Any owner of an inflatable vessel sooner or later faces the need to maintain the liner system. Lyctross It is a critical element of the design, ensuring the rigidity of the boat and the correct geometry of the boat, it depends on its condition the safety of the crew and the controllability of the boat on the water.
The cable is subjected to enormous loads, abrasion and aggressive aquatic environments during operation, and improperly sized or material quality can lead to cylinders depressurizing or deforming during movement, so how to accurately measure the size of the PVC lictros per boat requires detailed consideration and precise calculations.
In this article, we will discuss all the technical nuances, from the choice of diameter to the features of replacement, you will learn why you can not rely on the eye gauge and how to avoid mistakes that can cost you the pleasure of fishing or cruising.
What is a lyctross and why is it needed on a boat?
The lyctros, or leer, is a cable that runs inside special slots (liquors) around the perimeter of cylinders, and its main function is to link individual compartments into a single rigid structure. Inflatable boat Without the lyctross, it would become a shapeless bag, unable to keep its shape under the load of rowers or motors.
The tension system allows the internal air pressure to be distributed evenly over the surface of the cylinders, which is especially important for inflatable floor boats (BBBs), where the rigidity of the sides directly affects the driving performance. Diameter of lyctross is selected in such a way as to provide maximum grip with the grooves, but not to damage them when stretched.
There's a misconception that the lintel system is just for beauty or for body kit attachment, and in fact, it takes the brunt of the sharp corners of the transom and the nose, and if the lintross weakens or breaks, the balloon can just jump off the bottom or roll over, which can have serious consequences on the water.
⚠️ Attention: Operation of a boat with damaged or missing lyctross is prohibited, and this can lead to sudden depressurization of cylinders and loss of buoyancy.
How to measure the diameter of old lyctross
If you're planning to replace a worn-out cable, the first step should always be to take accurate measurements. The old lyctross could stretch or shrink under the influence of water and temperature, so you shouldn't rely on labeling, if it's preserved at all.
The best measurement is to use a barbell, and you need to measure it at several points along the length, because the wear can be uneven, and it is especially important to check the areas in the corner rings and in the docking areas of the cylinders.
If you don't have a precise tool, you can use a ruler, but the error is higher, in which case you measure the diameter of a few turns put together and divide them by the number, but this method only gives you an approximate idea of the size.
When measuring old lyctross, keep in mind that wet cable is always thicker than dry cable. Take measurements after the material has completely dried.
It is important to understand that lyctrosity It's not the only characteristic. You also have to consider the type of weaving and the braiding material. Some cables have a puffy surface that increases friction, others have a smooth, slippery structure.
Table of standard lyctros sizes for different models
PVC boat manufacturers use standardized turret system dimensions, but variations are possible depending on the year of production and the specific series. Below is a table that will help you navigate the basic sizes.
| class | Recommended diameter | Typical application | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small size (1-2 seats) | 4.0 - 5.0 mm | Rowing boats, quiet bodies of water | polyester |
| Middle (2-3 places) | 5.0 - 6.0 mm | Motor boats up to 5 hp. | Polyamide |
| Major (3-4 seats) | 6.0 - 7.0 mm | Boats for an outboard motor 5-9.9 hp | Combined |
| Large (4+ seats) | 7.0 - 8.0 mm | Powerful motors, high loads | Kevlar/Polyester |
The data in the table is averaged. For accurate selection, always refer to the product passport or measure an old cable. frigate or hunter Often, specific dimensions are used that differ from the standard ones.
It is worth noting that using a cable of smaller diameter will lead to its slipping in the grooves. Too thick lyctross can tear the likpass or make it impossible to stretch it. The golden rule: the new lyctross must enter the groove with effort, but without excessive tension.
Manufacture materials: capron, nylon or polypropylene
The choice of material affects not only the strength, but also the durability of the entire lintel system. The modern market offers several basic options, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages.
Capron and nylon cables are very tensile and very elastic, they hold knots well, but they absorb moisture, and when wet, they can increase their diameter and weight significantly, which can affect the performance of the boat.
