The question of whether to transport an inflatable boat with a stern engine comes up for every owner who wants to save time on descent and ascent. PVC Theoretically, if the design of the trailer and the condition of the cylinders allow, such transportation is possible, but in practice it is associated with serious risks for expensive equipment.
The main problem is not so much the legal constraints, but the physics of motion and vibrations that occur when driving on public roads. Even perfectly pumped cylinders are not a monolithic support comparable to the one that is used in the car. steel-hull So any bumps on the asphalt are broadcast to the attachments, and in this article, we'll go into detail about why experts strongly recommend not leaving the motor on the transom, and what safe alternatives exist for rapid preparation for water.
It should be borne in mind that the trailer device of the car is created for the transportation of goods with rigid fixation, while the inflatable boat is an elastic system. Vibration.The thrust of the trailer frame to the transom can cause micro-cracks in the fastening sites of the lower unit or damage to the lower unit pipe. In addition, aerodynamic drag at speeds above 60 km / h creates an additional load that can become fatal for fastening elements at the most inopportune time.
Process physics: vibrations and aerodynamics
When a car moves along the road, there are fluctuations of different frequencies and amplitudes that are transmitted from the wheels through the trailer suspension to its platform. If there is just a blown-out or pumped boat on the platform, it extinguishes some of the vibrations due to its elasticity, but when there is a heavy hanging on the transom, it is very difficult to move. outboardIt turns into a pendulum with its own resonant frequency, a phenomenon that is particularly dangerous for long-dadewood-leg engines, because the lever on the transom increases in proportion to the length of the leg.
Aerodynamics also plays a cruel joke with owners who have decided not to remove the engine. The flow of air around the car and trailer creates zones of rarefaction and turbulence, especially at the rear of the train. The motor protruding above the transom enters the zone of severe swirl, which creates a sailing effect and additional load on the mounting points. Yamaha, Tohatsu In the instructions for operation, other manufacturers often indicate the need to transport the engine in a horizontal or vertical position without external loads, which is almost impossible to ensure in road conditions.
The state of the transmuner itself, which bears the brunt of the blow, deserves special attention, even if the transmuner is made of multi-layered plywood and covered with a coating of plywood. fiberglassAnd so, constant impacts can lead to material stratification around the fasteners. Microvibrations can gradually unravel the threaded joints, and if the motor is sitting tight in static, then the dynamics of the backlash can increase with each kilometer of the path.
In the summer, the engine metal heats up much faster than PVC tubes in the sun, creating local overheating zones at the point of contact with the transom or protective elements, while in winter, the situation is exacerbated by the fragility of materials in the cold, where any impact can lead to chipped paint or even cracks in the paint. aluminum lower unit alloys.
Risks for boat, motor and other road users
The most obvious risk is the possibility of engine tearing off in motion. Imagine a situation where at 90 km/h a structure weighing 30-50 kilograms is derailed from a transom, it's not just loss of property, it's a real threat to the lives of drivers following behind. Even if additional safety cables are used, they do not guarantee 100% reliability, because the mounting points on an inflatable boat are often not designed for such a safety cable. dynamical.
The second major problem is damage to the boat itself: a wind-rotating or vibrating motor can hit cylinders, rub them against the protruding parts, or simply cause an uneven distribution of pressure at points of contact with the trailer. stringer or the bottom in the transom area was damaged, which led to the need for expensive repairs before the season.
⚠️ Warning: Even a short trip of 10-15 kilometers on a broken road can be critical for fasteners, and the absence of visible damage immediately after arrival does not guarantee that the microcracks have not grown.
In the event of an accident, even through no fault of yours, the presence of an unregistered or improperly secured cargo (and the transom motor may be regarded as such by the inspector) will be an aggravating circumstance. Insurance companies may refuse payment, arguing that this is a violation of the rules. freightThis will result in losses that exceed the cost of the engine itself.
Use special covers with reinforced bottom and sides when transporting a boat - they not only protect against dirt, but also add rigidity to the structure, reducing friction on the trailer frame.
Rules GIMS and traffic rules for the transportation of floating vehicles
The legislation of the Russian Federation does not contain a direct ban on the transportation of outboard motors on the transom, but there are general rules for the carriage of goods regulated by traffic rules. According to paragraph 23.1 of the traffic rules, the driver must make sure before starting the movement that the cargo is securely fastened, its serviceability of the container and packaging mesh. If the traffic police inspector stops the car and finds that the motor is dangling or fixed unreliablely, this threatens to threaten administrative fine.
In addition, there are requirements for the dimensions of the vehicle: the motor mounted on the transom can increase the total length or height of the trailer, which requires the installation of special "Bulk load" signs and light signs if they protrude more than 0.4 meters. Failure to comply with these requirements is also a violation for which there is liability.
