Owning a small boat means not only enjoying the water, but also being responsible for keeping your equipment properly in the off-season. Many owners wonder: where is the safest and most economical place to leave your boat for the winter or during periods of downtime? boat hullIt protects the body from precipitation, ultraviolet light and mechanical damage.
The market offers a variety of solutions, from simple awnings to complex frame designs, and it is important not to get confused in the variety of offers. Polyethylene and PVC awnings They vary in life, strength and price, so you need to clearly define your needs before buying. In this article, we will discuss how to choose the right shelter, what parameters of the frame to pay attention to and whether to assemble the structure yourself.
A properly chosen shelter extends the life of your boat for decades, maintaining its presentation and technical specifications. The service life of high-quality PVC fabric with proper care is up to 20-25 years, which significantly exceeds the performance of budget analogues. Let’s study in detail all aspects of the selection and operation of modern hangars for water technology.
Advantages of using tent hangars for storage
The main reason to buy a boat garage is to protect against the damaging effects of the environment: Sun rays burn paint and make plastic brittle, and the constant cycles of freezing and thawing moisture in microcracks can cause serious damage to the hull.
The economic benefits are also obvious: keeping a boat in a paid parking lot costs significantly more than buying a single shelter, and having your own garage allows you to maintain and prepare for the season at any convenient time, regardless of the schedule of the marina or service centers. tuning Or a small repair yourself.
Modern hangars are mobile and do not require capital foundations, making them ideal for suburban areas. You can install such a garage on any level area, and if necessary, dismantle and move to a new place. frame It provides the necessary rigidity, withstanding the snow and wind loads typical for most regions.
⚠️ Note: When choosing a location, be sure to consider the wind rose in your area. Installing a hangar with a back to the prevailing winds significantly reduces the sailing of the structure and the risk of damage during a storm.
Tent hangar pays off in 2-3 seasons compared to renting a place in a paid parking lot, giving full control over storage conditions.
Types of constructions and coating materials
When choosing a shelter, first of all, pay attention to the material of the awning, since it is he who takes the brunt of the elements. polyethyleneIt's a low-cost, low-cost, low-cost, low-cost solution, but it's a very limited resource. PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which has a high tensile strength, resistance to frost and is not prone to rot.
The hangar frame is usually made of steel pipes treated with anti-corrosion compounds, the structure can be arched, which helps to slip the snow better, or rectangular, which allows more efficient use of the interior space. It is important that the elements of the frame are galvanized or painted with powder paint, otherwise rust can appear after the first winter.
There are also combinations where the side walls are made of denser material and the roof is made of translucent material, which saves on indoor lighting during the day. Some models are equipped with additional windows and ventilation valves to prevent condensation. The choice of the specific configuration depends on whether you plan to store only the boat inside or also the boat. boat-engine and other equipment.
- 🏗️ Arch type: It is ideal for regions with heavy snowfall, snow does not linger on the roof.
- 📦 Rectangular type: maximum useful volume, convenient to store equipment along the walls.
- 🌬️ Ventilation: The presence of air is critical to prevent mold inside the shelter.
How to calculate the required garage size
Buying a boat garage requires precise dimensions to fit the boat inside with a margin for maintenance. Insufficient width or length of the structure will create problems when entering, and excess size will lead to overpayment for materials and increase sailing. It is recommended to measure the length of the boat from the forehead to the transom and add to the resulting value at least 1.5-2 meters.
The height of the opening should be such that you can freely pass next to the boat without leaning, especially if you plan to work there. The standard height of the hangars varies from 2.5 to 3.5 meters, which allows you to drive a boat inside on a trailer or trailer. boat-trailerIf you plan to keep the boat in the assembled form.
For ease of maneuvering, the width of the garage should exceed the width of the hull (or trailer with wheels) by at least 1 meter on each side. This space is necessary for installing ladders, placing tools and free passage of a person. If you own a large boat, it is better to consider individual designs or modular systems that can be expanded.
The ideal-size formula
Boat length + 2m, width + 2.5-3m, height from the highest point of the boat + 1.5m.>:When calculating the height, be sure to consider the ground clearance of the trailer and the possible installation of the tent top on the boat itself, if it is stored in assembled form. This will add another 30-50 cm to the required height of the opening.
