Getting out at dawn or midday heat requires preparation, and a key element of comfort becomes a key element of the water. sun-protectionA boat with an awning is not just a beauty accessory, but a prerequisite for the health of the crew and the integrity of the gear. Direct ultraviolet rays can cause serious burns even in cloudy weather, not to mention the risk of heat stroke in the enclosed space of the inflatable board.
A well-chosen canopy allows you to stay on the water for much longer, turning a regular walk into a full rest for the whole family. oxford or tarpaulinIn this article, we will discuss all aspects of choosing, installing and operating awning structures to ensure that your holiday is safe.
Many aquatic motorists underestimate the importance of ventilation under the awning, which leads to condensation and stuffiness. The proper organization of the space allows you to combine protection from precipitation with comfortable air exchange. flyboatwhere the temperature under the canopy can rise rapidly.
The main types of tent structures for small vessels
The water accessories market offers many options, and the choice depends on the type of vessel and the purpose of operation. tent-roofThis is a structure that is mounted on a rigid or prefabricated frame, which is attached to the sides or special racks, creating a "ceiling" above the cockpit, and is ideal for fishing standing or quiet walks where high speed is not required.
For those who prefer active movement, there are tanneryThey are attached directly to the transom of the boat and have a streamlined shape that minimizes air resistance, but it is worth remembering that even an aerodynamic awning significantly affects handling in the wind.
- 🌊 Tent roof: Provides maximum coverage of the area, ideal for parking and camping.
- 🚤 Tranza awning: compact version for rapid movement, covers only the cockpit area.
- ⛺ Tent shelter: A full-fledged cover with tarp walls, turning the boat into a temporary dwelling.
The most important thing to note is that the frames are the ones that carry the bulk of the load, and the aluminum arcs are lightweight and do not rust, which makes them the industry standard, and the steel pipes are stronger, but require perfect care to avoid corrosion in the welding area, and the choice of the frame material directly affects the choice of the frame material. sailability The whole structure and stability of the boat on the wave.
Material choice: Oxford, Tarpalin or PVC
The durability of your canopy depends on the quality of the fabric, and the most popular material today is the quality of the fabric. oxford (Oxford) with polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coating, a synthetic fabric with high tensile strength and excellent water resistance, the density of Oxford varies, but for marine conditions, it is better to choose options of at least 450 g/m2.
Tarpaulin is a more budget-friendly but heavy material, often used for cargo shelters. It holds water well, but it is less resistant to UV light when exposed to direct rays for long periods. sea-skin.
⚠️ Attention: Cheap fabrics without UV protection can begin to break down and lose leakage after one season of active use under the scorching sun.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in the form of reinforced fabric is a premium segment. These awnings are almost invincible: they do not rot, do not absorb water and are easy to wash. centre lightweight inflatable boat, if not distributed correctly.
To extend the life of the fabric, treat the seams and surface with a special spray with a water-repellent effect (DWR) at the end of each season.
Design features and installation of the frame
The awning starts with the installation of supports. Most of the time, the duraluminium arches are used. The key here is a reliable hull attachment. For PVC inflatable boats, manufacturers often provide special PVC arches. pockets or holder on cylinders where the bases of the pillars are inserted.
If there are no standard mounts, transition elements are used, fixed on fun nozzles or hinged beams. It is important to ensure that the contact points of the metal with the balloon are protected from friction, otherwise you can damage. PVC fabric The use of soft pads or rubber bushings is mandatory.
The assembly process requires a sequence of actions, first you put vertical racks, then you put longitudinal and transom arcs, and only after you build the frame, you pull an awning on it.
☑️ Checking the frame installation
Special attention should be paid to wind stretches, without which even a moderate gust of wind can turn a tent into a sail that can turn a light vessel over, stretch marks should be attached to the strong elements of the boat, not to soft handles or valves.
Comparison of specifications of popular models of tents
When choosing a ready-made solution or ordering tailoring, it is important to consider technical parameters. Other models are oriented to different operating conditions: some are designed for high-speed planing, others for quiet fishing.
| Parameter | The tent "Econom" | The Standard Tent. | Premium Tent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | Tarpalin/Tissue 210D | Oxford 450D (PU) | PVC reinforced/Oxford 600D |
| Frame | Steel (painted) | Aluminum (dural) | Stainless steel/Aluminum |
| Weight (approximate) | 8-10 kg | 5-7 kg | 6-8 kg |
| Term of service | 1-2 seasons | 3-5 years | 5-7 years and more |
As you can see from the table, overpaying for quality materials pays off the longevity of the product. Cheap frames can rust, staining the sides of the boat, and thin fabric can break against the branch when mooring.
