Every inflatable boat owner is faced with the question of improving the performance of their vessel, and one of the most effective and affordable modifications is the installation of a liner system, the central element of which is the installation of a sling system. lyctroseIt is this cable that runs along the side that allows the cylinder to form a rigid bending, which is critical for increasing speed and stability on the water.
In this article, we will discuss in detail where to buy high-quality PVC lyctross, what parameters to pay attention to when choosing a material and how to avoid errors during installation. Properly selected fittings can turn a regular "inflater" into a fast boat that can confidently keep planing even at a small wave.
Before you go shopping, you have to be clear that the market offers a variety of options for this system, from cheap Chinese cords to professional reinforced cables, the range of prices and quality is huge, and your job is to balance cost and durability, because the safety of the crew depends on the reliability of this element.
What is lyctros and why does your boat need it?
A lyctros (or leer) is a cable that is pulled along the side of an inflatable boat, connecting the bow and aft. Its main function is to form a rigid bending of the bottom. When you pull the lyctros, the cylinders press against the bottom, creating a hard keel effect. This phenomenon is often called the "hard keel" phenomenon. keelinesswhich is necessary for a confident exit to the glossing.
Without a properly stretched leer, the boat behaves like a flat trough: it prowls from side to side, holds a poorly course and requires constant active steering. In addition, the lack of rigidity increases water resistance, which directly affects fuel consumption and maximum speed. Installing a quality system is not just tuning, it is a basic necessity for any motorized PVC vessel.
⚠️ Warning: Using a cable that is too thin or stretchable will negate all modernization efforts. The Lyctross must have minimal elongation under load to maintain the shape of the board at high speeds.
There are two main types of systems: internal and external: the internal lyctross passes through special channels inside the cylinder or simply fits in, which protects it from mechanical damage. The external is mounted on special hinges or braces on the outside of the side, depending on the design of your boat and the personal preferences of the owner.
For boats longer than 3.5 meters, double lyctross installation (on both sides) is highly recommended, as it provides symmetrical keeliness and better handling.
Selection criteria: material, diameter and break load
When buying PVC lyctross, the first thing you should look at is the fabrication material. The market is dominated by polypropylene, nylon and Kevlar. Polypropylene cords are cheap and don't sink in water, but they tend to stretch and burn out in the sun. nylon stronger, but also has the property of stretching under load, which is undesirable for the rigidity of the structure.
The best choice is a Kevlar or fiberglass core cable, which is virtually non-stretchable, has high tensile strength and is resistant to UV light. Kevlar Core They're priced higher, but they pay off their lifetimes.
- 🧵 Diameter: For boats up to 3.2 m in length, a diameter of 3-4 mm is usually sufficient. For larger vessels (3.6-4.2 m), it is better to take a cable with a diameter of 5-6 mm to ensure the necessary rigidity.
- ⚖️ Breaking load: The minimum indicator should be 300-400 kg. Remember that in dynamics, the load on the board when hit by a wave can briefly increase significantly.
- ☀️ Resilience to the environment: The material must be inert to salt water, gasoline, oil and solar radiation, otherwise it will quickly lose its properties.
It's also important to consider the type of weave: Double Braids are more expensive and better cables, they wear less at the passageway through the transom or duck holes, and cheap twisted cords shatter faster and lose strength.
Components for installation of the leer system
Buying a cable is only half the battle. It takes a few extra elements to make the system work properly. If you plan to do the DIY installation, you need to pre-assemble all the components, and it often happens that, because there's no one small part, the assembly is delayed indefinitely.
The key element is the tension mechanism, and most of the time, screws are used for this. tensioner They're stainless steel or brass talreps that allow you to adjust the tension with high precision, and the alternative is to use eccentric clamp carbines, but they're less reliable at high loads.
| Element of the system | Materials | Function | Recommended number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyctross (principal cable) | Kevlar/Fiberglass | Formation of the rigidity of the side | 2 pcs (on boards) |
| The tensioner (Talrep) | Nerzh. steel AISI 316 | Tension adjustment | 2 pcs. |
| Ducks or rings | Plastic/Metal | Mounting points on the cylinder | 4-8 pcs. |
| Stoppers (limiters) | Aluminum/Plastic | Locking of the rope in the knots | 4 pcs. |
Don't forget to use cambricks or sleeves in the cable passage through the transom openings, which prevent the liquefaction from rubbing against the sharp edges of plastic or metal, and if they don't, they can cause the system to fail quickly at the most inopportune moment.
☑️ Assembly of the kit for purchase
Where to buy lyctros: an overview of options and suppliers
The question of where to buy for a water motor is always relevant. There are several options: specialized boat paraphernalia stores, large marketplaces, water motor forums and direct orders from PVC boat manufacturers. Each channel has its pros and cons that are worth considering.
