The launching of an inflatable boat into the water is always a balance between convenience and the risk of damaging a delicate PVC cylinder against rocks or a shell. squirtUnlike keel models, which require a rigid bottom or transom wheels, the squid design relies directly on the inflatable sides, distributing the load and minimizing friction during transportation on the ground.
Using such a device significantly extends the life of your boat. PVC boat slack It allows one person to easily move a heavy vessel from the car to the pier, bypassing difficult areas of the shore, and it is important to understand that the right support structure depends not only on the weight of the boat, but also on the type of bottom, the presence of a transom board and the frequency of descents.
Design features of grooves
The main difference between squids is the way the frame is attached, which does not contact the bottom of the boat, but covers inflatable tubes from the outside, often using soft rollers or special stops. float-bottom (BDND) or plywood slants which are not intended to be in hard contact with the metal or plastic runners of the trolley.
The design usually consists of two parallel tubular guides connected by crossbars and a wheelbase. Frame of the squid cart It can be made of stainless steel or aluminum, which provides corrosion resistance in salt water. The key element is adjustable belts or clamps that lock the boat onto the frame without squeezing the cylinders excessively, but preventing slipping when driving.
⚠️ Warning: When installing the trolley, make sure that the contact points of the frame with the cylinders are not sharp edges or barbs. Even a small defect in the metal during long transportation or under the weight of the load can damage the PVC fabric.
Some modern models are equipped with a system quick-movementIt's a way to disconnect the wheel platform from the water, leaving the frame under the boat, and it makes it easier to go out into shallow water, where the wheels can get stuck in mud or sand, but for most hobbyists, the classic solution is the one-piece design, where the frame and chassis are a single module.
Lubricate the movable joints of the cart frame with silicone lubrication after each season to avoid souring of bolts and creaks when moving.
Advantages and disadvantages of using
When you choose between a keel and a keel cart, you have to weigh the pros and cons. Cable models are very versatile because they are suitable for boats of any shape of the bottom. They don't require a hard keel or special transom training, which makes them ideal for the bottom. flyboat soft-bottomed.
- 🚀 Universality: suitable for boats with NDND, floorboard and inflatable floor without rigid elements.
- 🛡️ Safety: minimize the risk of puncture or abrasion of the bottom against solid structural elements when properly assembled.
- ⚖️ Weight distribution: The load falls on the strong cylinders, rather than on the central part, which reduces the risk of deformation of the bottom.
But there are limitations to this design, and the main disadvantage is the increased width of the cargo being transported, and the boat that is mounted on the frame becomes wider, which can be difficult to get through narrow wickets or when loading into the back of a narrow trailer. centre shifts higher than that of keel models, which requires accuracy when maneuvering on uneven terrain.
Another nuance is windy weather, because the boat on the roller trolley sails more strongly because the cylinders are higher above the ground. On a windy day, it can be harder to hold the structure than a more squat keel trolley, so you should consider not only the specifications of the boat, but also the conditions in which you plan to operate it.
Criteria of choice: what to pay attention to
When buying a cart, the first thing to look at is the load capacity, which should exceed the weight of your boat in running order (with engine, battery and anchor) with a margin of 20-30%. Load capacity It's not just a number in the passport, it's the real strength limit of the frame and the wheels, and exceeding that will cause the metal to deform and wear out the bearings quickly.
The second important parameter is the diameter and type of wheels. pneumatic wheel Large diameter (from 300 mm) They provide excellent grip and do not burrow into the sand. For solid concrete slips and flat roads, narrower wheels of dense rubber or polyurethane that are not afraid of punctures will suit.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use a cart with narrow plastic wheels on sand or gravel. They will instantly sink into the ground and you risk dropping the boat or damaging the frame when trying to pull out a stuck structure.
Also, you can look at the width adjustment of the frame, and boats from different manufacturers, and even different models of the same length, can have different cylinder widths. distance-control between the guides will allow you to use one trolley for several boats or compensate for the change in pressure in the cylinders depending on the air temperature.
Effect of temperature on cylinder pressure
When transported on a hot day, the pressure in the cylinders of a boat lying on a trolley can increase, which leads to increased rigidity of the cylinders and changes in the geometry of the boat, which can weaken the mounting on the trolley.
Assembly and installation of the boat on the trolley
The proper installation of the boat on the trolley is the key to safe transportation. The process begins with the preparation of the site: it should be flat and clear of sharp objects. Decompose the trolley, spread the belts and make sure that all the locks are open. If you use a model with a sliding frame, set an approximate width corresponding to the diameter of your cylinders.
Carefully place the boat under the guide trolleys. It is important that the cylinders lay symmetrically. Do not try to push the boat by force, this can lead to the displacement of the frame. After positioning, start fixing. Belt screeds should cover the cylinders in their widest part, but do not squeeze them to the state of "stone". Optimal tension It allows you to slightly push the balloon with your finger, but holds the boat with a dead grip when shaking.
