Transporting an inflatable craft is not just moving a cargo from point A to point B, but it is a process that requires an understanding of the physics of materials and the realities of the road. PVC boats It is wrongly believed that you can just throw cylinders into the body or trailer without fear of consequences, but road dust, oncoming airflow and, most importantly, sparks from under the wheels can turn a pleasant fishing trip into an expensive repair or a complete replacement of equipment.
Use of a normal side or passenger-carrier Unlike specialized trailers, standard board is versatile, but requires proper preparation. In this article, we will discuss the nuances of stowage, puncture protection and fastening rules that will save your property.
The main enemy of inflatable equipment during transportation is not only sharp objects, but also thermal exposure. reinforced PVC So bottom and side protection is at the top of any hydraulic motor's priority list.
Selection and preparation of suitable trailer
Before loading a boat, you need to make sure that the transport itself is suitable for this task. The ideal option is a specialized trailer with pawns, but if you use a standard board with folding sides, it needs to be properly equipped. The bottom of a conventional trailer often has a corrugated surface or welds that can damage the fabric.
Special attention should be paid to the condition of the wheelbase. If the tires on the discs are worn or have hernias, the risk of rupture of the tire and sparks in the cargo compartment increases many times. Protection against sparks This is not just a metal sheet, it is a set of measures that includes the serviceability of the chassis.
To prepare the board for the carriage of inflatable cargo, it is recommended to cover the bottom with a dense material, this can be an old carpet, a thick bag or a specially sewn tarpaulin cover, such a substrate will not only protect against small irregularities of the metal, but also prevent the load from slipping during sharp braking.
Rules for safe stowage of the boat
There are several proven ways of stowage, each with its own advantages depending on the size of the boat and the length of the trailer, the most common method is to lay with a "ring" or "bagel", where the bow is wound into the stern, which allows you to compactly accommodate the overall load and reduce sailing.
When laying it is important to ensure that the transom board does not touch the metal parts of the side. Tranza It's a hard part of the structure, and when it vibrates, it can wipe the fabric of the cylinder or damage the paintwork of the car. There must be a pad of soft material between the transom and the metal.
If the boat is equipped with an inflatable keel, it should be slightly lowered before laying down to avoid excessive pressure when heated in the sun, but not deflated completely, otherwise the structure will lose shape and become vulnerable to displacement.
☑️ Preparation of the boat for laying
Remember that improper stowage can cause the center of gravity to shift. If the stern is too heavy, the trailer may start to scour the road. Spread the weight evenly, making sure that the bulk is above the wheel axis of the trailer.
Protection against sparks and mechanical damage
As mentioned, wheel sparks are a critical risk factor: metal sheets installed between the wheels and the cargo hold are a safety feature, but metal is not enough: additional thermal protection and shielding are needed.
Use refractory materials or special screens that are sold in auto parts stores, they are attached to the arches of the wheels and prevent the direct release of red-hot rubber and asphalt particles towards the load, and it is worth checking the condition of the sprayers: their absence greatly increases the radius of dispersion of dirt and sparks.
⚠️ Warning: Never use flammable materials such as ordinary fabric or cardboard to protect against sparks. Only metal or special composite screens are able to withstand the temperature of the particles that are leaving.
Mechanical damage is often caused by friction on the fasteners. All hooks, chains and belts must have soft linings. Slings with metal carabiners, do not come into direct contact with the fabric of the boat when stretched. Use textile rings or gaskets made of dense rubber.
Load fastening and avoidance of displacement
A reliable anchorage is a safety feature on the road. The wind blowing into the sides of the car and trailer creates a significant lift. If the boat is weakly fixed, it can move or even break off the platform. Use only certified rattle belts (ratchets).
