Protecting yourself from the scorching sun and sudden rain is not just comfort, it's a necessity for any hydraulic motor. running-trap Turns an open boat into a full-fledged cruiser that allows you to spend long hours on the water without the risk of sunstroke or getting wet to the thread. The installation process requires attention to detail, because the quality of the assembly depends on the safety of the crew and the durability of the structure itself.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the steps of installing awning on PVC and aluminum boats, you will learn how to correctly calculate the dimensions, assemble the frame and securely secure the fabric so that it can withstand the storm wind. tent It will turn into a sail that can turn the boat over, so you can not ignore the instructions.
Before we start, we need to decide what type of design we want, which is running awnings that we can put up while we're driving, and we're going to focus on universal solutions that we can build ourselves, using the materials and tools that we have available. Frame It is the foundation of the entire system and its reliability is the number one priority.
Selection of materials and preparation of tools
The first step in creating protection is to select quality materials, and the frame base is most often made of aluminum pipes, because this metal does not rust and is of low weight. Oxford or PVC with a density of at least 450 g/m2, which has water-repellent properties and resistance to ultraviolet light.
The fasteners must be made of stainless steel or high-quality galvanized metal. Using conventional ferrous metal will lead to rapid corrosion and rusty streams on the sides of the boat, and you will need luvers, slings, fastexes and strong threads that are resistant to rotting.
You'll need a standard set of tools to work: a drill or screwdriver, metal scissors, roulette, marker and a set of keys. If you plan to make a welded frame, you'll need a welding machine, although most boat models will have enough bolts. Tools They must be clean so that the work goes quickly and safely.
Design and measurement of the structure
Before cutting pipes or sewing fabric, careful measurements must be made. A mistake in the calculations of even a few centimeters can cause the entire structure to be distorted or impossible to install, measure the length and width of the cockpit, as well as the height at which the top of the awning should be located so that passengers can sit without bending.
It is important to consider the size boat-engine The awning must not interfere with the steering of the vessel or access to the engine. Often designed special cutouts or folding sections in the rear of the awning for easy maneuvering. bracket To the sides.
⚠️ Attention! When designing the height of the awning, keep in mind that the sailing of the structure should not exceed the permissible norms for your boat, otherwise it may lose stability in strong side winds.
And from that data, you create a blueprint or a diagram that shows the anchoring points, the angles of the pillars, and the general geometry, and that helps you avoid the extra holes in the sides of the boat and save material. drawing - the key to successful assembly.
Assembling the frame: step-by-step instructions
The frame starts with the installation of support posts, which are usually attached to the sides of the boat with special brackets or bushings that are inserted into the liner device, and if the boat is not equipped with leers, they use clamps that are fixed to the top cylinder or on-board shaft profile.
☑️ Preparation for frame installation
Once the vertical pillars are installed, the upper arc is mounted, which connects them together, all the joints must be rigid, but they must allow a folded structure for transportation, often using hinge joints that are fixed by bolts or splints. Aluminum pipes They are easily processed, allowing them to adjust their length if necessary.
Pay special attention to the front of the frame, often with a windbreaker or a transparent PVC film windshield, which protects the driver's face from splashes and oncoming airflow, and the windbreaker's attachment must be sealed so that water does not flow into the cockpit during rain.
| Frame element | Materials | Pipe diameter (mm) | Type of attachment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side racks | Aluminum D16T | 20-25 | Buss/Clamping |
| Upper arc. | Aluminum D16T | 20-25 | hinge |
| Cross-sections | aluminum | 16-20 | Triple-shaped |
| brackets | Nerzh. | - | Bolt-bolt |
Cutting and mounting of tent fabric
Once the frame is assembled and tested for stability, they move to work with the fabric, the opening is made taking into account the sutures and gates. The seams must be made in a double or triple stitch using strong synthetic threads. In places of increased tension (angular, attachment points), the fabric is necessarily reinforced with additional layers or tapes.
The perimeter of the awning is mounted in increments of 30-50 cm, through which a cord or belt is passed, which tightens the fabric on the frame, like a string, which provides tight fit and prevents the fabric from rattling on the move. Luvers They should be installed smoothly, without distortion.
