The summer heat can turn fishing or waterwalking from pleasure into a real challenge. The open space of a river or lake does not provide any protection from the scorching rays of the sun, which can cause heat stroke for the crew and the rapid burning of materials of the vessel, which is why many owners of inflatable boats are considering installing a protective visor or a full awning.
Modern PVC-boat It's not just a piece of cloth strung overhead, it's a complex engineering structure that requires proper wind loading and proper attachment to cylinders. An improperly assembled canopy can be a sail that can turn a boat over in a gust of wind, so the choice of materials and installation schemes should be approached with the utmost seriousness.
In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of creating a comfortable zone on the water, you will learn what materials are best for sewing awning, how to make a frame from available pipes yourself, and what mistakes beginners make when installing, and we will discuss safety issues and the legal requirements of GIMS for such add-ons.
Why do you need a tent roof on an inflatable boat?
The main function of any attachment is protection, primarily the health of the people on board. Long exposure to direct sunlight on the water is dangerous because of the reflection of ultraviolet light from the surface, even having a simple visor reduces the risk of burns and heat stroke, allowing you to spend much more time on the water.
The second important aspect is the safety of the craft itself: the polyvinyl chloride that the cylinders are made of is sensitive to the aggressive effects of UV radiation, and over time, the material loses its elasticity, fades, and may begin to crack. Oxford tent or other dense fabric impregnated takes the brunt of the elements, prolonging the life of the boat.
⚠️ Attention: Installing a high roof significantly increases the sailing speed of the vessel, and in windy weather or when driving at high speeds, this can lead to loss of controllability and even overturning the boat.
The roof also acts as a rain-proof roof, and a sudden summer shower will not take the fisherman by surprise if there is a reliable dome overhead, keeping the equipment, electronics and personal belongings that are often laid out on the sides dry.
Design features and types of frames
The frame is the skeleton of the entire structure, and the safety of the crew depends on its strength. The most common option is to use PVC tube or duraluminium arcs. PVC pipes are lightweight, non-rust-resistant and easily processed at home, making them ideal for the use of PVC pipes. makeshift roofs.
Metal arcs are typically made of anodized aluminum or stainless steel, they are stronger and stiffer, but they have more weight. For inflatable boats, it is critical to minimize the mass of the superstructure so as not to overload the transomb and not to disturb the centering of the vessel.
- 🛶 Arched construction: The classic version, where the arcs bend in a semicircle, providing water flow and good aerodynamics.
- 🏗️ Flat roof: It is more often used on hard bottom boats (HDD) or catamarans, requires a powerful frame of profiles.
- ⛵ transom visor: a small protection only over the engine and the tiller, not covering the entire area of the cockpit.
The arcs are attached to the cylinders using special pockets, Velcro straps or belts with fastexes. It is important that the fastening points do not rub against the fabric of the boat when rolling, otherwise you can damage the protective layer of PVC. The use of soft pads in the contact areas of metal or plastic with the balloon is mandatory.
When making PVC pipe arcs, use metal reinforced fittings inside to prevent the structure from deforming under load.
Selection of material for awning fabric
The coating material must have a number of specific specifications: waterproof, UV resistance, tensile strength and lightness. The most popular choice among water motors is fabric. Oxford different density with polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coating.
The density of fabric is measured in den (day) and g / m2. For boat awnings, the optimal density is considered to be oxford with a density of 600D to 1200D. Thinner materials can quickly become unusable under the influence of wind, and too thick will make the structure too heavy and bulky in the assembly.
| Type of material | Density (D) | Coverage | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oxford 210 | 210D | PU | Temporary lungs |
| Oxford 600 | 600D | PVC | Standard fishing awnings |
| Oxford 1200 | 1200D | PVC | Hard-working |
| Acrylic cloth | - | Special. impregnation | Yacht tents (expensive, beautiful) |
The color of the fabric also matters: light colors (gray, beige, white) reflect the sun's rays better and heat less, creating a more comfortable temperature under the canopy. Dark colors (blue, green, camouflage) heat up faster, but less stain and look more imperceptible in the background of nature.
