Operation of an inflatable vessel in open water or fishing in rainy weather requires reliable protection from the elements. Side tent It becomes not just a comfort, but a necessity to escape the scorching sun, sudden rainfall or headwinds, and a well-mounted canopy greatly expands the use of the boat, turning it into a full-fledged camping complex.
The installation process may seem complicated to a beginner, but with a basic set of tools and an understanding of cylinder design, this task can be solved independently. PVC boats They require a special approach to the attachment points, because there is no rigid frame, so it is important not to damage the material of the cylinders and ensure that the frame is stable when moving.
Before you start drilling or installing temporary fixtures, you need to decide on the type of awning and how to fix it, and there are many options, from factory kits that perfectly replicate the geometry of a particular brand, to universal solutions that require refinement. The key is the distribution of the load: the pressure from the wind should not fall on one point, otherwise tissue rupture or deformation of the transom is possible.
Design selection and preparation for installation
The first step is to look at what you're going to install, and the market is going to offer off-the-shelf solutions that are designed for specific models like this. nordmarine, Flagship or BadgerThe finished kits are usually precisely adjusted in length and width, which makes installation easier but limits the choice of supplier. The versatile variants require more careful fit, but allow experimentation with the shape and area of the coating.
It is important to consider the length of the boat, because it depends on the number of arcs of the frame. For boats up to 3.5 meters long, often two arcs are enough, whereas for larger models (4.2-5.0 meters) you will need three or four supports to ensure the rigidity of the structure. Incorrect calculation of the number of points of support can lead to sagging fabric under the weight of water or snow.
- 🔹 Frame tents have a rigid base of arcs, provide maximum protection and space.
- 🔹 Frameless (shelter awnings) - stretched on paddles or racks, suitable for short-term parking.
- 🔹 Tranza awnings - close only the aft part, protecting the engine and the rummule from precipitation.
Before starting work, be sure to clean the cylinders of dirt, sand and moisture. The surface should be dry to ensure reliable adhesion (if pentacles are used) or tight fit of the belts. Also prepare all the necessary tools: screwdriver, set of drills, roulette and marker.
⚠️ Warning: Never place awning on inflated cylinders in hot weather without a margin of pressure. Heating the air inside will lead to excessive tension of the cylinder fabric, which can cause the seams to deform when installing rigid elements.
If you plan to use the boat in different conditions, consider installing removable elements, which will allow you to quickly dismantle the awning when you need to pass under the bridge or in windy weather when sailing becomes dangerous.
Required tools and materials
The quality of installation depends on the equipment used. stainless-steel And with dense fabrics (Oxford, Tarpalin) you need a specific set of tools, and you don't need to skimp on fasteners, because the marine environment is aggressive and quickly destroys cheap materials.
The main element of fastening are often pentacles, special areas that are glued to the cylinder, which require a two-component polyurethane adhesive designed specifically for PVC materials to fix them, and ordinary household glue will not withstand the load and temperature changes, which will lead to the separation of the fasteners on the water.
- 🔸 A drill or screwdriver with speed adjustment.
- 🔸 Metal drills (for arcs) and specialized drills for PVC.
- 🔸 Degreasing agent (acetone or alcohol) and rags.
- 🔸 Brushes for applying glue and loads for pressing.
You'll also need carbine or fastex straps, and you'll want to choose a wide-ribboned product, so you don't rub the awning fabric or put pressure on the cylinders, and you'll want to use metal carbines that are corrosion-resistant or have a protective coating.
⚠️ Note: When drilling holes in metal arcs, use only sharp drills and low rpm. Overheating the metal can change its structure, and burrs at the edges of the holes will tear the awning fabric when the wind blows.
Scheme of attachment of the frame to cylinders
There are several basic ways to fix the awning frame on the inflatable sides, and the choice of method depends on the design of the boat and the availability of factory elements, such as a liner cable or a timber.
The most common option is the use of pentaclePyataks are glued to the top of the balloon, and straps are put into their holes that span the arches of the frame, which is reliable, but requires accuracy in adhesive work. An error in the positioning of the penet can cause the entire tent to skew.
The second option is to attach to liner-lineIf the boat's design permits, the arcs can be fixed with clamps or carabiners directly to the cable that runs along the side, eliminating the need to glue anything onto the cylinders, but not suitable for all models of awnings.
The third way is to use a transom plate and a nose handle, and the aft part is often attached to the transom, and the nose part is attached to the handle or the rim on the nose, which creates a basic stretch, which is then reinforced with lateral attachments.
For boats with inflatable keel (NDND) it is important not to overpower the keelson, so the mounting points in the center of the bottom are usually not used, or require the installation of special slots.
