Every owner of the boat knows that the boating awning 43 is not just an accessory, but a vital protection for the PVC boat. Exposure to ultraviolet rays, rainwater and road dust can quickly turn an expensive vessel into an unsightly product, which is why choosing a quality shelter becomes a priority immediately after buying the vessel itself.
The boating awning 43 is specifically designed to accommodate the geometry of outboard inflatable boats, which, unlike standard running models, ensures that the aft section, where the transom and the engine are located, is sealed, leaving the vessel in the open without the risk of moisture entering the cockpit or the candle caps of the engine.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the design features, materials and nuances of operation, so that you can make the right choice. A well-chosen shelter will preserve the presentation of your boat for many years to come.
Design features and purpose of the water-motor awning
The main distinguishing feature of the model 43 is the presence of a special pocket or an elongated rear part for the outboard motor. boating awning It's not just covering the cylinders, it's creating a complete dome that protects the interior from precipitation, and it's usually designed to be folded or partially disassembled, which is convenient for transportation.
It is important to understand that tent-cover It's designed to be used in traffic, and it's designed to be static in the parking lot, whether it's shore, or it's a pin, or it's a garage, and it's often made of duraluminum tubes that are easily assembled and have a high corrosion resistance.
⚠️ Warning: Never attempt to use the boating awning 43 as a running awning. It has no rigid fixation and can be ripped off by wind or water, resulting in boat damage or injuries.
Modern models are equipped with a ventilation system that prevents condensation, zipper buckles and lace buckles are arranged so that they can fit tightly without distortion, and this is especially important in high wind gusts, when the sailing of the shelter can become a problem.
Materials: Oxford, Tarpaulin or PVC fabric
Material choice is a balance between weight, strength and cost. boating awning 43 is most often sewn from fabric. Oxford It's a lightweight, durable material that holds its shape well and is not afraid of temperature changes, and the density of the fabric is usually between 180 and 240 g/m2.
A more budgetary, but less durable option is tarpaulinIt's a multi-layered polyethylene fabric reinforced with a reinforcement mesh, and it's very waterproof, but it can tan in the cold, and it can thin out in the long run, and it's a good option for one year of seasonal storage.
The most reliable, but also the most difficult solution is considered fabric. PVC (PVC), similar to the one used in the boat cylinders themselves, which are almost wet, resistant to abrasion and rot, but can be very heavy, making it difficult for one person to fit.
- 🛡️ Oxford PU: Optimal price-quality ratio, light weight, good resistance to UV radiation.
- 💧 Tarpaulin: Full water resistance, low price, but low frost resistance and sailing.
- 🏗️ PVC fabric: Maximum strength, is not afraid of sharp objects, high weight and cost.
When buying an awning, pay attention to the gluing of the seams. If the seams are simply sewn with threads without sealing tape, moisture will enter through the punctures of the needle.
Comparative table of material specifications
To make the choice easier, let's compare the basic parameters of materials used in sewing water-motor awnings, which affect the life and usability in different climatic conditions.
| Characterization | Oxford 240 PU | tarpaulin | PVC fabric (650 g/m2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight 1 m2 | ~240g | ~160g | ~650g |
| Waterproofness | High (2000 mm) | Absolute. | Absolute. |
| Frost resistance | -40°C | up to -15°C | up to -50°C |
| Term of service | 5-7 years | 1-2 years | 10+ years |
Analyzing the table, we can conclude that for all-season storage on the street is best suited PVC dense OxfordTarpaulin is suitable for short-term protection from rain in the summer.
Instructions for the correct installation of the tent
Proper installation of the boating awning 43 ensures that it does not fly off at the first storm warning. Before installation, make sure that the boat is on a flat surface and the cylinders are pumped to working pressure, this will prevent sagging of the fabric and accumulation of water in the pockets.
First, build a frame of duraluminium arcs, insert the arc ends into special pockets or holes on the transom and bow of the boat. If the design involves attachment to the fry, make sure that all connections are securely fixed. The tension should be uniform on all sides.
☑️ Check before installing the tent
After you stretch the frame, spread the cloth. Pay special attention to the aft: the engine pocket must be straightened so as not to create sailing. Secure the awning with cords that are worn into the luvers around the perimeter. The cords must not hang out, they must be tightened and fixed.
⚠️ Warning: Do not leave the hanging ends of cords or loose lightning. In the wind, they will hit the cylinders, which can cause urinary tissue to be wiped or PVC damaged.
If you use an awning for a long stay, it is recommended to put soft pads under the contact points of the cords with cylinders, this will reduce the risk of mechanical damage to the shell of the boat during strong wind gusts.
Protection of the outboard motor under the tent
One of the main functions of the 43 is to protect the outboard motor, but simply covering it with a cloth is not enough, moisture can enter the pocket of the motor, which, when temperatures vary, will cause metal parts to corrosion, and it is recommended to use an additional case on the engine itself or treat it with preservative lubricants.
The boating awning must have vents in the area of lower unit, which will allow air circulation and prevent condensation inside the engine casing, and stagnation of moist air is the main enemy of electronics and spark plugs.
Do I need to remove the engine for storage under the awning?
Removing the motor for long-term storage under the awning is not necessary if the awning design allows you to securely close the transom. However, if you keep the boat in high humidity or in winter, it is better to dismantle the engine and store it in a vertical position in a warm room, this will prolong the life of the lower unit and gearbox.
When installing, make sure that the fabric does not touch the hot parts of the engine if you have just arrived from water. Heat resistance Oxford and PVC materials are high, but constant contact with a red-hot muffler can melt the fabric.
- 🔧 Regularly check the condition of the awning mounts in the area of the motor.
- 🌬️ Provide air flow to the engine through special valves.
- 🧼 Clean the engine of salt deposits before sheltering.
Care and storage of awning in the off-season
To keep the water-motor tent 43 in place, you need to take good care of it, and the dirt and dust that accumulates on the surface, combined with moisture, creates a medium for mold to develop, and wash the tent regularly with warm water using soft detergents. Aggressive chemistry And solvents are prohibited because they destroy the protective layer of tissue.
Before you pack it, the awning should be completely dry. If you remove the wet cloth in the bag, by next season you risk getting a product with mold stains that are almost impossible to remove. Dry the awning in the open form in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight, which can accelerate the aging of the material.
The main rule of storage: clean and completely dry awning in a ventilated room - a guarantee of its long service.
It is best to store a product in a spacious bag of breathable fabric, rather than in a sealed polyethylene. The optimal storage temperature is room temperature, but most modern materials can tolerate negative temperatures as long as they are not subjected to mechanical stress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use the water-motor tent 43 in winter under snow?
Yes, but with limitations, the design must withstand the weight of the snow cover, it is recommended to periodically shake the snow from the surface to avoid excessive load on the frame and fabric, for harsh winters, it is better to choose models of reinforced PVC.
How to eliminate small punctures or cuts on the awning?
There are special remixes for Oxford and PVC fabric repairs, the surface is degreased, a patch of the same material is glued and tightly pressed, and you can use fabric-based construction tape or special adhesives for polyethylene for tarpaulin.
Will the tent 43 go on a boat 3.60 meters long?
The Model 43 is usually designed for boats between 3.20 and 3.60 meters long. However, the exact dimensions vary by manufacturer. Before buying, be sure to measure the length of the boat from transom to nose and the width of the cylinders, comparing them with the size table of a particular model.
Do I need to remove the seats (banks) before installing the awning?
In most cases, removable cans (seats) are better removed so that the awning fabric does not sag or touch the sharp corners of the fittings. If the design of the boat allows, the cans can be left, but make sure that they do not create stress points on the cloth.