Going out on a polyvinyl chloride boat is always a pleasure that can be overshadowed by unpredictable weather. The scorching sun, sudden rain or piercing wind can ruin even the most planned walk. running-trap It becomes not just an accessory, but a vital element of equipment for any water motor.
Unlike fixed shelters, this design should provide visibility, not interfere with management and be securely attached to the sides. Modern models are made of high-tech materials that can withstand extreme loads. The right choice of canopy allows you to expand the seasonality of the vessel and improve the safety of the crew.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the nuances of choosing, installing and operating protective structures. You will learn what materials are really durable, how to avoid typical errors during installation and what to look for when buying a finished product or tailoring to order.
Why do you need a running tent and its main functions?
The main purpose of any shelter on the water is to protect people and equipment from outside influences. PVC This is especially true because the plastic heats up in the sun and passengers can get heat stroke, and the awning creates the necessary shade, reducing the temperature inside the cockpit by 10-15 degrees.
In addition to thermoregulation, the design acts as a windshield, and at high speeds, oncoming airflow can cause discomfort, tearing and fatigue. WindscreenThe awning, which is part of the awning, redirects the air flows, making the trip comfortable even on planing.
- 🌧️ Precipitation protection: allows you to stay dry during sudden rain.
- ☀️ UV blockage: prevents burnout and burns of the skin.
- 💨 Aerodynamics: Reduces air resistance and noise levels.
- 🛡️ Mechanical protection: protects the seats and dashboard from dust and sand.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use tarpaulin or cotton awnings for high-speed driving. Wet fabric becomes heavy, and when drying can shrink, which will lead to rupture of the seams or deformation of the frame.
It's important to understand that a running awning is not only a comfort, it's also a safety feature, and fatigue from constantly squinting in the sun or fighting the wind reduces the concentration of the steering wheel. Oxford or tarpaulin They serve for years, preserving their properties.
Manufacture materials: Oxford, Tarpaulin and PVC fabric
Material choice has a direct impact on product life and cost, with three main fabric types, each with its own specifications, dominating the market, and understanding the difference between them will help avoid overpaying for unnecessary features.
The most popular material is Oxford (Oxford) It's a synthetic fabric of linen weaving that is very tensile and abrasive, and it's very dense, and it's resistant to abrasion, and it's ranging in density from 210 to 600 den, and it's better to choose a 450 den for running awnings.
When buying, pay attention to the water resistance indicator (W), it should be at least 2000 mm of water. st., otherwise the fabric will begin to pass moisture under the pressure of the wind.
The second option is tarpaulinIt's reinforced plastic fabric, often used for cargo shelters. It's cheaper than Oxford, it's completely waterproof, but it's less aesthetic and it's noisier in the wind. However, for harsh operating conditions and dirt protection, it's a great budget choice.
The third type is specialized PVC fabric This is the premium segment, and these awnings are completely sealed, do not fade and last for decades, they are heavier than synthetic counterparts, but provide maximum protection.
| Characterization | Oxford (PU/PVC) | tarpaulin | PVC fabric (Boat) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight. | Medium. | Light. | Heavy. |
| Waterproofness | High. | Absolute. | Absolute. |
| Term of service | 5-7 years | 3-5 years | 10+ years |
| Price. | Medium | Low. | High. |
Frame design: arcs, racks and fasteners
Fabric is only half the success. The other half is a frame that holds its shape and resists wind load. Constructions can be removable and stationary, but for a running tent, it's important to quickly assemble and disassemble.
Most often used stainless steel or aluminum arcs. Stainless steel (AISI 304) It is preferable because it does not corrode in salt water, aluminum pipes are lighter but require more careful care of the joints, and the diameter of the pipes is usually 20-25 mm.
Fixing to the boat is carried out in several ways:
- 🔩 In the pockets of the timbers: the most reliable method, the arc is inserted into a special pocket sewn to the cylinder.
- 🪝 On hooks: hooks cling to the linear cable running along the side.
- 🧶 On belts with fastexes: cover the side of the boat, are adjusted by length.
⚠️ Warning: When installing arcs, make sure that the PVC contact points are not sharp edges. Any barb on metal under load will wipe the boat's cylinder in minutes.
Struttings (telescopic or fixed) are often used to reinforce the structure, which rest on the nose of the cockpit or the transom, and this prevents the awning from collapsing in the side wind, and it is important that all the components of the fastener are made of corrosion-resistant materials.
Instructions for installing a running awning
Installation of shelters is a process that requires attention to detail, improper installation can damage the boat or lose the awning on the move, and before starting work, make sure that all the kit elements are in place.
