Modern fishing and water tourism require not only a reliable engine and a comfortable seat, but also a well-thought-out organization of space on the deck. One of the key elements of ergonomics for inflatable and rigid vessels is special protective structures, which are commonly called crinolins. These elements are rigid or semi-rigid inserts installed on boards or transverses that serve as a barrier between the soft material of the hull and the aggressive external environment or heavy equipment.
Floating owners often face the problem of rapid wear of cylinders in places of contact with anchor ropes, mooring cables or even oars. crinolineThey are made of durable polymers or composite materials, and their main task is to take on mechanical friction and impact load, while maintaining the integrity of inflatable tubes or paint coatings of aluminum boards. Without the use of such protective linings, the service life of an expensive boat can be reduced by many times due to microcracks and scuffs.
In addition to protective features, these elements play an important role in the attachment of additional equipment, often attached to holders for fishing rods, sonars, navigators or even small tables. Properly selected and installed, crinoline turns a regular boat into a functional fishing boat, allowing the angler to focus on the fishing process, rather than on the constant monitoring of the safety of inventory and board. In this article, we will discuss their design features, materials and nuances of installation.
Design features and materials of manufacture
The basis of any quality crinoline is a material that can withstand constant contact with water, ultraviolet radiation and mechanical stress. polyvinyl chloride (PVC) These materials do not absorb moisture, do not rot and retain their properties at extreme temperature extremes, which is critical for use in the Russian climate. Some manufacturers also use fiberglass to give the product a special rigidity and complex shape.
The design of the product can vary depending on the installation site. The transom variants are characterized by the presence of holes under the mount bolts and sometimes integrated footrests. On-board models are often streamlined to minimize water resistance and do not create additional twists when moving. Wall thickness These overlays are usually 3 to 6 millimeters, which provides a balance between the strength and weight of the entire structure.
- 🛡️ Impact resistance: The material effectively extinguishes the impact energy when mooring to concrete walls or berths.
- ☀️ UV stability: Special additives in plastic prevent fading and destruction of the structure under the sun.
- 🧪 Chemical inertia: The surface does not respond to gasoline, oil, fish oil and salt water.
⚠️ Attention! When buying, pay attention to the quality of the processing of the edges of the product. Sharp, unpolished edges of cheap plastic can themselves cause damage to the boat cylinder in high winds or excitement.
An important aspect is the way crinoline is attached to the hull. For PVC inflatable boats, the most commonly used method is gluing using two-component polyurethane adhesives that provide a monolithic connection. For rigid boats, mechanical fasteners are used through through through through through through holes, with mandatory sealing of the bolt entry points. Installation technology It directly affects the longevity of the entire site.
The main functions of protection of the board and transom
The main purpose of crinoline is to create a reliable buffer. When a boat comes to shore, especially a rocky or overgrown shell, the sides take the main blow. Without protection, the sharp edge of the shell or a protruding stone can easily pierce the balloon. Crinolin takes this blow on itself, spreading the point pressure over a larger area or taking it on its hard surface.
These also protect against abrasion caused by the friction of the cables. The anchor rope, which is constantly hanging around the side in the wind, works like an abrasive, rubbing the PVC fabric to holes. Installing a protective lining in the area of the cable passage completely solves this problem. In addition, crinoline protects the boat from damage during transportation on the trailer, when the cylinders can rub against the elements of the pads or frame.
| Type of exposure | Risk without protection | The effect of crinoline |
|---|---|---|
| Docking to the dock | Puncture, tissue rupture | Impact depreciation |
| Friction of anchor cable | Rubbing the PVC layer | Sliding without damage |
| Transportation | Belt scuffs | Protection of contact areas |
| Paddle-blow | Camera damage | Acceptance of the load |
Special attention should be paid to protecting the transom part. This is where outboard motors are often attached, and any displacement of the engine or sloppy movement can damage the soft side against the hard parts of the motor or the transom. Tranza crinolines often have a reinforced design and serve as an additional platform for fastening auxiliary elements.
Installation of protective elements on PVC boats
The process of installing crinoline on an inflatable boat requires careful surface preparation and temperature control. You can't just glue the plastic in a hurry, it will lead to detachment at the most inopportune moment. To work, you will need a dryer to heat the glue, a roller for rolling, a degreasing agent (acetone or special agent) and two-component glue for PVC.
The first step is to mark the installation site, inflate the boat and allow it to stand for several hours to straighten the material, then the surface of the board and the inside of the crinoline are thoroughly degreased, the glue is applied to both surfaces, after which a technological pause is made to evaporate the solvent, only after that the elements are joined and warmed up by a hairdryer to the activation temperature of the glue (usually about 50-60 degrees Celsius).
