Transporting an inflatable boat is always a test for the back and nerves, especially if it is a model with a hard floorboard floor or a hinged transom. Trans wheel attachment It turns this process from a hard physical job into an easy walk, allowing a boat to roll around the shore like a cart. PVC It requires a special approach and understanding of the structure of the material.
Inflatable boat owners often face a dilemma: Do they drill transoms or look for overhead options? Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages that directly affect the durability of your vessel. The most reliable way for boats with a hard transom is considered through installation using reinforced washers and sealant. It is important to determine the type of design in advance so as not to damage the cylinders or the transom itself during further operation.
In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of installation, consider the necessary tools and give a step-by-step algorithm of actions. You will learn how to choose the right fastener so that it does not rust after the first season, and what mistakes beginners most often make when tuning their boats.
The choice of the type of fastening: drill or not?
The first and most important question that comes to the owner of the boat is whether to violate the integrity of the transom. transmesse (DND), the choice is obvious: only overhead brackets that are fixed with belts or Velcro straps. You can not drill a soft PVC wall, as this will lead to depressurization of the cylinder and difficult repairs.
For boats with a rigid glued transom, the situation is different, and it is possible to use stationary brackets that are attached through plywood or composite, which provides maximum rigidity of the structure and allows you to not remove the wheels while driving on water, if they have a rotating mechanism. Removable brackets Requires the installation of response parts (platforms) that remain on the transom permanently.
There is a trade-off between powerful rods or clamping mechanisms that do not require drilling but securely hold the bracket on the top edge of the transom, an ideal choice for those who are afraid of drilling a new boat but want a reliable design, but it is worth considering that such systems can interfere with the installation of the motor or require it to be removed every time the wheels are used.
⚠️ Note: When choosing overhead fastening systems, make sure that the internal elements (bolts, nuts) do not have sharp edges that can damage the cylinders when inflated or in motion.
Required tools and materials
The quality of the installation depends on the preparation. Before you start, you need to assemble a complete set of tools. The absence of even one element can lead to the process being delayed or poorly executed.
- 🛠️ A drill or screwdriver with a set of drilled metal and wood (diameter depends on the chosen fastener, usually 6-8 mm).
- 🔧 A set of wrenches and heads for tightening bolts.
- 💧 PVC sealant or polyurethane sealant (e.g., sicat or Titan).
- 📏 Roulette, marker and building coal for accurate marking.
- 🧼 Degreasing agent (acetone or alcohol) for surface preparation.
Special attention should be paid to the choice of metallic fasteners. The usual black fasteners from the construction store will quickly rust in salt or fresh water. stainless-steel The bolts must be with a wide hat or be equipped with wide washers to distribute the load on the surface of the transom.
Also, pre-prepared rags to remove excess glue and rubber gloves. Sealants and degreasing require protection of the skin of the hands. If you plan to install wheels with a rotary mechanism, check the equipment for locking elements.
☑️ Ready for installation
Step by step: installation on a hard transom
The installation process begins with careful markings. A mistake of a couple of millimeters can cause the wheel axle to skew, causing the boat to drift aside during transportation. Turn the boat over or set it vertically, allowing easy access to the transom. The markings should be symmetrical to the central axis.
After the drilling sites are marked, the holes must be drilled. If the transom of a sandwich structure (plastic foam or foam wood), drill carefully so as not to split the inner layers. Immediately after drilling the holes must be treated. Hermetization - a critical step to prevent moisture from entering the structure of the transom, which is especially important for wooden bases.
Procedure:1. degrease the surface around the hole.
2. Apply a layer of sealant on the bolt cap and into the hole itself.
3. Insert the bolt, applying the sealant to the washer from the inside.
4. Tighten the nut by removing the excess glue that has protruded.
Install the wheel brackets in the prepared places. Between the bracket and the transom, it is also recommended to lay a layer of sealant or use rubber gaskets that come with the kit. This will create an additional barrier to moisture and prevent backlash of the structure. Puff the bolts evenly, without skewing.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use screws on wood to fix the transom wheels. They will not withstand the dynamic load when the boat moves over irregularities and can crumble the transom material.
Nuances of work with composite transcenza
If your transom is made of fiberglass, when drilling, use special feather drills or crowns to avoid chipping the outer decorative layer.
Features of installation on inflatable transones
Boat owners with NDMA (inflatable floor and inflatable tubes) are less fortunate in terms of rigid fasteners, but modern technology allows you to solve the problem effectively. It uses special brackets that cover the top of the inflated transom cylinder, and they are fixed using a system of belts, fastexes or high-clutch Velcro.
The main rule when mounted on inflatable surfaces is that there are no pressure points. A bolt screwed directly into the cylinder will inevitably lead to a cut or puncture, so all mounting systems for NDNDM are based on the principle of volumetric coverage. crone It should be snugly attached to the surface, but not deform the balloon excessively.
When installing these wheels, it is important to monitor the pressure in the cylinders. An under-inflated transom may play under load, which will cause the wheel axis to shift. Before each installation, check the pressure with a pressure gauge. Also regularly inspect the contact points of the belts and the plastic of the transom for scuffs.
Lubricate the rubbing surfaces of the bracket straps with silicone lubrication or lay a soft fabric if you plan a long parking period with the wheels installed to protect the PVC from abrasion.
Comparison of specifications of different systems
To help you make your final choice, we’ll give you a comparative table of the main types of fasteners, which will allow you to evaluate the pros and cons of each option in the context of your boat and operating style.
| Type of attachment | Reliability | Difficulty of installation | Impact on the boat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through (bolts) | High. | Medium | Requires drilling. |
| Invoice (belts) | Medium | Low. | Safe for PVC |
| Strubsins. | High. | Low. | Risk of edge damage |
| Turning mechanisms | High. | High. | It requires a place on the transom. |
As you can see from the table, through-fitting is as reliable as possible, but requires structural intervention. Overheads are safer, but may be less stable when carrying very heavy loads. The choice depends on how often you plan to remove the wheels and carry the boat in disassembled form.
Maintenance and maintenance of the mechanism
After a successful installation, you should not forget about maintenance. The aqueous environment, sand and dirt do their job. Check the nut tightening regularly, especially after the first few trips when the parts are laundered. Vibration. When moving on the ground, it can weaken the connections.
Bearings in wheels require water protection. If the wheels do not have dust caps, it is recommended to periodically lubricate them with water repellent compounds. If you operate a boat at sea, wash the mounts with fresh water after each exit to wash away the salt, which is the main enemy of even stainless steel.
Regular washing with fresh water and checking the tightening of bolts prolong the service life of transom wheels by 2-3 times.
Keeping a boat with wheels set or removed is up to you, but if you leave them for the winter, make sure the mechanism is completely dry. moisture frozen inside the hub can tear metal or plastic apart.
Can I use transom wheels for boats with an outboard motor?
Yes, but with caution. If the motor is mounted, the center of gravity shifts. Make sure the wheels can withstand the total weight of the boat, the engine and the equipment. It is often recommended to remove the engine or use special racks when transporting.
What is the maximum weight of standard transom wheels?
Most standard models are designed for loads up to 150-200 kg. For heavy boats of the class "Nord" or with powerful engines, it is better to choose models with a reinforced axle and pneumatic wheels of large diameter.
Do I need to remove the wheels while driving on water?
If you have stationary wheels that don't retract upwards, you have to remove them or lift them above the water level to avoid drag and damage. Rotary models that go upwards along the side can be left, if the boat design allows.