Any inflatable boat owner will have to upgrade or repair their boat sooner or later, and the back wall is the central element of a motorboat design, which serves as the engine mounting point, and it is the strength and quality that determines crew safety and efficiency in water travel, and many water-related newcomers do not fully understand the role of this part and why it should be approached with the utmost seriousness.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what constitutes turretYou'll learn about the nuances of mounting boards, the slabs of transponders in inflatable tubes, and how to extend the life of this critical site, and understanding these processes will help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure that your vessel is operated reliably.
Design features and purpose of the transom board
The truncheon is a rigid transom bulkhead in the stern of the boat, designed to hang the outboard motor. Unlike metal or wooden hull boats, where the transom is an integral part of the design, in inflatable models it can be removable or integrated, the main function of this element is to perceive the traction force of the propeller and transmit it to the hull of the vessel, providing forward movement. Train load It is very difficult, especially when the engine is running at high speeds.
The design of the inflatable boat tray board is most often made of multi-layer plywood, covered with special moisture-resistant paint or fiberglass. The thickness of the board varies depending on the engine power for which the boat is designed. For low-power engines up to 5 hp, the thickness can be 12-15 mm, whereas for powerful engines, a board with a thickness of 25 mm or more is required. sink-board It must have a certain angle of inclination, called a different, which is usually 10-15 degrees.
⚠️ Attention: Using a transom of insufficient thickness or of poor-quality plywood can lead to its destruction under load, which can lead to the engine falling into the water and the potential loss of the boat.
Modern PVC boats are often equipped with reinforced transom plates that distribute the load over a large area of cylinders. This is especially true for low-pressure inflatable floor (LDPB) boats, where the rigidity of the structure is provided not by the keel, but by the pressure in the cylinders. graffiti or additional stringers play a key role in preserving the geometry of the feed.
When buying a used boat, be sure to check the plywood of the transom for stratification and rot, even if it looks good on the outside. Knock on it - a deaf sound can indicate internal defects.
Types of transverses: hinged, glued and inserted
The choice of transom type depends on the design of your boat and the expected operating conditions. Manufacturers offer several basic options, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Understanding the difference between the two will help you make the right choice when buying a new vessel or upgrading an old one.
Hinged trunks are the most common solution for light rowing boats, which are planned to be equipped with a low-power engine. They are attached to the cylinder with special belts and latches, which allows you to remove the board during transportation or storage. However, this type of fastening is not able to withstand heavy loads and is only suitable for engines up to 3-5 hp. Inserting a transom in special pockets (grooves) on the cylinder is a more reliable option, providing rigid fixation.
The glued transom is a stationary structure that is mounted in the stern of the boat in the factory, the most reliable option for high-powered engines, since the load is distributed directly to the power belts and the reinforcement of the cylinder. However, the presence of a stationary transmolant significantly increases the weight and dimensions of the boat in the assembled form, which can be inconvenient when transporting in the trunk of a passenger car.
- 🚤 The hinged type: Lightweight, removable, suitable for motors up to 5 hp, requires careful installation every time.
- 🔩 Fold-in type: Hard fixation in pockets, withstands medium loads, is versatile for most PVC boats.
- 🏗️ Sticked in: Maximum reliability, withstands powerful motors, increases weight and volume in folded form.
For motors over 5 hp, it is highly recommended to use boats with inserted or pasted transom, as hinged structures may not withstand vibration and traction.
Manufacturing materials: plywood, plastic and composites
The main material for the manufacture of transmutation boards remains aviation plywood brand FSF. This material has a high bending strength and, critically, increased moisture resistance due to phenolformaldehyde glue. However, even the highest quality plywood requires additional protection, because when in constant contact with water, it can gain moisture through slices and microcracks. transpant-painting and treatment of the edges with epoxy resin or special varnishes is a mandatory procedure.
In recent years, composite and reinforced plastic transoms have been introduced, they are completely water-free, rotting and painting-free, often weighing less than wooden counterparts and having a comparable or higher strength, but the cost of composite transmuters is much higher, making them the lot of premium boat models or specialty accessories. For most anglers and holidaymakers, quality plywood remains the best choice.
When making or repairing a transom, it is important to pay attention to the number of layers of veneer. For a board with a thickness of 20 mm, 13-15 layers are considered optimal. Fewer layers indicate the use of thick veneer, which reduces the strength specifications of the product. It is also worth avoiding the use of birch plywood without the marking of the FSF, since it is designed for internal work and will quickly become unusable on the water.
