Inflatable vessels are not just water-borne vehicles, but complex mechanisms that require proper ergonomics. Often, when customers purchase budget models of floating vehicles, they face the inconvenience of handling or carrying. Buy a PVC boat handle This little addition can dramatically change the comfort of operation, whether it's taking a boat ashore, maneuvering in narrowness or carrying equipment.
The modern market offers many options, from simple textile hinges to complex metal structures with rubber inserts, depending on the type of boat, operating conditions and personal preferences of the owner. It is important to understand that the wrong installation or choice of substandard material can lead to damage to cylinders, so it is worth approaching the issue from a technical point of view.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what are handles, how to choose and install them correctly so as not to disturb the tightness of the vessel. You will learn about the nuances of materials, fastening methods and get answers to the most common questions that arise from owners of inflatable boats during their modernization.
Typology of handles for inflatable boats
The first thing that a buyer encounters is a variety of designs, and all PVC boat handles can be divided into several major categories according to the type of attachment and the material of execution. consignment-modelThese are glued to the surface of the balloon, and they don't require tissue puncture and are considered safer for leakage.
The second type is the cut-through or through handles, which pass through PVC material and are fixed on both sides with rivets or bolts, which are highly reliable and are often used for heavy boats where full-equipment is expected to be carried, but require more precision to install.
Also worth mentioning are textile handles, which are often bundled with boats, which are sling-ribbons sewn or glued to the hull, and although they are lightweight and cheap, their durability leaves much to be desired, especially when in frequent contact with water and sun.
- 🔘 Overhead plastic or metal with adhesive base is the most popular and safe option.
- 🔘 Metallic cut-in with bolt fastening - for increased loads and heavy boats.
- 🔘 Textile slings are a budget solution for light inflaters.
When you choose between these types, you should focus on the size of your vessel. For boats up to 3 meters long, often enough quality overhead elements. Buy a PVC boat handle For a vessel of 4 meters or more in length, it is better to consider combined versions or reinforced cut-in models.
⚠️ Warning: When choosing cut-in models, be sure to check for sealing rubber bands in the kit. The lack of a quality gasket will lead to leakage at the mounting site.
Materials of manufacture and their specifications
The durability of the fittings depends on the material from which they are made, and the aggressive aqueous environment, ultraviolet radiation and mechanical stresses dictate their requirements, the main materials being stainless steel, coated aluminum and special types of plastic.
Stainless steel brand AISI 304 or AISI 316 These handles are not rusting, they can withstand a lot of weight, they don't deform over time, but they're heavier than their counterparts and they're generally more expensive, and for sea trips or frequent saltwater fishing, this is the best choice.
Aluminum alloys with anodized coating are lighter than steel, but they are less durable when impacted. Plastic handles made of impact-resistant polymer are becoming more popular. They do not conduct heat (which is important in winter), lightweight and often have an ergonomic shape.
| Materials | Weight. | Corrosion resistance | Load (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel | Heavy. | Great. | Up to 150. |
| aluminum | Medium. | Good. | Up to 100. |
| Impact-resistant plastic | Light. | Perfect. | Up to 60. |
| Textiles (slings) | Very light. | Depends on the impregnation. | 40. |
When buying, pay attention to the quality of the coating. Cheap metal handles can have a thin layer of paint that quickly peels off, and the metal will begin to oxidize, staining the fisherman's clothes and hands. Quality products have a smooth, carefully treated surface without burrs.
Why do cheap pens rust?
Cheap metal handles are often made from ordinary steel with a thin layer of chromium. In salt water or when the coating is damaged, electrochemical corrosion begins, which quickly destroys the metal and can damage the fabric of the boat with oxidation products.
Criteria for choosing a reliable fittings
When you decide Buy a PVC boat handleIt's important to look not only at the material, but also at the design. The base area is one of the key parameters. The larger the area of contact with the fabric of the boat, the more evenly the load is distributed during the lift.
The presence of anti-slip pads is another important point: wet metal or plastic can slip out of your hands at the most inopportune time, rubber or grooved inserts provide a reliable grip even with gloves.
The kit also plays a role. A good manufacturer always puts in the kit not only the pen itself, but also a quality glue, degreaser and detailed instructions. The lack of glue in the kit is not always bad, but it makes you think about the package.
- 🔘 The shape of the handle should be convenient for grabbing with the whole palm, without sharp corners.
- 🔘 The base shall have sufficient area for reliable adherence.
- 🔘 The stainless steel (if any) should be made of steel.
You don't have to chase the lowest price, cheap hardware can come off with a piece of fabric if the adhesive layer is poor or the base material is deformed in the sun, and reliability is more important than economy.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid handles with sharp inner corners or untreated welds, which can damage the fabric of the cylinder from the inside when pushed hard.
Instructions for installing the consignment pen
The process of installing the overhead handle requires patience and adherence to technology. Sequence disruption can cause the item to unstick after a few days. First, you need to carefully prepare the surface. The installation site is cleaned of dirt, dust and grease.
Use a degreasing agent (such as acetone or a special compound for PVC) and wipe the surface on both the boat and the base of the handle. Let solvent evaporate completely. Then apply the glue. The best option is to use a two-component polyurethane adhesive designed for PVC.
