Transporting an inflatable boat is not just a matter of convenience, but a critical operational phase that depends on road safety and the safety of your property. PVC boats They make the mistake of relying on "maybe" or using unreliable fastening methods, which often leads to damage to the side or even loss of cargo in transit. Using a specialized trailer is ideal, but not always available, so the question of how to correctly put an inflatable boat on a conventional on-board trailer remains extremely relevant for every boating.
Unlike rigid housings, the soft shell of polyvinyl chloride requires a special approach to load distribution and protection from external influences. Incorrect stowage can lead to the fact that sharp corners of the trailer device, belts or even pebbles from the road will cause serious damage. puncture In this article, we will discuss in detail all the stages of preparation, selection of substrate and fixation, so that your boat will reach the reservoir safely.
Selection of suitable trailer and risk assessment
The first step to successful transportation is to understand the design of your vehicle: a conventional onboard trailer, often referred to as a “boat” only conditionally, has a flat bottom and side, which creates specific conditions for the placement of an inflatable cylinder, the main danger lies in irregularities of the metal floor, welds and fasteners, which, when vibrating, act as an abrasive or a knife. tent Or a tarp thrown just like that, will not save here - you need system protection.
Although the boat itself with the engine and gear may be light, it is important not to exceed the maximum mass specified in the PTSD An overloaded trailer is less manageable and its sides may deform, which will lead to displacement of the load. spring Wheels: Vibration from the bad road is transmitted directly to the sensitive bottom of the boat.
⚠️ Attention: Never carry a PVC boat on a trailer with a damaged or rusted bottom without first cleaning and painting. Sharp edges of corrosion are guaranteed to damage the cylinders even through the cloth layer.
If you plan to travel regularly, it makes sense to consider upgrading the trailer by installing wooden lodging or soft rollers, but even on standard "iron" you can ensure safe transportation if you approach the issue wisely and use the right insulating materials.
Surface preparation and protective materials
The basis of safe transportation is the creation of a layer between the metal and PVC. You can't just put the boat on board categorically. You need to prepare a so-called "cushion." This is great for sheets of dense cardboard, old carpets, special mats of foamed polyethylene or even thick blankets. The main requirement is that the material should be clean, dry and contain no small hard inclusions.
The ideal option is to use wooden bars or boards stacked across the side of the trailer. The tree takes the main load and distributes the weight of the boat over a larger area, preventing point pressure. The boards should be smooth, without knots and splinters. Before laying them, it is recommended to treat them with an antiseptic or just make sure that they do not have sharp edges.
Use old yoga mats or tourist foams as an additional layer of protection – they extinguish the vibration perfectly and do not absorb moisture.
When using soft materials such as carpets or fabric, it is important to ensure that they do not get lumps while driving, and they must be securely fixed or glued to the bottom of the trailer if you plan to use it continuously for this purpose. Isolation. It should not only cover the bottom, but also bend on board if the boat touches them when moving.
Rules for laying the boat in assembled and disassembled form
There are two main modes of transportation: fully assembled (with inflated cylinders) and deflated in a case. The first option is preferable if you have space and time, as it eliminates the risk of damage to the boat when assembled and disassembled on site. However, it requires more area and more careful attachment. The second option saves space, but increases the risk of damaging the boat with sharp objects inside the case or during sloppy loading.
When inflated, the boat is laid down, it is important that it lies flat, without distortions. If the trailer is biaxial, the center of gravity should be strictly above the axle or slightly closer to the breather, but not further. Overloading the rear of the trailer ("glue") can lead to tearing from the farcop and loss of control of the car.
If you're taking a boat to coverMake sure there are no foreign objects inside: keys, tools, stones, fasten all the zippers and tighten the timber straps on the cover itself, so that it tightly covers the rolled-up boat, which will prevent friction of the fabric against the fabric and the formation of scuffles.
Technology of reliable fastening of cargo
Fastening is the stage where the most mistakes are made. Normal ropes are not allowed: they stretch, wet and loose. The only right choice is ratchet straps, which provide tight fixation and allow you to control the tension. The minimum number of attachment points is four: two in front and two in the rear, plus perhaps additional on the sides for wide boats.
When tightening belts, it is important to maintain balance. You can not drag the belts so that they deform or crash into the cylinders, creating a risk of rupture when heated in the sun. On the other hand, weak tension will lead to a bolt of cargo, which will cause rapid abrasion of PVC. The belts must pass through special reinforced handles or lintel arcs, if the design of the boat allows, but not crush the cylinders themselves.
