Operation of an inflatable vessel requires not only a reliable engine and high-quality glue, but also a well-thought-out transportation system. Step for PVC boat in trailer It's the very element that makes the chaotic throwing of cylinders into the trunk a civilized process of transportation. The absence of a rigid keel in inflatable models dictates its conditions: the bottom requires uniform support throughout the area to avoid deformation during prolonged storage or shaking on the road.
Unlike metal or fiberglass boats, where the pawns are resting on the keel, you have to recreate a plane that mimics the water surface. Many owners make the mistake of simply putting the PVC boat on a standard bed, which leads to transom folds and tissue damage. A properly designed slipway solves this problem by distributing the load and allowing the vessel to safely reach the descent site.
Creating such a design yourself is an accessible task even for a beginner in shipbuilding, but requires accuracy in calculations. Plywood, profile pipe or aluminum corner The choice of materials is great, and each has its advantages, and in this article we will discuss all the nuances of design, so that your boat always arrives at the water in perfect condition.
Design features and choice of materials
Before starting the work, it should be clearly understood that slip-stack It's not just a stand, it's a complex system that's dynamically loaded, and when you move a trailer through irregularities, the weight of the boat is unevenly distributed, and the structure has to be rigid. Most often, the frame is made of a profile pipe that is attached to the bottom of the trailer. Inflatable boats, the critical thing is that there are no sharp corners, so all welds are carefully cleaned.
The choice of the bed material is the key. If the keel blocks are suitable for rigid housings, then the keel blocks are suitable for the construction of the bed. PVC boats A solid plane or frequent grid of supports is needed. Plywood moisture-resistant (FSF) At least 18 mm thick is a popular choice because of its affordability and strength, but it does absorb moisture and become heavy, requiring quality soaking or coating with fiberglass.
An alternative to wood is an aluminum sheet or stainless steel mesh. Aluminum is lightweight and non-rust, but can oxidize when in contact with salt water, leaving traces. Steel mesh provides perfect water drainage after rising from the pond, which is critical to prevent rotting and mold formation inside the boat during transportation.
⚠️ Attention: When using wooden slipper elements, be sure to use only moisture-resistant plywood varieties and coat them with epoxy varnish or paint. The soaked water will freeze in winter and destroy the bed structure, which can damage the bottom of the boat.
The frame itself should be detachable or fixed, depending on your needs. If the trailer is used for other goods, it is better to provide a system of rapid dismantling on bolt joints. For permanent use, welding is preferable, ensuring the monolithic structure.
Calculation of dimensions and drawing
Design starts with accurate measurements, and you need to know the dimensions of the inflated boat: the length on the deck, the maximum width and the height of the sides. Drawing of the slip The nose and stern can extend 20-30 cm outside the bed, but the main part of the bottom must lie on the support. It is unacceptable that the boat hangs only on the transom and cylinder, this will lead to breakage of the floorboard.
The width of the slip is usually equal to the inner width of the side or a little narrower so that the sides hang, but do not slither inward. The standard width of the trailer often limits the dimensions, so it is important to fit the structure into the wheel track. When calculating the height of the sides of the slipboard, keep in mind that they should not interfere with the loading of the boat, but must prevent its lateral displacement.
Formula for calculating the length of the slip
To calculate the length of the support surface, use the formula: L_step = 0.8 * L_boats. The remaining 20% is distributed to the overhangs of the nose and stern, which ensures the rigidity of the structure without excess weight.
To create a detailed project, you can use specialized software or even ordinary software. CAD editorIn the drawing, make sure that you attach to the trailer frame and the rigging point, and don't forget the railings if you plan to install them.
It is important to consider the angle of inclination of the transom board. When transporting the boat must lie horizontally or with a minimum of ambient on the stern, so that the water drains, but the load on the transmolant was minimal. Miscalculations will lead to the fact that when braking the boat will "peck" nose or fall on board.
Step-by-step instructions for assembling the frame
The fabrication process starts with a profile cut. If you use a 20x20 or 25x25 mm profile pipe, make sure it's oil- and rust-free. The frame is better assembled on a flat surface using rods to fix the angles. Primary assembly is done on the hoists to be able to adjust the geometry.
The next step is to create crossbars, and they have to be placed in 30-40 cm increments to ensure stiffness, and then the flooring will fall on those crossbars. Frigate or HunterYou can immediately mark the holes under the sling mount. Welded seams are necessarily cleaned with a Bulgarian and covered with soil.
☑️ Assembling the slip frame
After the metal frame is assembled, the bed is mounted. If the plywood option is chosen, the sheets are painted with an electro-cloth with a file for clean cutting. The edges of the plywood also require protection. Plywood is mounted to the metal through holes using wide-cap bolts or screws on metal with a press wash.
