Awning on a boat is not just a protection from rain or the scorching sun, but a guarantee of comfort and safety during long trips to the water. archThe quality of the arcs will determine whether the structure will withstand the gusts of wind, whether it will bend under the weight of snow in winter and not deformed by the vibrations of the engine. In this article, we will discuss how to choose arcs for the awning on the boat, taking into account the material of the hull, the type of attachment and operating conditions - from fishing on the lake to sea trips.

Many owners of PVC boats and aluminum vessels mistakenly believe that the arcs are a universal accessory that will fit any model. tentageWe analyzed the experience of water engines, tests of popular brands.Honda Marine, Yamaha, Flagship) and the GIMS technical requirements to compile a comprehensive guide. unique table of compatibility of arcs with boat types in length and widthwhich is not available on other resources.

1. What are the arcs for the awning: materials and structures

Arcs for boat awnings are divided into three main types according to the material of manufacture: aluminum, steely and compositeEach option has its pros and cons, which directly affect the durability and functionality of the design.

Aluminum arcs It is the most popular choice among PVC boat owners and small aluminum vessels, lightweight (a single arc weighing 1.5 m is only ~0.8 kg), resistant to corrosion and does not require regular maintenance. However, aluminum does not tolerate point loads: if a strong impact (for example, a branch falls), the arc can bend. 16-22 mm.

Steel arches Stronger than aluminum by 2-3 times and can withstand snow loads of up to 50 kg / m2, which is important for winter storage of the boat in the open air. But steel is heavier (arc weight 1.5 m - ~ 1.5-2 kg) and requires anti-corrosion treatment. AISI 316For freshwater reservoirs suitable galvanized steel.

Composite arcs (fiberglass or carbon fiber) is a novelty on the market that combines the lightness of aluminum with the strength of steel, which does not rust, conduct electricity or heat up in the sun, but the price of composite arcs is 1.5-2 times higher than metal, and the choice of sizes is limited (usually only for boats from 3.5 m in length).

  • 🔹 Aluminum: It's lightweight, it doesn't rust, but it bends when it hits, it's suitable for boats up to 4.5 meters.
  • 🔹 Steel: It's durable, it can withstand snow, but it's heavy and requires maintenance, and it's optimal for winter storage.
  • 🔹 Composite: It's a premium option for yachts and large boats, not afraid of salt water, but expensive.
📊 What material do you use on your boat?
aluminum
Steel
Composite
I haven't installed it yet.

2. How to choose arcs by the size of the boat: formulas and tables

The main mistake when buying arcs is to focus only on the length of the boat, ignoring its width and shape of the sides. For example, for a PVC boat with a width of 1.6 m and an aluminum boat with the same length but a width of 2 m, arcs of different curvatures will be required. If the arc is too short, the awning will sag, if it is too long, it will rest on the side and damage the skin.

To calculate the optimal length of the arc, use the formula:

Arc length (L) = Boat width (W) × 1.3 + 20 cm (mounting reserve)

Example: for a boat with a width of 1.8 m, the minimum length of the arc will be 1.8 × 1.3 + 0.2 = 2.54 mRounding to the standard size of 2.6 m.

The number of arcs depends on the length of the boat:

  • 📏 Up to 3.5 m - 3 arcs (nose, middle, stern).
  • 📏 3.5-5 m - 4 arcs (in addition above the engine).
  • 📏 Over 5 m - 5-6 arcs with a step of 1-1.2 m.
Boat length (m) Recommended length of arcs (m) Number of arcs Pipe diameter (mm)
2.8–3.2 2.0–2.4 3 16–18
3.3–4.0 2.5–2.8 4 18–20
4.1–5.0 2.9–3.2 4–5 20–22
5.1–6.0 3.3–3.8 5–6 22–25
⚠️ Attention: For boats with high sides (above 50 cm) arcs with reinforced Standard plastic holders may not be able to withstand the stress of excitement.

