Transporting a boat on the roof of a car is always a risk of damage to the body, increased fuel consumption and difficulty with mounting. rubber-trailer This is the best solution for inflatable boat owners, especially when it comes to heavy PVC membranes with hinged transverses. A well-chosen carriage not only facilitates logistics, but also prolongs the life of your vessel, ensuring the correct stowage of cylinders.
The modern range offers a variety of options, from budget trolleys to professional biaxial platforms, depending on the size of the boat, engine power and frequency of trips to the reservoir, and it is important to consider that improper operation or savings at key points can lead to unpleasant situations on the track.
In this article, we will discuss all aspects of the selection, design and operation of trailers for inflatable boats, you will learn what parameters to pay attention to first, how to properly pack a boat and what are the legal nuances of registration.
Design features of carriages for inflatable vessels
The basis of any trailer is a frame, which must be sufficiently rigid, but still remain light. rubber-boatThese are small, often galvanized steel or aluminum, and aluminum structures are more expensive, but they are virtually non-corrosive, which is critical when they come into contact with salt water or aggressive environments.
Special attention should be paid to the system of pads or keel support. Unlike metal boats, an inflatable vessel cannot be placed on a rigid metal bed without protection. Lodges They should be covered with a special, fuzzy carpet or have a soft rubber lining, which prevents the cylinders from abrading while driving on rough roads.
Another important element is winch Because PVC boats often have a soft nose, the support must be adjustable and equipped with a rubber roller or cushion, which allows the vessel to be fixed without puncture or deformation of the cylinder, the winch mechanism must have a reliable ratchet that prevents spontaneous unwinding of the cable.
⚠️ Warning: Never use metal hooks or chains to fix an inflated boat. The point pressure of the metal can cause the cylinder to depressurize instantly even with a slight sagging.
The chassis of the trailer also requires detailed consideration. For lightweight models, one axle is enough, but for heavy boats with powerful engines, it is better to consider two-axle options, which provide better stability and distribute the load on the road surface.
Selection criteria: load capacity and dimensions
The first thing you have to do is to start with the total mass, and many people mistakenly think that the trailer is just for the boat. loading capacity The weight of the vessel, motor, battery, fuel tank, anchor and additional equipment must be taken into account, and the safety margin must be at least 20-30% of the calculated weight.
The dimensions of the platform should correspond to the length of the boat inflated condition. Too long trailer will be inconvenient to maneuver, and too short will lead to dangling of the transom or nose, which is dangerous when braking. Optimally, if the boat protrudes beyond the dimensions of the trailer by no more than 10-15% on each side, or fully fits on the platform.
When choosing, you should also pay attention to ground clearanceIf you plan to launch a boat off an unequipped shore or a steep concrete slip, a low frame may scratch the bottom, preferably a model with large diameter wheels or a special design breathed.
Manufacture materials and corrosion protection
The durability of a trailer is directly dependent on the quality of the corrosion coating, and hot galvanizing is the gold standard for water-related applications, and dipping the finished structure into a zinc melt creates a monolithic layer of protection that lasts for decades even in salt water, but the cost is much higher.
A more affordable option is powder paint, which looks aesthetically pleasing and protects against mechanical damage, but requires careful care. Any scratch to the metal will become a rust hotbed that will spread quickly, and owners of such trailers are advised to regularly inspect the frame and paint chips with special compounds.
After each trip to the sea, be sure to wash the trailer with fresh water under pressure. salt left in the hidden cavities of the frame can destroy the metal from the inside in one season.
Aluminum alloys, such as AMG Or foreign analogues, which are not rusting in the classical sense, but can oxidize. Aluminum is lightweight. The weight reduction of the trailer allows you to transport a heavier boat without exceeding the restrictions on the rights category. In addition, aluminum trolleys are easier to push by hand on the beach.
