Modern water recreation requires not only reliability, but also maximum comfort, which can provide an inflatable boat with a tent. This versatile boat is ideal for long expeditions, night fishing or just a family picnic away from the shore. Being able to take shelter from the rain, wind or scorching sun directly on the water turns a regular walk into a full-fledged adventure with elements of autonomous living.
The choice of the right model depends on many factors: the number of people, the conditions of the reservoir and the type of engine. Inflatable structures The use of reinforced PVC (polyvinyl chloride) has become the industry standard for its strength, lightness and ability to keep shape under load, but the presence of an awning or a full-fledged tent imposes additional requirements on the stability of the vessel and the quality of its assembly.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to choose the best option, what to look for when buying and how to properly operate a boat with an awning so that it will serve you for many years. We will touch on the technical nuances of installing a frame, the issues of aerodynamics when driving for an outboard motor and the secrets of rapid assembly in the field.
Advantages and features of boats with awning
The main advantage of this configuration is the creation of a protected space. Tent shelter It allows you to fish even in the heavy rain without getting wet to the thread, and it allows you to spend the night on the water if the shore is unavailable or busy, especially for lovers of trophy fishing, who are willing to wait for the cool day.
However, sailing is also worth considering: a high awning significantly increases the area of resistance to the wind, which can make it difficult to control the boat in strong lateral winds. Flat-bottomed models With a wide cockpit in this respect more stable, but require a more powerful motor to compensate for the increased resistance.
The important aspect is the microclimate inside: high-quality awnings are made of materials with water-repellent impregnation and ultraviolet protection, in hot weather it saves from burns, and in cool weather it preserves body heat. Some models include the possibility of installing a water-repellent material. stove Or a heater that turns the boat into a full-fledged floating hut.
Materials and construction: what to look for
The basis of any quality boat is the material of cylinders. reinforced PVC density of at least 750 g / sq.m. Thinner materials can quickly become unusable due to constant friction against the tent frame and increased voltage in the wind.
The tent frame is usually made of duraluminium or steel tubes. Aluminum is lighter and does not rust, making it preferable for portable options. Steel is stronger but corrosive if it does not have a quality coating. Connection units must be made of stainless steelto withstand constant dynamic loads without backlash.
When buying, pay attention to the seams of the awning: they must be glued and reinforced with a tape, otherwise in a heavy rain, water will begin to seep through needle punctures.
The design of the bottom also plays a role. Bulk bottom of the NDND (low pressure) provides excellent comfort and thermal insulation, but can bend under the weight of the tent frame if it is installed directly on the cylinders. Plywood floorboard better holds shape, but increases the overall weight of the boat and assembly time.
⚠️ Warning: Never place the awning frame on a fully inflated boat in a warm room. When going out into cold water or on a hot sunny day, the pressure in the cylinders will change, which can lead to deformation of the seams or tearing of the material under the load of the frame.
Overview of popular models and their specifications
The market offers many solutions, from simple visors to full-fledged two-room tents, often led by models that combine modularity and reliability. frigate or hunter They are often equipped with universal awnings suitable for different sizes of the cockpit.
For overnight stay, optimal models with high sides and the possibility of installation sleeping-place In these designs, the awning is not only attached to the sides, but also has its own supports that go into the water or rest on special brackets on the transom, which allows you to stand full-length inside, which is impossible in classic low awnings.
The secret to fast installation
Many models don't have to disassemble the awning frame completely after fishing, but fold it up with an accordion and fasten it with screeds, which saves up to 40 percent of the time on the next assembly, but requires more space to transport.
