Choosing a boat transport vehicle is a critical step for any aquatic motorist wishing to keep his or her swimming arsenal in perfect condition. Dolphin boat trailer For many years, it has been one of the leaders in the Russian market, offering time-tested design solutions. Owners of PVC boats, boats and even jet skis often prefer this brand because of the availability of spare parts and maintainability of the structure.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the model range, technical features and nuances of the operation of products of this brand. broken-breathed from the classic options, and why galvanizing the body plays a crucial role in the durability of the product. All models of Dolphin trailers are designed taking into account the dimensions of domestic roads and the specifics of launching from unequipped coastlines.
A well-chosen cart will not only protect your boat during transportation, but also significantly simplify the process of descent and ashore. Kinematics These devices allow you to minimize loading effort, which is especially important if you plan to change water bodies often. Let's dive into the technical details.
Design features and model range
The basis of any trailer is its frame, and in the case of products, the dolphin is used. profile-pipeThe range is wide enough to cover the needs of owners of both light inflatable boats and heavy fiberglass boats, and the key difference is often the type of breather: straight or broken (with a break).
Broken breathing allows you to lower the area below, which reduces the overall center of gravity of the load and makes it easier to load the boat by hand. This is especially true for heavy models, when using a winch is not always convenient or possible. Direct breathing is usually chosen for light boats, where simplicity of design and minimum weight of the trailer itself are important.
An important characteristic is loading capacityFor light PVC boats, 300-400 kg is often enough, whereas for boats, reinforced versions are required that can withstand up to 750 kg or more.
The spring suspension is considered more maintainable and better adapted to poor roads, which is typical for many directions to water bodies. Torsion, in turn, provides a smoother ride and does not require maintenance, but if a breakage requires replacing the entire assembly.
Technical specifications and materials
When choosing a trailer, special attention should be paid to the materials from which it is made. The main enemy of metal structures is corrosion, so the method of surface treatment is of paramount importance. Most Dolphin models undergo hot galvanizing, which creates a reliable barrier to rust.
However, it is worth distinguishing galvanizing (zinc-containing paint) and full-blown hot galvanizing. In the first case, the protection is more decorative and requires regular updating, whereas the hot method immerses the frame in a zinc melt, providing protection for decades. For a trailer that is in constant contact with water, this is a critical parameter.
The wheelbase is also worth considering. The standard solution for lightweight models is 13-inch wheels, often with a camera, which provides good ground clearance and cross-country performance. The heavier versions can be equipped with R14 or even R15 wheels, allowing higher speeds on the track without the risk of overheating the bearings.
The table below compares the main specifications of popular modifications:
| Model | Load capacity (kg) | Type breathed. | Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dolphin-300 | 300 | Straight. | Resorbed |
| dolphin-450 | 450 | Broken. | Resorbed |
| dolphin-750 | 750 | Broken. | Resorbed/Torsion |
| Delfin-Pro | 600 | Straight. | Torsion |
Secrets of durability of galvanizing
After each operation in salt water, be sure to wash the trailer with fresh water. The salt left on the zinc coating can start the process of electrochemical corrosion, despite the protective layer.
Equipment and supplementary equipment
The basic equipment of the trailer is just the beginning of the journey to the ideal boat vehicle. To ensure safety and comfort, manufacturers and owners often add various elements to the structure. winchwhich can be manual or electric.
A hand winch with a cable or a belt is a classic solution. A belt is preferable to a cable because it doesn't rust, it doesn't injure your hands when you're working, it doesn't stretch over time. An electric winch is a lot of heavy boats where it's physically difficult to tighten the boat by hand, but it requires a battery or a connection to the car's on-board network.
The support device (breath wheel) is necessary for maneuvering the trailer outside the coupling with the car. A quality support wheel must have a reliable mechanism for fixing the height and a strong tire that is not afraid of punctures. Telescopic emphasis allows you to conveniently adjust the height of the coupling head for different height of the user or the height of the porcelain.
Lighting is another node that needs attention, and modern requirements dictate the use of LED lights, which consume less energy and are less sensitive to vibration, but it is important that the wiring be laid inside the frame pipes or in special protective casings to prevent mechanical damage.
