A plastic boat or an inflatable boat is not just a vehicle to navigate through the water, but your own houseboat while fishing or relaxing, but prolonged exposure to the scorching sun or sudden rainfall can turn a pleasant walk into a real test of endurance. PVC boat awning They become an essential element of equipment, providing not only comfort, but also the safety of the vessel and equipment.
Many owners underestimate the importance of a quality canopy, relying on caps and raincoats, but practice shows that continuous protection from UV and precipitation is critical for the health of the crew and durability of equipment. In this article, we will examine in detail what types of awnings exist, how to choose the right material and whether to take up the tailoring yourself to get the perfect result.
The water accessories market today offers many ready-made solutions, but they do not always take into account the individual specifications of your boat. To understand the nuances of design and material will help our detailed analysis, which will save you time and money.
Why do you need a tent on a PVC boat and what functions it performs
The main function of the awning is obvious - it is protection from the sun and rain, but the range of tasks is much wider than it seems at first glance. tent It creates a microclimate that allows you to fish or rest even in the midday heat, when the open deck is hot to temperatures that are dangerous to the skin and plastic of the boat, and the awning protects passengers from splashes when driving at high speeds, which is especially important for open waters.
It's important to understand that the awning is not just about protecting people, it's also about protecting the boat itself. Polyvinyl chloride, which is used to make the cylinders, is subject to degradation by ultraviolet light, which over time leads to loss of elasticity and strength of the material. Tight awning transformer or a chassis significantly extend the life of the boat, minimizing direct solar radiation.
⚠️ Attention: Using an airtight awning (such as regular polyethylene or rubberized fabric without ventilation) in hot weather can lead to a “greenhouse effect” that causes PVC to overheat, soften glue at the seams and risk deformation of cylinders.
Also worth mentioning is the storage function, if you leave the boat on the shore or on a trailer, a special one is available. transporter It protects the interior from dust, foliage, bird droppings and rodents, and it eliminates the need to spend time cleaning thoroughly before each outing.
The main types of awnings for inflatable boats
The design and purpose of awnings are the most important to classify, and understanding the differences will help you choose the best option for your operating conditions.
cruising awnings They're arced, designed to be used while driving, they provide protection from sun and rain, but they have open sides, which allow you to keep your eyes open and move freely, and they're often called "roofs," because they only cover the top of the cockpit.
- 🌊 Excellent aerodynamics with proper installation.
- 👁️ Keep the side view for the steering.
- ⚙️ They are easily installed and removed without assistants.
- ☔ Protect only from above, the sides remain open.
Transformer tents These are more complex designs that can transform from a running version into a full-fledged sleeping or parking house, equipped with additional walls (skirts) that are lowered and attached to the sides of the boat, which is an ideal choice for multi-day expeditions and overnight stays on the water.
What is the feature of the transformer awnings?
The main feature is modularity: the sides can be made of transparent PVC for viewing or of dense fabric for complete insulation, when folded, they take up minimal space, and when deployed, they turn the boat into a full-fledged tent with the ability to install a stove jack for the stove.
Transport awnings They're designed for storage and transportation, they're tightly-fitting, they often have reinforced seams and tiers, but they don't involve people in the car while they're moving, and their primary purpose is to be tight and tough.
Material choice: Oxford, Tarpaulin or PVC fabric
The durability of the tent is directly dependent on the fabric chosen. Modern materials for aqueous engineering must have water-repellent properties, resistance to UV radiation and high mechanical strength. The most common material is fabric. Oxford (Oxford) with a polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coating.
Oxford is a fabric of linen weaving, which is light and strong. The density of the material is measured in den (day) and g / m2. For boat awnings, the density is considered optimal from 240 to 600 den. The higher the index, the stronger and heavier the fabric. For running awnings, Oxford 210T or 240T with PU coating is often used, because they are light and well-fitting.
| Materials | Density (g/m2) | Water resistance | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oxford 210T | ~210 | Medium | Light, fast drying, for running awnings |
| Oxford 600D | ~450-500 | High. | Strong, resistant to abrasion, universal |
| tarpaulin | ~180-300 | Absolute. | Cheap but noisy and less durable |
| PVC fabric (500-850 g/m2) | 500-850 | Absolute. | Maximum strength, heavy, for wintering |
Materials tarpaulin It's a budget-friendly, completely waterproof, but it has a number of drawbacks: it makes noise in the wind, it gets tough in the cold, and it's less resistant to puncture than Oxford. Tarpaulin is not suitable for running awnings because of its sailing, but it's good for temporary shelter in the parking lot.
When choosing a fabric, pay attention to the marking "UV protection". Ordinary fabric without special impregnation will burn out and lose strength during 1-2 seasons of active use on water.
For those who are looking for maximum reliability, there are specialized membrane fabrics that breathe but do not let water through, but they are much more expensive and are more often used in professional tourist equipment than in mass production of awnings for boats.