Below is a comparison of the main specifications of popular types of shelters for inflatable boats:
| Type of shelter | Weight (kg) | Assembly time | Wave protection | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blinder (tent) | 3-5 | 5-10 minutes | Low. | 1-2 |
| A full tent. | 8-12 | 15-20 minutes | High. | 2-3 people |
| Expeditionary cabin | 15-20 | 30-40 minutes. | Maximum | 3-4 people |
| Transportation house | 25+ | 40-60 minutes | High. | 4+ people |
Installation and assembly instructions
The process of mounting a tent on a boat requires consistency, and first you have to fully assemble and pump the boat itself, checking the pressure in all the compartments, and then you start installing it. shelter-frameDisruption of order can lead to damage to the valves or swaying of the structure.
☑️ Procedure for installing the tent
The fastening is done with special fastex belts or carbines that cling to the lintel cable. It's important to evenly distribute the tension: first, the nasal mounts are fixed, then the aft mounts, and only then the lateral ones are fixed, which ensures the correct geometry and wind resistance.
If you use a boat with an outboard motor, make sure that the rear wall of the awning (transe) has a special valve or neckline for a lower unit. germomechanismallowing the remote control tube or cable to pass, keeping the interior space dry.
⚠️ Attention: When a high awning is installed, the center of gravity of the boat rises, it is strictly forbidden to move sharply on the sides or stand on them, this can lead to the vessel capsizing even in calm water.
Safety and operation on water
Operating a boat with a tent requires increased vigilance. The main danger is limited visibility. The high walls of the awning close the visibility on the course and sides. translucent PVC film that needs to be kept clean.
Wind is the main enemy of sailing structures. Even a light breeze can turn a boat with a raised awning into an unguided projectile. If you are fishing while anchored in windy weather, be sure to use an anchor from the stern (spinner) or extra delays so that the boat does not turn on board to the wave.
A thunderstorm is a signal to immediately remove a tent or go ashore. A metal frame acts as a lightning rod, attracting lightning, and in open water, you become the highest point, which is deadly.
Safety is paramount: when the wind is stronger than 10 m/s, the operation of a boat with a high awning is prohibited due to the high risk of overturning.
Care, storage and repair
Proper care prolongs the life of the product. After every fishing, especially in salt water, the boat and the awning must be rinsed with fresh water. Salt and silt accelerate the destruction of PVC polymer bonds and cause corrosion of the metal elements of the frame. The awning must be dried in the shade, because direct sunlight on wet fabric can lead to fading and loss of elasticity.
It is not recommended to keep a boat with a tent installed in the assembled form, prolonged stress of the material leads to its fatigue and the appearance of microcracks, it is better to fold the awning separately, pouring the folds with talc to avoid sticking together layers during prolonged storage.
For minor repair of puncture cylinders, use rempleks based on two-component And we have patches of the same material as the boat, and we have adhesives that we're doing to repair the awning, and we need to degrease the surface before we glue it for maximum adhesion.
How to dry a boat with a tent in winter?
Winter drying requires a special approach. You can't dry PVC in the cold, it becomes brittle. Put the boat in a warm room (garage, house), open all the valves and let it warm up to room temperature. Only then you can gently wipe the moisture and leave for the final drying. It is strictly forbidden to turn a wet or cold boat.
Can I put the stove in an inflatable boat with an awning?
Yes, but only specialized stoves, which have protection from direct contact with cylinders and require the organization of the correct chimney. Conventional tourist bonfire bowls can not be used - sparks will instantly burn PVC. Be sure to use a spark on the pipe and a thermal shield.
What engine to choose for a boat with a high tent?
Because of the high sailing, a motor with a power reserve of 20-30% above the minimum permissible for a given boat is recommended, this will allow you to confidently withstand the lateral wind, and long-leg motors are also preferred, so that the lower unit is deeper, providing better support and handling.
Do I need to register a boat with a tent in GIMS?
Registration is not dependent on the tent, but on the load capacity and engine power. If the boat's load capacity is less than 225 kg or the engine power is less than 8 hp (5.88 kW), registration is not required. The tent is not considered to be equipment that increases the load capacity, but it can complicate the inspection if it closes the number, so the license plate must be placed in a prominent place.