Transportation of an inflatable vessel assembled is always a challenge for the owner, especially if the weight of the engine and the boat itself exceeds the comfortable values for carrying on the hands. transom wheels They're a real lifesaver, turning a heavy boat into a lightweight cart that even one person can roll, but the process of mounting them on boats with hard decking.paiola) has its own technical nuances which cannot be ignored for the sake of safety and durability of the structure.
Unlike models with inflatable floor (BBD), where the attachment is often made to pin joints or to a bottom stringer, turret Paiola boats require a more rigorous and thoughtful approach. Installation errors can cause cylinder damage, deformation of the plywood or aluminum transom, and even loss of motor on the go. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the stages of preparation and fixation of the wheel mechanism.
Before you pick up a drill, you need to decide on the type of design that will suit your boat. There are two main ways of fixing: removable, when the racks are removed inside the boat or removed completely, and stationary, where the mechanism remains on the transom. PVC boats The first option is most often preferred, since it allows you to store the vessel in a compact case without protruding parts.
Choosing the optimal wheel design for a paiola boat
The boating accessories market offers many options, but not all are compatible with rigid decking. squirt-boardFor paiola boats, models that are fixed directly to the vertical plane of the transom are ideal, bypassing the lower edge, where stringers or inflatable tubes are usually located.
- 🔹 Fixing on bolts through a transom is the most reliable option, requiring drilling holes.
- 🔹 Clamping mechanisms (crabs) – suitable only if the upper edge of the transom is free and has a suitable thickness.
- 🔹 Combined systems - allow you to change the height of the wheel axis relative to the bottom.
Particular attention should be paid to the material of the racks themselves. AMG) lightweight and non-rust, but less durable on the kink when hitting curbs. construction The size of the wheels is also important, because the larger the diameter, the easier it is to overcome the roughness of the ground when launching.
It's important to consider the geometry of the boat. floorboard They are outside the transom or have a complex locking system, and standard brackets may not fit tightly, in such cases, making individual adapters or choosing a model of wheels with adjustable axle departure.
Necessary tools and materials for installation
Well-designed installation is impossible without the right tools, and because you have to work with composites, metals and sealants, you have to have a complete set, and you don't have to use random objects, because precision is critical to tightness. transom.
You will need to work:
- 🔸 Electrical rod or screwdriver with speed adjustment.
- 🔸 Metal drill (diameter depends on the fastener, usually 6-8 mm).
- 🔸 A drill with a depth limiter or marking on the drill.
- 🔸 A set of wrenches or heads.
- 🔸 Degreasing agent (alcohol, acetone or special cleaner).
- 🔸 Polyurethane or silicone sealant for marine applications.
It is worth mentioning separately sealantThe use of conventional plumbing silicone is unacceptable, as it can detach under the influence of vibration and ultraviolet light. You need formulations labeled "aquarium" or "PVC / metal", which have high adhesion and elasticity after drying. Also prepare washers of increased diameter to distribute the pressure of the fastener on the surface. plywood Or plastic.
Use cobalt-sprayed drills – they heat the metal less when drilled and make the hole cleaner, which is important for subsequent sealing.
Marking and preparation of the transcoat board
The most important step is the marking. One mistake can cost you the integrity of the transom or cause the wheels to touch the cylinders when you're moving. Before you start, you have to completely inflate the boat and install it on a flat, hard surface, and that will ensure the right tension. PVC and the geometry of the hull.
Apply the wheel brackets to the transom and visually assess their position. The wheel axis should be strictly horizontal, and the wheels themselves should not touch the side cylinders in the operating position. The distance from the bottom edge of the transom to the axis of the attachment is usually 5 to 10 cm, but this depends on the particular model. transom-wheel.
⚠️ Before drilling, make sure to check whether the intended wiring, floorboard attachment elements or internal amplifiers that may be damaged by the drill are not passing through the intended places.
Use a core or a thin stitch to make small indentations in the future drilling sites, which will prevent the drill from slipping off at the start. If the transom is made of multi-layer plywood coated with plastic, make sure you get into the material body, not the edge where the layering can lead to layering under load.
How not to damage the inside of the transom?
