Owners flyboat Often faced with the dilemma of dragging a heavy trailer or risking putting a boat on the roof. For many fishermen and tourists, the latter is the main way to deliver gear to the water, saving time to assemble, allowing you to drive along narrow forest roads and does not require registration of an additional vehicle with the traffic police.
However, aerodynamics And at high speeds, you get a turbulence zone on the roof that can move even heavy loads if you don't fix them properly. PVC requires a special approach: it can not be pulled, otherwise the material is deformed, but weak fasteners are unacceptable.
In this article, we will discuss proven methods of stacking, choosing the right one. fixation And the nuances that are not covered in the boot instructions, you'll learn how to protect the bottom of the boat from abrasion and why you can't rely on regular belts alone.
Selection and preparation of the luggage system
The foundation of safe transportation is a reliable base, and the standard roof rails on the car are not designed to stow the loads themselves. boot The most versatile solution is considered to be rectangular or aerodynamic arcs of aluminum or rubberized steel.
The distance between the crossbars should be as wide as possible to prevent sagging of the hull of the boat. flyboat The optimal step is 60-80 centimeters long, 3.5-4 meters long, and if you set the arcs too close, the central part of the cylinders can sag under its own weight, creating sailing.
When choosing, consider the system's load capacity. Although the boat is deflated and weighs a little, when assembled with the engine and attachments, it can weigh up to 40-50 kg. Load capacity The roof of a passenger car is usually 50-75 kg, and this limit cannot be exceeded.
⚠️ Warning: Before installing the load, be sure to check the tightening of all screws and trunk clips. Vibration at speed can weaken the fixation, which will lead to the crossbars shifting.
Use anti-slip mats made of rubber or special foam material between the crossbars and cylinders of the boat, this will prevent the load from shifting during sharp braking.
Preparation of the boat for transportation
Before laying on the roof PVC boat You need to assemble it properly. Don't inflate the cylinders to the point of "drum"; the pressure inside should be just below the working pressure, so that when you heat it up in the sun or change the atmospheric pressure, the optimal pressure for transportation is about 0.2 atm.
The transom flooring is better to lay a smooth layer, but not fix it rigidly, if the design allows it. The main thing is to remove all sharp objects that can damage the cylinders or the body of the car. Motor.If you are carrying it with the boat, it should be securely secured separately, not just lying in the cockpit.
Be sure to remove water and sand from the inside of the cockpit. Excess weight is an extra load on the roof and the risk of shifting the center of gravity. Wipe the bottom of the boat with dry rags so that dirt does not get on the roof of the car and does not work as an abrasive while driving.
- 🎒 Fold all removable items (seats, paddles, pump) into a bag and place them inside the boat or in the trunk of the car.
- ⛵ Check the integrity of the valves and make sure they are sealed.
- 🔧 Make sure that the cylinders do not have sticking out accessories that can scratch the roof.
Loading and centreling scheme
The correct positioning of the boat on the roof is the key to the stability of the car, the center of gravity of the cargo should be located strictly above the center of the roof, but with a slight forward shift. air-power I didn't try to lift the stern at high speed.
The bow of the boat (where the inflatable kielson is usually located) should be directed forward as it moves, and this orientation provides better streamlinedness. If you put the boat backwards, it will act as a parachute, dramatically increasing fuel consumption and load on the front axle.
When laying, make sure that the cylinders lie on the crossbars, and not hang between them. If the distance between the arcs is large, put under the center part of a hard but soft base, such as a rolled up awning or special inflatable pillows to avoid deformation of the bottom.
⚠️ Warning: Never let the metal parts of the boat fittings come into contact with the body of the car. Even a light touch at hundreds of kilometers per hour can leave deep scratches on the paintwork.
Technology of fastening with belts and slings
It is strictly forbidden to use ropes to fix the load on the roof, since they tend to stretch and weaken in the knots. snoring-belt Ratchet straps or high-quality textile slings with friction buckles, each belt shall have a minimum breaking load of at least 250 kg.
The mounting process begins with the belts being thrown across the roof, the belts must be strictly perpendicular to the axis of the car, do not bend, otherwise the boat will start to lean sideways when you stretch, first slightly pull all the belts, align the load, and then make the final puff.