Specialty stores offer ready-made kits where all the elements are matched to each other, which is convenient for beginners who do not want to understand the compatibility of diameters and threads. However, the price at such points often includes a markup for brand and service. Here you pay to ensure that the price of the carvings is not limited to the price of the carvings. configuration It's gonna be full.
Marketplaces (Ozon, Wildberries, Yandex. Market) offer a huge range of prices from the manufacturer. You can find Lictros per square or ready-made bays. The main risk is the inability to visually assess the quality of weaving before receiving the product. Read the reviews carefully, especially those where customers put up close-up photos.
⚠️ Warning: When buying on marketplaces, avoid lots that describe "universal cord" without specifying the core material. You will most likely be sent regular polypropylene, which will stretch after the first serious fishing.
Forums and communities are a great source of information and proven contacts, and often the owners of boat shops sell quality parts there. tensioner In good condition, which will save the budget without loss of quality.
The secret to saving money when buying
Buy the lyctross bay (for example, 50 or 100 meters) in the fold with friends. the price per linear meter when buying wholesale is reduced by 2-3 times, and the balance can be used for other household needs or retail sales.
Instructions for installation and adjustment of tension
The installation process requires precision and technology. Incorrect installation can damage the cylinder or lead to uneven distribution of load. Before starting work, make sure that the boat is clean and there is no sand on the surface of the board that can act as an abrasive.
First, you can run the cable through all the attachment points without pulling it. Leave the reserve at the ends to work with the tensioners. It's important to keep the sequence: first, one end is fixed, then tension is exerted through the talrep, and then the second end is fixed. silicone-based lubricant to facilitate the sliding of the cable at points of contact.
- 🛠️ Preparation: Lay the boat on a flat surface, pump the cylinders to working pressure.
- 🔗 Pimp: Pass the lyctross through ducks or canals, making sure it is not twisted anywhere.
- 🔩 Fixing: Secure the ends of the rope in the tensioners, pre-installing the locking knots or clamps.
- 🎯 Adjustment: Turning the tensioner screw, achieve uniform tension along the entire length of the side.
The tension is critical. The lyctross must be pulled so that the balloon becomes pronounced keel-like but does not deform excessively. Excessive tension can cause the seams to rupture or damage the structure of the PVC tissue, especially in hot weather when the pressure inside the cylinders increases.
Ideal tension is achieved when pressing the hand on the board feels elastic resistance, and the cable itself does not sag, but does not crash into the material of the balloon.
Common mistakes in buying and operating
Experienced water-engineers know that saving on trifles often leads to high costs. One of the most common mistakes is buying a cable that is too cheap without considering its elasticity, which results in the boat not keeping the plane, and the owner blames a weak engine for this, although the problem lies in sagging leer.
Another common mistake is ignoring UV protection, and many people forget that the sun destroys polymer fibers, and if you keep a boat outdoors or leave it in the sun often, choose cables with UV stabilizers or use protective covers on areas exposed to direct radiation.
And we also have a mounting error where the lyctros is passed too close to the sharp corner of the transom without any additional protection, and when the motor vibrates, the wire starts to seep the plastic, forming a deep groove, which not only spoils the appearance, but also creates a risk of depressurization of the transmolator.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a boat with heavily overstretched lyctross to be stored in a warm room. Changes in temperature can lead to expansion of air in cylinders and a critical increase in the load on the system.
Regular inspection of the system is a guarantee of long service. Before each season, check the condition of the braid, the work of the thread in the tensioners and the integrity of the stoppers. Timely replacement of the worn section of the cable will cost less than repairing the cylinder or finding a lost motor in the water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a regular rope instead of a special lyctross?
Technically, but not recommended. Conventional ropes (cotton, cheap polypropylene) are heavily stretched under load, which means that when you go to plane, the boat's side will float, the keeliness will disappear, and the boat will begin to prowl. In addition, conventional ropes quickly lose strength from water and the sun.
How often should I change PVC lyctross on a boat?
With proper operation and quality material (Kevlar, fiberglass), the lyctross lasts 5-7 years or more, and is required to be replaced if the braids are shaggy, the appearance of clogs, or if the cable has ceased to hold tension (became elastic).
Does the diameter of the lyctross affect the speed of the boat?
The diameter itself does not affect aerodynamics. However, the diameter correlates with the stiffness of the cable. A thicker, stiffer cable better holds the shape of the balloon, providing stable wicket, which indirectly improves hydrodynamics and makes it easier to hold glides.
Do I need to relax my lyctross after every fishing trip?
If the boat is stored in a assembled state (inflated) for a long time, then yes, the tension is better to ease to relieve the static load from the cylinders and seams. If the boat is deflated and packed into a bag after each sortie, then it is not necessary to specifically weaken before packing, but it is also not necessary to pull "before the bell" either.
Where to buy original liquor tensioners?
Original components (for example, from the boats Flagman, Kaiser, Solar) are often sold in official dealerships of these brands, and high-quality universal tensioners made of stainless steel can be found in fishing and boat equipment stores, as well as ordered in specialized online rigging stores.