The bow awning for the PVC 320 boat: protection and comfort

Owning a 320 centimeter inflatable boat offers opportunities for fishing and water recreation, but often comes with discomfort when driving against the wind. The counter-flow of air not only blows heat out of the body, but also interferes with the accurate throwing of gear, and also throws things around the cockpit. To solve these problems, owners of compact swimming aids are increasingly turning to nose awnings that radically change the conditions of operation.

Installing such a component makes the open boat more secure, cutting off ice spray and reducing aerodynamic drag. A properly selected 320 cm model not only covers the nose, but also fits harmoniously into the overall design without disrupting the boat's balance. In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects of the selection, installation and operation of this element of equipment.

Why do you need a bow awning on a boat 320 cm long?

The main function of the bow awning is to create an aerodynamic shield that redirects the flow of oncoming air and water up and to the sides. For PVC 320 boats, which are often paired with medium-powered motors, this is especially true, since the low landing of the fisherman makes him vulnerable to splashing. Wind protection It allows you to keep warm in the body for much longer, which is critical for autumn fishing or during the morning outdoors.

In addition, the presence of a canopy over the nose significantly improves the safety of being on board, the wet floor is a slippery surface that can cause a fall, and the dry cockpit ensures confident staging of the legs. windscreenIt allows you to build a fire or use a gas burner in bad weather, if the design of the boat and awning allows it.

It's important to note that the bow awning is not a sealed shelter like a full-fledged canvas chassis, and its purpose is to cut off the bulk of the spray that flies in the face and create a zone of relative calm. For small boats like 320 cm, this is the optimal trade-off between weight, folded dimensions and functionality.

And the psychological comfort is also important, because when the wind doesn't blow right in your face, and when the drops of water don't hit your glasses or your cap, fishing is much more enjoyable. A properly installed bow awning reduces noise from the wind and motor, creating a calmer atmosphere.

Materials of manufacture and their specifications

The durability of a bow awning depends on the quality of the fabric it is sewn from. PVC boats are most often used specialized materials with polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride coating. Oxford It is of varying density, which has proven to be a reliable and affordable material for the aquatic environment.

Modern awnings are often made from materials of the type tarpaulin It's important that the material not only doesn't let water through, but it doesn't tan in the cold, keeping it elastic. Cheap analogues can crack when bending in cold weather, causing it to fail quickly.

• 💧 Waterproofness A key parameter that ensures dryness inside the cockpit even with heavy chop.
• ☀️ UV protection - prevents color burnout and degradation of tissue structure under direct sunlight.
• ❄️ Frost resistance The ability of the material to maintain flexibility at low temperatures, which is important for storage and operation.

The seams of the product must be glued or boiled, as a regular thread can rot or let moisture through. A quality awning for a boat 320 cm has reinforced attachments and double stitching in areas of high tension. reinforced at points of contact with metal arcs extends the service life of the product.

Construction and types of anchorages

The bow awning frame is usually made of duraluminium or steel pipes that provide the necessary rigidity of the structure. For boats 320 cm long, the most common arc frames that repeat the bending of the cylinder and do not require complex strutting systems. Mounting to the boat is carried out in various ways, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages.

The most popular method of fixation is the use of fastex This is a versatile option that allows you to quickly install or remove the awning without using glue. ryma or special hinges sewn to the cylinder of the boat, which provides a more rigid fixation.

There are also combination systems where the awning is pulled on the arcs, and the edges are filled under the liner cable or fixed with Velcro. When choosing a fastener, it is important to pay attention to the quality of the fittings: plastic elements must be frost resistant, and metal ones must have an anti-corrosion coating. Unreliable attachment It can cause a tent to lose at high speed or with a strong gust of wind.

⚠️ Note: When installing the awning, make sure that the attachment sites do not RUB the fabric of the boat cylinder. Use additional pads made of dense fabric or rubber at the points of contact.

