Every experienced angler or waterwalker will sooner or later face the need to upgrade their boat. target It's a solid arched structure that attaches to the transom or the sides, and it not only changes the look of the boat to make it sportier, but also provides a platform for attachments like sonars, navigators, LED lighting and, of course, a tent.
The modern market offers many ready-made solutions, but often the question arises of the expediency of buying an expensive factory product against self-manufacturing. Stainless steel or aluminum-alloy How to calculate the dimensions correctly so as not to disturb the balance of the vessel? In this article, we will discuss all aspects of the creation and installation of the score so that you can make an informed decision.
A well-designed arch can turn a conventional inflatable or metal boat into a full-fledged multifunctional boat for trolling or night fishing. It is important to understand that any additional load on the transom requires careful calculation, especially if it is a question of the question of the future. PVC boatsSo, where the strength of the cylinders and the stiffness of the transombboard are critical, let's dive into the technical details.
Purpose and functionality of the target
The main purpose of the target is to expand the functionality of the boat without compromising the useful space inside the cockpit. Unlike standard fishing rod holders, which occupy a place at the side, the arch structure takes the equipment up and back, freeing the fishermen's hands. troll-fishingwhere a large number of gear and devices are required.
In addition, the targa serves as an ideal basis for installation. tentProtected from the scorching sun or sudden rain, it makes it easier to stay on the water at times. Many models allow you to attach a running awning to the arch, which covers the entire cockpit part, turning the boat into a shelter, and it is also convenient to place running lights on the crossbar, which is necessary for safe movement in the dark.
- 🎣 The possibility of installing up to 6-8 holders for spinning without drilling the sides.
- 💡 Installation of LED tape or spotlight for night water illumination.
- ⛵ Mounting a chassis or a tent-transformer to protect against precipitation.
- 📡 Placement of GPS-navigator antennas, radio station and sonar sensors.
It is worth noting that the setting of the target affects the centre-up Shifting the center of gravity backwards may require redistribution of the load or a more powerful motor to compensate for the sailing structure, but with the right approach, these nuances are easily offset.
When setting the PVC target, be sure to use additional soft pads in the places of contact of metal with cylinders to avoid rubbing the material on the wave.
Material choice: aluminum or stainless steel
The first thing to decide on before you start is the fabrication material. stainless steel (usually AISI 304 or AISI 316) and aluminum Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages, which directly affect the durability and weight of the structure.
Stainless steel It's very tough and tough, it's very good at handling vibrations and shocks, which is important in aggressive use, but it's going to be a lot of weight, and it can be a big factor for small boats with limited payload capacity, and it's also harder to handle steel at home without a tool.
⚠️ Attention: When using aluminum alloys, avoid direct contact of dissimilar metals (such as steel bolts with aluminum pipe) in salt water. This will cause rapid electrochemical corrosion. Use insulating sleeves and lubricants.
Aluminum is much lighter, making it the preferred choice for the flyboatIt doesn't rust, but it does require oxidation protection, especially in welding or cutting areas. Aluminum pipes are easier to bend and cut, making it easier to make themselves. However, aluminum is less durable at breaking, so the diameter of the pipes must be larger than that of steel counterparts to provide comparable rigidity.
| Characterization | Stainless steel (AISI 304) | Aluminum alloy (AMG5) |
|---|---|---|
| Structure weight | High (heavier by 2.5-3 times) | Low (optimum for PVC) |
| Corrosion resistance | Excellent, doesn't require painting. | Good, but afraid of electroplating. |
| Difficulty processing | High, we'll need a powerful weld. | Medium, argon welding is available |
| Cost of material | High. | Medium |
For most owners of PVC boats up to 4 meters long, the best choice will be the best choice. aluminumIt will save the payload of the boat and make it easier to install, but if you own a heavy boat or a metal boat, the Kazanka, you can do it. stainless-make It will provide the necessary reliability and entourage.
Design and design drawings
Before you cut the pipes, you have to make a precise drawing. Targa can have different shapes: P-shaped, arched or complex broken geometry. W-shaped structure It's important to have the right dimensions so that the arch doesn't interfere with the control of the motor and the view.
The pitch height usually ranges from 50 to 80 cm above the transom level. Too low installation will limit functionality, and too high will increase sailing and the risk of overturning the boat in high winds. The width of the base should correspond to the width of the transom or slightly outboard, if the design of the anchorages allows.
When designing, consider the attachment locations. sounderFor spinners, the distance between the attachment points should be at least 15-20 cm so that the tackle does not overlap.
How to calculate the angle of inclination of the pillars?
If you're doing a slanting targa (to improve aerodynamics), the tilt angle is usually 10-15 degrees back. Use the Pythagorean theorem to calculate the length of the pipes, taking into account the height and displacement of the upper base relative to the lower one.