Tighten your belts evenly, alternating sides. First, pull the left belt, then the right belt, then the left belt again, and this will ensure the same pressure on the cylinders. Tension. It should be such that the belt does not sag, but does not crash deep into PVC. Under the belts in places of contact with cylinders, it is recommended to put pieces of foam or special protective covers.
☑️ Checking of the anchorage before departure
The free ends of the belts be sure to tie with a knot or lock with a rubber band. The dangling ends can get into the cooling fan or wind on the suspension elements, which will lead to an emergency.
Protection of body and cylinders from damage
Friction is the main enemy of both paint coating of the car and fabric PVCEven microscopic movements of cargo in the wind work like sandpaper, and for protection, use special mats made of microporous rubber or dense felt, and they are placed at the points of contact of belts with cylinders and cylinders with the trunk.
Pay special attention to the places where the belts pass through the roof. If you have sharp corners on the rails or edges of the trunk, cover them with soft material. The vibration of the body on the track can wipe the metal to a hole in one long season.
Also, you should consider the temperature regime. In summer, a black belt, heating up in the sun, can melt the top layer of the balloon, use light belts or arrange an additional air gap.
| Type of protection | Materials | Where to apply | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Felt linings | Tight felt | Under the belts. | High (soft) |
| Rubber mats | Micro-rubber | Under the cylinders. | Medium (slip) |
| pollon | Building foam | Temporary protection | Low (absorbs water) |
| Alloys (rags) | Cotton fabric | In case of emergency | Low (getting lost) |
What to do if the belt is still rubbed balloon?
If you find a scab or puncture after the trip, don't panic. Dry the damage site thoroughly, degrease it and apply a patch from the remix, following the instructions for your type of PVC. Serious damage (cracking fabric) may require professional repair with vulcanization or bandage installation.
Features of movement and control on the way
The loaded car on the roof behaves differently, the center of gravity rises, which increases the rolls in the corners. 90 km/hExceeding this threshold dramatically increases aerodynamic drag and the risk of tipping over when side wind gusts.
Brake distance is also increased. Keep the distance with the vehicles in front. When overtaking the trucks, keep in mind that your sailing is much higher, and lateral air currents can sharply pull the car towards the truck.
Make sure to stop every 50 to 70 km to check the tension of the belts. Textiles It tends to stretch slightly under load, especially in the first kilometers of the journey, and belt lifting at the first stop is a mandatory ritual of the safety person.
The main rule of the convoy: if you are traveling in a group, agree on stop signals. The cargo on the roof requires constant visual control, and it is better to lose 5 minutes to check than to look for a boat on the side of the road after 100 km.
In rain and fog, visibility through the rear window may be impaired by water running off the boat. Be prepared to use side mirrors more actively than usual. Also remember that fuel consumption will increase by 15-25% due to increased air resistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I transport a PVC boat with a pumped engine?
Technically, you can, if the load capacity of the roof and the trunk allows, but this creates additional sailing and shifts the center of gravity back, and it is recommended to remove the engine and carry it in the cabin or trunk, fixing from impacts.
How often should you tighten your belts on the way?
The first check and lift should be done 10-15 km after the start of the movement, then check the tension every 100 km or after each long stop, sharp temperature changes also require control of cylinder pressure and sling tension.
Is it dangerous to leave a boat on the roof overnight?
It is not recommended to leave the boat on the roof unattended due to the risk of theft or vandalism, and dew can fall out at night, which, when frozen in the morning, will change the pressure in the cylinders, it is better to remove the cargo and remove it in a warm room.
Which belts are better: with a rattle or friction?
Friction belts without metal rattles are better suited for PVC boats; the metal rattle mechanism is heavier and can damage the cylinder or body when vibrating; Friction buckles provide sufficient tension and are easier to operate.
Should I release pressure in the boat before the road?
Yes, this is critical. When the sun moves and heats the air inside expands. If you leave the working pressure (0.2-0.25 atm), in the heat it can grow to critical values, which will cause the seams to rupture or balloons to bloat. Reduce the pressure to 0.15-0.18 atm before mounting on the roof.