A long stay in the scorching sun or sudden torrential rain can turn a pleasant day on the water into a real challenge. Inflatable boat shed It becomes more than a comfort accessory, it becomes a safety feature that avoids heat stroke and protects equipment from getting wet, and owning a PVC swimsuit involves constantly finding a balance between lightness and functionality.
The modern market offers many solutions, from simple arc awnings to complex transformable systems with transparent windows. tent-spider Or a rigid frame canopy can dramatically change the experience of fishing or family vacation, and in this article we will discuss in detail the types of structures, materials and nuances of installation.
It's important to understand that even short-term exposure to unprotected skin in a reflector-like surface can be dangerous, so installing a quality shelter is an investment in crew health and property.
Why do you need a tent on a PVC boat?
The main function of any shelter is to create a shadow, but the role of the canopy is not limited to protection from the sun. tent It also acts as a barrier against the wind, reducing the sailing of the vessel and making the control more predictable at high speeds, and it protects passengers from splashes, which can be quite cold and abundant when moving on planing.
For fishermen, shelter is critical not only in summer but also in the off-season. Autumn rains or spring frost will not interfere with fishing if a reliable overhead is installed. visorThe awning also protects the boat itself from overheating: the dark side of the PVC in the sun is heated to high temperatures, which can lead to deformation of the seams or even rupture of the cylinders due to excessive air pressure.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight without a tent or a part of the air being ejected. The pressure inside the cylinders can rise to critical values, causing the seams to rupture.
And don't forget to keep your equipment safe, because electronics, fishing rods, personal belongings and spare clothes will remain dry and intact if they are protected by a canopy, especially when sleeping on the water or on long expeditions where you can't quickly take shelter on the shore.
The main types of boat awnings
All existing canopies can be classified by type of construction and installation method, and the choice depends on whether you use the boat for high-speed walks, quiet fishing or camping. Spider-trenches They are the most popular solution due to their versatility and simplicity.
- 🕷️ Tent spider: It's a versatile structure with flexible arcs attached to banks and sides, it folds easily, it takes up minimal space, but it can sail in high winds.
- ⛺ The frame tent: It has a rigid base of aluminum or steel tubes, provides more interior space and better holds the shape, but requires more time to install.
- 🌧️ Transformer (Tent House): A complex system with transparent windows and full sealing, perfect for overnight stays and mosquito protection, but heavier than its counterparts.
It is worth mentioning separately. running-trapIt's often a boat, and it usually covers only the bow or it's truncated so that you don't get in the way of the driver's vision, and it's good for fast driving, but it's not good for parking.
When choosing a design type, pay attention to the height of the interior space. If you plan to sit under the awning for a long time, low visor It will tire your back quickly. For full-length fishing or with a tent bed, it is better to consider models with central racks.
When buying a spider awning, pay attention to the length of the arc legs. If they are too short, the awning will be tightened and can break when the wind gusts. It is better if there is a small margin for adjustment.
Materials: Oxford, Tarpaulin or PVC
The durability of the canopy depends on the fabric from which it is sewn. Oxford (Oxford) The density of the tissue is measured in Den (D) and is usually between 210D and 600D for boat awnings.
Fabric tarpaulin Tarpaulin is a reinforced plastic film that is completely waterproof and cheap, but less durable on break and can tan in the cold. Tarpaulin awnings are often used as a temporary solution or for cargo cover.
| Materials | Water resistance | UV protection | Weight. | Term of service |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxford 210D (PU) | Medium | Good. | Light. | 3-5 years |
| Oxford 450D (PVC) | High. | Great. | Medium. | 5-8 years |
| tarpaulin | Absolute. | Medium | Heavy. | 2-4 years |
| Acrylic cloth | Medium | Maximum | Light. | 7-10 years |
The key is impregnation. The silver spray on the inside of the awning doesn't just give it a beautiful look, it reflects the sun's rays, preventing the air from heating under the canopy. Without this coating, a greenhouse effect can form under the awning.
The seams of the product must be glued with special tape or boiled. Needle-strung seams without additional sealing are the weak spot through which water will seep into a heavy rainstorm. tent Always has a reinforced edge around the perimeter.