The final assembly step is to install fasteners to fix the boat, which can be rump bolts welded into the frame, or special brackets for belts, and it is important that all metal parts that come into contact with PVC are either painted or covered with a soft material to prevent friction and tearing of the fabric on the move.
Installation of the bed and protective covering
The surface in contact with the bottom of the boat should be perfectly smooth. Even küçük irregularities under pressure of the weight of the vessel and vibration can wipe the protective layer of PVC. Therefore, after installation of plywood or nets, it is recommended to apply an additional layer of protection. carpeting Or a special transport tape.
Carpet is good because it's soft and it's good at removing water, but it can get worse over time. A more modern option is to use composite materials or fabric-based linoleum, which is easy to wash and doesn't absorb smells, and the coating is mounted with water-resistant glue or mechanically on the back to prevent the presence of fastener caps on the top.
Pay special attention to the sides of the slipway, and if the boat has inflatable tubes, they can touch the sides of the frame when the trailer rolls strongly. foul-fed It's going to create a buffer zone and protect the sides from abrasion against metal or wood.
Use car felt or a dense felt to paste the inner sides of the slip. This is a cheap and effective way to create a soft side that will not damage PVC even with prolonged contact.
To improve the sliding when loading from water, you can use Teflon linings or just smooth plastic in the bow, which is especially true if you plan to load the boat by self-loading without using a winch, although for heavy PVC boats, a winch is still preferable.
Boat anchorage and fixation system
Safety on the road depends on the reliability of the cargo fixation. Just putting the boat on the slip is not enough - it must be tightly pulled. This uses a system of belts with a raatchet straps. At least four mounting points: two in the bow and two in the stern, plus insurance for the transom.
The belts should not be pressed against the cylinders. Excessive pressure can cause the chamber to deform or even rupture the seam when heated in the sun, so it is important to calculate the tension correctly. Transport belts They shall be soft straps and shall not have metallic elements in contact with the boat.
| Type of attachment | Materials | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frame-bolts | Stainless steel | Reliable, durable | Requires frame drilling |
| Locks on boards | aluminum | Comfortable, quick. | May interfere with loading |
| Bandage around the side | sling | Universally. | Longer to install |
You also need to have the motor fixed if you're carrying it on a transom, and you use a special bracket or transom wheels that are rigidly locked, and you need to lift the motor up to the transport position and hold it with a separate belt to eliminate the bolt.
Service and preparation for the season
The slip, like any equipment, requires maintenance. After each trip, especially on salt water, the structure must be washed with fresh water. Metal elements are checked for chipping paint and corrosion. The tree is inspected for rot or stratification.
Before the season begins, it is recommended to have all the fasteners reviewed. Bolts can weaken from vibration, so they need to be stretched out. If you used wooden beds, check for rigidity - they should not bend under the weight of a person. If necessary, add additional supports.
⚠️ Attention: Never keep a PVC boat on a slipway in direct sunlight for a long time, the ultraviolet destroys PVC, and the air pressure when heated can exceed the permissible limits, which will cause the seams to rupture.
If you take the slip for the winter, keep it in a dry room, the metal is better greased with conservation grease, and the wooden elements are covered from dust, Proper storage will extend the life of your homemade for many years.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I use a standard trailer for cars?
A standard trailer is often sized to fit boats up to 3.5-4 meters long, the main thing is to correctly calculate the center of gravity and not exceed the carrying capacity of the trailer and the car, boats longer than 4 meters may require elongation of the breathed or the use of a two-axle trailer.
Do I need to get air out of the cylinders during transportation?
When using a high-quality slipway with a flat bed and sun protection, complete descent of air is not required, however, if a sharp rise in temperature or prolonged parking is expected, it is recommended to reduce the pressure in the cylinders by 10-15% of the worker to compensate for the thermal expansion of air.
What is the minimum boat size?
The best is the overhang of the nose and stern not exceeding 25-30% of the total length of the boat. If the overhang is larger, there is a risk of damage to the transom or bow when hitting obstacles. For long boats (more than 5 meters), it is recommended to use trailers with an elongated platform or make outboard supports.
Is it better to fasten the boat: with rope or belts?
For PVC boats, soft-spadden textile belts are clearly preferable. The rope (stretching) can crash into cylinders when vibrating and does not provide the same uniform fixation as snarling belts. The rope can only be used as additional insurance.
The main conclusion: A quality PVC boat slip is an investment in the durability of your vessel. A homemade design, made with all the nuances of load distribution, often surpasses cheap factory counterparts in functionality and reliability.