Delivery of inflatable watercraft from the car to the water cut often turns into a test of endurance, especially if the shore is overgrown with grass, strewn with stones or just a hundred meters from the parking lot.
That's why. porter They're not just a convenient accessory, they're a vital part of any aqueous motor, and without them, the process of launching takes twice as long and takes up the forces that you'd rather save for fishing or recreation.
The market offers many solutions, from simple slings to complex trolley systems, and the choice of a particular model depends on the type of vessel you have, the weight of the engine installed, and, of course, the terrain where you plan to fish.
Classification of transport systems for inflatable vessels
All existing transport devices can be divided into two broad groups: those that involve carrying on weight, and those that allow you to roll a boat on the ground. portable-belt and soft handles that are attached to the cylinders or banks of the boat.
The second, more popular type is boat-cart They change the physical load on the back, shifting the weight to the horizontal plane of the rolling, and the choice between them is dictated by the weight of the equipment: light single seater. Whisper or hunter It is easier to carry on belts, while heavy Flagship or Cayman. It's more reasonable to roll with an outboard motor.
It's important to understand that there's no one-size-fits-all solution, and what's perfect for a sandy beach might not be useful in a forested windstorm or on a rocky slope.
The critical parameter when choosing is not only the load capacity, but also the diameter of the wheels, which determines the patency of the trolley on soft ground.
- 🚲 transom nose trolleys: fasten to the bow, allowing you to roll the boat like a wheelbarrow, while the stern rests on the ground or additional wheels.
- 🛒 Platform trolleys: They are a frame with a platform on which the boat is laid entirely, which is ideal for transport with a heavy engine.
- 🎒 Backpacks and straps: systems of slings, distributing weight on the shoulders and back, allowing you to carry the boat in a horizontal position.
Carts under the transom nose: the principle of operation and nuances
The most common type is the cart, which is attached to a nose balloon or a transom board. The design is usually an L- or T-frame with wheels that is fixed by belts, the main advantage of these models is compact folded and relatively low cost.
However, when using such devices, care must be taken. outboardThe center of gravity is shifted, and there is a risk of rolling over the structure sideways, especially at turns or irregularities, in which case the assistance of a second person or the use of additional support wheels for the stern is often required.
The cart's mounting should be as reliable as possible, and weakly tightened belts can cause the frame to move off the cylinder at the most inopportune moment, damaging the cylinder. PVC Or by dropping the boat on sharp rocks.
⚠️ Attention: Never use carts with narrow plastic wheels on soft sand or deep mud - they will instantly get stuck, turning the transport into a fight against a stuck device.
For medium sized models, such as Badger or AquamanThis type of cart is the optimal balance between price and functionality, they are easy to disassemble and take up minimal space in the trunk of the car.
Platform carts and frames: for heavy loads
If you own a full-fledged two- or three-seater with a powerful engine, you will need a more serious decision. Platform trolleys are a frame on four (rarely two) wheels, on which the boat is mounted with the bottom or sides.
The main advantage of this system is stability: the boat lies horizontally, the risk of tipping is minimal, and the distribution of weight to four points of support allows you to easily move loads weighing up to 150-200 kg. This is ideal for descents from steep concrete slips or moving along flat paths.
But there are drawbacks: platform trolleys are cumbersome, harder to assemble and disassemble without the help of a tool, and they require more storage and transportation space in the car, which can be a major problem for owners of compact crossovers.
- 🏗️ Frame material: Most commonly used is aluminum or stainless steel, which provides durability and protection against corrosion in salt water.
- 🔩 Type of attachment: Many models have universal grippers, but for specific nose shapes (e.g. boats). Zodiac) adapters may be required.
- 🌊 Passage: models with large diameter inflatable wheels show better passability on loose ground than trolleys with cast rubber wheels.
When choosing, pay attention to the quality of the welds and the thickness of the metal. Cheap Chinese counterparts often sin by the fragility of the fasteners, which can burst under load.