Frame design and fastening methods
The frame is the skeleton of your shelter. Most budget and mid-range models use fiberglass arcs. They're flexible, lightweight and don't rust, but they can break under extreme loads or improper assembly. More advanced models are equipped with aluminum alloy arcs.
The awning attaches to the boat in several ways, the most common being by using frogs (plastic latches) and slings that span the sides. looversThe cord is pulled along the perimeter of the boat.
- 🔩 Fastening to the bank: Arcs are inserted into special pockets or attached to the ends of the cans, requiring rigid fixation of the cans, otherwise the structure will stagger.
- 🪢 Stretches to the rum: Additional fixation of the bow and aft parts of the awning to the rims of the boat, allows you to tighten the fabric and avoid sagging.
- 🧱 Emphasis on the sides: The ends of the arcs rest on special areas or just cylinders, often used in simple spider awnings.
It is important that the contact points of the frame with cylinders are protected by soft linings. Friction of a rigid element about PVC when wind or boat movement can lead to scuffs and microcracks on the material of the boat.
⚠️ Warning: When installing an awning, make sure that the sharp edges of the arcs or metal elements of the fastener do not touch the cylinders. Use soft pads or insulation to isolate the contact points.
For rigid frame systems, often rotating mechanisms are used to fold the awning without removing it completely, which is convenient if you need to quickly switch from rest mode to speed mode.
☑️ Check before buying a tent
Instructions for installing a tent-spider
The spider canopy takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on experience and model, and the rule is to do everything on a flat surface or on water in calm, and you have to prepare all the elements: arcs, fabric, screed belts.
The mounting process starts with the arches being placed, the ends being fixed in the intended places on the boat or resting on the sides, then the arches are put on by the cover itself, and the fabric must be stretched evenly, starting from the center and moving towards the edges.
Sequence of installation:1. Spread out the awning on the ground.
2. Insert arches in pockets or fasten on the boat.
3. Put on an awning on top.
4. Lock the corners with slings.
5. Strengthen the side valves.
The final step is a stretch. A loosely stretched awning will slam in the wind, creating noise and risking being ripped off. Too much tension can deform the arcs. You need to find the middle ground where the fabric is stretched but doesn't ring like a string.
A properly installed awning should not touch the head of a seated passenger, the minimum distance from the crown to the fabric is 10-15 cm for normal ventilation.
Care and storage of attachments
And canopy It's been in service for a long time, and it needs to be properly cared for, and after every operation, especially if you've been fishing or storming, the awning needs to be dried, and wet cloth rolled up is the perfect environment for mold and fungus to develop, which destroy the protective layer.
Cleaning should be done with a soft brush and soapy solution. The use of aggressive chemicals, solvents or abrasive sponges is prohibited, as they can damage the water-repellent impregnation. Oil or gasoline stains should be removed immediately.
Store the product should be in a dry, cool place, in straightened form or freely rolled. It is not recommended to store the awning under heavy objects, as this can lead to cloth breaking and cracks in the folds.
How do you get rid of the smell of dampness?
If the awning does smell bad, dilute vinegar in water (1:3) and wipe the cloth. Then dry thoroughly in the air, but not in direct sunlight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a boat awning on another model?
In rare cases, if the dimensions of the boats (length and width of the cylinder) coincide with an accuracy of 5-10 cm, however, the shape of the arcs and the location of the mounts from different manufacturers often differ, so the versatility is limited.
Will the tent withstand the strong wind?
Standard spider awnings are designed for moderate winds. With storm warning, it is better to remove the awning or very securely securely secure with additional stretch marks, otherwise it can turn into a sail and turn the boat over.
Do I need to remove the awning when driving on the motor?
The awnings are designed for movement, but if the awning is not specified as a "cruising" awning, but is a parking tent, it must be removed before going out for planing to avoid damage to the structure.
How's the torn awning?
For repair of small cuts, use special PVC or dense tissue remixes (for example, adhesive-based lats). For large damages, professional repair with firmware and sealing of the seams will be required.
Does the awning affect the stability of the boat?
The light awning itself does not affect stability, but if water accumulates in the pockets of the awning or on its surface, the center of gravity will shift upwards, which can reduce the stability of the boat.