Operation of the aluminum boat Volzhanka 42 While the open deck is often vulnerable to weather conditions, bright sun, sudden rain or strong headwinds can turn a pleasant walk into an endurance test, which is why equipping a vessel with the right running awning is not just a matter of comfort, but a necessity to preserve the health of the crew and protect expensive equipment.
Choosing the right shelter for aluminum-boat It requires careful attention to the details of the design and quality of materials. Incorrectly selected fabric can quickly burn out or break, and a weak frame system can not withstand the storm gust. In this article, we will discuss in detail the nuances of selection, installation and operation of running awnings for the model. Volzhanka 42, taking into account its dimensions and design features.
Design features of the model Volzhanka 42
Boat. Volzhanka 42 It is a classic plane with high sides and a developed cockpit, which dictates certain requirements for the geometry of the awning. The width of the hull is 1800 mm, but when designing the shelter, you need to take into account the installation of a lintel fence, which increases the useful width for mounting arcs. The aluminum alloy of the hull from which the boat is made, has a high thermal conductivity, so the presence of shady space above the cockpit is critical in hot weather.
The design of the cockpit allows you to install awnings of various types, from simple "roofs" to full-fledged "houses" with windshields. steering console And hand-helds, so that when folded or deployed, the awning doesn't block access to key control nodes, and many owners also mount additional accessories, such as sonars or spinning holders, that should be freely placed under the dome.
⚠️ Warning: When ordering or sewing an awning, be sure to consider the height of the windshield installation. If the glass is high, standard arcs can rest against it, creating dangerous tension in the fabric when rolling.
Special attention should be paid to the anchorage points. Volzhanka 42 There are regular places for the installation of liner racks, which are often used as supports for the awning frame, the use of regular mounting units is preferable, since drilling additional aluminum requires mandatory treatment of holes with anticores to prevent the use of anticores. electrochemical corrosion.
Material choice: PVC, Oxford or Acrylic
The modern market offers many options for fabrics, but for a running awning on the Volzhanka 42 Not everyone fits. The main competitors in this niche are polyester-based fabrics with different coatings. The most budgetary, but least durable option is fabric. Oxford (Oxford) Polyurethane coated, lightweight and waterproof, but under the influence of ultraviolet quickly loses strength and fades.
The gold standard for boating technology is considered fabric PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) This is a material that is made of a polyester base coated with a layer of polyvinyl chloride, which is absolutely wet, tensile, and easy to wash. For a running awning that will stand unrolled while driving, PVC is perfect, because it creates a rigid structure that holds its shape well in the wind.
- 🌊 WaterproofnessPVC and quality acrylic fabrics provide 100% rain protection, while cheap Oxford can start to let moisture through under jet pressure.
- ☀️ UV stabilityAcrylic tissues (such as Sunbrella) are better at breathing and heat up less, but PVC is easier to care for and more durable in aggressive aquatic environments.
- 🛡️ Mechanical strength: Fabric with a density of at least 650 g / sq.m. is able to withstand accidental hooks with fishing rods or branches, which is important for active fishing.
When choosing a material, you should also pay attention to the presence of reinforcement It's the one that gives the fabric the ability to keep its shape and not stretch over time under its own weight and wind load. Voljana 42, which is often used in large reservoirs with chop, the margin of tissue strength should be maximum.
When buying fabric smell it: high-quality PVC has a specific, but not a sharp smell, whereas cheap analogues can smell toxic and have a sticky surface to the touch.
Types of frames: arcs, frames and leer systems
The frame of the chassis is the skeleton of the tent, on which the safety of passengers depends. Volzhanka 42 The most common stainless steel arcs are AISI 304 or anodized aluminum. Stainless steel is heavier, but has greater elasticity, which allows the frame to return to its original position after a gust of wind. Aluminum pipes are lighter, but when severe deformation may not straighten.
There are some popular frame designs, one of which is a system of three or four transom arcs connected by longitudinal elements, which provides good visibility and minimum number of racks in the cockpit. frame-treeAnd the slabs are welded or joined into a single rigid structure that is mounted on board as a single piece, and the frame awnings are more stable, but they're harder to remove and stack.
The arches are attached to the sides through special glasses or clamps. Volzhanka 42 They often use a combination method: the front struts are based on liner struts, and the rear ones are based on a tray or special brackets. polyamideprevent direct contact of dissimilar metals (for example, arc aluminum and stainless steel bolt), which excludes galvanic pair.
