Any long-term fishing or family vacation on the water inevitably faces one problem - the scorching sun or sudden rain. The open space of an inflatable vessel does not provide shelter, which can turn pleasure into an endurance test. PVC-boat It is not just an accessory, but a necessity for those who value their comfort.
The modern market offers many solutions, from simple awnings to complex frame structures with side walls. However, choosing the right model requires an understanding of the materials, types of attachment and features of operation of your boat. In this article, we will break down all the nuances so that you can make an informed decision.
Don't think that the awning is just a protection against precipitation, a quality canopy can lower the internal temperature under it by 10-15 degrees, which is critical on a hot summer day. PVC fabric, used in production, have high strength and resistance to ultraviolet radiation.
Installing additional equipment always affects the stability and wind sailing of the vessel, so before buying it is important to assess whether your transom and board will withstand the additional load, especially if you plan to install a high-power engine.
Types of roof designs for inflatable boats
All existing models can be divided into several main categories depending on the method of attachment and the complexity of the design. tent-shellIt's a budget solution that folds up easily and takes up minimal space when transported.
A more advanced option is frame awnings, which are mounted on collapsible arcs of aluminum or fiberglass, which are attached to special glasses or brackets on cylinders, which creates a rigid dome that does not sag even under the weight of water after rain.
- 🌊 Frameless tents: They are stretched due to pressure in cylinders, ideal for small boats up to 3 meters.
- 🏗️ Frame models: They have a hard base, suitable for boats of any size and withstand strong winds.
- 🏠 Transformers: combine the functions of the roof and chassis, can have removable sides.
⚠️ Attention: When installing a frame roof on inflatable tubes, be sure to use protective pads (plates) under the supports of the arcs so as not to damage the PVC fabric with a strong load or wave impact.
The type of design you choose depends on how you use the boat. For sea fishing, where speed of assembly is important, easy options are suitable. frame-trap with the possibility of installing side curtains.
Materials of manufacture and their specifications
The durability of your roof depends on the quality of the materials used. PVC fabric The density of the material usually varies from 450 to 900 g/m2, and the higher the figure, the stronger the product.
The frames are made of various alloys. Aluminum pipes (often stamps). AMG5P) Lightweight, non-rust and easy to assemble: plastic arcs are more flexible and resilient, allowing them to quench vibration, but they can be heavier than light metal counterparts.
An important characteristic is the presence of UV protection And there's a special coating on the outside of the fabric, and cheap ones without a lacquer coat quickly fade out in the sun, lose their elasticity, and they start cracking on the folds after one or two seasons of active use.
| Materials | Density (g/m2) | Term of service | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oxford 210D | ~250-300 | 2-3 years | Light but weak UV protection |
| PVC 450 g/m2 | 450 | 5-7 years | Optimal price-quality ratio |
| PVC 900 g/m2 | 900 | 10+ years | Maximum strength used for boats |
When choosing, pay attention to the quality of the seams. They should be glued or boiled, and the threads should be marked. ll Or be reinforced, ordinary cotton threads rot in one season.
Methods of attaching the awning to cylinders
Installation of the roof is a critical step in the process of safety, and there are several basic methods of fixation. rubber-belt with carabiners that are thrown over the side and cling to the liner cable or special rings.
More reliable, but requiring modification of the boat, is the attachment to the hinge beams, in which case the awning has special pockets or loovers that are put on board, which eliminates the displacement of the roof in high winds or high speed.
☑️ Pre-installing check
Frame models often use glasses that stick to cylinders, a fixed solution that can't be removed quickly, but it provides maximum rigidity, and it's important to correctly calculate the installation sites so that the inflated cylinder doesn't break the geometry.
Some fishermen use a combined method: the frame is held on the glasses, and wind stretch marks are fixed on the leera, which allows you to distribute the load evenly throughout the perimeter of the boat, reducing the risk of deformation of the cylinders.
⚠️ Warning: Never attach roof elements directly to air supply valves or to thin areas of fabric without reinforcing pads - this can lead to depressurization of the boat on the water.
The effect of the roof on driving performance
Installing any additional equipment changes the aerodynamics and weight of the vessel. Sailing The high roof turns the boat into a sailboat, which can be dangerous in strong lateral winds, especially if you are far from the shore.
The weight of the structure also plays a role. A frame awning with arcs can weigh from 5 to 15 kg. For low-capacity boats, this is a significant figure that reduces the payload on passengers and equipment.
When you're driving on a motor, the roof creates air resistance, and if you like to plane at high speeds, you'd better choose low profiles or even remove the awning, and the high design can shift the center of gravity and degrade handling.
Installation of a running tent yourself
If you're going to make your own roof, you're going to need a precise cut and quality material, and you're going to need to take measurements from an inflated boat, and the best way to do this is to boil it from 20-25 mm aluminum pipes, or use the greenhouse arcs that you're going to use to adapt them.
Use a sewing machine with a foot for heavy fabrics to sew the case. All seams must be glued with a special tape or PVC sealant to prevent water from leaking inside. The fasteners (luvers, carbines) must be made of stainless steel or brass.
Sequence of action:1. Assembly of the frame on a flat surface.
2. Trying on the frame for the boat.
3. Twisting of fabric and fixing of corners.
4. strap attachment to the leer.
The finished product should sit tightly, without sagging, check if the structure does not block the driver's view and access to the runduks. boat-top It is often cheaper than a store, but it takes time and skills.
Care and storage in the off-season
To keep your roof long, you need to take good care of it, and after every trip, especially in salt water or in the rain, the awning must be removed, dried and wiped from the dirt, and the cloth left wet will quickly become covered with mold, which is difficult to remove.
Store the product should be spread out or neatly rolled up, but not crumpled in a tight lump. Sharp cracks in the cold can lead to microcracks in the PVC layer. The optimal storage temperature is room, in a dry room.
- 🧼 Wash the fabric with warm water with mild soap, avoid aggressive chemicals.
- 🌡️ Do not dry the awning on direct fire or near heating appliances.
- 🔧 Regularly lubricate the metal parts of the frame with silicone lubrication.
If you notice minor damage or sprawling seams, don't delay repairs. Use PVC remixes, which often come with a boat. Timely repair will extend the life of the accessory for several seasons.
⚠️ Warning: Storing a wet awning in a rolled-up form at negative temperatures is guaranteed to lead to the destruction of the tissue structure and loss of water-repellent properties.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I leave the roof on the boat when driving at high speeds?
At high speeds (planing), the wind load on the roof increases dramatically, which can lead to the boat tipping over or damage to the mounts. It is better to use the awning only for parking or slow movement.
Which roof color is best for a hot climate?
Light colors (gray, white, salad) reflect the sun’s rays better and heat less. Dark colors (blue, green, camouflage) heat up more, transferring heat to the inside, but they are less visible to fish and more practical in terms of pollution.
Will the roof installation affect the boat’s warranty?
Generally, the installation of certified awnings does not affect the warranty, but if you glue the arc glasses yourself and damage the balloon, or use homemade structures that damaged the fabric, the warranty may not be recognized.
Do I need to release pressure in the cylinders when installing the awning?
No, you don't need to release the pressure, the boat needs to be pumped to the working state so that the cylinders are properly shaped, but make sure that the mounts don't overpress the cylinders.