The floating water is the moment when the preparation ends and the actual fishing or walk begins. PVC Or light aluminum boats, this process often becomes a test of strength if you don't have the right equipment at hand, and dragging a boat along rocky shores or mud is not only difficult, but also fraught with damage to the bottom, which in the long run leads to serious repair costs.
That's why. boat-cart It's a simple, but ingenious device that allows one person to move a loaded vessel effortlessly from storage to water and back, and unlike bulky trailers, it's compact, it doesn't require registration at the traffic police, and it takes up minimal space in the trunk of a car.
But the market is oversupplied, and it's hard to choose a really reliable design, some models break down at the first load, others are inconvenient to use due to poor ergonomics. In this article, we'll look at all the nuances of selection, assembly and use. transporterSo you can enjoy your vacation, rather than fighting with inventory.
The main types of structures for transportation
The first thing that customers face is a variety of shapes and designs, and all carts can be divided into several main categories, each with its own advantages for certain operating conditions, and understanding these differences will help avoid buying the wrong inventory.
The most common option is two-wheel frames with fixed or adjustable track widths, which are versatile and suitable for most people. flyboatThe structure is usually a welded frame on which the vessel is laid, and it is important that the reference points are covered with a soft material to prevent friction and damage to the cylinders.
The second type is specialized keel-cartDesigned specifically for hard-bottom inflatables or small aluminum boats, these have a central chute or supports that replicate the hull contours, which provides better stability when driving on irregularities, but requires more accurate matching to the dimensions of a particular boat.
And it's worth noting that there are also foldable models that can be easily disassembled into multiple pieces, and they're ideal for people who have equipment in their apartment and don't have a garage. whole-welded frame They will always be stronger and more reliable in the long run, as they lack additional connection points that can become loose.
Manufacture materials and durability
The durability of a trolley depends on the materials used in its production; aggressive aqueous environments, sand, sun and mechanical loads require the use of quality components; cheap analogues are often made from thin-walled pipes that deform under the weight of the motor and boat after several seasons.
The optimal material for the frame is considered stainless steel Or aluminum with a quality powder coating. Stainless steel doesn't rust at all, which is critical for constant contact with water. Aluminum is light, but it requires protection from oxidation in the welding area. Conventional steel has to be coated with an anti-corrosion compound, otherwise rust will appear very quickly.
Why does even a painted cart rust?
Often, manufacturers save on surface preparation, if you don't remove the scale before painting and degrease the metal, the paint will peel off after a year, and in addition, in welding sites, the protective layer often breaks down, and that's where corrosion begins.
Special attention should be paid to wheels. Inflatable wheels with a camera provide excellent coasting on sand and grass, but are prone to punctures. Cast polyurethane wheels Solid wheels are never let down, they're durable, but they have less grip on the ground and they transmit vibrations more rigidly. For rocky shores, it's better to choose wide wheels with a tread.
- 🛟 AISI 304 Stainless Steel The best choice for salty water and frequent use, does not require painting.
- 🛟 Aluminum profile Lightweight and durable, but more expensive in production, often used in the premium segment.
- 🛟 Powder-painted steel - Budget option, requires regular inspection of chips and coloring.
Fastening elements also play an important role: all bolts and nuts must be stainless steel or zinc coated, and ordinary ferrous metal will rust after the first release into the water, turning the maintenance of the trolley into torture with unscrewing sour compounds.
Selection criteria for boat size
You can't pick a trolley without knowing exactly what the dimensions of your boat are, and you're primarily interested in the length and width of the transom, and the total weight of the boat you're carrying, and if you're not fit enough, you can cause the boat to fall off during transportation, or the trolley to simply not be able to handle the load.
The important parameter is the load capacity, which is calculated as the sum of the weight of the boat itself, the engine, the battery, the anchor and other equipment. Safety margin If the trolley is designed for 300 kg, and your kit weighs 280 kg, the product will be exhausted very quickly.
When buying a trolley, be sure to measure the distance between the centers of the cylinders at your boat in an inflated state. The width of the inner track of the trolley should be slightly less than this distance so that the sides rest on the pipes, rather than hanging in the air.
For boats longer than 3.5 meters, availability is highly recommended. third-wheel This prevents sagging of the stern, which, under the weight of a heavy motor, can deform the frame of the trolley or damage the boat itself when driving on irregularities.
| Boat size (see para. | Recommended trolley width (see para. | Load capacity (kg) | Type of wheel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 240 - 290 | 80 - 100 | 250 | Inflatable 10" |
| 300 - 360 | 110 - 130 | 300 - 400 | Casting 12" |
| 380 - 420 | 140 - 160 | 450 - 600 | Pneumo 13"-16" |
| 450+ | 170+ | 600+ | Wide pneumonia |
You also have to consider the height of the side, and if you have a boat with high cylinders, the standard trolley may be too low, and the sides will touch the ground when rolling, and in such cases you need models with high limiting sides or the ability to adjust the height of the supports.
