Sea awning for the PVC 390 boat: selection, tailoring and installation

The acquisition of a 390 centimeter inflatable vessel is often a turning point for a water-engineer, marking the transition from quiet fishing in quiet backwaters to more serious outdoors. It is at this size that the real load on the crew from headwinds and sprays begins, which at speeds above 30 km / h turn into a cold shower. A high-quality running awning on a pvc 390 boat ceases to be just an accessory for comfort and becomes a necessary element of safety, allowing you to maintain efficiency and heat in all weather conditions.

Many owners underestimate the importance of proper wind protection, relying on regular visors or homemade solutions from the tarp, but the specifics of the inflatable housing dictates its strict design requirements. Incorrectly calculated sail or rigid frame can deform cylinders, and a bad cut will create a "clap" effect that quickly disables the fabric. In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects of the selection and operation of running awnings for the popular 390 cm range, taking into account the nuances of inflatable tubes and transponders.

Design features of awnings for a length of 390 cm

Boats 390 cm long, whether it's Flagship 390, I'm 390. or Aqua 390They have a distinctive architecture that directly affects the geometry of the future tent. Unlike rigid vessels, the frame is not supported by the sides, but by inflatable tubes and transom banks, which requires a special approach to load distribution. The main task of the designer or owner when choosing a model is to create a rigid structure that will not transmit vibration and friction to the PVC fabric of the hull when moving.

The key element becomes chassisAluminum is also used, but steel is preferred because of the high kink strength of wind loads characteristic of plane. It is important that the frame struts are based on special pads-petaks attached to the cylinders, or use a system of soft attachments that excludes damage to the material of the case by sharp edges of metal.

The 390 cm dimensions allow a full-fledged windscreen and visor to be placed inside the cockpit, creating continuous protected space. However, there is a risk of excessive sailing, which can adversely affect the handling of the vessel in lateral wind. Therefore, modern models often have removable elements or windows that can be opened to reduce air resistance.

⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to attach the frame struts directly to inflatable tubes without protective pads or soft clippings. Point pressure of metal when vibrating at high speed will cause PVC fabric to be wiped and the cylinder to depressurize in a matter of minutes.

When choosing a finished product or ordering tailoring, be sure to pay attention to the availability reinforced-stitch The fabric must be pulled like a drum, but have a minimum margin for deformation of the cylinders when the temperature of the water and air changes. Hard fixation without taking into account the expansion / compression of air inside the cylinders can lead to rupture of the awning tissue or deformation of the frame itself.

Materials: Oxford, Tarpaulin or PVC

Choosing a tent material for a pvc 390 boat is always a trade-off between weight, strength and cost. The market offers three main options, each with its own unique specifications and applications. Understanding the properties of these materials will help you avoid mistakes when buying and prolong the life of the product.

The most common option is fabric. Oxford (Oxford) It is a dense nylon or polyester material with characteristic corneal weaving, which is highly tensile and abrasive. The Oxford tents are typically used with a density of 240 to 450 g/sq.m, often with additional PU impregnation, providing 100% water resistance and UV protection.

• 🧵 Oxford 210T/240T: Easy and budget option, suitable for calm water and rare exits, but quickly burns out and can get wet under heavy rain.
• 🛡️ Oxford 450T PU: The "gold standard" for running awnings, withstands serious wind loads, does not swell in the cold and perfectly keeps the shape.
• 🌊 Tarpaulin: Double-laminated fabric, which is absolutely waterproof, but heavier and noisier in the wind, is more often used for cargo awnings than for running awnings.

The second popular material is reinforced PVC (PVC)These awnings are extremely durable, completely sealed and resistant to fuel (gasoline, oil), but they are much heavier than Oxford, they are less shaped without a rigid frame and tend to heat up in the sun, creating a greenhouse effect inside the cockpit.

The third option is specialized membrane fabrics, which are used in the premium segment, which allow condensation to be removed from the inside without letting water outside, but can cost several times the price of the awning itself. For most owners of boats with a length of 390 cm, the best choice is a dense Oxford with impregnation, combining availability and necessary performance.

Types of frames and methods of fastening

The reliability of a chassis depends on the quality of its skeleton. For PVC 390 cm boats, the two most common types of frame systems are arc (arch) and frame. Arc frames consist of curved tubes that form arches that are inserted into the pockets of fabric or attached to it by lovers. They are easier to assemble, take up less space during transportation and have less sailing.

Frame frames are welded or prefabricated structures of straight pipes and fittings, forming a rigid frame. Such systems provide maximum internal volume of the cockpit and allow you to install additional accessories, such as holders of spinning or sonars. However, their weight and dimensions in disassembled form are much higher, which can be critical for owners of small cars.

The awning is mounted to the hull of the boat in several ways, the choice of which depends on the design of the vessel and the personal preferences of the owner, the most reliable is the combined method, using both rigid stops and soft screeds.

• 🔩 On the transom tubes: The frame is based on regular or additional pipes installed on the transom, which relieves the load from the cylinders.
• 🪢 Fastex slings: The awning is fixed by belts covering cylinders or passing through special rings, allowing you to quickly remove protection.
• ⚓ To the leer semi-rings: Using regular rings on the boat to fasten stretch marks, preventing the awning from breaking off by a gust of wind.