Table: Comparison of popular trailer models
To make the choice easier, consider the comparative specifications of several models on the market, and the data may vary depending on the configuration and manufacturer.
| Model/Type | Load capacity (kg) | Frame material | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget single-axis | 350 | Steel (painting) | Simple design, requires maintenance |
| Middle class (galvanizing) | 500 | Steel (hot zinc) | High resistance to corrosion |
| Aluminum pro | 600 | Aluminum alloy | Minimum weight, high price |
| Two-axis for PVC | 750 | Steel (galvanizing) | Sustainability, suitable for large boats |
When analyzing the table, you should consider not only the price, but also the cost of ownership. A cheap painted trailer after 3-4 years of active operation may require serious restoration, while a galvanized one will last much longer without additional investment.
Rules for safe stowage and fixation of the boat
Proper stowage is a guarantee of safe transportation. Inflatable vessels should not lie on sharp edges. If the regular beds are rigid, it makes sense to use additional linings made of foamed polyethylene or dense fabric, this is especially true for boats with an inflatable keel, where the pressure inside the cylinder is high.
The straps are fixed by means of braking straps. The straps should be evenly stretched, the force distributed. The straps can deform the cylinders, and the undertax will cause the load to shift. The optimal tension is when the belt is pulled, but the fabric of the balloon does not break under it.
☑️ Pre-departure checks
The engine, if it stays on the transom, must be securely fixed. It is best to remove it and transport it separately in the trunk or body, as vibration can damage the lower unit or mounts. If removal is not possible, use a special transport bracket that transfers the weight of the motor to the frame of the trailer, not to the transom of the boat.
Legal aspects and requirements of GIMS
Owning a trailer imposes certain obligations: According to the legislation, trailers with a gross mass of up to 750 kg do not require registration with the traffic police and obtaining a separate license plate if their dimensions do not exceed the standard.
To drive a car with a trailer of category "B" is sufficient if the permissible maximum mass of the trailer does not exceed 750 kg, or if it is more, but the total permissible maximum mass of the road train does not exceed 3500 kg. Otherwise, the category "BE" will be required.
⚠️ Attention: The absence of a license plate on a trailer to be registered is equivalent to driving without a number, which entails a fine and the possible withdrawal of the driver's license.
It is also important to monitor the serviceability of lighting devices: the collars, stop lights and dimensions on the trailer should duplicate the signals of the tractor. The use of abnormal lights or the absence of reflectors can cause the traffic controller to stop.
Service and preparation for the season
Regular maintenance will prolong the life of your trailer. Before the season, you should check the bearing components of the wheels, the lubrication in them may have washed or dried, which will overheat and jam the hub on the track.
Check the condition of the rubber. Even if the trailer is in the garage, the tires eventually "blown" and crack. The presence of hernias or deep cracks is a signal for immediate replacement. Also check the reliability of the bolt joints of the frame, especially in the places where the mounts were breathed and the axle.
How to store a trailer in winter?
If you can't, you can put the trailer in a dry room or under a canopy, and if you can't, you can put it on the stands to unload the tires, and then you can put it on the awning, leaving the vents, and you can mothball the metal parts with lubrication.
Don't forget the winch. The cable or the sling must be cleaned of dirt and salt and then treated with silicone lubrication. The ratchet mechanism also requires cleaning and lubrication so that it doesn't jam at the most inopportune moment.
Regular maintenance of the chassis and winch takes no more than an hour a year, but saves from expensive repairs and accidents on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register a trailer for a boat in the traffic police?
Registration is required if the total weight of the trailer exceeds 750 kg. For lighter models registration is not required, but it is desirable to have documents confirming ownership (contract of sale) in case of inspection.
Can I carry a metal boat on a PVC trailer?
Technically possible, if the load capacity allows. However, PVC lozenges are not designed to come into contact with sharp aluminum or steel bottoms. This will cause rapid wear of the carpeting and can damage the frame. Metal requires special lodging or keel rollers.
What category of rights are needed for towing?
Category B is usually sufficient, allowing a trailer weighing up to 750 kg to be towed without any mass restrictions, and if the trailer is heavier than 750 kg, the maximum permissible mass of the vehicle and trailer must not exceed 3,500 kg.
How to get a boat off the unequipped shore?
Use a stretcher if it's designed, or approach the water at right angles. Large diameter wheels will help you overcome soft ground. Be sure to use a safety slip to keep the boat from going down.