☑️ Checking the reliability of the frame
Installation and adjustment process
Installation of the running awning Volzhanka 42 It starts with the mounting of the support elements. If you use the mounting struts as supports, make sure that they are strictly vertical. A skew even a few degrees will lead to uneven tension of the fabric and rapid wear of the seams. The mounting of the lower nodes of the arcs must be done as rigidly as possible to exclude backlash when driving at high speed.
After the frame is installed, the awning is fitting and stretched, the fabric must be pulled like a drum, but without fanaticism, so as not to deform the pipes. windshield It must have enough cloth at the edges to be fixed reliably by luvers or lightning, and the wrong front end will slam in the wind, making noise and wear out quickly.
To fix the awning in the hiking position (folded at the stern or nose), belts with fastexes or Velcro straps are used. Volzhanka 42 It's convenient to use regular rim bolts on the transom to hold the folded awning so that it doesn't hang out in the wind. transmutor Or a tiller.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave the awning unattended in high winds (over 15 m/s) if the boat is in open water.
Adjusting the height of the racks allows you to adapt the boat to different conditions: for fishing in the rain, you can lower the awning lower for better protection, and for cruising with tall passengers - raise. The adjustment mechanism must be reliable and fixed with lock screws or splints.
Comparison of specifications of running awnings
To finally decide on the choice, it is worth comparing the main parameters of various equipment options for the Voljana 42The data in the table will help to estimate the ratio of price, quality and functionality.
| Parameter | Oxford Budget | PVC Tent (Medium) | Premium Acryl |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term of service | 2-3 seasons | 5-7 years | 7-10 years |
| Waterproofness | Medium | High. | High. |
| Resistance to UV | Low. | High. | Very high. |
| Structure weight | Light. | Medium. | Medium. |
As you can see from the table, material savings in the short term can lead to additional costs in a couple of seasons. PVC With a density of 650 g / sq.m. is the most rational choice, combining durability and affordable cost.
Secrets of longevity of seams
When sewing an awning, require that all the seams be glued with a special tape, which will prevent water from flowing through the needle, even if the thread weakens over time.
Care and storage of awning in the off-season
Even the best awning requires maintenance. After every trip, especially in salt water or in rainy weather, the fabric must be dried. Wet cloth rolled up in a cover is the perfect environment for mold and fungus to develop, which destroy polymer fibers. Volzhanka 42 Often winters on a trailer or in a garage, and the awning during this period should be removed, washed and dried.
To clean PVC fabrics, use warm soapy water and a soft brush. It is strictly forbidden to use solvents, gasoline or aggressive chemicals, as they destroy the protective layer and make the material brittle. The metal parts of the frame (arcs, clamps) are recommended to be lubricated with silicone lubricant to prevent oxidation.
- 🧼 Regular washingWash off dust and dirt after each active operation so that abrasive particles do not rub the fabric on the folds.
- 🌡️ Temperature conditionsKeep the rolled awning at a temperature not lower than -10 ° C, as in the cold, PVC becomes fragile and can crack when unfolded.
- 🔧 Fixing auditOnce a season, check the condition of the luvers and belts, replacing worn items before navigation.
Proper storage extends the life of the product at times. The rolled-up awning is best placed in a spacious breathing bag of natural fabric, rather than in a plastic bag where condensation can form.
Timely drying and cleaning of the awning after the season is the main factor determining whether it will last the declared 5-7 years or require replacement after two years.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I install a running awning on Volzhanka 42 without welding?
Yes, most modern running tents for Volzhanka 42 They're designed to be welded without any welding, and they're attached by clamps to liner racks or to standard body parts, but if you want to create a unique, complex frame structure, aluminum welding may be necessary.
What is the best height for a comfortable fishing?
The optimal height is considered, allowing an adult of average height (175-180 cm) to stand in the cockpit without leaning. Voljana 42 This is usually 160 to 170 cm from the cockpit floor to the top of the arc, and a higher awning will increase sailing and reduce the stability of the boat.
Will the sleeve survive wintering under the snow?
Although the stainless steel frame is strong, wet heavy snow can deform arcs or tear fabric. In winter, it is recommended to either remove the awning completely or install supports inside the cockpit if the boat is standing on water or a trailer.
Do I need to make a windshield in a running tent?
For Voljana 42The windscreen, which is often used on large bodies of water, is highly desirable, and protects the steering wheel and passengers from the oncoming flow of water and wind, allowing them to move comfortably between fishing points even in bad weather.