Owners of small vessels, whether inflatable PVC mattresses or classic metal "Kazanki", sooner or later face the need for reliable attachment of attachments. Boat screeds It's a universal solution that locks a transom, fixes a fun jar, or provides a reliable anchor and awning anchor, and without a well-chosen fittings, the operation of a vessel becomes a constant struggle with slipping elements and time loss.
The accessories market offers many options, from low-end plastic to marine stainless steel, the choice of the type depends on the material of the case, operating conditions and financial capabilities of the owner. Incorrectly selected or installed screed can cause increased wear of cylinders or, worse, cause an emergency on the water.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the design features of different types of screeds, compare materials and consider the algorithm for their installation. You will learn how to turn a standard boat into a functional boat, ready for any fishing or recreational conditions.
Design features and purpose of boat ties
The main task of any screed is to create a rigid and reliable connection between the two elements of the structure, in the context of water-motor theme, most often it is about fixing the transom board to the cylinders or the hull of the boat. Boat screeds experience tremendous loads, especially when moving on glides, when the transom tends to come off under the influence of the screw stop.
The classic design consists of two main elements: a lock or eyelet response and an adjustable tape or cable. It is important to understand that different types of boats use fundamentally different mounting systems. If PVC boats are critical contact area and no sharp edges, then metal vessels are more important corrosion resistance metal.
Modern models are often equipped with eccentric locksThese are the ones that allow for rapid tension adjustment without the use of additional tools, which is especially useful when you need to fasten the outboard motor or, conversely, quickly dismantle the transom for drying and cleaning.
It's worth noting that screeds can also serve auxiliary functions, such as often arranging for a fastening to be used to fishing-netThey fix the life jacket on board or attach additional bags for equipment, and the versatility of this piece of hardware makes it indispensable in the arsenal of any water motor.
Classification of materials: plastic, steel and composites
Choosing a screed material is always a trade-off between strength, weight and price. stainless steel This alloy is specially designed for use in aggressive marine environments and is virtually non-corrosive even in constant contact with salt water.
The second popular group of materials is plastics, most commonly polyamide or ABS plastic, which are much lighter than metal and, importantly, cheaper, but they have their limitations: plastic is afraid of ultraviolet light and can become brittle at low temperatures.
The hidden dangers of cheap plastic
Cheap plastic screeds are often made from recycled materials, can burst suddenly when loaded on a tear, without any visible deformation, and can also be elastic in one season when exposed to the sun, turning into a crumble mass.
Composite and combined screeds combine the advantages of different materials, such as a metal base with a plastic padlock coating, which reduces weight and eliminates the risk of scratching the boat hull. Below is a comparative table of the main specifications of materials.
| Characterization | Stainless steel AISI 316 | Galvanized steel | Polyamide (Plastic) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resistance to corrosion | High. | Medium (requires care) | Absolute. |
| Mechanical strength | Very high. | High. | Medium |
| Weight. | Heavy. | Heavy. | Light. |
| Resistance to UV radiation | Immunity. | Immunity. | Depends on supplements. |
| Price. | High. | Medium | Low. |
When choosing a material, you should also consider the type of water on which you plan to operate the vessel. For freshwater bodies, high-quality galvanizing is also suitable, but for sea walks. The only safe choice is AISI 316 steel.Since ordinary stainless steel or galvanizing in salt water can corrode quickly enough.
Types of PVC fasteners and inflatable boats
For PVC or Hypalon inflatable vessels, the use of metal bolts and through-mounts is often undesirable because of the risk of damage to cylinders. screed And we have textile tape systems that distribute the load over a larger area without cutting the material.
One of the most popular options is the belts with fastecami Or carbines that cover the cylinder and are fixed on the transom board, which allow you to rigidly fix the transom, but still retain the elasticity of the connection, which is important to compensate for the pressure changes in the cylinders at temperature changes.
- 🔹 Tranza belts: wide tapes of polyester or nylon with adjustable buckles, covering the cylinder and the transom.
- 🔹 Velcro straps and slings: They are used for easy fixation of additional equipment, but are not suitable for basic loads.
- 🔹 Glue anchorages: special areas that are glued to the balloon and have eyeglasses for stretching screeds.
When installing screeds on a PVC boat, always use a pad made of neoprene or dense fabric at the contact points of the metal with the balloon, which will prevent the rubbing of the fabric and the formation of microcracks.
Solar ultraviolet light and salt water gradually destroy the structure of the filaments. Regularly inspect the tapes for scuffing and fading. If the tape has become stiff or has lost color, it must be replaced, even if there are no visible tears.
