Buying water transport is only half the battle, because it requires a reliable transport partner to deliver it to the descent. trailer The Russian manufacturer Skif (SCT) has been a leader in the market for many years, offering products adapted to domestic road realities.
Choosing the right trailer is critical not only for the comfort of the owner, but also for traffic safety. The wrong base can damage the hull during shaking or even cause an emergency on the road. In this article, we will discuss in detail the model range, design features and nuances of the operation of the FTA equipment.
Features of the design of trailers of FTA
The basis of any model of the FCT is a frame made of a profile pipe square cross section. This geometry provides high rigidity of the structure to twist, which is especially important when driving on dirt roads to the reservoir. All welded joints are made using modern technology, and the frame itself undergoes mandatory hot galvanizing, protecting the metal from corrosion in an aggressive salty environment.
Most models are based on the base. torsion Torsion suspension, which is often found in light series, does not require maintenance and extinguishes vibrations better than simple springs. However, for heavy boats, CST engineers use reinforced spring units that can withstand significant dynamic loads.
- 🚗 Load capacity: ranges from 300 kg for light models to 1800 kg or more for heavy boats.
- 🛡️ Anti-corrosion protection: hot galvanizing of all metal elements of the frame and breathing.
- ⚙️ Modularity: Possibility of installing a winch, keel roller or lodgement depending on the type of boat.
An important element is the respirator, which is often equipped with a mechanism for adjusting the height of the coupling device, which allows the trailer to be adapted to different tractors, keeping the platform horizontal when driving. The quality of the assembly allows the equipment to operate in a wide temperature range, from winter frosts to summer heat.
⚠️ Attention: Before the first trip, be sure to check the tightening of all bolt joints of the wheel hubs and breathed, as when rolling the metal can “shrink”.
Model range: from PVC to heavy boats
The range of CST products is huge, and it's easy for an untrained user to get confused in indexing. PVC Lightweight single-axle models that do not require an E category are relevant, and these trailers often have a minimum weight of their own, allowing them to be towed with low-power cars without overloading the engine.
Metal boats and boats with outboard motors or stationary engines have reinforced versions, which are characterized by a powerful winch, a nose stop (keel roller) and a system of padding or keel rollers for fixing the hull. The choice between rollers and padding depends on the type of bottom of the vessel: smooth metal bottom is better on the paddles, and complex - on the rollers.
Special attention deserves biaxial trailers FTA. They are designed for the transport of heavy boats, where one axle may not cope with the load or traffic requirements. The dual-axle scheme provides better stability on the road and reduces the load on each wheel, prolonging the service life of tires and bearings.
| Model of the FTA | Load capacity (kg) | Type of boat | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCT-7101 | 350 | PVC, small metals | Light frame, no brakes. |
| SCT-7102 | 750 | Metal, PVC | Reinforced frame, winch |
| CCT-9113 | 1300 | Boats up to 5m | Dual axle, braking system |
| CST-9813 | 1800 | Heavy boats | Enhanced breathing, winch 1t |
Criteria of choice: what to pay attention to
When choosing a trailer, the first thing you need to do is determine the total mass of your vessel in running order, which includes the weight of the hull, motor, battery, fuel tank and anchor equipment. Load capacity The trailer must have a margin of at least 15-20% of this amount, so as not to operate the equipment at the limit of capabilities.
The second important aspect is the type of boat attachment: If you often lower a vessel from a steep concrete slip, you will need a powerful winch with a cable or a long belt. For gently sandy shores, it is more convenient to use trailers with pads that allow you to drive the wheels directly into the water (provided you use a special lubricant for the hubs).
The width of the trailer should not exceed the width of the towed car by more than 20 cm on each side, otherwise additional mirrors will be required and special rules for the carriage of oversized cargo will be observed.
⚠️ Note: When buying a used trailer, carefully examine the welded seams for cracks and check the condition of the wiring, since contact oxidation is a common problem of age models.
