Operation of an inflatable vessel is greatly simplified if special wheel supports are installed on the transom. transom wheels It allows one person to easily move a heavy boat with an outboard motor along the shore, lower it into the water and pull it out on land, and it's not just an accessory, but an essential element of ergonomics that protects the owner's back and extends the life of the inflatable floor, protecting it from abrasion against rocks and sand.
The choice of the right model depends on many factors: the size of the vessel, the weight of the installed engine and the type of soil on which the boat will have to move. The market offers various designs, from simple removable to complex turning mechanisms. transom-pin They have to withstand heavy loads, so saving on metal is not allowed here. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of choice, consider popular models and give step-by-step instructions for installation.
Design features and types of fastenings
The basic classification of boat supports is based on the way they are attached to the transom. snail-clothThese systems are versatile, because grooves are found on almost all modern PVC boats, and do not require drilling of the hull. The design is a metal frame with a transom bar, at the ends of which the wheels are fixed.
The second type is the support, which is attached directly to the transom through special holes or brackets, often with expensive boats or bought separately for stationary installation, and is considered more reliable for heavy motors, since the load is distributed directly to the rigid transom board, rather than inflatable tubes.
Special attention should be paid to rotary and removable models. Turning wheels They allow you to change the position of the support, they are thrown back when they are working, and when they are driven for an outboard motor, they rise up without creating resistance to water. Removable options are good because they do not weigh the boat when transporting in the trunk of the car, but take time to install and dismantle on shore.
⚠️ Attention: When using mounts in the slots of the key, make sure that the diameter of the sleeve exactly matches the size of the groove. Too loose landing will lead to backlash and rocking the boat when moving, and too tight can damage the plastic of the key.
When choosing a model, pay attention to the presence of rubber or plastic linings on metal parts in contact with the balloon. They prevent PVC tissue from wiping when vibrating while moving through irregularities.
Manufacturing materials and load capacity
The durability of the accessory depends on the materials used in its production, the frame is most often used as stainless steel grade AISI 304 or anodized aluminum. Stainless steel It has high strength and corrosion resistance, but it has more weight. Aluminum alloys are lighter, which is important for the overall weight of the equipment, but they are more prone to mechanical damage when hitting stones.
The wheels themselves can be inflatable or whole-wheeled. Camera inflatable tires provide excellent shock absorbing effects, which is critical when driving on pebbles or rubble. However, they are prone to punctures. All-wheeled polyurethane wheels ("supermarkets") never go down, but hard transmit all the bumps to the trawler of the boat. For sandy beaches, wide, low-pressure wheels that resemble bicycles are ideal.
The load capacity is a key parameter that cannot be ignored: the total weight of a boat, engine, fuel tank and battery can reach 100 kg or more. Cheap Chinese models often have thin-walled tubes that deform under such load. transom-pin designed for a margin of safety exceeding the nominal weight by 1.5-2 times.
| Type of frame material | Advantages | Deficiencies | Recommended application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel | High strength, durability | Big weight, high price | Heavy boats, stony shores |
| Aluminum alloy | Ease, affordable cost | Less strength on the fracture | Medium-sized boats, sandy beaches |
| Painted steel | Low price | Susceptibility to corrosion | Temporary use, budget option |
Overview of popular models and brands
There are many manufacturers on the Russian market offering both budget and premium solutions, and the leaders of the segment are brands specializing in water tourism, such as: Flagship, aquamania and BurlakiTheir products are distinguished by well-thought-out geometry and high-quality welding of seams. The models of the Tranets-Expert series are often equipped with reinforced brackets and wide wheels.
The budget segment is represented by a variety of versatile models from China. They can perform their functions, but require careful check before buying. Often there is a problem of poor-quality painting, which will climb after the first season, or backlash in the connections. However, for light inflaters with a motor up to 5 hp, these options are quite acceptable.
