Transporting an inflatable vessel assembled is always a balance between saving time on the descent and the risk of damaging expensive property. PVC The material is so strong that it can withstand any loads on the track, but the aerodynamics, body vibration and design features require strict adherence to the rules of preparation for the voyage.
An improperly secured boat can shift, get punctured by oncoming airflow, or even break off from the platform when braking sharply. In this article, we will discuss the technical nuances, legal aspects and physical principles that will ensure the safety of your vessel and engine in transit.
Speed on the track directly affects the air pressure in the cylinders and the tension of the bottom deck, and ignoring these factors often leads to a deformed boat arriving at its destination, requiring repairs. Let's look at how to avoid these problems.
Selection and preparation of boat trailer
For PVC boats, it is critical that the lodgings (propets for cylinders) are made of soft, non-slip material, such as carpeting or special felt. Metal or plastic lodgings without coating can heat up in the sun and damage the fabric of cylinders or cause them to puncture when rubbed against a hard surface.
If the boat hangs from the stern or the bow of the trailer by more than 1-1.5 meters, this creates a dangerous lever that can break the transom or turn the structure over. Dimensions The vehicle with cargo must not exceed the norms established by law, otherwise special permits and signs will be required.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use trailers with sharp edges, protruding bolts or rust in places of contact with cylinders. Any roughness when vibrating works like sandpaper.
Before each trip, the condition of the trailer's chassis must be checked, the bearings of the hubs must be lubricated, and the pressure in the tires of the trailer must be normal. An overloaded or skewed trailer creates an uneven load on the body of the car and increases the risk of skidding.
Preparation of the boat for transportation
The main mistake of beginners is to pump the boat "before the bell" in front of the road, and when heated in the sun and increased atmospheric pressure, the air inside the cylinders expands, which can lead to rupture of the seams or deformation of the structure. Working pressure in cylinders during transportation should be reduced by 15-20% of the maximum.
The engine compartment requires special attention. The transom board is subjected to tremendous pressure from the weight of the outboard motor and wind pressure. If the trunk of the boat is made of plywood, make sure that it does not have cracks and stratifications. Vibration along the way can turn a microcrack into a complete fracture.
Removal of removable elements: floorboards (if not rigidly fixed), banks (seats), control console and attachments is recommended, which will reduce sailing and the risk of damage to the internal elements on sharp angles when shifting.
Rules for the installation and fastening of the boat
The installation of the vessel on the trailer starts with the correct centering. The center of gravity of the motor boat should be located strictly above the axis of the trailer wheels. If you move the boat too far back, the trailer's breath will rise, and the rear of the car will lose traction. The forward shift will overload the rear axle of the car.
Only specialized ones are used for fixation. sling Ropes and ropes tend to stretch and weaken with vibration, which is unacceptable. Mounting should be carried out at least four points: two slings on the nose (to the frothy or handle) and two on the aft (to the transom handles or frothy).
- 🔒 The nose slings should stretch forward and slightly to the side, forming an angle of no more than 45 degrees to the longitudinal axis.
- 🔒 The aft slings fix the boat from sliding back and lateral displacement, they are better attached to the frame of the trailer, and not to the engine itself.
- 🔒 Sharp corners of slings should be protected with special linings so as not to wipe the PVC fabric.
It's important not to override the slings. Excessive force can deform the cylinders, creating local stress points that burst on the first bump. The tension should be such that the boat does not move relative to the trailer, but the fabric of the cylinders does not get slapped under the belt.
☑️ Checking of the anchorage before departure
Transportation with outboard motor
The question of transporting a boat with an engine installed is one of the most controversial. outboard It creates a significant lever on the transom and increases wind load, and boat manufacturers often do not recommend long-term transport with the engine installed.
If you're going to drive a motorized boat, you need to securely lock it. Standard transom mounting is not enough, because vibration can unwind the screws. Use an additional safety cable or belt that wraps around the lower unit (leg) of the motor and attaches to the frame of the trailer or the transom of the boat.
The motor must be raised to the transport position, but not to the point if the transom design does not allow it. The screw must be above the level of the sides to avoid contact with foreign objects. The propeller is better removed or securely fixed so that it does not unwind from the wind.
⚠️ Attention: When transported with a motor, the speed of movement should not exceed 80-90 km / h. The aerodynamic resistance of the engine can lead to the tearing off of the transom at high speeds.
For heavy motors (over 50 hp), it is strongly recommended to use special brackets or racks that support the leg of the engine from the bottom and attach to the frame of the trailer.
Speed and aerodynamics
A PVC boat on a trailer is a high-swing object, and even a small side wind creates a tangible force that the car has to compensate for, and the sudden maneuvers, rearrangements and braking of such a load become dangerous.
The optimal speed of the road is 60-80 km/hExceeding this threshold dramatically increases the risk of cylinder damage by oncoming airflow. At 110 km/h or higher, airflow can blow under the sides, inflating them from inside and outside simultaneously, leading to the rupture of the seams.
When driving in a column, increase the distance. The braking distance of a car with a trailer and a boat is much longer. Also consider the overall height: low bridges, tree branches and power lines can be fatal for an inflatable vessel mounted on a high side.
Table: Comparison of modes of transport
The choice of method depends on the distance and type of boat, and the following is a comparison of the main options for preparing for the path.
| Parameter | With the engine on the trailer | No motor on the trailer. | In a case (collection) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed of preparation | High (5-10 min) | Average (15-20 min) | Low (30-60 min) |
| Risk to the transpant | Highly | Low. | Missing. |
| Sailing in transit | Maximum | Medium | Minimum |
| Recommended speed | up to 80 km/h | up to 90-100 km/h | Any (PDD) |
Legal aspects and requirements of GIMS
If the dimensions of the cargo (boats with trailer) are more than 0.4 meters wide or 1 meter behind, the cargo must be marked with the sign “Large-sized cargo” and, if necessary, red flags or lanterns at night.
Category rights may be required to drive a vehicle with a trailer whose gross mass exceeds 750 kg. BEIf the mass of the trailer is less than 750 kg and the total mass of the vehicle and trailer does not exceed 3,500 kg, the category shall suffice. BAlways check the trailer's technical data sheet.
Inspectors of the GIMS and traffic police pay attention to the reliability of the mounting, if the boat is dangling or skewed, you can be stopped and issued a fine for creating an emergency, and check the presence of license plates on the trailer and the operation of lighting devices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I transport a PVC boat in the cold?
Transportation at subzero temperatures is possible, but the PVC material becomes rigid and brittle, the pressure in the cylinders will drop, but the risk of mechanical damage from impact or friction increases, and you should move extremely carefully, avoiding sudden jerks.
Do I need a boat cover for transportation?
The use of the cover protects against ultraviolet light, dust and oncoming airflow, reducing the risk of balloons being blown up, but the cover must be tightly fitted to avoid fluttering in the wind, otherwise it will become an abrasive to the fabric.
How often do I need to lift the boat on the way?
For long stretches (more than 200 km), it is recommended to make stops every 100 km for visual inspection. Pumping is rarely required, more often you need to put excess pressure on if the boat was in the sun for a long time.
Is it dangerous to wash a boat on a self-service wash?
Using a high-pressure kerkerker is dangerous for seams and valves. The boat should be washed with a soft brush and a weak water pressure, using special PVC products to avoid washing off the protective layer.