Transporting an inflatable boat is always a balance between convenience and safety. PVC boat It is wrongly believed that the soft side does not require the same rigid fixation as the metal body, but practice shows the opposite: improper stowage or weak fastening can lead to the rupture of the material, deformation of the transom or even loss of property at high speed. GABD It is important to know not only the technical nuances, but also the legal aspects of transportation.
The main problem in transportation is aerodynamics and vibration. inflatable tubes, with their high sailing capacity, create additional resistance, which affects fuel consumption and stability of the trailer. gluedThis is why the procedure for preparing for departure should be methodical and thoughtful, excluding any improvisation at the time of loading.
In this article, we will discuss how to prepare a boat, choose the right trailer and secure the vessel so that no element of the structure is damaged on the way. You will learn about the permissible speed modes, the features of mounting the transomach board and how to avoid fines from inspectors on the road. Competent training is the guarantee that on the pond you will think only about fishing, not about repair.
Selection of suitable trailer and preparation of lozenge
The first step to safe transportation is to choose the right vehicle. Inflatable boats, the ideal option is a trailer with pawns, not rollers. Rollers designed to slide aluminum or fiberglass housings can damage the delicate bottom. PVC boats Logs coated with special carpet material or keel tape provide uniform support to the entire surface of the cylinders, preventing them from sagging and deforming.
If the pawns are too narrow, the pressure on the contact point will increase, which on a long trip will lead to flattening of the balloon and possible damage to the internal structure of the fabric. Ideally, the distance between the centers of the paddle beams should be chosen so that the bulk of the boat rests on them, and the sides will slightly hang or touch the side limiters.
Use pawns with soft carpeting of high density - this will reduce vibration and protect PVC from abrasion on a hard base when shaking on the road.
Before you install the boat, you need to check the condition of the trailer itself. cap-cap The sharp edges of the metal profile can easily cut through the cylinder when laterally displaced during movement. Make sure that all the fastening elements of the trailer are tightened, and the paint on the frame does not have sharp chips.
Technology of proper stowage of the boat on the trailer
The laying process begins with checking the pressure in the cylinders. Many beginners make the mistake of pumping the boat "before the bell" before transport, believing that this will give it a rigidity. In fact, as the temperature rises in the sun or while moving, the pressure inside the chambers increases, which can lead to rupture of the seams or valves. The optimal pressure is considered to be at which the cylinders are elastic, but when you press your finger you punch for 1-2 cm.
The boat should be placed on the trailer in a strictly central position, observing symmetry with respect to the longitudinal axis. The nose should be raised or lying on the front lounge so that water does not enter the cockpit in case of rain. coatboard: it shall not project beyond the dimensions of the trailer unless so provided by the design and shall be securely fixed to exclude its bolt.
Features of stowage of boats with hard bottom (NPVC)
Low-pressure inflatable floor boats (NPPVCs) are more sensitive to point loads and are recommended to use additional soft pads under the keel or slow down as flat bottoms can slam on the pads on the roughness of the road, creating a springboard effect.
Pay special attention to the slings and belts used for primary fixation. Do not use ropes with knots that can weaken from vibration. It is best to use snoring mechanisms with soft hooks so as not to damage the shingles. The boat should lie on the trailer steadily before the start of the main mounting, without requiring constant support by hands.
Load anchorage and locking systems
The reliable anchorage of the boat is a set of measures that includes longitudinal, transom and vertical fastening. The standard scheme involves the use of a minimum of four main belts: two are attached in the bow to the loose bolts or handles, and two in the aft to the transom handles or cockpit elements.
- 🔹 Use tensioner belts (cracker), but do not pull them to the state of "string" - excessive pressure deforms the cylinders.
- 🔹 Apply soft treads (covers) at the points of contact of the belt with PVC to eliminate friction of the fabric against the fabric or metal when vibrating.
- 🔹 Check the tension of the belts every 50-70 km of the journey, as the boat material may slightly "settle" or stretch at the beginning of the trip.
For added safety, it is recommended to use safety slings, thrown over the side of the boat and attached to the sides of the trailer, this will prevent lateral shift of the load during sharp turns or gusts of side wind. keelMake sure that the central belts do not crush it at one point, distribute the load evenly along the length of the keel.
☑️ Checking of the anchorage before departure
If you are carrying a boat with an engine installed (which is only permissible on specialized racks and for short distances), it should be raised to a transport position and securely fixed with a safety cable to the transponder or to the side of the trailer. outboard and carry it separately in the trunk or body of the car to reduce the load on the transom.
Speed and traffic rules
Transportation of large and sailing cargo, such as an inflatable boat, dictates its speed limits. Even if the traffic rules allow movement up to 90 km / h outside the city, for a trailer with a PVC boat, the speed is considered safe no more than 60-70 km / h. Exceeding this limit significantly increases the aerodynamic load, which can lead to the separation of weakly attached elements or the trailer tipping over with strong gusts of wind.