The installation process takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on the experience, first the main load-bearing arcs are installed, then the awning is pulled, and only then the side elements are fixed, and it is important to observe the sequence of actions.
☑️ Checklist for tent installation
Start by putting a bow arc in your pockets, if you attach it to a hinge beam, you gently insert the tube, straightening the fabric, then you install the aft racks. The tension should be uniform, and the sagging fabric will clap in the wind, creating noise and vibration.
Puff sequence:1. Nasal anchorages
2. Aft supports
3. Side belts
4. Finish lift of all nodes
After installation, check if the belts are twisted or pressing on the boat's structural elements. The awning should sit as if it were infused, without skewing. If a windscreen is used, make sure it does not block the steering wheel's view.
Operation and care of awning on the water
Proper operation prolongs the life of the product. The rule is, don't leave the awning stretched for long periods of time unnecessarily, especially in the scorching sun or in a storm. Although the materials are resistant to UV radiation, constant load reduces the tissue's resource.
When driving at high speeds (planing), it is important to monitor the condition of the sidewalls. If they begin to swell or clap, it is better to lower them or remove them. Aerodynamic resistance This can have a negative impact on the boat’s handling.
The secret to the longevity of seams
Once a season, treat the awning seams with a special water-repellent tissue spray, which will restore the hydrophobic properties of the threads and prevent leakage in the areas of the stitching.
After each trip, the awning must be dried. Wet fabric is the perfect medium for mold and fungus to develop, which destroy the structure of the material from the inside.
In winter, it is recommended to treat the fabric with a preservative for PVC or synthetic fibers, which will prevent drying and cracking of the coating at low temperatures, it is better to store in a straightened form or in a free bag.
Common mistakes in choosing and buying
The market is full of offers, and it's easy for a beginner to make mistakes. Often, customers chase low prices, forgetting about the quality of the accessories. Cheap plastic fastexes break down in the cold or from ultraviolet light, leaving the boat unprotected.
Another common mistake is to buy an awning to grow or to grow too small, if the awning is large, it will sail, if it is small, it will create excessive stress in the attachment areas, which can cause the tissue at the seams to rupture.
- ❌ Ignoring ventilation: in a closed tent without ventilation windows, condensation is formed.
- ❌ Thickness savings: A fabric less than 200 den will break at the first strong jerk.
- ❌ No viewing windows: transparent inserts should be made of high-quality PVC, not polyethylene.
⚠️ Warning: Never use aggressive chemicals to clean transparent windows. Ammonia and alcohols make plastic cloudy and brittle. Use only soapy solution and a soft sponge.
Also consider the compatibility of the awning with your engine, high-lower unit can rest on the aft part of the awning, in such cases, you need models with an extended stern or a notch for an outboard motor.
Homemade awning or factory model?
Many boaters wonder: buy a ready-made solution or sew yourself? Factory models (for example, from the factory). Flagman, Badger or Yukon) have precise geometry for a particular boat model, are devoid of backlashes and perfectly seated.
Homemade options are good for custom boats or with specific requirements. However, tailoring will require an industrial sewing machine capable of sewing thick materials, and special threads (LL, Capronovyi).
The factory awning will always be more reliable and aesthetically pleasing than the homemade one, unless you are a professional smidge with access to industrial equipment.
The price range of ready-made solutions is wide: from budget options for 3-5 thousand rubles to premium models for 15-20 thousand. Homemade awning can come out cheaper, but only if you already have materials and skills. Otherwise, the savings will be questionable.
To sum up, a running awning is an investment in comfort and health, it allows you to enjoy fishing and cruising in all weather, protects you from the vagaries of nature, choose quality materials, check the fasteners and remember to regularly care.
Can I use the awning as a parking lot?
Technically possible, but not recommended for a long time: running awnings do not always have increased sealing of seams and can let water through in heavy rainfall, and they are less resistant to snow loads in winter.
How to remove condensation under the tent?
Condensation is caused by temperature differences and people's breathing, and to remove it, you need ventilation, open the side windows (if any), raise the aft, or use special ventilation valves. Regular ventilation is mandatory.
How do you seal a cut on an Oxford tent?
To repair Oxford with a PU coating, use special PVC fabric repair compounds or polyurethane adhesives. Before sticking, degrease the surface with alcohol, skin the edges and apply a patch of the same material. Let it dry under the load for at least 24 hours.
Do I need to remove the awning when washing the boat?
Yes, the boat washing is better off, so that the beams, the trawlers and the sides can be cleaned of dirt and silt, and the chemistry of washing the boats can damage the awning fabric.