Carrying an inflatable vessel on the roof of a car often seems to owners PVC boats It's a convenient solution, but only until it's time for long trips, and the size of the packed cockpit, the weight of the engine, and the need for constant disassembly quickly change the mind of even the most avid optimists, and it's at this point that a specialized inflatable boat trailer comes on the scene, turning a complex logistics process into a simple and quick action.
The modern market offers many options boat-trailerFrom low-cost single-axle models to complex hydraulic unloading systems, the right equipment not only saves time to launch the vessel, but also significantly extends the life of the vessel itself, eliminating the risk of damage to the bottom of the roughness of the road or curbs. It is important to understand that the trailer is an investment in comfort and safety, which pays off after several seasons of active operation.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to choose the best model for your tasks, whether to assemble the design yourself and how to avoid problems with your own devices. GABDYou'll learn about the nuances of the winch, the choice of rubber and the proper attachment of cylinders. Well-chosen transport for your boat is the guarantee that fishing begins with the first throw of gear, not with hours of struggle with awning and oars.
Criteria for the selection of a trailer for PVC boat
The main parameter when choosing is the load capacity, which should exceed the total weight of the boat, engine, fuel tank and additional equipment. For a standard inflatable boat with a length of 3-4 meters, a trailer with a maximum load of up to 300-500 kg is often enough, but the safety margin will never hurt.
The frame design also plays a key role: for soft shells PVC Lodges are long, carpeted bars that repeat the contours of the hull and distribute the load across the bottom. Roller systems, popular for metal boats, can create a point pressure that is dangerous for inflatable tubes.
Pay attention to suspension type and wheelbase. Single-axle trailers are more maneuverable and lightweight, but biaxial trailers provide better stability on the road and in parking. If you plan long trips to the sea, it is worth considering options with a galvanized body, since salt water aggressively affects the ordinary metal.
- 🚙 Load capacity: It must be at least 130% of the weight of the motorized boat.
- 🛟 Type of supports: Choose soft coated pads to protect the bottom of the PVC.
- 🔩 Frame material: hot galvanizing prolongs the service life many times compared to painting.
⚠️ Warning: Never use trailers designed exclusively for rigid boats (with a V-shaped keel) to transport inflatable models without additional preparation.
Homemade trailer or factory model: what to choose
Many boat owners are considering making their own boats. boat-trailerIt's a way of saving money and creating a design that fits perfectly with a particular boat, but before you start a welding machine, you have to be very clear about your capabilities and the legal implications.
Factory models undergo mandatory certification and strength tests to ensure their safety on the road. A homemade product will require you to obtain a special certificate of conformity in the laboratory, which can cost more than the price of a finished budget trailer. In addition, the quality of welds and metallurgy in artisanal conditions often inferior to industrial standards.
On the other hand, if you have access to quality metal and welding experience, you can make a frame that will last decades, the main thing is to strictly adhere to geometry and weight restrictions. Often enthusiasts buy ready-made running gear (axles, breathers, wheels) and boil only the top part for their boat, which is a compromise and reasonable solution.
Where to get drawings for a homemade trailer?
The most reliable drawings can be found on motorist forums or in the technical documentation for the factory models of trailers "MZSA" or "Vector". Look for schemes showing the exact size of the angles and mounting points. Don't rely on sketches "by hand", because the violation of the geometry breathed will cause the trailer to wag at speed.
When making a decision, take into account the availability of the necessary tools. For a high-quality assembly, you will need not only a welding, but also a Bulgarian drill, a set of keys and, preferably, lifting equipment. If you are not confident in your abilities, you should choose a ready-made solution that can be immediately registered in the office. GABD.
Design features and necessary accessories
The basic equipment of the trailer often does not include elements critical for the comfortable operation of an inflatable boat. First of all, we are talking about a winch, which is necessary to tighten a heavy vessel onto the frame. The power of the winch should be calculated with a margin, and the cable is better to choose a synthetic one, so as not to damage the bow of the boat when accidentally touching.
The second important element is the motor suspension bracket. boat-engine Separately in the trunk is not always convenient and safe, so the ability to fasten it vertically on the trailer's breather or frame is highly appreciated by anglers. It is also worth considering buying a wheel case that protects the bearings of the hubs when standing in the sun and dirt for long periods.
