Boat Fishing gives the water motor access to the most promising places, but often puts it in a vulnerable position before the weather and observation fish. Skip for the boat. It's not just a piece of cloth on sticks, it's a sophisticated engineering solution that hides the silhouette of a fisherman and protects him from wind, rain and the scorching sun. A properly designed shelter turns a conventional inflatable boat into a mobile ambush, making fishing more efficient at times.
Modern materials allow you to create a design that will weigh a minimum, quickly assemble and reliably attach to the sides without the risk of damage. PVC tubesIn this article, we will look at all the steps in creating such a shelter, from choosing a frame system to selecting camouflage fabric, you will learn how to avoid the typical mistakes of beginners and make fishing comfortable in all conditions.
Design features and requirements for boat shelters
The main difference between the boat skid and the ground analogue is the need for minimum weight and maximum aerodynamic stability. Shelter frame It has to withstand the gusts of wind without creating the effect of a sail that can flip the boat. banks (seats) or directly stringer boats without disturbing the tightness of the cylinders.
The most important element is the mounting system, and the use of metal hooks or sharp elements is strictly prohibited, since any contact with the metal is not allowed. PVC material Under load, it can cause a puncture, and for fixation, soft belts, Velcro straps or special brackets covering cylinders are used. Height of the scrub The angler is designed to sit comfortably, but the center of gravity remains low.
Ventilation is another critical parameter, and you can't be in a confined space, especially in hot weather, without air flow. air-valve Or a grid insert at the bottom of the perimeter, which allows air to circulate without creating drafts that are dangerous for the fisherman.
⚠️ Warning: Never use sharp metal carbines or wire to fasten the squirt, which can RUB the fabric of the balloon when rolling. Only soft textile slings and plastic clamps!
Selection of materials: fabric and frame system
The basis of the durability of the scrub is the right materials. fiberglass or aluminum-tubeAluminum is lightweight and does not rust, but requires high-quality anodizing. Fiberglass has excellent elasticity, which is important for wind resistance, but it is more fragile when impacted. Diameter of the tubes It is usually 8-10 mm, which provides a balance between strength and weight.
The fabric must be not only camouflage, but also functional. Oxford (Oxford) with a density of at least 210 Den and PU-coatingThis material doesn't get wet, it dries quickly and it's resistant to ultraviolet light, and for summer fishing, where shadow is the only thing that matters, you can use lighter mesh materials, but they won't save you from oblique rain.
The color scheme is tailored to a specific pond, and for reed-covered areas, the camouflage of "Reed" or "Kamish" is ideal, and for open water, shades of khaki or gray-blue. Masking properties They are increased if the fabric has a matte surface that does not create glare in the sun, which can scare off the cautious fish.
When sewing the cover, leave allowances for seams of at least 1.5 cm and use a reinforced double stitch - the wind load on the fabric of the scrub is much higher than that of a conventional tent.
Manufacture of the frame yourself: step-by-step instructions
Creating a framework starts with design, and you need to measure exactly the length and width of your boat, and the landing height. Drawing a sneak The most common is an arched or dome system, where the arcs are inserted into special pockets on fabrics or attached to knots on the frame.
The process of assembling a metal frame is as follows:
- 🛠️ Cutting pipes by size, taking into account the thickness of the connecting elements.
- 🔩 Manufacture or purchase of plastic/metal angular connectors.
- 📏 Assembly of the main frame of the base, which lies on the banks of the boat.
- ⚙️ Installation of vertical pillars and upper arcs forming a dome.
To connect the elements, it is best to use threaded fittings or bolt connections with nuts protected from corrosion. Welded joints In aluminum, you need to clean and paint it so that the metal oxides don't stain your clothes and your fabric, and it's important to make sure that you can quickly disassemble the structure for transportation.
☑️ Checking the frame's readiness
If you use fiberglass arches, the ends of the arches should be protected by rubber tips, which will prevent tissue damage in the tension areas. Strength of construction checked on land: with moderate rocking, the frame should not deform or make creaking sounds.
Sewing and mounting of fabric cover
The slewing of the cover is the most time-consuming step, the fabric is painted to accommodate all the curves of the frame, the arched structures are carved with rectangular cloths of walls and roofs, which are then sewn together. tunnel pockets It's made of strong braids, and it allows the fabric to fit tightly around the frame without being able to sail in the wind.
