Being on the water on a sunny day can turn from a pleasant holiday into a real challenge if your boat is not equipped with proper protection. Open sun, sudden precipitation and headwinds can quickly spoil the experience of fishing or cruising. running-armIt's not just a piece of fabric, it's a complex engineering structure that provides a microclimate in the cockpit.
Modern PVC boats are often equipped with basic versions of protection, but their quality and functionality can vary significantly. Some manufacturers offer only a sun visor that does not save from rain or side wind. modularUnderstanding the difference between these types of protection will help you save your budget and avoid disappointment.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what a chassis awning is, what materials are used to produce it, and whether you should buy a ready-made solution or make it yourself. You will learn about the nuances of installing a frame on inflatable tubes and get answers to the most common questions of beginners. Properly selected protection extends the life of the boat and engine, and also preserves the health of the crew.
Why do you need a running awning on a PVC boat?
The main function of the chassis is to create a protected space for the steering wheel and passengers. In open water, ultraviolet radiation acts aggressively, reflecting off the surface of the water and increasing its impact. Long exposure to direct rays without protection is fraught with heat strokes and burns. UPF 50+ It blocks up to 99% of harmful radiation, making it safe to be on board.
In addition to protecting against the sun, the structure acts as a barrier against rain and splashes. Even a small rain can soak everyone in the boat, because the sides of the PVC vessel are usually low. A tent with windscreen and side curtains allows you to stay dry even in heavy rainfall. This is critical for anglers who need to keep their gear concentrated and dry.
⚠️ Attention: Using an awning in strong side winds requires caution. Sailing design can reduce the stability of the boat, so in stormy weather, side curtains are better lowered or removed, leaving only the roof.
Another important aspect is the protection of equipment: sonars, navigators, batteries and personal belongings of passengers are under the canopy, which prevents them from overheating and getting wet, water trapped on the electronic control units of the motor or on the battery can cause short circuit. Side tent creates a kind of "dry dock" on the water, keeping the equipment in working condition.
- ☀️ Protection from UV and heat stroke for the crew.
- 🌧️ Complete tightness from rain and splashes in the presence of sidewalls.
- 🎣 Preservation of dry fishing gear and equipment.
- 🔋 Preventing water from entering electrical equipment and motor.
Construction and Materials: What is Protection Made of
The quality of the chassis depends on the materials used. The frame base is most often made of aluminum profile or stainless steel pipes. Aluminum is lightweight and does not rust, making it ideal for inflatable boats, where every kilogram of weight is important. Steel structures are stronger but heavier, so they are more often used on large boats longer than 4 meters.
The fabric itself has a number of specific specifications: it doesn't absorb water, it doesn't burn out in the sun, it doesn't rot. Oxford (Oxford) The density of the fabric is usually between 200 and 400 den, and the denser tissue is longer lasting, but also heavier, which can affect the centering of the boat.
Special attention should be paid to the connecting elements. The fittings should be made of plastic resistant to salt water or anodized metal. Cheap lightning quickly sour and stop fastening, so the presence of moisture valves on zippers is a requirement for a quality product. The frame is attached to the boat using special belts with fastexes that cover inflatable tubes.
Teflon impregnated fabric
Is it worth overpaying?: Teflon impregnated fabric does actually better at repelling dirt and water, keeping the appearance of the awning longer. However, this impregnation wears out over time and requires updating with special sprays. For budget models this is unnecessary, but for premium boats it is a justified investment.
The inside of the awning is often silver-colored, not a marketing ploy, but a physical necessity: light reflects the sun's rays, keeping the temperature under the awning from reaching critical levels. Dark awnings create a greenhouse effect that can be more dangerous on a hot day than not having a canopy.
Types of running awnings and their features
The market offers a variety of protection options that can be classified by design and purpose. The type of protection you choose depends on how you use the boat. High-speed walks require one design, and heavy fishing requires a completely different one.
The first type is visorsThey're rigid or semi-rigid structures that are mounted over the cockpit, and they only protect the top, leaving the sides open, and they're great for hot climates, where maximum ventilation is important, but in rain or in high waves, there's little benefit to this awning.
