Buying the legendary aluminum boat Ob 3 This is just the beginning of the journey to full comfort on the water, and many owners are faced with the fact that the basic equipment does not provide protection from the scorching sun or sudden rain, which can turn a pleasant walk into a test. Awning for the boat Ob 3 It becomes not just an accessory, but a necessary element of equipment, prolonging the life of the boat and providing comfort to the crew.
The market offers many options, from budget Chinese counterparts to expensive individual solutions, but the choice is often complicated by the specifics of the design of the case. Aluminum profile requires a special approach to attachment, so as not to damage the sides and ensure tightness in the joints. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to choose the perfect protection, what to look for when buying a finished product and whether to take up tailoring yourself.
A properly chosen “roof” overhead changes the nature of the operation of a small vessel, allowing you to stay on the water for hours even in changeable weather. The key parameter when choosing is the exact match of the awning dimensions to the width of the cockpit Ob-3, which is 1600 mm, which is wider than that of its predecessors. Ignoring this fact will lead to a distortion of the design or the impossibility of its installation.
Design features of the boat Ob 3 and the requirements for the tent
Boat. Ob 3 It's very different from its predecessors (Ob-1, Ob-2) and its competitors like Kazanka-5M. The increased width of the cockpit and the specific shape of the transom dictate their conditions. Standard universal tents designed for narrow housings will not stretch or will hang in a bubble to collect water. sink-board This model is reinforced, and the mounting should be on the rigid elements, not on the thin side.
The design of the awning depends on how you plan to use the boat. If you prioritize static fishing, the ideal option is a stationary frame with soft sides. running-trap It's a Bimini that can be folded or dismantled quickly, and you should not forget the windshield, because its height and angle of inclination affect the choice of the length of the racks and the shape of the front edge of the awning.
⚠️ Attention: When installing racks on the aluminum side of the Ob-3, it is strictly forbidden to use screws without rubber gaskets or drill holes in the areas of metal tension. This will lead to corrosion and loss of leakage of the body.
Special attention should be paid to the drainage system: the flat roof of the awning on the wide Ob will accumulate large masses of water during a rainstorm, which can deform the arcs of the frame. Therefore, the dome must be either arched or have slopes for draining moisture. PVC fabric Water-repellent impregnation is the standard here, but even it requires proper tension.
Material choice: PVC, Oxford or tarpaulin?
The modern industry offers a wide range of materials, and choosing between them often becomes a dilemma for the owner: traditional tarpaulin with impregnation is a thing of the past, giving way to synthetic fabrics. Oxford fabric (Oxford) Polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coatings remain the leader in terms of price and quality, lightweight, rotting and easy to wash, which is critical for constant humidity.
For those who leave the boat under the awning outdoors all year round, it is better to consider more expensive options with the help of the boat. UV protectionCheap analogues under the sun can burn out in one season, losing not only color, but also strength specifications. The density of the material should be at least 450 g / sq.m., ideally 600-850 g / sq.m. for longevity and noise insulation during rain.
- 🧵 Oxford 450-600 PU: The budget option holds water well, but can burn out in the sun after 2-3 seasons.
- ☔ Oxford with PVC coating: Full water resistance, high frost resistance, ideal for winter storage.
- ☀️ Acrylic tissues (Sunbrella): The premium segment, “breathing”, do not burn out for years, but much more expensive and require careful care.
The choice should also take into account the elasticity of the material. The awning should not crack in the cold or stretch like rubber in the heat. The quality material retains its properties in the temperature range from -40 to +50 degrees Celsius. Cheap "fluid" in the cold will simply burst when the wind gusts.
When buying an Oxford cloth awning, check the seams: they must be taped or boiled. A regular thread stitch without protection will quickly start to let water through.
Trants awnings: stationary protection and overnight stay
transom awnings, often called "cabins" or "tents", are transformed Ob 3 This design covers the boat from all sides, including the bow, creating an insulated space, which allows you not only to hide from the rain while fishing, but also to spend the night on the water in warmth and dryness, the framework of such awnings is usually made of steel or aluminum pipes with a diameter of 20-25 mm.
The installation of a fixed awning requires careful preparation, additional liner racks should be installed on the sides, since regular anchorages may not be enough to form a full volume, and it is important to ensure that the structure is rigid so that it can withstand the gusts of wind while the boat is anchored or at the berth. Side walls They are often made removable or folded for the organization of ventilation.
| Parameter | The running awning (Bimini) | Tranza awning (Cabin) | Transportable awning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure weight | 5-8 kg | 15-25 kg | 3-5 kg |
| Time of installation | 2-5 minutes | 30-60 minutes. | 10-15 minutes. |
| Wave protection | Only on top. | Circular (on all sides) | Only on top. |
| Use on the go | Possibly (up to 40 km/h) | Not recommended | Only on the trailer. |
Inside the transom awning, you often have sleeping places using plywood decks on top of the cans, which makes the boat a place to sleep on a fishing trip, but you have to remember about ventilation: when the sides are closed and the heating is on (if it is self-contained), or just people's breathing, condensates. ventilation-window or the windows in the construction is required.
