Every inflatable boat owner is faced with the question of making it easier to transport their boat. PVC assembled, inflated and equipped with a motor, battery and anchor, its weight can reach impressive values, making moving along the shore a real test for the back.
At this point, many people are thinking about buying. transom-wheelIt's not just an accessory for the lazy, but often a necessary piece of equipment that can save your boat from damage to rocks or sharp shells when dragged.
In this article, we will discuss in detail whether you really need wheels, what types of mounts exist and what to look for when choosing, so as not to overpay for unnecessary functions or, conversely, not to buy a flimsy design.
Load Anatomy: Why Boats Are Hard to Drag
To understand the need for additional equipment, you need to first analyze the physics of the process. The inflatable boat itself is lightweight, but in the running order, the situation changes dramatically. The engine, even a small four-stroke, adds 20 to 40 kg, the battery - another 15 kg, not to mention the fuel tank, the anchor system and personal belongings.
The total weight can easily exceed 100-120 kg. To drag such a cargo by drag on sand, grass or, worst of all, on a rocky shore, is not only a time-consuming task, but also risky for integrity. cylindersAny sudden movement or a sharp branch hidden under the grass can lead to a puncture that will have to be repaired right on the shore.
In addition, when dragging a heavy boat by hand, often suffers himself. turret The uneven distribution of weight when lifting overboard creates unnecessary stress at the gluing sites, which can lead to stratification of the seams over time.
- 🏋️♂️ High total weight of the equipped boat with engine and battery.
- 🌲 Risk of mechanical damage to the bottom and sides of stones, branches and shells.
- 🤕 Possibility of injury to the back or hands when trying to carry the load manually.
- 📉 Stress on the seams and transoms with uneven lifting of the boat.
00 meters | More than 100 meters-->
Types of transom wheels and their design features
The water transport accessories market offers many options, but they are all divided into several main types by way of attachment. movable-wheelThey're attached directly to the trunk of the boat, and they don't require drilling of the hull, and they can be installed in minutes.
There are also rotary models, and the main advantage of these is that once you're in the water, you can lift the wheels upwards and lock them in a horizontal position. hydrodynamic resistance when moving and protects the wheels from impacts on water obstacles.
It is worth mentioning the wheels with telescopicThey allow you to adjust the height of the axis, which is especially true for boats with different heights of the transom or when transported over uneven terrain, but such structures are often heavier and more difficult to maintain.
⚠️ Warning: When choosing a rotary wheel, make sure the lift hold is made of stainless steel. Cheap plastic fixtures can not withstand the load on the water and spontaneously lower the wheels, which will lead to loss of speed or even failure of the mechanism.
The material of the racks is also critical. Aluminum alloys are lightweight and do not rust, but can bend when hit hard. Steel pipes are stronger, but they are susceptible to corrosion if they are not of good quality. polymer or chrome.
Material secrets
Why does chromium rust?:Chrome racks only look spectacular at first. If a chip is added to the chrome coating, electrochemical corrosion will be active. In salt water, these wheels can become unusable in one season. Anode-coated aluminum or AISI 304/316 stainless steel last much longer, although they cost more.
Selection criteria: diameter, width and load capacity
The choice of wheel diameter depends on the type of terrain you have to move the boat. For flat concrete slips or a smooth sandy beach, small diameter wheels will do. large-wheel with a wide rubber tire.
Narrow wheels, even large diameters, will fall into soft ground or sand, turning the transportation process into a fight against a viscous quagmire. profile-tyre It distributes pressure to the surface, allowing the boat to roll easily even on loose ground.
The most important parameter is load capacity. The total load on the axle should not be less than the weight of your boat in running order. It is better to use models with a safety margin of 20-30%, so that the bearings and axle work in a gentle mode.
| Type of terrain | Recommended diameter | Tyre type | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete, asphalt | 200–250 mm | Casting rubber/Plastic | Hard drive, high wear resistance |
| Sand, gravel | 300–350 mm | Inflatable/Chamber | Soft move, good grip. |
| Grass, dirt. | 350-400 mm | Wide tractor | Maximum permeability, low pressure |
| Universal. | 260-300 mm | Tight rubber | The trade-off between comfort and size |
The golden rule of choice is that the softer and uneven the ground, the larger the diameter and width of the wheel, and the optimal use of wheels with a diameter of 300 mm with an inflatable chamber.
