Delivery of an inflatable boat to the descent site often turns into a test of physical endurance, especially if the distance from the parking lot to the water is large and the terrain is complex. PVC boat carriage It is becoming an indispensable tool that allows one person to move equipment up to 100 kilograms effortlessly, and unlike trailers that require registration with the traffic police, a simple gurney is an easy, compact and inexpensive solution for fishermen and tourists.
In this article, we will analyze in detail the design features of various models, help determine the choice of the optimal option for your kit. PVC + motor And we're going to look at the possibility of making the device yourself, and understanding the design nuances will avoid buying mistakes and ensure that your equipment is durable in the field.
Why You Need a Specialized Cart for PVC Boats
The main problem for inflatable boat owners is that they have to carry a heavy load when assembled. A boat launched with an engine, battery and equipment installed weighs a lot, and dragging it over rocks or sand is a risk to the integrity of the cylinders. carriage minimizes contact of the housing with abrasive surfaces, preserving the resource of expensive material.
Also, using a gurney saves time and effort in preparation for fishing or rafting, so you don't have to disassemble the boat to bring it to the water, or look for helpers to carry it. Mobility This is a key factor, especially when exploring wild shores, where the access of transport to the water is impossible.
⚠️ Attention: The use of conventional shopping carts or platforms without specialized mounts can lead to uneven distribution of load and deformation of the bottom of the PVC boat under the weight of the engine.
Modern models are designed with the aerodynamics of inflatable tubes and the attachment features of the outboard motor, which allows you to securely fix the craft even on rough roads, preventing it from slipping or tipping over when driving.
Design features and types of trolleys
The market for water-motor accessories offers several main types of trolleys, each of which has its own advantages. through-axisThis design provides excellent stability, but requires special slots in the transom linings or the use of soft attachments to avoid damaging the PVC.
The second popular option is framed carts, where the boat is mounted on top of the paddles or sides, often with a folding frame and suitable for hard-transaction boats, which are less demanding of the boat itself, but can be slightly more difficult to assemble and disassemble compared to axial models.
It is also worth mentioning the specialized wheel-plateIt's a compact solution that's always on the boat, but it's less convenient for long distances over rough terrain because of the small diameter of the wheels.
When choosing a design type, it is important to consider not only the weight of the boat, but also the frequency of use. For regular trips to wild water bodies, robuste models with large wheels are better suited, while for rare visits to equipped bases, you can limit yourself to lighter options.
Selection criteria: wheels, frame and load capacity
The main element of any cart is wheels. For sand and soft soil, large diameter and tread width are critical. Inflatable or all-wheeled wheels with low pressure allow the cart to not burrow into the sand, ensuring smooth running. Small plastic wheels are only suitable for asphalt and hard trampled tracks.
The frame material also plays an important role. Aluminum alloys (for example, AMG) are lightweight and rust-free, which is important when transporting the trolley itself in the trunk of the car. Steel structures are stronger and cheaper, but require careful corrosion control, since constant contact with water is inevitable.
The load capacity should be selected with a margin. Add the weight of the boat, the engine, the tank, the battery and the equipment, then add 20-30%, which will ensure the stability of the structure and prolong the life of the bearings and axles.
When choosing a trolley, pay attention to the presence of bearings in the hubs of the wheels - they greatly facilitate the rolling of the loaded trolley compared to the sleeves of the slide.
And the ergonomics of the handles, too, are easy to grip and adjust the angle of inclination to the breath, so that the weight is distributed so that the wheels are the main load, not the hands of the operator.
Comparative table of specifications of popular models
To simplify the selection process, consider the comparative specifications of different types of transport devices, these parameters will help to navigate the variety of offers and choose the optimal value for money.
| Parameter | Axial cart | Frame cart | Trans tablet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Load capacity | 150 kg | 200 kg | 100 kg |
| Structure weight | 4-6 kg | 7-10 kg | 2-3 kg |
| Permeability | High. | Medium | Low. |
| Difficulty of installation | Low. | Medium | Low. |
As you can see from the table, axial models benefit in versatility and cross-country, while transom tablets - in compactness. frame designs occupy the niche of heavy and oversized boats, where maximum stability is required.
