How to increase the transom on the boat: full instructions

Operating an outboard inflatable boat often reveals design features laid down by the manufacturer that do not always meet the owner's expectations. cross-plateIt's a huge plane and wave load, and many low-end and semi-budget owners are experiencing a deflection of the hinged transom, which causes the engine to move upwards, causing the boat to become "cooked," lose speed, and increase fuel consumption, which makes them think about upgrading.

The question of how to strengthen the transom on the boat becomes especially relevant when installing a more powerful engine or during prolonged operation in harsh conditions. Inflatable transomThe vent, which is a tank filled with air, tends to deform under the weight of the motor and the pressure of water. Even the presence of a removable plywood insert does not always save the situation, as the soft sides continue to bend, which is why reinforcement is not just tuning, but often a necessary measure of safety and comfort.

There are several proven ways to solve this problem, from installing an additional hard sheet to completely replacing the standard stove with a reinforced design using the use of a hard plate. sea-plywoodThe choice of method depends on the model of the boat, engine power and the skills of the owner. In this article, we will discuss the technologies of gain that will allow your boat to keep planing even when fully loaded.

Diagnosis of the problem: when the transom needs strengthening

The first step before any work begins should be an honest assessment of the current state of affairs. junctionOften owners notice the problem only when the boat starts to behave unpredictably on the water. The main symptom of insufficient rigidity is a change in the trim, the bow of the boat is upwards, and the stern, on the contrary, squats. This phenomenon, known as "cobbling", occurs because the mounting point of the motor shifts upwards relative to the design position.

Notice the behavior of the boat when going out for planing, if it takes significantly more time and power to get off the water than stated in the passport, or if the boat is scouring from side to side, most likely, the boat will be able to get out of the water. sink-board It's also worth looking at the mounting points of the slings or straps that hold the transom, and if they're stretched or if there's a scuffle in the passageway, it's a signal of excessive tension caused by motor pressure.

⚠️ Warning: Operation of a boat with a critically flexing transom can lead to tearing of tissue in the sling attachment areas or to a sudden slide of the motor from the mounts at high speed, which is a direct threat to the life of the crew.

To make a good diagnosis, you can do a simple test on the shore, set the boat on a flat surface, inflate the cylinders to operating pressure, and fix the engine. Visually assess the angle of inclination of the lower unit. If the lower part of the motor is visibly deflected backwards and the upper part of the transom is bent in an arc, reinforcement is necessary. Also check for gaps between the plywood insert (if any) and the inflatable part, they are unacceptable.

Selection of materials for strengthening the transom

The success of a 90 percent reinforcement operation depends on the right materials, and using the wrong wood or fasteners can make things worse and even worse. plywood or FSFThe difference between the two is critical: plywood FC (carbamide glue) is less moisture resistant, but more environmentally friendly, whereas PSP (phenol formaldehyde glue) is highly moisture resistant, but contains toxic resins, which requires careful isolation of ends and surfaces.

The thickness of the material is also key, and for most inflatable boats up to 3.6 meters in length, thickness is considered optimal. 9-12 mmUsing thinner plywood will not give the effect of gain, and too thick (15-18 mm) will create excess weight on the stern, which will also adversely affect the performance.

In addition to plywood, you will need special compositions to protect wood and fabric. Polyurethane glue Or special PVC adhesives (like Kleyberg or Desmocoll) are needed to connect materials. Finishing and waterproofing are ideal for epoxy resin with fabric or special yacht varnishes. Remember the reinforcement fabric (lausan or glass fabric) that will add strength to the tear.

Manufacture of rigid insertion in the transom

The process of creating a reinforced insert begins with precise measurements. You need to determine the geometry of your regular pocket or the space allocated to the transom. If your boat model has a removable plywood insert, use it as a template. If you plan to make an additional rigid element that will be superimposed on top of the inflatable cylinder, the measurements should be even more careful, given the thickness of the balloon inflated state.

The best way to cut the cut is to cut the cut with an electric jigsaw and a clean cut, so that the plywood structure is not damaged. After cutting the edge, you need to carefully grind the grinding paper, remove the beam, and this will prevent the damage to the boat's fabric by sharp angles. geometry The future part should perfectly repeat the bend of the stern of the boat, if we are talking about insertion inside.

