Mobility is one of the main advantages of an inflatable boat, but only until you decide to move it along the shore with full gear.NDMA) face particular difficulties: a hard bottom does not allow you to simply move the vessel by drag, as is done with classic "cylinders". That is why the installation of transom wheels becomes not just a whim, but an urgent necessity for comfortable fishing or recreation.
Installation process NDMA It has its own technical nuances, different from working with a rigid fiberglass or aluminum transom, and it is critical here not to damage the inflatable tubes during drilling and ensure that water does not penetrate the structure of the bottom. Incorrect installation can lead to depressurization of sections, which in the worst case will make the boat unusable.
In this article, we will discuss all the stages of work: from choosing the right model of wheels to the final test of the tightness of the seams. You will learn how to properly mark the mounting points, what tools to use to work with multilayered PVC And you can avoid the typical mistakes of newcomers, and a smart approach allows you to roll a boat with one hand without risking damage to expensive property.
Selection of the appropriate model of transom wheels for NDND
The first step is to buy the right equipment. For low-pressure inflatable boats, standard removable models that are inserted into transom glasses are not always suitable. NDMA Often does not provide hard glasses in the right places, and attachment to soft cylinders is unacceptable, so most often considered options are those that are attached directly to the transom board through through holes or specialized brackets.
Pay attention to the load capacity and the diameter of the wheels. Small plastic wheels are good for flat asphalt, but you need a sandy beach or a rocky descent. pneumatic Also important is the design of the rod: it must be long enough that in the lowered state the wheels do not touch the engine screw, and in the raised state - do not interfere with the control.
- 🛶 Removable models: require the presence of response glasses on the transom, which is rare on classic NDNDD without modifications.
- ⚓ Non-removable (rotating): fastened on a permanent basis, have a fixation mechanism in the upper position, the most popular option.
- 🚜 Wheels with pneumonia: They provide better patency on soft ground, but require a pressure check.
If you have a large lower unit motor or multiple motors, make sure that the rods of the wheels do not conflict with the width of the transom. hydromotor Some models have adjustable widths, which is a big plus for versatility.
Necessary tools and materials for installation
A good installation requires that you have a set of tools in place in advance so you don't interrupt the process. Because it's about drilling an inflatable structure, precision is more important than speed. You'll need an adjustable-speed electric drill or a battery screwdriver, but you'll never use a shock mode that can layer the material.
The key element will be the right choice of drill, and the best fits for drilling fiberglass coating and transom wood. cobalt The diameter of the drill must match exactly the diameter of the fasteners, usually 6 or 8 mm, to ensure a tight landing without backlash.
And remember to use the sealing equipment, unlike metal boats, where you can use regular silicone, for PVC and the transom board of the boat. NDMA A specialized polyurethane sealant or glue sealant for PVC is needed. It must maintain elasticity after drying, compensating for vibrations and deformations on water.
☑️ List of instruments
Marking of anchorage points and preparation of the transom
Preparation for drilling is the most critical stage, where a mistake can cost you a new tanning board. First, you need to dismantle the motor and all removable elements from the stern. Carefully clean the surface of the transom from dirt, sand and algae, then degrease the places of the proposed attachment with alcohol or specialty. degreaser.
Apply the wheel bracket to the transom and determine the optimal position. The center of the wheel should be at a distance that allows the rod to fall below the keel line, but not too low so as not to increase the water resistance when driving for an outboard motor. The standard distance from the bottom cut of the transom to the center of the mounting is 15-20 cm, but this depends on the particular boat model.
⚠️ Warning: Before drilling, be sure to check the inside of the transom! make sure that there are no internal reinforcement linings, wiring or structural elements at the drilling site that can be damaged through the drill.
Use a marker to apply the drilling points. If the bracket has elongated holes, this simplifies the task, allowing (fitting) the position. For a symmetrical installation, it is recommended to use a roulette, measuring an equal distance from the center seam or side to the mounting points on the left and right side.
To the drill does not "walk" on the smooth surface of fiberglass at the beginning of drilling, stick a piece of paint tape on the marking point and drill directly through it.
Drilling technology and installation of fasteners
The drilling process requires care and calmness. The drill must be held strictly perpendicular to the surface of the transom. Start drilling at low rpm, gradually increasing the speed so as not to overheat the material and get chipped on the fiberglass coating. If the trench sandwich (tree between the layers of fiberglass), it is important not to layer it with excessive pressure.
