Owners of the legendary aluminum boat Ob 3 They know that this boat is designed for harsh conditions, but protection from the elements requires additional investment. Rain, scorching sun or night dew can turn a pleasant walk into a test if the cockpit is open to all winds, which is why installing a quality awning becomes one of the first tasks after buying a boat.
The market offers a variety of options, from budget tarpaulin models to expensive vinyl solutions with complex frame geometry. The right tent not only keeps the cargo and passengers dry, but also prolongs the service life of the body itself, protecting it from ultraviolet light and mechanical damage.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects of the selection and operation of awning equipment for boats of the Ob series. You will learn about the types of frames, materials and nuances of installation, which will help to avoid errors during assembly.
Design features of the boats Ob 3 and the requirements for the tent
Boat. Ob 3 The silhouette of the hull with high sides and the specific location of the cans, which dictates its requirements for the geometry of the shelter, the standard awning should perfectly repeat the contours of the cockpit, without sagging overhead and without creating sailing during the course. Aluminum case It has its own mounting features that are important to consider when designing or buying a finished solution.
Particular attention should be paid to windscreen, as it depends on its height and inclination how the front part of the awning lies. Many owners install additional arcs or lengthen the standard elements to ensure a comfortable passage under the awning. The standard height of the awning over the banks should be at least 120 cm for comfortable movement in full growth.
The design should also include the possibility of installing a running awning that covers the front and protects the driver from the oncoming flow of water and wind. Ob 3 It is often used in large waters with chop.
When ordering awning be sure to specify the presence of improvements to the windshield or additional liner racks, if they are installed on your boat.
It is important to consider the weight of the structure. An overly heavy frame can shift the center of gravity of a vessel, which is critical for relatively lightweight aluminum hulls. So choosing between steel pipes and a lightweight aluminum profile often becomes a matter of safety and controllability of the boat.
Material choice: PVC, Oxford or tarpaulin?
The basis of the durability of any tent is the material of the canvas. Today, the undisputed leader is reinforced PVCIt's a combination of water resistance, tensile strength and ultraviolet resistance. Oxford Polyurethane coated is also popular, but inferior to PVC in hydrophobicity with prolonged exposure to rain.
Canvas awnings, popular in Soviet times, are rarely used today because of their ability to absorb moisture and rot. However, if you choose a budget option for rare trips, make sure that the fabric has been treated with water-repellent impregnation. Modern synthetic materials do not require such care and dry almost instantly.
The density of the fabric is key. For a transport awning, which is only parked, the density of 450-500 g / m2 is sufficient. For a running awning experiencing wind loads at speed, it is recommended to use a material with a density of 650 g/m2 Seams on these awnings must be boiled, not glued, to eliminate the risk of leakage.
The color of the material also matters. Lighter colors heat up less in the sun, creating a more comfortable microclimate under the awning, but get dirty faster. Dark colors like blue or gray look aesthetically pleasing, but require more frequent washing.
Types of frames: welded, collapsible and inflatable
The frame is the skeleton of your shelter, and the safety of the entire structure depends on its reliability. Ob 3 These are welded frames from the profile pipe, they're rigid, they don't need to be assembled every time, but they take up a lot of space when transported on a trailer. Welded arcs They are usually painted with powder paint to protect against corrosion.
The 20-25 mm collapsible tube frames are assembled using fittings or bolt joints, a versatile solution that allows you to fold the awning into a backpack or the trunk of a car, but over time, the joints can become loose, requiring periodic lifts and maintenance.
Secrets to strengthening the frame
To increase the rigidity of the collapsible frame, experienced water-engineers recommend using additional diagonal stretch marks from slings that are attached to the rims on the sides of the boat.
There are also combination options where the main arc is welded and the side racks are removable, which is a trade-off between rigidity and transportability. When choosing, pay attention to the quality of the docking units, as they take on the main wind load.
And we should mention inflatable frames, which are gaining popularity. They don't scratch the sides, they're easy to pack, but they're afraid of sharp objects. For an aluminum boat with sharp transom angles and zygomatic splashers, this can be a risky decision without additional protection.
