Fishing in an inflatable boat is not always a quiet swim on a mirrored surface on a clear sunny day. Often the body of water meets the fisherman with a sharp gusty wind or a prolonged drizzling rain that can spoil not only the mood, but also the entire catch by wetting the equipment to the thread. It is at such moments that the need for quality protection becomes obvious, and the most effective solution becomes the most effective solution. rubber-boatThis simple yet functional design turns a vulnerable boat into a shelter, allowing fishing to continue even when weather conditions deteriorate.
The use of a canopy is not only important for protection against precipitation. In the summer heat, the scorching rays of the sun can become a serious health problem, causing overheating or sunburn, especially if you are in open water for long periods. tent It creates the necessary shadow dome, keeping the cockpit cool and providing comfort for the fisherman, and it also hides the fisherman from the wind, allowing him to keep his body warm and not freeze, which is critical for maintaining concentration and reaction during the bite.
It is important to understand that there is no universal solution, since inflatable boats have different hull geometry, length and location of cylinders. Standard awning sizes often do not fit boats with non-standard cans or reinforced keels.So you need to be tailored to your boat, and in this article, we'll go through the design types, materials and nuances of the assembling process that will help you choose the best option.
The main types of awnings for inflatable boats
The water-motor market offers many protection options that can be classified by frame design and mounting method. tent-umbrellaIt's a dome structure on one or more arcs that attaches directly to cylinders or cans, which is great for sun protection and short-term rain, but has a limited surface area.
A more complex and reliable option is considered tent-transformer This design resembles the roof of a car and often has a rigid or semi-rigid frame that can be raised or lowered, provides maximum protection from all sides, often with waterproof sides with windows, which turns the boat into a full-fledged cabin, ideal for multi-day expeditions or fishing in the conditions of prolonged autumn rains.
And there are modular systems that you can combine depending on the task, so you can only install a roof to protect yourself from the sun, or you can add side walls to create a full-fledged rain awning. Modularity It allows flexible control of the weight and aerodynamics of the boat, which is especially important when using an outboard motor.
When choosing a design type, focus on the frequency of your trips and the typical weather conditions in your area. If you fish mainly in good weather and short, you will be enough light umbrella. tent-body with the possibility of installing additional elements.
Materials of manufacture and their specifications
The durability of the awning depends on the quality of the materials from which it is made. watertightness The most commonly used fabrication is Oxford, with polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coatings, and Oxford 210D or 420D fabric is considered the industry standard for its optimal strength-weight ratio.
The awning frame is also critical, because cheap models can be equipped with steel tubes that rust and weigh down over time. aluminum-alloy Aluminum is corrosive, lightweight and durable, making it ideal for marine and river applications.
⚠️ Attention: Cheap awnings made of polyethylene or thin tarpaulin without UV protection quickly lose their properties. Under the influence of the sun, the fabric becomes brittle and cracks after one season of active use, so saving on material is unacceptable here.
When choosing, pay attention to the quality of the seams. They must be glued or boiled, and the threads with which the fabric is sewn should be reinforced and resistant to rot. Waterproofness Seams are a weak point of many budget models, through which water can seep inside even with quality core fabric.
Criteria for choosing a tent for a specific boat
Before buying, you need to know exactly the dimensions of your boat, especially the length and width of the cockpit (inner space). The awning should cover the usable area with a margin so that the rain does not blow out under the edges. loading capacity boats, as the installation of a heavy frame awning with wet sides can significantly reduce the buoyancy reserve.
The way the attachment is done is another key thing: the fasteners should not damage the cylinders or have sharp edges. slingVelcro straps and soft fixers that tightly fit the structure of the boat, without rubbing PVC. The presence of tension adjustment allows you to compensate for the sailing structure in the wind.
A comparison of the popular specifications of awnings is presented in the table below:
| Characterization | Budgetary option | Middle class | Premium class |
|---|---|---|---|
| tissue | Polyester 190T | Oxford 210D PU | Oxford 420D PVC |
| Frame | Steel (painted) | aluminum | Duraluminium/Stainless steel |
| Water resistance | Up to 500 mm st. | Up to 2,000 mm W. | Up to 5,000+ mm W. |
| Term of service | 1-2 seasons | 3-5 seasons | 5 years |
If you plan to carry the boat solo, every extra kilogram of awning will be palpable. Lightweight aluminum structures weigh 1.5-2 times less than their steel counterparts, which greatly facilitates transportation to the launching site.
