Owning an inflatable boat, such as a popular model Admiral 380However, in order to keep your boat long and comfortable, you need to take care of its protection from external factors, and for this purpose owners often purchase a special awning for the Admiral 380 boat, which becomes an indispensable accessory in the arsenal of aquatic motors.
Properly selected shelter allows not only to preserve the aesthetic appearance of the boat, but also significantly extend the service life of PVC materials. Solar ultraviolet, dust, rain and bird droppings can quickly destroy the fabric structure if it remains unprotected during parking. In this article, we will analyze in detail the types of awnings, features of their design and nuances of choice for your model.
The PVC boat accessories market offers a variety of options, from simple covers to complex frame systems. Understanding the difference between the two will help you save your budget and avoid mistakes when buying. flyboat This is the size category.
Types of awnings for boats Admiral 380
The first thing that a buyer faces is the choice of design type: all tents can be divided into two large groups: transport and parking (framework), the transport option is a simple case that is worn on a deflated or partially inflated boat for transportation on a trailer or roof of a car, its main task is to protect the sides and the bottom from dirt, stones and road debris.
Parking awnings have a more complex design, as they are designed to be installed on an inflated boat with an engine installed. Tent frame It is usually made of stainless steel or aluminum, which allows it to withstand wind loads and maintain its shape, and these models are often equipped with additional elements such as windbreakers, pockets for things and even windows.
- 🛡️ Transportation Light, simple, protect only during transportation.
- ⛺ Parking. - Hard frame, protection from precipitation in the parking lot, the possibility of finding people under the awning.
- 🚤 cruising - rare for 380-s models, have a complex shape that reduces sailing on the go.
The choice between these species depends on how you use your boat. If you travel long distances frequently on water, you may need a running awning, although for the model, you may need a running awning. Admiral 380 Parking options are more often used because of their versatility.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to use a transport case as a parking cover. It does not have a rigid frame and can damage inflatable tubes or fiberglass bottom (FRP) when gust of wind.
Materials of manufacture and their specifications
The quality and durability of the awning depends on the fabric it is made of. For PVC boats, the de facto standard has become Oxford fabric of varying density. It is a durable polyester material with a polyurethane or PVC coating that holds water perfectly and is resistant to abrasion. Admiral 380 Pay attention to the density of the tissue, which usually ranges from 210 to 600 den.
Cheaper options can be made from tarpaulin or tarpaulin. Canvas is a natural material that can rot and mold over time if not dried after every fishing. Tarpaulin (film) is light and cheap, but it is extremely unstable to mechanical damage and quickly burns out in the sun. Professionals recommend not to save on this parameter, as oxton It's been a long time.
Secrets of impregnation
Modern Oxford fabrics have PU impregnation that is applied from the inside. The higher the impregnation value (e.g., PU 2000 or PU 4000), the better the material resists the water column. However, the seams still require additional sealing, since the needle of the sewing machine violates the integrity of the protective layer.
The fittings are also important. Lightning should be of high quality, preferably with moisture valves. Cheap fittings oxidize from salt water and quickly fail, turning a useful accessory into a useless piece of fabric.
Design features of the frame
The basis of any quality parking awning is its frame. For a boat 3.8 meters long, such as: Admiral 380The frame must be strong enough to withstand wind loads, but lightweight. The most common material is a stainless steel pipe with a diameter of 16 or 20 mm. Stainless steel does not rust, which is critical for use in aquatic environments.
Aluminum frames are less common, usually in factory kits; they are lighter than steel but less durable at breakage; the frame design is often collapsible, making storage and transportation easier; the connecting elements must be made of durable plastic or metal, ensuring the rigidity of the entire system.
There are also fiberglass arch frames, which are used mainly for lightweight running awnings, which are very resilient but are afraid of spotting. When you choose, consider the number of anchor points to the boat: the more of them, the more stable the structure.
Instructions for installing a tent on Admiral 380
The right installation of the awning is the key to its long service and the safety of the boat. The installation process may vary depending on the manufacturer of the accessory, but the general algorithm of actions remains unchanged. Before starting work, make sure that the boat is fully inflated and standing on a level surface.
- Unpack the awning and spread it near the boat.
- Collect the frame according to the instructions, connecting the arcs and racks.
- Install the frame on the boat, fixing it in the provided fasteners.
- Tighten the fabric part on the frame and fasten it with belts or slings.
Special attention should be paid to the fixation in the area of the transom and the bow, where the tension should be maximum, so that the sailboat does not flap in the wind. Admiral 380 have special pockets or hinges for attaching to the frames of the boat.
