Operation of small-size vessel of series Volzhanka 46 And it's inevitably connected to its regular transportation by trailer to a body of water, and aluminum boat owners know that even a short trip down the highway at high speed creates a tremendous wind load on the hull and the superstructures. transporter It becomes not just an accessory, but a necessity to preserve the appearance and technical integrity of the boat.
The main purpose of this cover is to protect cockpit And all the equipment inside from the oncoming airflow, the rocks coming from the wheels of trucks, the dust from the road and the rainfall, and ignoring this piece of equipment can lead to you arriving at the launch site with a full tank of water in the hold, wet seats and damaged skin. carriage-awning tightly fits the sides, does not sail and does not create resonant vibrations that could damage the aluminum body.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what types of awnings are suitable for the 46 Series model, how to install them correctly and why the savings on this element can come out sideways. You will learn about materials that can withstand a speed of 110 km / h, and the nuances of mounting that will ensure the safety of the cargo on any part of the way.
Design features of awnings for the series Volzhanka 46
Model range Volzhanka 46 (including modifications of Fish, Pro, GL) has a characteristic body with a pronounced cheekbones and a forehead, which dictates special requirements for the cover cover. Standard universal solutions here are often ineffective, because they do not take into account the geometry of the inverted "V" in the nose and the presence of a transom plate. transporter For this series, it is sewn taking into account all the curves, providing the minimum number of folds in which water can accumulate or sail.
The key element of the design is the tension system, and unlike parking awnings, which can sag, the cover for transportation must be pulled like a drum. arch-pocket Or rigid struts that give the awning an aerodynamic shape, and the absence of such elements leads to the collapse of the material during braking or side wind, which can rupture the seams.
It's also important to look at the reinforcement zones. forespeakerThe bulkheads and seats need to be reinforced, and often manufacturers use double-layer fabric or wear-resistant inserts at maximum friction points, which prevents the fabric from abrading on the sharp corners of the aluminum body during long stretches.
Materials: Oxford, Tarpaulin or PVC?
Selection of material transporter It's a trade-off between weight, strength and cost, and the most common option for the budget and mid-range segment is fabric. Oxford with polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coatings, the density of the fabric should be at least 400-600 g/m2. Less dense materials risk not to withstand dynamic loads at speeds above 80 km/h.
A more expensive, but also much more reliable solution is reinforced PVC materialThese awnings are completely waterproof, are not afraid of ultraviolet light and have high tensile strength. However, their weight is significantly higher, which is important to consider when calculating the payload of a trailer. PVC also requires more careful storage to avoid crumbs in the cold.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use conventional plastic film or low-quality construction tarpaulin to create homemade awnings. At 90-100 km / h, such materials break instantly, and their scraps can wind on the wheels of the trailer or close the driver's view, creating an emergency situation.
The third option is specialized Teflon-impregnated membrane fabrics, which have excellent water-repellent properties and allow the condensate to evaporate from the inside, preventing mold formation. For owners who keep the boat outside between trips, this can be a critical factor, although this is redundant for a purely transport function.
When choosing a fabric, pay attention to the indicator "break load" - for transportation at highway speeds it should be at least 200/150 daN.
Fixing systems and sail protection
The reliability of the awning fixation depends on the quality of the fittings used. Cheap plastic clips or weak rubber bands are categorically not suitable for high-speed transportation. fastex And a strong cord that runs around the perimeter of the awning through the luvers, and the cord must be tightened by a special rattle or tension mechanism.
For the model Volzhanka 46 It's characterized by open sides and decks, so the awning is often fixed for special bolts or factory holes in the shaft. If there are not enough regular mounting points, owners install additional rivets or use clamping slats. The main rule is that no part of the awning should hang out in the wind.
Special attention should be paid to the bow, and that's where the high-pressure zone comes in, where the mounting should be as rigid as possible, and often an additional central sling running along the diametric plane of the boat, locking the awning in the area. pole-headPreventing it from sliding backwards when the car is braking sharply.