Polypropylene variants do not absorb water or rot. They are lighter than their natural or semi-synthetic counterparts. However, polypropylene is sensitive to ultraviolet light and can lose strength faster than a capron if exposed to the sun for long periods.
- 🧵 Capron: High strength, good extensibility, absorbs water.
- 🌊 Polypropylene: It does not absorb water, floating, afraid of ultraviolet light.
- 🛡️ Kevlar inserts: Extreme strength, minimal extensibility, high price.
For most PVC boat owners, the best choice is a combined version or a high-quality polyamide with UV protection, and it is important that the material is resistant to abrasion, since friction on the edges of the grooves is the main enemy of lyctross.
Technology of replacing lyctross DIY
Replacing the lintel system is a time-consuming process, but it's easy to do it yourself, and it's about the sequence of actions and the tools that you need, and you don't have to try to do it on your knee in the field without training.
First, you have to completely release the air from the cylinders and dismantle the old cable, which often sticks to the walls of the groove, so you may need to clean the channel carefully, use soft wire or a special brush to remove dirt and old glue.
☑️ Preparation for lyctross replacement
The new cable is drawn using a special needle or a thin line-conductor tied to the end, the movement should be smooth, without jerks, and at the corners and docking points of cylinders, special care should be taken not to damage the PVC fabric.
⚠️ Attention: Never use sharp metal objects to push the lyctross into the groove. One wrong move can puncture the balloon.
After the pull, you need to evenly spread the cable around the perimeter and make a stretch, the voltage should be the same on all sides, and the distortion will cause the boat to deform when pumped.
Nuances of tension and adjustment of the system
The right stretch is the key to the long service of the boat. Too weakly stretched lyctross will not perform its function, and the sides will walk. Excessive tension can lead to tearing of tissue in the places of attachment or deformation of the seams.
Optimal tension is checked visually and tactilely, the cable should sit tightly in the groove, without sagging with hinges, but also without causing tension of the cylinder tissue in a calm state.
What to do if the lyctross is constantly jumping?
If a new lyctross is constantly popping out of the groove, it may be the wrong diameter (too small), and the cause may be stretched or damaged licpase, in such cases, sometimes helps the use of special glue to fix or replace the area of the leer tape.
Adjustments are made through tension devices or by tying knots (in simple models), the knots must be reliable, but allow for adjustment. Use sea knots that do not crawl under load.
Care and maintenance of the leer system
To keep the lyctross alive, you need to take care of it. After every trip out, especially in salt water, you should wash the lyere system with fresh water. The salt crystallizes and works like an abrasive, rubbing the fibers of the cable.
When storing the boat in a rolled-up form, make sure that the lyctros is not clamped with sharp folds of fabric, this can lead to the appearance of crevices and decrease the strength at these points, periodically check the condition of the cable for the presence of fuzzy and scabing.
- 🧼 Wash the boat with soft detergents without aggressive chemistry.
- ☀️ Dry the boat in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight on the wet cable.
- 🔍 Once a season, make a defect of the entire length of the lyctross.
Timely maintenance will avoid unpleasant surprises on the water, and if you notice that the cable has begun to "fluff" or lose color, this is a signal for an early replacement.
Regular inspection and washing of lyctros with fresh water increase its service life by 2-3 times.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a fishing line instead of a lyctross?
It is strongly discouraged, the line lacks the necessary elasticity and strength at the knots, and under load it can burst or damage the cylinder fabric due to its rigidity.
How often should I change PVC lyctross on a boat?
With active operation and proper care, it is every 3-5 years, and if the boat is kept in harsh conditions or often in the sun, the period can be reduced to 2 years.
Why does the lyctross come out of the grooves when pumped?
It's likely that the cable diameter is too small for your liquor, or that the technology of the pull (uneven distribution) is broken, and that the groove itself may be stretched over time.
Can I glue a torn lyctross?
You can glue it, but it's less than the original strength, and it's okay for temporary water repairs, but it's better to replace the entire section or the entire cable for permanent use.
Does the color of the lyctross affect its properties?
Color alone does not affect strength, but dark cables are heated more in the sun, which can accelerate the aging of synthetic fibers compared to lighter ones.