Transporting an inflatable vessel to the water is often a test of endurance, especially if you are a low-pressure model with an inflatable floor, and a set of motors and equipment can weigh up to 60 to 80 kilograms, and not every fisherman can carry it on himself over rough terrain. ram-wheeler It becomes not just a whim, but a necessity to maintain the health of the back and strength before fishing.
Unlike models with a hard floorboard bottom, NDND boats have their own design features that must be considered when choosing and mounting a wheel complex. Soft bottom and specific geometry of cylinders require a more careful approach to the mounting points, so as not to damage the wheel complex. PVC material And we're going to talk about the nuances of the process in this article, from the type of attachment to the final adjustment.
A properly assembled kit allows one person to easily move a rigged boat across the beach, rocks or grass, but if you ignore the installation technology or choose incompatible components, you can get a wobbly design that will interfere with the water or, worse, damage the transom. It is critically important to understand that NDND often requires a higher mounting point displacement than that of solder boats due to the shape of the inflated bottom.
Choice of type of anchorage for NDND boats
The first step is to determine how to fix the wheels on the transom. The market offers many solutions, but not all of them are equally well suited for the inflatable floor. The main division is between removable systems that are installed only when necessary, and stationary systems that remain on the boat permanently. For owners of NDNDT, removable structures are often the best option, since they do not interfere with swimming and storage.
The most popular method is to hold through the holes in the tanning board, which provides maximum rigidity and reliability, withstanding severe loads when rolling over irregularities, but it requires the drilling of the transom, which for some owners is a psychological barrier. door-wheel This option is preferred regularly, as it guarantees no backlash.
There are also top-grabbing systems or inflatable tubes, but they are less stable on NDND models because of the softness of the design. When moving, the wheel can shift, and pressure on the balloon at the point of contact can lead to premature wear of the material. So if you value reliability, it is better to consider options with mechanical fixation to a wooden base.
When choosing a kit, pay attention to the material of manufacture. Anodized aluminum alloys are excellent at resisting corrosion, but high-quality steel is often stronger and cheaper. Wheels should be equipped with bearings to make rotation easy even under load. Inflatable wheels better pass through the sand, but pneumatic can pierce, so cast rubber is preferable for rocky shores.
- 🛠️ Mounting through holes in the transom is the most reliable, requires drilling.
- 🔩 Clamping mechanisms - suitable for thick transom boards, can backflip.
- 🎈 Cylinder fastening – not recommended for NDND due to the risk of damage.
- ⚙️ Combined systems allow you to adjust the height and angle of inclination.
⚠️ Warning: When choosing clamping structures, be sure to check the thickness of your slingboard. Too strong a clamping can deform the tree, and too weak a clamp can lead to the loss of wheels during transportation.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Before you start the direct installation, you need to prepare all the tools. PVC materials And wood requires care, so it's best to have everything you need to keep the process running smoothly, and quality training will reduce installation time and minimize the risk of errors.
You'll need a drill or a screwdriver with adjustment of turns. To drill holes in the transom and metal brackets you'll need drills on wood and metal, respectively. The diameter of the drill should exactly match the diameter of the fasteners, usually 6 or 8 mm. Remember the core, so that the drill does not slip at the most inopportune moment.
To seal the holes, you will need a special glue for PVC or a polyurethane sealant that is resistant to water and ultraviolet. Also prepare a degrease (alcohol or acetone), rags, a set of wrenches and screwdrivers. If the equipment does not include washers and engrovers, they must be purchased separately to prevent spontaneous unwinding of the nuts from vibration.
The workplace should be flat, dry and well-lit, and the boat should be fully pumped and placed on a flat surface, such as a garage floor or a flat piece of land covered with cloth or cardboard to protect against dirt, which will allow you to correctly display symmetry and test the mechanism in real conditions.
Marking and drilling of the transom board
Marking is the most critical step, and it depends on how flat the wheels are, whether they're going to hit the cylinders or the engine. A mistake of a few millimeters can cause the whole structure to be skewed, so measure seven times and then drill.
First, set the brackets on the transom in the desired position, without fixing them permanently. For NDND boats, it is important that when the wheels are lowered, they do not touch the inflated bottom, otherwise, when moving on the water, they will create resistance and may become damaged. The optimal height of the mounting is usually 5-10 cm above the lower edge of the transmolation board, but this depends on the diameter of the wheels and the boat model.
Using a marker, mark the centers of future holes through the mounting holes of the brackets. Check the symmetry of the markings with respect to the central axis of the transom. The distance from the left and right edges should be the same. Also make sure that in the raised position the wheels will not interfere with the installation. boat-engine Or hitting the cylinders.
Once the markings are checked, you can drill. To avoid burrs and plywood stratification, put a wooden bar under the drilling site. Drill strictly perpendicular to the surface, controlling the process. If the transom has a metal edge, drill the metal first at low speeds, and then change the drill to a suitable one for the tree.
☑️ Pre-drill check
⚠️ Warning: Never use blunt drills or metal drills for wood, as they can split the trans-plywood fibers, which will cause moisture to enter the board and rot.
