Modernization of inflatable watercraft often begins with the desire to improve the comfort of control, especially when using medium- and high-power motors. Installation of steering on the PVC boat It's not just a matter of convenience, it's also a significant step towards safety, and at speeds of more than 20 km/h, it becomes physically costly and less precise to operate the tiller, which can lead to trouble in a critical situation.
Before you start, you need to clearly understand that inflatable sides and soft transom dictate their installation conditions, different from aluminum or fiberglass cases. You will need to choose compatible components that do not damage the cylinders and ensure reliable force transfer. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of equipment selection, cable laying schemes and final configuration of the mechanism to make your swimming as comfortable as possible.
Selection of steering system components
The foundation of any system is the right fittings. Inflatable boats are most often used mechanical systems with cable traction, because they are easier to maintain and cheaper than hydraulic counterparts. gearboxUnlike rigid hull vessels, where the gearbox is often attached to a bulkhead or deck, in PVC boats it is usually mounted on a removable platform or directly on a transom, which requires special attention to the weight and dimensions of the unit.
The second critical element is steering-lineIt should be highly flexible to withstand repeated bends when laying the boat, and have reliable protection against corrosion. Inflatable boats are optimal for cables in a soft braid that will not rub PVC fabric when vibrating. The length of the cable is selected individually, but the standard solution for boats up to 4 meters in length is a size of 3 meters (type SS133 or analogues).
- 🚤 Reductor: Choose models with a gear ratio of about 3.5:1 for comfortable rotation without excessive effort.
- 🔩 Fixtures: The kit must include stainless steel bolts, nuts and washers (AISI 304 or AISI 316).
- 🛡️ Defense: Make sure the cable has a plastic shell to protect it from salt water and mechanical damage.
⚠️ Attention: Don't skimp on fasteners. Conventional steel will rust after the first season, and you risk losing control of the water because of a broken bolt. stainless-steel or a high-quality galvanized fastener with a zinc coating.
You also need to look at the compatibility of the gearbox with your type of motor. Most modern gearboxes are versatile and fit the standard lower unit cone, but for specific motor models. Yamaha or Mercury You may need adapters. Before buying, carefully review the technical documentation for both devices.
Preparation of the transom and selection of installation scheme
The installation process begins long before the first holes are drilled, and you need to decide on the layout, which will depend on the design of your boat and the presence of a hard transom. transmesse (NT) The steering is more difficult to install because it requires an additional rigid platform that transmits force to the entire structure, and if you have a boat with a rigid plywood or aluminum transom, the task is much easier.
The first step is to dismantle the hummel and fit the gearbox. You need to find the middle ground in positioning: the mechanism should not interfere with the landing in the cockpit, but should ensure that the cable goes directly to the engine without sharp angles. Often the gearbox is shifted closer to the side or installed in the center, if space allows. It is important to ensure access to the mechanism for lubrication and maintenance at any time.
To protect the surface of the transom from friction and vibration, it is recommended to use cushioning materials, this can be a special rubber band or a cut-out piece of linoleum / carpet, which will not only prolong the life of PVC, but also reduce the noise level of the running motor transmitted through rigid mounts to cylinders.
Before the final mounting of the gearbox, temporarily fix it on bilateral tape or clamps and conduct a test swim. This will make sure that the selected place does not interfere with the control and does not create unnecessary loads on the transom.
Tools and markup: accuracy above all else
The quality of the installation depends on preparation. You need a set of tools that you need to have on hand before work begins. Mistakes in marking on a soft material such as PVC are extremely difficult to fix, and sometimes impossible without losing leakage or aesthetics. So, measure seven times and then drill.
The list of equipment required includes:
- 🔧 A drill with a set of drills (including first drills on wood for large diameters).
- 📏 Roulette, marker and coal for accurate marking.
- 🔨 Polyurethane sealant (e.g., polyurethane sealant) Sikaflex-291 or analogues) for waterproofing of openings.
- ✂️ Scissors or sharp knife to trim excess materials.
Start by determining the center of the transom or the gearbox attachment point according to the chosen pattern. If you install the system on a removable platform, make sure it is rigidly fixed in the operating position. Apply the drill points to check their symmetry. Use a sharpened plastic or metal drill to drill PVC so that the edges of the hole do not melt.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter of the hole under the bolt M8 | 9 mm | To compensate for errors |
| Distance from transmutation | At least 50 mm | To avoid water intrusion |
| Moment of nut tightening | Moderate. | No slacking to avoid PVC. |
| Type of sealant | Polyurethane | It keeps elasticity. |
⚠️ Attention: When drilling, be sure to use a wooden bar under the drill on the back of the transom, which will prevent the tearing of the fibers of the fabric and the formation of ripped edges of the hole, which can later become a source of material destruction.
