Transporting an inflatable boat assembled is not just a convenience, but a necessity for those who value their time. PVC boatsIt's a heavy motor, and it takes a lot of energy and a lot of precious water rest. motor-boat It becomes one of the most popular accessories in the arsenal of water motors.
The modern market offers many solutions, from ready-made factory models to self-manufactured drawings in the garage, depending on the budget, the model of the boat and the requirements for reliability of the structure when driving on the highway. In this article, we will discuss in detail the nuances of choice, design features and rules for safe operation.
The main purpose of this trailer is to ensure that the hull is rigidly fixed, without friction and deformation of the cylinders due to wind or vibration. flyboat They require a special approach to the fulcrum to avoid damaging the material, and a well-designed mounting system will extend the life of your vessel and ensure safety of movement.
Design features of PVC trailers
The main difference between inflatable boat trailers is the type of lodging, because the bottom of the PVC is soft and elastic, it is absolutely impossible to lean it on rigid crossbars, as is done with aluminum. keelblockThis allows the load to be distributed evenly throughout the length of the vessel.
Many models are equipped with regulated laying-offThis is especially true if the owner has several vessels or plans to upgrade in the future, and is usually adjusted by moving the support elements along the frame or changing their height.
An important element is the rollover mechanism. There are manually descent structures where the boat is pulled by a winch, and hydraulic or mechanically inclined systems are breathable. The second option greatly simplifies the unloading process on unequipped shores where there are no gentle slips.
When choosing a trailer, pay attention to the presence of a spare wheel - its absence can turn a trip into an adventure if a puncture occurs away from civilization.
It is also worth noting the presence wings They not only protect the body from dirt, but also prevent rocks and debris from getting on the sides of the boat while driving, and high-quality painting of the frame and the use of stainless accessories are the key to a long life in an aggressive aquatic environment.
Types of pawns: what is better for an inflatable body
The choice of support type directly affects the safety of cylinders. Today, the three main design options are the most common, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice will prevent the formation of scabs and "hernias" at the bottom.
- 🛶 Longitudinal beams (kilblocks): Ideal for PVC, the boat is on two long bars, lined with carpet or rubber, which ensures maximum contact area and minimal pressure on the point.
- 🪵 transom rollers: Less desirable for large inflatable boats, as they create a point load, suitable only for lightweight models of small size with a hard bottom.
- 🔩 Combined systems: Combine the kilblocks for the main part of the body and additional side supports for fixing the position in the wind.
The material of the pad is also important, often using a special, fluffy material that does not absorb water and dries quickly, which prevents rotting and unpleasant smells. Some owners self-design the plant's pads using the same method. felt Or thick rubber.
It is important to monitor the condition of the support coverings. If the carpet has rubbed to metal, it can cause the balloon to puncture on the piercing, Regular inspection and replacement of worn linings is a mandatory procedure before each season.
Ready-made solutions against homemade products: comparison
The buy-or-do question is a challenge for every water-engineer, and factory trailers like MZSA or SKIF offer ready-made engineering and certification, but the price can be high, and the design is not always perfect for a particular model of a motorized boat.
Homemade designs allow you to take into account all the nuances, from the height of the hub to the location of the winch. PVC boatBut here comes the human factor: the quality of welding and corrosion treatment.
| Parameter | Factory trailer | Homemade trailer |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | High. | Low/Mediocre |
| Time of receipt | Immediately after purchase | 2 to 10 days of work |
| Adaptability | Standard solution | Individual under the boat |
| Guarantee | Got it from the manufacturer. | Missing. |
If you're going to make your own, don't skimp on the chassis. Use of used passenger car bridges is a risky proposition. Buy a new set of hubs and springs for trailers, which will ensure predictable behavior on the road.
⚠️ Attention: When welding the frame yourself, be sure to conduct hot galvanizing or use special soils for trailers. Conventional paint will get sick after the first trip on salt or sand, and the metal will begin to rust.
Calculation of load capacity and dimensions
The mistake many beginners make is to calculate the mass of the boat itself. full-body It's made up of the weight of the body, the motor, the battery, the anchor, the gear and the trailer itself, and the safety margin should be at least 20-30%.
The length of the trailer should allow the installation of the nose stop (kielblock) so that the boat does not hang from behind by more than 1 meter. Excessive overhang creates a dangerous load on the breather and can lead to breakage of the frame or the detachment of the transom of the boat during sharp braking.
Full mass formula
Add the weight of the boat assembled (with engine and tank), add the weight of the trailer (usually 80-150 kg) and the weight of the equipment (20-30 kg).
The width of the track also matters: a trailer that is too narrow will tip to the side when cornering, and too wide may not fit into the dimensions of the roadway or pass through the garage gate. The optimal width is within the dimensions of the car without mirrors.
Instructions for assembly and installation of the bed
The process of placing the pad on the finished frame requires precision, first you need to install the boat on a flat surface or temporary supports to fix its ideal position, then the trailer frame is adjusted under the bottom.
The longitudinal beams are fastened through special brackets. It is important to use washers of increased area, so as not to penetrate the metal of the frame. All connections must be tightened with a force that prevents spontaneous unwinding from vibration.
☑️ Checklist for trailer assembly
After the main elements are installed, the adjustment step is followed by the boat being placed on the trailer, the symmetry of the position relative to the longitudinal axis is checked, and if the boat is skewed, the height of the supports on one side must be adjusted until the ideal balance is reached.
⚠️ Attention: Never weld the pawns directly to the frame without adjustability. Wearing rubber or changing the boat will make such a trailer useless, as it will be impossible to align the position.
Rules for safe transportation and operation
Safety on the road depends on proper mooring, and the inflatable boat has a high sailing speed, so it must be fixed not only with the nose, but also with stern slings, which will prevent the vessel from spinning around the axis when gusts of wind.
The speed limit for towing is also limited, even if the trailer is technically 110 km/h, it is recommended not to exceed the speed limit. 90 km/hAt high speeds, inflatable boards can begin to vibrate ("slap"), which will lead to their rapid destruction.
Before each trip, check the pressure in the tires of the trailer. Failed wheels are the main cause of heating the hubs and bearings failure. Also remember to lubricate the ball coupling head and check the reliability of the locking breathed.
The main rule: the boat should be fixed so that when the car is sharply braking, it cannot move forward or jump off the supports.
When you return from the pond, be sure to wash the trailer with fresh water, especially if you have swam in salt water. The sand and salt quickly corrode the metal and accelerate the wear and tear of moving parts. Regular maintenance will extend the life of your transporter for many years.
Do I need to register a trailer for a boat in the traffic police?
Registration is required if the total mass of the trailer (own weight + cargo) exceeds 750 kg. However, most light trailers for PVC boats have a mass below this threshold.
Can I carry an inflatable boat with pumped cylinders?
Technically possible, but not recommended for long distances and in hot weather. When heated in the sun, the pressure inside the cylinders increases, which can lead to rupture of the seams or deformation. It is better to carry the boat slightly deflated or completely deflated, if time permits.
Which winch to choose for a trailer?
For light boats (up to 300 kg), a manual winch with a cable is sufficient. For heavy complexes with a 30-50 hp engine, it is better to consider an electric winch or a mechanical one with a high gear ratio. The cable is preferable to synthetic one - it does not rust and is safer when cliffing.