Swimming in open water always comes with certain risks, and the safety of the crew comes first. Lera on the boat. It's a key piece of equipment that's often underestimated until a critical situation arises, and a simple rope strung around the perimeter of a boat can be the only barrier between a person and cold water in a sudden maneuver or a heavy chop.
Many inflatable and aluminum boat owners are asking about the need to upgrade their standard equipment. Installing additional fencing is not just a matter of comfort, but a deliberate measure to improve survival in extreme conditions. In this article, we will discuss in detail the types of structures, materials and installation methods to ensure that your vessel meets the most stringent safety standards.
Purpose and function of the fence
The main purpose of the lintel is to create a physical barrier to prevent people from falling overboard. flyboat It's a soft bottom, where there's no hard side to grab if you lose balance, and when you're driving at high speed, or when you're fishing, you're focused on gear, you're at a much higher risk of moving to the edge.
In addition to the direct function of holding, the leeras serve as a support for attaching various equipment, often hanging life jackets, wet drying clothes or even additional navigation equipment on a stretched cable. Universality This system allows you to effectively use the free space of the cockpit, without cluttering the bottom with unnecessary objects.
Importantly, having a fencing enhances the psychological comfort of passengers, especially children or those who are not well-maintained on the water, and the feeling of security allows you to focus on driving or fishing without being distracted by constant control of body balance. Safety at sea It is made up of such small things that together create a reliable system of protection.
Design features and types of leers
The modern market offers various options for the design of liner fences, adapted to different types of boats, the design can be fixed or removable, which affects the ease of operation and storage, the choice of a particular type depends on the frequency of use of the boat and the conditions of navigation.
Removable systems are the most popular among PVC boat owners, consisting of separate racks that are mounted in special sockets or attached to stringers only when necessary. transportation And packing the boat in the bag.
- 🌊 Fixed-line leera - welded or glued permanently, characteristic of metal boats and provide maximum rigidity.
- 🔧 Removable racks - are installed in glasses, convenient for seasonal use and require minimal storage space.
- ⛵ Tension systems - use cables with talreps to adjust the tension, allowing you to compensate for the stretching of the material over time.
Special attention should be paid to the combination options, where rigid elements are combined with elastic inserts. expeditionaryThe right design ensures that the fence will withstand the load at a critical moment.
Can I use a leer for mooring?
No, it is strongly advised not to use a liner fence to tie the boat to the berth or anchor chain. The cables and racks are not designed for such loads and may deform or burst, which will lead to loss of safety of the crew.
Selection of materials: cables, racks and fittings
The durability of the fence is directly dependent on the quality of the materials used. Aggressive aqueous environment, ultraviolet radiation and temperature changes impose high demands on the corrosion resistance of all components.
The optimal material for cables is considered stainless steel brand AISI 316Unlike the more common AISI 304, this steel contains molybdenum, making it resistant to saltwater and chlorides. For budget freshwater options, galvanized steel is allowed, but its lifespan will be much shorter.
⚠️ Attention: Never use a regular steel cable without corrosion-resistant coating for leers. The rust will not only weaken the structure, but can stain clothing and equipment, and injure your hands when checking for tension.
The racks are most often made of anodized aluminum or stainless steel. Aluminum is lighter, which is important for inflatable boats, where every kilogram counts. Steel is stronger but heavier. Installations such as talreps, carbines and ducks must be matched with a margin of safety and correspond to the diameter of the main cable.
When buying a cable, pay attention to the design of the roll. For leers, the 7x7 or 7x19 cable is better, since it is more flexible and less susceptible to breaking with frequent winding than a 1x7 hard cable.
Technology of installation of leers on a PVC boat
Installation of a railing fence on an inflatable vessel requires carefulness and adherence to technology to avoid damaging the cylinders. There are several basic ways of attaching, each of which has its own specifications. Before starting work, you need to determine the places of installation of the racks so that they do not interfere with rowing or motor control.
The most common method is to install the racks in pockets or stringerIf you don't have factory mounts on your boat, you can glue them yourself using PVC glue and reinforced fabric, and it's important to degrease the surface and sustain exposure time for maximum adhesion.
☑️ Checking before installing leers
The process of placing the cables begins by fixing one end on a nose duck or a special squirrel, then the cable is passed through the top holes of the pillars, the cable is pulled with a talrep and fixed on the stern, the tension should be such that the cable does not sag, but also deform the pillars.
| Type of attachment | Basic material | Difficulty of installation | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pluted glasses | PVC/Tissue | High. | Maximum |
| Fold pockets | PVC/Velcro | Low. | Medium |
| Fastening to the stringer | aluminum | Medium | High. |
| transom anchorages | Stainless steel | Low. | Medium |
Once you've installed all the elements, you need to do a test, and try to lean on a liner with all the weight, simulating a fall, and the structure should not be lufty or cause suspicions of its strength. installation finished.
Nuances of installation on metal boats
Installation of leers on aluminum or steel boats has its own specifics associated with the need to drill the hull. Unlike PVC, it requires sealing holes and protection of the metal from electrochemical corrosion. Incorrect installation can lead to rapid destruction of the hull in the attachment areas.
The most common bolted connections are used to fasten the racks with a wide support platform, and between the metal of the rack and the side of the boat must be installed. gasket It's made of rubber or plastic, and it prevents the contact of dissimilar metals and the appearance of a galvanic pair.
⚠️ Attention: When drilling aluminum side, use only special non-ferrous drills and coolant. Overheating can change the structure of the metal and reduce its strength in the hole area.
The sealing of the anchorages is done with polyurethane or thiocol sealants that retain elasticity after drying. Silicone sealants are less suitable for this purpose, because they can peel off when vibrating. sealing - the guarantee of dry and safe swimming.
The main rule of metal installation: the insulation of heterogeneous metals and high-quality sealing of each hole is more important than the force of tightening of bolts.
Maintenance and care of liner equipment
Regular maintenance of the fence extends its life and ensures its reliability at the right time. After each release, especially in salt water, it is recommended to rinse the cables and racks with fresh water, this washes away salt and dirt, which can cause corrosion.
Periodically check the condition of the cable for "fluffiness" or break of individual veins. If you notice damage, the cable needs to be replaced. Also check the work of the talrep - they should rotate freely and reliably fix tension.
- 🧼 Wash equipment with a soft brush using neutral detergents.
- 🔩 Lubricate the threaded joints of talreps with graphite lubricant to prevent acidification.
- 👀 Visually inspect the places of fastening of the racks for cracks or weakening of the fastener.
Keep the removed leera should be in a dry place, preferably in straightened form, so that the cables do not have clamps. gear It's a sign of good manners and responsibility of the boatmaster, so don't neglect prevention, so you don't run into problems in the open water.
How often should I change the sleeve cable?
The life of the cable depends on the intensity of operation and environmental conditions. On average, when used in salt water, it is recommended to replace the cable every 3-5 years.
Can I use a leer for towing?
It is strictly forbidden to use the railing to tow other boats or objects. The design is not designed for such dynamic loads and may not withstand a jerk, which will lead to injuries to people nearby.
What is the best cable diameter for a PVC boat?
For most inflatable boats up to 5 meters long, a cable with a diameter of 4-5 mm is considered optimal. It provides sufficient strength and is convenient for grabbing by hand. For larger vessels, the diameter can be increased to 6-8 mm.
Do I need to register the installation of leers in GIMS?
Installation of removable railings that do not change the design features of the vessel and its load capacity, as a rule, does not require registration or modification of documents. However, if the racks are welded to the metal hull, this can be considered a change in design, and consultation in the inspection will be necessary.