A swimmer, which is not equipped with protection from oncoming wind and splashes, makes even a short trip a test of strength. Cold water penetrating under clothing and a constant flow of air can significantly reduce the comfort of fishing or recreation. nose-cloth This is a priority for the owner of an inflatable vessel, and it's not just a heat-retaining accessory, it's also a wet-restricting accessory, allowing you to focus on steering or fishing.
Modern models of tents, such as Flagship or hunterBut there is no one-size-fits-all solution: bottom configuration, cans location, and motors dictate their own conditions of installation. In this article, we will discuss the nuances of frame selection, reliable fixation methods, and secrets that will help avoid typical errors in the construction of the structure on the water.
Selection of frame type and materials
The basis of any awning is its power structure, which must withstand wind load and water resistance when moving. aluminum-tubeAluminum arcs are often connected by rubber shock absorbers, allowing the structure to be flexible and resilient, quenching vibrations from waves and motors.
The second popular option is stainless steel frames or galvanized pipes, which are heavier but provide the stiffness required to install additional accessories, such as running lights or sonar. Some manufacturers offer combined systems where the arcs are made of fiberglassAnd it is a very strong one on the edge.
- 🛡️ Aluminum arcs are lightweight, do not rust, ideal for portable structures.
- 🏗️ Steel frames - maximum strength, suitable for the installation of heavy equipment.
- 🎣 Combined systems – balance of weight and stiffness, often used in factory kits.
When choosing a material, it is important to consider that the awning will constantly come into contact with water and ultraviolet light. Aluminum in this respect benefits from steel, unless steel has a high-quality polymer coating. Cheap options from rebar bars will quickly become unusable due to rust, so save on the cost of steel. frame-based Don't be.
⚠️ Attention: The use of ferrous metals without anticorrosion treatment will lead to the appearance of rusty flows on the sides of the boat, which is almost impossible to wash from PVC fabric.
Preparation for installation and marking of anchorages
Before the work begins, you need to determine the places of attachment of the tent pillars. PVC You can't just drill holes in cylinders. Installation is usually done using standard liner cables, handles or special attachments, complete with an awning. Careful surface preparation and the choice of the right support points ensure the stability of the structure.
There are several ways of fixing: for a liner cable, for a carry handle or for slings that cover cylinders. The most reliable is the mounting of a liner, because it runs around the perimeter and distributes the load evenly. If the awning is installed for the first time, you will need to fit and perhaps a little modification of the fasteners.
☑️ Preparation for installation
It is important to make sure that the selected mounting points will not rub against the cylinders when rolling. CambrianIt is also worth thinking in advance how the awning will interact with other elements: motor, anchor thack or fishing gear to avoid overlap.
Step-by-step instruction for installing awning
The installation process starts with the boat being laid out and the cylinders being pumped to working pressure, and the vertical pillars are first mounted, the lower ends are fixed at the selected anchorage points, and the upper ends are connected by a transom arc or longitudinal element. shock absorbers, assembly occurs by strung arcs on a rubber cord.
Once the frame is assembled, the tissue part is pulled over it, and it is important to make sure that the seams of the awning coincide with the axis of symmetry of the boat. The tension should be uniform: sagging will lead to accumulation of water and sailing, and excessive tension can deform the frame.
| Phase | Action. | Tool. |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fixing the pillars | Hands, leer |
| 2 | Arc assembly | Rubber cord |
| 3 | Tent stretch | Bundles, Velcro straps. |
| 4 | Final adjustment | Scissors (for pruning extra) |
The final step is to check all the attachments under load, it is recommended to sway the structure slightly with your hands, simulating the wind load, if the awning sits tightly and does not move relative to the center of the boat, the installation can be considered complete.
Use silicone lubricant to treat metal parts of the fasteners – this will prevent jamming mechanisms and make it easier to disassemble after the season.
Features of fastening to different types of boats
The configuration of the boat has a direct impact on the installation method. NDMA The boats with a hard floorboard bottom allow for higher frames, since the rigid construction of the floor gives stability to the entire system.
Motor bots with a high-powered throng require special attention to the back of the awning, often with a special curtain or valve to allow the rummel to pass through, and in some cases, you need to cut a hole in the fabric, the edges of which are necessarily strengthened. loovers Or edging to prevent the material from spreading.
Nuances for sonar boats
If you have a sonar sensor on your nose, make sure that the central awning rack doesn't block your view, and you may need to shift the frame or use a L-shaped arc.
Owners of boats with console control (for example, Badger or Cayman.) The simplest of them all: the awning is often attached directly to the console elements. However, standard rowing models have to be smart, using adapters or homemade clamps for reliable fixation.
⚠️ Warning: When installed on boats with inflatable seats, make sure that the awning racks do not rest on seat cylinders, otherwise they may wipe or burst when moving.
Elimination of sailing and refining of the design
One of the main problems with bow awnings is sailing, and when you move against the wind or when you have a strong side gust, the awning can act like a sail, pulling the boat off course and creating a dangerous roll. Various techniques are used to combat this phenomenon, including installing windscreens and changing the geometry.
An effective way to reduce sailing is to install transparent PVC film screens that not only protect against splashes, but also smooth the flow of air by directing it upwards. It is also important to adjust the angle of inclination of the awning correctly: a too steep forehead will catch the wind, and a gentle one will let water through.
- 🌬️ Reducing the area - pruning of excess "ears" tissue on the sides.
- 🔧 Hard struts - the installation of crossbars that do not allow the awning to collapse.
- ⚖️ Ballast - placement of cargo in the nose to compensate for lifting force.
If the awning is made of opaque material, the view can be difficult, in which case it is recommended to cut the windows and insert a transparent film into them, which will allow you to control the situation on the water, without going up every time for inspection.
Care and storage in the off-season
Proper care extends the life of the awning and preserves its protective properties. After each operation, the fabric must be thoroughly dried. Moisture residues in the folds can lead to mold that destroys the impregnation and the fabric itself. Drying should be done in the shade, as direct sunlight on the wet fabric accelerates the aging of the material.
Before cleaning for storage, it is recommended to treat the metal frame with conservation lubricant, especially in places of welding or joints. The fabric part is better folded freely, without strong clogs, in a breathing bag. The use of sealed bags is undesirable, since they contribute to the condensation of moisture.
Check the condition of the joints and fasteners regularly. Minor repairs, done in a timely manner, will prevent the awning from rupturing at the most inopportune time. Use special PVC remixes to fix small punctures, matching the color tone of the main material.
The main enemy of the PVC awning is not the sun, but the dampness when folded; always dry the awning before packaging.
How to remove the awning quickly if a storm begins?
For emergency removal, use a fast fastener system (carabiners) instead of complex knots. Rehearse the process of dismantling on shore in advance, so that in a critical situation you act automatically. The main thing is not to try to remove the awning on the move, it is better to dock or anchor.
Can I make a tent myself from the tarp?
Technically, you can, but the tarp absorbs water, becomes heavy and rots quickly. Modern Oxford or Avisent polyurethane-coated fabric is much lighter and more durable. Homemade awning makes sense only with professional equipment for welding seams.
Do I need to remove the awning when washing the boat?
Not necessarily if the washing is done with gentle means, but aggressive chemistry can damage the water-repellent impregnation of the fabric, so it's better to remove the awning, wash it separately with a soft sponge and let it dry while you wash the boat itself.