Transportation of an inflatable swimming vehicle requires not only a reliable car, but also a high-quality trailer. PVC boat cart It's becoming an indispensable tool when it comes to long journeys to water bodies or regular use of the vessel, and unlike simple red tape, a full trailer allows you to safely transport the boat assembled together with the engine, saving time for assembly and disassembly on site.
The choice of the right design depends on many factors: the weight of your boat, the type of tractor car and the frequency of departures. Galvanized steel light aluminum Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages that must be considered when buying, and an improperly selected cart can cause problems on the road, creating accidents or damaging expensive equipment.
In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of the choice, compare popular models and consider the possibility of self-manufacturing. You will learn how to calculate the load correctly and what to look for when you first use. A competent approach to choosing a trailer will extend the life of your equipment and make rest on the water really comfortable.
Key criteria for choosing a trailer for an inflatable boat
The first and most important parameter is the load capacity of the structure. Load capacity The weight of the boat, the motor, the fuel tank and the extra equipment must be greater than the weight of the boat, the engine, the fuel tank and the extra equipment, and the safety margin is not only necessary for safety, but also for the durability of the frame, especially if you plan to drive on bad roads.
The second critical factor is the frame material, and steel models are very durable and cost-effective, but they are susceptible to corrosion when the coating is damaged. Aluminum alloys It is much lighter and does not rust, but their price can be two to three times higher, and maintainability is lower.
⚠️ Warning: Never choose a back-to-back cart by weight. If your kit weighs 300 kg, take a trailer with at least 30-40% margin to avoid overloading the chassis.
It is also worth paying attention to the type of chassis. Spring suspension It provides better depreciation at high speeds, while the torsion axis is more compact and does not require maintenance. For frequent trips along the highway springs will be the preferred option.
Types of structures: single-axis and biaxial models
The market offers two main types of designs, each designed for its own purposes. Single-axle carts They are the most popular solution for boats up to 5-6 meters long, compact, easy to maneuver and do not require an E category in a driver's license, subject to weight restrictions.
Two-axle versions are created for heavy and scalable vessels. Tandem diagram Load distribution allows for significantly higher weights, providing high road stability, but these trailers are more difficult to park and maintain.
- 🚗 Uniaxial models are ideal for boats up to 5 meters long and weighing up to 750 kg.
- ⚓ Two-axle trailers are required for vessels longer than 6 metres and weighing more than 1000 kg.
- 🛠️ The tandem axis increases safety but increases the cost of running.
When choosing between these options, it is important to consider not only current needs, but also future plans, and maybe in a year you will want to buy a bigger boat, and then the single-axle cart will become a limiting factor.
Comparative table of materials and specifications
To finally decide on the choice, you need to conduct a detailed comparison of the technical specifications of various materials. Galvanized steel It is the leader in terms of price and strength, while stainless steel It is a premium but expensive solution.
Aluminum is often chosen by those who store the trailer in the open, because it is not afraid of moisture, but when hitting stones on a slip, the aluminum profile can deform more than the steel counterpart.
| Characterization | Galvanized steel | aluminum | Stainless steel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure weight | Medium. | Low. | Highly |
| Resistance to corrosion | High (with the integrity of the coating) | Very high. | Maximum |
| Cost | Low. | High. | Very high. |
| Repairability | High. | Low. | Medium |
When buying, pay attention to the quality of welds and the thickness of the metal. A profile thickness of less than 2 mm for steel carts is considered insufficient for active operation over rough terrain.
Step-by-step instructions for the assembly of the trailer
Building a kit requires care and a basic set of tools, usually starting with the frame and the installation breathing, and it is important to follow the scheme provided by the manufacturer to avoid distortions.
At the next stage, the chassis and springs are installed. Bolt tightening moment critically important: untwisted nuts can lead to the loss of the wheel on the go, and overtwisted ones can damage the thread.
☑️ Assembly checklist
The final stage is the installation of lighting equipment and the inspection of the electrician. Leakability of compounds The wires are required, as the cart will regularly contact the water.
⚠️ Note: After the first 50 kilometers of run be sure to make a stretch of all threaded joints, as the metal can shrink.
Equipment for descent and lifting of the boat
Safe operation is impossible without a properly configured descent system, and the centerpiece here is the winch, which should have a thrust reserve. Traction force The winch should be about twice the weight of the loaded boat for comfortable operation.
Lodges or keel rollers must accurately repeat the contours of your vessel. Incorrect adjustment of the supports can lead to deformation of PVC tubes or bottom. Adjustment is carried out by moving the supports over the frame.
- 🔧 Adjust the height of the pads so that the keel of the boat lies flat, without distortions.
- 💧 Lubricate rubbing surfaces with silicone lubrication to facilitate slipping.
- 🛑 Always use a safety cable, even if the boat seems light.
Large boats often use a system with guide rollers to help steer the boat in the center, especially in windy weather or strong currents.
How do you extend the life of a winch?
Rinse the winch mechanism regularly with fresh water after each trip to the sea. Salt water quickly corrodes the metal and washes out the lubricant, which leads to jamming of the mechanism at the most inopportune moment.
Tuning and modernization of standard models
Factory carts often require rework for specific operating conditions. One of the most popular improvements is the installation. support-wheel on the breather, which greatly simplifies the movement of the trailer manually on a hard surface.
Owners often replace standard wiring with LED wiring, which consumes less energy and is more resistant to vibrations, and storage boxes attached to the frame are also a useful addition.
Install additional safety reflectors on the sides of the trailer, if the dimensions of the boat significantly exceed the width of the cart itself, this is a requirement of traffic rules and a guarantee of your safety in the dark.
Some anglers put fishing rod mounts on the cart or attachment brackets to keep heavy equipment separate, and the main thing in tuning is not to break the balance and not exceed the maximum mass.
Competent tuning turns a standard cart into a universal tool, but do not forget that any changes in the design should be safe and do not violate the integrity of the frame.
Rules of operation and storage
The long life of a trailer depends not only on the quality of the assembly, but also on the proper care. After each outing on water, especially salt water, the cart must be washed with fresh water. Corrosion The main enemy of metal structures, and the fight against it begins immediately after use.
Store the trailer is best in a dry room or under a special awning. If this is not possible, be sure to remove the wheels and store them indoors so that the rubber tires do not crack from ultraviolet.
Periodically check the pressure in the tires and the condition of the bearings of the hubs. Knock or hum when driving may indicate a malfunction of the chassis, which must be eliminated immediately.
⚠️ Warning: Do not leave the boat on the cart for long periods under the scorching sun. The pressure in the cylinders may rise, causing them to rupture or deform the seams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need an E license to drive a boat?
Category E is required only if the permissible maximum mass of the trailer exceeds 750 kg and the total mass of the vehicle and trailer exceeds 3,500 kg.
How often should the bearings of the hubs be lubricated?
It is recommended to carry out preventive lubrication of bearings at least once a year or every 10,000 km of run.
Can I register a homemade cart?
Yes, registration of homemade trailer is possible, but requires certification and obtaining a certificate of safety of the design in specialized laboratories, which is often more expensive than buying a factory product.
What should be the speed of the trailer?
According to traffic rules, the speed of a car with a trailer on suburban roads should not exceed 90 km / h, and on highways - 110 km / h, but for safety with a heavy boat it is better not to exceed 80-90 km / h.