Step-by-step instructions for installing a tent
The installation process is best done on a flat, clean surface, such as a lawn or a spacious garage, and the boat must be pumped to working pressure to allow the cylinders to take their final shape.
First, assemble the awning frame according to the manufacturer's instructions. Usually, the arcs are inserted into each other or connected with fittings. Make sure that all connections are tightened, but without undue effort, so as not to break the thread.
☑️ Preparation for the installation of the tent
Then there's the fitting step, put the frame on the boat (without attaching) and put the cloth on top, assess the symmetry of the overhangs and the tension, and if everything is fine, you can start fixing.
Start with the stern. Stick the back of the awning on the transom or the back struts. Then go to the nose. Stretching the cloth, lock the front mounts. Only then do the side struts and straps.
| Work phase | Action. | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Assembly | Installation of the frame arc | Check for no burrs on the pipes |
| 2. Trying on | Boat-laying | Symmetry with respect to DP (diametric plane) |
| 3. Foot fastening | Fixation on the transom | Use soft pads |
| 4. Tension | Fixation of the nose and sides | Uniform tension of the belts |
| 5. Control. | Stability testing | Rocking a boat by imitating a wave |
Once you have all the elements installed, you need to check the tension again, the fabric should be pulled like a drum, but without the risk of sutures breaking, and you can't sag because it's going to accumulate water.
Use plastic linings or pieces of fabric under the belts in the contact areas with the cylinders, this will prevent PVC from rubbing with prolonged vibration on the go.
Operational nuances and tent care
The right installation is only half the success. ride-over It depends on operating conditions and regular maintenance. Oxford PVC-coated fabric is resistant to ultraviolet light, but constant contact with water and dirt can lead to mold or loss of water repellent properties.
After every fishing or walk, especially in the rain, the awning must be thoroughly dried before packaging. Stacking wet cloth leads to rapid rotting of the threads and an unpleasant smell. If you can not dry at home, keep the boat unfolded in the garage until completely dry.
- 🌊 Regularly lubricate the lightning with silicone lubricant so that they do not get stuck.
- 🌊 Check the integrity of the seams and, if necessary, treat them with a sealant for fabric.
- 🌊 Do not leave a boat with an awning installed under strong winds unattended - sailing can turn the boat over.
Winter storage requires special attention. The awning is better removed, cleaned of dirt and stored in straightened form or in large free bundles, avoiding small folds. The cold makes the material more fragile, so it is not recommended to manipulate the awning at temperatures below -10 ° C.
⚠️ Warning: It is strictly forbidden to use aggressive chemicals or abrasive brushes to clean the awning, which will damage the protective layer of the fabric and reduce the life of the product.
Refining and tuning of the running tent
Factory kits often have basic functionality that can be improved DIY, with many boat owners installing extra windows made of transparent film for better viewing or mounting pockets for trifles onto the inner walls of the tent.
A popular modification is the installation light-belt It's a frame that's inside the tent, and it's a nice lighting experience in the evening, and it's a comfortable camping experience, and you can use a power supply from a outboard motor battery or a separate Power Bank.
And you also need to think about wind protection, because if you have open sidewalls, you can make your own or order removable walls with windows, and that will make your boat a full-fledged tent on the water, protected from mosquitoes and cold.
Remember, any modification increases weight and sailing. When you install additional elements, check the stability of the boat on the water. Sometimes excessive weighting of the stern can adversely affect the performance.
Competent modification of the tent turns it from a simple canopy into a multifunctional residential module, increasing the comfort of fishing at times.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install a chassis on a boat without a transom plate?
Yes, it is possible. In such cases, special racks are used that rest on the bottom of the boat (through soft pads) or are attached with belts directly to the cylinders and liner cable, but the stability of this design will be lower than if attached to a rigid transom.
Which fabric is better to choose for self-shopping awning?
The best choice is fabric. Oxford (Oxford) It's a thickness of at least 240 g/m2 and a polyurethane or PVC coating, lightweight, strong and well-fitting, and the more budget option is Tarpalin, but it's heavier and rougher to the touch.
Do I need to lower the boat when installing the tent?
No, the boat has to be fully pumped to working pressure, and if you put the awning on the flat or under-performed cylinders, the awning will become overstretched when you inflate it, which can damage the seams or deform the arcs.
Will the sleeve withstand the strong wind?
The tents are designed to protect against precipitation and moderate winds. In case of storm warning or strong gusty wind, the awning must be removed or lowered, since the PVC boat is lightweight and can be turned over by the wind due to the high sailing of the strained fabric.
What is the difference between a parking awning and a running awning?
A running awning (with open sides or windows) is designed to be used during driving or short stops, providing visibility and ventilation. The parking awning covers the boat completely from all sides, often to the ground, and is used for long-term storage or overnight stays on shore.