☑️ Checking the awning installation
If you're installing a tent for the first time, you may need to adjust the length of the slings. Don't be afraid to experiment with tension, but make sure that the sharp corners of the frame do not damage the fabric from the inside. After installation, check the stability of the structure by shaking it slightly with your hands.
⚠️ Warning: When installing the awning, make sure that the motor is lowered or securely fixed in the transport position if the awning covers the transom plate.
Table of compatibility and specifications
To make it easier for you to navigate the variety of offerings, we've developed a performance summary table that will help you compare the different types of shelters available to the model. Admiral 380Remember that the dimensions of the boat may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and modification (M, M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7).
| Type of tent | tissue | Weight (kg) | Compatibility with motor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transportation | Oxford 210D | 2.5 - 3.0 | No (only for the blown-out) |
| Parking (basic) | Oxford 450D | 6.0 - 8.0 | Yeah (with a motor cutout) |
| Parking (luxury) | Oxford 600D + PU | 9.0 - 12.0 | Yeah (full cover) |
| cruising | Oxford 420D | 5.0 - 7.0 | Yes (special form) |
As you can see from the table, the weight of the finished product can vary significantly. For stationary storage on a dock or in a garage, weight does not matter, but if you plan to carry an awning with you on a fishing trip, you should think about easier options.
Care and storage of the tent
Even the most expensive tent of the Oxford 600D It will quickly become unusable if you don't properly care for it, and the main enemy of fabrics is moisture combined with dirt, and if you put the boat away for storage in a wet state, you may find mold in a few months that will destroy the polymer coating of the fabric.
Before packaging, the awning must be thoroughly dried, which can be done at home by hanging it in the sun or in a well-ventilated room, and it is not recommended to use heaters for drying, as high temperatures can deform synthetic fibers.
Use talc or baby powder to treat lightning and folds of fabric before long-term storage, this will prevent layers from sticking together and oxidizing metal fittings.
It is best to store the awning in a straightened form or in a freely folded state in a dry place. Avoid storage in sealed plastic bags, as this creates a greenhouse effect at temperature changes. Regular treatment with water-repellent sprays will help restore the protective properties of the fabric.
⚠️ Warning: It is strictly forbidden to wash the awning in the washing machine using bleach or aggressive powders, which will destroy the PU impregnation and make the fabric permeable to water.
Homemade awning or factory: what to choose?
Many boat owners Admiral 380s are thinking about making awnings DIY, on the one hand, saving money and getting a product that perfectly replicates the contours of your boat, on the other hand, buying materials (especially quality Oxford and stainless pipe) at retail often costs more than buying a finished factory kit.
You need to be able to make your own, you need to have the skills to work with a sewing machine that can sew thick fabrics, and you need to be able to work with metal to create a frame, and you also need to take the patterns off precisely, which is a very difficult task to do on an inflated boat without an assistant.
A factory awning is a guarantee of compatibility and often a lower price through mass production. A homemade awning only makes sense when there are free materials or unique design requirements.
If you're still making your own, start by making a smaller model of paper, which will help you avoid mistakes in cutting the core fabric, and don't forget to make seams and strap mounts.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can you leave the Admiral 380 under the awning in the winter?
It's not recommended to leave an inflatable boat in the open in winter, even under an awning. Dramatic temperature changes and snow pressure can damage cylinders. The awning will protect you from ultraviolet radiation, but not from mechanical loads of snow and ice. It's better to keep the boat in a garage or barn at plus temperature.
How often should you treat the tent with water repellent impregnation?
Factory impregnation serves an average of 2-3 seasons of active use. If you notice that water has stopped rolling off the fabric and started to soak up, forming dark spots, it's time to update the DWR impregnation layer, usually done once a year before the start of the season.
Will the awning from Admiral 380 go to the boat 3.90 meters?
Probably not. The difference of 10 centimeters may seem small, but the mounting points of the frame and the shape of the cylinders can differ from model to model (even the same length), the awning may either not stretch, or, conversely, hang around, which will cause it to damage by the wind.
Do I need to remove the motor when installing a parking awning?
Most parking awnings for Admiral 380 However, if you plan to keep the boat for a very long time (a month or more), it is better to remove the engine and store it separately in an upright position to avoid problems with the fuel system.
Will the tent frame withstand a strong wind?
The frame will withstand the wind, but only if the awning is properly secured. The awning itself works like a sail. If the boat is in open terrain, be sure to use additional storm stretches and securely lock the boat to the ground or heavy load. In a hurricane wind, it is better to remove the awning.