Inflatable vessel operation often goes beyond a quiet stroll, requiring the owner to adapt the design to specific weather conditions and route length. It is in such situations that standard equipment may not be enough, and the need to install additional stiffness elements known as the “Steel” is highlighted. boat-arrowThese arched structures, made of fiberglass or metal, serve as the basis for fastening the awning, providing protection from the scorching sun or sudden rain, which is critical for comfortable fishing.
A properly selected arch allows you to turn an open flat-bottom into a full-fledged pleasure boat with a roof, greatly expanding the possibilities of using the vessel. However, installing such elements requires an understanding of the physical loads acting on the frame and knowledge of the specifications of the materials so as not to disturb the tightness of the cylinders. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to choose reliable arcs, what are the methods of their attachment and how to avoid typical errors in upgrading your boat.
It is worth noting that ignoring the installation rules can lead to damage to the transom or depressurization of the seams, so the issue of tuning should be approached with engineering accuracy. Plastic glass and aluminum The profiles have different sailing and weight, which directly affects the performance of the boat. Below we will look at the technical nuances that will help you make the right choice and safely strengthen the design.
Structural features and materials arc
The basis of any tent or bridge is load-bearing elements, which must have sufficient strength on the kink and elasticity. fiberglass The arcs are often round-sectional with a diameter of 16 to 25 mm, allowing them to withstand significant wind loads while remaining light enough to transport.
The second popular option is the arcs from aluminum-fibreAluminum is rigid and does not require the same degree of elasticity as fiberglass, but it is heavier and can be corroded if the protective coating is damaged. A critically important parameter when choosing is not only the material, but also the thickness of the profile wall, since thin-walled pipes can collapse when a tent is strongly tensed or a gust of wind.
There are also combinations where metal elements reinforce the fiberglass base at the attachment points, which allows you to distribute the load and prevent breakage at the stress points. When choosing a material, you should consider the seasonality of use: for hot summers, fiberglass is preferable, since it is less heated in the sun than metal.
- 🔹 Glass: high flexibility, low weight, dielectric properties, resistance to corrosion.
- 🔹 Aluminum: maximum stiffness, durability, welding and complex molding, but greater weight.
- 🔹 Powder-painted steel: high strength, but susceptibility to rust when chipped paint and high weight.
- 🔹 Carbon: Extreme lightness and strength, but very high cost and fragility in point impacts.
It's important to understand that arc geometry also plays a role, that curved profiles are better at resisting wind and creating less drag than straight slats, and that when buying ready-made kits or ordering customized fabrication, you need to pay attention to the quality of the end treatment and the absence of microcracks on the surface.
Methods of attaching arcs to the PVC boat
The safety of installing additional components depends on the reliability of the mounting units. There are several main ways of fixing arcs on inflatable tubes and transom, each of which has its advantages and limitations. fastex Or carabiners that span the balloon and hold the base of the arc, which makes it easy to dismantle the structure and doesn't require drilling or sticking in any extra elements.
More stringent fixation provides cupGlasses glued into PVC fabric provide a monolithic structure, but require professional installation using a special iter glue. Metal glasses on the transom are often used to install heavy running bridges, since the transom takes the main load from the weight of the structure and engine.
When using slings, you need to make sure that they do not rub the fabric of the cylinder. To do this, special protective linings are often placed under the slings made of neoprene or dense fabric. The tension of the slings should be uniform: too weak fastening will cause the arches to swing, and excessive ones can deform the balloon.
☑️ Checking of the attachment reliability
If you plan to install arcs constantly, it makes sense to consider the option of pin-up It's going to spread the point load and protect the main material from abrasion, and in any case, always check the integrity of all the attachment units before you go out into the water.
Installation of a tent and protection from the sun
One of the main functions of the arcs is to create a tent frame that protects the crew from ultraviolet light and precipitation. PVC boat awnings are sewn from special materials such as Oxford polyurethane coated or more expensive fabrics of the type TarpaulinThese materials have water-repellent properties, burn-out resistance and high mechanical strength.
When installing the awning, it is important to ensure that it is properly tensioned, sagging fabric will collect rainwater, creating dangerous pockets weighing tens of kilograms, which can lead to breakage of the arcs. To prevent this, special struts or central racks that support the awning horse are used, and roof rays are also effective, allowing water to flow away.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a boat with an awning installed unattended during heavy rain unless the structure has steep stingrays. The accumulated water can push arcs inside the boat or flip the vessel over.
The awning itself is usually attached to the arcs by means of Velcro straps, or bundles or lashes; Velcro straps allow you to quickly remove the awning if necessary, but over time they can lose their properties; Bundles are more reliable, but require more time to install and dismantle. Luvers are used in combination with lacing, providing a very tight fit.
To protect against the sun, it is also important to consider the color of the awning: light colors reflect the sun's rays better and create less greenhouse effect inside the boat, while dark fabrics heat up faster. A quality running awning should have ventilation windows or valves for air circulation.
Use reflective tape on the top of the awning to make your boat more visible at dusk or in poor visibility.
Strengthen the frame for installation of equipment
Arcs often serve not only as the basis for the awning, but also as a platform for mounting various equipment, which are attached to navigation lights, sonars, fishing rod holders, GPS antennas and even solar panels, and for this, the frame must have a margin of safety exceeding the minimum necessary values.