Instructions: How to make a roof yourself
Making a canopy yourself saves you a lot of money and creates a design that is perfect for your particular boat, which starts with measurements, you need to measure the length and width of the inflated boat accurately, and you need to determine the desired height of the roof so that you can sit comfortably under it.
The most common PVC plumbing pipes used for the frame are 32-40 mm in diameter. They are easily cut with a hacksaw, and fittings (tees, corners) or thermal shrinkage are used for the connection. If a flexible arc is required, the pipe can be bent by heating with a building hairdryer or sand, or use ready-made arched arcs from children's pools.
☑️ Checklist for assembling the frame
The awning requires a sewing machine that can sew thick fabrics, and strong threads (lausan or capron), the seams must be glued with special tape or smeared with a sealant for the fabric, so that they do not let water through, the perimeter of the awning sew pockets for arcs and loops for fastening the belts.
⚠️ Note: When working with PVC pipes, only use a special glue for PVC pipes, which is designed for drinking pipes. Conventional building adhesive can destroy the structure of the plastic or be toxic.
The final step is to install the mounts, and the best thing to do is to use adjustable belts with plastic buckles, which allow you to pull the awning to the right degree and remove it quickly if you need it, and you don't need to glue the mounts directly to the boat's cylinders if you're not sure if the adhesives are compatible.
The secret to a sturdy seam
To the seam on the awning was as strong and waterproof as possible, use a double line with a indentation of 2-3 mm. After sewing, be sure to walk along the seam with an iron through the paper if the fabric allows heat sticking, or use a liquid seam to seal punctures with a needle.
Installation and operating rules
The right roof installation on the water requires calm weather, and it is better to inflate the boat and mount the frame on the shore or in shallow waters where there is no strong current and wind, first the arcs are installed, then the fabric coating is stretched on them.
It's important to watch the tension of the fabric, and it shouldn't sag to form pockets for rainwater, because the weight of the accumulated water can break the arcs, but you can't pull the fabric, because it will create an excessive stress in the attachment places to the cylinders. Optimal tension It allows the fabric to vibrate slightly in the wind, but keep in shape.
- 🌬️ Wind mode: Do not use a high roof in the wind stronger than 5-7 m / s.
- 🧼 Gone: After each trip, dry the awning before packaging to avoid mold.
- 🔧 Audit: Before the season, check the integrity of the seams and the condition of the fasteners.
When driving under a motor with a roof mounted, speed should be limited; high sailing creates resistance that the motor must overcome, which leads to fuel overrun and engine overload; also, when a sharp turn, a boat with a roof can get a strong roll.
Safety comes first: If you feel the boat has become unstable due to wind and roof, remove the awning immediately or reduce speed to a minimum.
Legal aspects and requirements of GIMS
Many boat owners are wondering: do you need to register a boat with a roof installed? According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, the mere presence of an awning or a visor does not require registration of a vessel in the GIMS, unless the main structural features (length, width, carrying capacity) change.
However, inspectors may look at the roof if it significantly changes the stability or visibility of the vessel. If the roof has a rigid frame of metal and looks like a capital superstructure, this may raise questions when checking documents.
It is recommended to carry your passport to the boat and motor, and be prepared to explain that the structure is removable and does not pose any safety risks.
Do I need permission to install a roof engine?
The engine permit depends on its power (horsepower) and not on the presence of an awning. If the engine power requires registration (usually more than 8 hp or 10 hp depending on the year of production and type of engine), then the rights are needed regardless of whether the boat has a roof or not.
Could the roof be a reason for a fine?
A fine can be issued if the inspector of the GIMS considers that your design threatens safety (for example, sharp edges of arcs, the absence of life jackets due to crowding under the roof, or drunk driving under a “cozy” canopy).
How to keep the roof in the off-season?
The awning must be thoroughly washed from dirt and silt, completely dried in straightened form and folded in a dry place. The PVC pipe frame is better to disassemble to avoid deformation of the arcs under its own weight during prolonged storage in a curved state.
Does the roof increase the risk of overturning?
Yes, any superstructure above deck raises the center of gravity and increases the area of the lateral projection (sailing), which is not noticeable in calm, but when the side wind or the wave from the boat passes, the risk of loss of stability increases, and it is important to consider this when planning a route.