Transportation of a boat is always a balance between convenience and the risk of damaging expensive property. Installation of a PVC boat on a trailer It seems like a simple action only at first glance, but neglecting nuances often leads to balloons being worn, transection deformation or even accidents on the track. Proper centering and reliable fixation are key factors in safely moving to the reservoir.
Many inflatable boat owners make the mistake of trying to use trailers not originally designed for soft shells or ignore the need for careful preparation of the pad surface. Polyvinyl chlorideThe slab is sensitive to friction against rough surfaces and sharp angles, and in this article we will discuss in detail the process of loading, mounting and checking the reliability of the structure so that your path to the water is safe.
In addition, it is important to consider the weight specifications and load distribution along the axles of the trailer. Incorrectly installed boat can shift the center of gravity, which will lead to dangerous "wagging" of the trailer at high speed. We will consider not only the loading technique, but also the specifics of the equipment selection, which minimizes the risks of damage to the inflatable body during long trips.
Preparation of trailer and choice of lodging type
The first step is always to assess the condition of the trailer and its equipment. PVC The most common type of support is keel rollers or long paving (block supports), which are convenient for fast loading, but they create a point pressure, which can be dangerous for a soft bottom when you park long.
Logs coated with special carpeting or plastic provide a distributed load over the entire area of the keel and cylinders. This is ideal for inflatable vessels, because it eliminates the pressing of fabric. Before installing the boat, you need to make sure that there are no sticking nails, chips or abrasive dust on the surface of the lodge, which can act as sandpaper when moving.
The winch and the condition of the cable should also be checked. For PVC boats, it is recommended to use polymer-coated cables or synthetic slings to eliminate the risk of rubbing the side against the metal in the event of a slip.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use pawns with damaged carpeting, where a wooden or metal frame is visible. Any contact of PVC fabric with rough wood or rusty metal when vibrating is guaranteed to lead to deterioration of the material.
Pay special attention to adjusting the height of the passement, which should repeat the contours of the boat, providing support not only in the keel area, but also in the transition to the cylinders. If the bed is too narrow, the boat can walk from side to side, and if too wide, the sides will be left without support and will slam in the wind.
Necessary tools and additional accessories
For a high-quality and safe installation of the boat on the platform, it is not enough just to have a trailer. You will need a number of auxiliary elements that will facilitate the process and protect the boat. transom wheels One of the most useful accessories, allowing you to move a heavy motorized boat on a hard surface without unnecessary effort.
Also indispensable will be special protective linings. If your trailer has sharp corners in the front (kilblock) or protruding winch elements, they must be closed with a soft material. Often for this purpose, cut hoses, dense fabric or ready-made rubber linings that can be purchased in specialized stores.
Don’t forget to prepare reliable squirt The regular belts of the winch are often not enough for safe long-distance transport, and the arsenal should have slings with a ratchet mechanism that allows you to control the tension force so as not to damage the PVC material with excessive pressure.
- 🛠️ A set of wrenches for adjusting the attachments of the pad and removing attachments.
- 🧼 Cleaning means for degreasing the surface of the lobe before installing the boat.
- 📏 Roulette or ruler for symmetrical installation of the boat relative to the axis of the trailer.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from splinters and dirt when working with ropes and wood.
It is important to have a pump with a pressure gauge on hand. slightly is recommended before installing on the trailer (0.1–0.2 atmospheres) pump cylinders if there is a very long road on bad roads to compensate for the possible loss of pressure, but in normal modes there is enough working pressure. However, before loading, it is better to bring the pressure to normal, so as not to damage the pumped boat to sharp corners when rigidly fixed.
Use silicone lubricant to treat the metal parts of the winch and carbines – this will prevent them from jamming from rust and facilitate the uncoupling process on the pond.
Step by step: how to load the boat on the trailer
The loading process requires consistency and preferably two people, especially if the boat is equipped with a heavy motor. It starts with fitting the trailer to the descent or flat area. The trailer must stand strictly horizontally so that the boat lies symmetrically. The platform skew will lead to uneven weight distribution and difficulties in attachment.
Bring the boat to the rear of the trailer. If you use transom wheels, set the boat so that the keel coincides with the central axis of the pad. Slowly wind the winch, ensuring that the bow of the boat goes to point blank (kilblock), and the sides lie on the supports. At this stage, it is important to avoid skewing, because the skewed boat when the rope is stretched can jump off the bed and fall.
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When the boat is fully supported, lock your nose with a bolt or a special loop on the trailer frame, and then you can relax the tension of the winch by transferring the weight to the bowrest, then the most important step is the attachment of the transom. Use wide belts that cover the transom and pass under the frame of the trailer to rigidly fix the aft part.
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| Phase | Action. | Reference parameter |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | Levelling of the trailer | Horizontal platform |
| 2. Booting | Running/Tightening with a winch | keel symmetry |
| 3. Nasal fixation | Sticking to the stick | Lack of backlash |
| Fixing the stern | Strap-strap-transom screed | Belt tension |
| 5. Verification | Check-up | Absence of hanging parts |
After fixing, be sure to check whether any attachment elements (buckle belts, carbines) of soft cylinders. When vibrating on the road, the metal will quickly rub PVC. All sharp corners should be insulated, and the belts should not have twists that can become points of pressure concentration.