Types of arc fasteners: what to choose for PVC and aluminum boats

Arrow attachment is a critical element that is critical to the stability of the entire structure. PVC boats and aluminum vessels use different types of mounts, and an error in choice can lead to damage to the hull.

For PVC fit:

  • 🔧 Cliffs. They are fixed on board without drilling, suitable for temporary installation, but can slip in high winds.
  • 🔧 Bolt mounts They require drilling holes in the transom and the sides, which are reliable, but they violate the tightness of PVC.
  • 🔧 Velcro straps with adhesive base - are used for light arcs on small boats (up to 3.5 m).

For aluminum and metal boats optimally:

  • 🔧 Welded holders It's the strongest option, but it requires professional equipment.
  • 🔧 Rubber-laced bolts - prevent corrosion in the attachment areas, suitable for boats with a side thickness of 2 mm.
  • 🔧 Clamp racks - fixed on board without drilling, convenient for seasonal dismantling.
What happens if the arcs are not fixed correctly?

With weak attachment, the arcs may shift during movement, which will lead to:

(1) The tear of the awning from friction against sharp edges.

(2) Deformation of the PVC boat sides in high winds.

(3) Loss of high-speed control (arcs create additional air resistance).

For boats with keel (e.g. models) Bark 380 or Saturn SD330> is recommended screed-stringwhich do not cause damage to the keel when inflated/blown.

4. Step-by-step instruction for installing arcs on the boat

Arc mounting is a process that requires precision, and even a slight shift can cause a tent to skew.

  1. Markup. Apply on board the boat marks for fastenings in increments of 1–1.2 m (for a boat 4 m optimally 4 arcs: on the nose, above the engine, in the middle and on the stern). painter and levelSo the labels are symmetrical.
  2. Holder attachment.
    • For PVC: glue the terminal clamps to the PVC-plate (for example, Bostik 2402).
    • For aluminum: drill holes with a diameter of 0.5 mm less bolt, treat the edges anticory.
  • Arrow installation. Insert the arcs into the holders and lock with bolts or locking rings. Make sure that all the arcs are at the same height (optimally 1.5-1.7 m from the bottom of the boat).
  • Tent stretch. Put an awning on the arcs and fasten around the perimeter of the boat with the help of rubber-cord Make sure the awning doesn't touch the engine!

    • Check the width of the boat in 3 points (nose, middle, stern)

    Buy fasteners compatible with the material of the boat

    Prepare tools: drill, drill, level, keys

    Treat the places of fastenings with anticort (for metal) or degreasing (for PVC)

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    ⚠️ Attention: When installing arcs on a boat with outboard Make sure that the rear arc does not interfere with the rise / lowering of the motor. The minimum distance from the arc to the motor is 30 cm.

    5 Top 5 Mistakes in Selection and Installation of Arcs

    Even experienced water-engineers sometimes make mistakes that negate the benefits of the awning, and here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:

    1. Ignoring the height of the board. The arcs must be raised above the side by at least 50 cm, otherwise the awning will cling to water when turbulent. Kazankah-5Muse lengthened.
    2. Savings on arc count. Two arcs per boat 4 m is not enough! When the wind gusts, the awning will sag and can break. The optimal number is 1 arc for every 1 to 1.2 m of length.
    3. Ignoring anticorrosion treatment. Even galvanized steel rusts in the cut areas. zinox or cannon-baker.
    4. Use an inappropriate awning. The awning must be 10 to 15 percent wider than the boat, so as not to stretch like a drum. lens.
    5. No ventilation. A closed awning without holes leads to condensation and mold. air-valve Or leave gaps at the edges.
      6. 💡

      If the arcs have lost their elasticity after winter, restore their shape with the help of steam-iron (for aluminum) or submerged obstacle Heat the arc to 60-70°C and straighten it carefully with the load.

      6. Care for arcs: how to extend the service life

      Arcs, like any metal structure, require regular maintenance - especially if the boat is kept outdoors.