The second type is full-fledged windshield running awnings, which have a sloping front wall of transparent PVC or acrylic that deflects the flow of oncoming wind and spray, which allows you to achieve higher speeds without discomfort to the steering wheel, often equipped with removable sidewalls that can be fastened in case of bad weather.
| Type of tent | Rain protection | Aerodynamics | Ventilation | Best application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visor. | Low. | High. | Great. | cruising in the heat |
| Windbreaker walker | Medium | Medium | Good. | High-speed walks |
| Transformer (full) | High. | Low. | Medium | Fishing and tourism |
| Transportable | Medium | High. | Great. | Long distances |
The third type is universal transformer systems, which allow you to change the configuration from an open visor to a fully closed cube, which is the most versatile solution, but also the most difficult to assemble, and the weight of this design can be significant, which requires careful attention to the carrying capacity of the boat.
Installation of a running tent yourself
Many boat owners prefer to build their own awning or refine their factory models, which allows them to fit perfectly into a particular boat and engine model, starting with the design of the frame, and measuring the length and width of the cockpit, as well as the height at which the top of the awning will be located.
For self-manufacturing of the frame, PVC water pipes or aluminum tubes with a diameter of 20-25 mm are most often used. Pipes are connected using fittings or welding (for aluminum). It is important to ensure the rigidity of the structure by adding diagonal struts so that the awning does not collapse when gusts of wind.
☑️ Checklist before installing the tent
When cutting the fabric, you need to take into account the tolerances for seams, which should be at least 1.5 cm The seams must be glued or boiled, since simple firmware with a needle violates the tightness of the fabric. In places of attachment to the frame, luvers or hinges are installed. Pay special attention to the windscreen: it is better to make it removable or lifting for ease of passage.
⚠️ Warning: When making a frame yourself, avoid sharp corners and burrs on the pipes. Any sharp ledge can damage the awning fabric or, worse, the boat itself when rolled heavily.
Overview of popular models and brands
There are many manufacturers on the market offering ready-made solutions, with brands specializing in PVC accessories for boats, such as: Flagman, Master. and AquabrightThese companies produce awnings adapted to popular models of boats from 3 to 5 meters in length.
The range is usually divided by boat length. For three-meter boats, lightweight visors with minimal weight are offered; for four- and five-meter models, full-fledged running awnings with windscreen and pockets for equipment are available. Some manufacturers integrate spinning and sonar awnings into awnings, which are highly valued by anglers.
When choosing a warranty and spare parts, fabric is an expendable material, and the ability to buy a separate windshield or fasteners significantly prolongs the life of the product. Also an important criterion is the weight in the assembly: for single boats, it should not exceed 5-7 kg, so as not to overload the transom.
Tip: When buying a finished awning, be sure to try it on a boat in the store or specify the exact model. Even the same length boats of different years of release can differ in the width of the cockpit and the shape of the cylinders.
Care and storage of awning in the off-season
The life of a chassis is directly dependent on the conditions of its operation and storage. After each release, especially if it was salt water, the awning must be rinsed with fresh water. The salt crystallizes in the fibers of the fabric and on the metal elements of the frame, causing corrosion and destruction of the material structure.
Drying in the direct sun while the fabric is still wet can lead to uneven shrinkage or deformation. Before packaging in a cover, make sure the product is completely dry. Closed wet fabric is the perfect medium for mold and fungus that are difficult to remove.
Store the awning in a dry room at room temperature. It is not recommended to fold it in places where temperature changes or contact with rodents are possible. The frame is better to disassemble or carefully fold, avoiding pipe clamps. Regular treatment with water-repellent impregnation (DWR) will help restore the protective properties of the fabric.
How to fold the awning correctly so that it does not crumple?
Stack the awning along the lines of the factory folds, if any. If there are none, try to make the folds large and not bend the fabric in the same place every time. The frame is better stored in a disassembled form or rolled up in a large roll to avoid residual deformation of the metal.
Can I wash the chassis in the washing machine?
Aggressive powders and mechanical action of the drum will destroy the protective layer of the tissue and can damage the seams. Cleaning should be carried out manually with a soft brush using soap solution and warm water.
What to do if the awning on the water breaks?
For emergency repairs, use PVC repair tapes or even the usual wide scotch (as a temporary measure), the main thing is to degrease and dry the damage site before applying a patch, and complete repairs are better done at home by sewing or pasting a new Oxford cloth insert.
Does the awning affect the speed of the boat?
Yes, it does. The awning increases sailing and aerodynamic drag, fuel consumption can increase by 10 to 15 percent, and top speed can decrease by 3 to 5 km/h depending on the shape and area of the awning, but comfort often outweighs those losses.
Do I need to remove the awning when washing the boat?
It is advisable to remove to thoroughly wash the anchorages and cylinders under the belts. If you can not remove, use soft sponges and avoid chemically active detergents that can damage the impregnation of the awning tissue.