Operation of an inflatable vessel often involves the need to pull it ashore, especially if there is a gentle or sandy descent. The area under the winch on the PVC boat It becomes an indispensable tuning element for those who value comfort and keep their backs, and without a good winch mechanism, the loading and descent of a vessel becomes a physical work that requires the participation of several people.
Installing a fixed or removable base not only automates anchor lifting, but also greatly simplifies the procedure for pulling a boat onto land. A properly designed platform distributes the load evenly, eliminating the risk of transom deformation or damage to cylinders. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the nuances of creating and installing a reliable site.
Selection of materials for the manufacture of the supporting structure
The first stage of creating a reliable support is the selection of materials that can withstand significant mechanical stress and aggressive effects of the aquatic environment. Stainless steel AISI 304 or AISI 316 is considered the gold standard in shipbuilding because it is virtually corrosive, but the cost of such metal is high, so many craftsmen are looking for alternatives.
Aluminum alloys, such as D16TAluminum is lighter than steel, which is critical for inflatable boats, where every extra kilogram affects load capacity, and it is important to consider that aluminum requires high-quality coloring or anodizing to protect against oxidation in salt water.
High moisture-resistant plywood (PSF) is often used as a basis for fastening mechanisms, but it must be carefully processed with epoxy compounds. Using conventional plywood without waterproofing will lead to the stratification of the material after several seasons of operation. Wooden elements should be covered with yacht lacquer in several layers for maximum protection.
- 🛡️ AISI 316 stainless steel is the maximum durability and resistance to salt water.
- ⚖️ Aluminum profile is the optimal ratio of strength and low weight of the structure.
- 🪵 FSF moisture-resistant plywood is a budget option that requires serious chemical protection.
- 🔩 Fixing elements - only made of stainless steel to avoid galvanic corrosion.
Choosing between metal and composites, you should focus on the power of your motor and the frequency of use of the winch. For powerful motors and heavy anchors, it is better not to skimp on the base materials.
Design features and types of sites
There are several basic design types that you can fit on the trunk of an inflatable boat, and the stationary pads are welded or screwed to the transom on a permanent basis, which provides maximum rigidity, but can interfere with the transport of the boat when folded or when installing a motor with a short leg.
Removable structures are mounted using bolt joints or powerful rods, which allows you to dismantle the site before packing the boat into a bag, which is very convenient for owners of small cars. transom plate In such models, it should have an increased contact area with cylinders to reduce point pressure.
⚠️ Note: When designing a removable structure, make sure that the fixing mechanism eliminates spontaneous displacement or loss of the site during high speed driving.
Special attention should be paid to universal platforms that can act as a fishing table or a sounder stand, such multifunctional solutions save space in the cockpit, the design can be made in the form of a frame covering the top of the transom, or a flat sheet with reinforced sides.
- 🔒 Stationary type - high reliability, but the complexity of the packaging of the boat.
- 🧩 Removable type - ease of storage, requires reliable fixers.
- 🎣 Universal type – additional functionality, but greater complexity of the design.
Regardless of the type chosen, it is important to provide drainage holes for rapid water runoff after lifting the anchor or rain, stagnant water on the site leads to excess weight and accelerated corrosion of metal elements.
Tools and preparation for installation
For self-manufacturing and installation of the site, you will need a standard set of metalworking tools. If you work with metal, you must have a Bulgarian (corner grinding machine) with metal discs and a drill with a set of drills. Aluminum profiles will also need special drills to prevent biting of the material.
Building wooden or composite elements requires a hacksaw with a small tooth or an electric jigsaw. Use a bar and a core to accurately mark the holes under the winch mounts. Good markings ensure that the winch will stand up straight and work without distortion.
☑️ Preparation for the production of the site
Don't forget to prepare surface protection. Metal is primer and paint, wood is antiseptics and varnishes, and sealants like rubber pads or silicone sealant are also needed to protect the anchorages from water entering the boat structure.
Step-by-step instructions for installation on a transom
The installation process begins with the removal of all removable elements from the transom of the boat, including the jar and protective linings. Made, sand and fat stains must be thoroughly cleaned of the transom surface. If the boat has soft transom upholstery, a neat cutout may be required to match the size of the future site, although modern models often allow accessories to be mounted on top of the upholstery through special holes.
