Inflatable craft often have limitations in design, especially when it comes to outboard power. The standard transom that is part of the balloon has its limits of strength and rigidity, which prevents more efficient units from being installed without the risk of damage to the boat. grazing-tree - specialized attachment equipment that allows you to move the engine mounting point outside the main body.
This upgrade opens up new possibilities for the boating, allowing the use of motors of greater power than the manufacturer's intended for a particular PVC model. However, installing an additional transom is not just a matter of screwing the board to the cylinder, but a complex engineering task requiring an understanding of the physics of load distribution. The wrong approach can lead to the destruction of the mounts on the water, with serious consequences for the crew.
In this article, we will take a look at all aspects of the design and operation of remote transoms, from the choice of materials to the nuances of balancing a boat. You will learn why standard solutions can be dangerous and how to make a reliable design yourself or choose a finished quality product. Safety on the water depends on the small things, and motor mounting plays a paramount role here.
Design and purpose of the remote transom
The main function of the remote transgress is to transfer the engine thrust vector and weight from the soft cylinder to a more rigid or distributed mounting system. Unlike the standard transgress, which is an integral part of the inflated side, the remote design relies on the sides through a system of slings, rigid linings or additional inflatable elements. lower local pressure at the mounting points and prevent the cylinder from deforming under the weight of the heavy motor.
The structurally, these devices are divided into several types, the most common models with a rigid platform, which is attached to the sides using a system of belts and metal or plastic linings. fly-outThese are extra sponson cylinders attached to the sides of the main transom, which provide excellent buoyancy and weight compensation, but require more time to prepare for the release.
The most important element of the design is the angle of the trim, the remote transom allows you to adjust the angle of inclination of the lower unit motor, which is critical for the boat to plane. The right angle ensures the optimal position of the zygomatic line relative to the surface of the water. If the angle is too sharp, the boat will bury its nose, and if too blunt, it will go with excessive roll on the stern, losing speed and handling.
⚠️ Attention: The use of a remote transom changes the centering of the boat. Shifting the center of gravity in the stern can lead to deterioration of driving performance and even tipping in sharp maneuvers, so check the stability in shallow water is required.
Materials used in manufacturing must be highly corrosive. Sea water, dissolved fuel spray and constant ultraviolet radiation create an aggressive environment. Aluminum alloys, AISI 304 stainless steel and special plastics are standard for such products. Wood is used less often and only as a base requiring careful varnishing and protection.
Advantages and disadvantages of modernization
The decision to install an extra transom should be made in a balanced manner, taking into account all the pros and cons of such an upgrade, the main advantage of which is the possibility of installing a more powerful engine, which is important for boat owners who want to improve speed performance or use heavier propellers to transport goods. Increased capacity allows you to go faster on planing, which saves fuel and travel time.
Also, the remote design often allows the second engine to be installed as a spare or running motor, which turns the boat into a twin-engine one, a popular solution among anglers who need a quiet electric motor for trolling and a powerful gasoline unit for crossings, and the improvement in differentiation is also worth noting: by taking the heavy motor further into the stern, it is easier to balance the boat with a full load.
But there are also serious shortcomings. sailing The boat becomes more sensitive to lateral wind, and driving at high speeds can be addictive, and the extra weight in the stern reduces the payload on passengers and cargo, which can be critical for small boats.
Another disadvantage is the complexity of mooring and storage, the remote transom stands out from the size of the boat, it is easy to damage when docking or transporting in a trailer, requires either dismantling the structure or using special covers and stops, and also increases the risk of motor theft, since it is further from the operator and often less protected by the sides of the boat.
- 🚀 Power: The ability to install the engine is 20-30% more powerful than the standard limit.
- ⚖️ Balance: Improved differentiation when the boat is fully loaded.
- 🎣 Universality: Possibility of installing an additional electric motor for trolling.
- ⚠️ Risks: Deterioration of stability and controllability when installed incorrectly.
Selection of materials and tools for manufacturing
If you choose to make a remote transom yourself, the choice of materials becomes a matter of safety. The base of the transmutation board should be made of moisture-resistant plywood of the brand FSF or, ideally, of marine plywood. The thickness of the material should be at least 18-25 mm to withstand vibration loads and the weight of the engine without deflection. The use of conventional construction plywood is unacceptable, since it will quickly dissect.
For the power frame and fasteners is best suited aluminum Aluminum is lightweight and does not rust, but requires careful handling to avoid contact corrosion when attached to other metals. Steel is stronger but much heavier, which can adversely affect the differentiation of the boat. All metal elements must be protected by anode coating or quality painting.
The fasteners are not a saving element. The bolts, nuts and washers must be made of AISI 316 stainless steel, which is the most resistant to the marine environment. A conventional galvanized fastener will rust in one season of active use. To connect the parts, it is recommended to use threaded joints with the thread lock so that the vibration of the motor does not weaken the structure.
You'll need a jigsaw or a circular saw to cut plywood, a drill with a set of drills on metal and wood, a grinder to treat edges and prevent splinters. You'll also need a polyurethane-based sealant to seal joints and protect wood from moisture. Don't forget the measuring tool, the roulette and the quad, because the accuracy of geometry directly affects reliability.
