Operating an inflatable boat, especially a full-size boat with a powerful engine, often turns into a real test of the owner's physical endurance when moving along the shore. turretAnd this is where the tanning wheels come on, and the need to pull a multi-ton structure by hand, and you have to think about upgrading, and this is where the tanning wheels come on the scene, and they're changing the way we transport a boat from car to water.
Among the many options for fastenings, bracket Unlike welded or stationary models, these systems do not require transom drilling or complex installation, which is critical to maintaining the integrity of inflatable tubes and manufacturer warranty. This solution allows you to quickly dismantle the wheels when they are not needed, or transport a boat in a compact trunk without protruding parts.
But choosing the right model is not just about buying the first item you find at the store, but also about the weight of the boat, the type of bottom, the material of the wheels, and of course, the reliability of the clamping mechanism itself. Wrong choice. can lead to a fall of the boat on the ground or damage to the transom plate, so the study of technical specifications should be approached with all seriousness.
Design features and principle of operation of strubzins
The basis of the whole system is clamp-stackUnlike models that are mounted through the holes in the transom, rods cover the bottom edge of the board, providing a reliable support. The design usually consists of two parallel plates connected by a screw or lever mechanism that creates the necessary compression force.
The key element here is sink-board It should be strong enough and have a flat lower edge so that the rod sits tightly and without skewing. If the tan of your boat is complex or soft, additional skin may be required. gasket Adapters to prevent deformation of wood under metal pressure.
The bracket itself can be made of various materials, but most often it is stainless steel or aluminum with anti-corrosion coating. It is important that screws and nuts are also protected from the effects of salt water, as rust on the fastener can quickly lead to a rapid result of the rust on the fastener. jamming at the most inopportune time.
Why are rods better than through mounting?
Strubsins do not require transom drilling, which preserves the tightness and integrity of the boat structure, and can be quickly removed if you plan to swim in shallow water where the wheels may interfere, or for compact storage of the boat in a case.
Types of wheels and choice of material
When choosing a kit, special attention should be paid to the material from which the wheels themselves and their axle are made. There are three main types of materials on the market: plastic, aluminum and stainless steel. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages, which directly affect the life and life of the wheels. loading capacity products.
Plastic models are a budget option that is only suitable for lightweight boats with low-power engines. They are lightweight and do not rust, but with prolonged use under load, plastic can crack. Aluminum alloys (usually duraluminum) are middle-groundThey are stronger than plastic, lightweight and sufficiently resistant to corrosion in the presence of high-quality anodizing.
The most reliable, but also the most difficult option is stainless steelThese wheels can withstand considerable loads, do not deform when hitting rocks and last for decades, but the weight of a steel structure can be significant for small boats, and the price is much higher than its counterparts.
- 🛑 Plastic: Suitable for boats up to 3 meters long and engines up to 5 hp, afraid of severe frosts and direct impacts.
- ⚙️ Aluminum: Optimal for boats 3-4 meters, combines strength and lightness, requires quality check coating.
- 🏆 Stainless steel: It is ideal for heavy boats, powerful engines and rocky slopes, is characterized by maximum durability.
If you plan to operate a boat in salt water, choose the AISI 316 stainless steel models. Conventional stainless steel or aluminum in an aggressive marine environment can undergo electrochemical corrosion.
specifications comparison table
To organize information and make decision-making easier, consider the basic parameters of different types of wheels in comparison, which will help you understand which model best suits your specific tasks and budget.
| Parameter | Plastic. | aluminum | Stainless steel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max. load (pair) | 150 kg | 300 kg | up to 500+ kg |
| Weight of kit | 1.5 - 2 kg | 2.5 - 3.5 kg | 4.0 - 6.0 kg |
| Resistance to corrosion | High. | Medium/High | Maximum |
| Price. | Low. | Medium | High. |
| Term of service | 2-3 seasons | Seasons 5-7 | 10+ years |
And you can see from the table that overpaying for better material often pays off with life, and cheap plastic can require replacement after a couple of seasons of active use, especially if you keep the boat in an unheated room, where temperature changes accelerate the aging of the material.
Step-by-step instructions for installation on a transom
Installation of wheels on rods is a simple process, but requires careful and consistent action. Before starting work, make sure that the slingboard is clean, dry and free from damage in the contact areas with the clamps. Dirt or sand can become an abrasive that will damage the coating of the transom when puffed.
First, you have to loosen the screws and spread them out to the width of your transom, so it's important not to pull the screws right away, but to lock the wheels in about the right position, and then you have to flip or tilt the boat to access the bottom of the transom for fitting.