It is also useful to install additional lighting if the trailer’s regular lights are closed by the boat’s hull. LED dimensions consume less energy and are more resistant to vibration. To protect the boat from dust and sun during prolonged parking, it is recommended to purchase or sew a special tent.
| Accessory | Appointment | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Swan | Tightening the boat onto the frame | Cargo capacity from 500 kg, cable 6-8 mm |
| Motor bracket | Transportation of outboard motor | Adjustable in height, with a fixator |
| Insurance cable | Duplication of coupling | Metal, with a carbine. |
| Spare wheel. | In case of a puncture on the way | It is the same size as the main ones. |
Lubricate the bearings of the trailer wheel hubs with a special water-resistant lubricant before each season. Water entering the hub is the most common reason for jamming wheels on the go.
Step-by-step instructions: preparing the boat for transportation
Getting the boat on a trailer properly is a guarantee of a safe trip. Start by visually inspecting the frame: make sure the pawns are clean, free of sharp objects, sand or stones that might have gotten there on a previous trip.
Get the trailer as close as possible to the descent or parking area, leveling it up. If a winch is used, loosen the rope and pull the hook to the bow loop of the boat. Carefully pull the vessel up, making sure that it lies on the supports symmetrically. Avoid distortions that can lead to deformation of cylinders under its own weight.
☑️ Checking before the road
Once the boat is installed, you need to securely fix it with slings. Use at least two rattle-and-trap tapes: one in the bow and one in the aft, crossing them above the hull, but not passing the cylinders. Excessive tension of the slings can lead to deformation. PVC and depressurization of the seams, especially in hot weather, when the pressure inside the cylinders increases.
Registration and operating rules for GIMS
Under current legislation, trailers for the transport of boats are subject to mandatory registration with the traffic police if their total weight exceeds 750 kg. However, even if the weight is less, the presence of a license plate and documents greatly simplifies communication with inspectors on the road and allows you to legally cross the borders of the regions.
For driving a vehicle with a trailer of category "B" (if the permissible maximum mass of the trailer does not exceed 750 kg or exceeds, but the total mass of the train does not exceed 3500 kg), the usual rights of category "B" are sufficient. In other cases, category "E" may be required. Always carry the vehicle passport (PTS) and the trailer registration certificate.
It is important to observe the speed limit: with a trailer in populated areas, it is allowed to move at speeds up to 60 km / h, and outside settlements - up to 90 km / h (or up to 70 km / h on public roads, depending on the type of coating and sign). Exceeding speed with a trailer is fraught with loss of control due to the "wafting" effect.
⚠️ Attention: Transportation of a boat with partially deflated cylinders ("for compactness") is strictly prohibited. Insufficient internal pressure will cause the cylinders to flatten at speed, causing them to shift, friction about the attachment and guaranteed rupture.
Carriage and maintenance of the boat trailer
Regular maintenance prolongs the life of the trailer and prevents unpleasant surprises on the way. After each trip, especially along the sea coast or in rainy weather, you need to thoroughly wash the frame with fresh water. Salt plaque and road reagents can destroy even galvanized surface in one season.
Pay special attention to the chassis. Check the nuts on the hubs and the condition of the bearings. Luft in the wheels is the first sign of wear that cannot be ignored. Also check the state of the electrical wiring: contacts often oxidize, which leads to failure of light signals, which is a direct route to fine and create an emergency.
Keep the trailer in a dry room or under a canopy. If this is not possible, be sure to use a protective case for breathers and wheels. Rubber cells (shock absorbers, if any, and the tires themselves) are afraid of direct sunlight and ozone, so they should also be hidden from the sun.
Regular washing of the trailer with fresh water after salt water is the only way to avoid corrosion and expensive repair of the frame.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to completely lower the boat before installing it on the trailer?
No, you don't have to let the boat down completely. It has to stay pumped to working pressure. It's only necessary to lower it if you plan to stay in the heat for a long time to compensate for the expansion of air, but for the transport itself, the pressure has to be nominal.
Can I carry a boat with an installed engine?
Yes, you can, but only if the motor is securely fixed on a special transom stop or bracket that prevents it from swinging. Transporting the motor in the lowered position (screw down) without fixing is prohibited, since vibration can damage the lower unit or mounts.
How often should the tire pressure be checked?
The tire pressure of the trailer should be checked before each trip, because of the low load on the axles when the wheels are simple, they can slowly lose pressure, and overload or under-pumping lead to rapid wear and instability on the road.
What to do if the trailer starts to wag at speed?
You need to slow down smoothly without making sharp steering movements or braking sharply. Wagging ( yaw) is often caused by improper loading (too much weight at the back), suspension malfunction or speeding. Check load distribution and nut tightening.
Do I need a category "E" for a light boat trailer?
Category "E" is not required if the total mass of the trailer does not exceed 750 kg. If the mass of the trailer is more than 750 kg, but the total mass of the vehicle and the trailer does not exceed 3,500 kg, the rights of category "B" are also sufficient. Category "E" is required only if these limits are exceeded.