The adhesive technology usually involves two steps: the first layer is applied in a thin layer on both surfaces and dried until the adhesive is applied (usually 15-20 minutes), the second layer is applied also on both surfaces, after which you need to wait another 5-10 minutes.
☑️ Checklist before gluing
After the second layer is applied, the handle is pressed tightly against the cylinder. It is important to squeeze all the air bubbles from under the base, moving from the center to the edges. For better grasping, it is recommended to use a load or a special roller. Full polymerization of the glue takes from 24 to 72 hours depending on temperature and humidity.
Sequence of action:1. Cleaning and degreasing.
2. Applying the 1st layer of glue.
3. Drying 20 minutes.
4. Apply the 2nd layer.
5. Drying 10 minutes.
6. Connection and roller roller.
7. Drying under load 24 hours.
If you use adhesive that requires temperature activation, be sure to warm the glued surfaces with a building hair dryer to temperature. 50-60°C This activates the chemical processes and ensures maximum strength of the seam.
Warm up the adhesive surfaces immediately before the connection if you use an adhesive that requires activation, which will increase the strength of the joint by 30-40%.
Installation of cut-through models
Installation of cut-in handles is more complex and risky, because it involves the violation of the integrity of the fabric, but these models provide maximum reliability when carrying heavy loads, you will need a drill, a drill, a set of fasteners and sealants.
First, you mark the place of installation, drill the hole carefully, without jerking, so that the edges are even, the diameter of the hole must correspond exactly to the diameter of the bolt or the stud of the handle, then insert a fastener with gaskets.
The most important step is sealing: between the metal and the PVC fabric, and between the bolt cap and the fabric, rubber or silicone gasket should be installed, and the bolt entry can be treated with a PVC sealant.
You need to tighten the nuts with moderate effort. The frothing can lead to tissue cutting or deformation of the base of the handle, and the short-range can lead to leaks. After installation, be sure to test for leakage, pumping the boat and covering the installation site with soap solution.
This type of attachment is ideal for bow and stern handles, where the load when pulling the boat to shore is maximum. Buy a PVC boat handle For these purposes, the cut-off option will be the most reasonable investment.
⚠️ Warning: Never use regular metal washers without rubber pads when installing through handles. The metal will tear the fabric when stretched.
Maintenance and maintenance of fittings
Even the best fittings require maintenance. After every fishing, especially in salt water, the metal elements must be washed with fresh water. The salt, when dried, forms crystals that can scratch the coating and accelerate corrosion.
Plastic elements should be checked for cracks caused by UV light, and if you notice that the plastic has become brittle or changed color, it is better to replace it to avoid breaking at a critical moment.
Once a season, it is recommended to check the reliability of the attachment of all handles. Try to gently shake them. If you notice a backlash or detachment of the edges, you need to repair. For overhead handles, this can mean gluing, for cut-in handles, nut lifting or replacing gaskets.
- 🔘 Wash the fittings with fresh water after each release to the water.
- 🔘 Lubricate threaded joints with silicone lubrication once a year.
- 🔘 Keep the boat straightened or loosely rolled up so as not to create constant stress in the places of attachment of the handles.
Timely maintenance will extend the life of not only the handle itself, but also the fabric of the boat around it. Remember that replacing a torn handle and repairing a tearing fabric will cost much more than buying quality fittings initially.
Regular washing with fresh water and checking the fasteners is a guarantee that the handle will not come off at the most inopportune moment.
Where to buy and what to pay attention to when ordering
You can buy quality fittings in specialized stores for water engines, on marketplaces or directly from boat manufacturers. When ordering online, carefully study product photos and reviews.
Pay attention to the dimensions. Standard handles may not fit in size to your boat, especially if the installation space is limited to leers or other elements. Measure the available space before buying.
If you're buying pen-knobMake sure they all have the same style and coating quality, and different fittings not only spoil the look, but they can also have different strengths.
Check for quality certificates or at least a warranty card from the seller. Responsible manufacturers value their reputation and are willing to take responsibility for their products. Cheap "nounaime" products from the markets often have no documentation.
Can I put a pen on cold weather?
It is absolutely forbidden to glue a handle in the cold. The glue does not polymerize, and the PVC fabric will become rigid. The optimal temperature for gluing is from +15 °C to +25 °C. If you need to install a pen in the winter, do it in a warm room.
Which glue is best used for PVC?
Two-component polyurethane adhesives (such as Texacol, Kleyberg or specialized adhesives for boats) are best proven to create an elastic and water-resistant seam that withstands temperature changes.
Do I need to clean the surface before gluing?
It's not recommended to sandpaper PVC because you can damage the protective lacquer layer, you need to degrease it thoroughly, you only need to clean it if you have a factory lacquer coating that you need to mat.
How much dry is the glue for the pens?
The initial grip time is 2-4 hours, but the glue is fully durable after 24-72 hours.
Can I replace a textile pen with a metal one?
The old textile pen needs to be carefully removed, cleaned of glue residues and degreased, then a new metallic material is glued to the same place or next to it (if the design permits).