, the propeller may be too deep in the water, in which case you either need to shorten the distance or lift the motor by one hole in the mount.

    Distance maintenance and care

    Distance, like any metal element of a boat, requires maintenance. Neglect of maintenance leads to:

    • 🔧 Corrosion (especially at the distance of steel).
    • 🔩 Weakening of anchorages because of the vibrations.
    • 🧽 Wear of rubber gasketsWhich leads to backlashes.

    Care advice:

    • 🧼 After each trip Wash the distance with fresh water (especially if you have been riding on salt water).
    • 🛢️ Once a season lubricate "Litol" or WD-40.
    • 🔍 Before the season Check it out.
      • Integrity of welds.
      • Status of rubber shock absorbers.
      • Tightening of bolts (they can weaken from vibrations).
    • 🎨 When rust appears Then, put it in a stain and put it in a stain. "Zinkor.").

    If the distance has been deformed (for example, after hitting a stone), it is better to replace it. transom and its gradual destruction.

    💡

    Regular inspection of the engine's distance and mounts is a guarantee of safety. Pay special attention to the bolts: their weakening can lead to loss of the engine overboard!

    FAQ: Frequent questions about distances for PVC boats

    Can I use the distance from another boat?

    You can, but only if you match:

    • 📏 Length (according to the height of your transom).
    • 🔧 The diameter of the pipe (should fit under the mounting of the motor).
    • 🔩 Type of material (aluminum or steel).

    For example, distance from Frigate 360. fit Barca-380.If they have the same transom height (~50 cm), but it is better to measure and compare the parameters.

    How do you know if the distance is too short?

    Signs:

    • 🚨 The truncheon is bending under the weight of the motor.
    • 🔧 The mounting bolts are constantly weakening.
    • 🌊 The boat squats aft, the nose squats.
    • 🔊 There is a vibration at high speeds.

    If you notice at least one of these symptoms, replace the distance with a longer one.

    Do I need a distance for the engine up to 5 hp?

    Depends on the boat:

    • ✅ I need it.if a transom of plywood or fine aluminum (for example, Salyut 320.).
    • ❌ No need.if the transom is reinforced (for example, the Zodiac Cadet. hard bottom.

    For motors up to 5 hp, there is usually enough distance. 10–15 cm.

    Can you make a distance yourself?

    You can, but with reservations:

    • 🔧 Use it. aluminum or stainless tube with a wall thickness of at least 3 mm.
    • 📏 The length should be calculated by the formula (see the section "How to choose a distance").
    • 🔩 The anchorages must be shatterable (e.g. with sleeves).
    Don't use it. Water pipes or low quality welding seams are dangerous!

    How does distance affect the speed of the boat?

    The right distance is chosen speed up 5-15%, because:

    • 🚀 Optimizes the angle of attack of the screw.
    • ⚡ Reduces water resistance.
    • 📉 Prevents the "buried" nose.

    A distance that is too long or too short, on the contrary, speeding It increases fuel consumption.