The season of open water is long over, or perhaps you are only planning the first foray into the pond, but the question of transporting the boat rises before every owner of the PVC boat. transmotor It requires a special approach, because the combination of elastic cylinders and heavy attachments creates specific loads when driving on the highway, improper stowage or weak fixation can lead to damage to the bottom, displacement of the center of gravity and, as a result, to an emergency on the road.
Many newcomers mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply put a boat on a platform and wrap a pair of belts, but the reality dictates stricter rules. Road dust, suspension vibration, sharp braking and oncoming airflow are all factors that must be considered when preparing for a trip. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances, from choosing the type of trailer to the final check of mounts before going to the highway, so that your path to the water is safe and calm.
It should be noted that ignoring the elementary rules of transportation often turns into expensive repair of cylinders or even loss of the engine in transit. transom board A boat that is under tremendous pressure from the weight of the engine may not be able to withstand jerks with a bad fastener, so take the packaging and slinging process seriously, because it depends not only on the safety of your property, but also the safety of other road users.
Selection of suitable trailer and preparation of lozenge
The first and most important step is to choose the right vehicle for your boat. PVC boats are categorically not suitable for classic metal trailers with roller guides, which are designed for keel aluminum or fiberglass vessels. Sharp edges of rollers and rigid frame design can instantly damage the delicate material of cylinders. padlock a system of supports covered with a soft, non-slip material, usually carpet or special rubber.
The lozenge should follow the contours of the bottom of your boat, ensuring that the weight is evenly distributed throughout the area. If the boat has a pronounced keel, the supports should be symmetrically located relative to the diametric plane, supporting the hull at two or three points. It is important that the distance between the supports is chosen so that the trunk sags or, conversely, excessive bending of the bottom upward. Incorrectly selected lozenge will cause that every bump the boat will “slap” the bottom or rub against the side of the trailer.
⚠️ Warning: Never use trailers to transport building materials or motor vehicles without first laying a thick layer of soft material (such as felt or thick foam) on top of a metal platform. Direct contact of PVC with rough metal is guaranteed to lead to the wiping of the fabric.
When choosing a trailer, you should also pay attention to its load capacity and dimensions. A motorized boat is a fairly heavy load, and the safety margin of the frame should be significant. ladder for loading, which allows you to roll the boat onto the trailer without dragging with a drag, which is especially important in the presence of a heavy motor.
Rules of laying and distribution of weight
Proper positioning of the boat on the trailer is the key to stability when driving. The center of gravity of the assembled structure should be located directly above the axis of the trailer wheels or slightly shifted forward to the drawer. If the bulk of the cargo (the engine) is behind the axle, there will be a "waft" effect that can become fatal at high speeds or when gusts of side wind. The front of the boat (the nose shack) must be fixed at a stop to exclude longitudinal displacement.
When you are laying the boat, make sure that cross-board The weight of the motor creates a lever that can break the transom or deform the rear of the cylinders. If the trailer is shorter than the boat, you need to use additional remote supports or put soft rollers under the hanging parts to prevent sagging. The cylinders must lie tightly, but without excessive compression, which could disrupt the geometry of the boat.
Pay special attention to the condition of the bottom before laying. There should be no sand, small stones or branches on the surface, which, under the pressure of the weight of the boat and vibration, would act as an abrasive. It is recommended to wipe the bottom with a wet cloth before loading. kielson (if it is inflatable) has been pumped to the working pressure, as it takes on part of the load on the longitudinal rigidity.
Before a long trip, put pieces of dense tissue or special protective mats under the cylinders in the areas of contact with the pads, this will reduce friction and protect the PVC tissue from microscopic damage, which can eventually develop into scuffs.
Technology of reliable fastening of the boat and motor
The most critical stage of preparation is the fixation of the cargo. PVC boats cannot be fastened with chains or rigid cables that can damage the cylinders. tie-belt The belts must be thrown over the cylinders at their widest part, but not squeezed to the state of "stone" pressure must be sufficient to prevent displacement, but not to deform.
The motor requires special attention. Even if it is fixed on a transom, it can be derailed by inertial forces when driving on rough roads. It is recommended to use an additional safety belt that runs through the engine's lower unit and is attached to the trailer frame or the boat's throng, locking the engine in a vertical position, which will prevent the slugs from loosening and possible fall of the engine. The engine screw is better removed or fixed securely so that it does not dangle.
- 🔒 Use a minimum of 4 belts to fix the boat hull: two in the bow and two in the aft, crossing them for better stability.
- ⚓ Fix the ends of the belts only behind the standard trailer eyelets, avoiding attachment to plastic or wooden elements that may not withstand the load.
- 🛡️ Place soft covers or pieces of foam under the belts at the points of contact with the cylinders to distribute the point pressure.
Remember, the belts can get a little weaker as you move, because of material shrinkage and vibration, so after the first 10 to 15 kilometers of the journey, you have to stop and check the tension. If you use new belts, they can stretch, so you have to do a second lift. cross-plate And the engine rods, they have to stay in their seats.
☑️ Checking of the anchorage before departure
Protection from external factors and road damage
The road is full of surprises, and the most unpleasant of them for the owner of a PVC boat is the rubble that flew out from under the wheels of an oncoming truck. PVC fabric, although durable, is not designed to directly hit sharp stones at high speed. Even a small cut or puncture can put a cross on fishing and require serious repairs. So the use of a protective awning or cover is not just a recommendation, but a necessity for any trip over 5-10 kilometers.