Installation Nuances and Boat Compatibility
The process of mounting transom wheels usually does not require special tools, but has its own features: most models are attached to the transom through special holes or with clamps, it is important that the fasteners do not touch the inflatable tubes when moving.
Installation must be strictly observed symmetryAxis skewing will cause the boat to drift aside when rolling, which will put additional strain on one of the pillars and can damage the transom. Use the level or just carefully measure the distance from the board to the mounting point.
If your boat has bottom (NDD) or soft transax, the use of rigid metal pads for attachments is mandatory, and they distribute the pinpoint pressure of the bolts over a large area, preventing pressurization and depressurization.
☑️ Pre-installing check
Pay special attention to the length of the fasteners. They should not protrude into the boat or touch the hinged motor. In some cases, the standard bolts from the kit have to be replaced with shorter or longer ones, tailoring them individually to the design of your car. PVC-boat.
Operation: maintenance and maintenance of the mechanism
The transom wheels work in an aggressive environment: water, sand, ultraviolet light and salt deposits do their job, and in order for the mechanism to last long, after every foray into the water, especially into salt water, the wheels must be washed with fresh water.
The bearings in the wheel axis require periodic lubrication, and if you notice that the wheels are turning tight or that they have a characteristic creak, you need to remove the wheel, clean the axle of dirt, and lay down a new portion. waterproofFor example, on a lithium-based basis.
Keeping wheels in a dry room is better, and prolonged exposure to load (in the condition fastened to the boat) can lead to deformation of rubber in the place of contact with the ground or "tiredness" of metal at bending points.
⚠️ Warning: Never keep the wheels deflated if you have inflatable tires, which can cause the inner walls of the chamber to stick together and damage the sealed layer, keep them pumped or remove the cameras for long-term storage.
Use WD-40 or similar penetrating lubricants to treat threaded joints before winter storage, which will prevent bolts from boiling and make it easy to disassemble the structure early next season.
Homemade solutions against factory models
Many anglers and boaters are wondering whether to buy ready-made wheels or make them yourself. The market offers many Chinese counterparts at an affordable price, but the quality of their execution often leaves much to be desired.
Home-made structures are usually made of improvised materials: wheels from garden carts, gas cylinders or bicycle wheels. customization - the ability to adapt the design to specific needs and use proven materials.
But when you make your own wheels, you take responsibility for the reliability of the mounts. Factory models are tested for loads, and in garage conditions, it's easy to miscalculate the strength of the mounts. bracketThis can cause a breakdown at the most inopportune time.
- 🛠️ Factory models: guarantee of compatibility, aesthetic appearance, but often high price.
- 🔩 Homemade: cheap, individual, but risk of low reliability and lack of warranty
- ⚖️ Compromise: buying high-quality wheels from garden equipment and making your own stainless steel fasteners.
Where to find parts for homemade wheels?
A great donor for large-diameter wheels are inflatable wheels or garden carts. Axes can be made from stainless steel water pipes, and mounts can be welded or twisted from a corner of 40x40 mm. The main thing is not to save on bearing assemblies.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I leave the wheels on the boat when driving on the motor?
Yes, if it's a rotary wheel and it's raised to the top position, but when you go above 20-25 km/h, it can create parasitic vibration and resistance, and if you go through long transitions at high speeds, you'd better take the wheel off.
Will the transom wheels damage inflatable tubes when installed?
If installed properly and there are protective linings, no, the only danger is if the sharp edges of the metal mounts come into contact with the cylinder under load. Always use rubber pads between the metal and PVC.
What is the maximum weight of standard transom wheels?
Most high-quality models are designed for loads of up to 150-200 kg per pair. For boats longer than 4 meters and powerful engines, it is recommended to look for reinforced models with a double axle or an increased rod diameter.
Do I need to smear the bolt thread before installation?
Use a graphite lubricant or a thread lock if the structure is subject to strong vibration, which will prevent corrosion and make it easy to unscrew the bolts in the future.