The table below compares the main risks and requirements for different modes of transportation:
| Parameter | The motor on the transom | Motor removed (in the trunk) | Motor on the cart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Risk of damage | High (vibration, impact) | Minimum | Medium (wheelshaking) |
| Safety on the road | Medium (risk of separation) | High. | High. |
| Convenience on the ramp | Maximum (no need to be placed) | Low (to be mounted) | Average (must be rearranged) |
| Compliance with the traffic rules | Requires a fastening check | Complete. | Complete. |
So there's no formal ban, but there are strict safety requirements that are extremely difficult to meet when carrying a motor on a transom, and the inspector has the right to stop the vehicle if he sees a potentially dangerous load and demand that the violation be corrected, which means removing the motor on the side of the road, often in the field and without the proper tool.
Technical features of fastening and fixation
If you do decide to transport the motor on a transom, you need to ensure the most reliable fixation. Standard rods or transom bolts are not enough for road conditions. It is recommended to use additional safety belts with a ratchet mechanism, which should be attached to the elements of the boat frame or special rips, but in no case for the safety of the boat. balloon.
To reduce vibration, experienced water-engines use special damper gasket made of rubber or dense foam between the sole of the motor and the transom, which allows you to partially extinguish high-frequency vibrations, which are most destructive to the mechanical components of the engine. cross-plate - if it has even a minimum backlash, the transportation of the engine is strictly prohibited until the fault is eliminated.
☑️ Checking before the road
Special attention should be paid to the position of the lower unit. During transportation, the motor must be raised to the highest trim up position so that the screw does not touch the frame of the trailer or the road when the boat sags. However, in the upper position, the center of gravity shifts higher, which increases the risk of overturning the entire structure in a sharp maneuver or lateral wind. pavement At the exit of the trailer.
⚠️ Warning: Never use ropes or elastic harnesses to fix the motor. Only special scrub belts with a rattle can provide the necessary tension that will not weaken along the way.
Alternative ways to prepare for the descent
There are several proven ways to minimize the time on the ramp without the risk of damage to equipment. The most popular and safe method is to use a special wheelbarrow for the engine. This device allows you to remove the engine at home or in the parking lot, install it on the cart and take it to the water separately from the boat. On the ramp, the motor is quickly put into place, and the trolley is removed into the car.
Another option is to use lightweight motor models that can be removed and put in the trunk or interior of the car even to one person. two-stroke With a power of up to 5-6 hp, they weigh about 20 kilograms, making them quite transportable. For more powerful units, there are special suspension systems and elevators installed on the moorings, but they are only relevant for permanent parking places, not for wild shores.
The secret to fast installation
Mark the place of attachment of the motor on the transom with a marker or use a stencil. This will allow you to install the motor in the center in 1-2 minutes, without wasting time on fitting and measuring on a slippery shore.
Also worth considering is the use of electric motors, which often have a removable design of a lower unit. In the transport position, the leg is removed or folded, making the motor compact and safe to transport assembled inside the cabin or trunk, excluding contact with the outside environment and vibration of the trailer.
Outcome recommendations and conclusions
To sum up, it's safe to say that transporting a PVC boat with a transom motor is always a trade-off between convenience and safety. While technically possible, the risks of damaging expensive equipment and creating an emergency on the road outweigh the time savings of 5-10 minutes on the ramp. floater.
If you plan long trips to water bodies, be sure to consider a way to transport the engine separately from the boat. This can be a trunk on the roof, a separate box in a trailer or a trolley. Remember that repairing a transom or replacing a lower unit will cost much more than the cost of the simplest device for the car. transportation.
Safety and security of property is more important than minute time saving – remove the engine before the road, so as not to pay more for repairs.
Ultimately, each owner makes his or her own decision based on the conditions of the particular trip, the condition of the equipment and the willingness to take risks. However, the statistics of requests to service centers clearly show that problems with the transom and motor fasteners most often occur after regular transportation in assembled form on the road. trailer.
☑️ Final pre-launch check
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I transport the motor on a transom if the distance to water is less than 5 km?
Yes, for short distances and for driving at low speed (up to 40-50 km / h) on a good road, the risk is minimal, but even in this case it is recommended to use additional safety belts and raise the lower unit to the upper position to avoid contact with obstacles.
Do I need to register a trailer with a boat and motor in the traffic police?
The trailer is registered with the traffic police if its total mass exceeds 750 kg. Boat and engine are considered to be in the carrying capacity. If the mass of the trailer with a load is less than 750 kg, registration is not required, but category B rights are sufficient.
What is the best way to fix the motor if it is impossible to remove it?
Use a combination of methods: lift the motor to the extreme upper position, put the damper pads under the sole, tighten the transom bolts through the washers of the increased area and be sure to fix the lower unit belt to the transom or frame of the boat to exclude rolling.
Does vibration damage the outboard motor's electronics?
Yes, modern electronics (control unit, sensors) are sensitive to vibrations. Constant shaking can lead to detachment of contacts, cracks in soldering or failure of sensors. Manufacturers do not rely on electronic units for such loads in transport mode.