☑️ Installation tools
It is important to ensure uniform pressure during rolling, so that there are no air bubbles left under the protective lining. Quality of gluing It's visually and tactilely checked right after cooling, so if you notice bloating, you have to redo it, or the water will get between the layers and start to break down the tissue from the inside of the balloon.
⚠️ Warning: Never glue at temperatures below 15C or in high humidity conditions, and condensate trapped under the glue will make the compound leaky and unstable.
Installation on aluminum and wooden boats
For rigid housings made of aluminum-magnesium alloy or wood, the installation technology is different. Here the main emphasis is on mechanical fastening, since the flexibility of the materials of the shell and linings can vary. Aluminum sides drill holes that are necessarily treated with anti-corrosion composition before installing the fastener.
Stainless steel bolts with wide washers and rubber pads are used. Gasting is necessary to prevent electrochemical corrosion (contact of aluminum with another metal) and to seal the hole. Wooden trenches require pretreatment with antiseptic and varnish so that moisture does not fall under the crinoline and cause the wood to rot.
- 🔩 Fastening: Use only AISI 316 stainless steel for seawater.
- 🛡️ Sealing: Under the hat of the bolt must be applied a layer of sealant.
- 📏 Gaps: Leave minimal gaps for thermal expansion of materials.
When installed on a wooden transom, a combination method is often used: crinoline is screwed with bolts, and the space between it and the tree is filled with an elastic sealant, which creates an additional airbag. Strength of construction in this case, it increases, which allows you to attach to the crinoline heavier equipment without the risk of separation.
Do I need to drill holes in new boats?
Drilling holes in new PVC boats is not required or even recommended, as it violates the integrity of the cylinder. PVC uses only adhesive method. For aluminum boats, drilling is necessary, but it must be done in compliance with technology, so as not to violate the corrosion protection of the metal. In factory conditions, drilling sites can already be provided by the design.>
Use of Crynolin for Equipment Installation
Modern crinolins are not just bumpers, they are full-fledged platforms for upgrading your boat, and their flat surfaces often have space for rod holders, sonar brackets, and GPS navigation, which frees up space inside the cockpit and keeps gears on hand ready to go.
Some models are equipped with special slots or guides, which insert removable tables or drawers for trifles, this is especially true for lovers of trophy fishing, when you need to quickly organize the workplace. Universality Such systems allow you to adapt the boat for different tasks: from quiet fishing to active water tourism.
Also, crinoline is often used to place soft pads for the legs of a rower or passenger, which increases comfort during prolonged exposure to water, and although the material is durable, it is designed primarily for external influences, rather than for hanging heavy loads inside the boat.
Care, maintenance and service life
To keep the protective elements in place for a long time, they require minimal but regular care. After every fishing, especially in salt water, crinolines should be rinsed with fresh water. The salt, when dried, forms crystals that can scratch the surface and accelerate the aging of plastic. Also, wash off fish oil and dirt using a soft sponge and neutral detergents.
Periodically, at least once a season, check the condition of the glue seam (PVC) or fasteners (metal). The glue can lose elasticity over time, and the bolts weaken from vibration. A timely lift or glue will prevent loss of protection at the most inopportune time. Visual examination will help to identify microcracks on the plastic itself, which can develop under the influence of ultraviolet light.
Regular rinsing with fresh water and checking the fastener prolong the life of crinoline to 10 years or more.
Keep the boat with installed crinoline is better in straightened form or in a spacious case, so that the linings do not deform under the pressure of other objects. If the boat is stored in assembled form, make sure that the places of folding of the fabric do not fall on the edges of the rigid inserts, otherwise the fabric may be rubbed in the folded state.
Can I make crinoline from materials available?
In theory, you can use pieces of dense plastic or linoleum, but it's risky. Factory products are made from special PVC brands with UV stabilizers and the right density. Homemade counterparts can be too hard (scratching a balloon) or too soft (not holding a punch), and also quickly break down in the sun.
Does crinoline affect the speed of the boat?
If installed correctly and streamlined, the impact on hydrodynamics and speed is minimal and almost invisible to the user, but massive, angular structures installed incorrectly can create additional water resistance and sailing.
How to remove old crinoline so as not to damage the boat?
To remove, heat the adhesive seam with a building hair dryer until the glue is softened and carefully separate the lining. The glue residue is removed with a special rubber roller or hands, rolling them into the coils. The use of metal scrapers or aggressive chemicals is prohibited.
Are crinolines suitable for boats for an outboard motor?
Yes, there are special models for motorboats that take into account the vibration and load from the engine, and they are often reinforced and installed in areas of increased friction of the gas and tiller control cables.