The descent and lifting of the boat to shore is one of the most time-consuming operations in the operation of a small vessel. flyboat With heavy motors and equipment, this task becomes particularly difficult, especially if the descent is carried out from a steep slope or slippery sand. The use of muscle force in such conditions often leads to damage to cylinders or back injuries, so automation becomes not just a whim, but a necessity.
Modern winch This compact mechanism, mounted on a pendant or a special platform, takes all the hard work of pulling a boat out. Unlike heavy car winches, specialized marine models have corrosion protection and are adapted to work in an aggressive salty environment.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to choose the right device under the weight of your boat, consider the technical nuances of mounting on a PVC case and compare popular brands. traction - not the only important parameter, and what errors during installation can lead to depressurization of cylinders at the most inopportune time.
Principle of operation and advantages of electric winches for inflatable vessels
The main difference between an electric winch and a mechanical or manual one is the source of energy and the way to transfer torque. batteryIt's a way of converting electrical energy into a gearbox that winds a rope onto a drum, and it allows one person to pull a heavy boat with motor and gear onto land without physical effort, which is especially true for the elderly or when there are no helpers.
The most important aspect is the availability brake-brakeThis prevents the boat from rolling back into the water, ensuring the safety of the operator. Many modern models have a remote control on a wire that allows you to control the process while standing next to the vessel, rather than bending over the mechanism.
The use of an electric drive significantly prolongs the life of the boat itself. Punching during manual puffing can cause the boat to skew and friction of the cylinders against the frame or the ground. squirt-board and keelson, minimizing the risk of mechanical damage.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use a winch to move a boat over long distances on land, it is a traction mechanism for short-term lifting, not a transport trolley, long-term work under load can lead to overheating of the engine windings.
The key advantage of electric models is that they can be integrated into the boat's grid, if connected properly through the boat. safety-guard and tumblerYou get a reliable tool that's ready to work in all weather, and you just need to keep track of the contacts, because oxidation in seawater is instantaneous.
Selection criteria: power, type of cable and water protection
When choosing a winch, the first and most important parameter is tractionFor inflatable boats, the rule is that the winch force must be at least the weight of the boat with the engine and equipment divided by the reserve factor (usually 1.5-2). For example, a boat weighing 300 kg will require a device with a thrust of at least 450-500 kg, so that the engine does not run at the limit of capabilities.
The second critical factor is the material of the cable. cable Unlike steel, it doesn't rust, it doesn't absorb water, it doesn't injure your hands when you're working, and most importantly, it doesn't scratch the cylinders when you accidentally touch it, and the steel cable eventually starts to fluff and can damage PVC tissue.
The degree of water protection is indicated by the marking IPFor marine applications, the minimum acceptable standard is IP65This means that you have complete protection from dust and water jets, but for a winch that can submerge briefly when you're descent, the ideal option is to be a very good one. IP67 or IP68Open gearbox mechanisms will quickly fail due to the ingress of sand and salt.
- 🔋 Power voltage: Standard models run from 12V, which allows them to be connected to a conventional car or boat battery, and there are also 24V models for professional equipment.
- ⚙️ Type of gearbox: Worm gearboxes are smaller and self-braking, but they warm up with long-term operation; Planetary gearboxes are faster and more efficient, but require a separate brake mechanism.
- 📏 Length of cable: The optimal length for PVC boats is 15-20 meters, which is enough for a gentle descent, but the cable will not be confused when stored.
Preparation for installation: tools and materials
Installing a winch on an inflatable boat requires careful preparation of the mounting site. squirt-board Or a special pendant that runs along the bottom, and before you start, you need to make sure that the surface you choose will withstand the dynamic load when you jerk, and you need to install an additional hard pad for the soft bottom.
You will need a minimum set of tools: an electric drill with a set of drills (including for metal and plastic), screwdrivers, wrenches and sealants. Pay special attention to fasteners: bolts and nuts must be from the stainless steel The normal ferrous metal will rust after the first release into the water, which will lead to a weakening of the attachment.
☑️ Pre-installing check
The wires must be at least 4-6 mm2 in cross section to avoid a long-distance voltage drop, and all connections should be soldered and insulated with shrinkage, and then additionally coated. silicone sealantIt's going to create a double barrier to moisture.
Step-by-step instructions for installing a winch on the keelson of a boat
The installation process starts with the markings. Spread the boat, inflate the cylinders to the working pressure, and determine the wholesale location for the winch. Usually this is the area where the cylinders and the transomb meet. Apply the winch body to the surface and mark the holes drilling. It is important to observe symmetry so that the thrust vector matches the longitudinal axis of the boat.
