The modern small boat market offers a wide range of options for recreation on the water, fishing or hunting, and among them, a special place is occupied by inflatable boats of domestic production. One of the most popular and time-tested brands in the CIS is the company "Bark", whose products have proven to be reliable and affordable boats. prairie-transThese are the perfect trade-offs between the lightness of the rowing boat and the functionality of the motor vessel, and they allow the owner to avoid overpaying for a high-powered transom if the motor is only planned to be used sporadically.
The choice of this configuration is often due to the desire to have a universal vessel that can be used both for quiet walks with oars and for quick movement with an outboard motor. The hinged transom It's a removable structure that attaches to the sides or cylinders with special mounts, not being part of the hull itself. This engineering solution opens up a lot of possibilities for the water motor, but also imposes certain limitations that you need to know about before you buy. In this article, we will discuss all aspects of the operation of such boats in detail.
Understanding the design features will help you avoid common errors in assembly and operation, and will also prolong the life of your boat. We will look at the technical nuances, compare popular models and give practical tips that will be useful to both beginners and experienced anglers. with., making this option ideal for a quiet movement, but not for high-speed planing with full load.
Design features of the hinged transcent on PVC boats
The hinged transom is a separate slab, usually made of moisture-resistant plywood or composite materials, which is installed on the stern of the boat. Unlike the glued transmolina, which is an integral part of the boat's power structure, the removable version relies on inflatable tubes and is fixed by special belts or cords that are passed through the vessel. pockets or loopThis mounting system allows you to significantly reduce the overall weight of the boat in the packaged form, which is critical for tourists and hunters transporting equipment over long distances.
But this design has its own weaknesses that need attention, because the transom is not rigidly connected to the bottom, it has a lot of stress on the rupture when driving for an outboard motor. The fastenings must always be in perfect condition, otherwise there is a risk of losing the engine overboard. bark They are equipped with reinforced linings in the contact areas of the transom with cylinders, which prevents the rubbing of PVC fabric. It is important to regularly check the condition of these linings and the integrity of the slings.
When installing a hinged transom, always make sure that the lower edge of the board does not touch the water in a static position - this will prevent unnecessary resistance and splashing into the cockpit.
There are two main types of attachment of hinged transoms on boats. barkThe first option is to use a system of belts covering the aft of cylinders; the second, more modern and reliable, uses special pockets that insert the ears of the transom, and locking is done by tension; the second option is preferable, since it minimizes the shift of the transom left-right during movement, ensuring a more stable ride.
⚠️ Warning: Never exceed the recommended power of the motor for the hinged transom. Attempting to put the engine 8-10 hp on the transom, designed for 3-5 hp, can lead to the destruction of the mounts and flooding the boat due to excessive load on the aft.
Popular models of boats Bark with removable transcenza
Boat range bark The most popular medium size models for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts are the mid-size models, which have the optimal balance between the inner cockpit area and the transport dimensions in the packaged form.
Model Bark BT-310 It's a compact, two-seater boat that's easily assembled by one person, and because of its light weight, it's great for use with electric motors or low-power gasoline engines, and it's often chosen for fishing in small waters where you don't have to go through a big wave.
For those who need more space, the series models are relevant. 360 and 400These boats are already more heavily displaced and can comfortably accommodate two adults with a full set of gear. The longer length allows for better waveholding and a dryer run. These models often use denser fabric, which increases overall wear resistance.
Special attention should be paid to the series of boats with flat-bottomed (NDM) Although they are more commonly associated with the glued transcent, there are modifications to the weight-loss hinged variant, which are excellent in driving performance but require a more careful handling of the hinged transcent because of the way the load is distributed on the flat bottom.
Advantages and disadvantages of removable design
Like any technical solution, a trench boat has its pros and cons that you have to weigh before buying. universalityThe owner gets two in one: a light rowing boat for quiet walks and a motorized vessel for quick crossings. The ability to remove the transom allows the boat to be used in places with limited use of engines, where only rowing is required.
The second important plus is weight-lossBoats without built-in hard transom are always lighter than their counterparts, and this is critical if you plan to drag a boat, pull it off a steep shore alone, or load it into the trunk of a small car. Every kilogram saved by weight is the saved energy on fishing.
But the disadvantages are also significant. feed-stiffnessThe hinged transom is a wave-walker, which can be a bit of a drag, and it can take time and physical effort to set up and remove the transom every time, and if you plan to move the boat from the engine to the paddles often in one trip, it can get boring.
- 🚣 Plus: Significantly less weight in assembled form compared to boats for an outboard motor.
- 💰 Plus: Lower cost of the boat itself and the possibility of saving on the engine (you can buy used).
- 🔧 Minus: The need to install and fasten the transom before going to water.
- 🌊 Minus: Restriction on the power of the motor and speed due to design features.
The hinged transom is a choice in favor of mobility and weight saving, but at the expense of the comfort of wave control and maximum engine power.
Technical specifications and comparison of models
In order to make an informed choice, you have to compare specific parameters. bark With a hinged transom, they have different load capacity, inflatable compartments and fabric density. Below is a comparative table of popular modifications that will help you navigate the specifications.
| Model | Length (cm) | Width (cm) | Load capacity (kg) | Boat weight (kg) | Max engine power (hp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bark BT-260 | 260 | 125 | 220 | 16.0 | 3.5 |
| Bark BT-310 | 310 | 135 | 350 | 19.5 | 5.0 |
| Bark BT-360 | 360 | 150 | 500 | 24.0 | 5.0 |
| Bark BT-400 | 400 | 160 | 650 | 28.5 | 8.0 (enhanced) |
As you can see from the table, as the size of the boat increases, so does its weight, but also increases the buoyancy reserve. Models from 360 cm and above often have reinforced mounts that allow you to put motors up to 8 hp, but this already requires a very careful attitude to balancing. For models up to 310 cm, the optimal choice is the engines with a capacity of 2-4 hp, which provide a speed of about 10-12 km / h.
