Long-term storage or operation of an inflatable vessel under the scorching sun inevitably leads to the degradation of materials. UV rays break down polymer bonds in tissues, making it possible to create a new type of material. PVC material It's fragile and brittle after a season or two of active use. boat-port It is not just an element of comfort, but a critical investment in the preservation of expensive property.
Many owners underestimate the aggressiveness of the environment, believing that dense fabric will withstand everything, but overheating the air inside the cylinders when parked in the sun can lead to rupture of the seams or even bloating of payioles. The temperature under the awning can be 15-20 degrees lower than in the open sun, which significantly prolongs the service life of glue and seams.
In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of creating and choosing protection for your vessel, you will learn what materials are best suited for our latitudes, how to calculate the dimensions of the structure and why homemade frames often exceed factory counterparts in reliability and cost.
Why PVC Boat Protection is Vital
The main enemy of inflatable watercraft is not only mechanical damage, but also constant temperature changes in combination with UV radiation. flyboat And it's outdoors, and the surface heats up to critical levels, which accelerates the aging process of polyvinyl chloride, and the tissue loses its elasticity, and there are microcracks that can then escape the air.
In addition, the lack of protection leads to color burnout and changes in the physical properties of the material. The internal volume of cylinders expands when heated, creating excessive pressure that does not always have time to be drawn through the valves. Awning for a boat in this case acts as a thermostat, smoothing out sharp temperature jumps.
⚠️ Warning: Leave the PVC boat in the sun with fully pumped cylinders is strictly prohibited - this can lead to irreversible deformation of the structure or rupture of the seams.
Rainwater that accumulates in the cockpit or on deck puts additional strain on the transom and keel. tent-over has a ramp that allows water to flow quickly, without stagnating and not weighting the vessel with extra kilograms of moisture.
Selection of materials for frame and coating
When you build or buy protection, the first thing you need to do is to decide on the skeleton of the structure, which is to be lightweight but strong, resistant to corrosion and not to damage the fabric of the boat on contact. aluminumIt is not easy to handle and is easy to handle.
The second option is polypropylene pipes, which are a budget solution that's great for stationary canopies in the country, but less resistant to high wind loads. For mobile options that need to be quickly assembled and disassembled, arcs from the ground are ideal. fiberglass or dural.
- 🛡️ Oxford fabric (Oxford) - dense material with polyurethane coating, perfectly holds the shape and is not afraid of water.
- ☀️ tarpaulin Reinforced polyethylene, cheap and waterproof, but less durable in the sun.
- 🌬️ Acrylic tissue “Breathable” materials that prevent the formation of condensation, but allow water in heavy rainfall.
When choosing a coating, pay attention to the presence of a layer UV protectionCheap awnings made of simple sailboats will get wet quickly and can ban, creating the perfect environment for mold. cartridge Or specialized fabric for water technology will last many times longer.
When cutting the fabric, leave allowances of at least 5-7 cm for bending and installing the luvers so that the seams do not disperse under tension.
Design features and types of canopies
The modern market and the experience of home-made craftsmen offer several basic design types, depending on whether the boat is used on the water during fishing or on land during storage. transformer-tenderWhich can be quickly rolled.
For stationary storage, the trailer or pallet uses arched structures that provide maximum volume under the dome, allowing air to circulate. sling with fastexes or rubber harnesses must securely fix the awning, not allowing it to sail in the wind.
Special attention should be paid to the running awnings with a frame of arcs. They are installed directly on the board of the boat in special boats. pockets It's a design that protects against rain and splash, but it requires a precise fit to the model boat, whether it's a boat. Kazanka, Solar. or Flagship.
| Type of shed | Frame material | Structure weight | Appointment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stationary | Steel pipe / Profile 20x20 | 15-25 kg | Long-term storage on site |
| Driving (Archic) | Duraluminium/Plastic glass | 3-5 kg | Protection during traffic and parking |
| Transportation | Fabric + tidy belts | 1-2 kg | Trailer transport on the road |
Step by step: we make a canopy ourselves
Building your own protection can save up to 60 percent of your budget and get the product that's perfect for your needs. Start with measurements: measure the length, width and height of your cockpit. flyboatAdd 10-15 cm on each side to the dimensions you get for free hanging.