When buying an awning, be sure to check the equipment for the presence of a repair kit (tray, glue), since even a strong PVC fabric or Oxford can accidentally damage a knot or hook.
Instructions for installing awning on the boat
Proper installation of the awning is the key to its stability and safety on the water. Before installation, make sure that the boat is fully pumped and stands on a level surface. First, you need to assemble the frame (if it is collapsible) according to the manufacturer's instructions, connecting the arcs and assemblies.
Then you put the fabric part on the frame, straighten the folds and fix it, and then the structure is carefully mounted on the boat, the mounting to the hull starts at the bow, then the sides are fixed, and last of all the stern. It is important to keep the sequence so that the awning does not skew.
☑️ Checklist for tent installation
Pay special attention to the tension of the slings. the awning should not hang, but excessive tension can deform the cylinders of the boat or tear the seams of fabric. Uniform load distribution If the awning is equipped with windows, make sure that they are closed or open according to the weather before the movement begins.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave an awning on a boat when stored in a warm room or under direct sunlight unattended. Inside, a greenhouse effect can be created that will overheat and damage the PVC material of the boat.
Tent care and storage
To keep the awning long and water-repellent, it must be properly cared for. After every fishing, especially in rainy weather, the fabric must be thoroughly dried. Keeping a wet awning in a rolled-up form is a sure way to create mold, fungus and unpleasant smells, which will be difficult to get rid of later.
Cleaning of mud and fish mucus should be done with a soft sponge using warm water and neutral detergents. Aggressive chemistrySolvents or abrasive brushes can damage the protective coating of the fabric, reducing its water resistance. It is periodically recommended to treat the fabric with special impregnations (DWR) that restore the water-repellent layer.
You need to fold the awning carefully, trying not to make crevices in the same places, so as not to damage the structure of the material, it is best to store the product in a spacious bag in a dry, cool place, away from heating devices and direct sunlight.
Proper drying and storage of the awning in a straightened or freely folded state increase its service life by two times, maintaining the elasticity of the fabric and the strength of the seams.
The influence of the tent on the boat's handling
The awning changes the sailing and the center of gravity of the craft, and when the wind wind blows, the boat with the awning umbrella or the awning body becomes more susceptible to lateral gusts, which requires the motorist to be more focused and experienced in driving. Sailing can significantly demolish the boat from the course, especially at a quiet run or when drifting.
Also, the awning limits visibility. High sides or opaque fabric can hide obstacles on the water, snags or other boats, so you need to be extremely careful when driving under the awning, often looking out from under the canopy or moving with open windows and doors.
When using an outboard motor, it is important to consider the height of the lower unit. The awning should not touch the hot parts of the engine or interfere with the operation of the pump. In some cases, additional racks or a change in the configuration of the mounts is required to ensure a safe clearance.
Impact on speed
Installation of the awning body can reduce the maximum speed of the boat by 2-4 km / h due to increased aerodynamic drag, but this affects the engine efficiency insignificantly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make a tent on a inflatable boat myself?
Yes, it's possible. It's going to require Oxford or PVC fabric, aluminium wireframes, and heavy-tissue sewing machine skills, but factory products are usually tested for tightness and strength, which is difficult to replicate at home without special equipment.
How to clean the awning from fish oil and smell?
Use warm water with the addition of dishwashing agents or specialized PVC cleaners. Wash the fabric thoroughly on all sides and be sure to dry. To eliminate the smell, you can use a solution of vinegar in water, but after it, the awning must be rinsed again.
Will the tent withstand the strong wind?
Standard awnings are designed for moderate winds, and in a storm warning or very strong winds (more than 10-12 m / s), it is dangerous to be under the awning on the water because of the high risk of overturning, in such conditions, it is better to remove or lower the awning.
Do I need to remove the awning when driving at high speed?
Umbrella awnings often allow speed, but rigid awnings can create dangerous sailing and vibration. Always read the manufacturer's instructions: many models are designed only for parking or slow movement.