Inflatable boat with awning: comfort and protection on the water

Going out on your own boat is always associated with rest, fishing or active pastime, but the scorching sun and sudden rain can ruin even the most perfectly planned walk. tent-boat It's not just a convenient accessory, it's a vital piece of equipment for people who spend more than two hours in a row on a pond, and it's a design that changes the comfort level dramatically, allowing you to escape direct ultraviolet rays, which are particularly aggressive when reflected off the water.

Many owners PVC boats It's a misconception that the awning is only for protection from precipitation, forgetting about thermoregulation. In open water, even in moderate heat, the risk of heat stroke or severe skin burns is much higher than on land due to the effect of double reflection of the sun. sun-protection It allows you to maintain efficiency and concentration throughout the daylight hours, which is especially critical for anglers tracking cautious fish.

The modern market offers many solutions: from simple visors, covering only the cockpit, to full-fledged ones. carriage-roomThe choice of the specific configuration depends on the model of your boat, the number of passengers and the expected operating conditions. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the nuances of choosing, installing and operating awning structures, so that your boat becomes a truly versatile transport.

Design features and types of tent shelters

The basis of any high-quality awning is its frame, which must be rigid enough to withstand wind loads, but still remain light and transportable. stainless steel or anodized aluminum, because these materials are resistant to corrosion in salt water. Structurally, all tents can be divided into several main types, each of which has its own advantages and limitations for installation on different models. flyboat.

The first and most common type is sunglassIt's a lightweight structure of two or three arcs that pull the fabric over, ideal for hot weather, where you need to shade the space above the seats and the engine compartment, but you don't need protection from side wind or rain. The visor usually takes a few minutes to install and doesn't require a special tool, and when folded, it takes up a minimum of space in the runduk.

The second type is wheelhouse It's a more complex engineering structure that covers the boat from all sides, leaving only the necessary windows or doorways open, often equipped with transparent PVC film inserts that provide visibility in all weather, and creates a microclimate inside the cabin, which allows you to fish even in drizzly weather, but the sailing of this design is much higher, which requires caution when driving the boat on the wave.

⚠️ Attention: When you install a high wheelhouse, the center of gravity of the boat shifts upwards, and the sailing speed increases dramatically. Do not go out into open water in the wind stronger than 5-7 m / s with the awning fully raised to avoid overturning.

The third option is universal. transformer-tenderThey can be reconfigured to suit the conditions, for example, the side walls can be rolled up and fixed at the top, turning the cabin into a visor, or completely dismantled. The frame of these systems is often based on standard mounts, which makes it easier to upgrade. UV protection and water-repellent impregnation, otherwise it will quickly lose its properties under the influence of an aggressive environment.

Materials of manufacture: fabric and frame

The durability of the awning depends on the quality of the materials used, which are constantly exposed to the sun, moisture and mechanical stress. Oxford (Oxford) The density of this fabric varies from 200 to 600 den, and the higher this figure, the stronger and heavier the product will be. For road wheelhouses, it is recommended to choose an oxford with a density of at least 450 den, as it is better in shape and resistant to tearing.

The awning frame is a skeleton, and it's a very hard thing to save. Cheap, painted steel pipes rust quickly in places where welding or damage to the coating, especially in salt water. AISI 304 stainless steelAluminum alloys are also good for their lightness, but they are less durable on the kink and can deform in a strong gust of wind if the diameter of the pipes is not matched correctly.

Connecting elements such as fittings, locks and luvers must also be made of corrosion-resistant materials. Luvers, through which arcs pass or fasten to the boat, must be reinforced and have a plastic or rubber pad, so as not to rub the fabric. Seams on quality awnings always glued or boiled, not just lined, because through the needle thread moisture can penetrate inside, causing rotting thread and joint divergence.

Secrets of Tent Fabric Care

Oxford fabric does not require complex maintenance, but it cannot be washed in a washing machine with aggressive powders, the mud is washed away with warm water with soapy solution and a soft brush, after washing the awning must completely dry before packaging, otherwise mold may appear, which is very difficult to remove, it is better to store the fabric in a straightened form or in large free bags to avoid clatters in the cold season.

Instructions for installing a tent on an inflatable boat

The process of installing the awning PVC boat It requires care and consistency to ensure that the cylinders and the structure of the canopy are not damaged. Before you start mounting, make sure that the boat is fully pumped and standing on a level surface, ideally on water or on a soft surface, to avoid accidental punctures with sharp objects. Most modern models have regular mounting places, but even if they do not, installation is possible with additional elements.

The first step is always to assemble the frame, the arcs and the racks are connected according to the scheme, after which the rigidity of the joints is checked. The frame is installed on the boat, relying on special glasses (holders) that are attached to stringers or shackles. The fixing of the glasses is carried out using screws (in wooden slate), bolt joints or powerful belts with buckles covering the cylinders. It is important not to drag the belts to avoid deforming the balloon, but also to ensure sufficient stability.

Once the base of the frame is fixed, the fabric is pulled over it, the awning is put on top, and the arcs are inserted into the appropriate pockets or hinges. The edges of the fabric are fixed to the elements of the boat using belts, carbines or laces. Special attention should be paid to tension: the fabric should not sag, because in the rain water will accumulate in sags, creating a dangerous load that can break the arcs. However, it is also necessary to pull the "string" in the wind does not burst.