Sealing and installation of brackets
Once the holes are drilled, they need to be carefully treated. Even if you use rubber bolts, additional sealing will not hurt, especially for boats that are often operated in salt water. Water trapped inside the transom board will freeze in winter and can tear the plywood from the inside.
Degrease the edges of the holes and apply a layer of sealant or PVC glue around them. Insert the bolts into the bracket holes, applying the sealant also to the bolt hats and washers. Drag the bolts through the holes in the transom. On the inside of the transmolant (on the water side), also install washers and nuts, pre-lubricating the thread with a sealing compound.
Tighten the nuts evenly using a cross-circuit scheme if there are several holes. Don't pull the fastener over at once, let the sealant grab a little, then make the final puff. Excess the pressurized sealant carefully remove with a wet cloth before it freezes. This will ensure a neat appearance and monolithic connection.
If you use a removable system, the brackets remain on the boat, and the wheels with the reactive part are inserted into them when necessary, in this case, make sure that the locks (pins or latches) work smoothly and reliably hold the structure. Lifting mechanism You have to walk freely, without jamming.
| Type of fastener | Materials | Necessity of drilling | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stationary bolt | Stainless steel | Yes. | High. |
| Removable pin-pin | Aluminum/Steel | Yeah (for base) | High. |
| Clamping (crab) | Coated steel | No. | Medium |
| Velcro/belts | Plastic/Tissue | No. | Low. |
Adjustment of height and wheel angle
The right adjustment is key to easy operation. The wheels should be lowered to the level when the boat is off the ground, but in the elevated state they should be above the water level, so as not to create resistance when plane. For models of NDND, this parameter is critical because of the large volume of the inflated bottom.
Most modern models allow you to adjust the height of the pillars. Relax the locking bolts on the vertical guides and set the desired height. Make sure that the load is evenly distributed in the working position on both sides. If one side is higher, the boat will be taken aside when rolling.
It is also important to adjust the angle of inclination of the wheels relative to the transom, so that when they are lowered, they should stand vertically or with a slight tilt back, so that the center of gravity of the boat is between the axles of the wheels, this will ensure stability and prevent the boat from piling forward or backward when stopping.
Check the lifting fixtures. They should clearly fix the wheels in the upper position. If the fixation is weak, the wheels can spontaneously fall during movement, which will create a dangerous situation and increase fuel consumption. If necessary, bend the tendrils of the retainers or replace the springs with tighter ones.
Testing and features of operation on water
After installation and adjustment, you need to do a test. A pumped boat with wheels installed, lift it by a transom and check if the bottom is coming off the ground. Roll the boat on different surfaces: asphalt, sand, grass. The structure should not creak, stagger or deform.
On the water, watch the wheels when they are elevated, when they go out to plane, they should not touch the water, if you see splashes or a sense of resistance, then the wheels are lowered too low, in which case you need to bring the boat back to shore and re-adjust the height.
Operation in salt water requires special attention. After each unloading, be sure to wash all metal parts with fresh water. The salt aggressively destroys even stainless steel and aluminum, especially in joints and welds. Regular care will prolong the life of your equipment.
Periodically check the tightening of all bolt joints. Vibration when moving on water and rolling along the shore can weaken the nuts. growers Or a thread fixture (like Loctite) significantly reduces the risk of fastener loss, and check the condition of the tires for cuts and wear.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to move a boat with wheels down over high curbs or large stones. A shock load can break the wheel axis or damage the mounts on the transom, causing the boat to fall.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you install transom wheels on a NDND boat without drilling a transom?
Yes, there are models with a clamp mechanism or strap mount. However, for BNDT, they are less reliable because of the softness of the bottom and cylinders. Clamping systems can shift under load, and the belts stretch over time. For regular use and heavy motors, sealed transom drilling remains the most reliable option.
What wheel diameter is better to choose for the sandy shore?
For sand and soft soil, large diameter wheels (300-350 mm) with a wide tread or inflatable chambers are optimal. They have less pressure on the ground and do not fail. Small diameter cast wheels (200 mm) are mainly designed for flat surfaces such as asphalt or concrete slips.
How often should I change the sealant in the mounting holes?
A quality polyurethane sealant or PVC glue lasts for years, but it is recommended to have a seasonly inspection before starting use. If you notice that the sealant has cracked or moved away from the edges of the hole, it should be updated to prevent moisture from entering the transom board.
Will the installed brackets prevent the installation of the engine?
With the right marking and choice of wheel model brackets do not interfere with the engine. They are usually located on the sides of the engine rods. Before buying, it is recommended to try on the kit to your boat or study the drawings to make sure that it is compatible with your model. outboard.
Will the transom wheels withstand the weight of a boat with full gear?
Yes, if they're properly mounted on the transom board, the main load is on the axle and the wood attachment, not the PVC, and the main thing is to make sure that the transmutation board is securely pasted in the cylinders and the design of the boat is designed for such loads, which is true for all certified NDNDT boats.