Using the wind to propel an inflatable vessel is not just fuel saving, but an opportunity to experience a completely different experience from being on the water. Sail for the PVC boat It turns a utilitarian means of transportation into a full-fledged sailing vessel, allowing you to travel long distances almost silently, and for many anglers and tourists, this becomes the only way to navigate comfortably in strong lateral winds when paddles are difficult and motoring is dangerous or impossible due to shallow water.
However, the inflatable boat is radically different from the classic rigid hulls. PVC material It has flexibility, and the shape of the bottom is often not designed to slide effectively at an angle to the wind, which is why installing sailing weapons requires careful selection of components and understanding the physics of the process. In this article, we will examine all the nuances, from the choice of type of sail to safety in squall wind.
The main advantage of this upgrade is autonomy, so you don't have to worry about gasoline or battery power anymore. Modern sailing systems for inflatable boats weigh only 5-7 kg in assembled form.This has a slight effect on the overall load capacity, but radically expands the possibilities of swimming.
Types of sailing systems for inflatable vessels
The market offers several fundamentally different approaches to equipping a boat with a sail, depending on the design of your boat, the presence of a transom and the desired maneuverability. Straight sails (sprint) are the easiest to install: they are attached to a mast that rests on a special jar or transom, which is ideal for tailwinds and requires minimal adjustment.
More advanced options are used Bermuda or gafe This requires a svert (underwater fin) that is inserted into a special well or attached to the bottom, and without a svert, the boat will be heavily torn down sideways, and the efficiency of sailing will fall to zero.
- 🌬️ Sprint sails: Simple design, fast assembly, ideal for beginners.
- ⛵ Bermuda sails: high efficiency, the ability to walk beidewind, more difficult to set up.
- 🎏 Wing sails: experimental designs that give high speed on Fordevinde.
It is important to consider the sailing area. For a standard two-seater boat with a length of 3.2-3.6 meters, the optimal area is considered to be 4-6 square meters. Exceeding these values can lead to dangerous rolling and loss of handling.
Mast design and anchorage points
The central element of the system is the mast, and unlike rigid yachts, where the mast is keeled, in an inflatable boat it must be supported by special supports. squirt-glass The masts are made of aluminum, fiberglass or carbon fiberglass; the aluminum profiles are heavier, but cheaper and stronger, whereas the carbon is lightweight but fragile when impacted.
The mast attachment should be reliable, but it allows for rapid dismantling. Often hinge knots are used to remove the sail without removing the mast completely. Important: The base of the mast should transfer the load to the rigid elements of the boat (banks, transom), and not to the inflatable tubes.
⚠️ Warning: Never install a mast that rests directly on an inflated cylinder without a hard pad. The pressure of the dot can damage the PVC material or cause structural instability when a gust of wind.
To fix the mast in a vertical position, braces (worns) are used, which are attached to the ruff rings on the cylinders. The tension of the delays should be symmetrical so that the mast does not fall on board when changing course.
Use slings with adjustable buckles for mast tightening - this will quickly weaken or stretch them directly on the water when the wind is amplified.
Swings and steering
Without an effective underwater wing, a sailing boat becomes a toy to descend through the wind. schwert It creates resistance to lateral demolition, allowing the boat to move in the desired direction even with the wind blowing in the side. For PVC boats, the winds are usually removable and attached to the bottom or a special board passing under the boat.
Steering also needs to be reworked, and the regular pulpular nozzle on the motor may not be enough to precisely control under sail, especially if the motor is removed. steering-line Or use an elongated humming device mounted on a transom.
| Element | Materials | Function | Weight (roughly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| schwert | Plywood/Plastic glass | Side sailing | 2-3 kg |
| Mast | Aluminum D16T | load-bearing structure | 1.5-2 kg |
| geek | aluminum | Stretching the squirrel | 0.5 kg |
| Sail. | Lavsan/Dakryn | Plunge | 1-1.5 kg |
When installing a screw, it is important to make sure that its well or mounts do not damage the bottom of the boat when in contact with solid ground. Some models have a folding mechanism that allows you to lift the screw in shallow water.
Sails materials and durability
Modern sails for small craft are sewn from synthetic fabrics, such as lavs (polyester) or These materials are water-free, ultraviolet-resistant, and do not rot. Cotton or linen sails are a thing of history because they get wet, get heavy, and lose shape.
The density of the fabric is selected depending on the area of the sail. For small areas (up to 5 m2), a tissue density of 150-200 g / m2 is enough. The denser fabric will be heavier and harder to clean, although longer lasting. The edges of the sail are necessarily reinforced with tape, and in the corners are sewn luvers or rings to attach the shackles and phalts.
How do you extend the life of a sail?
Keep the sail dry, rolled up. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight in a curled state, which accelerates the degradation of the fibers. After swimming in salt water, the sail must be rinsed in fresh water.
Seams on a high-quality sail are made in triple or four rows using synthetic threads of high strength, special attention is paid to the corners where the load is maximum, and often metal or plastic reinforcements are installed there.
Safety and behavior on the water
The PVC sailing boat is less resistant than the keel yacht and more susceptible to waves. Overturning The main risk, although inflatable tubes provide excellent buoyancy and prevent the boat from sinking even when fully filled with water.
When the wind is stronger, you have to be able to reduce sailing in time, either by riffling (curling the bottom of the sail) or by switching to a smaller sail, and ignoring the gusts of wind can cause the mast to break or the mounts to be pulled out of the balloon.
- 🆘 Always carry a life jacket, even if you can swim.
- 🌊 Avoid sailing into a squall wind (more than 10-12 m / s).
- ⚓ Have an anchor of sufficient weight on board for a quick stop.
⚠️ Warning: When the center of gravity shifts when the roll is strong, the boat can flip over the side. Unlike hard boats, the inflatable will flip "softer", but it can be difficult to get out from under the inverted sail and mast in the water.
If you plan to walk alone, make sure you can steer the sail and the tiller yourself. Large boats often put two knobs (knobs are ropes that control the sail) to be able to navigate the cockpit.
☑️ Check before sailing
Assembly and storage of sailing kit
The sailing system takes 10 to 20 minutes to assemble, if you have experience, first you put the mast in place and you attach the delays, then you lift the sail, and you make sure that the phala doesn't get tangled, and after swimming, you have to dry the elements thoroughly.
Wet sails, put in a case, can be banned, which will lead to mold and unpleasant odor. Metal parts (luvers, rings) are susceptible to corrosion, especially after swimming in salt water, so they need to be wiped.
It is better to store the kit in a straightened or freely rolled out dry room. Long-term storage in a compressed state can lead to cloth cavities that are difficult to straighten.
Proper drying and storage of the sailing kit increase its service life by 2-3 times, preserving the aerodynamic properties of the fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I put a sail on a boat without a transom?
Yes, there are systems that have a mast point in the nose jar and a squirt balcony that attaches to the sides, but the presence of a transom makes installation much easier and makes the structure more rigid.
What is the maximum speed under sail for a PVC boat?
On the tailwind, you can accelerate to 10-12 km / h, which is comparable to the power of the engine 2-3 hp On acute courses, the speed will be lower due to the resistance of the soft bottom.
Do I need to remove the motor when installing the sail?
Not necessarily if the design allows. You can leave the motor on the transom, but its daywell can create additional resistance, and it's best to remove the motor or lift it completely out of the water.
Is a sail dangerous for an inflatable boat?
If you follow the safety rules and you attach the mast properly, no, the main danger is the human factor: the inability to control the sail in high winds.