The 320 centimeter long inflatable boat offers a wide range of fishing and recreational opportunities, but the lack of protection from the sun or sudden rain can ruin any outing. That is why the awning on the PVC 320 boat becomes not just an accessory, but a necessary element of equipment that provides basic comfort. Properly selected protection allows you to stay on the water much longer without fear of burns or wetting.
The accessories market today offers a variety of options, from budget Chinese models to expensive reinforced fabric products, depending on whether you plan to use the vessel for high-speed planing or quiet trolling. In this article, we will discuss in detail the design features, materials and nuances of installing canopies for thirty-two-centimeter models.
It is important to understand that aerodynamics The wrong awning can create a sailing condition that is dangerous in high winds, or disrupt the balance of the boat, so you need to weigh the pros and cons before buying, after studying the technical specifications of the proposed solutions.
Key design features for a length of 320 cm
Boats 320 cm long are small-sized, which dictates their requirements for the dimensions of the protective coating. The awning for this length should be compact so as not to create excessive air resistance, but also spacious enough to accommodate one, maximum two people. The design is usually based on arcs that are attached to the transom and bow or to special fry.
Special attention should be paid frameBecause it carries the bulk of the wind, and for boats of this size, stainless steel or lightweight but strong aluminum are the best solutions, and plastic elements are only allowed in joints where there is no critical tension, and the quality of the frame assembly determines whether the awning will withstand wind gusts when moving against the wave.
⚠️ Note: When installing an awning on a PVC 320 boat, make sure that the fastening points do not touch the sharp edges of the floorboards or elements of the hard floor, otherwise the cylinder material may be damaged when rolling.
The fabric is also critical. For running models that are constantly deployed while driving, it's not only waterproof, it's also ultraviolet resistance. Cheap fabrics burn out quickly and lose elasticity, becoming brittle in the cold. A good awning must maintain its properties at temperatures between -40 and +60 degrees Celsius.
Material choice: Oxford, Tarpaulin or PVC
When choosing a chassis for a PVC 320 boat, the owner is asked about the type of fabric. Oxford It's a dense synthetic fabric with high tensile strength, and the most common density for running models is between 450 and 600 g/sq.m., which provides reliable protection against rain and wind.
A more budget-friendly, but less durable option is tarpaulin. It's a reinforced polyethylene that holds water perfectly, but has the property of "blowing" in the cold and making noise in the wind. For quiet fishing in the warm season, this is an acceptable option, but for active operation in all weather, it is better to consider more modern solutions. Professional models often sew from reinforced PVCIt is used to make the boats themselves.
Compare the main specifications of popular materials in the table below:
| Materials | Density (g/sq.m) | Water resistance | Term of service | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxford 210D/PU | ~250-300 | Medium | 2-3 years | Low. |
| Oxford 600D/PVC | ~500-600 | High. | 5-7 years | Medium |
| PVC reinforced | ~750-900 | Maximum | 10+ years | High. |
| tarpaulin | ~150-200 | High. | 1-2 years | Minimum |
When buying, be sure to pay attention to the quality of the seams. They should be glued or boiled, since a simple firmware with a needle creates channels for moisture to enter. Hydrophobic impregnation The external side of the fabric prevents wetting and mold formation during storage.
Types of frames and methods of fastening
The reliability of the whole structure depends on how the awning is attached to the boat. For models 320 cm long, the three most common types of frames are arc, frame and combined. Arc systems consist of curved tubes that form an arch above the cockpit. They are light and easy to install, but can bend in strong headwinds.
The frames are rigid frames that often have additional struts, which are more stable and allow for more internal space, and fastening is done through nuts placed on cylinders, or through special pockets on the awning itself that cover the sides, and it is important that the fasteners do not rub against the fabric at high speed.
The main components of the anchorage system include:
- 🔩 Trans pipes - serve as the main support for the rear pillars of the frame.
- 🔗 Fastex slings - allow you to quickly tighten or loosen the awning depending on the weather.
- ⚓ Rump-bolts. - fixation points on cylinders, requiring careful installation so as not to damage the camera.
- 🧵 Enhanced luvers Metal rings through which the lacing passes must be safely welded into the fabric.
Some models of running awnings are equipped windshieldThis is a very comfort-enhancing feature, because the airflow is directed upwards rather than hitting the driver in the face, but the presence of glass increases sailing speed, which is something that you need to consider when driving a full-gas boat.
Use additional safety slings thrown over the cylinders if you plan to move against a strong wave - this will prevent the awning from breaking off by a gust of wind.
