Compact flyboat The 280 centimeter long is the perfect choice for single fishermen or couples planning a weekend outing, but the short length often means no regular awning as standard, forcing owners to face scorching sun or sudden rainfall without shelter. running-trap Turns a simple inflatable boat into a full-fledged small-size vessel that can provide safety and comfort.
Choosing a shelter for PVC 280 The owner must balance the desire for maximum protection area with the need to maintain the stability of the vessel. In this article, we will discuss in detail what materials to use, how to calculate the size of the frame and what to look for when buying a finished product.
Don't underestimate the role of awning in water safety, because it not only protects against heat stroke, but also protects against heat stroke. squirt-board And the engine controls from getting wet, which is critical to the durability of the machine, and the design is also good, and it reduces sailing, making the control more predictable in lateral winds.
Why do you need awning for a boat 280 cm long?
Many owners of compact boats believe that they do not need an awning, because it is close to the shore, but even a short walk can be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, and the lack of protection from the sea. ultraviolet For a boat that is 280 cm long, where space is already limited, proper shading creates psychological comfort, allowing you to focus on fishing or navigation.
In addition to protecting people, the awning has an important function of preserving property, with extreme temperature changes and direct sunlight negatively affecting plastic elements. attachmentCheap plastic can crack and electronics can break down from overheating, and having a roof can significantly extend the life of expensive sonars and GPS navigation devices.
Use an awning with transparent windows made of PVC film - this will allow you to control the situation around, without getting up, which is especially important when fishing in a snag.
Also worth mentioning is rain protection: a sudden downpour can turn the bottom of a boat into an "aquarium" if you don't have one. storm-visor Water that gets inside not only creates discomfort, but also increases the weight of the vessel, which is critical for low-power engines on a boat of 280 cm.
Material choice: Oxford, Tarpaulin or PVC
The market offers many fabric options, and the choice depends on the budget and operating conditions. Oxford (Oxford) It's a strong, weaving fabric that's perfectly shaped and resistant to abrasion, and for a boat of 280 cm, the optimum density is 450 to 600 g/m2.
A more budgetary option is tarpaulin It's completely waterproof and lightweight, but it's less durable when used actively, and it can crack in folds at low temperatures, so it's not suitable for year-round use or cold storage.
⚠️ Caution: Cheap fabrics without UV stabilizers lose strength in the sun in one season. When buying, be sure to ask for a certificate or check for a protective layer against ultraviolet light.
The most reliable, but also expensive solution is considered to be reinforced. PVCIt's completely sealed, it doesn't rot and it's easy to wash, but it's going to be a lot heavier, which can be a downside for a small boat, and the basic specifications of the materials are like this:
| Characterization | Oxford (PU/PVC) | tarpaulin | PVC reinforced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (g/m2) | 250–600 | 100–200 | 600–900 |
| Water resistance | High. | Absolute. | Absolute. |
| Resistance to UV | Medium/High | Low. | High. |
| Term of service | 5-7 years | 1-3 years | 10+ years |
Frame design: arc or frame
The frame is the skeleton of your shelter. The 280 cm long boats most commonly use arc structures made of aluminum or steel pipes. Aluminum arcs It is preferred because of its light weight and corrosion resistance, although steel is stronger and cheaper. The diameter of the pipe is usually 20-25 mm.
There are also collapsible spider frames or profile tube frames, which are more cumbersome to transport, but provide more interior space. cylinders or special sites, and not pressed on paioles, so as not to damage the structure.
The frame is attached to the boat through liner rings or special pockets on the sides. It is important to use soft slings that do not rub the fabric of the boat on the go. Hard metal hooks can cause puncture when rolling hard.
How to strengthen the frame yourself?
If you make the frame yourself, use tees and PVC pipe corners for 32 mm in diameter plumbing. It's cheap, it doesn't rust and it's easy to assemble. For strength, you can insert wooden bars or rebars inside the pipes.
Instructions: sewing awning yourself
Self-tailoring allows you to perfectly fit the awning to the geometry of your boat, especially if it has custom cylinders. Start with creating a lekal, the easiest way to use an old sheet or cheap fabric, trying it on an installed frame right on the boat.
When cutting the main fabric, be sure to leave allowances for seams at least 1.5-2 cm. The seams should be double or triple, glued with a special tape or sealant for the fabric to exclude leaks. polyurethane Special equipment for repairing boats.
The bottom of the awning is sewn into a curtain, where an elastic cord or rubber band is inserted, which allows you to pull the awning around the perimeter of the boat, ensuring a tight fit, and you also need to provide ventilation holes with valves to avoid condensation inside.
☑️ Checklist for awning tailoring
⚠️ Warning: When working with a sewing machine, use a 100-110 needle and a Teflon foot. A normal foot will "snag" on the slippery surface of Oxford or PVC.
Installation and fastening on the boat
It takes a few minutes to get the awning up in the water, if all the elements are prepared in advance, first you put the arcs in the regular sockets or attach them to the sides, then you throw the cover over and you lock it. tension-pointThe sagging fabric will clap in the wind, creating noise and wear out quickly.
The mounting to the cylinders is done with fastex belts or carbines. Do not over-tighten the belts so as not to deform the inflated cylinders, especially in hot weather when the pressure inside them is increasing.
For outboard boats, it is important to have a cutout or valve at the back of the awning, which should fit tightly around the engine's deedudud, but not interfere with its operation and recline, and often in this place they make a pocket of denser material.
A properly installed awning should not touch the head of a sitting person, otherwise, when the boat rolls, a blow is possible. The minimum height of the interior space is 90-100 cm from the can.
Tent care and storage
The awning fabric requires the same care as the PVC boat itself. After each trip, especially in salt water or in the rain, the awning must be removed, dried and wiped from the dirt. The accumulation of moisture in the folds of the fabric leads to the appearance of a tent. mold It has an unpleasant smell that is difficult to get rid of.
Keep the awning in a rolled up, but not compressed, dry room. It is not recommended to leave it inflated on the frame in the open air all year round, since the constant wind load weakens the seams and material. In winter, it is better to bring the structure into the garage or apartment.
Periodically check the condition of the seams and luvers. Minor damage can be sealed with a repair kit for boats. If the fabric begins to "fluff" or lose color, treat it with a special spray-reducing spray for waterproof fabrics.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I use a 300 cm boat awning on a 280 cm boat?
Technically, it's not recommended. The awning will be big, it'll have to be pulled very tightly, which will create extra tension and sailing, and the wind can easily derail this design. It's better to choose a size with a tolerance of no more than 10 cm.
How to prevent fogging of transparent windows of the tent?
Use special spray antiphogs for the glass or wipe the film with a solution of glycerol, also helps the presence of ventilation holes in the upper part of the awning, which create air circulation.
Will the frame withstand the wind of 10-15 m / s?
A standard frame of thin-walled pipes may not withstand such a load, especially if the boat is on the side of the boat. When the wind is increased, the awning is better removed, since it works like a sail and can flip a light boat 280 cm.
How do you better glue the gap on the tent from Oxford?
For Oxford PU-coated polyurethane adhesives (like Desmocoll) are suitable; for PVC fabrics, two-component PVC adhesives. Be sure to degrease the surface and smear it before gluing.