Polyvinyl chloride inflatable boats have long been the standard for fishing and water recreation, but the standard design does not always provide comfort for long-term navigation. Bortik, or railing, solves the problem of passenger and cargo safety by creating a reliable barrier along the perimeter of the cockpit. ferrot allows not only to stay afloat in an emergency situation, but also to fix the tackle, preventing them from falling overboard.
There are many ways to upgrade a boat, from factory solutions to artisanal designs assembled by enthusiasts. seaworthiness It's important to understand that any additional element increases sailing and weight, so you need to approach design with engineering precision.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the stages of creating and installing a side fence, paying special attention to reliable mounting units, you will learn about materials that will withstand an aggressive aquatic environment, and understand how to avoid typical beginner mistakes. The main load when installing the sidewalk falls on the mounting points of stringers to cylinders, so their strengthening is a critically important stage.
Materials and tools for creating a sidewalk
Before starting work, you need to prepare high-quality tools and consumables, because the durability of the entire structure depends on it. aluminum-tube It's 20-25 mm in diameter, or it's a durable plastic that doesn't rust and is easy to process, and you'll need special fittings, tees and nooks for marine use to connect the elements.
Mounting the structure itself to the boat is carried out using belts from string-band Carbines, buckles and buckles must be made of stainless steel or brass to prevent corrosion when in contact with water, and a sewing machine capable of sewing thick fabrics, and a special glue for PVC, if you plan to paste additional elements.
To mark and fit the parts accurately, you will need a roulette, marker and hacksaw on metal. Don't forget about safety glasses and gloves, as working with metal and adhesives requires caution. Quality materials will provide the structure with the necessary rigidity and allow it to last for many years without repair.
- 🛠️ Aluminum pipes and frame fittings.
- 🧵 Sling tape and fastexes for fastening belts.
- ✂️ Scissors, a hacksaw and a sewing machine for cutting and sewing.
- 🧴 Pvc glue and degreaser for surface preparation.
Types of designs of side fences
Structurally, the benches are divided into several main types, each of which has its own advantages and applications. fly-leafThese systems often consist of vertical racks inserted into special pockets or mounts on cylinders and a horizontal cable or belt stretched between them.
The second popular option is stationaryIt's a rigid frame that fits around the perimeter of the boat, provides maximum safety and can serve as the basis for the installation of an awning or additional equipment. Rigid structures require more complex installation, but benefit from reliability and resistance to wind loads.
There are also combination systems where the bottom is made of net or dense fabric, and the top is reinforced with a tubular frame. The type depends on the operating conditions: for quiet fishing on the lake, a light removable option is suitable, and for sea trips it is better to choose a reinforced frame.
⚠️ Warning: When choosing a design type, be sure to consider the carrying capacity of your boat. Installing a heavy metal frame on a low-power vessel can shift the center of gravity and reduce stability.
Stringer attachment schemes to cylinders
The reliability of the entire side fence depends on how the stringers, the longitudinal elements that run along the cylinders, are fixed. There are several proven installation schemes, among which the method is the leader. pocket-stickIn this case, special pockets of PVC fabric are glued to the side surface of the cylinder, into which racks or frame pipes are then inserted.
An alternative way is to use carbine-beltThis method is less invasive and does not require adhesive seams to break the integrity of the balloon, which is especially true for new boats, but the belt mount can shift under heavy tension, so it requires periodic inspection.
For rigid frames, a combination method is often used, where the front part is attached to a nose handle or a special rim, and the side parts are fixed to the pockets. The exact location of the mounting points must correspond to the drawings to ensure a uniform distribution of the load. Circuit errors can lead to deformation of the balloon or separation of elements on the wave.
Below is a table comparing the main methods of fastening stringers by their specifications:
| Mounting method | Reliability | Difficulty of installation | Impact on the cylinder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plug-in pockets | High. | Medium | It requires glue. |
| Covered belts | Medium | Low. | No damage. |
| Firming to the rum | Depends on the squirrel. | Low. | No damage. |
| Velcro straps (Velcro) | Low. | Very low. | It requires glue. |
Step-by-step installation instructions
The process of installing the sidewalk requires consistent execution of operations to ensure the safety and aesthetic appearance of the product. anchorage And then, if you take the pocket method, you take the pumped boat, you get the optimal height and pitch of the racks, and then you take the pocket method, and you degrease the surfaces and stick them to the glue instructions, and you take the drying time.