When drilling a plywood transmuner on one side, there is a risk of fibres being pulled out at the drill's output. To avoid this, drill the hole incompletely, flip the boat over (or get to the back if possible) and finish the drill on the other side. If access is not available, use a sharp drill and minimal pressure at the last millimeters, putting a wooden bar on the back side.
Technology of drilling and sealing of holes
The drilling process requires care, and you start with small diameters, gradually increasing the size of the hole to the desired size, which will avoid distortion and biting of the drill, the speed of rotation of the drill should be average, so as not to overheat the edges of the hole, especially if the transom has a plastic coating.
Once the holes are in, they must be thoroughly burred and degreased, sealed using a sandwich, and a layer is applied to the bolt cap and under the puck. sealantThe bolt is inserted into the hole and a sealant is also applied on the inside of the translator (inside the boat) before the washer and nut are installed.
Sequence of action:
- Apply sealant around the hole from the outside.
- Insert a bolt pre-lubricated with sealant.
- On the inside, put on the puck, apply a sealant and twist the nut.
- Install the wheel bracket and fix it with the second layer of the fastener (if the design is composite).
Don't just lock the nuts right away. Let the sealant spread a little under pressure, then make the final puff. The excess sealant you've made must be removed before it's frozen. Most marine sealants take 12 to 24 hours to be fully polymerized, so you can use it. door-wheel You can't immediately after installation.
☑️ Checklist before launch
Comparison of transes materials and fastening features
Other manufacturers use different materials to make transoms, and each of them dictates its own installation conditions, and understanding these differences will help avoid fatal installation errors. wheel-drive.
| Transcent material | Features of drilling | Risks in installation | Recommended fastener |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plywood | It is easy to drill, but prone to stratification | Moisture inwards | Stainless steel + abundant sealant |
| Aluminum leaf | It requires sharp drills, possible heating | Deformation of metal around the hole | Bolts with wide washers |
| Fiberglass | Solid material, dust is harmful to breathing | Cracks in the stretch | Special fasteners for composites |
The most common option is a plywood transom, and it's critical to protect the end of the hole from water, and if moisture gets between the layers of plywood, it will swell up. fixation Some experts recommend that the ends of the holes be further soaked with epoxy before the bolts are installed.
For aluminum transverses, it is important to use washers larger than the bolt head so that when tightening, there is no dent that will become a source of corrosion or crack. It is also worth using growers or self-contradicting nuts, since the vibration of the motor helps unwind the joints.
Operation and maintenance of the mechanism
Once the sealant is successfully installed and dryed, it's time to test it. The first launch must be careful. door-wheel in a lowered state when moving: do they create excessive resistance or sailing, if the structure is not completely removed?
Regular maintenance will prolong the life of your equipment. After each release, especially in salt water, the mechanism must be rinsed with fresh water. The mobile parts (axles, hinges) should be periodically lubricated with silicone grease, which does not corrode rubber and plastic.
⚠️ Warning! Never keep the boat assembled with the wheels down under load, which creates a constant stress at the anchorage points of the transnox and can cause it to deform during prolonged stay.
If you notice that the wheels have started to luft or creak, do not delay maintenance. Pull up the fasteners, check the condition of the washers. If you find corrosion on the mounting elements of conventional steel, they should be replaced immediately with products made of steel. stainless steel.
Properly installed and maintained transom wheels increase the boat’s mobility by many times, making the descent and ascent process safe and easy for even one person.
Can I install wheels without drilling a transom?
There are some clamp-type models that are fixed to the top edge of the transom. However, for floorboard boats, they are often less reliable because of the decking design and can interfere with the engine installation. In addition, the clamps can weaken in vibration, requiring constant lifting.
What is the maximum weight of standard transom wheels?
Most high-quality models are designed for a load of 40 to 60 kg, which is enough for a boat and an engine. However, when choosing, always take into account the total weight of the boat, engine, tank and equipment. If the weight is more than 50 kg, it is better to choose models with reinforced construction and bearing units.
Do I need to remove the wheels when storing the boat?
If the design is removable, then yes, it is the best option for compact storage and transportation in a case. If the wheels are stationary, make sure they are stacked along the transomb and fixed so as not to damage the fabric of the boat when folding.