Fixing transom on metal and plastic housings
Owners of metal "kazak", "crime" or plastic boats face other challenges, where the main enemy is vibration and the ability to unwind the fasteners. Tough screeds steel cable or chains with tension clutches (talrep) provide the necessary rigidity of the structure.
Special attention should be paid to the attachment points. In a metal case, drilling holes requires the need to treat the edges with anticort and install rubber bushes. This will prevent electrochemical corrosion and damage to the paint. For plastic housings (PE, coated aluminum), through bolts with wide washers are often used.
The way that the transom is attached to the cables is that the cable goes through the bolts on the sides and covers the transom, and it's pulled by the talreps, and it allows you to adjust the angle of the transan and compensate for the backlashes that inevitably come in during operation.
☑️ Checking trans-transe anchorage
⚠️ Attention: Never use aluminum talreps or aluminium boat fasteners paired with stainless steel without insulation. Aluminium-stainless steel galvanic pair in salt water causes the aluminum to collapse instantly. Use plastic pads or lubricants insulators.
Installation and adjustment: step-by-step instructions
The proper installation of screeds is the key to safety on the water. The installation process depends on the type of boat, but the general principles remain unchanged. First, you need to determine the points of application of the load, they must be on the power elements of the structure: pendants, stringers or reinforced areas of cylinders.
If you're installing the system for the first time, don't tighten the mounts "deadly" right away. First, assemble the structure, align the transom or equipment, and then make the final stretch. For textile belts, the optimal tension is considered that the belt does not sag, but does not crash into the material of the housing.
For metal cables, use a dynamometer key (if applicable) or focus on arm force. The cable should be pulled so that when tapped it makes a deaf sound, rather than ringing like a string. Excessive tension can lead to deformation of the transom board.
The sequence of nut tightening on the transom:1. Upper nuts (closer to deck) - 50% effort.
2. Lower nuts (closer to the keel) - 50% effort.
3. Top nuts - 100% effort.
4. Lower nuts - 100% effort.
5. Final diagonal check.
Once installed, be sure to test on land or in shallow water. Try to loosen the trunk with your hands, simulating the load from the motor. If you hear a creak or see the elements shifting, the installation and adjustment procedure should be repeated.
Care, maintenance and winter storage
Any fittings require maintenance, especially if they are operated in harsh conditions. Metal elements, even stainless steel, need to be washed with fresh water after each foray into the sea. The salt, when dried, forms crystals that can damage polishing and trigger the pitting corrosion process.
Textiles must be thoroughly dried before packaging. Wet tape folded in a dark case is the perfect environment for mold and rot, which destroy synthetic fibers from the inside. Periodically check the condition of the seams and folds.
- 🧼 Cleanup: Use a soft brush and soap solution to remove dirt and oil stains.
- 🛢️ Lubricant: Moving parts of locks and talreps lubricate with silicone lubricant or WD-40 (special series for the sea).
- ❄️ Storage: Keep screeds in straightened form, avoiding creases and bends at an acute angle.
The secret to the durability of screeds is regular flushing with fresh water and drying out before storage, and residual moisture kills even the most expensive fittings.
⚠️ Attention: Don't use aggressive solvents, acetone or gasoline to clean plastic screeds. They can dissolve plastic or make it cloudy and brittle. Use only specialized PVC chemicals or regular soap.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use conventional construction screeds for a boat?
It's not recommended. Building screeds are not designed for dynamic loads, vibrations, and ultraviolet light. They can burst at the most inopportune moment. Use only specialized marine fittings.
How often should I change my PVC boat’s textile belts?
The life of the belt depends on the intensity of operation and storage conditions. On average, when used actively and stored in the sun, the belts last 2-3 seasons. If you notice abrasion, color change or stiffness of the material, you need to replace it immediately.
How to lubricate the rusting parts of stainless screeds?
Stainless steel is best suited to silicone lubricants or Teflon sprays, which create a protective film, repel water and do not collect sand, unlike lithium lubricants, and ordinary machine oil can be washed away with water and do not provide adequate protection.
Will plastic screeds withstand a powerful motor?
For high-powered motors (usually over 15-20 hp), plastic screeds are risky, vibration and thrust can exceed the strength of plastic, and combined systems or fully metallic cord screeds with shock absorbers are preferred.
Why do metal screeds creak when moving?
The screeching occurs because metal is rubbed against metal or metal against plastic in the contact areas under load, and this can be eliminated by installing additional rubber or Teflon gaskets, as well as lubricating the contact areas with graphite lubricant.