☑️ Pre-purchase check
Compatibility with PVC boats and boats
The versatility of Dolphin trailers lies in the possibility of their adaptation to different types of boats. PVC inflatable tubes often use wooden or plastic padding (crossbars) that repeat the contours of the bottom, which allows you to distribute the load evenly and avoid point pressure on the cylinders.
Owners of hard-dry boats (HDBs) or fully rigid hulls (aluminum, fiberglass) should pay attention to the presence of a keel pad. It fixes the boat in the center and prevents it from moving left-right when driving. Deep-V-bottomed boats require precise adjustment of the height of the supports.
⚠️ Attention: When transporting boats with aluminum hull, make sure that the contact surfaces of the lodgings do not have metal elements that can cause galvanic vapor and corrosion of aluminum. Use rubber pads or special polymer mats.
The size is also important. A boat that is too long on a short trailer will create a dangerous overhang that can break the transom of the boat on rough terrain, the rule is that the overhang should not exceed 2 meters without additional support measures, and ideally the boat should lie on the trailer with its entire length.
Service and preparation for the season
Like any mechanism, the trailer requires regular maintenance, seasonal maintenance will avoid trouble in the midst of fishing or recreation. bearing-assemblies wheels.
The lubricant in the hubs is recommended to be changed at least once a year or after each season of active use, especially if you have often immersed the wheels in water. The water can wash out the lubrication and cause corrosion of the bearings, which will lead to jamming of the wheel on the go.
Visual inspection of the frame for cracks and corrosion is also mandatory, and pay special attention to the places where the springs are breathed, because this is where the maximum load is concentrated, and if rust foci are found, they must be cleaned and coated with corrosion-resistant compounds.
Lubricate the coupling head and lock mechanism before each trip. Dry metal friction against the metal wears out parts quickly and can lead to a coupling device jamming. Use lithium lubricant or special aerosols.
Legal aspects and registration in the traffic police
Operation of the trailer in Russia is impossible without its registration in the traffic police. Boat trailer The category of vehicles requiring registration, registration plate and certificate of registration (CVD) is not subject to load capacity, although the driver rights category may be more relaxed for trailers under 750 kg.
For driving a vehicle with a trailer of category "B" it is sufficient if the permissible maximum mass of the trailer does not exceed 750 kg, or if it exceeds 750 kg, but the total mass of the car and trailer does not exceed 3500 kg. Otherwise, the category "BE" will be required.
When you buy a new trailer, you get a PTS (vehicle passport) that is required for registration, it is important to keep all checks and documents proving ownership, as they may be needed when you deregister or sell them.
⚠️ Warning: Before traveling, always check the reliability of the coupling head on the farcop ball and the presence of a safety cable. The insurance cable must be thrown through the breather and fixed to the frame of the car, so that in the event of uncoupling, the trailer does not go into free flight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register a Dolphin trailer at the traffic police if it is lighter than 300 kg?
Yes, you need to register any trailer, regardless of its mass. According to traffic rules and Russian legislation, a trailer is a vehicle and must have registration plates and documents. There are no exceptions by weight for exemption from registration.
What is the maximum speed with a Dolphin trailer?
According to traffic rules, when towing a trailer category "B" on roads outside settlements, the speed should not exceed 90 km / h, and on highways - 110 km / h However, technically most Dolphin trailers are designed for safe movement at speeds up to 90-100 km / h Exceeding speed can lead to the destruction of bearings and instability of the trailer.
Can I use a trailer to transport cargo other than a boat?
Yes, the trailer design allows it to be used as a universal cargo vehicle, but it should be borne in mind that boat lodgings can interfere with the transportation of flat cargo. Many owners make removable lodgings or use special linings to quickly convert the trailer to domestic needs.
How often should the lubricant in the wheel hubs be changed?
It is recommended to change the lubricant and check the bearings at least once a year, preferably before the start of the season. If you often immerse the wheels in water (for example, when launching a boat), check should be carried out more often, as the water washes the lubricant and causes corrosion.
The Dolphin trailer is a modular system that can be endlessly improved and adapted to your needs, from replacing the winch and ending with installing the brake system on heavy versions.