Every owner of inflatable boat sooner or later faces the question of modernization or repair of his boat. Trawn on a inflatable boat It's one of the most important things that determines safety and the ability to install an outboard motor, and it's this part that takes on the enormous load of propeller traction and wave shock when you're driving.
Unlike hard-hull vessels, the design has its own special features that require careful attention. Incorrectly selected or mounted element can lead to loss of the engine, damage to cylinders or even to an emergency on the water. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the nuances associated with PVC trunk boards.
The materials used in manufacturing range from conventional plywood to high-strength composites, and understanding the difference between them will help you avoid unnecessary waste and ensure the longevity of your equipment. Waterproof plywood It remains a classic, but modern technology offers lighter and more durable alternatives.
Design features and types of transom boards
The main purpose of the transcreant is to provide a rigid vertical surface for the engine attachment. In inflatable boats, it can be integrated (pasted) or removable (mounted). Integrated variant is typical for motor boats, where the board is glued between the cylinders and the bottom, forming a rigid aft part.
Removable models are a separate board, which is inserted into special pockets on cylinders and fixed by slings. squirrel It allows to significantly reduce weight during transportation, which is important for rowing models that are periodically used with the engine.
The geometry of the board also matters: the angle of inclination must strictly conform to the requirements of the engine manufacturer, usually 10-15 degrees, and violation of this parameter will lead to the wrong boat to planing and fuel overrun.
Some manufacturers use composite designs where the centerpiece is reinforced with additional inserts, which allows the load from the engine rods to be distributed over a larger area, reducing the risk of pressing or deforming the material.
Materials of manufacture: plywood, plastic or composite
The choice of material directly affects the weight, durability and cost of the product. plywood It has excellent strength specifications, but it requires good external protection, because when water enters the layers, it can detach.
Plastic and composite transes are becoming more popular, they're completely water-free, they're lighter in weight and they don't rot, but they're much more expensive, and at very low temperatures, some plastics can become brittle.
Aluminum inserts or frames are sometimes used to reinforce wooden boards, creating a hybrid design that combines the rigidity of metal and the elasticity of wood. transom board This type of composite lasts for decades with proper care.
It is important to remember that any material wears out over time, that wood can dry out, that plastic can scratch, that metal can oxidize at the joints, and that regular surface inspection for chips and cracks is mandatory before each season.
Installation and fastening of the hinged transom
Installation of a removable board requires strict adherence to the sequence of actions, first you need to inflate the cylinders to the working pressure to ensure the correct geometry of the aft part, then the board is inserted with the upper edge into special pockets or under the slings.
The fixation is made by means of belts that cover cylinders and pass through holes in the board. The tension should be uniform on all sides. Weak fasteners will lead to the bolter of the engine, and stretched ones to deform the cylinders.
☑️ Verification of transone installation
For models with transcense The procedure is simpler, but requires checking the status of the sticker, the junction of the board and the balloon should not be bloated or detached, and if you find defects, operation should be stopped before repair.
When installing the motor, make sure that the rods are placed strictly on the wooden or composite part, without touching the soft elements of the inflatable tubes. Even short-term metal pressure on PVC can lead to puncture.
Strengthening and finalizing the standard structures
Standard trans, especially on budget boats, are often not thick enough, and installing a more powerful motor requires prior reinforcement, and additional layers of the same plywood or metal are used to do this.
We can make a removable one. timberIt's a rod that distributes the load from the rods, and it attaches to the main board and increases the contact area, and this is especially true for short leg motors or high-power models.
Some owners have resorted to the installation of transom wheels, which are attached to the board and make it easier to pull the boat ashore, but it should be remembered that the extra weight on the stern can change the boat's different.
Risks of self-enhancing
When self-strengthening the transom, it is important not to overdo it with weight. Extra kilograms on the stern can lead to the burying of the boat's nose in a wave when going out for planing, which is dangerous for the crew.
The use of high-quality metals in the refinement is mandatory. Bolts and nuts must be made of stainless steel to eliminate corrosion in an aggressive aqueous environment. Conventional ferrous metal will rust in one season.
Comparative table of material specifications
To make it easier for you to navigate the variety of offerings, we have prepared a comparative analysis of the main materials, data will help you weigh the pros and cons before buying or manufacturing a new part.
| Materials | Weight. | Moisture resistance | Strength | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FSF phanera | Medium. | Requires processing | High. | Low. |
| Fiberglass | Low. | High. | Very high. | High. |
| aluminum | Low. | High. | Medium (bents) | Medium |
| Composite | Low. | Absolute. | High. | High. |
As you can see from the table, there is no perfect material. The optimal choice for most anglers is high-quality plywood of the FSF 10-12 mm thick with good waterproofing. It combines availability and reliability.
For those who value minimal weight and are willing to pay for comfort, composite options are suitable. They require no care and last almost forever.
Repair and maintenance of the transom board
Even the most durable structure requires maintenance. squirrel It's starting to dissect or it's starting to chip, and repairs need to start immediately, and delay can cause the board to collapse completely under load.
To repair the plywood, the damaged area is cleaned to a dry layer, soaked in epoxy resin and covered with fiberglass, and then the surface is sanded and painted after drying, which restores moisture resistance and strength.
After each fishing, be sure to wipe the transom board dry and leave the boat straightened for airing. This will extend the life of the tree for years.
Cracks in plastic or composite are also repairable using special remixes, and it is important to degrease the surface before applying the adhesive to maximize adhesion.
⚠️ Warning: Never use conventional silicone sealant or Moment glue to repair the transom, which does not provide the necessary structural strength and will simply detach under load from the motor, causing an accident.
Check the condition of the fasteners regularly. Weakened bolts can twist and destroy the material around the hole. If necessary, install larger-diameter repair washers.
Timely repair of small chips and cracks is 10 times cheaper than replacing the entire transom board or buying a new engine instead of a drowned one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the maximum thickness of the transom for the 5 hp engine?
For a 5 hp motor, the optimal thickness of the transom board is 10-12 mm. A thinner board can bend under the weight of the engine, and a thicker one will create excessive weighting of the stern.
Can I paint a transom with ordinary oil paint?
No, conventional oil paint is not designed for constant contact with water and loads, it is better to use epoxy enamel or specialized compositions for wood used in shipbuilding.
How do you know if the squirrel needs to be changed?
The main signs: plywood stratification along the ends, the appearance of soft areas when pressed, visible cracks passing through the entire thickness, or deformation of the plane, due to which the engine sways.
Does the height of the transom affect the speed of the boat?
Yes, the height of the transom determines the position of the lower unit motor relative to the water, and the wrong height will lead to cavitation (seizure of air by the screw) or, conversely, to an increase in water resistance, which will reduce speed and efficiency.