Choosing the right trailer for transporting an inflatable boat is not just a matter of convenience, but a necessity dictated by the specifics of the design of PVC. Unlike rigid housings, soft sides require a special approach to load distribution to eliminate the risk of damage to the material in transit. Incorrectly selected design can cause scuffs, punctures or even rupture seams while driving on the highway.
Many newcomers mistakenly believe that any cheap trailer will be suitable for a inflatable boat, as long as it can withstand the weight of the engine. However, practice shows that savings during the purchase stage often result in additional costs for repairs or purchase of new equipment. loading capacity The type of squirrels plays a crucial role here.
In this article, we will discuss all aspects of the choice in detail so that you can make an informed decision. We will consider the materials of the frames, types of suspension and the features of the mounting of inflatable vessels, which are often ignored in superficial study of the issue.
Criteria for the selection of trailers for inflatable boats
The first and most important thing is that the trailer's load capacity is matched to the total weight of the boat in use. You have to add the weight of the boat, the engine, the battery, the fuel and the extra equipment, and the resulting amount should be less than the maximum permissible weight of the trailer, because the safety margin is necessary for driving safety.
The second criterion is the size of the bed. For PVC boats, it is critical that the beds provide uniform support for the entire bottom surface. If the footholds are too narrow or shifted to the sides, if you park or shake on the road for long periods of time, crimches can form, which eventually turn into cracks.
The third aspect is the ability to adjust the position of the lodgings, and the designs that allow the width and height of the supports to be changed are more versatile, and this is especially true if you plan to change the boat to a model with a different bottom or width of the cockpit in the future.
⚠️ Warning: Never exceed the maximum load on the axle specified in the data sheet of the technical equipment. an overloaded trailer becomes unmanageable at high speeds and can damage the coupling device of the car.
It is also worth paying attention to clearance The boat's descent and lifting from the gently sloping shore often requires a significant submersion of the frame into the water, and low ground clearance can be an obstacle, especially if you change parking lots often.
Types of coating of the frame: galvanizing or electroplating
The choice of frame material and type of corrosion protection is particularly acute given the trailer's constant contact with water, with two main options: hot galvanizing and galvanic coating (often referred to as simply "galvanic" or "cold galvanic").
Hot galvanizing It's the process of putting a finished frame in a bath of molten zinc at about 450 degrees, and it creates a thick, strong layer that mechanically protects steel for decades, and even if the coating is damaged by a stone, the zinc will act as a tread, preventing the base metal from rusting.
The electroplating coating is electrolytic, it looks more aesthetically pleasing, it has a smooth surface, but it's much thicker, and if you're mechanically damaged or in constant contact with salt water, it will rust much faster than its hot-galvanized counterpart.
The myth of the "eternal" electroplating
It is believed that high-quality electroplating is not inferior to hot galvanic. In practice, in an aggressive environment (sea water, reagents on the roads), the zinc layer is depleted during 2-3 seasons of active use, requiring paint.
For PVC boat owners, who often leave their equipment ashore or float in salt water, the choice is obvious. hot-dip galvanized The frame is time-tested, whereas electroplating requires a more careful attitude and frequent maintenance.
Loading construction: keels, cylinders and bottom
The specificity of inflatable boats dictates special requirements for the shape of the pads. Unlike aluminum or fiberglass vessels, PVC cannot be fixed rigidly at several points. The main load must be on the bottom and keel, if it is rigid.
The optimal solution is wide, flat or slightly concave padding, sheathed with a special carpet. The mat has a dual function: it prevents the boat from slipping during transportation and protects the PVC fabric from istyre abrasion. It is important that the mat is removable so that it can be dried and cleaned after the season.
Some trailer models have adjustable V-shaped pads, which hold the keel of the boat well, but require fine tuning, and if the V-shaped stop is too sharp or narrow, it can damage the inflatable keel balloon when side-swinging.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid using trailers with sharp metal edges in the contact area with cylinders. Any barb on the frame or pad is a potential puncture under load.
For low-pressure inflatable floor (LDPB) boats, it is better to use trailers with a large support area so that the bottom does not sag between the bars. It is critically important that when the boat is pumped up, the distance between the lodgings and the bottom does not exceed 10-15 cm, otherwise, when moving on irregularities, the bottom can "slap" against the metal.
