Every experienced water-engineer sooner or later comes to the conclusion that the standard design of his boat is not enough for complete comfort, especially inflatable vessels, where the lack of a rigid aft bulkhead creates a lot of inconvenience when operating the engine. PVC-target - an indispensable element of tuning, which turns an ordinary inflatable boat into a full-fledged small boat with expanded functionality.
Installing this element solves several critical problems at once, from the possibility of installing a second motor to mounting sonars and navigation. However, the market is full of offers, and self-manufacture requires accurate calculations. In this article, we will discuss in detail why targa is necessary, how to choose a reliable model, and whether to take on a welding machine to make it yourself.
Why you need targa: functionality and advantages of design
Principal appointment target (or transom arc) is a rigid anchor point in the stern of an inflatable vessel. Unlike hard-deck boats, PVC boats often have a transom, which can slug or deform under the weight of a powerful motor, and the arc installation stabilizes the entire aft by distributing the load from the engine to the sides and bottom through a sling system.
It's also the perfect platform to accommodate the extra equipment, and fishermen know how important it is to have free hands, and being able to pin downriggers, spinners or mapplotter tablets on the targa frees up space in the cockpit. Target design It allows you to carry the cargo outside the cylinders, which is especially important for boats with a narrow cockpit.
⚠️ Attention: The use of the target does not relieve the need to monitor the total weight on the transom. Overloading the stern can lead to excessive differentiation on the stern and reduce the driving qualities of the boat.
Safety is an important aspect. When you install the second, auxiliary motor, it is the targa that takes the main weight and vibrations, without it, attaching the second motor to the soft transo or cylinders is impossible or extremely dangerous, and also often hang running lights on the arc, which is a requirement of the rules of swimming at night.
Types of targs: from simple arcs to complex systems
The modern PVC boat accessories market offers many variations, depending on your specific tasks and boat model, and you can divide all designs into different types of complexity and purpose, and understanding the difference will help you not overpay for unnecessary functions.
The simplest option is P-arcIt's a basic design, which is a curved tube that attaches to the sides, and it's perfect for the suspension of navigation devices, LED belts and one additional low-power motor, which is lightweight and doesn't require complex installation.
- 🔹 Classic P-shaped: It is a universal solution for most tasks, easily removed and installed.
- 🔹 Targa playground: has an extended top or shelf for mounting heavy appliances such as sonars with large screens.
- 🔹 Modular system: It allows you to increase the number of fasteners and change the configuration depending on the type of fishing.
More sophisticated models may include built-in harunduks or small items storage boxes. troll-trollingThey have a lot of downrigger mounts and rod holders, and when you choose, it's important to consider not only the functionality, but also the compatibility with your boat model, especially the shape of the transom cylinders.
Can you use Targa on boats without a hard transom?
Yes, there are long-stalled targa models with special mounts that rely directly on the cylinders, distributing the load through wide straps. However, for the installation of powerful motors, the presence of a rigid transom is still preferable.
Materials of manufacture: aluminum or stainless steel?
The choice of material is a matter for every buyer or manufacturer, and the longevity and weight of the structure are directly affected by this parameter, and in aquatic environments, especially in salt water, corrosion is the main enemy of any metal.
The most common material is aluminum-alloy (often AMG or AD31) Aluminum is lightweight, which is critical for inflatable boats, where every kilogram counts. It doesn't rust, but it can oxidize to form white coating. To protect these targas, they're usually anodized or powder-painted. If you often walk on the sea, make sure that the coating is intact.
Stainless steel (usually AISI 304) is the choice for those who prioritize strength and durability. Stainless steel It's much heavier than aluminum, which can shift the center of gravity and increase the overall weight of the boat, but it's virtually indestructible and can withstand enormous loads, and stainless steel targas are often made more slender in diameter because the material is stronger.
| Parameter | Aluminum (AMG/AD31) | Stainless steel (AISI 304) | Painted steel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight. | Low (lightweight construction) | Tall (heavy construction) | Medium/High |
| Corrosion resistance | High (with intact coating) | Very high. | Low (depends on the paint) |
| Strength | Medium | Very high. | High. |
| Price. | Medium | High. | Low. |
Cheap options of ordinary black steel with painting are best avoided. Even quality paint will eventually start to crack from vibration and impact, and the metal will rust, staining your boat and clothes. The best choice for 90% of users is high-quality anodized aluminum.
Choice criteria: what to look for when buying
Buying a product is an investment in comfort, so you don't have to save on quality. The market offers a lot of options, from garage production to branded products. How do you make the mistake of choosing a reliable accessory?