The final puff is made with enough force to securely fix, but without fanaticism, so as not to push through the tree or deform the plastic of the transom plate. lambThey can be twisted by hand, but for reliability it is better to use the key, especially before the first trip.
☑️ Checklist of correct installation
⚠️ Warning: Never place the wheels on a wet or dirty transom. Water caught under the scabs can cause plywood of the transmolina board to swell, and grains of sand will cause scratches on the paintwork.
Operation and maintenance of the machinery
The durability of the transom wheels depends on how you care for them. After each step out onto the water, especially if you're swimming in salt water or in muddy river silt, the wheels need to be thoroughly washed with fresh water. Salt and dirt, when dried, form an aggressive environment that destroys even the most persistent ones. metal-alloy.
The moving parts of the mechanism, such as screw threads and wheel axes, require periodic lubrication. Silicone lubricants or special compositions for marine equipment that are not washed away with water and do not corrode rubber seals are excellent for this purpose. Regular maintenance prevents jamming and maintains ease of running.
If you can't take them off, make sure the boat is kept in the shade, because ultraviolet light destroys plastic and rubber elements faster than mechanical loads. Proper storage It will extend the life of accessories for several seasons.
The main enemy of transom wheels is not water, but dried salt and sand in the machinery, and washing with fresh water after each fishing is a mandatory procedure for long service.
Frequent errors in selection and installation
One of the most common mistakes is to buy the wheels "back-to-back" in terms of load capacity. Many people forget that the weight of a boat is not only the weight of PVC and bottom, but also the weight of the engine, battery, gas tank and equipment. Safety margin shall be at least 30-40% of the real mass to avoid axle failure when hitting roughness.
Another problem is the wrong angle of installation: if the wheels are fixed too high or low relative to the center of gravity, the boat may peck nose-to-nose or stern when transported, which creates a risk of falling, you need to find a balance where the boat will move horizontally or with a slight bow upwards.
Ignoring the transom plate can also cause trouble, and if the board already shows signs of stratification or decay, installing powerful rods will only accelerate the destruction process. transmutationThen, and only then, install additional equipment.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use transom wheels as anchor ducks or to moor a boat. They are not designed for lateral loads and can break off, damaging the transom or falling on the owner's foot.
Can I make wheels myself?
Theoretically, you can use garden cart wheels and profile pipes, but the cost of a finished factory kit is often lower than the cost of materials, and the reliability of industrial strub is always higher than artisanal welding, which can rust at the seams.
Safety and precautions
When using transom wheels, it is important to keep in mind your own safety and the safety of others. When driving on a steep slope or slippery ground, a boat with wheels can become unmanageable if it gets away with it. fella (cord) in the hand, but do not wound it on the wrist, so that in the event of a boat fall, you do not get injured.
Also, it is worth considering that the wheels significantly increase the dimensions of the boat in the transport position. When loading on a trailer or in the body of the car, you must carefully monitor the position of the protruding parts so as not to damage either the boat or the vehicle.
Before each season, you need to inspect the fasteners, and the vibrations of the trailer or the trailer can weaken the screws' tightening, and it takes a couple of minutes to check the threads and the condition of the rubber gaskets, but it will save you from losing expensive equipment on the water.
What is the maximum weight of the engine that the standard wheels can withstand?
Standard aluminum wheels on rods are usually designed for engines up to 15-20 hp (weight about 40-50 kg). For more powerful motors (30 hp and above), it is strongly recommended to use reinforced models of stainless steel with increased axle diameter and reinforced rods.
Will the scabs damage the transom during long-term operation?
If installed correctly and with protective rubber linings, no. However, it is recommended to periodically (once a season) change the mounting points or remove the wheels during prolonged storage to avoid local deformation or change the color of the coating under metal pressure.
Can these wheels be used for boats with inflatable transcenza?
The rods are only for rigid transom plates, and if installed on an inflatable transom will cause damage, deformation and possible depressurization of the cylinder at the attachment site.
What if the screws rust and do not spin?
Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the thread. Treat the connection with penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. After that, try to gently loosen the screw. If it does not help, you will need drilling, but it is better to bring the matter to a preventive lubrication to this state.
Does the diameter of the wheels affect the passability?
Larger diameter wheels (e.g. 250-300 mm) are much easier to overcome sand, gravel and rough ground than small ones (150-200 mm). For sandy beaches and bad roads, large diameter is not an option, but a necessity.