Transportation of inflatable swimming equipment requires a special approach, because PVC material It's sensitive to friction, punctures and temperature changes, and many owners make the mistake of just throwing cylinders on a platform without thinking about the consequences of this negligence while driving on the highway.
Right. hull-fixation It's not just a matter of convenience, it's a necessity dictated by the laws of physics and traffic safety, and wind loads at high speed can displace even heavy loads if they're not fixed by all the rules of logistics and geometry.
In this article we will analyze all the nuances of trailer preparation, selection of fastening elements and sequence of actions that guarantee the safety of your property and the safety of other participants in the movement.
Selection and preparation of trailer for the carriage of inflatable boats
The first step is to assess the technical condition and configuration of the vehicle itself for the cargo. single-axle trailer This may require further development, especially if the boats are more than 3.5 meters long, the main requirement is a flat area without sharp edges, burrs or protruding bolts that can damage the boat. cylinders.
If your trailer's standard platform is made of metal mesh or has a lattice structure, it needs to be closed, which is ideal for plywood at least 10 mm thick or sheet metal with a smooth surface, and it is important that the material is treated with moisture impregnation, since after launching the boat will contact the wet base.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to transport an inflatable boat on a trailer with an open mesh net without a solid flooring. Under wind pressure and vibration, the soft side can fall into the cell, which will lead to depressurization or complete rupture of the cylinder.
Special attention should be paid to the sides. For reliable fixation, it is often necessary to install additional container Or 15-20 cm high staircases that prevent the load from moving sideways when cornering, and check the lights and brakes, as the dimensions of the load can overlap the standard optics of the car.
Before each loading, the surface of the trailer must be cleared of dirt, sand and small stones. Abrasive particles trapped between the bottom of the boat and the platform, when vibrating, act as sandpaper, erasing the protective layer. PVC.
Preparation of the boat for transportation: pressure and packaging
The question of whether it is better to transport the craft in a deflated or inflated form remains controversial, but practice shows the advantages of partial inflating for large models. swelling-boatThe internal pressure in the cylinders must be strictly controlled.
When the ambient temperature rises, the air inside the cylinders expands, if you leave the pressure at the working level intended for swimming, in the sun it can exceed critical values, which will cause the seams to rupture, so it is recommended to blow some of the air out before attaching to the trailer, reducing the pressure by 10-15% of the worker.
To protect the most vulnerable places - the bottom and bottom of the cylinders - it is recommended to use special transporter They prevent direct contact of PVC with the surface of the trailer and protect against falling from under the wheels of stones.
Use old blankets or special tarpaulin covers to wrap the bottom of the boat before mounting the belts, which will create an additional buffer layer to dampen the vibration.
If the boat is being carried in a deflated form, make sure it is packed in a transport bag, which must also be securely fixed. The motor and the transom must be removed and packed separately in any case to avoid damage. cross-plate and the boat itself.
Choice of fastening elements: belts, slings and knots
The reliability of the mounting depends on the quality of the rigging equipment used. Conventional ropes or rubber harnesses are not suitable for fixing large-sized cargo at speeds above 60 km / h. Textiles are the best choice. tie-belt (Ratchet straps) with a ratchet mechanism.
The width of the belt should be at least 25 mm, and the bursting load should correspond to the weight of the cargo with a safety margin of at least 2.5 times. For a standard PVC boat with a length of 4 meters, belts with a load of 250-500 kg are sufficient. It is important that the buckles and ratchets are made of metal, and not of plastic, which can burst in the cold or from vibration.
To protect the surface of the boat in places of contact with belts, be sure to use pads A strained belt under load can push the soft side or rub the material with prolonged shaking.
| Type of fastener | Advantages | Deficiencies | Recommended application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fork-belts | High tension, reliability | Risk of overload, bulkiness | Main anchorage of the shell |
| Elastic harnesses | Ease of use | Low reliability, risk of slippage | Fixing of small inventory |
| Ropes (nodes) | Accessibility, universality | They require knitting skills, they can stretch. | Auxiliary fixation |
The length of the belts is chosen in such a way that after passing through the trailer and around the boat there is a margin for convenient work with the tension mechanism, but there are no excessively long hanging ends that can wind on the wheels.
Step-by-step instruction: algorithm of correct stacking and fixation
The process of attaching the boat to the trailer must be performed sequentially, with symmetry and uniform distribution of forces. Violation of the geometry of the attachment can lead to a distortion of the load and its displacement to the side during a sharp maneuver.
