Transporting an inflatable craft is not just a matter of moving cargo, it's a complex logistics process that requires the right approach. PVC For years, they've been agonizing over the course of putting a wet, heavy tank in the trunk, spoiling the interior of the car and risking damaging the fabric from contact with sharp corners. The PVC boat trailer is the perfect solution for carrying a boat inflated condition with the engine and equipment.
Choosing the right trailer is an investment in the durability of your boat and road safety. graffiti Or even the tearing of cylinders due to excessive pressure at the points of support. In this article, we will examine in detail all the nuances of choice, design features and legal aspects of ownership. boat-trailer.
The modern market offers many options, from budget frame models to specialized lounge systems, and understanding the difference between them will help you avoid unnecessary costs and buy exactly what you need for your type of boat. Transportation of inflatable boat It should be fast, safe and convenient.
⚠️ Warning: Carrying a PVC boat inflated at high speeds requires a mandatory check of cylinder pressure, and in the heat it can grow critically, leading to rupture of the seams.
Selection criteria: load capacity and dimensions
The first thing to start with is to accurately calculate the total mass of your kit, and many beginners make the mistake of considering only the weight of the boat itself, forgetting the engine, the fuel tank, the anchor and the extra equipment. Trailer load capacity must be with a margin of at least 20-30% of the weight of the cargo carried, so that the frame does not experience critical loads on roughness of the road.
The second important parameter is the length of the lodge or bed. In inflatable boats, it is critical that the supports distribute pressure along the length of the cylinders. bottom For long periods of parking or shaking, it is therefore preferable for models longer than 3.5 metres to choose structures with adjustable beds.
You should also pay attention to the wheel track and the type of suspension. If you plan to go to wild water bodies where there is no asphalt, the standard spring suspension may be too rigid. torsion-axis Or an independent suspension that better extinguishes the vibrations transmitted to the boat hull.
- 🚙 Calculate the total weight: boat + engine + tank + equipment + safety margin.
- 📏 Check the length of the lozenge: it should support a minimum of 2/3 of the length of the cylinders.
- 🛣️ Evaluate the type of suspension: springs for the track, torsion for off-road.
- 🔩 Pay attention to the material of the frame: galvanizing will last longer than painted.
Remember that the dimensions of the trailer should match the capabilities of your tractor. Too long or wide trailer can create problems when maneuvering in narrow yards or at gas stations. Dimensions of boat trailer This is not only technical specifications, but also your comfort in operation.
Design features: pawns against rollers
The main difference between inflatable boat trailers and classic keel boats is the support system. Instead of rollers that can damage the soft side, special paddings are used here, curved elements covered with a soft but durable material (usually carpet or special plastic) that repeat the contours of cylinders. Log system Provides maximum contact area and minimizes the risk of puncture.
There are fixed-bed models with adjustable ones, adjustable designs that allow for changes in the angle and spacing of the supports, which is ideal for families with multiple boats of different sizes, but it is worth remembering that complex mechanisms require more careful care and regular lubrication of the hinges.
Some manufacturers offer hybrid options where the nose is roller-mounted to facilitate descent and the main area is occupied by pads, a compromise solution that makes loading easier but requires careful installation. flyboatSo that the rollers do not damage the fabric with a strong roll.
Why can't you use PVC rollers?
The rollers are designed to be rigid. Upon contact with an inflated balloon, even a soft rubber roller under load can play the role of an abrasive or pressure point, leading to microcracks in the tissue or deformation of the floorboard.
It is important to monitor the condition of the pawns. If the carpet breaks or sharp stones are stuck in the fabric, they must be removed immediately or replaced. Integrity of the losoment This is a guarantee of the safety of your boat during transportation.
Materials and anticorrosion protection
Water and salt are the main enemies of any trailer. Because the boat trailer is in constant contact with water when going down and lifting, the requirements for corrosion protection are maximum. The main material for frames is steel treated with hot-dip galvanizing. Hot galvanizing It creates a strong protective layer on the metal surface that resists rust for decades.
Cheaper models are often simply powder-painted, and they are valid, but only if you plan to operate them exclusively on freshwater and thoroughly wash away the dirt after each trip, and in saltwater, the painted trailer will start to rust after the first season, especially in welded areas.
Aluminum trailers are a premium segment, lightweight, non-rusting and aesthetically pleasing, but they can cost up to 2-3 times as much as steel. PVC Buying an aluminum trailer is often a logical extension of an investment in safety.
| Type of coating | Term of service | Resistance to salt | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powder paint | 3-5 years | Low. | Low. |
| Hot galvanizing | 15-20 years | High. | Medium |
| aluminum | 25 years. | Maximum | High. |
| Stainless steel | 20+ years | Maximum | Very high. |
⚠️ Warning: Even a galvanized trailer requires maintenance. After each trip to the sea, be sure to wash the frame with fresh water to wash away the salt plaque, which can damage the zinc layer.