Features of fastening of the motor and attachment equipment
Transporting a boat with an engine installed is a controversial topic, on the one hand, it saves time on the pond, on the other, it creates additional load on the transom and increases sailing. If you decide to carry the engine on the boat, make sure that its weight does not exceed the permissible load on the transom. PVC boats in a static position.
The motor must be raised to the transport position and securely fixed. Use special transport belts or brackets that will press the die wheel against the transom. This will prevent the engine bolter, which can loosen the fasteners and damage the transom board. Vibration is the main enemy of mechanical connections.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave the fuel tank inside the boat during transport, especially in hot weather. Gasoline vapors can accumulate in the enclosed space between cylinders, creating an explosive situation, and the tank itself can be deformed by the pressure of the boat or belts lying on top.
Hidden equipment such as anchors, paddles and paioles should be removed and placed in a separate trailer or car cabin. Hard objects left inside the boat when braking or turning can shift and damage the bottom from the inside. If it is not possible to remove the equipment, it should be rigidly fixed and isolated from the cylinders with soft pads.
Do I need to remove the motor during transportation?
Removing the motor is recommended for long-distance trips on the highway at high speeds, as this reduces the load on the transom and improves aerodynamics. However, for short trips to the nearest reservoir, transport with the motor is permissible provided that it is reliably fixed and there is no damage to the transom.
Common mistakes and risks in transportation
One of the most common mistakes is to rearrange the boat incorrectly on the trailer, and if the boat is moved forward or backward, the load on the breather and the wheels of the trailer changes, the shifting of the center of gravity back can lead to unloading of the front axle of the tractor and loss of handling, and the forward displacement can lead to overloading of the coupling device.
Another critical mistake is the use of thin ropes or chains for attachment. Chains can damage the sides, and ropes tend to stretch and weaken in transit. Only special textile belts with a ratchet mechanism provide the necessary tension without damaging the material. It is also dangerous to leave the boat on the trailer under direct sunlight for a long time without supervision.
Don't forget aerodynamics. At high speeds, airflow can create lift or, conversely, press the boat, causing deformation. If you plan to travel on the highway at speeds greater than 80-90 km / h, it is recommended to use a protective awning or slow down. UV radiation in combination with wind load can adversely affect the strength of PVC fabric.
- 🚫 Stretching, leading to deformation of the transom board.
- 🚫 No check of belt tension after the first 10-15 km of the journey.
- 🚫 Transportation with a full fuel tank inside the cockpit.
- 🚫 Ignoring the hanging ends of the belts that can wind on the wheels.
Check the condition of the mounts on the way regularly, stop 10-15 kilometers after starting the movement and tighten the belts if necessary, and the vibration and shrinkage of the material can ease the initial tension.
The main risk during transportation is not so much the fall of the boat as imperceptible damage to the cylinders on the elements of the fasteners, which will manifest itself only on the water, creating an emergency situation.
Maintenance of trailer and preparation for the season
To ensure that the boat installation process is always smooth, the trailer itself requires maintenance. Hub bearings must be lubricated and tire pressure checked according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Mismatching the tire pressure in the trailer can cause it to wag, which will increase the dynamic load on the fixed boat.
Check the electrical condition: dimensions, turn signals and stop lights should burn brightly and steadily. Contact oxidation is a common problem with boat trailers due to constant contact with water. Use contact sprays and regularly lubricate the coupling head.
Before the season begins, perform a complete revision of the pawns. If the carpet is dilapidated, replace it. You can use special carpet belt for the berths or even a dense linoleum with a fuzzy coating, fixed with glue and stainless screws with wide hats, the main thing is to ensure that there are no open metal hats or sharp edges.
How often should I change the sleeves on the trailer?
If the carpet has worn down to wood or metal, or if the wooden timber has started to rot and crumble, replacement is mandatory. On average, with active use (20-30 trips per season), the carpet lasts 2-3 years, and the wooden base 5-7 years.
Can a car awning be used to protect a boat on a trailer?
You can use a car awning, but with caution, it must be securely secured so that it does not get blown away by the wind, but it is better to use specialized PVC boat covers that have vents and the right geometry, so as not to create a sail effect.
What if the boat does not fit on the trailer in width?
If the cylinders hang beyond the edges of the pauper by more than 10-15 cm, you need to expand the platform, this can be done by welding additional brackets or installing extension pads. Operating with hanging edges is unacceptable, since when rolling on a turn, the boat can slip or get a tear.
Do I need to lower the boat before installing the trailer?
It is not necessary to fully lower the boat, and even harmful, because it will lose shape. The boat must be in working condition with regulatory pressure. However, if you have a very long stay in the heat, you can slightly reduce the pressure (by 5-10%) to avoid pumping from heating air, but before launching the pressure must be restored.
How to properly store a trailer with a boat installed in winter?
You can keep the boat on a trailer in the winter, but only indoors or under safe shelter. On the street, PVC material can crack from the cold, especially if it gets moisture. The trailer should be installed on stands to relieve the load from the tires, and cover with a breathing case.