Once you get the through holes, the edges need to be treated, so remove the burrs from the outside and, more importantly, clean the inside edges carefully if you have access. PVC fabric The inner surface of the holes is also recommended to be covered with a layer of sealant.
The way to install the fastener is to insert a bolt into the hole, on which a wide washer is put on the inside (from the balloon side), between the washer and the PVC fabric, there must be a gasket of rubber or a special seal that comes with the wheels, this distributes the load and prevents the fabric from being rubbed.
| Type of element | Materials | Function | Feature of installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bolt mounting | Stainless steel | Fixing the bracket | Head outside, nut inside |
| The sealing washer | Rubber/Polyurethane | Protection of PVC from abrasion | The diameter is larger than the hole 2-3 times |
| Countergayc | Stainless steel | The carving stopper | Mandatory for protection against vibration |
| Hermetic | Polyurethane | Hydroinsulation of the hole | Apply before and after installation |
Tighten the nuts evenly, using the cross circuit, if there are several bolts. Do not overtighten the connections excessively, so as not to deform the transom board and not to overpress the transom board. balloonBut make sure you have enough pressure to keep it tight.
Sealing of compounds and protection against moisture
Even the best mechanical assembly does not guarantee 100% protection from water without proper chemical sealing. Water trapped inside a transom sandwich or between layers of PVC can freeze in winter and destroy the structure, or cause the wooden base to rot. NDMA.
Apply a copious layer of polyurethane sealant around the bolt hats on the outside and around the nuts on the inside. The sealant must completely cover the metal and fill all the microslits between the fastener and the surface of the boat. Pay special attention to the bolt entry points into the fabric, which forms a cone-shaped cavity that needs to be filled thoroughly.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use acid silicone sealants (the ones that smell like vinegar)! they can react chemically with boat materials and metal, causing corrosion or destruction of PVC. Only neutral or specialized formulations.
Once the sealant is applied, give it time to polymerize according to the manufacturer's instructions, which usually takes 12 to 24 hours, during which time the boat cannot be launched or even wet, and complete hardening ensures that when vibrating on the wave, the sealant does not peel off.
What to do if the sealant does not dry?
If the sealant remains sticky after the day, the application technology (too thick, high humidity or low temperature) may be impaired, in which case it is better to carefully remove the dried layer, degrease the surface again and apply the sealant with a thin layer in suitable weather conditions.
Adjustment and verification of system performance
Once the sealant is completely dry, you need to test the system installed. First, check the mechanical part: lower the wheels down to the click of the locker (if any) and rock the structure. There should be no backlashes, creaks or deflections. The stock should move smoothly, without jamming.
Then do a water test. After the boat's first launch and a brief operation (literally 15-20 minutes), pull the boat ashore and inspect the anchorages from the inside, and the absence of water droplets or wet spots around the bolts indicates successful sealing.
Also check the position of the wheels when driving for an outboard motor. When elevated, they should not create excessive resistance or noise. If you notice that the wheels spontaneously descend on the move, the lock may have weakened or the spring of the mechanism requires a lift.
The main criterion for successful installation is the absence of backlashes in the mount and complete dryness of the internal seams after the first release to the water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you install transom wheels on a NDND boat without drilling a transom?
There are models with fastening on belts or clamps, but for boats with NDMA They're inefficient and insecure, low-pressure inflatable floors don't provide a rigid support, and they're going to be constantly shifting or damaging cylinders, and they're only going to be securely mounted through the transom board.
How often should the sealing of the fasteners be checked?
It is recommended to conduct a visual inspection before each season and after long storage. If the boat is actively used in salt water, it is worth checking every 2-3 trips, since salt accelerates the corrosion of the metal and aging of the sealant.
Will the installation of the wheels affect the boat manufacturer’s warranty?
In most cases, self-drilling transom will void the warranty on the body and tightness. Before starting work, we strongly advise you to consult with the dealer or study the warranty card of your model. PVC Some manufacturers offer factory kits for wheel installation.
What is the maximum weight of standard transom wheels?
Usually one pair of wheels is designed to load from 150 to 300 kg depending on the model and diameter, this is enough for a motorized boat, battery and equipment. However, for very heavy boats (more than 4 meters) with powerful engines, it is better to choose reinforced models with bearing assemblies and pneumatic wheels.