Below is a table of recommended hangar sizes depending on the type of boat:
| Type of boat | Length (m) | Recommended garage width (m) | Recommended height (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inflatable PVC (3-4 m) | 3.0 - 4.0 | 4.0 - 5.0 | 2.5 |
| Motor boat (4-5 m) | 4.0 - 5.0 | 5.0 - 6.0 | 3.0 |
| Boat with cabin (5-7 m) | 5.0 - 7.0 | 6.0 - 8.0 | 3.5 - 4.0 |
| Yachts and large vessels | 7.0 | individually | individually |
Features of installation and installation on the ground
Installing a boat garage is a process that can be done on your own with a minimum set of tools and a couple of assistants. The first step is always to prepare the site: the ground must be leveled, remove vegetation and, if necessary, covered with rubble or sand. For lightweight structures, it is easy to ram the ground, but for heavy hangars, you may need a belt foundation or use of a strip foundation. screw-piles.
The mounting of the frame to the ground is a critical element in ensuring the stability of the entire structure, most often using the curtain pins that come with a kit, or the concrete of the support glasses. In regions with hollow soils, it is recommended to use screw anchors that do not squeeze out when the soil freezes. Reliable fixation will prevent the garage from tipping over in high winds.
The metal frame is assembled according to the instructions, usually by a bolt connection method. It is important not to pull the bolts at the initial stage, so that you can adjust the geometry before the final puff, and after the frame is assembled, an awning is pulled, which is fixed with special belts or inserted into profile slots, depending on the model.
☑️ Checklist for site preparation
⚠️ Warning: Never install a metal frame directly on wet ground without contact processing. Use special plastic stands or waterproofing pads at the points where the pipes come into contact with the ground to avoid corrosion.
Care for the awning and frame
To buy a garage for the boat lasts a long time, you need to regularly care for its coating. PVC fabric does not require complex maintenance, but periodic washing with water with a mild soap solution will help remove dirt and prevent mold. Do not use aggressive solvents or abrasive brushes, as they can damage the protective lacquer tissue.
In winter, it is recommended to periodically clean the roof from snow, if the structure is not arched and the snow does not roll itself. Although modern materials are designed for snow loads, prolonged downtime under a thick layer of snow can lead to sagging of the awning. It is also worth checking the tension of the belts and fasteners after strong winds, as the fabric can stretch slightly.
The metal frame requires inspection for paint chips and rust, especially in welds and joints. When defects are detected, the surface is cleaned and stained with corrosion-resistant enamel. Timely repair of minor damage will prevent the load-bearing elements from breaking down and prolong the life of the entire hangar.
Lubricate the zippers on the entrance gates with silicone lubrication before each season - this will prevent them from catching and tearing the fabric around the castle.
Where to buy a garage for a boat
Finding a place to buy a garage for a boat should start with an analysis of the offers of specialized manufacturers of awning structures. Direct contact with the manufacturer often saves on intermediaries and gets a product adapted to your specific size. Many companies offer delivery and installation services, which greatly simplifies the installation process.
When choosing a supplier, pay attention to the availability of quality certificates for fabric and metal, as well as warranty conditions. Cheap counterparts from the construction materials markets may not have documents confirming the claimed density of fabric or metal thickness. A reliable seller is always ready to provide samples of materials and load calculations.
It is also worth considering the seasonality of purchases: in late autumn or early spring, sales are often held, allowing you to buy a hangar at a discount. However, buying in the high season guarantees the availability of all components and the possibility of quick delivery. Weigh all the pros and cons to make the best decision for your budget.
- 🏭 Manufacturers: quality guarantee, the possibility of individual order, but the production time can be longer.
- 🛒 Construction hypermarkets: The product is available, but the choice of sizes and configurations is often limited to standard models.
- 🌐 Online venues: wide selection and reviews, but it is important to carefully check the seller's rating and the terms of delivery of large-sized.
Can I use a boat garage in the summer as a canopy?
Yes, awning hangars are great for the summer canopy, protecting the boat from direct sunlight and hail, but in hot weather, there can be a greenhouse effect inside, so it is recommended to keep the ventilation windows open or remove the end walls for ventilation.
Do I need to register a garage as a building?
In most cases, tent hangars are non-capital (temporary) structures, as they have no foundation and can be dismantled without damage. However, the legislation may vary depending on the region and area of the structure, so for large hangars it is better to clarify this issue with local authorities of architecture.
Will the awning withstand hail and the fall of branches?
High-quality PVC fabric with a density of 650 g / m2 has high strength and resistance to mechanical stress. Small hail and thin branches are not afraid of it, but the fall of heavy knots or large hail can damage the coating, so caution is recommended in severe thunderstorms.