The open water season dictates its rules, and one of the main conditions for a comfortable pastime on the water is the availability of reliable protection from the sun and precipitation. "Three in the Boat."The question of selection or tailoring of a quality awning is especially acute, since regular models do not always fully satisfy the needs of anglers and tourists. A competently selected canopy can turn an ordinary PVC boat into a full-fledged mobile camp, allowing you to fish in any weather and not be afraid of scorching rays.
The water transport accessories market today offers many solutions, but there is no one-size-fits-all answer. You have to consider the specific modification of the vessel, the operating conditions and, of course, the budget. In this article, we will discuss all aspects of the choice of fabric in detail. Oxford to the nuances of installing arcs on inflatable tubes so that your rest is not overshadowed by a sudden shower or heat stroke.
The design of the boats of the series "Three in the boat" (models 280, 320, 370 and others) has its own features, which directly affect the geometry of the future shelter. inflatable tubes They require a special approach to the fastener, so that you don't damage the material of the body, but you also have to keep the whole structure storm-resistant, and understanding these nuances is key to the durability of your gear.
Review of models of boats “Three in the boat” and requirements for tents
The three-in-a-boat series covers a wide range of sizes and payloads, making it impossible to buy a tent at all. Each modification requires a customized approach to calculating the surface area. 280 NDLD or 280 N The lightness of the design is critically important so as not to overload the transom and the board.
Larger modifications, such as 320 NDLD or 370 NDLDIt is important to consider the height of the sides and the location of stringers (inflatable or rigid) that can interfere with the installation of racks. Incorrect calculation will lead to the fact that the fabric will rub the cylinders, which can cause damage during rolling.
⚠️ Attention: When choosing an inflatable floor awning (BBBT), make sure that the racks do not rest on the docking points of cylinders with the bottom, as this creates points of excess stress when inflating.
The requirements for transport and running awnings should also be distinguished: the former must fit tightly to protect the body when driving on the highway, the latter must provide space for a seated person. For the Three in the Boat series, combined solutions are often used, where one frame serves both purposes, but with a different set of cloths.
Material choice: Oxford, PVC or tarpaulin?
The durability of your shelter depends on the fabric you choose. The modern industry offers several basic options, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Oxford It's a polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coating, and it's very tensile and it's very water resistant.
Series fabrics Oxford 210 or Oxford 240 They're considered the middle ground for fishing boats, light enough not to overload the boat, but they're very good at keeping the shape, and if you're planning on operating the boat in harsh conditions or keeping it under a tent in the parking lot for a long time, you should look at denser options, like the ones you're looking at. Oxford 300 or Oxford 600.
An alternative to synthetics can be reinforced PVCIt's a material that's completely waterproof and durable, but it's much heavier and tougher, and it's a thing of the past, and it gets wet, it gets heavier, and it can rot if it's not dryed properly, even though it's cheaper than synthetics.
When buying fabric, pay attention to the density of the thread (D) and the density of the coating (PU / PVC). For a chassis, the density of 240D with a PU coating of 1000 mm water. st. and above is optimal.
Frame design: arcs, struts and fastenings
The frame is the skeleton of your tent, and its reliability is more important than the quality of the fabric itself. For boats of the Three in the Boat series, arc frames of aluminum or steel pipes are most often used. Aluminum is preferred because of its light weight and corrosion resistance, but steel is stronger and cheaper, although it requires careful painting and maintenance.
The mounting of the stanzas to the inflatable sides is the most delicate thing. It is absolutely forbidden to use metal clamps that can damage PVC. mounting (liptons) or soft belts with buckles-fastexes that cover the balloon, and some models of awnings have built-in pockets where the bases of the racks are inserted, which distributes the load.
