The sun's rays can be not only pleasant, but also dangerous to health during prolonged fishing or cruising on water. PVC Without a canopy, it turns into a hot pan, especially in the middle of the summer season, which is why many inflatable boat owners are thinking about buying or making a tent with a frame.
The installation of the roof changes the aerodynamics of the vessel and its handling, which requires careful approach to the choice of materials and design. tent Not only will it protect you from UV and sudden rain, but it will also allow you to spend a comfortable night at anchor. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of creating a full-fledged shelter for your boat.
Whether you should buy a ready-made solution from the manufacturer or build it yourself? The answer depends on your boat model and personal preferences, but in any case, knowledge of design features is necessary. inflatable tubes require soft fixation of supports to avoid damage to the material under pressure.
Why do you need a tent on an inflatable boat?
The main function of the roof is to protect against the scorching sun, but this is not the only reason for installing a canopy. Prolonged exposure to direct rays leads to heat strokes, which is especially dangerous far from the shore. tent It can reduce the temperature inside the cockpit by 10-15 degrees, making fishing comfortable.
And also, having a roof allows you to use the boat as a temporary shelter during multi-day rafting, so you can take shelter from sudden rainfall or strong winds, keeping your equipment dry, and this makes a normal rowing boat or motor boat into a full-fledged camper on the water.
And the safety of the boat is also important, because the polyvinyl chloride that the cylinders are made of is destroyed by ultraviolet light. Canopy Prolongs the life of the material, preventing it from drying out and cracking.
- ☀️ Reducing the risk of heat stroke for the crew
- 🌧️ The ability to wait out bad weather without landing on the shore
- 🛡️ Protection of PVC material from destructive UV radiation
Types of frames for installing the roof
The support design determines the stability of the entire structure and the complexity of its installation. stainless-steel Or aluminum, which is inserted into special glasses or attached to the sides, and these frames are very durable and durable.
There are also collapsible options, assembled from smaller diameter pipes that are convenient to transport in the trunk of a car, but they take longer to assemble and disassemble, and the choice between a single frame and a composite frame depends on how often you plan to remove the roof.
It is important to consider that high sailing can be a problem in the wind, so the frame must have reliable attachment points to the elements of the boat, so that the gust of wind does not turn the boat over. Aluminum pipes lighter than steel, but less resistant to deformation under heavy loads.
Some boat models have regular racks, which makes it much easier, and if they don't, you'll have to use universal mounts that are fixed on the sides or transom.
Can I use a tree for a frame?
Theoretically, you can do it with moisture retardants, but it will increase weight and reduce the durability of the structure. The wood swells and rots, so metal or fiberglass is preferable.
Selection of material for awning
The coating material plays a key role in the comfort and durability of the roof. tent PVC-based or polyurethane-coated Oxford materials that don't get wet, are ultraviolet resistant and clean easily.
Oxford is a dense, weaving fabric that often has an extra water-repellent layer, which is cheaper than specialized membranes, but can be heavier, and it's important to choose a fabric that is high density, so that it doesn't tear when you stretch it.
The color of the awning also matters. Light colors reflect the sun's rays better, keeping the inside cool, while dark colors heat up faster. material It is less than stamps and looks more strict.
When choosing, pay attention to the presence of glued seams. If the seams are simply sewn together with threads, water will start to flow early or through the holes from the needle. A quality awning should be completely sealed.
- 🧵 Oxford with PU impregnation - a budget and reliable option
- 🌊 Tent PVC fabric - maximum water resistance
- ☔ Plugged seams are a mandatory requirement for protection from rain
When buying fabric for sewing awning, take a material with a margin of 10-15% for shrinkage and flexing of the edges.
Instructions: How to install the roof yourself
If you're going to have to build your own roof, start with a careful measurement, and the width and length of the base should be the same as the cockpit, so you don't interfere with the controls, and first build the frame on land to understand how it works.
Mounting racks to the sides should be carried out through soft gaskets or in special pockets, if they are provided by the design of the boat. PVC It's not acceptable because when you roll the metal can wipe the balloon. Use rubber seals or thick cloth covers.
The tension of the awning should be uniform, without sagging where water can accumulate. The water bag on the roof creates a dangerous load that can break the frame. Regularly check the tension, especially after prolonged parking.
☑️ Pre-installing check
Use regular liner struts or rim bolts to fix it, and if you don't have one, you can use special clamps, but with caution, and the rule of thumb is that the structure should be held securely, but not damage the boat.
| Parameter | Optimal value | Critical significance |
|---|---|---|
| Roof height | 1.2. - 1.5 m | More than 1.8 m (risk of rollover) |
| Weight of the frame | Up to 5 kg | More than 8 kg (overload of the nose) |
| Tent area | Complete overlap of the cockpit | Overhanging the water. |
| Pipe diameter | 20-25 mm | Less than 16 mm (risk of deformation) |
Safety and wind load
The roof installation significantly increases the boat's sailing speed, which changes its behavior on the water, when moving against the wind or when the awning is sideways turbulent, the vessel with the awning becomes less stable, you need to slow down and be ready for demolition.
In stormy weather, a tall awning can play the role of sail and turn the boat over, and if you are caught in a heavy squall, the best solution is to remove the awning or, if that is not possible, lie down and remove all the sailing elements. Safety of crew Always more important than comfort.
It is not recommended to use high structures on boats less than 3 meters long, since their stability is initially low. For small sizes, low visors that protect only from the sun are better suited.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a boat with an awning mounted on the water unattended in high winds. A gust of wind can turn the boat over or tear it from anchor.
The high roof turns the boat into a sailboat, so in windy weather handling deteriorates sharply, and increased concentration is required.
Structure care and storage
After each release, the awning and the frame must be dried. Wet fabric is the perfect medium for mold development, which destroys the material and creates an unpleasant smell. The frame of aluminum or steel also needs to be wiped to prevent corrosion, especially if you have been fishing in salt water.
It is better to store the structure in a disassembled form in a case, which will protect the fabric from mechanical damage and burnout, regularly check the places of fasteners and seams for scuffs.
If there are minor damage to the fabric, they can be sealed with special remakes for PVC. Do not postpone repair, as a small hole under the influence of the wind will quickly turn into a large hole.
- 💧 Complete drying before packaging is mandatory
- 🧼 Washing the frame with fresh water after sea fishing
- 📦 Storage in a dry dark place will prolong the service life
⚠️ Warning: Do not use aggressive chemistry or abrasive sponges to clean the awning, this will damage the protective layer and lead to rapid wear and tear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I leave a tent on the boat in winter?
It is not recommended to leave the awning on the frame in winter, because under the weight of snow, the frame can deform, and the fabric can crack in the cold, it is better to dismantle the structure and store it warm.
How to reduce the sailing of a boat with a roof?
To reduce sailing, you can use awnings with vents or choose structures with inclined slopes that are better flown by the wind, and lowering the height of the pillars also helps.
Will the frame withstand a heavy rainstorm?
A good frame can withstand the weight of water, but the tent can form bubbles. To avoid collapse, make sure that the fabric is stretched, or periodically shake off the water. Cone roofs are more reliable than flat ones.
Do I need to register a boat with an installed awning?
The awning itself does not require registration, as it does not change the load capacity or power of the engine. However, if you install capital structures that change the class of the vessel, you may have questions with the GIMS inspection.
⚠️ Note: When installing additional designs, make sure that they do not block the driver’s view or interfere with access to emergency gear.
For temporary protection from rain on the way, you can use a large-diameter fishing umbrella attached to a lug, but this is less reliable than a full-fledged awning.