⚠️ Attention: When buying, pay attention to the quality of the seams. Double stitching with gluing or boiled seams (for PVC) ensure that the awning does not flow in the first downpour.
Light colors (gray, light green, beige) are less heated in the sun, keeping the canopy more comfortable temperature. Dark colors (blue, dark green) look aesthetically pleasing, but stronger. heat upThis creates the effect of a “heat cushion”.
The impact of the awning on driving performance and safety
The awning changes the aerodynamics and sailing of the boat, and it's not critical when you're parked or when you're driving at low speeds, but when you go to the plane or when there's a strong side wind, the impact is felt, and the boat becomes more susceptible to wind gusts, which requires constant course correction.
The high center of gravity created by the frame and fabric can reduce the stability of the vessel, which is especially dangerous for narrow and tall boats. tippingunless the crew observes the precautions.
- 🌬️ Sailing: increases drift in the wind, requires more frequent operation of the motor to hold the point.
- ⚖️ Centration: The shifting of the center of gravity upwards requires a more accurate distribution of the weight of passengers.
- 👁️ Overview: side walls can limit visibility, so when moving, it is better to fold them or use transparent inserts.
Can I go for an outboard motor with the awning raised?
Yes, you can, but only at low and medium speeds, and when you go to the plane, the air resistance can become critical, and the structure of the frame can not withstand the load, which will break the arcs or tear the awning.
When passing under bridges, power lines or in thick reed thickets, a high frame can cause an accident. Always estimate the height of obstacles in advance.
Care, storage and repair of tent systems
For a boat with an awning to last, it needs to be taken care of. After every step out on the water, especially if you were fishing or swimming, the fabric needs to be dried. Wet oxford or tarpalin in rolled-up form is the perfect environment for mold development, which destroys the structure of the material and creates an unpleasant smell.
Store the awning should be spread out or neatly folded into a breathing bag. The use of sealed bags for storing wet fabric is strictly prohibited. WD-40 It is also a corrosion protection tool, especially if you are exposed to salt water.
Small tissue damage, such as punctures or small cuts, can be self-glashed, using special glue remixes for PVC or polyurethane, and large tears are best taken to a workshop where a professional will be produced. vulcanization Or patching.
⚠️ Attention: Never use conventional superglue or scotch for repair of an awning – they destroy the fabric structure and make it impossible to continue high-quality repairs in the workshop.
Regular cleaning with a soft brush and soap solution will help preserve the appearance and water-repellent properties of the fabric. Aggressive chemistry and solvents can not be used.
Proper drying and storage of the awning in a dry place is the main factor that increases its service life by 2-3 times.
Legal aspects and requirements of GIMS
The awning of a small vessel must be made with due regard to safety; although the law does not prohibit the use of canopies, it requires that they do not interfere with the review and management. A GIMS officer may ask questions if the awning completely closes the driver's view or hides the side plates.
It is important that the design does not block access to emergency equipment and anchor end, and in the event of an emergency, every second counts, and access to the life jacket or signaling aids should be instantaneous.
If you plan to use a boat with an awning for overnight stays or long stays, make sure the colors and shape of the vessel do not mimic the signal lights or signs of other vessels, which can confuse other water-engines in the dark.
Do I need to register an installed awning in GIMS?
No, the awning itself is not a design change requiring changes to the boat's paperwork, unless it changes the load capacity or passenger capacity indicated on the boat's ticket. However, if the awning has rigid walls and turns the boat into a cabin, the inspector may require clarification.
How to fold the awning correctly so that it does not crumple?
You need to fold the awning in the direction of the folds that you put on the frame, and don't try to fold it "in a random way" because it will create cracks on the coating that can crack over time, and it's best to twist the fabric into a roll, rather than fold it in four.
Can I wash the boat awning in the washing machine?
Aggressive mechanical action of the drum and high temperatures can damage the protective PU/PVC coating and seams. Cleaning should be done manually using soft sponges and warm water with soap solution.
What to do if the frame of the tent bent?
Aluminum arcs have metal memory, but if they're deformed, they're better replaced. Fixing can weaken the structure of the metal, and it will burst at the wrong time. You can try to level the steel arcs, but then you have to clear the fold to the metal and cover it with anticort.