Installation and fastening of the boat on the trailer
The proper installation of the boat on the platform is the key to safe transportation. The process begins with the alignment of the trailer: it must stand strictly horizontally, the nose stop (keel roller) is adjusted in height so that when the boat is coasted, the boat rests on it, and does not lie nose on the frame.
Once the vessel is installed, you need to fix it with belts, usually used a scheme: one belt through the bow (behind the rim) and two safety belts through the sides to the frame of the trailer. Insurance cables prevent the boat from jumping off during a sharp braking or hitting on irregularities.
- 🔧 Adjustment: adjust the height of the keel roller to the angle of the keel of your boat.
- 🔗 Fixation: Use only certified belts with a snoring mechanism.
- 🧼 Gone.After each trip, wash the trailer with fresh water, especially if you have been swimming in the sea.
It is important not to drag the belts, so as not to deform the sides of the inflatable boat or create unnecessary stress in the metal hull. It is enough to pull them to the state of "strings." For metal boats with a sharp keel, the use of a keel roller is necessary to avoid point load on the frame.
Nuances of long-distance transport
When traveling over 500 km, it is recommended to stop every 2 hours and check the tension of the belts and the temperature of the hubs of the wheels. Prolonged vibration can weaken the fastener.
Maintenance and tuning of trailers of FTA
Despite galvanizing, the trailer requires regular maintenance. After each trip, especially on winter roads with reagents or after the sea, the structure must be thoroughly washed. Pay special attention to moving elements: hub bearings and winch mechanism. Lubrication in the hubs is recommended to be changed once a season or every 5000 km of run.
Tuning of trailers is a popular trend among water-engineers, often owners install additional lodgings to better support the body, change the standard lighting technology to LED, which is less sensitive to vibration, and also popular installation of wings of increased size or protective spray.
Use silicone lubricant to treat rubber seals and plastic winch elements – this will prevent them from cracking in the cold.
Upgrades may also affect the chassis, the installation of better bearings or the transition to tubeless wheels (if design permits) significantly improve reliability, but any changes in design that affect the load capacity or dimensions must be agreed and documented.
Regular lubrication of hubs and washing the frame with fresh water increase the service life of the trailer of the CST by 2-3 times.
Legal aspects and rules of GIMS
The main requirement is the presence of registration plates and valid inspection (for trailers older than a certain age or used for commercial purposes, although for private individuals the rules have been simplified, but the responsibility for serviceability remains). The weight of the trailer together with the cargo should not exceed the technically permissible weight specified in the documents.
For driving a trailer, it is important to consider the category of rights: If the total mass of the trailer does not exceed 750 kg, category "B" is sufficient. If the mass of the trailer is more than 750 kg, but the sum of the mass of the car and the trailer does not exceed 3500 kg, category "B" is also suitable.
Do I need to register a homemade trailer in GIMS?
A homemade trailer, even if it is assembled from the nodes of the FTA, requires registration and obtaining a number in the GIMS, if it is intended for the carriage of boats.
Can I carry other cargoes on the trailer?
Yes, you can, if the dimensions and weight of the cargo correspond to the permitted load, but after the carriage of bulk or soiling goods (sand, earth), you need to thoroughly clean the platform so that the residues do not damage the boat hull on the next load.
What is the maximum speed of the trailer?
According to traffic rules, the speed of a road train (car with a trailer) outside settlements should not exceed 90 km / h, on highways - 110 km / h (if the signs do not limit further). Exceeding speed with a heavy trailer can lead to uncontrolled fluctuations ("wafting").
What to do if the lining of the lining is broken?
Having a spare cable or winch belt in the car is a good rule of manner. If a cliff occurs on the descent, use a safety belt worn through the crumb to hold the boat and carefully pull it out by hand or with another car.
Compliance with operating rules and timely maintenance will allow the trailer to serve faithfully for many years, ensuring the safe delivery of your vessel to the water in all weather.