Compatibility with different boat models

PVC boats are 320 cm long and have many manufacturers, and the geometry of their bow can be very different. There are models with an inflatable keel (NDNA), a classic pyeol bottom and a slate variant, and the bow awning should be selected taking into account not only the length, but also the width of the boat, and the height of the inflatable tubes.

For popular models such as Flagship 320, Cayman 320 or Hunter 320They often have customized awnings that take into account all the design features, but universal models are also in demand, because they have an adjustment system that allows you to fit the product to a specific boat. cross-plate And the shape of the nose when you choose.

Below is a table of compatibility of popular types of fasteners with boat models:

Type of boat	Recommended type of attachment	Features of installation
With an inflatable keel	Streps through a balloon	The keel clamping should be avoided.
With a hard floorboard bottom	To the Romans and the leer	Requires a rigid frame for sailing
Slugboat	Universal straps	It's important to center the awning on the axis.

If you own a rare or homemade model, you may need to customize or choose a large awning with a large margin in width. Always check the overall dimensions of the product before buying, so as not to encounter a situation where the awning is either too small or excessively large and sails.

Installation and assembly instructions

The process of installing a bow awning on a 320 cm boat usually does not take much time, but requires a certain sequence of actions. The first step is always the assembly of the frame: the arcs are connected to each other and fixed in the intended places, after which the structure is installed on the bow of the inflated boat.

Then there's the stretching and fixing of the attachments, and it's important to evenly distribute the tension to avoid distortions that can lead to the frame deformation or damage to the seams. Symmetry In this process, it plays a key role for aerodynamics and appearance.

Wind nuances

In high winds, it's better to put a tent together, one person holds the frame, the other one holds the slings, and if the wind is very strong, you can temporarily press the cylinders with a load to keep the boat stable.

For reliable fixation, use the following algorithm:

1. Spread the awning fabric on the frame.
2. Set the central part at the forehead.
3. Alternately tighten the side fasteners, moving from nose to stern.
4. Check the tension of all elements and if necessary tighten.

After installation, it is recommended to make a test launch at low speed to ensure the reliability of the structure. If the awning begins to rattle or shift, you need to stop the boat and eliminate the shortcomings in the mounts.

Care, storage and repair of the tent

To keep the awning long and protective, it must be properly cared for. After each time you go out, especially if it is rainy or salty, the fabric must be washed with fresh water and dried. Storing the wet product in a rolled-up form can lead to mold and unpleasant odors that are difficult to remove.

Use soft sponges and special care products for PVC and polymer-coated tissues to clean, aggressive chemical solvents, gasoline or acetone can damage the protective layer and damage the appearance. Regular cleaning It helps to preserve the water-repellent properties of the material.

• 🧼 Wash the fabric with warm water with mild soap.
• 🌬️ Dry in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight.
• 📦 Store in a dry place at room temperature, avoiding sharp objects.

In case of small cuts or punctures, they can be repaired with a remix, which often comes with a boat or awning. For more serious damage, it is better to contact a specialized workshop where the damaged area of tissue will be professionally sealed or replaced.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use an awning to carry heavy loads or as a seat, which can cause the frame arcs to break or the seams to break.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a bow awning in strong wind and excitement?

The bow awning is designed for moderate weather conditions. With strong storm wind and high excitement, the awning sail can become dangerous for the stability of the boat 320 cm In such conditions, it is recommended to remove the awning or switch to planing with caution so as not to overturn.

Do I need to drain air from the cylinders to install the awning?

In most cases, the installation is made on a fully pumped boat, however, if the awning is attached to the liner cable, a slight injection of pressure for the attachment establishment may be required, after which the cylinder is pumped again.

Does the bow affect the speed of the boat?

Yes, the awning creates additional aerodynamic drag, which can slightly reduce the maximum speed. However, for boats with 320 cm in length with engines up to 10-15 hp, this difference is almost invisible, and comfort compensates for the minimal loss of speed.

How do you know if the awning is not suitable in size?

If the fabric sags badly or the frame is deformed by excessive tension, then the size is wrong, and the sign of the wrong size can be a one-way skewed awning when the mounts are symmetrical.