Instructions for installing a running awning
Installation of the chassis on the PVC 320 boat is a process that does not require complex tools, but requires accuracy and consistency. Incorrect installation can damage the cylinders or deform the frame. Before starting work, make sure that the boat is completely inflated and stands on a level surface.
First, you have to build the frame according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually the arcs are inserted into each other or connected through fittings, don't put too much effort into connecting metal pipes, they must enter tightly, but without distortion. Once the frame is assembled, it is tried on the boat to determine the attachment points.
☑️ Checklist for tent installation
Then you get a stretching process, and you put a tent on the frame and you lock it in the front, and you often use a loop or a tie, and you get a uniform tension on all sides, and if one side is pulled more tightly, the awning will clap in the wind, which will quickly cause the seams to break.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave the awning stretched in the sun unless the boat is used for a long time. Heating the air inside can lead to excessive pressure on the seams and deformation of the frame.
The final step is to test all the mounts on the go, and after the launch and the short test run, you have to revisit the mounting points and tighten the weak slings, and the vibration and dynamics of the water can change the original position of the elements.
Operation and care of the running awning
To keep the PVC 320 running awning long, you need to take good care of it. The main enemies of the fabric are dirt, mold and mechanical damage. After every fishing, especially in rainy weather, it is advisable to dry the awning before packing. By folding the wet fabric, you create the perfect conditions for the development of a fungus that destroys the protective layer.
Cleaning should be done with a soft brush and soapy solution. The use of aggressive chemicals, solvents or abrasive powders is strictly prohibited, as they can damage the body. polymerIf there are small punctures on the fabric, they can be sealed with special PVC remixes, pre-fatting the surface.
Keep the awning in a dry, open or loosely folded environment, and it is not recommended to keep it compressed for long, as this can lead to cracks that are difficult to straighten. Regular treatment of the tissue with water-repellent sprays (DWR) will help restore the protective properties if water has begun to penetrate the fibers.
How do you get rid of the smell of dampness?
If the awning still lay wet and there was a smell, wipe it with a solution of vinegar with water (1:3), then thoroughly rinse with clean water and dry on a draft, but not under direct sunlight.
Comparison of finished models and tailoring to order
Buyers often face a choice between buying a ready-made chassis in a store or ordering tailoring to their individual sizes. The finished solutions are generally cheaper and available “here and now”, but they are designed to average the geometries of boats of popular brands, such as: Badger, hunter or FlagshipIf your boat has a custom cockpit or refinement, the factory model may not sit perfectly.
Custom-made tailoring allows you to take into account all the nuances: the location of the keys, the shape of the transom, the presence of a sonar or additional boxes. You can choose the color, the number of pockets, the type of glass, and even integrate the places for the installation of spinning, this is especially true for those who spend a lot of time on the water and appreciate personalization.
The cost of custom tailoring can be up to 20-30%, but you get a product that sits like a infused. In addition, workshops often use better materials and double seam firmware, which is rare in the mass market. For a boat with a length of 320 cm, the price difference will not be space, so it is worth considering this option.
For standard boats of well-known brands, it is often more profitable to buy a ready-made awning, while for boats with modifications or rare models, ordering from a tailor will be the best solution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I leave a boat awning in winter?
Not recommended. At low temperatures, the fabric loses its elasticity, and under the weight of snow or ice, it can crack, and temperature changes contribute to condensation, it is better to remove the awning, wash, dry and store at room temperature.
Will the awning withstand a speed of 40-50 km / h?
A high-quality chassis awning made of Oxford 600D or PVC with reinforced frame is designed to move in gleaming mode. However, at speeds above 50 km / h, air resistance becomes significant, which can affect the stability of the boat. Always assess the weather conditions.
How to eliminate the sagging of the tent after rain?
Water accumulates in pockets due to insufficient tension. Use special struts (telescopic struts) that come with the kit, or temporarily attach the tent from the inside with a fishing rod to water glass. Regularly tighten the slings during operation.
Does the awning affect fuel consumption?
Yes, any awning increases aerodynamic drag. At low speeds, the difference is subtle, but at full gas, fuel consumption can increase by 10 to 15 percent due to increased engine load and shifting of the center of gravity.
Can I re-make the damaged area by myself?
Minor repairs are possible using PVC glue and patches, but if load-bearing seams are damaged or leakproof in critical areas, it is better to consult specialists, as the wrong seam may not withstand wind load.