Many owners of inflatable boats, especially budget models, face limitations when installing an outboard motor, and the regular transom is often too short or not strong enough for powerful engines. prairieThis allows you to significantly expand the functionality of the boat without buying a new boat.
This device is an additional platform attached to the sides or the standard transom, allowing you to install the motor of the desired height and power, and the competent approach to the selection and installation of such a design directly affects the safety and comfort of fishing.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what types of hinged transverses are, how to fix them correctly on the PVC You'll learn about materials, reinforcement techniques and the subtleties of adjusting the height of the suspension of the engine.
Design features of hinged transverses
The main task of the hinged transom is to create a rigid support platform for boat-engineIf the standard does not meet the requirements for the height of the lower unit or load capacity, structurally, such devices are divided into several types depending on the method of attachment and purpose.
The most common option is models that are attached to the sides of the boat with powerful clamps or belts, which allow you to adjust the height of the engine installation, which is critical for the boat to properly exit the sliding. translucentwhich is mounted directly on the staff plywood liner.
When choosing a hinged transom, pay attention to the width of the grip of the clamps - it should correspond to the thickness of the inflated side of your boat, taking into account the possible expansion of the material in the sun.
Manufacturing materials play a key role in the durability of the structure, most commonly using marine plywood coated with moisture-resistant paint or varnish, or stainless steel and aluminum. Metal variants are heavier, but provide maximum performance. fixation.
- 🛶 Wooden models are lightweight, cheap, but require constant maintenance of the coating.
- ⚙️ Metal frames are durable, withstand heavy loads, but can scratch the side.
- 🔩 Combined options - a combination of aluminum profile and plywood plate.
Selection criteria for different types of boats
The choice of the appropriate model depends on many factors, the main of which is the type of boat and the power of the planned engine. PVC with an inflatable floor, it is important not to overload the cylinders at the place of attachment, so the weight distribution should be uniform.
If you're planning to use an electric motor, the strength requirements may be lower than for a gasoline unit, but the vibrations from the engine can quickly shake weak connections. safety-box It should be twice the weight of the motor.
It is important to consider the dimensions of the boat. On narrow models, wide side mounts may interfere with rowing or the installation of additional equipment. extensioner, which are centrally installed.
⚠️ Warning: Never install the motor more powerful than the boat manufacturer recommends, even if the hinged transom looks very strong.
Instructions for DIY installation
Installation of the hinged transom is a process that requires care and accuracy. Incorrect installation can lead to loss of the engine overboard or damage to cylinders. Before starting work, make sure that the boat is fully inflated and standing on a level surface.
First, you need to try on the structure without tightening, determining the optimal place of attachment. The clamps should cover the side tightly, but not deform it excessively. If you use a model with belts, they should be strictly perpendicular to the axis of the boat.
☑️ Preparation for transom installation
The next step is to lock the bolts together evenly, using large diameter washers to distribute the pressure. After installing the motor, be sure to check the angle of inclination and height of the anti-cavitation plate.
For metal models with sharp edges, it is recommended to use protective linings made of rubber or dense plastic. PVC while riding the wave.
Strengthening the boat's staff transcrete
Often boat owners have a problem when the regular transom starts to walk or bend under the weight of the engine, in which case the hinged structure can serve as an element of reinforcement, using additional struts and struts.
An effective method is to install vertical pillars that rest on the bottom of the boat through special platforms, and this scheme transfers the load from the engine directly to the bottom, unloading the aft part of the cylinders. float-bottom (BNDM).
| Type of reinforcement | Materials | Difficulty of installation | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Additional screed | Steel ribbon | Low. | Medium |
| Vertical struts | Aluminum pipe | Medium | High. |
| Overhead transom | Phanera/Metal | High. | Maximum |
| Combination | Mixed | High. | Maximum |
When reinforced, it is important not to break the tightness of the boat. Using screws or drilling holes in the transom is permissible only if you are confident in your abilities and know how to seal the holes. consignment-system without drilling.
Do I need to glue the reinforcement on the transom?
Sticking extra layers of PVC onto a regular transom makes sense only if the plywood has begun to delaminate from moisture. If the transmuter is intact but weak, mechanical reinforcement with metal corners or linings is more effective.
Adjustment of height and inclination
The right height of the engine is the key to fuel economy and high speed, the anti-cavitation plate should be on the same level with the bottom of the boat or slightly lower, and the hinged transom allows you to easily adjust this parameter.
If the motor is too deep, there is a lot of water friction loss on the lower unit, and if it's too high, there's cavitation and air capture, which causes the engine to overheat, and you can adjust it by moving the motor up vertical slots or changing the height of the platform itself.
⚠️ Attention: When adjusting the height, make sure that the motor mount bolts are tightened securely. Vibration at high revs can weaken the fixation, which will cause the engine to shift.
The angle of inclination (different) also affects driving performance. The optimal angle is selected experimentally on water. The hinged transom must have a sufficient margin of adjustment of the inclination to compensate for the specifications of the particular boat.
Use it. level Or visually monitoring the water jet from the control hole to test the cooling system at different angles of inclination, which will help you balance speed and temperature.
Safety and maintenance of the design
Operation of the hinged transom requires regular monitoring of the condition of the fasteners. Over time, bolts can weaken and metal parts can be corroded, especially in salt water.
After use in salt water, the structure must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, which will prolong its life. metallic It will prevent rust from staining clothing and equipment.
Regular check of tightening of bolts and condition of the fabric of the boat in the places of contact with the transom is the main rule of safe operation of attachment systems.
It is better to store the hinged transom in disassembled form or removed from the boat to avoid constant pressure on the cylinders during storage, which is especially important in winter, when the PVC material becomes more rigid and sensitive to loads.
- 🧼 Wash the structure with fresh water after each fishing trip.
- 🔧 Lubricate the threaded joints with graphite lubrication.
- 👀 Check the contact points with the sides for scuffles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a hinged transom for a motor with a capacity of more than 10 hp?
The use of motors above 10 hp on hinged structures is possible, but requires careful calculation of the load capacity of the boat and the strength of the transom itself. For powerful motors, it is recommended to use only metal reinforced models with additional pillars to the bottom.
Will the hinged transom damage the cylinder of the boat during long-term operation?
If properly installed and protective linings are not damaged, the danger is only structures with sharp rough edges or improper tightening of the fastener, causing local overvoltage of the fabric.
Which plywood is better to use for self-made transom?
The optimal choice is moisture-resistant plywood of the FFS brand with a thickness of at least 18-20 mm. It has high strength and resistance to moisture, which is critical for operation on water.
Do I need to remove the hinged transom when transporting a boat in assembled form?
Removal is advisable to reduce the size of the package and eliminate the risk of damage to the cylinders by sharp attachments when compressed. If removal is not possible, make sure that all sharp corners are protected with a soft material.