The transition from the tiller control to remote control (DU) is not just a matter of comfort, but a necessity for full operation. fly-boat When your PVC boat is powered by a motor of over 15-20 horsepower, the physical handling of the tiller becomes tedious, especially when you're on long walks or trolling, and setting the distance dramatically changes the cockpit's ergonomics, freeing your hands and allowing you to sit comfortably on a can or seat.
The installation process requires careful preparation, as inflatable boards dictate their limitations on the attachment of heavy elements. Unlike aluminum boats, where the steering console can be rigidly fixed on the deck, on PVC boats, you have to find a balance between the reliability of the fixation and the preservation of the tightness of the cylinders. remote-control This will not only ensure comfort but also the safety of the crew in emergency situations.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the stages of modernization, from the choice of seat for the console to the final tuning of the carburetor thrust and gear shift. You will learn how to avoid typical errors that can lead to engine failure on the go, and why mechanical-box And it requires a lot of attention to the radii of the cables, and readiness is a key factor in the success of the whole operation.
Selection of equipment and components for modernization
The first step is to make a good selection of the components of the system, and the market offers many options, but for PVC boats, the weight and dimensions of the units being installed are critical. remote-controller The standard manual boxes are suitable for two-stroke engines, whereas the four-stroke models with electronic injection may require more complex electrical systems.
Special attention should be paid to the length and quality of the cables. Standard kits are often 3 meters long, which may not be enough for boats longer than 4 meters with a low transombed board. Insufficient length will lead to tension that will block the operation of the gear lever or throttle. When choosing, also consider the material of the shell: rubber hoses are less durable than plastic corrugated, especially in constant contact with water and ultraviolet.
⚠️ Attention: When buying cables, always take the stock along the length. You can shorten the cable, but it is almost impossible to build it without losing its tightness and smoothness. For PVC boats, the optimal length is 4-5 meters, allowing you to freely maneuver inside the cockpit.
Don't forget the gearbox and the steering wheel. Inflatable boats often use hanging consoles or integrated trans wheels, so you don't drill additional holes in the cylinders. If you're planning a stationary installation, make sure that the one you choose is the one you're looking for. steering-stuff It has protection against corrosion, as salt water quickly disables conventional alloys.
Planning the placement of the console and controls
Ergonomics on a PVC boat is the art of compromise. Narrow cockpit and soft sides limit installation options. The most common solution is to install the steering column on the bow bulkhead (if the boat design allows) or on a special squirrel board reinforced to install the motor. It is important to ensure free access to the gas lever and engine emergency shutdown button (see below).kill switch).
When planning, consider the trajectory of the cables. They should not rub against inflatable tubes, sharp corners of the transom board or rigging elements. Any friction when moving the boat along the wave will cause the shell to be rubbed and the mechanism to jam. It is recommended to lay the cables along the rigid structural elements using plastic clamps with a wide downside.
The height of the steering wheel should correspond to the height of the operator in the sitting position. If you are driving the boat standing, the center of the steering wheel should be at the level of the belt. The wrong height will lead to rapid fatigue of the hands and back. Also provide space for the installation of the dashboard: tachometer, fuel level indicator and voltmeter.
Technology of gas-reverse cables
Installation of the cables is the most important step, on which the reliability of the engine depends. The process begins with the removal of the engine cover and the handle, first installing the gas cable, it must be carried through a special hole in the engine casing, observing the minimum permissible bend radius specified in the manufacturer's instructions (usually at least 200 mm).
The pins need to be fixed with precision. The articulated joints must be free-rotating, but without backlashes. The pins use counternuts and locking washers. When you put it through the side of a boat or trenchboard, be sure to use them. sleeve with rubber seals to prevent water from entering the boat and protect the cable from rubbing against the edge of the hole.
☑️ Checking the cables
Once the reverse cable is installed, you need to check the synchronization of the work. The lever in the box should clearly change gears: neutral, forward, reverse. If the switching is difficult or requires excessive effort, check that the length of the threaded part of the cable is adjusted correctly. Often the problem lies in the wrong setting of the length of the shell.
Electrical connection scheme and installation of emergency check
The electrical part of the PVC boat distance setting requires careful attention to connection insulation. The main elements are the wires running from the control box to the motor switchboard and the emergency shutdown circuit. The connection usually requires a two- or three-core wire with a cross section of at least 1.5 mm2. The color marking of the wires must strictly conform to the scheme attached to the motor.
