The upgrade of the inflatable craft is a natural step for any owner who wants to improve the performance of his vessel. end-of-AlexanderThis design is a removable transom mounted on a ballerina cylinder in the bow of the boat, which allows you to significantly expand the functionality of the vessel, turning it into a full-fledged multi-seat boat or a convenient platform for fishing.
The idea is to create a rigid platform that does not require drilling the bottom or complex attachment to the sides, but is based on the existing geometry of inflatable tubes. Unlike classic removable nose transverses, which often require individual fit, the Alexandrov system offers a versatile approach, proven by years of operation in various water bodies of Russia.
The installation of such a component changes the center of gravity and hydrodynamics of the vessel, which requires careful approach to the selection of materials and assembly scheme. PVC fabric And plywood must be tailored to the expected loads, and fasteners must withstand dynamic wave shocks. In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects of the creation and operation of this unit.
Design features and principle of work
The end of Alexandrov is not just a piece of plywood, but an engineering solution based on the distribution of the load over the area of contact with inflated cylinders. The main element is a vertical plate that rests on the nose balloon (ballerina) and is fixed by belts or slings that pass through special ears or directly enclosing the cylinder.
The key advantage of this scheme is the absence of the need for a rigid attachment to the bottom of the boat, which maintains the tightness of the main body. transom board In this configuration, it acts as a strut, transferring the force from the motor or the weight of the passengers to a solid nose cylinder, and it is important to understand that the balloon must be pumped to the operating pressure, otherwise the structure may deform or shift.
⚠️ Warning: Never place the end transom on a poorly inflated nose cylinder. Insufficient internal pressure will lead to a deflection of the structure and possible rupture of the cylinder seams under load.
There are various mounting modifications, from simple fastex belts to complex systems with metal brackets, depending on whether you plan to use a boat under the hood. electric motor For heavy engines, the structure must be reinforced with additional stiffness ribs.
Selection of materials for manufacture
The durability of the end transmuntz depends on the quality of the materials used. plywoodThe optimal thickness is 12-15 mm for single boats and 18-21 mm for heavier structures designed for two people or a powerful motor.
To protect wood from water and mechanical damage, special boat paint or epoxy compounds are used. fiberglass It's a kind of aluminum sheet, but it's more difficult to process at home and requires a special tool, and plywood remains the gold standard because of its availability and ease of operation.
Fixing elements must be made of stainless steel or have a reliable zinc coating. Conventional steel will quickly rust in salt or even fresh water, which will lead to weakening of the structure at the most inopportune time. Belts are better chosen from polyester or nylon with water-repellent impregnation, since cotton will rot quickly.
- 🪵 Phanera FC/FSF: the main material requiring high-quality impregnation with oliphate or varnish.
- ⚓ Fastening: bolts, nuts and washers of stainless steel AISI 304 or 316.
- 🎗️ Slings: polypropylene tape with a width of at least 25 mm for uniform pressure distribution.
- 🧴 Protection: yacht varnish, epoxy resin or specialized paints for PVC and wood.
When buying plywood, choose a material without knots on the edges of the sheet, since it is in these places that chips and cracks most often occur during operation.
Step-by-step instructions for assembly yourself
The manufacturing process begins with the creation of an accurate drawing that must take into account the geometry of a particular boat model. The angle of inclination of the transom board relative to the horizontal should be approximately 10-15 degrees.To ensure the correct position of the motor and effective focus in the cylinder, transfer the dimensions to a sheet of plywood and cut the main part with an electro-cloth with a file for clean cutting.
After cutting the mold, you need to treat all the edges with sandpaper, removing the chamfer so that the sharp corners do not damage the fabric of the boat. Next, the impregnation stage follows: apply several layers of olifa or epoxy, paying special attention to the ends where the tree is most vulnerable to moisture. Each layer should dry completely before applying the next one.
☑️ Checklist of end-trans assembly
Installation of fasteners requires care. If you use metal brackets, they need to be attached to bolts with a wide washer so as not to push through the wood. For soft fastening, you can use reinforced textile pockets, sewn or glued to the ends of the boards through which the slings will pass. It is important to ensure that the mounting is symmetrical so that the load is distributed evenly.
The final step is to assemble all the components and check the reliability of the joints, make sure that no metal parts protrude inwards, to the fabric of the boat. If the design involves additional sides or foot pads, their installation is carried out in the same way, with mandatory sealing of all joints.