☑️ Tools for transom manufacture
Step-by-step instructions for DIY installation
The process of installing the remote transom requires precision and adherence to technology. Start with the marking of the mounting places on the sides of the boat. It is important to find the points where the cylinder has the greatest rigidity, usually the docking places of inflatable sections or special reinforced zones. The distance between the mounting points should correspond to the width of the transmolatory board and ensure the vertical position of the motor.
The next step is to prepare the linings, and the inside and outside of the side are mounted on rigid plates (usually made of plastic or aluminum) that distribute pressure from bolts or screed belts, which prevents the balloon from being pressed. If the design involves strap attachment, make sure that they have robust carbines and tension adjustments.
The slingboard itself is installed after the boat is partially pumped, but it still retains some flexibility on the sides, which will avoid excessive stress on materials during the final pumping, the board is set strictly perpendicular to the diametrical plane of the boat, skewing even a few degrees will lead to the boat sideways while moving and uneven wear of the lower unit.
Bolt tightening sequence:1. Insert all bolts without final tightening.
2. Level the transom in the level.
3. tighten the bolts cross-cross (like the wheels of a car).
4. Check the level again after full tightening.
Once installed, you need to do a test on land, and try to apply force to the transom in different directions, simulating the loads when you're driving, and the design doesn't have to luft, creak, or deform the sides, and then you can go to the engine, and you can make sure that the mounting is rigid.
⚠️ Warning: Never use a remote transom if there are scuffs, punctures or repairs on the sides of the boat at the anchorage points. The weakened material of the cylinder may not withstand the load and burst under engine pressure.
Table of compatibility and specifications
When choosing or manufacturing a remote transom, it is important to consider compatibility with a particular boat model and engine type. Below is an indicative table that helps determine the necessary design parameters depending on the engine power and type of boat.
| Type of boat | Engine power (hp) | Recommended board thickness | Type of attachment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (up to 3 m) | 5 | 18-20 mm | Slings with linings |
| Medium (3-4 m) | 5-15 | 21-25 mm | Rigid brackets + slings |
| Large (4+ m) | 15-30 | 25-30 mm | aluminum frame |
| Heavy (RIBs) | 30+ | 30+ mm | Specialized bracket |
As you can see from the table, as the engine increases, the requirements for stiffness and thickness of the transombboard increase exponentially. For motors over 15 hp, it is no longer recommended to use simple strap boards on the belts, since vibration and weight can lead to structural collapse, in which case a rigid frame is needed that rests on the sides through wide areas.
Operation and security measures
The use of a remote transom imposes on the owner of the boat increased responsibility. Before each release on the water, you need to conduct a visual inspection of all mounting units. Particular attention should be paid to the places where the metal contactes PVC - there should be no cracks, rubbing or signs of corrosion. Regular lubrication of moving parts and checking the tightening of bolts should become a habit.
When driving at high speeds with a remote transom, the driving style should be smoother. Sharp steering can create a critical load on the stern, especially if the boat is rolling. lower unit may differ from the standard, so when passing shallow water the risk of damage to the screw or lower unit increases.
An important aspect is to keep the boat with the remote transom installed. When folded, the structure should not create stress points on the material of the cylinder. It is best to dismantle the remote transom before packing the boat into a bag to avoid PVC clamps and damage during prolonged storage.
- 🔍 Inspection: Check the integrity of the belts and the absence of cracks in the plywood before each trip.
- 🧼 Gone: Washing with fresh water after use in salt water to prevent corrosion.
- 🔩 Control: Regular lifting of threaded connections, which tend to weaken from vibration.
⚠️ Warning: If you feel an unusual vibration in the body or hear a creak in the area where the transom is attached while you are driving, immediately release the gas and stop. Continued movement may cause the motor to detach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a remote transom to install an electric motor?
Yes, it's one of the most popular applications. Electric motors are usually lighter than gasoline motors, but they have a long leg, which creates a lot of pressure on the transom, and the remote design is perfect for fixing the electric turret without taking up space on the standard transom, where the main motor can stand.
How much does a boat speed decrease?
The design itself does not reduce speed if it is properly installed and does not create additional resistance in the water, but shifting the center of gravity in the stern can worsen the plane output, which will require more power or redistribution of the cargo (passengers) forward.
Will a takeaway transom fit for a boat without a hard transom (completely inflatable)?
For fully inflatable boats (where the transom is also inflatable), the use of remote structures is possible, but requires special models with wide load distribution areas. Standard rigid transponders on belts can deform the inflatable rear, so specialized solutions with inflatable sponsons are needed.
How often do you need to change the mounting elements?
Visual inspection is done before each season. If you are operating a boat in salt water, the AISI 304 stainless steel fastener is recommended to be changed every 3-5 years of active use, and the AISI 316 can last longer.
Can you make a full-length tree out of wood?
Theoretically, it can, but it's not recommended: wood absorbs moisture, gets heavy and rots; a fully wooden structure without protection with aluminum or plastic will not survive long; it's better to use wood only as a base (core), sheathed or protected with moisture-resistant materials.