The bottom of the scrub is fitted kulis It's a cord or a system of elastic straps, which is necessary for the tight fitting of the boat's cylinders. Boat anchorage The front part should be evenly distributed around the perimeter to avoid distortion of the fabric.
For ease of use in the case make special slots with valves for rods. Fish holes They should have soft edges so that the line does not get confused and the fabric does not break when actively catching fish. All seams are necessarily glued or treated with a seam sealant to prevent leaks during rain.
| Materials | Density (g/sq.m) | Water resistance (mm st) | Weight (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oxford 210D | 210 | 2000 | Light. |
| Oxford 600D | 600 | 3000 | Medium. |
| Tent cloth (Taffeta) | 190 | 2500 | Very light. |
| Canvas (with impregnation) | 450+ | 5000 | Heavy. |
How to make windows transparent?
To make the viewing windows, use a transparent PVC film 0.3-0.5 mm thick, which is sewn into the fabric from the inside through the sealing tape to make the seam leaky. Don't use conventional film, it will burst in the cold.
Masking and tactics of use on the water
Installation of the scrub on water requires compliance with certain safety rules. Sailing of the shelter It can become critical in strong side winds. If you are in open water, be sure to use an anchor or anchor peg to prevent the boat from turning lag to the wave. In windy weather, it is recommended to open the bottom valves for blowing.
The effectiveness of the masking depends not only on the color, but also on the behavior of the angler, and the sharp movements inside the scrub create silhouettes that are noticeable to the fish. Acoustic masking It's also important: the fabric of the scrawl absorbs conversational sounds well, but the thud of the gear on the side can be heard far away. Use soft rod stands.
Seasonal use dictates its requirements, summer is the main thing - ventilation and protection from ultraviolet light. thermal insulation Some anglers use multi-layer covers, where the outer layer is camouflage and the inner layer is foiled to keep the heat.
⚠️ Warning: In a thunderstorm, being in a metal frame in open water increases the risk of lightning strike. At the first sign of a thunderstorm, immediately remove the shelter and leave the water area!
The key to success is the balance between height and sailing, and the lower the profile, the more stable the boat and the less visible the fishermen.
Care, storage and repair of the scrub
The durability of your shelter depends on proper care, and after every fishing trip, especially in rainy weather, the screeching must be dried. Wet fabric If you store it for a long time, it quickly becomes covered with mold, which destroys the PU coating and fibers. It is better to dry in the straightened form in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight, which can burn out the dye.
Store scrub should be folded, but not too tight, in a dry room. The frame is also wiped from moisture and salt deposits (if fishing was at sea or salt lakes). Metallic elements It is recommended to periodically lubricate with silicone lubricant to prevent acidification of threaded compounds.
Small punctures or cuts are easily repaired at home, using special repair kits for PVC and fabrics, including patches and glue. Frame defectsCracks in arcs can be temporarily eliminated with aluminum shells or durable tape, but full repair is better done in the workshop.
How to seal Oxford in the field?
Ideal two-component PVC glue (such as Uranus or 88-NP) and patch of the same fabric, the surface is degreased, the glue is applied in two layers with intermediate drying, then tightly pressed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register a boat with a screech in GIMS?
The scrub is not a registration equipment in itself, but if the installation of a shelter significantly changes the size of the vessel or its load capacity, formally it can be considered a conversion. In practice, removable awning structures rarely raise questions from inspectors unless they close the view when driving for an outboard motor.
Can I use a squirrel when driving for an outboard motor?
It's not recommended. Skradok creates a lot of air resistance (sailing), which makes the boat unmanageable and dangerous. You can only move under cover on oars or electric motors with very low winds. When you go out for planing, the shelter must be removed or folded.
How much weight can PVC boats with an installed frame withstand?
Standard inflatable cans (seats) are usually designed to carry loads of up to 100-120 kg each. The frame of the scrub along with the fabric weighs a little (5-10 kg), so it does not overload the cans. The main thing is to distribute the mounting points so that the cloth of the cylinders does not pressurize the point pressure.
How to deal with condensation inside the scrub?
Condensate is produced by the temperature difference and the angler's breathing, and use a breathable membrane to control it, and leave the vents below and above ajar (creating traction), and the special moisture absorbers placed inside also help.