When choosing a particular model, you should pay attention to the availability of adjustments. The ability to change the wheels' departure or angle of inclination allows you to adapt the device to a specific boat and the height of the owner. Also a useful feature is the ability to install additional elements, for example, sonar mounting platforms or spinning holders.
- 🚤 Flagship TK-1 - classic model of stainless steel, suitable for most boats with slots under the keys.
- 🚤 Aquamania Profi - reinforced design with wide wheels, ideal for sluggish and sandy shores.
- 🚤 Burlaki-2 - Lightweight aluminum version with a fast removable mechanism.
⚠️ Attention: When buying cheap models of know-noime, be sure to check the quality of welds. The presence of sinks, inflows or neprovarovannoy indicates a violation of technology and can lead to failure at the most inopportune moment.
Step-by-step instructions for installing wheels
The installation process depends on the type of design chosen. For models that fit into the slots of the switches, the installation takes minutes and does not require tools. You just need to insert vertical racks into the corresponding sockets on the cylinders and lock them with screws or latches. It is important to make sure that the racks stand smoothly and without distortion.
If you put tranny wheels that are bolted through a transom, it's going to be more complicated. You first need to mark the drilling points, make sure they don't get on the internal rigidity elements or the valves. Then you drill holes that are necessarily sealed. Bolts are inserted on the inside of the transmunist, you put a metal plate-splitting on them to distribute the load, and the whole structure is tightened with nuts.
After installation, you need to do a test. You need to lift the boat by the handles or the engine rump to simulate movement. If the structure does not make creaks, does not stagger and the wheels rotate freely, the installation is successful. Regularly check the tightening of the bolts, as vibration when moving along the shore can weaken the connections.
☑️ Post-installation verification
Nuances of installation on boats with inflatable floor
inflatable floor boat owners (BBBs) should be especially careful when choosing the height of the supports. Wheels too low can sling or damage the bottom of the slings or the bottom itself when the boat rolls, and it is recommended to install them as high as the transom design allows.
Field operations and services
Proper use of transom wheels prolongs their lifespan. After each departure, especially in salt water, the structure must be thoroughly washed with fresh water. Salt and sand are abrasives that quickly disable wheel bearings and destroy the protective coating of metal.
When driving along the shore, avoid sharp bumps on curbs or large stones at high speed. Although the metal is strong, the inertia of a heavy boat can bend even a steel pipe. The optimal speed of travel is a calm step. If you use inflatable wheels, always carry a remix and a pump with you, as the risk of puncture on thorns or sharp objects remains high.
It is better to keep the wheels disassembled or deflated (if they are removable) so as not to take up excess space. Metal parts can be treated with anti-corrosion compound before long-term winter storage. Regular inspection will detect minor defects before they become a serious problem.
- 💧 Wash with fresh water after each outing.
- 🛢️ Lubricate the wheel axles and threaded joints once a season.
- 🔍 Check the tire pressure before each trip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you make the wheels yourself?
Yes, many fishermen make them themselves from profile pipes and old bicycle wheels, but this requires welding skills and careful load calculations. Factory products are often more reliable and cheaper, given the cost of materials and time.
Will the wheels be suitable for a boat with a 9.9 hp engine?
A motor of this power (weighting around 25-30 kg) requires reinforced wheels with a wide base; conventional lightweight models can not withstand weight or turn the boat over when driving on irregularities; Look for models labeled "up to 15 hp" or "reinforced".
How to avoid damage to cylinders during installation?
Use models with plastic or rubber linings in the contact areas with PVC. It is also important not to pull the lock screws, so as not to deform the material of the cylinder. Before installing, make sure that the transom is free of sand or dirt.
Is there a difference between PVC wheels and aluminum boats?
There's no fundamental difference, but aluminum boats are more likely to use trawler bolts because there are no inflatable tubes that can be damaged. PVC is more important than friction protection, so structures often have more complex deflection geometry.
Properly selected and installed transom wheels make the hard physical work of moving a boat into an easy walk, saving your strength for the fishing itself.