Operating a small vessel is impossible without high-quality protective equipment, especially if you plan to leave the boat outdoors or transport it over long distances. boat-tenderIt's a slug that provides a reliable tension to the fabric and prevents it from being pulled off by wind gusts. Many owners underestimate the importance of this junction, relying on random bindings, which often damages the board or the awning itself when moving.
Correctly selected and installed fitting This article ensures that the awning frame will work as a single unit, spreading the load evenly throughout the perimeter of the vessel. In this article, we will discuss in detail what types of fasteners are, how to choose a material that is resistant to aggressive marine environment, and describe the installation process step by step so that you can avoid typical beginner mistakes.
Purpose and functions of the cocht in the boat protection system
The main task of the collard is to create a hard support point for the stretch marks of the awning. Unlike conventional mooring, where tensile strength is important, here the resistance to dynamic loads arising from shaking during movement on a wave or under the influence of wind in the parking lot is critical. Fixing element It must withstand constant tension, without deforming or shaking with time.
Modern models not only serve a utilitarian function, but also serve as part of the design of the vessel. Properly located anchorage points allow you to form the correct geometry of the awning, providing water flow and no sailing. fittingsThe fabric may begin to rub against the side, which will lead to rapid wear of the material.
⚠️ Note: Using conventional furniture brackets or screws instead of specialized bollards can lead to leakage into the side and corrosion of metal at the mounting site.
In addition, a reliable coffin allows you to quickly collect and disassemble the awning structure, which is especially important for fishermen who need to change the configuration of the shelter often. fittings It is designed for thousands of cycles of tension and attenuation, retaining its properties even after prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light and salt water.
Classification of coffins: materials and constructions
The water accessories market offers many options, and the choice depends on the type of boat you are boating and operating conditions, with the most common products being stainless steel, coated aluminum and durable polymers. Stainless steel (AISI 316) is considered the gold standard due to its exceptional corrosion resistance, although it has a higher cost.
- 🔩 Aluminum models light and affordable, often have anodized coating, but require careful handling, since the coatings are quickly oxidized when chipped.
- 🛡️ Stainless steel Maximum strength and durability, withstand extreme loads, ideal for marine conditions.
- 🧱 Plastic (polymeric) They do not rust or conduct current, but can become brittle in the cold or burn out in the sun.
Structurally, the coffins are divided into rotary, stationary and removable. Rotating models They allow you to lower the awning arc down without removing the attachments, which is convenient for driving under bridges. They are easier to install and more reliable, because they do not have moving parts that can sour.
You should also consider the type of base that you choose, which can be round, square or oval, which affects the area adjacent to the board. Broad ground better distributes the load on the fiberglass or metal of the side, reducing the risk of cracks or dents around the attachment point.
Why is it important to avoid contact with different metals?
When aluminum and stainless steel come into contact with salt water, a galvanic vapor is created, leading to accelerated corrosion of a less noble metal (aluminum). Always use dielectric pads.
Choice Criteria: What to Consider Before Buying
Choosing the right cloth is not just a matter of aesthetics, it's a matter of safety. First, determine the diameter of the arcs of the awning frame, because the landing hole must fit with minimal clearance. Too loose fitting will lead to backlash and a characteristic creak that will irritate during movement.
Pay attention to the quality of surface treatment. The product should not have sharp edges, burrs or uneven coating. Galvanic coating It should be smooth, without bubbles or chips, and any defects will become hotbeds of corrosion that quickly spread throughout the product.
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | Type of alloy or polymer | AISI 316 for the sea, aluminum for fresh water |
| Diameter of the hole | Under the arc of the tent | Strictly in size of the arc (16, 20, 22, 25 mm) |
| Height. | Distance from the side to the centre of the hole | Sufficient for free running of the arc (usually 40-60 mm) |
| Type of fastener | Bolt fitting | The presence of sealing washers and counternuts in the kit |
Also important is the equipment. A good manufacturer always delivers full-length coffins. fixing-piece: stainless steel bolts, grovers, nuts and, most importantly, rubber or silicone pads, the lack of gaskets in the kit makes you look for them separately to ensure that they are leaky.
When buying shells "in weight" or without packaging, be sure to check the thread bolts - it should be clean and easy to twist by hand for several turns.
Necessary tools and preparation for installation
Installing the coils requires precision and preparation of the workplace. You don't need a sophisticated industrial tool, but the set should be complete. Focus on the choice of the drill: fiberglass and aluminum need different types of drills to avoid chipping or burrs.
Before work begins, the boat must be washed and degreased, which will not only accurately mark the mounting points, but also ensure the best fit of the sealant. Degreaser Remove the residues of oils, silicone and dirt that may have been on board during operation.
- 🔧 A drill or screwdriver with speed adjustment.