When analyzing the specifications, you should also pay attention to the availability of additional options: removable handles, storage covers, the possibility of transforming into a trailer, these little things can significantly improve the comfort of operation in the long run.
Instructions: Assembly and installation of the boat on the cart
The process of placing a boat on a trolley requires a certain sequence of actions to ensure safety. First, the trolley is assembled and checked for backlashes in the connections, then it is rolled under an inflated boat standing on a flat surface.
If you use axial model, the axis is carefully passed through special holes in the cylinders or is placed under the bottom in the cockpit area. It is important to make sure that the axis does not touch the sharp edges of the fittings, and then the boat is lifted and fixed with belts.
☑️ Pre-descent check
The motor is mounted on a transom and tightened by the rods, and only then you can attach the battery and the fuel tank, and distribute the load so that the center of gravity is closer to the axis of the wheels, which will prevent the trolley from tipping back or forward.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave the boat on a trolley unattended on steep slopes without installing additional stops under the wheels to avoid spontaneous rolling.
The final step is to check all the mounting units before you start driving, walk around the structure, pull the belts, make sure the engine doesn't hang, and the movement should be smooth, without any sudden jerks.
Manufacture of the cart DIY: materials and drawings
For craftsmen with the skills of welding and working with metal, creating a cart DIY can be an interesting project. profile-pipe It provides the necessary stiffness with minimal weight.
You can use the wheel pairs of the finished garden carts or the motorcycle wheels, and the main thing is to find the axle of the right diameter and length, and you need to attach the boat to the rump bolts, carbines and wide slings that will not cut the cylinders.
The secret of the durability of a homemade cart
All welds must be cleaned and treated with zinc-containing soil, and then paint with hammer enamel, which will protect the structure from corrosion even in salt water.
You can design your own drawing based on the dimensions of your boat, or you can find the finished charts on the Internet, and the key is to correctly calculate the angle of inclination of the breath and the position of the axis, so that the trolley is stable in static and dynamics.
A homemade design is often more functional than a factory one, as you can adapt it to specific needs: add a shelf for anchor, make folding sides or integrate a sonar mount.
Caring and maintenance of transport facilities
After each outing, the trolley must be rinsed with fresh water, especially if you have been fishing at sea or in salt waters. The salt aggressively affects the metal, quickly destroying even protected coatings. Pay special attention to the axles and the places where the wheels are attached.
Periodically check the condition of the bearings or bushings. If you see a creak or a slow stroke, lubricate or replace the elements. Regular maintenance will prolong the life of the device and ensure safety during transportation.
Proper storage of the cart in winter involves cleaning it from dirt, lubricating metal parts and storing it in a dry room in a disassembled or suspended form.
It is better to store the cart in disassembled form or in suspended condition to avoid deformation of the frame under its own weight. Rubber elements (wheels, gaskets) should be protected from direct sunlight and ozone, which accelerate the aging of rubber.
Timely care of accessories is not only aesthetics, but also saving money on repairs or purchases of new equipment. Simple procedures take a little time, but retain the functionality of the equipment for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use the cart as a trailer for a car?
Conventional hand-held trolleys are not designed for towing by car, they do not have lighting equipment, braking system and appropriate mounting units, towing at speed requires a specialized trailer registered with the traffic police.
What is the best wheel diameter for a sandy beach?
For sand, it is recommended to use wheels with a diameter of 350 mm and above with a wide tread. High-volume inflatable wheels work best, since they have low ground pressure and do not fail.
Do I need to remove the motor when transporting on a trolley?
Remove the engine is not necessary if the trolley is designed for the appropriate weight and has reliable mounts, however, for long transitions over rough terrain, it is better to remove the engine to avoid vibration load on the transom of the boat.
Will a boat cart with an inflatable keel be suitable?
Yes, most axle carts are suitable for inflatable keel boats (BHDNs). It is important to use axle protective linings or choose models with a V-shaped axle profile so as not to damage the keelson.