Table of compatibility and specifications of popular models

When choosing a tent, it is important to consider not only the length of the boat, but also its width, as well as the height of the transom, since these parameters affect the geometry of the framework. Below is a comparative table that will help you navigate the main types of structures and their applicability for various tasks on the water.

Type of tent	Compatible boat length	Rain protection	Sailing	Time of installation
Blinder (bimini)	2.8. - 4.5 m	Partial (top)	Low.	5-10 minutes
Complete logging	3.2. - 5.0 m	Complete.	High.	15-25 minutes
Tent-transformer	3.0 - 4.2 m	Full/Partial	Medium	10-20 minutes
Tranza tent	Anything.	Only engine/feed	Minimum	2-5 minutes

When choosing a tent, pay attention to the presence of ventilation-window In a closed space under the fabric in hot weather, it quickly becomes stuffy, and condensate can accumulate on the inner walls, creating discomfort. The presence of mosquito nets on the windows is also a big plus for evening fishing, when insects are activated near the water. For boats longer than 4 meters, it is recommended to choose models with a central support rack to prevent the roof from sagging under the weight of snow (when stored) or rain water.

Operational safety and wind loads

The use of an awning, especially a high wheelhouse, significantly changes the sailing specifications of an inflatable boat. In calm, this is imperceptible, but when the wind increases, the boat begins to hold its course worse and more descent. Sailing The logging can be so large that it becomes difficult to control a wave above 0.5 meters and the risk of overturning increases, so the main safety rule is that when the wind is above the permissible limits, the awning must be removed or folded.

In addition, the awning limits the view: the side walls of the cabin, even transparent ones, can distort the picture, and the upper visor covers the sector of view up and down, this creates blind spots that other boats or obstacles can fall into. When maneuvering in crowded places or when moving against the current, you need to constantly monitor the situation, sometimes looking out from under the awning. In narrowness and in strong side winds, controlling a cabin boat requires double concentration and experience.

⚠️ Attention: Never leave a boat with an awning mounted on the shore in high winds without reliable mooring or cargo ballast. A gust of wind can overturn a lightweight inflatable boat along with the frame, damaging both fabric and cylinders.

Also consider the height of the awning when passing under bridges, power lines or low-hanging tree branches. Metal frame is an excellent conductor of electricity, and contact with wires can be fatal for everyone in the boat. Always evaluate the dimensions of your boat, taking into account the height of the cabin before entering the area of possible obstacles.

Care, storage and repair of tent structures

And tent-boat After every trip, especially in salt water or in dirty weather, it is advisable to rinse the awning with fresh water. Salt crystals, drying on the fabric, act as an abrasive and can damage the protective layer, as well as accelerate the corrosion of the metal elements of the framework.

Storage is carried out in a dry, ventilated room, the fabric is folded without sharp clogs, preferably in large bags to "breathe". The metal parts of the frame are recommended to be wiped with dry rags before long storage (for example, for the winter) and lubricated with silicone lubricant or special composition to protect metals, even if it is stainless steel. This will prevent the appearance of "red" in places of welding or joint pipes.

Small tissue damage, such as cuts or punctures, can be repaired by yourself with a remix, which usually comes with a boat or awning. This uses a special PVC glue and a patch of the same material. The damage is degreased, glue applied, and the patch is tightly pressed. More serious damage, such as joints or arc breakage, requires treatment in a specialized workshop or replacement of elements.

How to remove white salt divorces from a dark awning?

White plaque is the salt crystals that remain after the seawater has dried out, and you can remove them with a weak solution of vinegar (1 part vinegar per 10 parts water) or a special PVC cleaner. Apply the solution with a soft sponge, let it stand for a couple of minutes, then thoroughly rinse with plenty of fresh water. Don't use chlorine-containing agents, they can destroy the fabric structure.

Can I use a tent in winter to store a boat?

You can use the wheelhouse as a cover for winter storage, but with caution. The fabric must be stretched so that it does not accumulate snow and water. However, it is better to use specialized winter covers made of denser material, since the tent fabric in the cold can become brittle and crack when mechanically exposed.

What to do if the screws of the fasteners are rusted?

If the screws that attach the glasses to the sleigh or transom are rusted, they need to be carefully twisted, cleaned of rust with a metal brush, treated with a rust converter and coated with a layer of epoxy glue or sealant before being re-installed, which will prevent further corrosion and destruction of the landing site.

Does the color of the awning affect the temperature inside?

Yes, it does. Light colors (gray, beige, white) reflect more sunlight and heat less, keeping the temperature inside more comfortable. Dark colors (blue, green, black) actively absorb heat, and under such a tent in the heat can even be hotter than in the open sun, because of the thermos effect.

How to increase the service life of transparent inserts?

Transparent PVC film is afraid of frost and mechanical scratches. In winter, you can not store a boat with windows installed - the film will crack. To clean, use only soft cloth and water, avoid alcohol and solvents. At night or when mooring in reeds, it is better to close the windows with internal curtains or remove them so as not to scratch.