Protecting against the scorching sun or sudden rain makes a normal day on the water a comfortable journey. Many inflatable boat owners are thinking about how to install an awning on a PVC boat to protect themselves and passengers from the vagaries of the weather. running-trap Not only does it give shade, but it also significantly improves safety, reducing the risk of sunburn and heat stroke.
The installation process may seem complicated only at first glance, but with a minimum set of tools and an understanding of the design, it is important to consider the type of boat you have, whether it is a home craftsman. Nordman, Flagship Or a budget model, because the arrangement of the cylinders and the transom dictates its requirements for the mounting, and in this article we will look at all the stages of installation, from the selection of materials to the final fixation.
Before drilling holes or tightening bolts, you need to carefully prepare the work area. Make sure the boat is inflated to working pressure, but not overpumped, as this can distort the geometry when fitting on the elements. tent-frame It will stand flat and will not create sails on the water.
The first step is always to choose the optimal design that will suit your needs. There are many ready-made solutions on the market, but often you need to customize to a particular model, for example, to create a new model. hunter or AquaThere are several basic types of shelters, each with its own installation and operation features.
The most common option is running-trap It protects the steering wheel and passengers from splashes and wind, but leaves the stern open. For full protection from precipitation, many choose models with a canopy that covers the entire perimeter of the boat to the transom, depending on whether you plan to spend the night on the water or only day outs.
⚠️ Warning: Using a tent too high on a narrow boat can critically reduce the stability of the vessel, increasing the risk of tipping over in a sharp maneuver or gust of wind.
The frame material also plays an important role: Aluminum pipes are lightweight and do not rust, but require careful handling when docking. Steel pipes are stronger but heavier and corrosion-prone if the protective layer is damaged. Plastic arches They have excellent flexibility, but can burst under extreme loads, so they are chosen less often for self-manufacturing.
For those who have decided to build it themselves, there is a proven technology that allows you to get a reliable result. We'll look at the classic version with two or three transom arcs that are attached to the sides or transom, which provides good rigidity and wind resistance.
- 🛠️ Pipe preparation: cut aluminum pipes with a diameter of 20-25 mm into segments of the desired length, corresponding to the width of the boat with a bend margin.
- 🔩 Choice of fasteners: select stainless bolts, nuts and washers with a diameter of 6-8 mm, as well as special brackets for fixing to cylinders.
- 🧵 Work with fabric: if the awning is sewn independently, use reinforced fabric Oxford or acrylic with a water-repellent impregnation.
- 📏 Marking: pre-determine the mounting points on the sides, so as not to damage the valves or handles of the boat.
The assembly process starts with the formation of arches, and the pipes are connected by tees or inserted into each other to form a smooth arc, and it's important that the connections are reliable, but they allow the structure to be dismantled if necessary. Docking points It is best to fix screws on metal or bolts, having previously drilled holes.
The secret of a strong connection of pipes
To strengthen the connection of the two pipes, an internal insert of a thinner pipe can be used, which is inserted inside the joint, increasing the contact area and the rigidity of the node.
Once the frame is assembled, it must be tried on a boat, the arcs should not touch the inflatable tubes in a strained state, so as not to rub the PVC material when rolling, the optimal distance between the awning fabric and the cylinders is 5-10 centimeters.
The quality of the installation depends on the correct choice and installation of fasteners, which take the main wind load and hold the structure in place, errors at this stage can lead to damage to the boat or loss of the awning during a storm.
There are two main ways of attaching: to the transom and to the sides. Fastening to the transom is easier to implement, but puts a strain on a wooden or plastic board. On-board mounting requires the installation of brackets on special areas or the use of clasps. NDMA preferably the on-board version, so as not to deform the paioles.
| Type of attachment | Materials of the boat | Complexity | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| To the transom board | Anyone. | Low. | Medium |
| To the flat bar. | PVC with a hard bar | Medium | High. |
| On the bushings in the cylinder | PVC (pasteer required) | High. | Maximum |
| Flying belts | Anyone. | Low. | Low. |
When using bolt joints, be sure to apply wide washers or special plates to distribute pressure on the cylinder material. The pinpoint pressure of the bolt can cause the compartment to depressurize. If you drill a transom, treat the holes with silicone sealant to prevent moisture from entering the tree.
Use grover washers or a thread fixator when assembling the frame so that the vibration of the engine and water does not unwind the connections during movement.
Installing a finished awning on the assembled frame requires care and consistency of action, the fabric must be stretched evenly, without sagging that can collect water or distortions that create sailing.
Start by putting the cover on the arcs, moving from stern to nose or vice versa, depending on the design. If the awning has a system of slings and carbines, first fasten the central part, and then gradually stretch the sidewalls. Tension adjustment is carried out using fastexes or buckles located around the perimeter of the product.
☑️ Checking the awning installation
Pay special attention to the front of the awning, where there is often a transparent window made of PVC film, it should not be under excessive tension, because when the temperature drops, the film becomes brittle and can crack. porthole.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave the awning mounted on the boat during a severe thunderstorm or hurricane wind without additional reinforcement, as sailing can turn the boat over even on a porch.
After installation, check all zippers and valves. The awning should not interfere with access to the gas tank, runduks or gas control. If you use a boat with an outboard motor, make sure that the exhaust fumes do not blow under the canopy.
Operating a boat with an awning mounted imposes certain restrictions and requires compliance with safety rules, especially with regard to speed and wave behavior, the presence of sailing changes the performance of the vessel.
When you move against the wind, the awning creates significant resistance, which can lead to yawing of the boat and increased fuel consumption. Try to keep the course so that the wind blows into the side or at an angle, minimizing drag. Sailing center It is moving forward, which requires more active steering.
It's important to monitor the condition of the fabric and seams. Ultraviolet destroys synthetic threads, so after each trip, it is advisable to remove the awning, dry it and clean it in a case. Long exposure to the sun reduces the life of the product in half.
Winter storage also has its own peculiarities: fold the tent only in a completely dry form, otherwise the mold and fungus will destroy the material in one season.
Following simple maintenance rules will extend the life of your shelter for many years. Regularly inspect the attachment sites for scuffs. If you notice that the arc has started to wipe the cylinder, immediately install an additional pad.
Use warm soapy water and a soft brush to clean the fabric. Aggressive chemical solvents can damage the water-repellent layer and coloration. Teflon sprays, applied after washing, will restore the hydrophobic properties of the fabric.
The main secret of the durability of the awning is complete drying before packaging and the absence of constant tension in the places of fastenings during storage.
If you have small tears, use PVC repair kits or special adhesive tapes for fabrics, and minor defects are easier to repair immediately than to do major repairs before the season.
Can I install a tent on the boat without drilling holes?
Yes, there are bracket mounting systems that clamp the beam or the side, and options that use bushings pasted into the cylinder by the factory, but maximum reliability often requires at least minimal structural intervention.
Which material is better for arcs: aluminum or fiberglass?
Aluminum is stronger and more durable, can withstand high wind loads. Fiberglass is lighter and cheaper, but more fragile and requires careful operation, especially at low temperatures.
How to prevent water collection on the roof of the tent during rain?
You need to have the right angle of arcs to let the water flow, and you can also use spacers inside the awning to create a cone shape, or you can shake the water off regularly.
Does the awning affect the speed of the boat?
Of course, the awning’s sailing creates air resistance, which can reduce top speeds by 10-15% and increase fuel consumption, especially when driving against the wind.