Water sports and active recreation on the water have long ceased to be the lot of owners of heavy fiberglass boats. reinforced polyvinyl chloride The driving performance is not inferior to the rigid body, especially when it comes to high-speed models, but for full planing and comfortable control at high speeds, regular tiller control becomes insufficient, especially on powerful engines.
This is where the stage comes in. PVC boat with distance. It's not just a modification, it's a necessity for those who value safety and ergonomics. The transition to remote control changes the nature of piloting, allowing you to shift the center of gravity, free the cockpit and gain full control of the vessel in all weather. In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects of the selection and installation of a remote control system.
Before starting the installation, you need to clearly understand that flyboard So, unlike a hard transom, soft cylinders require a special approach to attaching the cables and levers. Any wrong movement can cause damage. PVC material or a violation of the tightness of the seams, which is unacceptable far from the shore.
Benefits of Transitioning to Remote Management
The main reason why owners decide to re-equip is securityAt high speeds, especially in choppy conditions, holding the rummel requires considerable physical effort, the distance allows you to take a stable position in the center of the cockpit or in a special seat, which reduces the risk of falling overboard. sonar.
The second important aspect is ergonomics and comfort. When you install the roompell gas (gas-reverse handles) on a remote rompel, the control becomes intuitive and convenient. You are no longer dependent on the position of the motorist in the rear; the control becomes accessible to any crew member who is at the console, and this is especially true for family holidays or fishing, when the boat can be operated by people with different experiences.
⚠️ Attention: Installing remote control on a soft-trans boat requires a mandatory check of the strength of the mounting of the tans beam. Vibration from the operation of the engine in the absence of rigid fixation can loosen the mounting units, which will lead to loss of control.
The third factor is the possibility of installing a full-fledged dashboardThe console needed to accommodate the steering wheel also serves as a platform for the tachometer, fuel gauge and navigational instruments, which turns a simple inflatable boat into a full-fledged small-size vessel with a full set of tools for monitoring the condition of the engine.
- 🚀 Reduce operator fatigue on long transitions.
- 🚀 The ability to control the boat from any point of the cockpit.
- 🚀 Freeing up space in the stern for fishing or recreation.
Selection of system type: cable or hydraulics?
The market of water-motor technology offers two main types of remote control systems: mechanical (steering) and hydraulicFor most inflatable boat owners with engines up to 60-80 hp, cable systems are the best choice. They are easier to install, cheaper and easier to maintain. Teleflex SSC or their counterparts, have high reliability and minimal backlash.
Hydraulic systems are designed for powerful motors (usually 90-115 hp and above) and large vessels, they provide smooth steering and no feedback (strokes on the steering wheel from waves). PVC boats Hydraulic hoses up to 4.5 meters long are often redundant, difficult to install and expensive to maintain. Hydraulic hoses require careful laying to avoid damaging them against the sharp edges of the structural elements.
When choosing a cable system, it is important to pay attention to the length of the cables. Standard sets are often 3 meters long, but inflatable boats with a remote tiller or a specific layout may require an elongated version. Yamaha, Mercury and Tohatsu.
| Characterization | The cable system | Hydraulic system |
|---|---|---|
| Applicable engine power | up to 115 hp | 90bhp and higher |
| Difficulty of installation | Medium | High. |
| Service | Lubrication, cable testing | Replacement of fluid, check of hoses |
| Cost | Affordable | High. |
Can we mix brands?
In theory, one manufacturer's steering gear and another's cables can be used if they are compatible by type of connection (e.g., UHS 3 pin connection). However, manufacturers do not recommend this, since the discrepancy of tolerances can lead to backlashes or jamming of the mechanism. It is better to buy a complete kit from one brand.
Necessary tools and components
To successfully install a remote control system, you'll need to prepare a workplace and a set of tools, the basic requirement is cleanliness and good lighting. effluent requires increased accuracy, so as not to damage the material with sharp edges of tools or fittings.
You will need the following tools: a set of wrenches (including a rattle and heads), screwdrivers (cross and flat), a drill with metal drills, and a sealant for marine applications. tape And plastic screeds to fix the wiring and cables that will run along the side.
Special attention should be paid to the choice of steering wheel. Inflatable boats ideal wheels with soft coating and reduced diameter, as they take up less space in the cockpit. the steering mechanism (reduction gear) should be protected from corrosion, since salt water and spray are permanent satellites of operation.
- 🛠 A set of keys and heads (metric and inch).
- 🛠 Drill and drill (3mm, 5mm, 8mm).
- 🛠 Marine silicone sealant.