The awning should cover the boat completely, including the sides and the trawl, and be securely secured so that it does not get ripped off by the flow of air. The best thing to do is to use specialized transport covers made of dense fabric with wind valves. If there is no such cover, you can use a tarp or a dense plastic film, but they need to be fastened especially carefully, tying them over the main belts. Remember, the sail of the covered boat increases, which affects the dynamics of the car.
| Type of protection | Efficiency | Difficulty of installation | Impact on sailing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specialized case | High. | Low. | Moderate. |
| Canvas awning | Medium | Medium | High. |
| Straight film | Low (dust only) | High. | Minimum |
| Lack of protection | Missing. | — | Low. |
In addition to physical damage, you should also be aware of the temperature regime, and in hot weather, a greenhouse effect can be created under the awning, which leads to an increase in pressure in the cylinders. It is critical to leave the valves in a position that allows the excess air to be ejected, or to control the pressure with a pressure gauge before each stop. Sun-pumped cylinders on a hot track are a direct way to break the seams.
Speed mode and driving specifications
Driving with a trailer laden with a boat is very different from normal driving, the dimensions of the vehicle increase, the braking distance increases, and the inertia becomes greater. The maximum allowed speed with a trailer on the road is usually limited to 90 km / h, but for the safety of the PVC boat and the stability of the trailer. recommended speed Exceeding this limit dramatically increases the risk of damage to the cargo and loss of control.
Particular care should be taken when overtaking and rearranging. The long car-trailer-boat bundle has a great sailing speed, and a sharp gust of wind or oncoming truck can provoke yaw. All maneuvers should be smooth, without sudden movements of the steering wheel. Braking should also be early: start braking earlier than you are used to, given the increased mass and inertia of the trailer.
⚠️ Attention: Avoid sharp accelerations and floor braking. The inertia of a heavy motor on the transom can lead to a dynamic impact that can damage the transom board or disrupt the tightness of the boat seams. Move evenly.
When driving on dirt roads or broken asphalt, speed should be reduced to a minimum, and vibration in such areas is transmitted to the structure of the boat repeatedly reinforced. If the route involves frequent stops or difficult road, it makes sense to periodically check the condition of the mounts and pressure in the cylinders, especially if the trip takes several hours.
What to do if the belts start to whistle in the wind?
The whistling of the belts means they vibrate in the wind, which can cause them to be rubbed over. Stop in a safe place and tighten the belts. If that doesn't help, put additional soft pads under the belts or change the angle of their inclination to eliminate vibration.
Legal aspects and requirements of GIMS
Transportation of a boat on a trailer is regulated by traffic rules and the requirements of the State Inspectorate for small craft (SIMS). According to the traffic rules, the cargo must not exceed the dimensions of the vehicle by more than 1 meter at the rear or 0.4 meters from the sides. If the boat or trailer is wider or longer than the permitted standards, you need to install a sign "large cargo" and, in some cases, to issue a special permit. The width of the trailer with the cargo should not exceed 2.55 meters.
There are also requirements for cargo visibility: If the boat covers the rear traffic lights of the car or the trailer position lights, an additional light signal device must be installed at the rear of the cargo. The trailer number plate must also remain well readable. Ignoring these requirements can lead to a fine and detention of the vehicle by the traffic police inspector.
- 🚦 Make sure that all lighting devices of the trailer (turns, stop lights, dimensions) are serviceable and burn in synchrony with the signals of the car.
- 📏 Measure the total length and width of the composition; if they exceed the standard values, issue the necessary permits in advance.
- 🪪 The trailer number plate shall be clean and not covered by the attachment elements or the boat itself.
Remember that the inspectors of the GIMS and traffic police often conduct raids near water bodies and on exits from cities, the presence of a serviceable trailer, properly designed documents and compliance with the rules of transportation will save you trouble and allow you to get to your destination faster. Technical status The trailer (tyres, bearings, coupling device) must also be in order to avoid breakdown in transit.
Compliance with the rules of transportation is not only to avoid fines, but also to ensure that you reach the water with a whole boat and motor ready for immediate descent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I transport a PVC boat with a pumped keel?
Yes, you can, and you should, because a pumped keel gives the boat a stiffness that helps it keep in shape and deform less under the belt load, but the pressure in the keel should not exceed the manufacturer's recommended pressure, especially in hot weather.
How often should you tighten your belts on the way?
The first tension check of the belts is carried out 10-15 km after the start of movement, then it is recommended to check the mounts at each scheduled stop (every 50-70 km or during refueling), as vibration and shrinkage of the material can weaken the fixation.
Is it dangerous to leave the motor on the transom during transportation?
If you lock it properly, it's not dangerous. The motor must be raised to the transport position and securely secured with an additional belt or cable to the transom or trailer frame. You don't have to remove the motor every time if it's properly secured, which saves time and effort.
What to do if it rains during transportation?
If the boat is covered with a sealed awning, it will not be afraid of rain. If the awning is not, water can leak into the cockpit. This is not critical for the boat itself, but will increase the weight and create splashing. It is recommended to use at least a minimal shelter or drain water at stops so that it does not blur the attachments.