Moving an inflatable boat to and from the water often turns into a real torture, especially if it is a serious case of water. PVC with motor and equipment. transom-wheel It solves the logistics problem by allowing one person to easily roll a boat on sand, grass or asphalt, and it's not just an accessory, it's a necessity for those who value their time and their physical strength.
Introducing the wheelset into the boat requires the right model selection and precise installation. transom In this article, we will look at all the nuances to make your boat mobile and easy to operate.
There are many design options, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, and understanding the differences will help you avoid buying unnecessary equipment. Let's dive into the world of water-powered accessories.
Why do you need wheels on a PVC boat
The main function of the wheel pair is to minimize the physical effort of transportation. An inflatable boat with an attachment motor, anchor, battery and personal belongings can weigh more than 60-80 kg. To drag such a load through rough terrain is not only difficult, but also harmful to the body. cylinders.
The wheels allow you to roll the boat, spreading the weight on the axle and maintaining the geometry of the bottom, which is especially true when you are descent into the water from a gentle shore, where you need to go far into the water. Transwheel Or homemade analogues become a salvation for fishermen and travelers.
In addition, the use of wheels extends the service life coatboard And the boat itself, except for contact with sharp rocks or snags when you're descent, is an investment in the durability of your gear.
- 🛡️ Protection of the bottom and transom from mechanical damage when moving along the shore.
- 🏋️ The ability to transport a heavy set by one person without assistance.
- ⏱️ Significant reduction in time for preparation for launch and assembly after fishing.
Types of designs of transom wheels
The accessories market offers several basic types of fasteners, and the choice depends on the design of your boat. squirt-boardThey're attached by bolts or screws that go through the tree.
The second popular option is removable wheels on brackets that are inserted into the lining These systems are less invasive because they don't require transom drilling, but they may be less stable at high speeds.
There are also universal models with adjustable levers, which allow you to change the angle of inclination of the wheels, which is useful when driving on complex terrain, and it is important that the fixation mechanism is reliable and not jittery from vibration.
What is the difference between stationary and removable wheels?
Stationary wheels are bolted permanently and can withstand heavy loads, but they are harder to remove. Removable models (on brackets) are removed in a couple of minutes, but require special mounts on the boat and can backflip when driving actively.
Criteria for choosing a reliable model
When buying, pay attention to the material of the wheels. Inflatable The wheels provide better coasting on the sand, but are prone to punctures. Cast (polyurethane) wheels are not afraid of sharp objects, but are worse cushioned.
The load capacity is the second critical parameter: the total load on the axle should exceed the weight of your boat in running order with a margin of 20-30%. If the boat weighs 50 kg, the wheels should hold a minimum of 70-80 kg.
The quality of the metal also plays a role. Aluminum alloys (e.g., D16T) Lightweight and non-rust, but softer than steel; stainless steel is stronger but heavier; painted steel is a budget option that requires constant maintenance.
⚠️ Attention: Cheap Chinese models often have thin-walled tubes that bend under load as early as the first season. Don't skimp on the metal of the frame.
| Type of wheel | Advantages | Deficiencies | Where to use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inflatable | Excellent depreciation, permeability | Risk of puncture, need for puncture | Sand, gravel, uneven coast |
| Cast (PU) | Not afraid of punctures, lungs. | Hard move, worse grip. | Asphalt, flat ground, grass |
| Turning | Maneuverability, ease of storage | More complex design, higher price | Narrow passages, cramped garages |
Instructions: installation of wheels yourself
The installation process depends on the type of system chosen. For classic wheels attached to a transom, you will need a drill, a wood drill (6-8 mm in diameter), bolts with wide hats and nuts. First try on the brackets so that they do not interfere with the operation of the motor in the raised position.
Mark the holes on squirt-board Drill the holes, try to hold the drill perpendi-cular to the surface. If the plywood transom, be sure to treat the cuts of the holes. sealant or epoxy resin before the bolts are installed to prevent moisture from entering the tree.
Put brackets between the metal and the wood, rubber washers, prevent the coating from rubbing and reduce vibration, and tighten the nuts through the large diameter washers for a secure fixation.
☑️ Installation tools
For removable systems on Transwheel No drilling is required. You just have to put the bracket through the liner or pocket and lock it with a screw, and make sure that the screw doesn't damage the balloon on the inside.
Operational features and care
After each trip, the wheels must be washed with fresh water, especially if you have been swimming on the salty sea, the salt aggressively corrodes the metal and rubber, the sand stuffed into the bearings will quickly disable the mechanism.
Periodically check the tightening of the bolts. Vibation when moving on the ground can weaken the joints. Once a season, it is recommended to lubricate the axles and moving parts. solid-grease (e.g., Litol-24 or specialized marine lubricants).
Keeping the boat with the wheels raised or removed to relieve the constant load on the transom and tires is better. Prolonged pressure at one point can deform the tire.
Lubricate the threads of the wheel mounting bolts with graphite lubricant or copper anticor, which will prevent the metal from sticking to the metal, and you can easily remove the wheels even after a year of use.
Frequent errors in selection and installation
One of the most common mistakes is to set the wheels too low, in which case they create additional resistance to water when driving and can hit bottom obstacles, and the optimal height is when the wheels barely touch the water or are above the water level when driving.
Using conventional uncoated building bolts will quickly lead to corrosion. Rust not only spoils the view, but also destroys the structure. coatboardAlways use galvanized fasteners or stainless steel.
Some owners ignore the balancing. If the boat is skewed to one side due to improperly installed wheels or different heights of attachment, it will be more difficult to operate on the water and the wear of cylinders will increase.
⚠️ Attention: Never use wheels to tow a boat by car or quad bike at high speed, the design is not designed for dynamic impact loads and can fold, damaging the transom.
Properly installed and weight-selected transom wheels turn a heavy PVC boat into an easy-to-operate vessel, available for single-person transportation.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I install wheels on a boat without drilling a transom?
Yes, there are removable wheel models that are attached to special brackets that are inserted into line brackets or pockets on cylinders. Transwheelwhich do not require the integrity of the transom board to be violated.
Which wheels are better: inflatable or cast?
The choice depends on the operating conditions. Inflatables are better at cushioning and easier to roll on the sand, but they can be pierced. cast (polyurethane) are absolutely reliable in terms of punctures, but harder on the go. For mixed conditions (asphalt + sand), often choose cast with tread.
Can the wheels withstand the weight of a motorized boat and people?
The wheels are designed to transport the boat over land, and the weight of the people is in the boat only when descent / climb, high-quality wheels can withstand a load of 100-150 kg per axle, which is enough for any PVC motorized boat, the main thing is not to exceed the maximum weight specified by the accessory manufacturer.
How to remove the wheels if they are rusted?
If the bolts are stiff, use penetrating lubricant (e.g. WD-40) by applying it to the thread and leaving it for 15-20 minutes. Then try to gently pull the nut with the key. Don't use excessive force to avoid tearing the bolt with a piece of transom tree. In extreme cases, you will have to drill the fastener.