☑️ Checklist of preparation for transportation
If the boat has a motor, it's best to remove it before mounting on the trolley, unless the design provides special attachment for the transom with the motor. The weight of the engine shifts the center of gravity back, and when hitting an obstacle, the transom can receive a critical load. If the motor remains, make sure that the trolley has a support under a transom or reinforced back cross.
Comparison of specifications of popular models
The market offers a variety of solutions, from low-end Chinese to professional European systems. To avoid confusion, compare the main parameters that you should focus on when choosing.
| Parameter | Budget model | Mid-segment | Premium class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frame material | Painted steel | Aluminum profile | AISI 304 Stainless Steel |
| Load capacity | 300 kg | 500 kg | 800 kg |
| Type of wheel | Plastic/Tight rubber | Pneumatics (camera) | Pneumatics with bearings |
| Adjustment of width | No or minimal. | Got it. | Quickly disconnecting (without tools) |
| Price (orient.) | Low. | Medium | High. |
As can be seen from the table, the difference in price is often due to materials and ease of use. Aluminum frames It's lighter than steel, which is important if you have to take the trolley out of the trunk often. Stainless steel is eternal, but much more expensive. For most amateur anglers, the best choice is the middle ground, an aluminum structure with pneumatic wheels.
Don’t skimp on wheels: quality pneumatics will save your back and nerves on the difficult terrain, unlike cheap plastic counterparts.
Manufacture of the rolling cart DIY
For many aquatic motorists, the question of self-manufacture of the trolley is relevant, which allows you to create a device that is ideal for a particular model of the boat and the material available, most often based on profile pipes made of stainless steel or aluminum. A homemade cart It can be assembled on bolt joints, which allows it to be disassembled for compact storage.
The wheelbase is often made up of prefabricated solutions from garden carts or wheelchairs that adapt to their needs. The main thing when assembled is to ensure that the structure is sufficiently rigid. Slanting and additional jumpers between the longitudinal beams will not be unnecessary. It is also important to provide soft linings on the pipes that contact the boat using rubber hoses or special profiles.
The process of creating requires skills with metal and tools. You will need welding (if the structure is indissoluble), drill, hacksaw on metal and fasteners. A critically important point is the calculation of the point of application of force under thrust: If the handle is too high or low, the cart will be constantly piled to the side or the nose of the boat will be jacked up.
⚠️ Note: When welding stainless steel, use argon to avoid disrupting the metal's corrosion-resistant properties. Conventional electric welding will cause the seams to rust quickly in salt water.
Cart care and maintenance
Every piece of equipment needs maintenance, and the roller trolley is no exception, every time you go out on salt water, you have to wash it thoroughly with fresh water, and when you dry it on the metal, it creates an aggressive environment that can destroy even the most powerful elements. stainless-steel Pay special attention to welding sites and bolt joints.
Wheel bearings need periodic lubrication and inspection. If the wheels start to creak or spin tightly, it's a signal for maintenance. Mud and sand stuffed in the axle act like an abrasive. Clean the chassis regularly and check the pressure in the air chambers, if any. Pumped-up wheels They are more easily rolled and less prone to punctures.
Keep the cart in disassembled or suspended to avoid deformation of the frame under its own weight. If this is not possible, lay it on a flat surface, avoiding distortion. Following these simple rules will allow your boat vehicle to last for decades.
To protect the wheels from ultraviolet light when stored in the sun, cover them with a dense cloth or use special covers, as the rubber loses elasticity and cracks over time.
Can I use a boat with a hard bottom?
Technically possible, but it is impractical: hard-bottomed boats (plywood, aluminum) are better supported by keel trolleys or a bed that repeats the contours of the bottom. The rolling structure can create stress points on the sides without providing support to the center, which, if transported over irregularities, can lead to deformation of the rigid bottom.
What is the maximum weight of the motor withstanding a standard cart?
Standard models are designed for boats up to 4-4.5 meters long, which implies the use of motors up to 15-20 hp (weight 35-45 kg). If the engine is heavier, you need to look for reinforced versions of trolleys with additional support for the transom or remove the engine before transport.
Do I need to flush air from the cylinders when installing on the cart?
No, the boat has to be fully pumped to working pressure, and only in this state, the cylinders have the right shape and stiffness necessary to evenly distribute the load on the frame of the trolley, and on partially deflated cylinders, the boat can "walk" on the frame, which will lead to uneven wear of PVC and instability in movement.
How to transport a cart in the trunk of a car?
Most of the roller carts are modular, the frame is often disassembled into two long parts and crossbars, and the wheel axle is removed separately. When disassembled, the compact models are placed in the trunk of a sedan or hatchback. Be sure to check the dimensions in assembled and disassembled form before buying.