Every experienced water motor sooner or later comes to the idea that the standard design of the boat is not enough for comfortable operation. Railing to the boat It's becoming one of the most sought-after tuning elements, allowing you to safely navigate the sides, attach additional accessories and protect vulnerable parts of the hull. Without a reliable fencing, getting to the bow deck while driving or parking becomes a risky event, especially on the wave.
Installing this element solves several problems at once, from the banal convenience of fishing to the safety of the crew during active maneuvers. In this article, we will discuss in detail what types of fences exist, how to calculate the load correctly and why. pole-hold They require special attention when installing inflatable tubes.
Many owners mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply attach the pipe to the cylinder, ignoring the pressure distribution, a gross mistake that can cause the PVC tissue to rupture at the most inopportune moment. reinforcement And the proper geometry of the structure, which we'll talk about later.
Why do you need railing and what tasks do it solve?
The main function of the fencing is to provide safety, and when the boat glides or goes against the wave, it is almost impossible to keep behind the smooth side. The guardrail It gives you a strong foothold, allowing you to shift your center of gravity or get up to throw tackles, which is critical for those who practice plumb fishing or trolling.
The second, equally important, aspect is functionality, and you can attach rod holders, sonar, navigation, or even a small table to the railing. Tranza railing It's often used as a mounting point for extra equipment that you can't put on the motor itself, and it frees up useful space in the cockpit.
The third thing is protection, and when you dock to an unequipped dock or when you pass through a reed, it's the pipes that take the first hit. boat-boat Or scratch a lumber, and if you're properly assembled, you can reduce the risk of a person falling overboard when you roll.
⚠️ Warning: Never use the railing as the only insurance point when you step on the bow of a boat at full speed.
Design features and types of fences
The market offers many solutions, but they are all divided into several basic types of design and installation. mount-to-pillarThese are the ones that pass through the cylinder and are attached to the bottom or stringers, and they provide maximum rigidity, but they require neat sealing of the holes.
The second type is the overhead structures, which are attached exclusively to a flatbed beam or special pockets on a cylinder, which are easier to install, but their load capacity is limited by the strength of the cylinder itself. downrigger Or heavy squirrels, they fit less.
The materials of manufacture also vary. Most commonly used stainless steel AISI 304 or AISI 316. The latter is preferred for salt water, because it is better resists corrosion. Aluminum rails are lighter, but less durable and susceptible to oxidation at the welds.
When choosing a material for sea travel, give preference to AISI 316 steel, the difference in price will pay off the lack of rust after the first season in salt water.
The upper bar is an important element, it can be round, square, or complex, and it's the most convenient for attaching the equipment to a 20-25 mm round tube, because it's the easiest to find universal clamps and holders.
Selection of materials and installation preparation
Before you start installing, you need to carefully choose components. stainless-tubeThe optimum diameter is 20-25 mm with a wall thickness of at least 1.5 mm. thinner pipes can deform under load, which is dangerous for safety.
To attach the racks to the cylinder, special pentacles (flanks) of PVC or rubber are used. Their diameter should be sufficient to distribute pressure. If you do the railing yourself, use PVC sheets at least 8-10 mm thick. Metal pentacles without a soft pad can not be installed - they will rub the fabric.
You'll also need:
- 🔩 Stainless steel fasteners (bolts, nuts, washers) - ordinary fasteners rust in one season.
- 🧴 Special glue for PVC (single or two-component) - for gluing gain.
- 📏 The tool for marking and cutting is to position the holes accurately.
- 🔨 Polyurethane sealant or special sealant for boats - for final waterproofing.
☑️ Preparation for the installation of the railing
Don't forget. plug-in They should not stagnate, otherwise in winter, frozen moisture can tear the metal from the inside, and the water inside the pipe is also an excess weight and a source of corrosion.
Technology of strengthening cylinders under railing
The most critical step is to prepare the attachment site, so you can't just stick the pentacles together, the load from the racks is huge. sandwich-structureThis is done by cutting circles of PVC sheet diameters 1.5-2 times the diameter of a penet.
The reinforcement process is like this: first, the surface of the balloon is thoroughly degreased, then the first reinforcement layer is glued, and then the second layer is glued to it after drying, but with a hole under the pipe passage, and this step structure prevents the gain edges from undermining when loaded.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Minimum allowable |
|---|---|---|
| Pipe diameter | 22-25 mm | 19 mm |
| Thickness of pipe wall | 1.5-2.0 mm | 1.2 mm |
| Gaining diameter (Pyataka) | 120-150 mm | 100 mm |
| Distance between racks | 80-100 cm | 120cm |
It is important to observe the temperature regime during gluing. PVC glue polymerizes at temperatures above +15 ° C. If you work in a cold garage, use a heat gun or transfer cylinders to a warm room for at least a day before work begins.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use Moment glue or similar household products, which do not have the necessary elasticity and adhesion to PVC boat, which will cause the racks to break off under load.
Step-by-step instructions for installation of racks
Once the gain has dried (usually 24-48 hours), you can start drilling, the hole is made strictly in the center of the pen. The diameter of the drill must correspond to the diameter of the pipe with minimal clearance to exclude backlash. The pipe is inserted into the hole and fixed from the bottom with a nut through a wide washer.
The top end of the pipe connects to the horizontal bar. The joint can be welded (argon welding) or mechanical (fittings). The weld looks more aesthetically and reliably, but requires skill. Mechanical connections are easier to assemble, but require regular checks of bolt tightening.
The secret to perfect welding seams
If you cook the railing yourself, be sure to use argon purge on the back of the seam. This will prevent the oxidation of the inner surface and make the seam “scaly” and durable, not just molten metal.
The final step is sealing, and the pipe exiting the cylinder is covered with a sealant layer, which protects the fabric from rubbing against the metal and prevents moisture from entering the cylinder through the microslits. Polyurethane sealant It remains elastic, which is important when inflating and deflating a boat.
The main rule of installation: the rigidity of the structure depends not so much on the thickness of the pipe, but on the area of distribution of load on the cylinder.
Operation and maintenance of the fence
The installed railing requires minimal but regular maintenance. After each saline foray, the structure must be rinsed with fresh water. The salt, when dried, forms crystals that can damage the protective oxide film on stainless steel.
Once a season, check the tightening of all bolt joints. Motor vibration and wave impacts can weaken even well-tightened nuts. counternut or a thread fixer during assembly to minimize the risk of spontaneous unwinding.
Pay attention to the state of PVC reinforcements. If you notice bubbles, detachments or changes in the color of the glue around the pillars, immediately perform an audit. Timely gluing takes 15 minutes, and a water-torn rack can cause serious injury or loss of equipment.
For winter storage, it is better not to blow the boat with the railing installed completely, if space allows. If the boat is packed in a case, make sure that the pipes do not create pressure points that can damage the fabric during prolonged storage in the folded form.
Can I install a railing on a boat without drilling a balloon?
There are systems for attaching to a hinge bar or inflatable quilts, but their reliability is much lower. For serious use, especially with a nose out, end-to-end reinforcement is the only safe option.
What is the maximum weight of a standard railing?
A properly installed 25 mm pipe structure with the right reinforcement can withstand a load of up to 150-200 kg per deflection. However, the dynamic load (pulp) is always higher than static, so you should not hang on the rail with all the weight.
Do I need to paint a stainless rail?
Painting stainless steel is not necessary and even harmful, since the paint can break down and under it will begin spot corrosion. To change the color or additional protection, you can use special polishes for stainless steel or electrochemical staining (rarely used in the home).