Inflatable boat owners often have the problem of overheating on the water, and even in cloudy weather, ultraviolet radiation can be dangerous, not to mention direct sunlight at noon. PVC boat-roof It becomes more than an accessory, it becomes a necessity for a comfortable fishing or a walk with family, and the absence of a canopy makes a long stay on the water a test of endurance.
The modern market offers many ready-made solutions, but many anglers prefer to make the structure themselves. cylinders Well-designed awnings not only create shadows, but also protect against sudden rainfall, keeping equipment dry. It's important to understand that any superstructure affects the sailing of a vessel, so you need to approach the strength of the frame with engineering precision.
In this article, we'll look at all the nuances of building and choosing canopies, and you'll learn about the types of materials, the arc attachment methods, and the ways to minimize sailing, and the right organization of the space under the tent is the key to safety and comfort on the water.
Why do you need a tent roof on an inflatable boat?
The main function of any canopy is to create a shadow; in open water, the reflection of sunlight from the surface increases its effects on the human body; prolonged exposure to direct sun without protection can lead to heat stroke. Tent roof reduces the temperature inside the cockpit by 5-10 degrees, which greatly facilitates the condition of the fisherman.
In addition to thermoregulation, the canopy serves as a protection against precipitation. A sudden rain can take you by surprise, and if you don't have a waterproof suit, you'll have to get wet completely. A quality awning made of waterproof fabric will keep your gear, electronics and clothing dry, which is especially important for those who use sonars and navigators that are sensitive to moisture.
⚠️ Attention: Installing an awning increases the boat's sailing speed, and in strong side winds, it can cause the boat to be demolished or even tipped over. Be extremely careful in stormy weather!
Also worth mentioning is psychological comfort: Being in the dark allows the eyes to rest from the glare of the water, it reduces fatigue and allows you to stay focused longer while fishing, for family walks, the awning creates a sense of separate, protected space, which children especially appreciate.
Selection of materials for frame and canvas
The design of any canopy consists of two basic elements: a power frame and a fabric fabric fabric fabric, which determines the longevity of the entire system, the frame must be lightweight but strong to withstand wind gusts, and aluminum pipes are most often used for this purpose, because they do not rust and are light in weight.
For the canvas, the best choice is fabric. Oxford (Oxford) with polyurethane or PVC coating, high tensile strength and excellent water repellent properties, fabric density should be at least 200-300 g/sq.m. Use of thinner materials will lead to rapid wear and leakage during rain.
And the connecting elements are also important. If you're making a collapsible structure, use quality. tee-tie And the metallic compounds can oxidize, and the cheap plastic will burst in the cold or from impact, and all the seams on the awning must be glued or boiled, and the regular firmware with threads will quickly begin to pass water.
Frame design: arcs, struts and fastenings
The geometry of the frame determines the stability of the entire structure. Arch models are the most popular because they have better aerodynamics. The wind just flows around the round surface without creating unnecessary resistance. Straight angular roofs work like a sail and can flip a light boat.
The mounting of the rods to the cylinders is the most important thing, you can't just tie the arcs to the keys, because that creates local voltage points. pockets or fastexIt's a balloon that covers the diameter, and it allows you to evenly distribute the load.
The secret to the stability of the frame
To increase the rigidity of the structure, experienced craftsmen use cross-stitched belt ties, which connect the top of the arc to the opposite side of the boat, preventing the frame from folding in high winds.
The height of the pillars should be sufficient to prevent the seated person from hitting the frame, but not too large to not raise the center of gravity of the boat. The optimal height is 120-150 cm from the floor of the cockpit. Too high an awning will turn the boat into an uncontrollable catamaran in gusts of wind.
Step by step instructions: how to make an awning yourself
Making a canopy at home requires a minimum set of tools and materials. The first thing you need to do is take measurements from your boat. You need accurate data on the width of the cockpit, the length of the usable area and the height at which you plan to install the roof.