Comparison of materials: specifications table
When choosing a transom base, it often raises the question of which material is best for your purposes. Below is a comparison of the main options used by homemakers and manufacturers, which will help you weigh the pros and cons before starting work.
| Materials | Weight (kg/m2) | Moisture resistance | Difficulty processing | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plywood | ~6-7 kg | Medium (requires protection) | Low. | Low. |
| Fiberglass | ~3-4 kg | High. | High. | Medium |
| Aluminum (AMG) | ~2.7 kg | High. | Medium | High. |
| Composite (carbon) | ~1.5 kg | High. | Very high. | Very high. |
As you can see from the table, plywood Aluminum and composites offer better and less weight, but require special skills and equipment to make a quality part.
Installation and adjustment on water
The first installation of the end transom should be done on land, in a calm environment, so that you can carefully study the behavior of the structure. Inflate the boat to working pressure and install a transom in the nose. Set it with slings, evenly stretching them. The tension should be strong, but not excessive, so as not to deform the balloon to a point.
Check the stability of the structure by pressing your hands on it from all sides, it should not move left or right, and it should also be "cruising" up and down. outboardMake sure that the lower unit does not touch the boat's fabric when cornering or on the wave, and the gap between the propeller and the bottom should be sufficient for safe maneuvering.
⚠️ Warning: When you first go out with a transom installed, do not develop the full power of the motor. Conduct a test swim at low speeds to make sure that the mounts are reliable and there are no displacements.
During operation, regularly check the condition of slings and fasteners. Solar ultrafilene and constant humidity can weaken textile elements over time. Timely replacement of worn belts will prevent an emergency situation on the water.
What to do if the squirrel begins to slide?
If you notice a shift in the structure while you're driving, slow down immediately. Most often, the reason is a weakening of the slings or a lack of pressure in the nose canister. Stop in a safe place, pump up the balloon and re-adjust the tension of the fasteners. If the problem is repeated, perhaps the geometry of the transom does not match the shape of the cylinder of your boat.
Tuning and additional opportunities
The end of Alexandrov opens up a lot of possibilities for upgrading the boat. anchor-winchIt's also often used to mount additional crates to store gear or batteries, which can unload the boat's cockpit and increase the comfort of being on the water.
Some craftsmen integrate sonar or navigator mountings into the transom design, providing perfect forward visibility, especially when driving through unfamiliar fairways or when searching for fish places, and the main thing is not to overload the bow so as not to disturb the boat's differentiation.
- 🔦 Light: installation of running lights or LED tape for night fishing.
- 📡 Navigation: bracket for GPS-navigator or tablet.
- 🎣 Fishing: mounts for spinning or rod holders.
- 📦 Storage: sealed boxes integrated into the transom side.
Overloading the bow can cause the boat to bury in a wave and reduce speed. Balance the load by spreading the weight of passengers and cargo evenly along the length of the vessel.
The main goal of tuning is to improve functionality without loss of safety, and any improvements must be tested for stability and reliability before going to the big water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use the end of Alexandrov under a motor power of more than 5 hp?
Motors over 5 hp are possible, but require a reinforced transom design and very reliable mounting. For high-powered motors, it is recommended to use transverses with additional side stops or switch to rigid bow platforms if the boat design allows. Always check the maximum recommended engine power for your boat model.
Do I need to remove the transom while transporting the boat?
Yes, when packing a boat in a shipping bag, the end transom must be removed, the presence of rigid elements inside the bag can damage the fabric of the boat when compressed or frictized during transportation, and the removable transom takes up less space if stored separately.
How often should I change the impregnation on the plywood transom?
The frequency of the refresh depends on the intensity of operation and storage conditions. When actively used in salt water or storage in the open air, it is recommended to update the protective coating (varnish, olifu) once a season or when the first signs of damage to the protective layer appear.
Will this design be suitable for inflatable floor boats (BBBs)?
Yes, the end of Alexandrov is compatible with the DND boats, as it relies on the bow cylinder rather than the bottom, but it should be borne in mind that the center of gravity may shift differently on inflatable floor boats, so test swims should be carried out with extreme caution.
Where to find a specific model of a boat?
There are no universal drawings, because the geometry of cylinders from different manufacturers (Fregate, Hunter, Gladiator, etc.) is different, drawings are usually developed individually by taking measurements from a particular boat or are located in specialized powerboating forums where users share their experience.