If you plan to place heavy equipment on arcs, it is recommended to use reinforced versions Cross-bars greatly increase the rigidity of the entire structure, preventing it from shifting or deforming when the boat is moving at high speed or on the wave.
Equipment must be fastened using stainless clamps or specialized brackets. It is important to avoid direct contact of metal clamps with fiberglass without rubber pads to prevent damage to the surface of the arc. All electrical wires going to the installed appliances must be carefully stacked along the arcs and fixed so as not to create sailing.
| Type of equipment | Recommended installation site | Requirements for arcs | Weight load |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navigation lights | Top point of the central arc | Diameter not less than 20 mm | Light (up to 0.5 kg) |
| Echoer/GPS | Cross-section before the cockpit | Enhanced profile, lack of vibration | Medium (1-3 kg) |
| The rod-holders | Side racks or crossbars | Local reinforcement at the anchoring point | Dynamic loading |
| Solar panel | Flat top of the tent | Maximum stiffness, additional supports | Heavy (2-5 kg) |
When installing electrical equipment, you need to provide protection against moisture and splash. Connectors must have a tightness class not lower than IP67It is also recommended to install fuses in the supply chains directly at the energy source.
Secrets of installing a solar panel
When mounting a solar panel on arcs, use damper pads between the panel and the profile, which will reduce vibration, which can destroy the crystal structure of the panel during prolonged use on water.
Aerodynamics and the influence of arcs on driving performance
The arc and awning inevitably change the aerodynamic profile of the boat, and sailing can significantly affect the handling of the vessel, especially in lateral winds. High arcs act like a sail, knocking the boat off course and requiring the motorist to constantly adjust the direction.
To minimize the negative impact on driving performance, it is recommended to choose streamlined Arc: Curved profiles that replicate the natural lines of a boat create less air resistance than angular structures, and it's also important to consider the height of the mount: the lower the center of gravity of the awning, the more stable the boat behaves.
When moving at high speeds, the awning can create a "grappling" effect, especially if it has a large area, which can lead to short-term loss of contact of the nose with water or, conversely, to burrowing of the nose, so before going to the plane with the awning installed, you need to conduct test swims at a safe speed.
- 🌪️ High sailing increases fuel consumption due to increased resistance.
- 🌪️ Side winds can roll boats, dangerous to passengers.
- 🌪️ The vibration of the awning at speed creates noise and tires the driver.
- 🌪️ Sharp gusts of wind can tear out a poorly fixed awning.
If you use a boat at high speeds often, consider removable arcs or awnings that can be quickly removed. An alternative is compact umbrellas or visors that do not have a solid sailing area.
Maintenance and storage of arcs and awnings
The durability of the arcs and awnings installed depends on proper care and storage conditions. After each operation, especially in salt water, the metal elements must be washed with fresh water to remove salt, which is an aggressive corrosive agent. The fiberglass arcs are also desirable to rinse to remove dirt and sand, which can work as an abrasive.
The awning fabric requires special attention: before folding it must be completely dry. Wet fabric is quickly covered with mold and fungus, which destroy the structure of the material and cause unpleasant odor. Use special PVC products and soft brushes to clean the awning, avoid aggressive chemistry.
⚠️ Warning: Do not store folded wet awning in a sealed case for more than 24 hours, this is guaranteed to cause mold and decay of the fabric in the folds.
When stored in the off-season, arcs are best stored in an unbridled state or folded into large rings (with a radius of at least 50 cm) to avoid breaking in fiberglass. The awning should be folded carefully, avoiding sharp inflections in the same places, and stored in a dry, ventilated room.
Check the condition of the joints on the awning and the arc attachments regularly. Small cracks or scuffs are a signal for immediate repair. Timely treatment with protective compounds will extend the life of your equipment for several seasons.
Proper storage and regular washing with fresh water is the guarantee that the arcs and awning will last you 5-7 years without losing their properties.
Can I make a boat myself?
Yes, it's possible if you have access to fiberglass, epoxy resin and molds, or aluminium pipe skills. But self-manufacturing requires precise load calculations. Mistaking the size or thickness of the wall can cause the arc to break at the wrong time. It's easier and safer to order customized fabrication in a specialized workshop.
What is the maximum size of the boat allows the installation of arcs?
Arcs can be mounted on almost any PVC boat from 2.8 meters in length. For boats shorter than 2.5 meters, a full bridge is not recommended due to loss of useful space and shifting of the center of gravity. Large boats (more than 4 meters) often use combined systems with central racks.
Does the arcs affect the speed of the boat?
The arcs themselves have minimal impact on speed if they are streamlined. The main drag is created by the awning. With the awning installed, the maximum speed can decrease by 3-5 km / h due to increased sailing and weight, and fuel consumption will increase.
Do I need to remove the arcs when washing the boat at high pressure wash?
Yes, a high-pressure jet of water can damage the awning fabric if it is pulled on arcs, and also drive water into the anchorages. In addition, cleaning chemicals can be aggressive to the material of arcs and fabric, it is better to remove the awning and wash the boat separately.
What temperature can fiberglass arcs withstand?
Quality fiberglass retains its properties in the temperature range from -40 ° C to +80 ° C. However, at extremely low temperatures, the material becomes more fragile, and the installation of arcs in the cold should be carried out with extreme caution, avoiding sharp curves.