Small boat owners often face the need to protect themselves from the scorching sun, sudden rain or cool winds while fishing. Boat shed It's not just a convenient accessory, it's a critical element of comfort and safety on the water, and it's a very good design that allows you to stay on the water for much longer, without suffering from ultraviolet light or losing concentration on the stick.
The modern market offers many ready-made solutions, but many water-engines prefer to make protection on their own, adapting it to a specific model of the vessel. tent It can be made of materials ranging from tarpaulin to modern polymer fabrics, and the frame from metal or fiberglass, and it's important to understand that a competent installation not only improves ergonomics, but also affects the stability and handling of the vessel.
In this article, we will go into detail all aspects of creating and choosing protection for your boat. We will look at the types of designs, materials features and step-by-step installation algorithm so that you can make an informed decision.
Why you need a tent: functional purpose and advantages
The main function of any tent design is to create a protected space. Ultraviolet radiation It can cause skin burns even in cloudy weather, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause heat stroke, and a high-quality canopy blocks up to 98% of harmful radiation, keeping the crew healthy.
In addition to protecting the human being, the awning protects the vessel itself and the equipment, fishing gear, electronics, life jackets and even the design of the boat (especially the boat). PVC Or painted metal) degrades under the influence of sun and moisture, and the presence of a roof prolongs the life of expensive equipment.
- ☀️ Protection from the sun and overheating, allowing you to fish in the midday hours.
- 🌧️ A shelter from rain and splashes, keeping tackles and clothes dry.
- 💨 Reduce wind load and create a more comfortable microclimate.
- 🛡️ Preventing the color of the boat fabric and cracking plastic.
However, it is worth remembering that any additional element on the boat is a change in its sailing and center of gravity. A high awning in strong side wind can significantly reduce the stability of the vessel, increasing the risk of overturning. Therefore, when choosing a model, it is important to take into account not only the size, but also the expected weather conditions of operation.
Types of designs of canopies: from simple visors to full-fledged felling
Structurally, all canopies can be divided into several main categories, each with its own features of installation and operation, depending on the type of boat (PVC, aluminum, plastic) and the tasks you set for yourself.
The simplest option is visor It's mounted on arcs attached to stringer pockets or on the sides, and it's a design that has minimal impact on the size of the boat when it's in transit, and it's assembled quickly. archThey are part of the design of the cylinder itself, which simplifies installation.
⚠️ Attention: When installing a rigid frame on the inflatable sides, make sure that the attachment points do not have sharp edges. Vibration when moving can cause rubbing and damage to the cylinders.
More complex systems are full-tent They turn an open boat into a micro cabin, and they're usually built with aluminum or steel pipes connected by fittings, and they create complex geometric shapes that allow for maximum interior space.
Can I use a tent on the move with a motor?
The use of awning on a plane with a powerful engine is possible only with a reinforced frame and the right attachment points. Conventional "fishing" awnings at speeds above 20-25 km / h can collapse or be blown off by the wind, which is dangerous for passengers.
It is worth mentioning separately. transom-arcsThey attach directly to the transom and lean back when needed, a perfect compromise for those who want parking protection but are not willing to tolerate the limitations of speeding.
Frame materials: aluminum, fiberglass or PVC?
The durability and reliability of the canopy depend on the material from which its supporting frame is made, and the market offers three main options, each with its own pros and cons.
Aluminum alloys (usually duraluminum) is the gold standard. They're lightweight, they don't rust (if you have oxide film or anodizing) and they're strong enough. Aluminum pipes bend and bond easily, allowing you to create complex frames. However, when you put too much stress, aluminum can deform, although it re-forms.
Fiberglass Fiberglass is often used to make flexible arcs, which work to pull the fabric together to create an aerodynamic shape, and they're not afraid of water, they don't conduct electricity (which is important for some types of fishing), but they can be fragile when impacted or transported incorrectly.
| Materials | Weight. | Corrosion resistance | Strength | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| aluminum | Low. | High. | Medium/High | Medium |
| Stainless steel | Highly | Very high. | Very high. | High. |
| Fiberglass | Low. | Absolute. | Medium (fragility) | Low/Medium |
| Galvanized steel | Highly | Low (rusting) | High. | Low. |
Steel frames, especially galvanized pipes, are found in budget solutions or homemade structures. corrosionEven galvanizing is damaged over time in welding or drilling sites, requiring regular painting and maintenance. Steel is strongly discouraged for salt water.
