Owning a 320 centimeter inflatable boat is a great balance between maneuverability and capacity, but owners often face the issue of protecting the vessel from external factors. Sun rays, rain, dust and seasonal storage require a reliable shelter that will extend the life of the polyvinyl chloride and preserve the presentable appearance of the boat, which is why the decision to buy an awning for the PVC 320 boat becomes not just a whim, but an urgent need for every responsible boat owner.
Choosing the right shelter directly affects the durability of your boat, especially if it is stored outdoors or in an unheated garage. tent They serve not only as an anther, but also a full-fledged shelter from ultraviolet radiation, which destroys the structure of PVC. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of choice in detail so that you can make a purchase that will last for many years.
Why do you need a tent for a boat 320 cm long?
Many newcomers underestimate the aggressive environmental impact on inflatable vessel materials. UV radiation is the main enemy of polyvinyl chloride, causing it to dry out, change color and eventual loss of strength. Parking tent creates the necessary barrier, blocking harmful rays and preventing premature aging of the housing material.
In addition to protecting from the sun, a high-quality shelter saves from precipitation and dirt. Rainwater accumulating in the cockpit can lead to mold and unpleasant odor, as well as increase the weight of the boat during transportation. Transportation cover or a full-fledged tent house excludes moisture from entering, keeping the interior space dry and clean.
⚠️ Warning: Leave the PVC 320 boat without shelter in direct sunlight for a long time is strictly not recommended, as this can lead to deformation of the seams and reduce the elasticity of the material.
Mechanical damage is also important to consider: Dust, small stones, plaster in the garage or fallen branches in the parking lot can cause micro scratches that will eventually turn into more serious defects. Buying a protective product is an investment in preserving the commodity value of your vessel with a possible resale in the future.
Types of awnings: parking, running and transportation
Before you buy an awning for a PVC 320 boat, you need to clearly define the purpose of its use, as they can be significantly different in design. The main division is between models for static storage and options for operating the boat under cover. Understanding these differences will help to avoid unnecessary costs.
Parking models, often called dust covers, are a hood that is pulled over the sides, and they tightly fit the hull, protecting it from all sides, but they don't allow the boat to be used without taking the shelter completely off. covers Ideal for winter storage or long-term trailer parking when access is not required.
The trunk awnings (or transformer awnings) are more complex with arc frames, allowing access to the cockpit, leaving the sides and nose protected, and are a great option for those who leave the boat on the water or often go fishing, needing quick access to gear without fully unpacking.
There are also specialized transportation solutions that are more durable and have trailer-mounted belts at high speeds, often with reinforced seams and additional attachment points to keep the sail from taking shelter in transit.
Manufacture materials: Oxford, Tarpaulin or PVC
The durability of protection depends on the fabric chosen, with several basic materials available on the market today, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice should be based on operating conditions and budget.
The most popular material is fabric. Oxford (Oxford) with polyurethane or PVC coating. It's a durable, lightweight and inexpensive material that does a great job of protecting against rain and dust. Oxford's density for awnings is typically between 210D and 600D, where a higher number of dens indicates a coarser and stronger thread.
For regions with hot climates, choose Oxford fabrics with a special UV stabilizer - this will prolong the service life of the awning itself by 2-3 times.
A more budget-friendly, but less durable option is tarpaulin, a reinforced plastic fabric that holds water well but can tan and crack in the cold. tarpaulin It is suitable for seasonal use in the warm season, but for permanent storage outside it is less preferable.
The most reliable, but also the most expensive option is considered to be reinforced PVCIt's a little bit like the one that the boat is made of, and it's absolutely waterproof, it's very tensile, it's very high temperature resistance, but it's much heavier than Oxford fabrics, which is important to consider when you're transporting it.
Frame design and anchorage system
If you're going to have a chassis or a model house, you have to pay special attention to the frame, which is the frame that keeps the shape and protects against sailing, the frames are made of aluminum or steel arcs, and aluminum is preferred because it doesn't rust and it's lighter in weight, which is critical for boats measuring 320 cm.
The awning is attached to the boat in a variety of ways, and simple models use a perimeter cord that is pulled by hand. supple With hooks or special belts with fastexes, the reliability of the fixation is a key factor, especially if the boat is standing in open areas.
Secrets of installing a tent
When you install the awning in the wind, start mounting it downwind, which will prevent the effect of the sail, when the wind will pull the awning from your hands during the installation process.
