Boat. Southerner 2 It is well-deservedly considered one of the most popular models in its class due to its strong aluminum body and excellent stability. However, the open design of the cockpit makes passengers vulnerable to the scorching sun and sudden showers, which significantly reduces the comfort of operation. running-arm This is a priority for most owners of this boat.
Well-chosen hinged frame allows you not only to shelter from the weather, but also to turn the boat into a full camper for a night out on the water. It is important to understand that standard solutions from the manufacturer are often limited to basic protection, while custom options offer advanced functionality. optimal tent configuration It is for the geometry of the Southern hull.
Design features of the boat South 2
Aluminum boats of the series Southerner They have characteristic zygomatic contours that provide high speed but make it difficult to attach soft structures, and the sides of this model are quite tall, which is a plus for safety, but requires elongated awning racks to ensure a comfortable full-length passage. The standard length of the case is about 4.5 meters, which dictates certain requirements for the cover area.
Particular attention should be paid to the location of the Banc and the handnuts. Unlike some other models, here the transom jar often has a specific shape that must be considered when designing the rear supports. ram-frameIt is important to make sure that it does not interfere with the operation of the motor or access to the tiller.
The metal case is highly thermally conductive, so in hot weather, the awning can create a greenhouse effect under the awning, unless proper ventilation is provided, and the design should allow quick access to the anchor box and the bow, where often additional (boxes) are located, ignoring these nuances will lead to the awning being more likely to interfere than help in operation.
Selection of materials: fabric and frame
The basis of durability of any canopy is the quality of the materials used. For the frame, most often choose stainless steel or aluminum pipes, since ordinary ferrous metal will require constant maintenance and painting. Stainless steel It looks more aesthetic and lasts for decades, but has more weight, which can affect the centering of the boat in high winds.
As for the fabric, the leader is the uncontested. oxford It has to be at least 300-450 g/sq.m. to withstand wind gusts and keep water out, and cheap polyester products quickly fade out in the sun and start cracking after one or two seasons of active use.
⚠️ Warning: When buying a finished awning, check the quality of the seams. All joints of the fabric must be glued with a special tape, otherwise water will seep through the needle even at the highest density of the fabric.
The shadows are often made with mesh materials that allow air to pass through but delay UV light. However, a solid layer is needed to protect the body from rain, and the frame must have a safety margin to withstand the snow load if you plan to keep the boat under awning in the winter outside.
Use a light gray or beige fabric: air is much less heated under them than under blue or green awnings.
Types of frames for Southern 2
There are several basic support schemes, each with its own advantages. ram-frameIt's a stern that attaches directly to the transom and the sides in the aft, and it's easy to make, but it only covers the cockpit, leaving the bow open.
A more complex and functional option is a frame with a bow jar or a special bushing in the nose, which, often referred to as a "house", allows you to close the boat completely from side to side, which allows you to organize a full bed, stretching the knobs and laying the mattresses on the bottom.
- 🛶 transom version: Quickly assembled, minimal weight, ideal for running fishing.
- ⛺ Full cockpit: maximum protection, the possibility of overnight stay, but requires more time to install.
- 🏗️ Removable arcs: A universal solution that allows you to combine protection depending on the weather.
When choosing the type of frame, it is important to consider where exactly you plan to store the boat. If you have a garage or covered pier, a full awning may be redundant. For an open parking on the water or shore, it is better to choose options with maximum coverage area.
The Secret to Sustainability
The extra stability that gives the frame is not the thickness of the pipes, but the correct geometry of the rigidity triangles. Use stretch marks (storm ladders) from slings that connect the top points of the arcs with the fry bolts on the sides.
Step-by-step instructions for installing a tent
The installation process begins with the preparation of all the elements and check the equipment. Make sure that all bolts, nuts and washers are made of stainless materials to avoid corrosion in the areas of contact with aluminum. The first step is always to install support glasses or bushings, if they are provided by the design.
Then you build the frame arcs, and if you use telescopic systems, you have to decompose them to their full length and lock them with stoppers, and when you use prefabricated stainless steel pipes, it's important to tighten all the connections tightly so that the structure is not lumpy on the wave.
☑️ Checklist before getting on the water
The stretching of the awning itself requires precision: the fabric must be stretched evenly, without sagging where water can accumulate. Water pockets put a huge strain on the frame and can cause it to break during a storm. Fastex belts are attached to the sides or laces through luvers.
| Work phase | The necessary tool | Implementation time |
|---|---|---|
| Installation of glasses | Drill, rivet | 30-40 minutes. |
| Arc assembly | Hexagon, keys. | 15-20 minutes |
| Tent stretch | No (manually) | 10-15 minutes |
| Fixing storms | No (manually) | 5 minutes |
The final step is to check all the attachment points for sharp edges that can rub the fabric. All metal parts in contact with the fabric, it is desirable to paste with tape or use special plastic tips.
Weather protection and ventilation
One of the main problems of operating boats under an awning is condensate. The temperature difference between the water, the metal body and the air under the canopy leads to moisture formation. ventilation.
Modern awnings often feature PVC windows with mosquito nets that can be opened, so if you make awning yourself, leave the end parts open or use a fabric with ventilation valves, which will provide a constant flow of air even when the sides are closed.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a boat under a fully sealed awning in windy weather without internal struts. Wind pressure on the sailing area can deform the sides of an aluminum boat.
To protect against oblique rain, side curtains are effective, which are attached to lightning or Velcro to the main awning and lowered down to the water level, which allows you to create a closed space in which you can comfortably stay even in heavy rain, while maintaining your view through transparent windows.
Proper ventilation is more important than absolute tightness: it is better to let water flow along the edges a little, than the awning will work as a condensation trap.
Care and storage of the tent
The life of the awning depends on how you care for it. After every trip, especially in salt water or in the rain, the fabric must be thoroughly dried. Wet fabric collected in a case is the ideal environment for the development of a fungus that destroys the protective layer of the material.
Regularly clean the surface of dust and dirt with a soft brush using special products for tissue care Oxford or PVCDo not use aggressive chemicals or abrasive sponges, as they can damage the water-repellent impregnation.
- ☀️ UV protection: Once a season, treat the fabric with a UV filter spray to restore the color and strength of the fibers.
- 🧼 Cleanup: Use warm soapy water, avoid washing powders with bleach.
- 📦 Warehouse: Keep the awning only in a dry, ventilated place, in straightened form or freely rolled.
Metal elements of the frame also require attention. Periodically check the welding sites and joints for corrosion. Even stainless steel in an aggressive marine environment can be covered with plaque, which is easily removed by special polishes.
Can I make a tent for South 2 myself?
Yes, this is quite possible if you have the skills to work with a sewing machine for heavy fabrics and welding (or access to the services of a welder), the main thing is to remove the exact patterns from your boat, as the geometry of the board may vary depending on the year of manufacture and modification.
What is the best height for the South 2?
The optimal height is the height, which allows you to sit on the jar in full growth without touching the frame head. This is usually 130-150 cm from the floor of the boat to the top of the arc. A higher awning increases sailing and the risk of overturning.
Do I need to remove the awning when storing a boat in winter?
If the awning is used as a shelter for winter storage on the street, you do not need to remove it, but you need to install internal supports (spreads) so that the snow does not push the roof. If the boat is stored in a warm room, the awning is better removed and removed so that the fabric “rests”.
Will the tent withstand the strong wind?
A good running awning can withstand winds of up to 15-20 m/s, provided that the installation and use of storm stretches is correct, however, in case of a storm warning, it is better to put the boat nose to the wind or put it in shelter, since any soft top is a sail.