- 🛠 Pieces and borcotary cutters for working with cables.
☑️ Preparation for installation
Step-by-step installation instructions
The installation process begins with the installation of the steering mechanism, and inflatable boats most often use the option of attaching to a tray or a special rack (console) that is attached to the stringers or floor. consoleMake sure that the base is securely fixed to prevent wobbling when moving along the wave.
The next step is to lay the cables. This is the most important point. The steering and gas cables should go from the engine to the gearbox as straight as possible, without sharp inflections. The bend radius should not be less than the minimum permissible (usually 20-30 cm, specify in the instructions for the manuals for the transmission of the wheel). modelIn inflatable boats, cables are often attached to liner racks or special clips on cylinders, but it is better to use internal stringers or a hard bottom if the design allows.
The motor is connected through a universal bracket. It is important to set the neutral position correctly. To do this, the steering wheel is placed in the "straight" position, and the cables are adjusted so that the steering pen also looks strictly at the course. The adjustment of the gas cable requires accuracy: the lever stroke must correspond to the full stroke of the throttle of the engine from idling to maximum speed.
⚠️ Attention: When you lay the cables, make sure they don't touch the sharp edges of the fittings, the valves or the joints of the plywood elements. Vibration at speed can wipe the cable shell, which will lead to jamming of the steering wheel or gas. Use cambricks or corrugated corrugated corrugated at the points of contact.
When tightening the gear nuts, use a thread locker (anaerobic sealant). The vibration from the motor on an inflatable boat is stronger than on a rigid body, and ordinary nuts can unscrew spontaneously in one season.
System setup and adjustment
After the physical installation, a stage comes fine-tuning. First, check the steering mechanism. The wheel should rotate smoothly, without jerking or jamming. If you feel resistance, check the path of the cable — maybe there is a loop or a rope clamped down. The luft in the system should be minimal; if the steering wheel is "swiggling", you need to tighten the adjustment nuts on the tips of the cable.
Adjusting the gas cable (reverse) is critical to safety, and the control lever must be clearly fixed in the positions "Neutral", "Forward" and "Back", the lever must be complete: from full closure of the throttle to full opening, if the motor does not develop full speed or, conversely, the lever rests ahead of time, you will need to re-adjust the length of the cable.
Don’t forget to check the emergency stop button (See also).kill switchThe emergency rope must be long enough to reach the operator, but not long enough to get confused. When pulling the cable, the engine must stop instantly, which is the last line of defense in an emergency.
The right setup of the distance system is when the steering wheel responds instantly and the gas lever goes full speed without the wires being pulled over, and any deviations require re-adjustment before getting on the water.
Maintenance and care of remote control
Operation under conditions water-environment After every sortie, especially at sea, you have to wash the machinery with fresh water, and the salt spray, when it dries, forms salt crystals that act as abrasives and accelerate the corrosion of the metal parts of the gearbox and cables.
Once a season, it is recommended to carry out preventive lubrication of mobile joints. Use special lubricants for water equipment that are not washed away by water and are resistant to oxidation. Pay special attention to the exit of the cables from the braid - moisture and dirt often enters there. If the cable shell is damaged, it must be replaced, because internal corrosion is inevitable.
When stored in winter, it is recommended to remove the steering wheel and, if possible, the gearbox mechanism itself, removing them in a dry room. If this is not possible, cover the console and mechanism with a tight cover, protecting against dust and temperature changes. Rubber seals They lose their elasticity over time, so check their condition before you start navigation.
- 💧 Fresh water washing after each use.
- 💧 Seasonal lubrication of hinges and cables.
- 💧 Check the tension of the cables before getting on the water.
- 💧 Visual inspection for corrosion and scuffling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you set the distance on the boat without a hard transom?
Yes, this is possible, but requires the use of special transition plates or reinforcement of the soft transom plywood. However, for reliable operation of the system, it is recommended to use boats with a rigid or inflatable transom of increased rigidity, since the load on the mounting points during the snatch of the steering wheel can be significant.
How often do I need to change the steering cables?
The life of the cables depends on the intensity of operation and storage conditions. On average, quality cables last 5-7 years, but if you notice rust, jamming or damage to the braid, you need to replace immediately, without waiting for the season to end.
Will a universal range set be suitable for my motor?
Most modern engines have standard seats for the distance, but older series or specific models (such as some Chinese brands) may require additional adapters. Always check the bracket compatibility with your engine model before buying.
Is it difficult to install the system yourself?
With basic tool skills and careful study of the instructions, it's possible, and the key is to take your time laying the cables and check all the connections carefully before you first start the motor on water.