The icebreak period does not mean the end of the fishing season for many water enthusiasts; on the contrary, it is at this time that the complex logistics operation to deliver the boat to the wintering site begins, or, conversely, preparations for the spring season in conditions of deep snow cover begin. Boat on ice It is not just a physical movement of the object, but a complex engineering process that requires taking into account friction, load on materials and terrain.
Improper transportation can lead to fatal consequences for the hull of the boat, especially if it is a question of the boat. PVC boats Punctures, scuffs and transom deformation are often the result of ignoring basic rules of moving across a frozen surface, and in this article we will discuss how to turn hard work into a manageable process with minimal risk to your property.
It's important to understand that the static load on the hull is not evenly distributed when you're dragging a vessel by the nose, and the bulk of the weight is on the hull and the bow, which can cause deformation. The critical point is the air temperature: at -15°C and below, the PVC material becomes brittle, and the risk of damage to it when in contact with ice increases many times over. Therefore, the approach to the issue should be systematic.
Choosing the optimal way of moving
The first thing that a fisherman or hunter encounters is the choice between towing on a sled of fibers or carrying on a special stretcher. boat-engineThe red tape is a solution that allows you to spread the weight of the boat over a large area, reducing the pressure on a unit of the surface of ice and snow.
If we are talking about lightweight rowing models or inflatable catamaranIt is sometimes more effective to use special frames for a two-person team, but even then, contact with sharp ice should be avoided. Using simple wooden runners without additional protection of the bottom is a common mistake leading to abrasion of the material.
When choosing a sled, you should pay attention to their geometry: high sides prevent the boat from slipping during sharp jerks, and the rounded shape of the nose of the sled ensures better passability on snow porridge. For solid ice, devoid of snow cover, the model with low-pressure polyethylene runners, which have a minimum friction coefficient, is preferable.
- 🛷 Plastic wool is ideal for deep snow and uneven ice, as it skirts obstacles.
- 🪵 Wooden sleds with metal runners are suitable only for rolled roads and require careful grinding of contact surfaces.
- 🎿 Ski modules are a specialized solution for very heavy boats, allowing one person to tow a significant weight.
⚠️ Warning: Never use a red tape with sharp metal elements pointing inward or upwards. Under dynamic load and vibration on irregularities of ice, such elements can break through the side of the boat from below.
Preparation of rigging equipment
The quality of the towing system directly affects the safety of the process. Standard ropes made of cotton or hemp are categorically not suitable, as they absorb moisture, freeze and become brittle. To establish a reliable boat-truck bundle, synthetic materials must be used that maintain elasticity at extremely low temperatures.
Special attention should be paid to the anchorage points. In inflatable boats, you can not tie the ropes directly to the ropes. tiller The best solution is to use wide slings covering cylinders in the bow, or special rigging rings sewn to reinforced sections of cylinders.
For rigid aluminum or fiberglass hulls, the mounting points must be designed to be 3 to 4 times the weight of the boat to compensate for the inertia during start and braking. The use of silumin carbines in winter is unacceptable - only steel or duraluminum.
Recommended binding scheme:The main traction sling (diameter 10-12 mm) is attached to the nose rim.
Two side safety ropes (diameter 6-8 mm) are fixed to ducks in the middle of the side.
3. the length of the side ropes should allow the boat to follow strictly the sled, without going into skid.
Remember, nodes in the cold behave differently. Normal nodes can swim or, conversely, tighten up dead. Use proven sea nodes, such as: baleen or bayonetThey are easy to break even after heavy loading and icing.
- 🔗 Slings made of polyester - do not stretch, are resistant to ultraviolet radiation and chemistry, but require careful handling of the nodes.
- 🧶 Polypropylene ropes do not absorb water and do not sink, but are less durable to break at low temperatures.
- ⛓️ Chains - used only for fastening cargo on the sled, for towing the boat itself are not used to avoid damage to the hull.
Use double- or triple-lock carbines, and regular latches can spontaneously open from vibration when moving through potholes on ice.
Protection of the bottom of the boat with drag
Even if the boat is lying on a sled, the risk of damage to the bottom remains high due to side impacts on naledi and hummocks. PVC boats inflatable floor (NDH) is a hazard from sharp edges of ice that can act as a knife when side-sliding. AirDeck is more stable, but also requires protection.
Aluminum boats, though more durable, are afraid of abrasive wear. Constant friction against the ice crumb gradually thins the metal, especially in the keel area. To prevent this, experienced anglers use special protective linings or mats that are placed between the bottom of the boat and the sledge runners.