It's important to pay attention to tissue density. bark It's 750 g/sq.m., which is a good indicator for amateur use, but for rocky shores or fishing in reed-covered waters, it's better to look for modifications with a density of 850-900 g/sq.m., as they are more resistant to puncture and abrasion.
Rules of installation and operation of the hinged transom
The correct installation of the transom is the key to safe operation, the process begins with checking the integrity of all the belts, slings and plywood board itself for cracks or stratifications. If the boat is stored in assembled form, before installing the transom, you need to make sure that the stern is inflated to working pressure, otherwise the mounts may not hold the load.
The system is set up using the following algorithm: first, the transom is inserted under special linings or into pockets on cylinders, and then all the latching belts are evenly tightened. Critically important Tighten them with equal force, so that the transom stands strictly perpendicular to the diametrical plane of the boat, skewing even a few degrees will lead to the vessel to side (" yaw") and uneven wear of the anchorages.
☑️ Checking before getting on the water
When operating, you should avoid sudden starts and braking. The hinged transom is inertial, and the jerk can cause it to shift. It is also not recommended to achieve maximum speed at the lateral wave, this creates a variable load on the sides to which the transom is attached. If you feel that the mounts are beginning to weaken, you need to immediately reduce speed and tighten the belts.
⚠️ Warning: Always use the safety cable for the motor, even if the transom fastenings seem reliable. The cable should be attached to the rump ring on the bow of the boat, so that in the event of a transom break, the engine does not sink, but remains hanging on the insurance.
PVC boat maintenance and care
Durability of the boat bark It depends on how you care for it. PVC is durable, but it's afraid of ultraviolet light, sharp objects and improper storage. After every fishing trip, especially in salt water or muddy water, the boat needs to be rinsed with fresh water. Salt and silt, when dry, act as an abrasive, gradually destroying the protective layer of tissue.
Drying is a must before packaging, and even minimal moisture inside a cover can cause mold to break down the fabric from the inside, or sour seams, dry the boat in the shade, straighten out the folds, and direct sunlight on a pumped boat can cause the seams to swell and even rupture because of air expansion.
Pay special attention to transom. Plywood must be periodically treated with olifa or special moisture retardants, as it has the ability to absorb moisture through microcracks in the varnish. Swollen plywood deforms, which violates the geometry of the attachment and can damage the cylinders of the boat. Belts and cords also need to be checked for scuffs.
Seasonal storage
Keep the boat half-assembled or completely deflated, but not folded in tight clamps, optimal storage temperature from +5 to +25 degrees, do not keep the boat near heating appliances or in the cold.
Check the valves regularly for leaks. Soap solution will help you quickly find a place for etching air. If the boat starts poisoning in the seam or valve area, do not delay repairs. Use good-quality glue. UR-600 Or specialized glues for PVC will eliminate the problem in one evening.
Choosing a motor for a boat with a hinged transcension
Engine selection is science. For boats with a hinged transom, the rule is "less is better, but more reliable." Engines with a power of 2-3.5 hp are ideal for models up to 310 cm. They are lightweight (weight about 10-12 kg), which makes it easy to carry them with one hand, and economical. Speed with one person will be about 10-12 km / h, with two — 7-9 km / h.
Motors with a capacity of 4-5 hp already require more confident control skills and good balancing of the boat. They allow you to bring to planing only very light single boats, in other cases work in displacement mode, accelerating the vessel to 15-18 km / h. When choosing an engine, be sure to take into account the length of the lower unit, although for most boats bark Standard short lower unit (S) is suitable.
- 🐟 For quiet fishing: Electric motors or gasoline 2-3 hp (minimum noise and vibration).
- 🏃 For crossings: Petrol 4-5 hp (optimal speed and power reserve).
- ⚖️ Balance: The weight of the motor should not exceed 15-20 kg for ease of installation on the hinged transom.
Don't chase power. The hinged transom is not designed for speed records. Excessive power will only lead to increased fuel consumption, noise and the risk of damage to the mounts. It is better to take the engine of a proven brand (Yamaha, Tohatsu, Honda or their quality copies) in less power than the Chinese "nouneim" with overrated performance.
Can I put an electric motor on a Bark boat with a hinged transom?
Yes, it's a great option. Electric motors are lightweight, they don't create vibrations, which reduces the load on the transom mounts, and they work silently, but consider the weight of the batteries, they need to be placed strictly in the center of the boat for proper balancing.
How often should I check the tightening of the straps of the hinged transom?
You need to check the tension of the belts before each release to the water, as well as after 15-20 minutes of travel, since the fabric of the cylinders can stretch a little. During operation with an active wave, the check should be repeated every 1-2 hours.
What to do if the hinged transom began to "walk" on the wave?
Discharge the gas immediately. Try to turn the boat nose to the wave. If possible, dock ashore and tighten all the anchorages to check their integrity. Continuing with a dangling transom is dangerous.
What glue is best for repairing PVC fabric of Bark boats?
The best results are shown by two-component polyurethane adhesives (for example, UR-600, Kleyberg) that create an elastic and water-resistant seam. Chloroprene-based adhesives (such as "Moment") are suitable only for temporary repairs.