Apply the finished pad to the transom and mark the holes, and the diameter of the holes should correspond to the diameter of the fastening bolts with a small margin to compensate for the backlashes. transom board The boat is a load-bearing element, so it should be drilled very carefully, so as not to damage the internal structure or make the hole too large.
⚠️ Note: When drilling a rigid transom, use a smaller diameter drill for the pilot hole to avoid chipping and material stratification when the drill exits.
Put the pad back in place by putting a rubber seal between it and the transom, which will prevent PVC from rubbing and create additional tightness, tighten the bolts with a wide puck, evenly spreading the force, do not drag the fastener, so as not to deform the rigid transom or to overwhelm the cylinders in the adjacent areas.
Should I use a sealant?
Yes, using silicone sealant on bolt threads and under nut caps will greatly improve the reliability of the connection, which will prevent the fastener from unscrewing from vibration and protect against water entering the attachment sites.
Once installed, check the reliability of the mounting by applying a force that simulates the operation of the winch. If the structure is held confidently and has no backlash, you can proceed to install the winch mechanism itself.
Installation of the winch and reliability check
Mounting the winch itself on the prepared site requires compliance with the manufacturer's instructions. Usually the winch is fastened with four bolts. It is important to use bolts of sufficient length and strength (strength class not lower than 8.8) to withstand jerking loads when lifting anchors with silt or shells.
Check the snoring mechanism and the free passage of the cable. The cable should be wound evenly, without overlapping, which can lead to a jamming. Synthetic cable Steel is preferred as it does not rust, injure hands and does not damage the boat cylinders by accidental touch.
Lubricate the moving parts of the winch with silicone lubrication after each season, which will extend the life of the mechanism and ensure smooth operation in all weather conditions.
Do a test on the shore, hook an anchor or a weight-simulating cargo, and try to pull it on board. Pay attention to the transom's behavior: it should not bend inside the boat. If you notice a deformation, you should strengthen the transom's design or reduce the load.
Comparison of materials for the site
To compare the different materials used in the construction of sites, we will consider their main specifications in the table below, which will help you make the final choice in favor of a particular solution.
| Materials | Structure weight | Corrosion resistance | Cost | Difficulty of manufacture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel | Highly | Great. | High. | Medium (welding required) |
| Aluminum D16T | Low. | Good (covered) | Medium | Medium |
| FSF phanera | Medium. | Low (requires protection) | Low. | Low. |
| Fiberglass | Low. | Great. | High. | High (shape required) |
As you can see from the table, each material has its advantages: aluminum wins by weight, which is important for inflatable boats; stainless steel for durability; plywood for affordability and ease of processing at home.
Maintenance and maintenance of the structure
Regular maintenance of the site and winch will extend their life and guarantee safety. After each foray into the water, especially if it was a sea fishing, the structure must be washed with fresh water. The salt aggressively affects even stainless steel, causing spot corrosion.
Before long-term storage in winter, it is recommended to lubricate all rubbing parts with conservation grease. It is better to dismantle the winch and store it in a dry room, and inspect the site itself for cracks, chipped paint or loosening of the fasteners. Preventive examination It allows you to identify small defects before they become critical.
Regular flushing with fresh water and lubrication of mechanisms is the key to the long service of your site and winch without corrosion and jamming.
Don't leave the winch stretched in the off-season, it weakens the ratchet spring. Weakening the cable and fixing the mechanism in free condition is the right storage solution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install a pad on a boat without a hard transom?
Installing a pad on an inflatable transom is possible, but requires the use of special reinforced linings and pressure distributors. However, for the permanent operation of the winch, the presence of a plywood hard transom is highly recommended, since the soft cylinder may not withstand point loads.
What is the maximum weight of the anchor can be lifted with such a winch?
The load capacity depends on the power of the winch itself and the strength of the mounting pad. Standard hand winches for PVC boats are designed for a force of up to 50-80 kg. It is important that the weight of the anchor with a chain does not exceed 10-15% of the displacement of the boat to maintain stability.
Do I need to further strengthen the transom when installing the site?
If you use a powerful winch and heavy anchors, you can do this with extra transaxial reinforcement, you can do this with duraluminum linings or extra screeds. For standard anchors, up to 10 kg of standard transanz is usually enough.
How to prevent the creaking of the platform when moving?
The screeching occurs because of the metal rubbing against the metal or wood. Use rubber pads between the platform and the transom, and between the winch and the pad. Regular lubrication of the friction knots also eliminates foreign sounds.