Aerodynamics is important for running awnings. The frame must be streamlined so that speed sailing does not overturn the boat or tear out the mounts. Broken arc designs (in the style of "house") are less resistant to side wind than arched versions.
| Type of frame | Materials | Weight. | Strength | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arc (Archic) | Aluminum D16T | Low. | High. | Optimal for running awnings |
| Stand-ups. | Steel/Aluminum | Medium. | Medium | For parking awnings |
| Transportation | Fiberglass | Very low. | Low. | Only for carriage by trailer |
| Enhanced. | Stainless steel | Highly | Maximum | For expeditions and parking |
⚠️ Attention: Never use conventional water pipes for the frame without treatment. Galvanizing or rust can react with the PVC fabric of the boat and leave unstained stains or burn through the material.
Sculpting the awning yourself: step-by-step instructions
Making an awning yourself is a great way to save money and get a product that fits perfectly for your boat, Three in a Boat, starting with a sculpting, using cheap film or old sheets that you need to put on a frame (or simulated frame) right on the boat.
After fitting, the patterns are transferred to the main fabric. When cutting, be sure to take into account the sutures at the seams - at least 2-3 cm on each side. ll (lausan) or 45LLIt is important to glue all the seams with a special sealing tape for fabric or pass them with a silicone sealant to prevent leakage.
☑️ Checklist for awning
Furniture is key. Luvers should be installed in 30-50 cm increments around the perimeter. For running awnings, it is better to use special pockets with valves where arcs are inserted, which eliminates the friction of metal against the fabric in the wind. It is also necessary to provide skirt valves that will enter the side or hang from the outside, weighted with water for better tightness.
The secret to sealing the seams
For perfect seam sealing at home, use an iron. Put the glue tape on the seam, cover with Teflon cloth (or baking paper) and iron at 120-140 degrees until the glue melts.
Installation and operation on water
The awning on the boat "Three in the boat" is better done on the shore, before fully pumped cylinders, first install the arcs of the frame in the intended attachments or pockets, then stretch the fabric cloth. The tension should be uniform: the fabric should not sag (will slap in the wind and collect water), but should not be pulled to the state of the drum, so as not to deform the frame.
When operating in windy weather, use additional stretch marks (draggings) by attaching them to the rump rings on the boat. This will reduce sailing and prevent folding. If you use a boat with an outboard motor, make sure that the awning has a cutout or valve to access the tiller / gas, or remove the awning before going to the plane.
Storage of the awning also requires attention. After every trip, especially in the rain, the awning must be removed, thoroughly dried and folded dry. Wet cloth in the rolled state is the perfect medium for mold, which destroys the protective layer and spoils the appearance.
A properly installed awning should not touch the inner elements of the boat (cans, floorboards) with sharp corners of the frame to exclude damage when moving.
Tuning and additional accessories
The basic tent model is just the beginning of the boat owner's journey, and many anglers are adding extra elements to their shelters to enhance comfort. PVC filmsThey allow you to close the boat from the wind and splashes from all sides, turning it into a kind of tent.
Another useful addition is the internal lighting system, which can be fitted with a battery-powered LED tape from a boat or a portable Power Bank, which allows you to fish comfortably in the dark or early morning without using bulky lights.
It's also worth thinking about gear pockets that can be sewn to the inner walls of the awning, which will free up space on the floor of the boat and allow you to keep small things at hand. For the boats "Three in the boat" with their compact size, saving interior space is critical.
⚠️ Attention: When installing side walls with film windows, make sure that in the cold the film does not touch sharp objects and does not overflex, since at low temperatures the PVC film becomes fragile and can crack.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I go for an outboard motor with a running awning installed?
Yes, if the awning is specifically designed for this (it has a reinforced frame and proper weighting), however, the speed of movement should be limited, especially in lateral winds, to avoid tipping over.
Which fabric is better to choose for the harsh conditions of the north?
For harsh conditions, reinforced is best suited PVC dense Oxford 600D These materials are resistant to ultraviolet, frost and mechanical damage, unlike cheap polyester.
Should I put lightning on my tent?
Yes, tractor lightning used in tents requires periodic lubrication with silicone lubrication, which will prevent snagging and corrosion of metal elements, and also facilitate unbuttoning in the cold.
How often should I change the awning on the boat?
The lifespan of a quality Oxford cloth awning is 5-7 years with active use and proper care. Cheap materials may require replacement after 2-3 seasons due to burnout and loss of water repellent properties.