How do you protect the seams from leakage?
For full tightness of the seams on the awning, it is recommended to glue a special tape for PVC or treat with a sealant for fabrics. This will prevent water from leaking through the holes from the needle, especially in heavy rain.
And you start mounting the awning on the frame at the front, and you fix the nose, then the sidewalls, and then the stern, and you need to spread the tension evenly so that you don't have any sagging that will accumulate rainwater. tent It should ring when you tap.
Mounting and fixing methods
There are several ways to attach the awning to the sides of the boat, the simplest is to use rubber hooks or fastex belts that cling to the liner cable, and the more reliable option is to attach through special pockets sewn down the awning, into which the edge of the side or the beam is inserted.
For running awnings, a fast fastener system is often used, allowing the protection to be rolled up or spread out in a couple of minutes, which is especially true when the weather changes dramatically. Fixation Must withstand the vibration of the motor and wind gusts that occur when driving at high speed.
⚠️ Warning! Never leave an awning mounted on a boat while parked in open water unattended if a storm is forecast, and wind can tear off even a well-mounted structure and damage the boat.
At the back of the awning, you often leave a loose overhang or make a valve that you can tuck into and attach to the roof of the motor or the transom, which provides ventilation and exhaust exhaust gas removal if the engine is running at idle speed. Ventilation The awning is critical for safety.
Care and operation in different conditions
To make the awning last, you need to take good care of it. After every trip, especially on salt water, it is advisable to rinse the structure with fresh water. This will wash away the salt, which can corrode the metal parts of the frame and fabric. It is better to dry the awning in the straightened form, in the shade.
In winter, the awning is better dismantled and stored in a dry room at room temperature. PVC And Oxford is brittle, and when you twist it, you can create microcracks, and if you treat it regularly with water repellent impregnation, it will restore the protective properties of the material.
To lubricate the rubbing metal parts of the frame, use silicone lubricant - it is not washed away with water and does not spoil the fabric, unlike litol or solidol.
Regularly check the condition of the joints and fasteners. Small tears should be sealed immediately, without waiting for them to increase. Special remixes are sold for repairs that correspond to the color and type of your fabric. repair It will extend the life of the product for years.
Security and frequent errors
When installing the awning, it is important to remember to center. Shifting gravity on one side can make the boat unstable. The frame should not have sharp angles directed into the cockpit, so that in the case of pitching or sharp braking, no one will be injured. Security The crew always takes precedence over aesthetics.
A common mistake is to push the fabric too hard to the cold. When heated in the sun, the material can change size a little, and the excess tension will cause the pipes to deform or break the seams. Leave a little margin of elasticity.
The main principle of installing an awning is the balance between the rigidity of the frame and the elasticity of the fabric, which ensures resistance to the wind without the risk of damage.
Also, you should not overload the structure with additional equipment, for example, heavy speakers or light, if the frame is not designed for such loads. The aerodynamics of the awning boat changes, and this must be taken into account when driving. profile It increases sailing.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I install an awning on an inflatable boat without a liner cable?
Yes, it is possible. There are anchorage models that are fixed directly to cylinders with Velcro and belts, or attached to a timber (wooden or plastic strip along the side), but such mounting is less reliable at high speeds.
Which material is better: Oxford or PVC?
PVC fabric is more durable, fully waterproof and better shaped, but it's heavier and more expensive. Oxford is lighter and cheaper, breathes well, but over time can start to let moisture through and fade faster. For running awnings, combined options or a dense Oxford with PU impregnation are more likely to be chosen.
How to prevent the formation of condensation under the awning?
Condensation is caused by temperature differences and lack of ventilation, so to avoid this, leave gaps in the lower part of the awning or use special ventilation valves, and regular ventilation of the cockpit during parking also helps.
Do I need to remove the awning when washing the boat?
Not necessarily if you're washing the boat outside, but if you want to wash the cockpit and dry it, it's best to remove the awning or open it completely to allow air and light to enter, which will prevent mold from appearing.