The question of what the trunk on the roof of a car is called in the form of a boat is often baffled by inexperienced motorists. The correct answer depends on the design: it can be a very simple and simple task. expedition-car, boat-bracket or specialized kayakerFor owners of PVC inflatable boats and small aluminum boats, choosing the right mounting system is a critical stage in preparing for the season.
The cost of such solutions varies from several thousand rubles for simple brackets to tens of thousands for aerodynamic boxes. Price. It depends on the load capacity, materials and manufacturer brand, and in this article we will break down all the nuances so that you can safely deliver your boat to the water.
The wrong choice of fasteners can lead to damage to both the car itself and the shipped boat. The maximum load on the roof of cars is usually 75 kg, including the weight of the crossbars themselves, so the calculation of the weight of the boat and the engine is mandatory. Ignoring this fact is a direct route to deforming the roof or, worse, losing cargo on the track.
Terminology: what is the correct name of the fastening system
When they say “boat” they usually mean “boat.” expedition-basket It's an open platform that is mounted on the crossbars, and it has vertical struts that replicate the contours of the boat, and they lock the hull of the boat, preventing it from slipping in sharp maneuvers. boat-bracket or U-shaped holders.
If it is a closed container, resembling a streamlined capsule, then this is the case. boxerHowever, for boats, carboxes are almost never used because of their size. kayaker Special linings that allow you to put the boat on board vertically, saving space on the roof.
There is also a concept wind-axThese are the basics of the boat, but the boat needs more straps and supports to securely anchor it, and it's important to distinguish between universal systems and specialized solutions that are tailored to a particular type of boat.
Design features and types of fastenings
The basis of any system is cross-sectionThey come in round, rectangular or aerodynamic (wing-shaped) profiles, and for boats it is preferable to use reinforced variants, since the sailing of the cargo is large. adapter.
One of the popular types is V-shaped bracketsThey're two supports between which the boat is laid down with its keel, a classic scheme for rigid hulls, and for soft PVC inflatable sides, they often use wide soft stops to avoid damaging the cylinder material.
Vertical transport by kranza It allows you to place two or even three boats on the roof, and in this case, the boat is placed on its side and fixed at two points, which is ideal for narrow kayaks, but requires caution with wide motor boats because of the high center of gravity.
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Materials of manufacture and their impact on price
The quality and durability of the trunk depend on the materials. aluminumIt's lightweight, it doesn't rust, it's tough enough. steel They're heavier, and when you chip paint, it can corrode, but it costs a lot less.
The fasteners and straps are made of reinforced nylon or polypropylene. metal Or ultraviolet-resistant high-strength plastic, cheap plastic in the cold becomes brittle and can burst, leaving the boat unfixed.
Rubber seals in places of contact with the car body should be made of EPDM rubbersIt doesn't dry out in the sun or scratch the paintwork, and using low-quality rubber will cause scuffs on the roof of the car after the first trip.
To protect the roof from scratches under the standard places of fastening brackets can be put a piece of transparent film or paint tape, if the design does not have factory rubber linings.
Overview of prices in the market of accessories
The pricing is very broad, and the budget segment is represented by simple brackets of domestic or Chinese production. Price. For a set of two U-shaped holders, it can start from 2,000 to 3,000 rubles. This is a basic solution that requires reliable belt fixation.
The middle segment (from 5 000 to 12 000 rubles) offers ready-made systems with rubberized stops, angle adjustments and better fasteners. Thule (old or old models) or high-quality Russian analogues.
The premium segment is complex engineering solutions, often modular, which can cost as much as 20,000 to 30,000 rubles or more, often with quick-removal gear and aerodynamic design that reduces noise when driving.
td>3 000 - 6 000
| Type of attachment | Materials | Load capacity (per pair) | Average price (ruble) |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-shaped brackets | Steel/Aluminum | 50 kg | 2 500 - 4 000 |
| Kayak-kranz (vertical) | Aluminum/Plastic | 40 kg | |
| Expeditionary basket | Steel | 100 kg | 8 000 - 15 000 |
| Universal autobox | ABS plastic | 75 kg | 15 000 - 40 000 |
Rules for safe transportation of boats
Safety is priority number one. Even the most expensive trunk will not help if you don't distribute the weight correctly. The boat should lie symmetrically relative to the center of the roof. expedition-carMake sure that the engine compartment (transom) does not protrude beyond the dimensions of the car too much, creating a lever.
Be sure to use additional safety belts. The main mount holds the weight, and insurance (usually tied to towing hooks or passes through the cabin / hood) prevents the boat from blowing off by the wind. Aerodynamic force At a speed of 110 km / h, it can easily lift poorly fixed loads.
⚠️ Warning: Never exceed the maximum dynamic roof load specified by the car manufacturer. For most passenger cars, it is 75 kg, for SUVs - up to 100 kg. Boat weight + trunk weight + engine weight should not exceed this limit!
When carrying inflatable boats in covers, it is important to monitor the tension of the belts. Excessive force can deform the cylinders, too little can lead to displacement of the load. It is optimal to use belts with a ratchet mechanism that allows you to accurately dispense the force of the screed.
How to reduce the noise of the whistle at high speed?
Whistling is caused by the air swirling around the crossbars and mounts. To eliminate it, you can use special aerodynamic fairings (spoilers) that are installed before the first arc. Also helps the correct orientation of the arcs: the rounded part should look up, and the sharp edge should look down. If the arcs are round, try to turn them 180 degrees or move forward / back by 2-3 cm, changing the resonant frequency.
Installation and maintenance of the system
The installation of the system begins with the installation of crossbars on the roof, the distance between them should be maximum for this model of car to increase the area of the support of the boat. Once the brackets are installed, you need to check the reliability of the tightening of all bolts.
Regular maintenance will prolong the life of your trunk. After each trip, especially on salty water or in the mud, it is recommended to wash the fasteners with fresh water. silicone to prevent the oxidation of threaded joints.
Before long parking (for the winter), the system is better dismantled, constant exposure to loads and vibrations can lead to fatigue of metal or weakening of plastic elements, it is better to store the trunk in a dry room, packing in a bag.
Properly selected and installed trunk turns the car into a universal vehicle for any water travel, but requires constant monitoring of the condition of the fasteners.
⚠️ Warning: After the first 50 km of travel, be sure to stop and check the tension of all the belts and bolts. The new fastener may sit down a little or weaken under the influence of vibration, which requires re-adjustment.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I transport a boat with an engine installed?
It is strongly discouraged. The motor puts a huge extra strain on the boat's transom and shifts the center of gravity. During transportation, the motor can come off with a piece of transmolant. The motor must be removed and carried separately in the trunk or cabin (pre-dumping fuel and oil).
Will the brackets damage the PVC inflatable boat?
When used correctly, no. Modern brackets have soft rubber pads. However, if the boat is not inflated to working pressure or lies on sharp corners of the brackets without protection, the risk of puncture increases. Always check the integrity of the rubber stops.
Do I need to register the trunk at the traffic police?
If the trunk is removable equipment and does not change the design of the car radically (it does not weld, does not change the dimensions of the norms), registration is not required. However, if the cargo (boat) protrudes beyond the dimensions of the car by more than 1 meter, it must be marked with a red flag or a lantern at night.
Which boot to choose for two boats?
For the transportation of two boats is optimal kayakerThis is a way to put boats vertically on board, which saves space and reduces sailing compared to horizontal stacking, and it's also a good idea to have a wide expedition basket with high sides.