Features of winter storage under the tent
If you leave the boat under a transom awning for the winter, be sure to install a support under the middle of the awning from the inside. A snow cap weighing 50-70 kg can break even a sturdy frame or tear fabric.
Driving awnings (Bimini) for active operation
For those who appreciate speed and dynamics, the running awning is the only solution. Bimini It's a folding stainless steel or aluminum frame that attaches to the transom and the side racks, and the main advantage is that you can fold the awning forward or backward, freeing the cockpit for maneuvers or fishing in the throw. Ob 3 These awnings are very popular due to the wide cockpit.
The chassis is mounted through special glasses (holders) mounted on a transom or side. It is important to choose a model with adjustable arcs to ensure the correct tension of the fabric. The sagging of the fabric at speed creates sailing and noise that can irritate passengers. A quality chassis can withstand speeds of up to 50-60 km / h without the risk of being ripped.
- 🚤 Three-accre scheme: Classic for Ob-3, provides good coverage area and stability.
- 🔧 Adjustable racks: Allows you to change the angle of inclination to protect from oblique rain or sun at different times of the day.
- 🌬️ Aerodynamics: Rounded front edges reduce air resistance and noise at high speeds.
When you run a chassis at high speeds, you have a "slap" effect, and to avoid that, you have to have a cloth that's pulled like a drum, and some models have extra straps that lock the arcs upright and prevent them from swaying, and this is especially true when you're going against a wave.
For active operation at speeds above 40 km / h, choose awnings with a stainless steel frame AISI 316 and reinforced stitching. Aluminum arcs can vibrate and break at high vibration frequencies.
Instructions: Sewing awning yourself
When you decide to make your own awning, you can customize it perfectly to your needs and save up to 50 percent of the cost of the finished product, but this process requires precision and special equipment. A typical household sewing machine, the Seagull or Podolsk, is difficult, but can handle fabrics up to 450 g/sq.m. with special needles and threads.
The first step is always to build a pattern. Don't try to do it by eye. The best thing is to make a layout out of cheap fabric or even plastic film, try it on a boat, mark the mounting places and then transfer it to the main material. Ob 3 It's important to consider the width of the cockpit 160 cm and the height of the sides, and the length of the awning depends on the number of rows of seats that you need to close.
Sequence of action:1. Take measurements from the boat (width, length of the cockpit, height of the pillars).
2. Draw a sketch with sutures (at least 2-3 cm).
3. to open the fabric, observing the direction of the fibers.
4. sew the main canvases, strengthening the places of fastening of seams with tape.
5. Install luvers and fittings.
Pay special attention to the seams. They are the weak spot of any design. Once the seam is stitched, you need to glue it with a special sealing tape or smear it with liquid PVC, otherwise the needle will leave micro holes through which water will seep. LL (lausanov) or capron The cotton threads will rot in one season.
☑️ Checklist before opening the fabric
Installation and maintenance of the tent coating
Installation of the tent Ob 3 It starts with the installation of support racks. If you don't want to drill the sides, use universal crab mounts or brackets that are fixed to the top of the hinge bar. However, for permanent use, it is safer to cut the glasses into the side, pre-treating the holes with anticort. Aluminum does not rust like steel, but the aluminum-steel galvanic pair at the point of contact with the fastener can oxidize.
After each trip, especially if it was rainy weather or salt water, it is advisable to rinse the awning with fresh water and dry it before packaging. folding a wet awning is a sure way to get mold and an unpleasant smell, which is very difficult to remove. It is better to store the product in a straightened form or in large free bags.
⚠️ Attention: Never use aggressive chemicals, chlorine-bearing bleachers or abrasive brushes to clean PVC tissue. This destroys the protective layer and leads to microcracks. Use only soap solution and a soft sponge.
Check the condition of fasteners regularly. Vibration on the water unwinds bolts and nuts. Once a season, stretch all joints and lubricate the moving parts of loops and locks with silicone lubrication. If you notice small cuts or punctures, they should be glued immediately, using PVC remixes or special patches for Oxford fabric, without waiting for damage to increase.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I use the awning from Ob-2 to Ob-3?
No, it's not possible. Ob-3 is much wider (1600 mm versus 1400-1450 mm in Ob-2), the awning from the old model just won't stretch to the right width, and if it stretches with difficulty, the seams will burst at the first wind, and also the shape of the transom and the location of the leer pillars.
Which frame is better: steel or aluminum?
For chassis awnings, it is better to choose stainless steel (AISI 304/316) - it is stronger and better holds its shape at speed. Aluminum pipes (for example, D16T) are lighter and do not rust, but they are more flexible and can resonate at high speeds. For stationary "kauta" aluminum is quite suitable, because it is important to build lightweight.
Do I need to take off the awning for the winter?
If the awning is outside, it is not necessary to remove it if it is of high quality and properly installed (with snow support), however, if possible, it is better to put the tissue part in a warm dry room, this will prevent the material from aging from ultraviolet light and temperature changes, and the frame can be preserved with lubrication.
How do you seal a torn awning from Oxford?
For PVC-coated Oxford fabric repair, it is best to use a two-component polyurethane adhesive (e.g. 88-NP specialized or Desmocoll) and a patch of the same material. The repair site should be degreased, skinned, glued on both surfaces, wait for time and pressed tightly under load.