For self-manufacture of the frame, it is best to use aluminum pipes with a diameter of 20-25 mm with a wall thickness of 2 mm. This is the optimal balance between weight and strength.
Clothing: Oxford, Tarpaulin or Avisent?
Choosing a tent fabric is a choice between weight, water resistance and durability. Modern materials have far outperformed the classic tarpaulin, which is heavier and prone to rot.
The most popular material today is Oxford (Oxford) This is a polyurethane or PVC weave fabric that is lightweight, strong and holds water very well. Oxford's density is measured in Den, which is 450D to 600D for boat awnings. Less dense tissue can be quickly wiped and denser can be unnecessarily heavy.
tarpaulin TarPaulin is a reinforced plastic fabric that is completely waterproof, cheap and durable, but has a significant disadvantage: it heats up in the sun and makes noise in the wind, and in the cold, it can tan and crack.
- 🧵 Oxford PU: Polyurethane impregnation. Good water resistance, cloth breathes, less condensation.
- 💧 Oxford PVC: Polyvinyl chloride coating, full water resistance, but worse ventilation.
- 🌫️ Acrylic tissue: They're used in the premium segment. They don't fade, they look beautiful, but they're more expensive.
When choosing, pay attention to the quality of the seams. They must be taped or boiled, needle-strung fabric without additional sealing of the seams will flow primarily along the stitch line.
Step by step: installing a canopy yourself
If you decide not to buy a ready-made set, but to do it. boatport himselfYou'll need to plan the process carefully, and homemade designs are often more reliable than factory designs because they're made for themselves.
The first stage is designing and purchasing materials. You'll need pipes (aluminum or PVC for water pipes if budget is limited), fittings (tees, corners), fasteners and fabric itself. PVC pipes It's 32-40 mm in diameter, connected by fittings, and it's lightweight, it doesn't rust, it cuts easily.
☑️ Installation tools
The installation process begins with the installation of mounts on boards or stringers. If you use inflatable arcs, they are inserted into special pockets. A rigid frame requires reliable fixation. For aluminum pipes, the method of inserting the ends of pipes into fittings or couplings of smaller diameter is often used.
Once the frame is assembled, the fabric is fitting, and the fabric must be pulled, but not in the string, so that when the wind gusts it can cushion, not break, and the tissue is fastened to the frame using Velcro straps, bundles or lacing buds.
⚠️ Attention: When drilling holes in aluminum pipes, be sure to remove the burrs. The sharp edges of the metal will cut the awning fabric in the first windy weather.
The final step is to check the stability. You can swing the structure, simulate the swaying. If the frame is wobbling, add stretch marks or reinforce the mounting points, make sure that the awning does not block the view of the motorist and does not interfere with the control.
The secret to success is not to skimp on fasteners. Cheap plastic will burst on the water, and wasting time on repairs is not worth it.
Operation, care and storage of the tent structure
To make the canopy last, it needs to be properly cared for, and after every trip to the water, especially if it was rainy or fishing, the awning needs to be dried, and the wet cloth rolled up is the perfect environment for mold and fungus to develop, which destroy the protective layer.
Washing should be done with a soft brush and soapy solution. The use of aggressive chemicals, solvents or hard brushes is prohibited, as they damage. polymerAfter washing, the awning must dry naturally, in a straightened state.
Keep the canopy in a special bag, in a dry room at room temperature. Don't leave the awning on the boat for the winter in the open air: snow can push the structure, and frost will make the fabric brittle. Remove removable elements for the winter.
Regularly check the condition of the joints and fasteners. Small cuts on Oxford fabrics can be sealed with special remakes for PVC or boats. Metal parts of the frame, if they begin to oxidize, should be cleaned and covered with a protective composition.
How to fold the awning correctly so that it does not crumple?
Stack the awning as much as possible along the factory seams. Avoid creating new rooms in the same places, as this is where the material will most quickly become unusable. It is better to twist the awning into a roll than fold with an accordion.
Can I use car polymer for the awning?
No, automotive chemistry can contain solvents that are aggressive to PVC and polyurethane impregnations, use only specialized products for the care of awning tissues or just water with soap.
What to do if the awning begins to leak water in the seams?
You need to dry the leak, degrease it and apply a special sealant for fabrics (seam sealant). After drying, check the result by watering with water from the hose.