The transition from a rowing boat to a motor, and then to a more complex design with a remote-control It's a natural evolution of any boating, and it's polyvinyl chloride (PVC) boats with the steering mechanism that offer opportunities for full trolling, long walks with family and comfortable fishing, where hands are free for fishing rods, not occupied with a tiller.
However, the installation of the steering column, the cable actuator and the corresponding transom changes the aerodynamics and weight specifications of the vessel. Inflatable boats They get heavier, they get sailing, and they need to understand the behavior of a flexible body on the water, and in this article, we'll look at whether the sheepskin is worth making, and how to assemble it properly.
Design features and types of steering
There are two main ways to implement inflatable vessel control. The first and most common option is installation. steering-column And you can see that you can use a transom that is mechanically connected by cables to the rotary plate of the motor, and in this case, the motor itself is rigidly fixed to the transom, and only the lower unit turns, and this is a classic scheme familiar to boat owners.
The second option, which is often found on budget models, involves the use of a rotary plate, which is attached directly to the trunk of the boat, and the motor is placed on this plate. steering It's done by rotating the entire motor along with the stove, which puts extra strain on the mounts, and it's important to understand the difference: in the first case, the force is transmitted through the cables, in the second case, through the rigid mechanics of the stove.
⚠️ Attention: When installing the steering system, make sure that the steering cables do not have sharp inflections and do not RUB against the side or rigs.
The key element here is the transom. prairieIt can withstand not only the weight of the engine, but also the dynamic loads of maneuvering, and often these boats are equipped with an overhead transcension, which increases the stiffness of the stern.
Advantages of switching to steering
The main argument in favor of installing a steering wheel is comfortAt high speeds or when a strong wave is held the rummel with both hands becomes tedious and sometimes traumatic for the hands. The steering column allows you to sit on a bank or in a chair with your back, which reduces fatigue at times.
And also, the steering wheel frees up the hands for other tasks. trollingIt also allows for the installation of a windshield, which, when steered with one hand or even let go of the steering wheel when using autopilots (although this is rare on PVC), and the possibility of installing a windshield, which, when controlled by a rumble, would often interfere with the operation of the engine.
Safety is another important factor: in a sharp maneuver or hit a wave, the rample can be knocked out of hand, leading to an uncontrolled turn of the boat. Steering gear fixes the position of the motor, reducing the risk of sudden yaw.
When installing a windshield on a steering boat, be sure to check the view in the lower sector. The high glass can hide buoys or floating objects directly in front of the nose.
Disadvantages and technical limitations
Despite the obvious comfort, there is a downside to the medal. weight-liftingThe steering column, cables, rotary plate and the transom itself under the steering wheel add to the weight of the boat from 5 to 10 kg. For a single inflatable boat, this can be critical when carried to water.
The second thing is sailing: the high landing of the steering column and windshield makes the boat a kind of sail in the side wind. Boat control becomes less predictable, requires constant correction of the course, especially at low speeds.
Also worth mentioning is the complexity of the assembly: the tiller motor can be installed in a minute; the steering system takes time to lay out, mount the column, check the tension of the cables; in an emergency situation, when you need to get ashore quickly, this can play a cruel joke.
The influence of the length of lower unit on manageability
When you install the steering, it's important to consider the length of the engine's lower unit. If the lower unit is short and the boat has a high transom, the steering efficiency drops because the flow of water from the screw is too high from the center of rotation. For steering systems, long-dried-device-shaft motors are optimal.
Model comparison: what to choose for purchase
The market offers a variety of solutions, from factory kits to self-tuning. Segment leaders such as Flagship, Solar. or hunterOften offer versions with the index "P" (steering), where the transom has already been reinforced and prepared for installation.
When choosing, you should pay attention to the quality of the fittings. Cheap plastic rotary plates quickly slug and start knocking. Metal movements with sliding bearings last longer, but require regular lubrication and freshwater rinsing after each release to salt water.
The middle ground for a boat 3.2 to 3.6 meters long is to install a steering column on a separate site with the ability to quickly dismantle, which will preserve the versatility of the boat.
Below is a table comparing popular configurations to understand the difference in specifications:
| Parameter | Roompile control | Steering (Cable) | Turning plate (budget) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight of kit | Minimum (motor only) | High (+5-8 kg) | Medium (+3-4 kg) |
| Assembly speed | 1-2 minutes | 10-15 minutes. | 5-7 minutes |
| Comfort of movement | Low (hand load) | High (seated position) | Medium. |
| Cost | Basic | High (complement) | Low. |
The process of installing and configuring the system
Steering requires careful installation, starting with the marking of the column mounting points on the can or transom, and ensuring that the base is rigid: soft inflatable floor will not work, you need a hard one. plywood Or a special can of aluminum.
The ropes are the most important step, and the cables must be free, without tension in a neutral position, but also without a great slack, and curves with a radius of less than 10 cm are unacceptable, as this will lead to the destruction of the inner structure of the cable.
☑️ Checking the steering before exit
Once installed, be sure to test on land. Turn the steering wheel to the left and right stop. The motor should turn synchronously, without delays and jerks. If the engine tiller is tight, you may need to adjust the friction or lubricate the motor hinge.
Operation and maintenance
The steering system on a PVC boat is not much different from the steering wheel, but adjusted for an aggressive aqueous environment. After each exit, especially in salt water, the mechanism must be washed with fresh water and lubricated. solid-grease.
Check the condition of the cables regularly, if the shell is damaged, water and dirt enter the inside, causing corrosion and jamming, and replacing the cables is an inexpensive procedure, but it takes time to reconfigure.
Keeping a boat with a steering column installed in a deflated state is not recommended. Metal elements can damage the fabric when compressed. The column is better dismantled or keep the boat spread out in the garage.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use vegetable oils or low-quality solidol to lubricate the steering mechanisms; in the cold, they freeze and drain in the summer, leaving the mechanism unprotected.
Impact of management on driving performance
The presence of a steering wheel changes the nature of the boat's movement. PVC It becomes more stable on the course, it decreases, but the input to the turn becomes smoother, but also more inertial.
This should be taken into account when maneuvering in narrowness or when mooring.
The twisting effect of the cables
With prolonged one-way operation (e.g. long-term straight trolling), the cables can twist, and it is periodically useful to do full left-right rudder turns to straighten the cable system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install steering on any PVC boat?
Theoretically, you can do anything, but economically only on boats with a length of 3.2 meters. On small boats (up to 3 meters), the weight and dimensions of the steering system will disrupt the balance and reduce the load capacity.
What power is the motor needed for steering?
There are no power restrictions, the steering wheel will withstand both 5 and 30 hp However, for boats with engines more powerful than 15 hp, the presence of remote control becomes almost a necessity for safety and comfort.
Do I need to register a boat with a steering wheel in GIMS?
Registration depends on the length of the vessel and the power of the engine, not on the type of control. If the boat is longer than 2 meters and the engine is more powerful than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp), registration is required regardless of the presence of the steering wheel.
Is it hard to sail a boat with a steering wheel and windbreaker installed?
Yes, sailing increases significantly. With a side wind of 10-12 m/s, it becomes difficult to steer a high windshield boat, even with the steering wheel, in this weather, it is better to slow down or remove the windshield.
How often do I need to change the steering cables?
When properly operated and lubricated regularly, the cables last 3-5 seasons, but visually inspect their condition (for rust and braid damage) should be done before each season.