For a frame, the easiest way to use polypropylene pipes is 25-32 mm in diameter. Bend them with an arc using a building hair dryer or hot water to give the desired arch shape. Connect the arcs with crossbars, creating a rigid frame. If you make a running awning, use ready-made arcs from tents or weld lightweight frames of aluminum.
☑️ Plan of work for the creation of a tent
Once you've assembled the frame, move to the fabric. Spread the material on a flat surface, put the frame (or its layout) on top, and circle the outline. Cut the workpiece, leaving room for the edges to turn around. Insert a strong cord or cable into the gate, which will create a tension cage.
The final step is to install the fittings, and if you attach them to the frame or the sides of the boat, install them. loovers They'll be the locking cords, don't skimp on the threads, use the number 45 capron strands or higher, and double-seam them for strength.
⚠️ WARNING: When using a sewing machine, make sure the needle is designed for heavy tissues, otherwise it will constantly dull or break against a dense layer of PVC.
Installation and rules of operation of the tent
Proper installation is the key to long-term service of both the awning and the boat. Never pull the wet awning on a dry boat or vice versa, if possible, let the materials come to a temperature equilibrium. When installed on water, first fasten the bow, then stretch the awning to the stern.
Use special ones. bracket Or stops so that the fabric doesn't touch the sharp corners of the transom or the gear inside the boat. Friction in the wind can quickly wipe a hole in the strongest material. Use soft tiers or rubber hooks to fix on the sides.
How to remove condensation under the tent?
If you notice moisture under the awning during storage, don't panic. It's a natural condensation process. Just raise one of the corners of the awning or open the ventilation valves (if any) to arrange a draft. Regular airing will prevent the fungus from appearing.
In winter, storage under a canopy requires a special approach. Snow has a significant weight, so the structure must withstand the load or have a steep slope from which the snow will roll itself. It is recommended to periodically shake off snow sediments to avoid pressing the fabric.
Maintenance and care of materials
Even the best quality. PVC tent After each season, be sure to wash the structure with a soft sponge using soap solution. Do not use aggressive chemicals, solvents or chlorine - they destroy the protective layer of tissue.
After washing, the awning should dry completely before packaging. Stack it in a dry room, avoiding the formation of rough clamps in the same places. Periodically check the condition of the seams and luvers: oxidized metal can leave rusty flows on the fabric, which are difficult to remove.
- 🧼 Wash the awning with warm water with mild soap.
- 🚫 Do not use brushes with hard bristles.
- 🌡️ Dry in the straightened form in the shade, avoiding direct sun when drying.
If you notice minor damage or sprawling seams, do not delay repairs. PVC fabrics have special repair kits and adhesives (for example, the PVC fabrics are not affected by the damage). Uranus or Moment. A small hole is easier to seal in 5 minutes than to change the whole cloth in a year.
Regular water-repellent treatment (DWR) once a season restores the protective properties of the fabric and facilitates water flow.
Can I use a regular building awning for a boat?
You can use it for a short time. Building awnings often don't have enough UV protection, and in the high sun, they can crumble in one season, and they can have a specific smell and a less aesthetic appearance. For temporary protection for a couple of weeks, it's good, for permanent use, you better buy specialized fabric.
Which color of awning is better to choose for a hot climate?
Light colors (gray, white, silver) reflect the sun's rays and heat less inside. Dark colors (blue, green, camouflage) look prettier, but below them the temperature will be much higher, which is undesirable for PVC tubes.
Do I need to remove the awning during strong winds?
Yes, if the boat is standing on the shore without anchor or reliable stretch marks, the sailing at the awning is huge, and a gust of wind can turn a light boat over or break the mounts. On water, the running awning usually holds its shape, but when a storm warning is better to fold it.
How to calculate the amount of fabric per arch canopy?
Take the length of the boat and add 1 meter. Measure the width along the frame arc (throw the roulette through the highest point of the arc) and add 40-50 cm on the overhangs on the sides.