Remember to reinforce the structure. In the places where the pipes are bent or welded, the metal experiences maximum loads. scarf Or additional inserts inside the pipes at the junction nodes, which will prevent the targeting from being distorted during long-term operation at high speed.
Instructions for the manufacture of targa DIY
The manufacturing process requires a specific set of tools: You will need a bender (for aluminum and steel), a Bulgarian, a welding machine (preferably an argon for aluminum or a stainless steel inverter), a roulette and a coal mine. If you work with stainless steel, make sure that your tool is not in contact with black metal so as not to disturb the corrosion-resistant layer.
First, cut the pipes according to the drawing with a margin of 1-2 cm for trimming. Then, using the bend, give the racks the necessary shape. If there is no bend, you can use the method of filling the pipe with sand and heating (for steel) or order a flexible in the specialized workshop. After the bend, be sure to check the symmetry of both halves of the arch.
- 📏 Mark the pipes and cut them with a permit to grind the edges.
- 🔥 Perform the grip by welding the main nodes, check the geometry.
- 🛡️ Brew the seams completely, clean them with a Bulgarian and polish.
- 🔩 Weld or fasten flanges to attach to the boat.
Pay special attention to the welds. aluminum It uses argon arc welding (TIG), which gives a clean and durable seam. Stainless steel is also better cooked with argon to avoid "flowers of runaway" and loss of properties of the metal in the heat zone. After welding, the seams are sanded to smoothness so as not to scratch the arms and awning.
☑️ Checking the design readiness
The final stage of manufacture is the installation of fasteners, which can be welded areas with bolt holes or special clamps, it is important that the contact area with the boat is maximum for load distribution. If the targa is removable, provide reliable locks that prevent spontaneous unbuttoning on the move.
Installation of Tariffs on PVC Boat and Metals
Targeting the PVC boat Because inflatable tubes cannot be a reliable support, installation is carried out exclusively on a tray board or on special brackets covering a cylinder with a rigid fixation on stringers, often using soft belts with buckles or metal brackets covered with rubber to avoid damaging the material.
For metal and wooden boats, the process is simpler: the targa is bolted directly to the transom. You need to use stainless steel bolts with wide washers and grovers so that the vibration does not weaken the connection. It is advisable to put reinforced plates (large diameter washers) under the nuts on the inside of the transom to distribute the force.
⚠️ Note: When drilling the PVC sleeve board of the boat, make sure that you do not damage the inner layers of the material or sealant. All holes after installation of the fastener should be carefully treated with PVC sealant.
If your boat is equipped motor High power, make sure the targa does not block access to the gas handle and the daywut tilt mechanism, the gap between the motor handle and the targa should be at least 10-15 cm for free running, and also check if the arch does not affect the flow of air from the screw, which can create a whistle or vibration.
Inflatable boats often use a system of slings that run under the bottom of the boat and connect to the base of the target, which prevents the structure from breaking off when hitting a wave, but this method requires caution that the slings do not rub the cylinder.
Installation of the tent and additional equipment
Once the frame is successfully installed, you can move to the awning, the awnings are running (folding) and transport (deaf), the awning is hinged to the front of the bar and folded back, opening the view. Oxford or acrylic with a water-repellent impregnation.
When sewing or buying an awning, it is important to provide pockets or eyebrows to attach to the counters. The awning should sit tightly, but not in tension, so that in high winds it does not clamber or create unnecessary noise.
In addition to the tent, the targa is set lightningLED tape is glued along the inner perimeter of the upper pipe, a separate battery or a discharge from the main battery through the fuse is used to power the wiring should be placed inside the pipes (if they are hollow) or in special cable channels to prevent moisture from entering.
Properly installed targa with an awning turns the boat into an all-season boat, allowing you to fish even in unfavorable weather without losing comfort.
Keep in mind the balancing. Place heavy equipment (batteries, boxes) symmetrically relative to the diametrical axis of the boat. Asymmetrical load can lead to the roll of the vessel, which is especially dangerous for narrow boats.
Do I need to register the target in GIMS?
Targa itself is removable equipment and does not usually require registration as a structural change unless it changes the load capacity and passenger capacity specified in the boat's ticket. However, if the setting of the Targa significantly changes the appearance and specifications of the vessel, in theory, there may be questions during the inspection.
How to care for aluminum packaging?
Aluminum needs periodic fresh water washing, especially after going to sea, once a season it is recommended to treat the surface with metal polyrene to restore the oxide film, welding sites can be coated with transparent metal lacquer.
Will the Targa withstand the GoPro camera mount?
Yes, the vibrations from the motor can be strong, so use high-quality cushioning mounts. It is better to install the camera on a separate bracket, put forward, so that the frame does not get the elements of the target and the awning.
Can I make a targa from water pipes?
Theoretically, you can, but steel galvanized pipes will quickly rust in welding and threading sites, a temporary solution that will not last more than one season of active use on the water.