Next, you should buy pipes with a diameter of 20-25 mm. D16T The pipes are cut according to the drawing, and in the folding places, cuts are made (if flexible) or corner connectors are installed. The frame is better assembled directly on the boat, to adjust the dimensions in real time.
☑️ Checklist of awning manufacture
Once the skeleton is assembled, we move to fabric work. The leeks are cut to accommodate the entrance and installation of the luvers. The levers (metal rings) are installed at the places where the awning is attached to the frame and to the sides of the boat. The step of installing the luvers around the perimeter is 20-30 cm.
| Materials | Diameter/Denseness | Weight (approximate) | Term of service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum pipe | 20 mm | 0.5 kg/m.p. | 10+ years |
| Oxford fabric 210D | 210 g/sq.m. | 0.2 kg/sq.m. | 2-3 years |
| Oxford fabric 600D | 600 g/sqm | 0.4 kg/sq.m. | 5-7 years |
| PVC fabric (650g) | 650 g/sqm | 0.65 kg/sq.m. | 10+ years |
The final step is to stretch the fabric onto the frame, and the fabric should sit tightly, without sagging, but also without excessive tension, which can deform the arcs, using hooked rubber bands or bands through the luvers.
Installation and adjustment on water
The awnings are better placed on a flat surface, before launching or in shallow water, and the pockets are placed first or the cylinders are mounted. fixator They're snapped. Then you put a case on the frame.
The tension adjustment is critical. If the awning hangs around, it will rattle in the wind and quickly wipe through the friction points against the pipe. If you pull it, you can damage the seams. Use the adjustment belts to fine-tune it. Pay special attention to the front pillars, which often interfere with the handling, so they are sometimes made removable or foldable.
To prevent the awning from clapping in the wind, pull an additional safety rope from the nose to the stern inside the cockpit and attach the center of the awning to it from above, which will remove the vibration of the canvas.
When installing the motor, make sure that the awning does not block access to the handle of the bumper and does not interfere with the view back. Some models provide a cutout at the rear for installing the motor or a transparent porthole to monitor the situation behind the stern.
Operation and care of tent structures
The life of the awning depends on the conditions of operation and care. After every fishing, especially in salt water, the structure must be rinsed with fresh water. The salt corrodes the metal parts of the frame and destroys the fabric structure. Drying is mandatory before packaging: the wet awning in the bag will quickly become covered with mold.
Store the product should be straightened or neatly rolled up, but not crumpled in a tight cloth. Avoid storage under direct sunlight unfastened, as ultraviolet light over time reduces the strength of synthetic fibers. Periodically check the condition of the seams and luvers.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use aggressive chemistry or abrasive brushes to clean Oxford fabric. This will wash away the protective layer and result in rapid fading and wetness.
Small tissue damage can be repaired with special PVC remixes or simply sewing the hole with a capron thread followed by gluing. Metal arcs should be periodically lubricated with silicone lubrication at the joints so that they do not "stick" to each other.
Proper care and timely drying of the tent can increase its service life by 2-3 times, preserving the protective properties of the material.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does the awning increase the sailing of the boat?
Sailing increases significantly, especially in flat-roof models. Arched awnings resist wind less. At high speed or with strong side winds, the boat can begin to demolish, so it is important to slow down and be ready to adjust course.
Can I use the awning while driving at full speed?
You can use it, but with caution. At high speeds, the load on the frame increases many times, and it is recommended to use only certified high-speed awnings that are attached not only to cylinders, but also to the transom, and have a reinforced frame.
Which color of awning is better to choose?
Better to choose light colors (gray, light green, camouflage). Dark colors (black, dark blue) are strongly heated in the sun, creating a greenhouse effect under the canopy. A light awning better reflects the sun's rays.
Is it possible to install an awning on a boat with an inflatable floor?
Yes, it is possible. In these cases, they use racks that rest on special platforms on the inflated bottom or are attached to the sides with wide slings to avoid damaging the soft bottom, the main thing is an even distribution of pressure.