Possession metal boatThe sun's rays, scorching at the zenith, or a sudden fall shower, can turn a comfortable fishing experience into a test of endurance if there is no proper shelter on board, which is why the Progress 2m awning becomes not just an accessory, but a vital element of crew safety and comfort.
The market offers many ready-made solutions, but standard sizes often do not take into account the individual specifications of a particular modification or the owner’s personal preferences regarding the height and shape of the dome. Homemade tentThe hull geometry allows you to fit the shelter perfectly into the hull geometry while maintaining maximum interior space. In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects of creating and choosing protection for your vessel.
Necessity of awning for aluminum boats
The aluminum used in the Progress boats is highly thermally conductive, meaning that in the open sun, the metal side and bottom heat up quickly, turning the interior into an oven. Tinted roof in this case, it acts not just as a protection against precipitation, but also as an effective thermal insulator that reflects infrared radiation and allows you to maintain an acceptable temperature inside the cockpit.
In addition to temperature, it's important to consider the ultraviolet factor, which is that prolonged exposure to UV rays destroys paint coatings, burns out the color of the seats and makes the plastic brittle. canopy It extends the life of not only the hull itself, but also all the equipment installed, and without sun protection, even a high-quality boat loses its presentation many times faster.
There is also a safety aspect to driving: a sharp gust of wind or an unexpected wave can cause a loss of balance if the crew is on the open deck. flight-curtain (sidebars) creates a windscreen, allowing you to maintain heat and dryness even when driving at high speeds in bad weather.
⚠️ Warning: When installing an awning, make sure it does not block access to emergency buoyancy valves or obstruct access to the anchor ditch in a critical situation.
The awning on an aluminum boat performs a triple function: thermal regulation, protection from UV radiation and wind protection during the course.
Material selection: fabric and frame
The basis of durable shelter is the right choice of material, and today the market leaders are fabrics based on the use of the material. PVC Oxford is light and varied in colours, but less resistant to constant tension and frost. Tarpaulin Or aircraft tarpaulin, heavier, but guarantee complete water resistance and last for decades.
The awning frame is traditionally made of aluminum or steel pipes. For boats Progress, where every kilogram of weight on the nose affects driving performance, it is preferable to use duraluminium pipes with a diameter of 20-25 mm. They do not rust, bend easily and perfectly combine with the aluminum hull of the boat without creating galvanic pairs on contact. Steel pipes require careful painting and insulation of attachment sites.
When choosing a fabric color, you need to be guided not only by aesthetics, but also by physics. Light colors (gray, beige, light blue) better reflect the sun's rays, warming less under the sun. Dark colors (Dark colors).blue, green, camouflage) look more stylish, but it will always be hotter below them. For fishing, masking colors are often chosen, but for cruising purposes, a light top is more practical.
Design features for Progress 2m
Progress boats have a characteristic hull geometry with a pronounced cheekbones and often with developed superstructures or transom slabs. When designing a tent for a length of about 2 meters (meaning the usable cockpit area or a specific modification of the Progress-2 or Progress-2M/4 type, taking into account the shelter zone), the location of the awning should be considered. jar The awning must not press on the head of a sitting person.
The mounting system is an important element. Metal boats are ideal for clamping devices based on screws or quick-removal locks that cling to a hinge beam or specially welded areas. The use of ropes and knots is a thing of the past, because they tend to stretch in the wind and require constant lifting. Hard fixation The arc to the body provides stability of the structure on the move.
The design can be removable or foldable. The removable awning is completely dismantled when moored or stored, which is convenient for the winter. The folding system (often called a "butterfly" or "accordance") allows you to quickly open and close the cockpit without removing the awning completely. For boats about 2 meters long, which are often used as tender or for short exits, the removable option is often preferred because of its simplicity and lower weight.
Secrets of strengthening the design
To increase the wind resistance of the awning at high speeds, it is recommended to install additional stretch marks (storm ladders) from the top of the arcs to the nose and aft fry, this will prevent sailing effect and deformation of the arcs.
Tools and preparation for manufacture
If you've made the decision to make an awning yourself, you'll need a minimal set of tools and materials. The main tool for working with fabric is a powerful sewing machine that can sew thick layers. jet-needle (№ Conventional household machines may not be able to cope with dense PVC, so they often use hand-made sewing with a special seam or turn to awning workshops.
The frame will require a bender (or access to pipe bending services), a Bulgarian, a drill and a set of metal drills. Be sure to prepare the measuring instruments: a roulette, a coal mine and a marker. The accuracy of measurements is critical here, because the slightest skew of the arcs can lead to the awning constantly "cruising" or flowing at the joints.
Also, you need to buy accessories: luvers (metal rings for fastening), slings, carbines and threads (lausan or capron, resistant to rot and UV radiation). Conventional cotton threads will rot in one season, which will lead to unpacking of the seams.