The next step is to build a frame of pipes and fittings, which fits on the boat without final fixation, and at this stage it is important to check the symmetry of the installation and the absence of distortions that can create discomfort during operation, if you use belts, they must be passed through the mounts and tightened with moderate force, so as not to overpower the cylinder.
The final stage involves stretching the liner cable or installing the top pipe and checking all the nodes under load. It is recommended to conduct test tests on land, simulating the roll of the boat and the jerks that can occur on the water. Only after making sure that each connection is reliable, you can go out into the pond.
☑️ Checklist of the sideboard installation
Nuances of work with glue for PVC
When working with PVC glue, it is critical to observe the temperature regime. The optimal temperature for gluing is from +15 to +25 ° C. At lower temperatures, polymerization slows down, and the seam may not gain strength, and at high ones, the glue can boil, forming bubbles. Always use two-component adhesives for the responsible nodes.
Nuances of mounting on transom and board
Installation of the side of the side in the area of the transom has its own specifications, since here the structure experiences maximum loads from the motor and the oncoming flow of water. slab-stove Or directly to the hard transom through special brackets, so it's important not to damage the inflatable parts of the cylinders adjacent to the transom, so the distance to the soft elements should be sufficient.
The side parts of the boat require special attention to the height of the board: too high a fence increases sailing, too low does not perform its function. The optimal height is considered to allow you to lean with your elbow while sitting on the bank, which is usually 20-30 cm above the seat level. When installed on board, you should avoid places with increased curvature where the pipe can slip.
For boats with keel (BND) It is important not to squeeze the bottom stringers, which are responsible for the rigidity of the floor. The fasteners must run strictly along the sides, without affecting the center part. Violation of this rule can lead to deformation of the bottom and loss of driving qualities of the vessel.
⚠️ Warning: Never drill a hard transom to install the sideboard without first consulting the boat manufacturer. Violation of the tightness of the transmutation compartment can lead to water entering the structure.
Use shrink tubes at the ends of aluminum pipes, which will prevent damage to the boat's fabric by sharp edges of metal and protect your hands from splinters and cuts.
Maintenance and safety of operation
Any equipment installed requires regular maintenance, and the berths are no exception. anchorage For scuffing, loosening of belts, or corrosion on metal elements, salt water is particularly aggressive, so fresh water rinsing and drying in the shade are mandatory for life extension.
Safety also depends on the proper distribution of passenger and cargo weights within the fenced perimeter. You should not lean with all the weight on the leer, as it is designed for insurance, not for permanent support. lifejacket.
During the winter storage period, it is recommended to dismantle removable elements of the side of the side to avoid deformation of pipes and fabric from temperature changes. Plastic fittings become fragile in the cold, so it is better to store them in a warm room. Regular care will consolidate the result of your work and ensure safety on the water.
Remember that the modification of the boat is the owner's responsibility. All changes must be thought through and verified. The maximum permissible load on board when using homemade anchorages should not exceed 15-20 kg per fixation point in order to avoid separation.
Regular check of the condition of the seams and fasteners is the guarantee that the side will perform its rescue function at a critical moment.
Can I put a sideboard on a boat without pasting pockets?
Yes, there are belt mounts with carabiners or Velcro straps that do not require a breakdown in the integrity of the cylinder, but they may be inferior to the glued variants in reliability under heavy loads and require more frequent tension checks.
What diameter of the pipe is optimal for a homemade side?
The diameter of 20-25 mm is considered optimal. the pipe of a smaller diameter may not withstand the load and bend, and too thick (more than 30 mm) will create excess sailing and weight, which will negatively affect the handling of the boat.
Does the installation of the sideboard affect the speed of the boat?
Yes, any additional design increases drag and sailing, and when you install a high hardboard, the speed can decrease by 1-3 km / h depending on the engine power and wind conditions.
Do I need to register a boat with a sideboard installed in GIMS?
The removable sideboard itself does not require registration as a structural change unless it changes the load capacity and dimensions of the vessel drastically, however, if the side is a non-removable part of the superstructure, this may require changes in documents.