First, the boat is laid on the prepared platform with the nose in the course of movement or, in some cases, with the stern (if the design of the trailer and boats provides for better aerodynamics), the center of gravity should fall on the axis of the trailer or be slightly shifted forward for the stability of the breath.
☑️ Boat anchoring algorithm
The main anchorage is across the hull, with at least two belts covering the boat in the cockpit area and one or two belts in the bow and aft. The belts must pass through the top of the cylinders, but not press on the top of the cylinders. swell-bottom (if any) to avoid deformation of the structure.
Once the belts are worn and hooked to the trailer frame, they are tensed. It is important not to overdo it: the belt should be pulled so as to exclude backlash, but should not be retracted into the cylinder to the state of "string". Excessive pressure can damage the internal reinforcement of PVC.
⚠️ Warning: Never attach belts directly to the mooring rings or liner racks. These elements are not designed to handle the loads that arise during transportation and can be torn out along with a piece of cloth.
The final step is to fix the hanging ends of the belts, and they should be rolled up into the bay and secured with a rubber band or put in a special pocket so that they do not hang around in the wind and create noise.
Damage protection: preventing friction and puncture
Even with a perfect fastening, the vibration of the road creates a constant microvibration that leads to friction. To minimize the risks, you need to exclude direct contact between the metal parts of the buckles or the trailer frame and the surface. balloon.
Use special plastic or rubber linings on the sharp corners of the trailer frame. hard-floor (HPE or AirDeck), make sure that the belt supports do not fall on the pyeol joints where the probability of damage is higher.
Secrets of protection from ultraviolet light during transportation
Prolonged exposure to sunlight while driving can lead to local overheating and degradation of PVC. It is recommended to cover the boat with a light awning or use a cover with UV protection, this also saves from dust and insects that act as an abrasive at high speed.
Pay special attention to the transom. If it's made of plywood coated with moisture-resistant paint, it's still vulnerable to chipping. When you attach the boat, make sure that no fixation elements touch the transom plate at an acute angle.
Check the bottom of the boat regularly after each trip, and the appearance of scuffs or "stealing" on the fabric is the first signal that the friction protection system is not working well and needs improvement.
Safety rules on the way and inspection of cargo
Transporting a boat on a trailer imposes additional obligations on the driver; the dimensions of the vehicle increase, which affects maneuverability and braking distance; the speed with a trailer should not exceed 90 km / h, and in difficult road conditions - 60 km / h.
The first stop for the check should be made 5-10 kilometers after the start of the movement, during which time the belts may loosen slightly ("shrinkage"), and they will need to be tightened, In the future, checks are recommended to be carried out every 100-150 km or after each exit from the main road.
When driving on the highway, monitor the behavior of the trailer in the rear-view mirrors. The appearance of a swing ("waft") may indicate improper distribution of the load or loosening of the attachments, in which case you must immediately stop and eliminate the cause.
The main principle of safe transportation is regular visual monitoring of the condition of the mounts, it is better to lose 5 minutes at a stop than to eliminate the consequences of a boat falling on the highway.
At night or with deterioration of visibility (fog, rainfall), the speed should be reduced, since the sailing of the boat significantly increases the lateral wind load on the trailer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I transport a PVC boat with an installed engine?
The motor is of considerable weight and its vibration when moving can damage the trunk of the boat or the trailer itself. In addition, there may be water in the lower unit, which will freeze or splash in the cold. The motor should be removed, packaged in a box and attached separately in the car body or in a special trailer john.
Do I need to completely flush the air from the boat before the road?
It's not necessary to flush completely if the boat is securely anchored, but the pressure should be lower than the working pressure. If you're planning a long trip in hot weather, it's best to lower the cylinders completely or leave minimal pressure to maintain shape to avoid the risk of rupture from thermal expansion.
What is the maximum speed allowed for the transport of a boat?
According to traffic rules, the speed of the car with a trailer on highways should not exceed 90 km / h, on other roads - 70 km / h However, for the safety of inflatable cargo and safety, it is recommended not to exceed 80 km / h, especially with side wind.
How to protect the boat from rocks flying from under the wheels?
Use special protective screens (splashers) on the trailer, installed in front of the wheels, additionally you can wrap the bottom of the boat with a dense tarp or use a ready-made transport case that covers the bottom and sides.