⚠️ Attention: When installing the frame, make sure that all sharp edges of the pipes, welds and ends of the plugs are carefully treated and have no burrs. Any sharp protrusion will cause damage to the inflated cylinder under the weight of the structure and on vibration.

It is also important to consider force-point If the awning is only attached to the sides, in high winds it can work like a sail, turning the cylinders inward or mowing the boat, so the front pillars often recommend attaching the fry bolts to the nose or using additional stretch marks going to the nose jar.

Instructions for installing a running awning

The correct installation of the chassis on the PVC boat 390 is the guarantee that you will not be hit with a head on the first step to the planing process requires consistency and attention to detail, especially if you do it alone or on shore with limited space.

First, you have to completely inflate the boat and let it lie down for 10-15 minutes to stabilize the pressure, because placing the frame on the "cruising" cylinders can lead to a skew, then the frame is assembled according to the manufacturer's scheme, after which the fabric part of the awning is carefully stretched on it.

The fabric should be stretched evenly, from the nose to the transom. If the awning is equipped with adjustable belts, they should be tightened diagonally to avoid distortion. Pay special attention to the engine compartment area: the visor should fit tightly around the lower unit, but not touch the hot parts of the engine.

After the initial fixation, be sure to check the visibility. The awning should not block the driver's field of view, especially in the lower part. If necessary, in transparent inserts, you can cut additional viewing windows, treating the edges with special PVC glue or melting them so that the fabric does not fall.

The final step is to test all the mounting components for strength, pull the awning in different directions, mimicking wind gusts, and if the structure is cruising or making creaking sounds, you need to add additional mounting points or increase tension.

Comparative table of tent models

To make the choice easier, we have prepared a comparative description of the popular types of running awnings available for boats 390 cm long.

Parameter	Arc (Oxford)	Frame (PVC)	transom (Trank visor)
Weight of kit	4-6 kg	8-12 kg	2-3 kg
Assembly time	5-10 minutes	15-20 minutes	2-3 minutes
Splash protection	Complete.	Complete.	Just the back.
Sailing	Medium	High.	Minimum
Price.	Medium	High.	Low.

As you can see from the table, full-fledged running awnings with a frame provide maximum comfort, but require installation time. transom visors are a compromise for those who value speed and mobility, sacrificing protection of the legs and knees from the oncoming flow of water.

Secrets of durability of the tent

To extend the life of the awning, it is recommended to dry it straightened after each trip. Storing moist cloth in a rolled state leads to mold and destruction of the water-repellent layer, which is especially critical for budget models of Oxford.

Care, storage and repair DIY

Operating a tent in an aggressive aquatic environment requires regular maintenance. Salt water, gasoline, oil and ultraviolet are the main enemies of any fabric. After every step out onto the water, especially if it was the sea, the tent must be rinsed with fresh water to wash away the salt plaque that crystallizes and breaks down the fibers.

Drying is a critical step. Never pack a wet awning in a long-term storage case. At home, it should be hung in the shade (direct sunlight on wet fabric accelerates burnout) until completely dry. Periodically, once a season, it makes sense to treat the fabric with special water-repellent impregnation (DWR) that restores hydrophobic properties.

Small damages, such as cuts or seam breaks, can be repaired in the field, using adhesive patches or a special glue for PVC fabrics for Oxford, and it's important to degrease and clean the repair site before you patch it.

• 🧼 Cleanup: Use a soft sponge and soap solution, avoid aggressive chemicals and solvents.
• 🌞 Protection against UV: Use sprays with UV filters or keep the boat under a canopy when not in use.
• 🧵 Seam repair: When the threads diverge, sew the place of rupture with a capron thread and paste with a latch on both sides.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use gasoline, acetone or chlorine-containing products to clean the awning, which can dissolve the polyurethane coating or make the fabric brittle, resulting in instant rupture under load.

If you find that the frame has started to creak, grease the pipe joints with silicone lubrication, which not only eliminates the annoying sound, but also protects the metal from corrosion, prolonging the life of the entire structure.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Can I use the awning as a parking lot?

Theoretically, it is possible, but not recommended: running awnings are designed for aerodynamics and spray protection, but not for prolonged static loads of snow or rainwater. Parking awnings have a stronger frame and design, which excludes sagging and accumulation of water (“pockets”). Using a running awning for wintering can lead to its deformation.

How to reduce the sailing of the tent in a strong wind?

The most effective way is to lower or remove the front of the awning (windscreen) if the design permits, and you can also partially open the side windows or remove the rear valve, and in extreme conditions, it is better to remove the awning altogether, since sailing can overturn the boat or tear out the mounts.

Will the awning fit a 390 cm boat for a 380 cm boat?

Probably not. The difference of 10 cm is essential to the tension of the fabric. The awning will hang, creating sailing and noise, and the mounts may not match the elements of the boat. Better buy a model that matches the exact length of your vessel, or order a custom tailoring.

Do I need to remove the awning when washing the boat with a kerkerker?

High water pressure can damage water-repellent impregnation of fabric, drive water inside the filler (if any) or deform the frame, and under pressure of water, the awning can press against the sharp corners of the boat, which will lead to cuts.