Installation of the steering gearbox and bracket
Once the holes are ready, you have to put the sealant in the immediate place, put it on the metal's contact with the transom and around the holes, put the bolts, put the washers and nuts on, don't tighten them right away -- let the sealant grab or spread out evenly -- then make the final puff. It's important to use wide washers or special areas to increase the contact area and reduce the pressure on the point.
Installing the gearbox itself requires attention to the orientation of the shaft. It must be parallel to the transax line. If the gearbox has a rotating mechanism, make sure it rotates freely and does not snag in extreme positions. For outboard boats, a circuit is often used where the gearbox is attached to a separate slat, which in turn is pressed against the transax by motor screws or individual scabs.
Separate attention should be paid to the installation cable-hold This element transfers the rotation from the cable to the rotary heron of the motor, the bracket must be mounted strictly in the center of the axis of rotation of the motor, offset even by a few millimeters can lead to uneven tension of the cable and difficult to return the steering wheel to neutral position.
☑️ Control of gearbox installation
Once all the elements are fixed, allow the sealant to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions (usually 24 hours). Do not rush to load the structure ahead of time, since polymerization of the material takes time to gain full strength.
Laying and adjustment of the steering cable
The most important step is to lay the cable. Avoid sharp corners and twistingThe cable should go from the gearbox to the motor as smoothly as possible. In areas of contact with the sides or structural elements, use protective hambricks or soft pads. In places of passage through the transom, be sure to install plastic bushings.
To fix the cable on PVC tubes, special loops or Velcro straps are often used, which are included with some sets, or they are made independently from the sling. You can not fasten the cable "deadly" to the inflatable part - there should be a possibility of a slight displacement when the pressure in the cylinders changes or the boat deforms on the wave.
The tension adjustment is done by means of the adjustment nuts on the cable tips. The tension should be such that when the rummuler is turned, the motor reacts instantly, but in the neutral position the cable should not be pushed. Check the mechanism in extreme positions: the motor should turn at a full angle (usually about 30-35 degrees in each direction) without the thrust of the cable into the limiters ahead of time.
Secrets of the longevity of the rope
To increase the life of the cable, it is recommended to remove it regularly (once a season) from the boat, clean it of dirt and salt, and lubricate the inside with silicone lubrication.
If you're mounting on a boat with an electric motor, you'll notice that there's less effort, but there's more requirements for smoothness. In these cases, you can use cables with a smaller diameter, but the principle of the laying remains the same. automatic return (if it is provided by the design of the gearbox) - when releasing the bumper, the motor must independently return to the position of rectilinear movement.
Testing and maintenance of the system
The first launching after the steering is installed should be a test. Don't go straight to full speed. Check the steering wheel at low speeds, then at medium speeds. Notice the presence of backlashes, extraneous sounds and vibrations. If the hummel is "dangling" or cruising tightly, you will need to re-adjust the tension of the cable.
Regular maintenance will prolong the life of your system. After each release into the salt water, it is advisable to rinse the mechanism and the cable with fresh water. Once a year, it is recommended to conduct a complete audit: remove the cable, check it for grated veins, lubricate the gearbox and update the lubricant layer on the exposed metal parts.
Pay special attention to the condition of the mounts. Vibration from the motor can gradually weaken even well-tightened nuts. Use a thread lock when assembly and check the puff before each season. Timely detection of wear of the cable or corrosion on the gearbox will save you from an emergency situation away from shore.
Properly installed and maintained steering turns boat control from physical work into pleasure, allowing one hand to control the course and the other to control the gas or engage in fishing.
Can I install steering on a boat with an inflatable transcrete?
Yes, it is possible, but requires the installation of an additional rigid platform (often made of plywood or aluminum) that will be attached to the cylinders and take the load from the gearbox.
How often should the steering cable be changed?
With proper operation and regular lubrication, a quality cable lasts 5-7 years, but visually check its condition (for tears lived in the braid) should be every season.
Will the steering gearbox from a metal boat on PVC fit?
The gearbox itself will work, but the mounting pattern will be different. PVC can't use regular holes from metal boats without adaptation, as the location and thickness of the transom is different.
Do I need to remove the engine to install the steering?
For ease of installation of the gearbox and cable, the motor should be removed, but the bracket attachment on the lower unit and the final adjustment is more convenient to carry out with the engine installed.