Suspension and chassis: springs or torsion
The chassis of the trailer directly affects the safety of the cargo. There are two main types of suspension: spring and torsion. For the transport of PVC boats, softness is of secondary importance, since the boat itself absorbs vibrations.
The spring suspension is easy to maintain, cheap to repair and can withstand overload. However, it is more rigid and corrosive at the mounting points of the sheets. Torsion suspension provides a smoother ride and does not require lubrication, but when broken, it requires replacing the entire axle, which is much more expensive.
The choice also includes wheel sizes. For light boats up to 300 kg, R13 wheels are often used, for heavier complexes - R16. The larger wheel diameter provides better cross-country and stability on the track, especially at speeds above 80 km / h.
Be sure to check availability stop-lights The tightness of the wiring is another important factor, because water must not get inside the lights, otherwise the oxidation of the contacts will lead to traffic problems and road safety.
Comparison of popular trailer models
There are many manufacturers on the market, from handicraft workshops to large factories, and to make it easier to choose, we have compiled a comparative table of specifications typical of different price segments.
| Parameter | Budget segment | Middle class | Premium/Profi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of coating | Galvanica/Paint | Hot galvanizing | Hot galvanizing (thick) |
| Suspension | Resort (1 sheet) | Resorial (2-3 sheets) / Torsion | Torsion/Rubber |
| Lodges | Metal corners | Adjustable with mat | Wide, anatomical, removable |
| Term of service | 3-5 years | 7-10 years | 15+ years |
Budget options often require reworking, recooking, replacing wiring, or installing additional supports. Mid-range trailers are typically ready to operate out of the box and are suitable for 90% of users.
Premium models can include additional options: winches with a stainless steel cable, a spare wheel, an awning to shelter the boat in transit. For professional fishermen or rescuers, such investments are justified by the frequency of use.
Operation and maintenance in season
Proper maintenance of the trailer will prolong its life and protect your boat. After each departure, especially at sea, you must thoroughly wash the frame and chassis with fresh water. Salt is the main enemy of metal, and it destroys even the zinc coating on prolonged contact.
Before each trip, check the tire pressure. Failed wheels heat up and may burst on the go, which will lead to an accident. Also, remember to check the nut tightening on the hubs and the condition of the winch cable.
☑️ Pre-season inspection
In winter, the trailer is better stored in a dry room or under an awning. If this is not possible, be sure to remove the wheels to reduce the load on the rubber, and treat the metal parts with preservative lubricant.
Use silicone lubricant to treat rubber light seals and wiring connectors – this will prevent the contacts from freezing and oxidizing in winter.
Final recommendations for purchase
To sum up, the ideal PVC boat trailer is a trade-off between price and reliability, and you shouldn’t chase the cheapest option if you plan to operate the equipment regularly.
The best choice for most owners will be a trailer with a hot-galvanized frame, spring suspension and adjustable soft-coated pads, a design that has been tested over time and is suitable for operating conditions in Russia and the CIS.
The main priority when choosing is the quality of the corrosion-resistant coating of the frame and the safety of the boat mounting, not the number of additional options.
Remember that a trailer is a vehicle that requires traffic control registration, license plates and periodic maintenance, and consider these costs when planning your budget.
Do I need to register a trailer in the traffic police?
If the weight is less than 750 kg, registration is not required, but you need to have documents confirming the ownership (contract of sale) in case of inspection.
Can I carry a deflated boat in a regular trunk?
Technically, if you can, if you can't get around, but for regular trips, it's inconvenient, you have to pump and blow the boat up every time, and the trailer allows you to keep the boat ready for descent.
What is the maximum speed of the trailer?
According to traffic rules, the movement with a trailer on highways is limited to a speed of 90 km / h, on other roads - 70 km / h Exceeding speed increases the risk of loss of control and damage to the cargo.
How to properly attach the boat to the trailer?
The boat should be on the beds with the entire bottom surface, slinging through the sides (without clamping them too hard) and a pole cable behind the bow duck, and it is important to exclude the backlash, but not deform the cylinders.