Instructions for installing a tent on Ob 3
Installation of awning on the boat Ob 3 It requires carefulness and a consistent approach to ensure that neither the fabric nor the attachment elements are damaged. Before installing, make sure the surface of the boat is clean and dry.
☑️ Pre-installing check
Start by putting up the support racks. If you use the crum bolts, you can roll them into regular holes or pre-drilled attachment points. When drilling aluminum, make sure you use the metal drills and treat the slices with anticort. Hermetization The openings are a critical moment that cannot be ignored.
Then you put a central arc or frame, and you put a tent over and you straighten it, and you make sure that the fabric doesn't touch the sharp edges of the metal parts, and then you lock it in the nose, usually with a lace or hooks on the windshield.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave the awning heavily stretched for a long time without ventilation, especially in hot weather. Overheating and pressure can deform the frame or damage the seams of the fabric.
The final step is side lacing. Stretching the cord through the luvers around the perimeter, ensuring uniform tension. Don't pull the cord too hard to deform the boat's sides, but don't leave saggings that will slam in the wind.
Comparative table of popular models of tents
To make the choice easier, we have prepared a comparison of the main specifications of the different types of awnings available for the Ob family boats, which data will help determine which option will be optimal for your operating style.
| Parameter | Budget (Oxford) | Standard (PVC 450) | Premium (PVC 650) | Side tent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | Oxford fabric | PVC reinforced | Tight PVC | Vinyl/PVC |
| Waterproofness | Medium | High. | Absolute. | Absolute. |
| Term of service | 2-3 years | 5-7 years | 10+ years | 5-8 years |
| Weight. | Light. | Medium. | Heavy. | Medium. |
| Price. | Low. | Medium | High. | High. |
As you can see from the table, investing in better materials pays off with life, and cheap ones often require replacement after a couple of seasons of active use on the water.
Driving awnings are categorized as more complex and include transparent windows, which are more expensive, but offer a different level of comfort when driving.
Tent care and storage in the off-season
To awn on Ob 3 It's been in the service of a long time, and it needs to be properly cared for, and after every trip, especially in salt water or in the rain, the awning needs to be dried, and the wet fabric is the perfect medium for mold to develop, and it breaks down the structure of the material from the inside out.
For cleaning, use warm water and soft soap. Aggressive chemistrySolvents and hard brushes are prohibited, as they can damage the protective layer of PVC or wash the water-repellent impregnation from the fabric of Oxford.
Proper storage: Dry, rolled awning in a cover at room temperature guarantees the preservation of its properties for many years.
Store the product should be spread out or loosely rolled, avoiding the formation of sharp clamps, the optimal storage temperature is from -10 to +30 degrees Celsius, before cleaning for the winter, it is recommended to treat the fabric with special air conditioning for textiles.
⚠️ Warning: Do not store the awning in a compressed state in a rash garage or basement. Condensation formed during temperature changes can lead to difficult to remove spots and the smell of mustyness.
Check the condition of the luvers and seams regularly. If you notice a divergence of threads or oxidation of metal in the attachment sites, immediately take measures to repair. A small defect, fixed in time, will prevent the cloth from rupturing under load in the next storm.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I install the awning on Ob 3 on my own?
Yes, most awning models don't require special skills and tools, but you need to have a basic set of home craftsmen: drill, metal drill, wrenches and sealant, the main thing is to follow the manufacturer's instructions and work carefully with the aluminum body.
How often should I change the awning on the boat?
The service life depends on the material and operating conditions: budget fabric awnings serve 2-3 seasons, quality PVC publications - 5-7 years or more. Signs of the need to replace are loss of sealed seams, fading and brittle material, and corrosion of the frame.
Will the awning protect the boat from hijacking?
The awning itself is not a reliable means of protection against theft, as it can be quickly cut, but it hides the contents of the cockpit from prying eyes, which reduces the risk of theft of personal property and equipment.
What is the difference between a parking and a running awning?
The parking awning is designed only to protect the boat in the parking lot or during transportation and does not withstand high-speed loads. The running awning has a reinforced design, windscreen and side walls, allowing you to safely operate the boat under the awning in bad weather.