☑️ Checking of the anchorage before departure
For added safety, you can use a safety cable that is thrown over the boat and attached to the sides of the trailer, which will create an additional safety circuit in case of failure of the main anchorages. Remember that every 50-100 km of the journey you need to stop and tighten the belts, as the material of the boat and belts can slightly "sit" under load.
Specificity of transportation with an outboard motor
Transportation of a boat with an installed engine is a task of increased complexity. Outboard motor It's very heavy, and it creates a lot of pressure on the transom. It's very risky to leave the motor upright when you're transporting it on a conventional trailer, because vibration can unravel the attachments, and inertia when you're braking can damage the transom or the lower unit itself.
The best solution is to remove the engine and transport it separately, in the trunk of the car or in a special drawer in the trailer, which relieves the load from the transom and reduces the overall sailing of the structure. If the removal of the engine is impossible (for example, due to its weight or lack of assistants), you need to use a special transport stop (stand), which rigidly fixes the lower unit in an upright or slightly inclined position.
| Parameter | Engine off. | Engine set. |
|---|---|---|
| Train load | Missing. | High (dynamic) |
| Risk of damage | Minimum | High (no stop) |
| Trailer centre | Easy. | Requires the boat to be shifted |
| Sailing | Below. | Higher. |
When established motor-leg You'll have to move the boat forward on the trailer to compensate for the weight of the engine and not overload the rear axle. Be sure to check the reliability of the engine locking in the transport position with a special fastener screw or rod.
Protection from external factors and road conditions
The road is full of surprises, from rocks flying from under the wheels to sudden showers. PVC material is resistant to ultraviolet light, but prolonged exposure to direct sunlight combined with heat from hot asphalt can lead to a change in pressure in the cylinders.
Mud, dust and reagents from the road also do not add strength to the material. After each trip, especially on the highway, the boat must be rinsed with fresh water. Pay special attention to the places of contact with the belts and substrate, which often accumulates abrasive dust, which when friction works like sandpaper.
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Apply a special silicone lubricant to the cylinders before a long trip, which will create a slippery layer, reduce friction on the belts and protect PVC from drying out and burning out.
Also, the speed limit is 80-90 km/h on the road, and the high speed increases the aerodynamic drag and the risk of the trailer being rocked, which can lead to an emergency.
Legal aspects and requirements of the traffic police
If the boat with the trailer protrudes beyond the dimensions of the vehicle by more than 1 meter at the rear or 40 cm from the sides, the cargo must be marked with the sign "Large cargo" (square shield with black and white edging).
Also important is the registration plates on the trailer and the proper light alarm. The trailer headlights must duplicate the car's signals: corners, stop lights and dimensions. The absence or malfunction of lighting devices is a guaranteed penalty and the risk of an accident, since the drivers behind do not see your maneuvers.
⚠️ Attention: If your cargo (boats with sides) is more than 2.55 meters wide, you will need a special permit to carry oversized cargo and escort a cover machine. For conventional PVC boats, this is rare, but for large-format catamarans, it is worth checking the dimensions.
Always carry the trailer documents and the rights of the appropriate category (usually category "B" allows you to pull the trailer up to 750 kg, or up to 3500 kg in the composition of the car, if the amount of weight does not exceed the limits).
Safety and traffic compliance when transporting a boat is more important than saving 10 minutes to assemble, and properly stowed and fastened will save your boat and nerves.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I transport a PVC boat in the cold?
Transportation at negative temperatures is possible, but requires extreme caution. PVC becomes rigid and brittle in the cold. Any impact load or sharp bending can lead to cracks. It is recommended to use an insulated cover and avoid sudden movements when loading.
Do I have to completely lower the boat before shipping?
It is not necessary to fully lower the boat on a conventional trailer if it is securely fixed. However, in hot weather, the pressure inside can grow, so it is recommended to leave the cylinders slightly softer than normal or blow a little air in front of the road.
Which belt is better: textile or chain?
For PVC boats, only polymer-coated textile belts are suitable; chain screeds are too rigid, have no cushioning and can damage the sides even through a gasket; textiles provide the necessary tension without the risk of cutting.
Do I need a boat awning when transporting?
The use of an awning is desirable for protection against dirt, stones and ultraviolet light, but the awning must be securely secured so as not to sail. If the awning is not available, you can use a dense plastic film, but only as a temporary measure.