Transporting a swimmer to the launching site is always a stress test for the owner, unless specialized equipment is available. boat-cart It turns this process from a grueling exercise into a quick and comfortable procedure, and many beginners underestimate the importance of chassis design, relying on chance or the help of friends, but it is a reliable trailer that ensures the safety of the hull and your back.
The modern market offers many solutions: from budget homemade products to professional ones. trailer The choice depends on the type of boat you have, whether it's lightweight. PVC-bot or massive aluminum In this article we will discuss all the nuances that will help you not to make a mistake when buying or assembling a transport device.
Criteria for choosing a reliable trailer
The first thing to consider when choosing is loading capacity It must exceed the weight of your boat in running order, along with the engine, tank and additional equipment, and the safety margin is necessary not only for safety, but also for the durability of the structure, since the constant limit load quickly disables even quality materials.
The second critical parameter is the type of support surface. For fiberglass or aluminum enclosures, the ideal solution is a multi-roll system that minimizes friction, and if you have an inflatable boat, you prioritize the presence of soft keel rollers that eliminate the risk of puncture.
⚠️ Note: When choosing a cart, make sure that its total weight (boat + trailer) does not exceed the permissible tow weight for your car, specified in the technical data sheet.
Galvanized steel lasts longer in an aggressive salty environment, whereas painted metal requires regular maintenance and repainting. Aluminum designs are light and do not rust, but are much more expensive and less durable for twisting under extreme loads.
Design features and types of trolleys
All existing models can be divided into two large groups: keel and multi-rolic. Kilt carts It's a frame with pawns that repeat the detours of the bottom, and it's a classic version that provides great stability when you're on the highway, and the boat is fixed rigidly at multiple points, so you can't move it.
Multi-role systems, often called rollangaThese are made up of many rotating rollers mounted on the frame, and their main advantage is that the boat can be loaded by coasting without using a winch, if there is a slight slope, but at high speeds, such a design may require more careful load balancing.
The chassis deserves special attention. Most models are equipped with one or two axles. Uniaxial trailers are more maneuverable and lighter, but the two-axle ones provide better stability on the road and do not require significant weight breathed to balance. brake on axles is mandatory for trailers with a gross mass of more than 750 kg.
Comparison of materials: steel versus aluminum
The choice of frame material directly affects the cost, weight and life of the product. Steel trolleys are usually coated with powder paint or undergo hot galvanizing. Galvanizing It provides better protection against corrosion, especially if you often use a boat in salt water, but even zinc can require recovery over time in welds.
Aluminum alloys (most of the whole brand) AMG) are not corrosive in principle, making them ideal for marine conditions, the weight of such a trailer can be 30-40% less than a steel counterpart, which increases the payload on the car, but the price for these benefits will be significantly higher.
It's important to remember that it's maintainable. You can easily brew a steel frame in any garage if it breaks, and aluminum requires special equipment, inert gas, and welder skills, making it almost impossible to recover in the field.
Instructions for assembling the cart yourself
Building your own trailer is a great way to save money and get a device that is perfect for your tasks. Start by designing the frame by calculating the length of the breather and the width of the track. Use a rectangular sectional profile pipe to weld, which provides better torsion rigidity than the round one.
The next step is to put the axle and the axle in the air, and the axle should be positioned so that 10 to 15 percent of the weight of the laden trailer is breathable, and this will ensure stability on the track. winch-stack with a locking mechanism that will serve as a support point when loading.
The final step is to install the support elements, and if you're making a universal trolley, you can adjust the height of the keel rollers, so you can transport different boats without redesigning the structure, and you can treat all the threaded connections with graphite lubrication to protect against sourcing.
☑️ Basic check before the first trip
Table of specifications of popular models
For ease of comparison, we will give the main parameters of the different types of trailers on the market, the data are averaged and can vary depending on the manufacturer and configuration.
| Parameter | Budget steel | Galvanized | aluminum | Pro (two-axle) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max. load (kg) | 500 | 1200 | 1500 | 3,000 |
| Weight of trailer (kg) | 60-80 | 70-90 | 40-60 | 150-200 |
| Type of support | Keel rollers. | Combi (rollers + rollers) | Multi-role | Regulated lodges |
| Duration of service (years) | 5-7 | 10-15 | 20+ | 15-20 |
| Price (u.e.) | Low. | Medium | High. | Very high. |
Rules for safe operation and storage
The long life of the cart depends not only on the quality of the materials, but also on the correct care. After each departure, especially in salt water, it is recommended to completely rinse the structure with fresh water. Pay special attention to the hubs of the wheels - water should not get inside the bearings.
When you put it in long-term storage, remove the wheels and place the trailer under a canopy or cover it with an awning. Rubber has the property of "blowing" and cracking from constant UV exposure. If you can't remove the wheels, raise the frame on the stands to unload the tires.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a trolley with a loaded winch for a long time. The cable may stretch, the mechanism may lose its properties.
Check the electrical wiring regularly. The oxidation of the contacts in the connector is the most common cause of light failure. Use a special lubricant for electrical contacts to prevent moisture from entering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register a boat trolley at the traffic police?
Registration is required if the total mass of the trailer (the mass in running order of the trailer + the mass of the load) exceeds 750 kg. For light models with category "B" in the rights of separate registration is not required, but technically they must meet the safety requirements (light, brakes if necessary).
How to calculate the length of breath correctly?
The length of the breather should provide a safe angle of attack when climbing the hill and easy maneuvering. The optimal length is considered to be at least 1.5-2 meters from the axis of the trailer to the farcope for uniaxial models, which prevents the tail from wagging at turns.
Can I use a cart to store a boat in winter?
Yes, it's a great way to store it, but you need to take the load off the rubber elements (walls) so they don't deform, and you also need to raise the pressure in the tires or remove them to avoid flat seats on the rubber over the winter.
Which cable is better: steel or synthetic?
Synthetic cable (e.g. from Dainima) It is safer for the hands when cliffed and does not rust, but is afraid of friction against stones. Steel cable is more durable mechanically, but requires regular lubrication and check for rust and stratification of the lived. For most amateurs, a quality synthetic cable is optimal.