First of all, pay attention to the weld-qualityThey should be smooth, without burns and no inflows. If argon welding is used (for aluminum and stainless steel), the seam should be scaly and uniform. Bad welding is the risk of collapse under the load of the motor.
The second important thing is the boat attachment system, and a reliable targa should have wide slings of strong tape (for example, a sling). WebbingFasterxes and buckles must be made of impact-resistant plastic or metal, cheap plastic in the cold or under the sun will quickly lose its properties.
- 🔸 Pipe diameter: 25-32 mm is optimal for aluminum, thin pipes can deform.
- 🔸 Package: The presence of all the necessary bolts, nuts and instructions in the kit makes life easier.
- 🔸 Compatibility: Check with the seller whether the model is suitable for your boat (for example, for boats with an inflatable keel or BND).
⚠️ Attention: When buying, pay attention to the presence of plugs in the ends of the pipes. If they are not, water will enter the inside, which when frozen can break the metal, or simply splash around, creating unnecessary sounds.
Installation of PVC Tariff Boat: Step-by-step Instruction
Installation of the transom arc is not a difficult process, but it requires care. Incorrect installation can cause engine skewing or damage to cylinders. Before starting work, make sure that the boat is fully inflated and standing on a level surface.
The installation process begins with fitting. Spread the boat, inflate it to working pressure. Apply a targa to a transom to assess the position of the pillars relative to the cylinders. They should not touch the inflatable parts under load so as not to rub the material.
☑️ Checklist before installation
Then there's the fixation process: sling through special targa-eyes (if any) or use standard mounts. Lock the bottom of the targa to the transom or bottom of the boat if the design involves a lower mount. Then pull the upper straps over the cylinders. The tension must be uniform.: the strain can deform the cylinders, and weak tension will lead to backlash.
Puff sequence:1. Lower anchorages to the transom (if any).
Top belts through cylinders (alternately left and right).
Final tensile check of all belts.
After installation, be sure to check the rigidity of the structure. Try to shake it with your hands, it should sit dead. If you see a backlash, tighten the belts. It is also important to make sure that there are no points of sharp contact between the metal and PVC.
Use a pad made of neoprene or dense rubber in the contact of metal with PVC, if the standard mounts seem rigid, this will prolong the life of the material of the boat.
Targa DIY: drawings and features of the assembly
For those who like to do everything themselves, targeting can be an interesting project, saving money and making a design that is perfect for your unique requirements, but it requires welding skills and access to equipment.
The standard width of the bar is usually the width of your boat's transom plus 5-10 cm on each side for the mounts. The height is individually selected, but most often it is 40-60 cm from the level of the transom. You can use millimeter paper or CAD programs for drawings.
You'll need:
- 🛠 Aluminum pipe (AMG) with a diameter of 25-32 mm.
- 🛠 T-shaped fittings or ready-made angular connections (if you do not bend the pipe).
- 🛠 Slings, carbines, buckles.
- 🛠 Rubber linings to protect PVC.
If you don't have a tubular bend, it's easier to buy ready-made bent elements or use fittings. Aluminum welding is best done in an argon environment (TIG welding), since conventional arc welding is not suitable for this metal and requires special skills. After welding, be sure to clean the seams and treat them with a protective composition.
Self-manufacturing is justified if you have access to free metal and welding equipment, otherwise, buying a finished factory-target will be cheaper and more reliable.
Where can I find the finished charts?
Ready-made drawings are often found on specialized powerboating forums or in PVC boat groups on social media. Search for "targa drawings," "transsa arc yourself," pay attention to the sizes specified by the author and adapt them to your boat.
Do I need to paint a homemade targa?
If you have used non-anodized aluminum, painting or oxidation is desirable to protect against oxidation and improve appearance. Use special non-ferrous metal soils and weatherproof enamel.
Will the homemade targa withstand the second engine?
Only if it is made of pipe of sufficient thickness (at least 2-3 mm wall for aluminum) and well-welded. For two engines, it is recommended to use reinforced structures with additional diagonal struts.
How to store targa in winter?
Targa is best stored in disassembled form (if the structure is collapsible) or in a straightened state in a dry room. Do not leave it in the cold under load, so as not to reduce the elasticity of slings and plastic elements.
Can I use Targa to tow a skier?
Absolutely not. Targa is not designed for such dynamic loads. To tow athletes, use only regular dips or special towing devices mounted on rigid structural elements.