Operation flyboat Many owners, tired of constantly loading and unloading a boat in the garage, decide to refit their trailer by replacing standard lozenges with special PVC lozenges. This is a sensible step that prolongs the life of the bottom and simplifies preparation for the water.
But simply replacing items doesn't guarantee success. support This article can cause uneven load distribution, which will lead to deformation of the transom or even rupture of cylinders on the go. In this article, we will examine the technical nuances that are often missed by beginners and help you create a reliable fastening system.
Unlike metal keels, soft bottoms require a delicate approach, and you will have to consider not only the geometry of the trailer, but also the behavior of the fabric under load. Proper installation It will turn your trailer into the perfect slipway for maintenance and quick loading.
Selection of materials and preparation of the paving system
The first step is to select the components. laying-piece For keel boats, they are often too rigid or inappropriately shaped, which is unacceptable for PVC. You will need special supports with a wide contact area and a coating that excludes abrasion.
The metal profile is most often the basis, but it must be properly insulated, and using cheap foam is a common mistake, as it quickly gains moisture and loses shape. The optimal solution is the use of high-density foamed polyethylene or specialized EPDM rubber.resistant to ultraviolet and salt water.
When choosing fixing-piece Prefer stainless steel grades AISI 304 or AISI 316. Conventional ferrous metal even with galvanizing will not live long in an aggressive environment, and rust can spoil the appearance of the boat.
- 🛠️ Metal profile (rectangular cross-sectional tube or corner) for the frame.
- 🧼 Rubber or polymeric linings a thickness of at least 20 mm.
- 🔩 Stainless steel fastener (Bolts, nuts, washers) of the corresponding diameter.
- 🔨 Tool.: drill, Bulgarian, roulette, marker.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use wooden bars as a base for the skin. The tree absorbs water, swells and rots, which can lead to a sudden collapse of the mounting assembly during movement.
Before buying materials, measure the width of your boat's cylinders inflated condition. Logs should support the sides, but not squeeze them excessively.
Analysis of trailer geometry and calculation of support points
Before welding or drilling, you need to conduct geometry The PVC boat has a specific bottom shape that differs from the rigid models, and the supports should be positioned so as to prevent sagging of the transom and bow.
It is critical to determine maximum loadingThis is usually the bottom-trans connection area and the midfield area. If your trailer has a V-frame, you'll need to make transition pads to align the plane of the pads.
When calculating distances, keep in mind that inflatable tubes when launched into the water may slightly change their configuration. Hard fixation It is recommended that the position of the supports be provided (slightly adjusted).
There are several schemes of the location of the supports, the choice depends on the length of the vessel:
- 📏 For boats up to 3.5 meters, two transom supports are enough.
- ⚓ For boats 3.6-4.5 meters, three support points are required (nose, midfield, trench).
- 🚀 For boats over 4.5 meters, a solid bed system or frequent cross-sections are required.
Framemaking and frame installation
The process of creating a frame begins with markup. roulette and construction level Any deviation from the trailer axis will cause the boat to drift away as it moves, creating a dangerous situation on the road.
If you use welding, make sure to clean all the seams and cover them with anti-corrosion primer. PVCEven the slightest barb, when vibrating, can wipe the balloon in a matter of kilometers.
The mounting of the finished supports to the trailer frame is better done using clamps or welding pads with a bolt connection, which will allow in the future to remove the lobes for maintenance or replacement. Removable construction It is also convenient for storing a trailer in the garage, taking up less space.
☑️ Frame assembly control
It is important to ensure rigidity of the structure. If the supports are "cruising" under the weight of the boat, this will cause rapid destruction of the material. Use struts or additional ribs if the span between the attachment points exceeds 50 cm.
Covering and protection of contact surfaces
The most critical step is to create a protective layer. Metal should not touch the boat. It uses a multi-layered protection system. The first layer is the base of the pad, the second is the buffer material, the third is the sliding coating.
As a sliding coating has proven itself well. linoleum They're fabric-based, or they're special boat mats, which are smooth as you go down, and they protect you from micro-scratches, and you need to fasten them on the back, using secret bolts or high-quality rubber glue.
Notice the joints of materials. The gaps between the pieces of skin can be filled with sand, which will work as an abrasive. Monolithic coating If you don't need joints, you should carefully paste them with sealant.
| Materials of coating | Wear resistance | Friction coefficient | Term of service |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPDM rubber | High. | Medium. | 5-7 years |
| linoleum | Medium | Low (good slip) | 2-3 years |
| Felt technical | Low (absorbs water) | Highly | 1 season |
| Special PVC mats | Very high. | Optimal. | 5 years |
⚠️ Attention: It is strongly recommended not to use fuzzy carpets or carpets. They accumulate dirt and small stones, which when moving the boat on the trailer act as sandpaper.
Adjustment of height and inclination
After the frame and the skin are installed, the final adjustment is required, the boat should be placed on the supports of the entire bottom surface, without gaps or air pockets, and the wrong angle of inclination can cause the boat to "hang" on the transom or nose when launching.
To adjust the height, use threaded studs or a set of washers of different thicknesses under the base of the supports. This will compensate for the irregularities of the frame and adapt the trailer to a specific model. fly-boat.
Check the angle of keeliness. If the boat has a pronounced keel, the central support should be just above the lateral support to repeat the geometry of the bottom. For flat-bottomers, all the points of support should be in the same horizontal plane.
How to check the correctness of the regulation?
Pump the boat to working pressure and place it on the trailer. Walk along the side and press it. The deflection should be uniform throughout the length. If the side is more bent in some area or hangs in the air, you need to adjust the height of the supports.
Don't forget to check the winch and the bow stop. The thrust should not press the cylinder, but only fix the position. Often, for PVC boats, the nose stop is made as a wide pad with a soft coating to distribute the pressure.
Testing and first launch
The final stage is a field trial. Don't rush to the track. First, run a static test: fully load the boat (you can use sandbags to simulate the weight of the engine and equipment) and inspect the contact points.
When you first go out, you should look at the behavior of the boat when you leave the trailer, and it should slide smoothly, without jerks or hooks, and if the boat is tight, you might need to lubricate the runners or adjust the angle of inclination.
After the first trip, be sure to inspect the bottom of the boat, and the absence of scuffs and traces of friction will confirm that laying If you don't, you'll need to repeat the adjustment.
- 👁️ Visual inspection of the bottom for scuffling.
- 🤲 Check the tightening of all bolt joints after running.
- 🌊 Test descent on the gently sloping shore.
⚠️ Attention: In the first 100 km of run, regularly check the tightening of the fasteners. Vibration from the new design can weaken the joints, which will lead to backlash and damage to the boat.
Highly installed beds for PVC boats is a balance between rigid fixation during transportation and minimal friction when launching.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use old keel boats?
You can't use them directly, because they have a small contact area and a rigid structure, but you can use a metal base if you completely redesign the top, and you have wide pads with soft skin.
How often should the rubber linings be changed?
The life of the product depends on the material: EPDM rubber is changed every 3-5 years, linoleum is changed as cracks appear or it is erased, and regularly check the condition of the coating before each season.
Do I need to clean the stains before going down?
For PVC boats, lubrication is usually not required if the angle of inclination is chosen correctly. The use of silicone sprays is permissible, but avoid petroleum products that can damage the material of the cylinders.
Will the homemade lodgings withstand a heavy motor?
Yes, if the frame is made of a profile pipe of sufficient cross-section (at least 40x20 mm) and the support points under the transom are correctly distributed, the key factor is the rigidity of the structure, not the material of the support itself.