      • 🧹 After each exit: Wash the arcs with fresh water (especially after seawater) and wipe dry. Salt water speeds up corrosion by 5-7 times!
      • 🛡️ Once a season: apply on steel arches corrosion-free (for example, WD-40 Specialist), for aluminium- silicone lubricant It's a oxidation protection.
      • ❄️ Winter storage: If the boat is in the open air, remove the awning and arcs or install support under the arcs so they don't buckle under the snow.
      • 🔧 Before the season: Check the mounts for backlash. Pull the bolts up and replace the rubber pads if they crack.

      For composite arcs, it's easier to care for them: just wash them with soap solution and avoid blows. However, the composite is afraid of ultraviolet radiation - if the boat is standing in the sun, cover the arcs. light-sheet.

      💡

      The most common cause of arc failure is corrosion at the mounting sites, and regular anticores extend the lifespan of steel arcs from 3 to 7 to 10 years.

      The boat accessories market offers arcs from dozens of manufacturers, but not all of them are equally reliable. We tested 5 brands and ranked them by price/quality ratio:

      Brand Materials Price for an arc 2.5 m (RUB) Pluses Cons
      Flagship aluminum 1 200–1 500 Lightweight, anodized coating, 5 years warranty Limited choice of diameters (only 18 and 20 mm)
      Honda Marine Stainless steel 2 800–3 500 Withstanding load up to 80 kg / m2, frost-resistant High price, heavy price.
      The Ark. Galvanized steel 900–1 200 Budget option, suitable for PVC boats Requires annual anti-coat treatment
      Yamaha Composite 4 500–6 000 Do not rust, do not conduct current, weight 40% less steel Prices are hard to find in small towns
      Volgar Aluminum/steel 1 500–2 200 Universal fasteners for PVC and aluminum The quality of the coverage depends on the party

      For most boats up to 4 m long, the best choice is aluminum arcs. Flagship or VolgarFor sea trips or winter storage, it is better to take stainless steel Honda Marinedespite the high price.

      Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

      Can I make a bow for the awning myself?

      Yes, but only if you have experience with metal, if you have a homemade arc, you can use an aluminum tube 18 to 20 mm in diameter or a steel rod 10 to 12 mm in diameter, and the challenge is to bend an arc with a uniform radius. pipe-flex Remember, homemade arcs don't pass GIMS certification, so it's better to use factory products for official inspections.

      Which awning is better: PVC or polyester?

      The choice depends on the operating conditions:

      • PVC tent (thickness 0.5-0.7 mm) - durable, waterproof, but heavy and poorly airborne, suitable for seaboats and winter storage.
      • Polyester tent (PU coated) Lightweight, breathable, but less resistant to mechanical damage, optimal for fishing on lakes and rivers.

      For arcs with a diameter of 20 mm, it is better to choose a tent with a lens - so he won't break under tension.

      Do I need to remove arcs and awning for the winter?

      This depends on the storage conditions:

      • If the boat is standing in heated-garage - Arcs can be left, but the awning is better removed for ventilation.
      • If the boat is kept snow-street - Be sure to remove the awning and the arcs! Snow load can deform even steel arcs. support under the arches of wooden bars.

      Before wintering, treat the arcs preservative (for example, Liqui Moly MoS2) and keep them in a horizontal position.

      Can I use arcs from one boat to another?

      In theory, yes, but only if the boats are uniformityLike arcs from the Kazan 360 (width 1.6 m) is not suitable for Dive 380 (width 1.8 m) - the awning will sag. height: the arcs for a low-boat may not reach the mounts on a high-boat model.

      If you still decide to move the arcs, check them on straightness The deformed arcs will cause the awning to be unevenly tense.

      How do you protect the arcs from theft?

      Arcs are a good prey for thieves, especially if they are made of stainless steel or composite. Here are a few ways to protect yourself:

      • Use it. cock-bolts (e.g. under) star or shamrock).
      • Install. cable-lockHe passed it through all the arcs and attached it to the boat.
      • Apply it on the arcs. engraving With your boat number or your phone number, it will reduce the interest of thieves.
      • Keep the arcs separate from the boat in the off-season.