Legal aspects: registration and rights
The issue of registration of a trailer for a PVC boat is often controversial. Under current legislation, trailers weighing more than 750 kg are subject to registration with the traffic police. However, if the total mass of your trailer (its own weight + cargo) exceeds 3,500 kg, or if it is designed to carry dangerous goods, the rules may change. boat-trailers There's a simplified scheme.
If the total weight of the trailer is up to 750 kg, you do not need the license category "E", just a normal category "B". Also, such trailers do not require a technical inspection and obtaining a diagnostic card. This makes them extremely convenient for ordinary water-engines. But remember: the vehicle passport (PTS) should always be on your hands.
Speed limits are also important to consider: when driving with a trailer on country roads, the speed is often limited to 90 km / h, and in built-up areas - the standard 60 km / h (or less if indicated on the signs), exceeding speed with a trailer is fraught not only with fines, but also with loss of control, since it is not only possible to get rid of the wheel. trailer-inertia When braking increases significantly.
Don't forget about insurance. There's no separate CTP policy for the trailer, it goes with the tractor, but if you're planning long-distance travel, consider a CASCO that includes the risks of towing.
Preparation of the boat for transportation
The right way to put a boat on a trailer is an art that comes with experience. The rule is that the boat should be on cylinders, not on rigid elements (tranza, stringers). Before installing, be sure to check the purity of the pads. Any debris can cause damage. PVC while moving.
Inflate the boat to operating pressure, but with the temperature expansion of the air. If you pump the boat in a cool garage and go out in the sun, the pressure inside the cylinders will increase, it is recommended to leave a small reserve or pump the boat already in place, before launching. Transportation of the boat with under-performed cylinders is dangerous sagging and deformation.
The boat is fastened by a braking belt. Never use chains or cables without soft linings! The belts must pass through special rings or arcs on the boat, or cover the cylinders through soft pads. You can't drag the belts over, this will flatten the cylinders and disrupt the geometry of the boat.
☑️ Preparations for departure
The transom motor also requires reliable fixation. Use a special transom wedge or additional safety belts to exclude backlash. The engine should not hang around as vibrations can damage lower unit Or transom mounting holes.
Trailer operation and maintenance
Regular maintenance will extend the life of your trailer and keep you safe on the road. After every trip, especially on sandy beaches or salt water, the trailer must be washed. Sand clogged into the hubs of the wheels or between the frame elements works like an abrasive. Trailer care I need to get into a habit.
Pay special attention to the chassis. Hub bearings require regular lubrication and inspection. If you hear a hum while driving or feel the hub heating after a trip, then it is time to change the bearings or lubricate them. Waterproof glands are your best friend in this business, they prevent water from entering the hub when you immerse the trailer.
Checking the fasteners is another important point, and the vibration of the road can weaken even well-tight nuts. Periodically, once a season or before a long trip, stretch all the threaded connections of the frame, breathed and lodgement. Taper joints It is best to treat the carving fixator or use grover washers.
Lubricate the bearings of the hubs with special water-resistant lubricants (for example, lithium-based), as the usual lubricant is quickly washed out by water when the boat is launched.
Remember the electrics. The socket and connector contacts on the trailer are often oxidized. Use a contact lubricant or WD-40 spray to protect against moisture. A burnt-out collar light bulb can cost you a fine or, worse, cause an accident.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Do I need to get air out of the boat before transporting?
No, modern PVC boats are designed to be inflated, but the pressure must be working, but not excessive, and it only makes sense to completely lower the boat if it's in very long storage or if you're carrying it in a closed, unventilated body in the heat.
Can I carry a hard boat (NPC) on a PVC trailer?
Theoretically, if size and weight allow, PVC lodgings may not provide the perfect fit for a rigid body, which will lead to spot loads. For constant transport of NPHs, it is better to use a specialized keel trailer with keel blocks.
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, and on highways - 110 km / h (if the signs do not limit less).
How often should the bearings in the hubs be changed?
The life of bearings depends on the intensity of operation and quality of the lubricant. On average, prevention (checking and lubrication) is carried out once a year or every 10,000 km. Replacement is required when backlash, noise or after prolonged downtime if the oels have been damaged.
Do I need to remove the motor during transportation?
Removing the motor is not necessary if it is securely fixed on the transom and is insured with an additional belt, but for long trips on bad roads or if the engine is very heavy, it is better to remove it and transport it separately to reduce the load on the transom of the boat.
Properly selected and maintained trailer for the PVC boat is a guarantee that your boat will arrive to the water intact, and you will save time and effort in preparing for fishing.