The next step is impregnation and protection, and the plywood needs to be coated with several layers of olifa, yacht varnish or epoxy, and you need to pay special attention to the ends, because it's through them that moisture gets in the fastest way, and the number of layers should be such that the surface will form a strong, smooth film, which will not only protect the tree from rotting, but also make it easier to install, because the smooth surface is less rubbed against the PVC fabric during installation.

Technology of gluing and reinforcement installation

Installation of reinforced transmunz requires cleanliness and temperature. Surfaces that will be glued together (plywood and boat fabric, if the method of sticking, or two parts of plywood is used) must be defatted. PVC uses acetone or a special degreasing agent, wood solvent. Glue is applied with a brush or roller in a thin uniform layer on both surfaces. After applying the first layer, it must be allowed to dry to "lip" (usually 10-20 minutes, depending on temperature and type of glue).

The second layer of glue is applied immediately before the joint. When you dock parts, it is important to avoid air bubbles. The connection is done by "toe-toe" method, gradually smoothing the surface from center to edges. To create uniform pressure, you can use a rubber roller or a tightly stuffed sand bag that is placed on top of the glue site. The time for complete polymerization of the glue is from 24 to 72 hours.

⚠️ Attention: Work with polyurethane adhesives and solvents only in a well-ventilated room or outdoors. solvent vapors are toxic and flammable. Avoid getting glue on exposed skin and mucous membranes.

If you install a rigid insert inside an inflatable transom, make sure it sits tightly but without excessive effort, which can stretch the seams of the boat. In some cases, you need to adjust the angles of the insert, round them or trim them. After installation, check the symmetry of the position of the motor relative to the position of the engine. diameter A skew even a few degrees can lead to the boat being sidelined while moving.

Installation of the liquid transfusion as an alternative

One of the most radical and effective ways to solve the problem of soft transom is to install what is called a "loading transmolent" technology, which involves creating a rigid form (formula) in the stern of the boat and filling the space between the cylinders and the plywood insert with two-component foam or high-density mounting foam, resulting in a monolithic design where the space between the cylinders and the plywood insert is filled with two-component foam or high-density mounting foam. foam It works as a load distributor.

The process starts with a rigid plywood plate that will be the outer wall of the transom. Then between this plate and the cylinders (or internal plywood insert) the foam is pumped. It is important to use a foam that, after solidification, has a closed cellular structure and does not absorb water. After polymerization, the foam is trimmed level with the sides, and the entire structure is sheathed with plastic or fiberglass to protect against mechanical damage and ultraviolet light.

The advantage of this method is the absolute rigidity of the transom, which ceases to be a soft element of the structure. The tanker-transe boat behaves like a hard bottom, holds its course better and allows for more powerful motors. However, there are also disadvantages: increased weight of the stern and the inability to fold the transom for compact transportation, unless there is a system of removable elements.

Comparison of methods of strengthening transom

The choice of a particular reinforcement method depends on a variety of factors: budget, tool availability, boat model and transportability requirements. Below is a comparative table of the main ways to upgrade, which will help you determine the best solution for your case.

Each method has its own application, for example, a simple replacement of the insert with thicker plywood will suit those who want to minimally interfere with the design, installing an additional outer frame will take longer, but will give a better result for older boats with stretched cylinders.

When analyzing the table, it is worth considering that transportability If the boat is often carried in the trunk of a passenger car in a deflated form, methods that turn the transom into a monolith (as a liquid) can be inconvenient.

Maintenance and care of reinforced transcen

After successful modernization, it is important to remember to regularly maintain the reinforced node. Wooden elements, even treated with quality compositions, remain hygroscopic. After each operation, especially in salt water, the transom should be wiped with dry rags and allowed to dry in the straightened state, this will prevent moisture accumulation inside the pores of the tree and the development of fungal processes.

Check the condition of fasteners regularly if they are used (bolts, screws, braces). Vibration from the engine can lead to their spontaneous unwinding. Use engravers or carving fixtures. Also inspect the contact areas of plywood and PVC fabric for scabing. If you find signs of wear of fabric, immediately take action - apply PVC protective petals or put softeners.

In the off-season, with prolonged storage, it is recommended to completely remove plywood inserts from the pockets of the boat. Store them in a horizontal position, in a dry room, eliminating contact with the floor (preferably on the shelves). The boat itself should also be stored in a straightened or semi-folded form, so that the transom does not form crinkles and folds, which, when re-pumpted, can become stress points.