A critical element is the system. break-upThe "kill switch" cable must be of such length as to allow the operator to move freely through the cockpit, but when overboard the check was pulled instantly.
| Component | Function | Installation requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Gas cable | Throttle control | Smooth running, moisture protection |
| Reverse cable | Shifting | Clear fixation of provisions |
| Burning wires. | Ignition signal transmission | Pressurized twist, cross section >1.5 mm2 |
| Emergency cable | Emergency stop | Bright color, no knots |
All electrical connections outside the motor should be protected by thermal shrink tubes and preferably filled with silicone sealant to prevent contact oxidation. Moisture is the main enemy of electricians on a boat. Use only copper wires with tin veins, as aluminum quickly oxidizes in a salty environment.
Adjustment and configuration of the control system
After physical installation, the fine tuning phase is in, and the gas cable is adjusted by rotating the nut at the end of the cable, and the goal is to fully open the throttle at maximum stroke and close completely at minimum speed. An unopened throttle will prevent the motor from reaching full power, and an idle shut will cause the engine to stall.
The reverse cable is even more critical. The gear shift mechanism in the gearbox should click clearly. If the lever in the box is too tight, maybe the cable is pulled or has claws. If there are too easy and no characteristic clicks, the cable is pulled the other way or the length is not set correctly. Synchronization Both cables are the key to comfortable management.
Check the system on the engine running (on land, in a water tank or on a short-term exit). Make sure that when the lever is thrown sharply, the motor reacts instantly, without delay. Any inertia in the water control system can cost you to hit an obstacle.
Typical errors and security measures
One of the most common mistakes in setting distance on a PVC boat is neglecting to protect the cables in the passageway through the soft elements. The cable just lying on the cylinder will sooner or later start to rub it, which threatens to lose buoyancy. Always use rigid gutters or plastic cable channels.
The second mistake is saving on the fastener, motor vibration and wave shocks shatter all connections, use nuts with nylon rings or fix the thread with a thread locker (anaerobic sealant), ordinary nuts can spontaneously unscrew at the most inopportune moment.
⚠️ Warning: Never put cables and wires into tension. When the boat moves along the wave, dynamic loads occur, which can lead to a break in the cable or the break of electrical contacts from the connectors. Always leave a small margin of length (loop).
Check the system regularly. Before each season, lubricate the hinges and check the integrity of the cable shells. Water trapped inside the cable freezes in the winter, tearing the shell, or causes corrosion of the inner vein, leading to a jamming.
Maintenance and care of DS mechanisms
The durability of the system depends on proper maintenance. After each operation in salt water, it is recommended to rinse the outer parts of the box and cables with fresh water. The mechanism of the distance machine also needs periodic lubrication of the moving parts.
In the off-season, when storing the boat in assembled form, try not to overbend the cables at sharp angles. If the boat is stored in a deflated state, the cables are better dismantled or stacked with large rings to avoid deformation of the inner vein and loss of elasticity of the shell.
Replacing worn-out items in a timely manner is a rule that should not be ignored, because if you feel that the lever is getting tighter, or you notice rust at the exit of the cable from the shell, it is better to replace the kit completely than risk breaking on the water.
Can you set the distance to the PVC boat yourself without experience?
Yes, it's possible if you have basic tool skills and understand how the engine works. However, if you're in doubt about your own abilities, especially in terms of electrical connections, it's best to consult a specialist. A connection error can cause the motor switch to fail.
How long do you need for a boat 4 meters long?
For a boat with a 4-meter long transom suspension of the engine, 3-meter long cables are usually enough. However, if you plan to install the console in the bow or use an elongated ramp, it is recommended to take a kit with a length of 4 or 5 meters to have a margin for proper stowage.
Do I need to drill cylinders to set the distance?
Absolutely not. Cylinders cannot be drilled. All attachments are made to the transom board, the hard floor (if any and the design allows) or to special transom linings. Wires and cables are inserted into the cockpit through process holes in the transmolor board or carefully wrap the transmolor on the outside, entering through valve holes or special hatches, if provided for by the design of the boat.
Why does the gas lever run tight after installation?
There are several reasons: too small a radius of bend of the rope, lack of lubrication, tugging of the adjustment nuts or marriage of the cable itself, and also check whether the cable does not touch the elements of the structure of the boat when the lever moves.