Loss of loss outboard Far from shore, it is not just a financial loss in the tens of thousands of rubles, but also a real threat to the safety of the crew, especially if the vessel is deprived of running on high water or strong current. Inflatable boat owners often underestimate the risks of the engine slipping from the transom, relying solely on regular clamps, which can weaken from vibration or shock to the wave.
But the right insurance can prevent a disaster. safety-line This is a necessary element of the competent operation of small craft, allowing you to save expensive equipment even in the event of critical failure of anchorages. In this material, we will analyze all the nuances of the choice of materials, tying schemes and sequence of actions for maximum reliability.
It doesn't take long or complex tools to do this, but it's a smart insurance that adds only a few seconds to the engine installation process, but it gives you a 100% guarantee that you can get the car to work. lower unit It will not sink at the first strong roll or hit an underwater obstacle.
Selection of materials for creating reliable insurance
The first step to safety is to select the right components of the system. tetherThe best choice is a wicker polypropylene cord with a diameter of 4-6 mm, as it does not absorb water, does not rot and retains elasticity even at low temperatures.
The second important component is the carbines and the braces that connect the cable to the motor and the transom, and you can't save money here, you can only use the products made from the carbines. stainless steel Or a high-quality galvanized metal with a reliable spring-loaded lock, cheap silimine carbines can burst under load, and rust quickly disables ordinary metal, turning insurance into a useless piece of rope.
To fix the ends of the cable and create loops, you will also need rope clips (called "snacks") or a method of melting and tying knots if synthetics are used. Some owners prefer to use ready-made rigging products, but self-manufacturing allows you to precisely tailor the length to a particular model. flyboat.
Use a cable of bright color (orange, yellow) so that it is clearly visible against the background of water and a dark transom – this will simplify the visual control of the insurance status.
Fixing schemes: from translator to lower unit
There are several proven insurance schemes, each with its own advantages depending on the design of the vessel, the classic option involves passing the cable through the normal holes in the engine's lower unit and attaching it to the elements of the vessel. coatboard The main rule is that the cable should be stretched, but not interfere with the operation of the engine tilt or turn mechanism.
A more sophisticated but reliable method involves creating a closed circuit that spans the lower unit and passes through buffet or rump bolts on cylinders, which distributes the load and prevents the engine from skewing in the event of a slip, and it is important that the mounting points on the boat are symmetrically positioned and at the same height to avoid uneven tension.
When implementing the scheme, the angle of inclination must be taken into account lower unitThe cable should not rub against the edge of the transom or sharp suspension elements, since constant vibration on the move will quickly outweigh even durable polypropylene. It is recommended to use Cambrians or special plastic bushings for protection at points of contact.
Step-by-step instructions for installing insurance
The installation process begins with the preparation of all the elements and check their integrity, make sure that the cable is free of scuffs, and the carbines freely open and snap. Before starting work, the motor must be mounted on a transom and tightened with regular rods to fix its operating position.
☑️ Pre-installing check
Then you have to pass one end of the cable through the hole in the lower unit or circle it around the lower unit, if there are no holes, and fix the carbine. The second end is securely attached to the frock bolt on the transom or passed through the reinforced loops on the cylinders. The tension is adjusted so that when the rods are weakened, the motor does not fall, but only slightly sags, remaining in an upright position.
The final step is to test the system, and try to simulate the motor slipping (by carefully loosening the clamps for a second) to make sure that the insurance works instantly. fixation I've done it right.
⚠️ Warning: Never use fishing line, thin string or low-strength materials for insurance, and when the engine crashes, these materials will burst instantly, leaving no time for reaction.
Common mistakes in insurance management
One of the most common mistakes is to use a cable that is too long, and if the insurance is sagging and lying in water, it not only creates additional resistance, but can wind itself onto the screw, which will lead to the breakdown of lower unit or the lower unit itself. propellerThe length shall be the minimum necessary for safe retention.
The second mistake is to attach the cable to the plastic or weak elements of the boat, and to try to tie insurance to the handles for carrying or decorative elements of the transom can cause these elements to simply come off under the weight of the motor, the mounting points must be strengthened and withstand a weight of at least 50-60 kg.
Sea salt, dust and moisture can quickly destroy the structure of a knot if it is tied incorrectly or from the wrong material. Using sliding knots on a smooth synthetic cable without fixing can lead to their spontaneous release at the most inopportune moment.
Why do carbines rust?
Even stainless steel can corrosion in salt water due to the phenomenon of spot corrosion. After each foray into the sea, be sure to wash all metal elements with fresh water and lubricate with silicone lubricant.
Comparison of motor fixation methods
To better understand the benefits of different approaches, consider their specifications in a comparative table, which will help you choose the best option for your type of operation and model. PVC boats.
| Fixing method | Reliability | Complexity of installation | Risk of damage to the boat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staff rods | Low (no insurance) | Low. | Medium (when stretched) |
| Polypropylene cable | High. | Medium | Low. |
| metallic chain | Very high. | High (weight) | Tall (scratches) |
| Synthetic belts | Medium | Low. | Low. |
As you can see from the table, polypropylene cable combines high reliability and safety for the boat itself. The chain, while strong, can damage cylinders when rolling, and belts lose strength over time under the influence of ultraviolet light.
The optimal balance of price, weight and reliability for most PVC boats is the use of a 5 mm diameter wicker synthetic cable with stainless carbines.
Insurance care and maintenance
Regular maintenance of the mounting elements prolongs their life and guarantees safety. After each release, especially if the swim was on salt water, you need to thoroughly wash the cable and carbines with fresh water. The salt, drying, becomes cryalized and can damage the internal structure of the cable fibers or jam the mechanism of the carbin.
Check the condition of the mounts and mounting sites periodically, and if you notice that the cable has started to "crack" or rubbing, it must be replaced immediately. The cost of a new cable cut is not comparable to the price of the engine, so it is better to be safe and update supplies in advance.
Keeping a boat with insurance in winter is not recommended if it is in a strained state, it is better to remove the cable, dry it and store it in a dry place to avoid strain of fibers and loss of strength.
⚠️ Warning: When storing the boat assembled, relax the tension of the safety cable so as not to create a constant stress on the transom board and the seams of the fasteners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a regular rope to insure my motor?
It is strongly discouraged to use conventional cotton or hemp rope, which absorbs water quickly, rots, loses strength and can be stretched under load, and only synthetic materials (polypropylene, nylon) provide the necessary durability and stability in aquatic environments.
Do I need to remove the motor to install insurance?
No, you don't have to take the motor off. The safety cable is mounted on the engine already attached to the transom, but for the first installation, you may need an assistant to hold the motor while you lock in the insurance, especially if the mounting holes are not comfortable.
What cable diameter to choose for a motor with a capacity of 5-10 hp?
For motors up to 10 hp, a cable with a diameter of 4-5 mm is quite enough. Its bursting load significantly exceeds the weight of the engine. For more powerful models (15-20 hp and above), it is better to use a cable with a diameter of 6 mm or more, as well as carbines of increased size.
What to do if there are no holes on the transom for fastening?
If the design of the boat does not provide for rim bolts or holes, you can use special transom wheels with fasteners for insurance or wrap around the transom board with an additional belt, to which the rope will be attached. The main thing is to provide a reliable support point that will not slip.