- 🔩 A set of drills (for metal / plastic) of the desired diameter.
- 🧴 Sealant for marine applications (polyurethane or silicone).
- 📏 Roulette, marker and core for marking.
- 🗑️ A solvent to clean the tool.
Special attention should be paid to the choice of sealant, ordinary plumbing silicone may not withstand vibrations and temperature changes. sealantThey're resistant to ultraviolet light, and they're resistant to UV light, and they're a reliable barrier to water, even if the mount is weakened a little bit.
⚠️ Warning: When drilling a fiberglass board, be sure to use a depth limiter or control the process manually so as not to damage the inner layer of the laminate and not make a through hole in an unintended place.
☑️ Preparation for installation
Step-by-step instructions for installing a shell
The installation process begins with careful marking. Put the knuckle on the side at the selected location, make sure that the arc of the awning is flat and not skewed. Kern carefully map the centers of future holes, this will prevent the drill from slipping off at the beginning of work.
Drill holes strictly perpendicular to the surface of the side. If you work with metal, start with a thin drill and gradually increase the diameter. For fiberglass, it is better to use a sharp drill of the desired diameter at low revs immediately so as not to overheat the material. Cleanliness of the hole It directly affects the quality of sealing.
The sequence of actions during sealing:1. Degrease the holes and bottoms of the shell.
2. Apply a layer of sealant on the base of the knecht.
3. Apply sealant on the bolts (all the length of the thread).
4. Insert bolts, press the coffin, remove the surplus.
5. tighten the nuts after 24 hours (for polyurethane).
Apply a generous layer of sealant on the bottom plane of the bolt and on the thread of fasteners. Put bolts in the holes, tightly press the bolt to the side. Excess sealant, protruding at the edges, immediately remove with a cloth moistened in the solvent, but leave a small roller around the perimeter. Tighten the nuts "deadly" immediately do not — let the sealant grab a little if the instruction to the material takes time.
The final puff is recommended after the primary polymerization of the sealant (usually in a day). counternuts Or growers, so that the vibration does not weaken the connection when you move, and after drying, check the reliability of the mount by trying to shake the cloth with your hand.
The main secret of durability is not to skimp on sealants. It should fill all the voids between the metal of the shell and the board, creating a monolithic waterproof structure.
Operation, maintenance and typical errors
Once installed, the coils require minimal but regular maintenance. Once a season, before navigation begins and after navigation ends, check the nut tightening. Vibration is the main enemy of any threaded joints on the water. If you notice that the nut has weakened, tighten it and renew the sealant layer around the base if the old one cracks.
Often, owners make the mistake of tugging over the mounts. Excessive force can deform the thin metal of the side or crush the fiberglass, which will lead to microcracks. The optimal moment of tightening - a condition when the cloth is tightly pressed, but the material of the board does not bend visually.
- 🧼 Wash the coffins regularly with fresh water, especially after going out into salt water to wash off the salt.
- 🔍 Examine the places of adjoining sealant for detachment or blackening.
- 🛠️ Lubricate the moving parts of the rotary bollards with silicone lubricant that does not contain oil.
If you notice corrosion around the hole, don't delay repairs. Remove the clumps, clean the damaged area, treat it with a rust converter (for metal) or epoxy soil, and re-set with a new layer of sealant. Ignoring small pockets of corrosion can lead to through holes in the board.
⚠️ Note: When cleaning the coils, do not use abrasive powders or metal brushes that can scratch the protective coating and break the passive metal layer.
How do you get an old sealant off?
To remove the frozen polyurethane sealant, use a special solvent-cleaner or carefully cut the main layer with a blade, and remove the remains with a hard brush, trying not to damage the gelcoat of the board.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you use conventional bolts instead of special sea bolts?
It's not recommended, but you can't unscrew them without damaging the side. stainless-steel (A2 or A4).
Which sealant is better: silicone or polyurethane?
For gluing metal parts to the board, polyurethane sealants are better suited (for example, 3M 4200 They have higher adhesion and tensile strength than conventional plumbing silicone, which can detach over time.
How far apart are the squirrels from each other?
The distance depends on the width of the awning and the diameter of the arcs. Usually the bollards are placed along the width of the boat symmetrically so that the arc lies without tension. The standard step for 16-20 mm arcs is from 120 to 150 cm, but it is better to try it on the spot.
Do I need to drill the side if the PVC boat?
For PVC boats, you can't drill the side! There are special inflatable bollards or mounts that are glued to PVC liquid nails or attached to slings. Metal bollards with drilling are only for hard-hull boats (metal, plastic).
What to do if the squirrel starts to stagger?
Remove it immediately, clear the surface of the side and the base of the shell of the old sealant, check the holes for corrosion or increase in diameter. Reinstall using high-quality sealants. sealant and, if necessary, bolts of larger diameter (if the design permits).