☑️ Checking the readiness of the tent for the trip
Comparative table of specifications of tents
To help you navigate the variety of offers on the market, we have prepared a comparative table of the main parameters of transport awnings available for boats of class. Volzhanka 46.
| Type of material | Density (g/m2) | Speed mode | Average service life | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxford 210D (PU) | 250-300 | up to 80 km/h | 2-3 seasons | Low. |
| Oxford 600D (PVC) | 500-600 | up to 110 km/h | Seasons 5-7 | Medium |
| PVC reinforced | 800-900 | up to 130 km/h | 10+ years | High. |
| Acrylic cloth | 400-500 | up to 90 km/h | 5 years | High. |
As can be seen from the table, for regular long-distance trips on the highway, the most rational choice will be the most effective. Oxford 600D It combines sufficient strength, moderate weight and affordable price, and PVC reinforced makes sense for those who plan to operate the boat in extreme conditions or leave it under an awning in the parking lot for a long time.
Step by step: installing a tent on the boat
Proper installation transporter It takes no more than 10-15 minutes if you do it regularly, but the disruption of the sequence can lead to uneven tension and damage to the material.
First, the awning spreads out on the ground next to the boat, and then it jumps on the hull, starting from the bow. diameter Then the material is carefully spread over the sides to avoid distortion, and only then can the fixation begin.
Puff sequence:1. fix the nose (forest).
2. stretch the awning along the sides to the transom.
3. Secure corners in the cockpit area.
Fill the perimeter cord evenly.
5. Check the tension and fix the slings.
The final step is to check all the mounting points. Walk around the boat and pull the cloth in several places - it should make a dull sound of the stretched membrane, not clap. If the awning has pockets for arcs, make sure that the arcs are inserted to the point and fixed.
What if the awning begins to vibrate along the way?
If you hear a distinctive whistle or see a strong awning vibration in the mirrors, you should immediately stop in a safe place, relax the main mounts, straighten the crease causing the vortices, and tighten the awning again with great effort, sometimes installing an additional cross strut inside the cockpit helps.
Tent care and storage
Even the most durable. transporter After every trip, especially if it's in the rain or on dirty roads, the cover needs to be removed, dried and dusted, and the dirt that gets into the fabric works like an abrasive, breaking down the fibers at every addition.
Use warm water and soft soap to clean, aggressive chemicals, solvents or hard brushes are prohibited because they can damage the water-repellent impregnation, and the awning should be dried in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight, which, if exposed for long periods, accelerates the aging of synthetic fibers.
⚠️ Attention: Never store a wet or wet awning. When rolled up in a moist environment, the process of rotting threads and mold immediately begins, which irreversibly reduces the strength of the material. If you can not dry, store the cover in an unstretched form until completely dry.
Store the product in a dry, ventilated room, away from heating appliances and open flames, optimally fold the awning in a special bag, which often comes with a package, or hang on a wide bar, Proper storage will extend the life of the accessory for several seasons.
Regular cleaning of the awning from road dust and complete drying before storage is the guarantee that the material will not lose its hydrophobic properties and strength after 2-3 years of operation.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I use a parking awning for transportation at speed?
Parking awnings do not have a reinforced cut, sufficient tissue density and a fastening system capable of withstanding wind loads on the track, and their use when driving can lead to tissue rupture and damage to the boat.
Do I need to remove the awning during long parking?
If the parking is longer than a day, the transport awning is better to remove or ease tension. prolonged exposure to severe tension can lead to deformation of the seams and loss of tissue elasticity.
What is the maximum speed with a stretched awning?
For high-quality specialized awnings from Oxford 600D and above, speeds up to 110 km / h are considered safe. However, it is recommended not to exceed the speed mode of 90 km / h to minimize the risk of damage to the cargo and reduce fuel consumption of the car due to increased aerodynamic drag.
Can I repair a broken awning on my own?
Small cuts and punctures can be sealed with special PVC remixes or tissue patches with glue. However, if the bearing seams are damaged or the gap exceeds 10-15 cm, it is better to contact the workshop or replace the product, since the integrity of the structure has already been broken.