Assembly and preparation for the first descent
Most trolleys come in disassembled form or require final assembly, which is made for ease of transportation, but requires the owner to be careful, before the first use, you must carefully check all threaded connections and use a thread lock if necessary.
The process of putting a boat on a trolley also has its own nuances: first, the trolley is started under a transom, then the boat is gently lowered on the frame, and it's important to distribute the weight so that the center of gravity is above the wheel axis, and this will provide balance and allow you to easily roll equipment with one hand.
☑️ Pre-descent check
⚠️ Warning: Never leave the boat on the trolley in direct sunlight for long periods of time unattended. The heated air in the cylinders expands, and the contact points with the hot metal frame can lead to local overheating of PVC and damage to the material.
If you use strap-string If you want to fix the boat on the frame, don't pull it too much. You can strain the cylinders or you can disrupt the geometry of the bottom, you can have a little fixation to prevent it from moving.
Safe descent and ascent technique
The most important thing is to get out into the water, you have to go slowly, you have to control each step, you have to go down a slippery clay or a seaweed slope, you have a high risk of losing control of the trolley, and you have to use shoes with non-slip soles.
When you go down, the trolley is injected into the water until the boat starts to surface, at which point it is important not to let the trolley go abruptly, otherwise the current or wind can carry the boat away, and once you surface, the trolley is pulled ashore, and the boat is anchored or tethered.
The golden rule of descent is to always keep the trolley under control, even when the boat is already in the water. A sharp gust of wind or wave can turn an empty trolley or pull it into the depths along with the engine.
The boat is lifted out of the water in reverse order, the trolley starts under the bottom, after which the water drains. Before pulling on shore, make sure that the drain plug is open so as not to carry excess water. Pull the cart up a steep bank is better than backwards, shifting the weight on yourself.
- 🛟 Always check the reliability of the motor attachment before starting the trolley.
- 🛟 Avoid sudden jerks when overcoming obstacles so as not to damage the transom.
- 🛟 On clay descents, use boards or mats to improve wheel grip.
Care and storage of equipment
Proper care of the cart will prolong its life for many years. After each release on salt water, the device must be thoroughly washed with fresh water. Salt is the main enemy of metal, and even stainless steel can corrosion with prolonged exposure.
At the end of the season, it is recommended to lubricate all movable joints, wheel axles and bearings, for this, lithium lubricants or special sprays of the WD-40 type (as a cleaner and moisture dislodder) are suitable, followed by applying a thick lubricant, which will prevent souring and creaking.
⚠️ Warning: Do not keep the cart with inflatable wheels installed in an unheated room at negative temperatures. Rubber can become brittle and crack. It is better to remove the wheels and put them in the heat.
Visual inspection before each season is mandatory, looking for cracks in welds, scuffs in paint and backlash in joints, and timely detection of the defect will eliminate it cheaply and quickly, avoiding breakage at the most inopportune moment on fishing.
How do you get rid of the wheels?
If the wheel is hanging on the axle, it is often enough to put the washers on both sides of the hub or replace the worn sleeve. In some models, a counternut lift on the axle helps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make a boat cart myself?
Yes, it's a popular option among craftsmen, and you'll need specialized pipes, gardening wheels, wheelchair wheels, and welding skills to make sure you're able to calculate the gauge correctly and provide corrosion protection.
Which wheels are better: inflatable or cast?
For sandy shores and off-road, large-diameter inflatable (pneumatic) wheels are better - they are cushioning and do not knit. For smooth concrete descents and rocky beaches, cast polyurethane, which cannot be pierced, is preferable.
Do I need to register a boat cart?
The trolley itself is not a vehicle and does not require registration with the traffic police, but if you are carrying a boat on a trolley on public roads, it must be fixed to the trailer or in the back.
How to choose a trolley for a boat with a hinged transom?
For boats with hinged transom, support for the stern is critical. Choose models with an additional third wheel under the transom or a wide rear bar that will take over the weight of the engine, preventing the transom from bending.
What to do if the cart is rusty?
You need to clean the rust with a metal brush or sandpaper to pure metal, degrease the surface and cover the rust converter. After drying, apply the soil on rust and quality enamel for the metal.