In the world of inflatable swimming aids PVC boat with steering It's no longer a luxury, and it's become the standard for those who value time and safety on the water. The transition from the classic tiller control to the steering system opens up entirely new horizons for fishermen and water tourism enthusiasts. You're no longer tied to one spot in the cockpit, you can move freely, you can fish standing up, or you can just be more comfortable with your feet during the long transition.
But making a decision to buy one or upgrade an existing one requires a deep understanding of the technicalities. Many beginners mistakenly believe that it's enough to just screw up a console and cables, but it's not easy to do that. hydrodynamics The inflatable body dictates its own rules, and the wrong balancing or choosing an engine that is too powerful can turn the pleasure of cruising into a fight for survival with an unguided projectile.
In this article, we will take a look at all aspects of remotely operated boats, from choosing a reliable slingboard to fine-tuning the cable traction to ensure accuracy even in strong side winds. steering It is often the only way to save when using powerful motors, and how to avoid the typical errors in the assembly of the system.
Advantages of steering before the tiller
The main argument for steering is ergonomics and load distribution. When you control the engine through the humming wheel, all the vibration and shocks from the waves are transmitted directly to your arm and shoulder joint. At long distances, this causes severe fatigue, and when faced with a large wave, you can easily knock the rummel out of your hands, losing control of the course. Remote control It completely eliminates physical contact with the motor, making navigation smooth and predictable.
In addition, it is possible to install more powerful engines. While 5-6 hp can still tolerate the jerking of a rompell, engines from 9.9 hp and above require more delicate handling. The rotor allows you to adjust the course with minimal brush movements, which is critical when trolling or maneuvering in narrowness.
In an emergency situation where you need to drop gas or change course, the steering response is often faster and more accurate than when you are working with a thrust that can get stuck or have backlashes. The cable system Provides a soft but confident response, allowing you to feel the propeller through the recoil on the helm.
- 🚀 Freedom of movement: The ability to get up, walk to the nose or take a fishing rod without losing control of the boat.
- 🎣 Comfort for trolling: the ability to fix the course and focus on wiring the bait.
- 🛡️ Protection against fatigue: No vibration on the hands and back during long transitions.
- ⚓ Improved maneuverability: accurate control at low speeds and in high winds.
Types of designs: from simple consoles to full-fledged cockpit
The market offers many options for implementing steering, and the choice depends on the size of your vessel and budget. steering-consoleIt's a system that is attached to a slingboard or boards with special brackets, which are lightweight, cheap and easy to dismantle if you want to fold a boat into a compact backpack, but they often look bulky and can interfere with fishing in a tight cockpit.
A more advanced option is integrated systems where the steering column is embedded in an inflatable balloon or a rigid floorboard. floppy-line It's a more aesthetic solution, it doesn't take up any useful space, but it requires more complex installation and maintenance, and it's important to make sure that the cable doesn't bend or rub against the sharp elements.
Special attention should be paid to the boats with hard-transom And it's a fiberglass cockpit, and in these models, the steering mechanism is often pre-installed by the manufacturer, and it's ideal for people who don't want to make make DIY things, and it's solid, it's reliable, it can withstand high loads, but the weight of these boats is much higher, and they take longer to assemble before they get on the water.
⚠️ Attention: When choosing a steering system, pay attention to the length of the cable. Standard kits are often 3 meters long, which may not be enough for boats longer than 4 meters. You can not shorten the cable, and the build-up requires special skills and tools.
When installing the console on inflatable sides, it is critical to use wide mounting areas. PVCAlways use additional protective mats or amplifiers at the contact points of the metal and cylinder.
Technical requirements for boat and motor
Not every one. flyboat The first limitation is the length of the hull. For boats shorter than 3 meters, the steering wheel often makes no sense, because shifting the center of gravity can impair driving performance and the system will take up too much space. The optimal size to start the steering wheel is 3.20 meters and above.
The second critical parameter is engine power. Steering has its friction and inertia losses. If you put a weak motor (like 2-3 hp) on a complex steering system, you may not be able to push the steering gear against the flow of water in the planing. It is recommended to use motors ranging from 5 hp for simple systems and 9.9 hp for heavy consoles with windbreakers.
Also important is the design of the transom. transom board If the board is "cruising" or has a backlash, the entire steering system will not work properly and the cables will wear out quickly. For heavy motors and steering systems, it is recommended to use trans-amplifiers that distribute the load over a larger area of cylinders.
| Parameter | Minimum value | Optimal value | Impact on management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boat length | 3.00m | 3.50 - 4.20 m | Sustainability of course |
| Engine power | 5 hp | 9.9 - 15 hp | Efficiency of steering |
| Diameter of cable | 3/16" | 1/4" (6 mm) | Sensitivity of the steering wheel |
| Weight of the console | 5kg | 3-4 kg (aluminum) | Balancing the boat |
Use aluminum consoles instead of plastic or steel. Aluminum is non-rusting, lighter and stronger, which is critical for inflatable boats where every kilogram on the transom affects the trim.
Nuances of system installation and settings
The process of mounting the steering requires precision and precision. The first step is always to mark the mounting places. A couple of centimeters error can cause the cable to go at an angle, creating excessive friction. level and roulette If you are installing the system on an existing boat, make sure that there are no hidden structural elements in the drilling (if required) or mounting areas.
The rope is the most important step, the cable must go as straight as possible, without sharp bends, the minimum bend radius for a standard cable type. SSC62 If you need to make a turn, use special rollers or blocks to reduce the load on the cable shell. All sharp edges of metal parts with which the cable comes into contact should be ground or closed by Cambrians.
After mechanical attachment, you have to adjust the tension. Too tight the cable will be hard to twist the steering wheel and wear out quickly, too weak will lead to backlashes and fuzzy control. Optimal tension is checked by pressing the cable with your finger: it should be slightly bent, but not dangling. Be sure to lubricate the rubbing parts. siliconewhich is not aggressive to rubber seals and PVC.
☑️ Check after rudder installation
⚠️ Warning: Never use oil products (litol, solidol, WD-40) to lubricate the steering gear, which destroy the rubber cable seals and can damage the boat's fabric upon contact. Only specialized marine lubricants!
Maintenance and care of the steering mechanism
Salt water, sand and ultraviolet are the main enemies of any navigational technique. After each release, especially in salt water, the steering system must be washed with fresh water. The salt is cryalyzed in the machinery, causing corrosion and jamming. Pay special attention to the place where the cable exits the shirt, where most often corrosion begins.
Check the cable shell regularly. If you notice tears, bloating, or rust coming out of the braid, the cable needs to be replaced. Operating a damaged cable can cause it to break at the most inopportune moment, which can lead to loss of control. A quality cable with proper care is 5-7 years old, but visual inspection is mandatory every season.
Keeping a boat with a steering system installed is better in disassembled form or with a weakened cable tension, if the design allows, this will relieve the residual stress from the materials. The cord and console should be removed and stored indoors to avoid deformation of plastic or metal under the influence of temperature changes.