Drill holes in the pendant or the trenchboard. If the boat has a soft bottom, you need to put a rigid plate of plywood or plastic under the winch, distributed over a larger area, so that the mechanism does not push through the balloon when you tense. Bolts are passed through all layers, wide washers are installed from the bottom to increase the support area.
After you mechanically lock the body, you'll go to the electrician, connect the power wires to the engine terminals, and you'll need to be polarized. safety-fuse Or a mass toggle switch, so you can shut down the system in an emergency, and the wiring is best done inside a special cable channel or under a safety tape.
⚠️ Attention: When drilling holes in the boat's structural elements, make sure you don't damage the internal partitions or valves. Use depth limiters or control the process visually.
The final step is to test the operation, plug the battery in and do some tests without loading, and then with a little effort, make sure that the cable is straight, without overlapping, and the winch itself is not shifted under load, and if everything is going well, you can consider the installation complete.
Nuances of connection to the onboard network
If you plan to use the winch from the boat's main battery, make sure it has sufficient capacity. Traction batteries (GEL or AGM) are preferable to starter batteries, as they are better at holding the load and are not afraid of deep discharge.
Comparative table of popular models of winches
There are many models on the market, from low-end Chinese models to professional European equipment, and to avoid confusion in the specifications, we have compiled a comparison table that will help determine the choice.
| Model | Traction force (kg) | IP protection | Type of cable | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Runva EWX9500 | 430 | IP67 | Synthetics | Planetary gearbox, high speed |
| Inertial 500 | 225 | IP65 | Steel/Synthetics | Compact, light boats |
| Endurance X-Press | 680 | IP68 | Synthetics | Full seal, DU remote. |
| Marine Power 12V | 500 | IP66 | Steel | Budget, requires lubrication. |
When you look at the table, you should look not only at the thrust numbers, but also at the gearbox type. RunvaIt's faster, but it can be noisier, and the worms are quieter and more reliable, but they're slower, and you're going to have to choose between speed and maximum reliability in extreme conditions.
Keep your check and passport of the product. In case of a gearbox breakage or a winding burn, having the documents will simplify warranty service, especially for expensive models.
Operation, maintenance and typical errors
The longevity of the winch depends on the quality of its maintenance. After each release into the salt water, the mechanism must be washed with fresh water. The salt cries in the moving parts and corrodes the metal, even if it is covered with a protective layer. It is enough to pour abundantly the device with water from a hose or bottle to wash away the aggressive plaque.
Check the condition of the cable regularly. Synthetics tend to abrade on sharp edges, so make sure that the cable does not rub against the frame or stones. If you notice "shaky" or damage to individual threads, the cable is better replaced. sea-lubricantIt is not washed away by water and does not lose its properties in the cold.
- ❌ Overheating: Do not keep the button on for longer than 1-2 minutes continuously. Let the engine cool down, especially in hot weather. Overheating leads to deformation of the plastic gears.
- ⚓ Snag: If the winch is buzzing but not pulling, maybe the brake has jammed or the cable has wound crooked.
- 🔋 Weak charge: Working from a discharged battery causes power to drop and can burn the electric motor due to low voltage.
⚠️ Attention: Never attempt to unwind the drum manually against the winding direction if the winch is under load, which can cause an injury to the hands or break the locking mechanism.
And if you follow these simple rules, your equipment will last for years. Synthetic cable requires less maintenance than steel, but is afraid of sharp edgesTherefore, the condition of the guide rollers should also be controlled.
Proper maintenance of the winch is not only lubrication, but also regular washing of salt and checking electrical contacts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a car winch for a PVC boat?
Technically possible, but not recommended. Car winches usually don't have enough water protection (IP) and rust quickly, and they're heavier and larger, which would upset the balance of a light inflatable boat.
Which battery is better to choose to power the winch?
The optimal choice would be a traction battery such as AGM or GEL with a capacity of 55 Ah. They are resistant to vibration, do not require maintenance and can give a large current without sacrificing life. Starter batteries quickly degrade in this mode of operation.
What to do if the windmill stops working in the water?
First, check the battery and fuse contacts, and if the electrician's fine, it's possible that water has been oxidized and the engine brushes have been ingested, and then you have to remove, dry and lubricate, or replace the motor.
Do I need to take the winch for storage in winter?
At least to flush the mechanism from the residues of salt and dirt, and to lubricate the moving parts, it is better to store the winch in a dry room at room temperature, disconnecting the wires.