A great solution for homemade sleds is to use sheet polyethylene or linoleum as a sliding surface, which has a low friction ratio and, if it does, will take a hit, preserving the integrity of the hull of the vessel, and you can also use old skis attached along the runners.
| Protection material | Efficiency | Weight. | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheet polyethylene | High. | Low. | Perfect for sliding, does not absorb water |
| Rubber mat | Medium | Medium. | It is well-depreciated, but it freezes to the ice. |
| Wooden slats | Low. | Highly | They need to be polished, they can split. |
| Felt/Fetell | High. | Low. | It protects well, but it gets wet and freezes quickly. |
How to make protection yourself?
Take an old touring mat (foam) or a piece of thick linoleum. Cut it out into the shape of the bottom of a boat with a margin of 5-10 cm around the perimeter. Secure the material on the sled with plastic clamps or screws with wide washers, pre-drilling holes in the crooks. This will create a buffer zone between the ice and the boat.
Safety technique during towing
Driving on the ice carries the risk of failure, so weight distribution and speed play a key role. A heavy sled boat puts considerable pressure on the ice sheet. You should only travel on proven tracks where the thickness of the ice is guaranteed to withstand the weight of a person plus the weight of a cargo.
When towing by snowmobile or motor tower, it is important to keep a distance. A sharp jerk when choosing a cable weakness can turn the boat over or tear out the mounts. The movement should be smooth, without sharp acceleration and braking. The optimal speed on ice is not more than 10-15 km / h.
If you are in a group, the distance between the participants must be at least 50 meters, a rule that is necessary in order that in the event of failure of one of the participants, the rest can safely provide assistance without putting additional strain on the ice edge. The escape end. You should always be at the hand of the leader.
- 🚫 It is forbidden to tow a boat if there are people or heavy equipment inside, not fixed rigidly.
- 👀 You need to constantly visually monitor the condition of the ice cover in front of the sled.
- 🧥 All participants in the movement should be in life jackets, even when on hard ice.
⚠️ Warning: When driving on rivers, avoid fast-flowing and key-out areas where the ice is thinner, and areas covered with deep snow that hide the slugs are also dangerous.
The safety principle is that it is better to make three extra laps on a safe road than to go straight through the ice.
Features of transportation of different types of boats
Each type of boat dictates its own rules of the game. Inflatable boats It is recommended to slightly lower the cylinders (by 10-15% of the working pressure) before sledging to reduce sailing and the risk of damage to ice in a side impact. However, it is not advisable to completely blow out a boat for short transportation on ice.
Aluminum boats, such as Kazanka or ObThey are very durable, but they are very heavy, and they require a powerful sled with a wide support surface, and you have to pay special attention to the keel, and if it's damaged or has sharp burrs, you have to iron them out with a file before you put them on the runners, so they don't crash into the sled material.
Fiberglass boats are the most sensitive to point impacts, and it is critical that they have a flat support surface along the entire length of the keel, and that narrow runners for fiberglass shells are not acceptable, as this can lead to cracks in the gelcoat and the matrix of the hull itself.
When carrying outboard boats, it is better to remove the latter to reduce the center of gravity and load on the transom. If removal is not possible, the motor is fixed in the transport position, blocking the gas-tiller, and cover with a cover to protect against snow dust.
☑️ Preparing the boat for the wool
Caring for the boat after winter operation
Once the boat has been delivered to its destination or returned from winter, it needs careful inspection. Contact with ice and salt water (if fishing was done at sea or in the river delta) leaves its traces. Microcracks and scuffs, unnoticed immediately, can cause problems in navigation.
You need to wash the case with fresh water to remove the residue of salts and dirt, pay special attention to the places of contact with the rigging and sled runners. PVC deep scratches are found, they should be degreased and sealed with a repair composition before the start of the season.
Metallic elements such as ducks, liners and transoms plates should be greased with conservation lubrication. The ice crust formed in the attachment sites causes corrosion when melted. Aluminum boats should be treated with protective polish with wax content.
It is better to keep the boat after winter transport in a dry, ventilated room, and if the boat was wet, it should be completely dried before packing to avoid mold formation and decay of the material in the heat.
Can I drag a boat with an engine?
Technically, you can, if the sleds are able to withstand the overall weight and the motor is securely fixed in the transport position, but this increases the load on the transom and increases the risk of rollover, it is recommended to remove the engine for long stretches on the ice.
How to lubricate the sledge runners for better sliding?
It is best to use paraffin for skiing or special silicone lubricant. Oil or solidol is not recommended, as snow and ice crumbs will stick to them, forming ice that will worsen the slide.
What temperature does PVC withstand on ice?
High-quality PVC boat (e.g., Hevalur or PVC 850) retains elasticity to -30°C. -40°C. However, at temperatures below -15°C, the material becomes rigid and the risk of mechanical damage from impact on ice increases significantly.
Do I need to lower a boat for transportation on a sleigh?
You don't have to deflate completely. You just have to reduce the pressure in the cylinders by 10-20% to compensate for the change in air volume when the temperature drops and reduce sailing when the winds.