⚠️ Attention: When driving on the track with a trailer, the distance to the vehicle in front should be increased by at least 1.5 times, the braking distance of the road train is much longer, and the maneuverability is lower, especially on wet asphalt or unpaved entrances to the water.
Legal aspects also play an important role. According to the rules, if the width of your cargo (boats with a trailer) exceeds 2.55 meters, you need special permission and signs "large cargo". Standard PVC boats usually fit in dimensions of 2.0-2.2 meters, but when using wide inflatable sides or additional attachments, it is worth rechecking the dimensions with a roulette.
The total mass of the trailer with the load must not exceed the technically permissible mass specified in the documents of the car and trailer. «E» in the driver's license, if the total mass of the train exceeds 3,500 kg. Ignoring these rules threatens not only with a fine, but also with the putting of the car on the parking lot.
Protection from external factors in the way
Road dust, rocks, insects and ultraviolet light all act aggressively on PVC material during long journeys. Even micro scratches from high-speed sand can eventually escalate into serious damage. So using a protective awning or cover is not just a recommendation, but a necessity to preserve the life of the boat.
The awning should tightly fit the load without creating "sails" that will catch the wind and rock the trailer. Ideally, if the cover has tiers or an elastic cord along the lower perimeter, allowing it to be fixed under the sides of the boat or on the frame of the trailer. If there is no special awning, you can use a dense construction film or tarpaulin, but their attachment should be especially careful so that the material is not torn off by the wind.
| Type of protection | Efficiency | Difficulty of installation | Risk of damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specialized tent | High. | Low. | Minimum |
| Shelter | Medium | Medium | Medium (friction) |
| Stretch film | Low (dust only) | High. | Tall (sticky) |
| No defense. | Missing. | Missing. | critical |
Insects are particularly dangerous, which can get into open valves or joints of elements. Sticky insect tracks are difficult to wash off and can chemically interact with PVC plastics, leaving indelible stains. air-valves closed with plugs, and the open cavities of the cockpit are covered.
Typical errors and precautions
One of the most common mistakes is to ignore the condition of the roads on the final stretch of the path. Descent to the water is often a dirt track with sharp stones and branches. Trying to drive a trailer with a low boat down on this terrain can lead to punctures of the bottom. Always assess the terrain in advance and, if necessary, carry the boat by hand or use a trailer with a high clearance.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave the boat on a trailer in direct sunlight for long periods of time unattended. In hot weather, the temperature inside the cylinders can reach critical values, causing air expansion and the risk of rupture, even if the pressure was normal initially.
Another mistake is using poor-quality or old belts, and the fabric of the belts is subject to burnout and rotting just like any other material. Be sure to check the belt for scuffs, breaks of threads and fasteners before the season. Replacing one belt is hundreds of times cheaper than repairing a punctured balloon or finding a boat that has left the track.
The main principle of safe transportation: the boat should become one with the trailer, eliminating any displacement, beatings and friction against the metal parts of the structure.
Also worth mentioning is the storage of equipment inside the boat during transportation: heavy things left in the cockpit (anchors, batteries, crates) can shift the center of gravity and damage the bottom when shaking. All heavy equipment is better placed in the trunk of the car or fasten the trailer on the floor separately from the inflatable tubes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to take air out of the boat before a long road?
It's not recommended to completely lower the boat, because it takes a long time on the shore, just reduce the pressure in the cylinders by 10-15% of the worker to compensate for the expansion of air when heated, and the complete devastation is only required if you plan to keep the boat folded for a long time.
Can I transport a PVC boat with an installed engine?
Short-term transportation over short distances (to the base or within the reservoir) is acceptable if the motor is securely fixed and raised to the transport position. However, for long trips on the highway, it is better to remove the motor to avoid vibration load on the transom and the risk of its detachment.
How often should I check the tension of the belts in transit?
The first check should be done 10-15 km after the start of the movement, as the material of the boat can slightly "slow down", then it is recommended to stop for inspection every 100 km or after passing difficult sections of the road with severe shaking.
What to do if there is a rain on the way?
If the boat is covered with a quality awning, it is not afraid of rain. However, water can accumulate in the folds of the awning or in the cockpit if there are holes. It is recommended that after the rain stop and remove water, so as not to increase the weight of the cargo and not create sailing. Make sure that the drainage holes (if provided by the trailer design) are not clogged.
Which belt is better: textile or chain?
For PVC boats, only soft-base textile belts are absolutely suitable. Chains can damage cylinders even if they have gaskets due to their rigidity and weight. Use polyester belts with a tear load of at least 500-700 kg per anchorage point.