☑️ What to prepare before starting work
Step-by-step instructions for creating a frame
The frame starts with precise measurements, you have to determine the width of the boat at the front arc, in the middle and on the transom, and you also measure the height of the top awning, and you usually have to have a floor to top height of at least 120 to 130 cm, and you draw a drawing of the arcs from that.
The process of flexing pipes requires caution. Aluminum pipes bend on a bend with a radius corresponding to the desired shape. It is important to avoid cracks that dramatically reduce the strength of the structure. If you use steel pipes, they must be cleared of rust and covered with soil. After the bend, the arcs are applied to the boat, and their symmetry is checked.
The final stage of the frame assembly is the installation of longitudinal elements (skating) that connect the arcs to each other, giving the structure rigidity. The skate pipe runs along the central axis of the awning. All pipe connections must be made using clamps or welding (for steel) to prevent the elements from shifting during operation.
⚠️ Note: When drilling holes in aluminum pipes, be sure to use lubricant (oil or special emulsion) so that the drill does not "stick" to the metal and does not blunt instantly.
Unwrap and sew awning fabric
The tailoring begins with the creation of a pattern. Because the Progress 2m awning has a complex spatial shape, you can't do with a rectangular piece of fabric. The pattern is built with seams (usually 1.5-2 cm on each side) and gates for the installation of luvers. The fabric is laid out on a flat surface, and the marker is applied to the cutting lines.
Seams on awning fabric are made with double or triple stitches to ensure tightness and strength. There is often a reinforcing tape between the layers of fabric. In places where you want to install eyelashes or mount slings, the fabric is further reinforced with linings of the same material, which prevents the cloth from rupturing under load.
The important point is the installation looversThey are placed in 30-40 cm increments along the perimeter of the awning, the distance from the edge of the fabric to the center of the luver should be sufficient to prevent the tissue from breaking out (usually 2-3 cm). After installing all the luvers, the awning is applied to the finished frame to check the tension.
When stitching thick layers of fabric, if the machine "sluggish", put under the foot behind a piece of dense paper or skin - this will help to move the material through the mechanism.
Comparison of popular models of tents
For those who are not ready to sew on their own, the market offers ready-made solutions, but they may differ in quality and configuration. Below is a comparative table of specifications of the various options for awnings for boats such as Progress.
| Type of tent | Materials | Average price | Term of service | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (Oxford) | Oxford 210/240 | Low. | 2-3 years | Light, many flowers, afraid of frost |
| Standard (PVC) | PVC 450 g/m2 | Medium | 5-7 years | Full water resistance, strong |
| Premium (Reinforced) | PVC reinforced | High. | 10+ years | High density, protection against punctures |
| Transportation | Canvass/Spanbond | Low. | 1-2 years | Just for the parking lot, not for the ride. |
As you can see from the table, saving on material often leads to more frequent replacement of the product. PVC reinforced The best option for those who plan to operate the boat all year round and store it in the open air, budget options are suitable for seasonal use with mandatory withdrawal for the winter.
Installation and final adjustment
Progress starts with the scaffolding, and the arches are mounted in the sockets or attached to the timber, and it's important to make sure that no part of the scaffold touches the sharp edges of the metal that can damage the fabric when vibrating, and that the contact points are glued with rubber or tape if necessary.
Once the frame is installed, the fabric itself is pulled, the tension should be uniform, without sagging where water can accumulate (the “sack effect”), but also without excessive tug that can deform the arcs. Carbine slings are inserted into the luvers and fixed for the body elements. Adjusting the length of the slings allows you to achieve the perfect shape of the dome.
In the end, all the elements are checked: lightning (if there are windows), ventilation and access to the control of the engine. transom-window To remove exhaust gases or access the rudder, it must be sealed in the closed state, and regular tension checks after the first exits are mandatory, as the new fabric may stretch slightly.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a boat with an awning mounted in a strong wind without additional stretch marks or loads inside unless the awning is fixed rigidly - sailing can flip a light vessel.
A properly installed awning should not have sags, and all attachment points should be protected from rubbing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which material will withstand wintering in the open air?
The best choice for wintering is reinforced PVC or a dense tarp with water repellent impregnation. Oxford can crack in the cold, especially if it forms an ice crust. It is recommended to periodically shake the snow from the awning in winter.
Can the awning be made completely transparent?
Yes, there are special transparent inserts of PVC film (about 0.5-0.7 mm). However, a completely transparent awning is not recommended because of the greenhouse effect and glare. It is optimal to make only the windshield or small windows transparent.
How often should I change my squirrels?
Quality brass or nickel-plated luvers last as long as the awning itself (5-7 years). If you notice oxidation or the tissue around the luver has started to tear, they need to be replaced using a special puncher or by contacting the workshop.
Should I put lightning on my tent?
I'll do it, like lightning. YKK or №10The stains used in awnings require regular lubrication with silicone lubrication or special wax, which prevents jagging and corrosion of teeth, especially after contact with salt water.