Soft carryers: belts, straps and backpacks
For wildlife enthusiasts, where you can't get there by car even in an SUV, the carts are often useless. Soft carry systems come into play, they're a set of slings that encircle cylinders or attach themselves to special handles on a boat.
The simplest option is a pair of strap handles that are attached to banks (seats) or longitudinal leers. More complex systems resemble backpack straps, allowing you to carry a boat on your back, leaving your hands free to balance or help yourself with a stick.
The use of such systems requires good physical training, the weight of a boat with an engine and equipment can reach 40-50 kg, and carrying this load even 500 meters over rough terrain is not an easy task. Kazan or ufimok It's the best choice.
It is important to adjust the length of the belts correctly. Too low landing of the boat will interfere with the step, and too high will raise the center of gravity, which will lead to rapid fatigue of the shoulder girdle.
Comparative table of specifications of devices
To make it easier to choose, let's compare the main types of devices by key parameters, which will help you decide on priorities faster: price, weight or passability.
| Type of device | Load capacity (kg) | Weight of the device itself (kg) | Permeability | Difficulty of assembly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cart under the nose | 300 | 3-5 | Medium | Low. |
| Platform trolley | 500 | 10-15 | High. | Medium |
| Belts/Lyams | 100 | 0.5-1 | Depends on the user. | Missing. |
| Wolokusha (sanky) | 200 | 2-4 | Low (snow/water only) | Low. |
As you can see from the table, platform solutions They win in load capacity, but they lose in mobility and weight, and belts gain in versatility, but they lose in comfort at higher weights.
Practical Operational and Safety Advice
No matter what type of gear you choose, there are general rules that will prolong the life of your boat and save health: First of all, always check the integrity of the belts and fasteners before you start moving, cracks on plastic or scuffs on the fabric of the sling - a signal for immediate replacement.
When moving a boat with an installed engine, be sure to remove lower unit (the bottom of the motor) or securely fix it upright so it doesn't hit the ground. A lower unit hit on a rock can lead to expensive gearbox repairs.
☑️ Pre-descent check
Another important thing is speed. Don't try to run with a cart. A sharp jerk can cause the boat to jump off the frame, and the inertia of the heavy load will cause injury to the operator.
⚠️ Attention: When using the trolley on steep slopes, always be on the uphill side (uphill), controlling the descent speed.
Conclusion: What to choose for you?
Choosing a carry-on is about finding a compromise between convenience, weight and budget. If you're fishing alone on small bodies of water with gently gently banks, a quality bogie under your nose will be your best friend. For expeditions to hard-to-reach places where you need to carry everything yourself, specialized carry-on backpacks will be better suited.
Don't skimp on this piece of gear. A cheap trolley that breaks down at the most critical moment a kilometer away from the car can ruin all fishing. PVC boat accessory It is paid off by the saved nerves and forces.
Ultimately, the decision is yours: evaluate your strength, weigh the boat, and carefully study the terrain you plan to go to, and only a comprehensive approach will make the right choice.
Can I use bicycle wheels for a homemade cart?
Theoretically, it's possible, but it's not recommended. Bicycle spokes are not designed for side loads and a weight of 100+ kg, they will break quickly. Besides, the thin rubber of the chamber wheels is easy to pierce. It's better to use all-wheeled wheels from garden carts.
How to protect PVC fabric from wiping the cart with belts?
Use special tread bands made of thick fabric or leather that fit under the belts, and there are trolleys with soft rubber linings in the contact areas with the balloon, check these places regularly for scuffs.
Do I need to remove the motor for carrying on the cart?
For light single boats and short distances, the motor can be left if the trolley is designed for such weight. However, for heavy motors (more than 20 kg) and long transitions, it is better to remove the engine so as not to damage the transom of the boat and the trolley board from vibration and impact.
What is the best wheel diameter for a sandy beach?
For sand and soft mud, the minimum recommended wheel diameter is 250-300 mm. Wheels of smaller diameter (100-150 mm) will simply be buried in the sand and you will have to pull the cart out manually all the time.