Design features: arcs, fasteners and fittings
The awning frame is the skeleton, and the quality of the arcs determines whether the structure will withstand the gusts of wind or will fold at the first storm warning. aluminum-alloy (usually AD31T or analogues) Aluminum is lightweight, does not rust and has sufficient elasticity.
Steel arcs are less common, mostly in budget models or tents for stationary storage, their main disadvantage is the weight and susceptibility to corrosion when the coating is damaged. For boats, aluminum is the only option. The diameter of the tubes is usually 16, 20 or 22 mm. The larger the boat and the sailing of the awning, the thicker the arcs should be.
- 🔩 Furniture: All plastic elements (fastex, buckles) must be frost resistant. Conventional plastic in the cold will crack.
- ⚓ Fixtures: Preference is given to metal luvers (rings) and carabiners. The fabric in places of tension should be reinforced with linings.
- 🧵 Sutures: Good seams must be glued or boiled, and needle-stitched seams without sealing will let water through.
The awning attachment system to the boat can vary, simple models are attached to the lumber or the hinge beam using rubber hooks or laces. More advanced versions use the system. Quick Release Or special pockets that insert cylinders or sleigh elements, and it is important that the mounts do not rub against the PVC of the boat, otherwise the wiping of the balloon is guaranteed.
⚠️ Warning: Never attach rigid frame elements (arc ends, metal clamps) directly to the cylinders of a boat without soft pads. Vibration on the water works like sandpaper, rubbing PVC in a matter of hours.
☑️ Checking the quality of the awning before buying
Step by step instructions: how to sew an awning yourself
For many boat owners, making awning on their own is a way to save money and get a product that perfectly replicates the contours of a boat, a process that requires precision, but is feasible at home with a sewing machine that can sew thick fabrics.
The first step is always the measurementYou'll need a roulette and an assistant. You'll need a boat on a flat surface, inflate the cylinders to working pressure. If you're running awning, you'll need to fix the arcs in regular spaces. Measure the length from the transom to the bow, the width at the widest point and the height of the dome. Be sure to add seams (at least 3-4 cm on each side) and the flex of the edges.
Then you cut the material. The easiest way to do a tent is to make a pattern out of paper or a cloth, put it on the frame, and then move the outlines onto the fabric. If you sew a tent transformer, start with the basic roof, and sew the sides (skirts) separately so that you can dismantle them.
Sequence of action:1. sew the main cloths of the roof.
2. Treat the edges with a double turn.
String the straps and anchorages at loading points.
4. Install luvers (step 30-50 cm).
5. Try on the boat and adjust the tension.
When sewing, use threads. LL (lausan) Cotton threads will rot in one season, seams must be glued with special tape or passed through a sealant for seams to prevent leaks, and the needle for the typewriter must be sharp and designed for heavy tissues (No. 100-120).
The main secret of the durability of a homemade awning is double processing of all joints: first high-quality firmware, then mandatory gluing of the seam with water-resistant sealant or thermal film.
Installation and operation: advice of experienced boaters
Proper installation of the awning is the key to its long service and safety on the water. The fabric must be stretched evenly, avoiding distortions that can deform the arcs. When moving against the wind, the awning experiences significant stress, so all attachments must be checked before exiting.
It's important to keep an eye on ventilationIf you use a downsided awning transformer, be sure to leave the vent windows open, even in the rain (using the visors). Condensation formed inside the enclosed space will wet things and create discomfort.
- 🧼 Wash the awning with fresh water after each outing or in dirty weather.
- 🌞 Dry the fabric before packing into a bag to avoid mold.
- 🔧 Regularly lubricate the movable connections of the arcs with silicone lubrication.
Store the awning should be spread out or freely rolled up in a dry room. Prolonged storage in a compressed, wet state leads to the destruction of the polymer coating and the appearance of an unpleasant odor, which is then difficult to get rid of.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I use a tent from one boat to another?
In rare cases, if the boats of the same model and year of production, the awning may fit. However, the geometry of the cylinders and the location of the translat from different manufacturers (and even different years of production of the same model) often differs. The tension can be either too weak (the awning will blow the wind) or too strong (the risk of tissue damage).
How to clean the tent from rust and mold?
To remove mold, use vinegar solution or special sprays to clean awnings. Rust from the lovers can be removed WD-40, but then be sure to wipe the fabric so that the chemistry does not corrode the coating. Washing in a cart awnings from Oxford is not recommended - only a manual liner with soft soap.
Which color of awning is better to choose?
Lighter shades (gray, sand, camouflage) are less heated in the sun because they reflect some of the rays. Dark awnings (blue, green, black) warm up faster, which can be a plus in cold weather, but creates stuffiness in summer. In addition, dark fabric is less noticeable pollution, but dust and sand are better visible.
Do I need to remove the awning in a strong wind?
The awning umbrella is designed to move and headwinds created by the speed of the boat. However, a parking awning or a tent transformer with lowered sides has a high sailing speed. When the wind is increased in the parking lot, it is better to remove this awning or lower it as much as possible and secure it with storm delays, otherwise the boat can turn over or tear the fabric.