The ropes and ropes are not suitable for this purpose, because they tend to stretch and weaken in the way, belts allow you to create a rigid fixation, the anchorage points must be on the frame of the trailer or in specially designed eyelets, attaching the load to the folding sides is strictly prohibited.
| Type of attachment | Reliability | Risk of damage | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fork-belts | High. | Low (if there are linings) | Basic method |
| Rubber harnesses | Low. | Medium. | Only as an addition. |
| Ropes/Ropes | Medium | Tall (friction) | Not recommended |
| Reticular frames | High. | Low. | For frequent transport |
The stretching must be checked after the first 10-15 kilometers, the material of the boat and the belts may sit a little under the load, tighten the mounts if you notice a weakening, and make sure that the boat does not vibrate.
Use of awning and wind protection
Transporting an open boat at high speeds creates a sail effect, which not only increases fuel consumption, but also puts a dangerous load on the coupling device. Aerodynamic tent Or a special cover for transportation solves this problem.
The awning fabric must be strong, moisture-proof and UV-resistant, and it's important that the awning not just covers the boat on top, but is tightly tightly tightened around the perimeter, and the material that blows in the wind quickly turns into a cloth that can close the view or get tangled in the wheels.
Do I need a tent for short trips?
Yes, even for short distances, an awning is necessary, at 60-80 km/h, the oncoming airflow can snatch loose gear or damage the boat's valves, and it also protects against road dust and small stones.
There are special transport frames that are mounted on board and covered with an awning on top, which creates a rigid streamlined outline, significantly reducing air resistance and noise in the cabin of the car. boats more than 3.5 meters long.
Speed mode and features of movement
The trailer with the boat changes the dynamics of the car, increases the braking distance, changes the behavior in corners and sensitivity to side wind, and compliance with the speed mode is not just a formality, it is a necessity.
The recommended speed with a trailer of category "O1" or "O2" (up to 750 kg and up to 3500 kg, respectively) on country roads usually does not exceed 90 km / h, however, for inflatable cargo it is safer to keep in the range of 70-80 km / h.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid sudden maneuvers and emergency braking when driving with a trailer. A trailer with a high center of gravity (like a folded boat) can cause skids or rollovers.
Extra caution should be exercised when overtaking heavy vehicles, the air flow from the trucks can dramatically swing a light trailer, assess the situation in advance and do not overtake if there is an oncoming lane or limited visibility.
Before each trip, check the tire pressure in the trailer. Under-produced wheels heat up faster and increase the risk of rupture, which is critical when transporting PVC materials.
Seasonal features and storage on the way
In summer, the main threat is overheating. Black cylinders left in the sun can heat up to temperatures close to critical for glue and fabric. If you have a long parking lot, try to choose shady places or cover the load with reflective material.
Winter transportation also has its nuances. PVC It becomes tough and brittle, and you need to stow and fasten the boat very carefully, without any sharp inflections, and before pumping it after the winter transport, you need to give the boat time to warm up at room temperature.
In the off-season, when roads are sprinkled with reagents, it is important to thoroughly wash the boat and trailer after each trip. The chemical compounds can corrode the fabric and accelerate the corrosion of metal mounting elements, which in the long run will reduce the reliability of the entire system.
Safe transportation of PVC boats consists of three factors: reliable protection from sparks, competent belt fastening and compliance with the speed regime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I carry a PVC boat with an installed engine?
The motor creates extra weight from the rear, shifting the center of gravity, and is also a source of vibration that can damage the lower unit or the boat's tan when driving on rough roads.
What is the maximum pressure in the cylinders during transportation?
The optimal pressure is close to the working pressure, but not exceeding it. However, if you plan to park for a long time in the hot sun, it is better to slightly reduce the pressure (by 10-15%) to compensate for the expansion of air when heated.
Do I need to register a trailer for the transport of a boat?
Registration in the traffic police is mandatory if the total mass of the trailer (own weight + weight of the cargo) exceeds 750 kg For light trailers (up to 750 kg) registration is not required, but they must be serviceable and equipped with lighting devices.
What is better to cover the boat: tarp or plastic?
Plastic film is not a good fit, it sails, tears and creates condensation. Use only a special transport case made of dense fabric (Oxford, Tarpaulin) or a tarp with water-repellent impregnation, which tightly fits the load.