⚠️ Attention: Never use FC building plywood or laminated formwork plywood to make a transom, which lack the necessary moisture resistance and can dissipate at the most inopportune moment.
Technology of installation and replacement of the transom board
Replacing or installing a transom requires care and a certain sequence of actions. If you plan to replace a rotten board in a boat with a inserted transmolant, the process will be quite simple. First, you completely lower the boat and clear the installation site of sand and dirt. Then the old board is removed, and a new one is installed in its place, pre-lubricated with talc to facilitate the sliding over the fabric of PVC.
For boats with a hinged transom, it is important to adjust the height of the engine installation correctly. The standard height of the engine suspension is 0-25 mm from the anti-cavitation plate to the bottom edge of the transom. If the engine is set too high, the propeller will grab air, which will lead to overheating and loss of speed. Too low a landing will increase water resistance and reduce handling.
☑️ Checking before installing the transcent
If you need to replace the glued transmessel, the process becomes much more complex and requires factory conditions or a specialized workshop. Self-pasting is possible only with experience with PVC and adhesives. You need to completely remove the remnants of the old transmessel, clean the surfaces and paste a new board using two-component polyurethane glue. It is important to ensure uniform fit and no air bubbles.
Strengthening and tuning of the transom part of the boat
Many boat owners have resorted to tuning the transom part to improve comfort and safety. transom-wheelThis device makes it easy to move a boat with the engine on solid ground, which is especially true for heavy models, the wheels are attached directly to the squirrel board or to special brackets on cylinders.
Another useful addition is the transom plate (hydrofoil), which is mounted on the engine's lower unit, but relies on the boat's transom. It improves the planing output, stabilizes the course and saves fuel. It is also worth considering the possibility of installing an additional leg rest or a stern rod, which increases the ease of fishing.
| Type of improvement | Appointment | Difficulty of installation | Effect on weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| transom wheels | Transportation | Low. | +2-4 kg |
| transom plate | Stabilization of progress | Medium | +1 kg |
| Plywood reinforcement | Strength-enhancing | High. | +1-2 kg |
| Removable stopper | Comfort fishing | Low. | +0.5 kg |
How to properly lubricate a transom?
To facilitate insertion of transom in pockets, use regular paraffin or baby powder (talc). Never use silicone lubricants or oils, as they can react with PVC and destroy the material of pockets.
Care, storage and extension of service life
Proper care of the transom can extend its life for decades. After each fishing, the transom board must be wiped with dry rags, removing moisture residue. If the boat is stored in assembled form, it is recommended to relax the tension of the straps of the transom to avoid deformation of the cylinder. For prolonged storage, it is better to keep the boat in a straightened state or periodically change the bend.
Once a season, you should check the condition of the paintwork and update it if necessary. Pay special attention to the ends of the board, because this is where the process of destruction of wood begins. If you notice paint bloating or dark spots, this is a signal that moisture has already penetrated and urgent repair is required.
Keep a boat with a set transmesse in a dry room at positive temperature. Sharp temperature changes and high humidity are the main enemies of plywood. If you can not keep the boat warm, make sure that the transmesse is completely dry before packing, and use moisture absorbers in the bag.
Regular treatment of the ends of the transom with moisture-protective compounds and proper storage of the boat in a dry place is the guarantee that the transom will serve you for many years without rotting and stratification.
Can I use a transom from one boat to another?
You can only use a transom from one model to another if the geometric dimensions (width, height, thickness) and shape are the same. It is also important to consider the permissible power of the motor: you can not put a weak transom on the boat under a powerful engine. If the boat has a glued transom, you can only replace it with a similar model.
How do you know if the squirrel is no longer operational?
The main signs of wear: plywood stratification at the edges, the appearance of soft areas when pressed, the change in color of the wood to darker, the bloating of the paint coating. If the transom "plays" or crunches when loaded, its operation is prohibited.
What is the best way to cover a transom to protect against water?
The best means are epoxy varnishes, polyurethane paints for yachts or special impregnations for wood, followed by the application of several layers of moisture-resistant varnish. It is important to properly treat all cuts and holes for fasteners.
Why does the transom inflate inward when pumping a boat?
This is normal for boats with inflatable floor and insert transmolants. The pressure in the cylinders arches the soft elements of the structure. The main thing is that after installation the transmolina is in its normal position and there are no critical distortions. If the deformation is too great, check the pressure in the cylinders.