It's important to check for vents, and even in a parking awning, it should be possible to circulate air so that there is no condensation under the shelter, and the moisture, which has no outlet, creates a greenhouse effect, which is harmful to rubber adhesive seams and the interior of the boat.
Compatibility with boats from different manufacturers
PVC boats are 320 cm long and come from dozens of brands: Flagman, Cayman, Aqua, Mev, and others. Despite being the same length in meters, the actual geometry of the cylinders, the width of the cockpit and the height of the sides can vary, so there are almost no universal solutions to "one size for all."
When buying, you need to check not only the length, but also the width of the boat. A tent designed for a narrow sports model simply will not fit on a wide fishing boat with an inflatable keel. Conversely, an overly loose cover will hang around, rub against the side and quickly become useless.
Always measure the maximum width of your boat by external cylinders before buying an awning, as the claimed length of 320 cm often differs from the real one by +/- 10-15 cm.
Some awning manufacturers indicate compatibility with specific boat models, which is the most reliable option, since the patterns are taken from real samples. If the awning is universal, look in the description for the range of permissible widths, for example, “for boats up to 140 cm wide”.
Comparative table of popular models
To make the choice easier, we have compared the popular shelter options available on the market for size 320 boats, which will help you navigate the price segment and functionality.
| Model/Type | Materials | Weight, kg | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dust case Standard | Oxford 210D | 1.2 | Budget, only for storage |
| Tent Hosting Pro | Oxford 450D + frame | 4.5 | Arcs complete, PVC windows |
| Shelter Premium | PVC reinforced | 6.0 | 100% waterproof, durability |
| Transportation | Tarpaulin reinforced | 2.5 | Locking belts, retro-reflectors |
Instructions for care and storage of the tent
Properly operating the shelter will prolong its life. Once removed from the boat, especially if it rains or dews, the awning must be thoroughly dried. The wet cloth in the rolled-up state is the ideal environment for fungus to develop and mold to emerge, which destroys the protective layer.
Store the product should be spread out or neatly folded in a bag, in a dry room. It is not recommended to leave the awning on the boat in the summer unattended for a long time, unless it is intended for permanent use, as overheating under the sun still occurs, albeit to a lesser extent.
☑️ Tent care rules
Regularly check the condition of the seams and fasteners. If you notice divergent threads or scuffs, immediately make them with special glues or threads for PVC. Minor repairs, done on time, will eliminate the need to buy a new shelter in a year.
Where to buy and what to pay attention to when ordering
Buying a PVC 320 awning is best from specialized manufacturers or large water appliance stores. Markets and dubious online marketplaces often offer low-quality products where the claimed water resistance is just a marketing ploy. Ordering directly from the manufacturer, you can often choose customized sizes.
Pay attention to the availability of quality certificates and warranty period. A good manufacturer is confident in their product and gives a guarantee for seams and materials for at least 6-12 months. Also important aspect is packaging: a quality awning should be delivered in a strong storage bag so as not to damage during transportation.
⚠️ Warning: When ordering through an online store, be sure to check the full package. Often, frame arches are sold separately from the fabric case itself, and it is a shame to get only fabric when you wait for the full set.
The price of a quality product can't be too low. Cheap is usually achieved by saving on tissue density, thread quality and no UV protection. Remember, the stingy pays twice, and replacing the awning burned out in a season will cost more than the initial purchase of a good option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use the awning for the boat 320 as a running speed?
It is strictly forbidden to use a regular parking dust case on the go. To move for an outboard motor, special running awnings with a reinforced frame and a mounting system that can withstand wind loads are required, even these have speed limits, usually no more than 15-20 km / h.
How to choose the right size of the awning if my boat is 320 cm, but wide?
The 320 cm length is the face value. The actual length of the cylinders can be 330-340 cm. Measure the maximum length and width of your boat with a roulette. When choosing a universal awning, take a model with a margin in width, because you can not pull a small awning, and the large one can be tucked up or tightened up a little with slings.
Should I take off the awning in winter or can I leave it on the boat?
You can leave the boat under the awning outside in winter, but only if the awning is high-quality, frost-resistant and securely secured from snow and wind. However, it is best to keep the boat indoors (garage, balcony). If this is not possible, make sure that there is ventilation under the awning, otherwise the condensation will freeze and damage the material.
What is the difference between the Oxford 210D and the 600D?
The numbers indicate the density of the thread. Oxford 210D is a thinner and lighter material suitable for short-term protection or storage in a garage. Oxford 600D is much denser, coarser and stronger, better shaped and more resistant to mechanical damage, which is important for street storage.