Many inflatable boat owners will sooner or later be faced with the desire to increase the power of the outboard motor or simply change its location for ease of use. Standard solutions, such as hinged transverses, are often limited to the design of cylinders and do not always withstand the weight of powerful engines. grazing-tree, which allows you to move the mounting point of the motor beyond the cylinders, providing the optimal angle of attack of the screw and unloading the aft part.
Installing such a structure requires careful preparation and understanding of the physics of load allocation on the inflatable hull. Incorrect calculation or use of substandard materials can damage cylinders or even tip the vessel over on the water. In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects of design, selection of materials and installation to ensure that your vessel remains safe and maneuverable.
Before you start manufacturing or buying, you need to assess the real needs and capabilities of your boat. Takeaway transom It's not just a piece of plywood, it's a complex piece of plywood that affects the stability and handling of the boat, and it's a smart approach that avoids common mistakes and enjoys safe navigation.
Design features and types of remote transverses
The main purpose of the remote transom is to transfer the traction force of the engine from the cylinders to a rigid base or load distribution system. There are several types of designs, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Stacked models are attached directly to the cylinder through special pockets or belts, while stationary rest on the sides or bottom of the boat, transferring the weight of the engine to the entire structure of the boat.
The most important element is the material of the production of the supporting material, most often marine plywood with a thickness of at least 18-24 mm, treated with special impregnations. AMG5PThey are also popular for their lightness and corrosion resistance, but require more complex welding and processing.
- 🛶 Classic wooden: is made of moisture-resistant plywood, sheathed with glass fabric or painted, is available and easy to process.
- ⚓ Metal frame: It is made from a profile pipe or corner, provides maximum rigidity, but has more weight.
- 🚤 Combined: combines a metal frame and a wooden or composite platform for fastening the motor.
When choosing a design, it is important to take into account not only the weight of the motor, but also the dynamic loads that arise when moving along the wave. The critical parameter is the distance of the takeaway: the displacement of the motor by more than 30-40 cm from the cylinder without additional stress in the bottom can lead to the tipping of the boat stern down. Therefore, many models provide additional supports or attachment to stringers.
Calculation of load capacity and force application point
Safety depends on the correct calculation of loads: the engine creates not only a vertical load with its weight, but also a significant horizontal force under traction. Point of application of force shall be designed so that cylinders are not pressed and the geometry of the boat is not disturbed.
For heavy motors weighing more than 30-40 kg, it is recommended to use structures with a support on the bottom or side, this allows you to distribute the weight over a larger area and reduces the risk of damage to PVC fabric. The use of soft fasteners, such as belts, is only permissible for light engines with a capacity of up to 5-6 hp.
When calculating the load capacity, multiply the weight of the engine by the reserve factor of 1.5 - this is the accounting of dynamic loads from excitement and sharp maneuvers.
Particular attention should be paid to the height of the installation of the lower unit. Incorrect height can lead to cavitation or, conversely, to excessive resistance.
⚠️ Warning: Never attach the remote transom to an inflatable cylinder only if the engine weighs more than 20 kg. This can cause tissue to rupture and instant flooding of the aft.
Materials and tools for self-manufacturing
If you decide to make grazing-tree The quality of the raw materials used determines the durability of the structure in an aggressive aqueous environment, and for wooden elements, the best plywood is the highest grade FFS (water resistant) plywood, which has no knots and voids.
Metal elements require careful anti-corrosion treatment. Even stainless steel can be subjected to electrochemical corrosion in salt water, so additional coatings, such as epoxy soils or powder painting, will not be superfluous. Aluminum profiles should be anodized or special marine alloys used.
To build, you will need the following tools and consumables:
- 🔨 A drill or screwdriver with a set of drills on wood and metal.
- 🔩 Fastening elements of stainless steel (bolts, nuts, washers).
- 🧪 Epoxy glue and fiberglass for sealing wooden parts.
- 📏 Roulette, coal and level for accurate markings.
Remember to use personal protective equipment when working with epoxy resins and when drilling materials. The accuracy of the parts directly affects the reliability of the assembly. All wooden surfaces should be protected from moisture penetration, since swelling of the plywood can lead to stratification of the structure.
How to properly process plywood?
Plywood must be soaked with olifu or a special composition of 2-3 layers, then pasted with fiberglass on epoxy glue and painted with yacht varnish. The cuts require special attention and additional sealing.
Step-by-step instructions for installation and installation
The process of installing a remote transom requires consistency and accuracy. First, you need to mark the attachment places on the sides or cylinders of the boat. Make sure the surface is clean and dry. If you use a hinged system, check the integrity of the hinges and belts.
Next, you should fix the main load-bearing structure. When using a stationary version with support in the bottom, make sure that the support pads have a soft pad so as not to damage the material of the boat.
☑️ Check before the first launch
Once the transom is installed, you need to do static tests on the shore, try to apply force to the tiller or the lower unit, simulating the engine, the structure should not shift, creak or deform, only after successful testing can you start installing the engine.
| Type of boat | Max. engine weight (kg) | Recommended material | Type of attachment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small size (up to 3 m) | 15 | Plywood 18 mm | A mounted balloon. |
| Medium (3-4 m) | 15-40 | Plywood 24 mm / Aluminum | Combined |
| Large (4+ m) | 40+ | Aluminum profile | Stationary with emphasis |
Maintenance and safety measures during operation
Regular maintenance of the takeaway transom will extend its life and protect you on the water. After each trip in salt water, the structure should be washed with fresh water to remove salt. Wooden elements should be periodically inspected for cracks in the paintwork and restored in a timely manner.
Metal fasteners require corrosion checks. Bolt loosening is a common problem due to vibration, so it is recommended to check the tightening of all joints before each step on the water. Loctite) will help to avoid spontaneous unwinding.
⚠️ Attention: If even a small backlash appears at the place where the transom attaches to the boat, operation should be stopped immediately.
It is also important to monitor the condition of seals and gaskets between the transom and the boat hull, which can cause damage to the PVC fabric. Preventive examination It should include checking all components for fatigue of materials, especially if the boat is stored in assembled condition under load.
The main safety rule: (regular inspection) of fasteners before each release on the water saves lives and saves property.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a remote transom for an electric motor?
Yes, electric motors are ideal for remote transoms, as they are usually lighter than gasoline, but it is important to consider the length of the electric motor's daydwt so that the propeller does not suck air when the boat rolls.
How often should I change the fastener on the takeaway transom?
A visual inspection is carried out before each trip, and a complete replacement of bolts and nuts is recommended every 3-5 seasons of active use, or when the first signs of corrosion or strain of the thread appear.
Does the slinging affect the speed of the boat?
A properly installed transom doesn't have to make a big difference in speed, but if the design creates additional water resistance or changes the differentiation (nose picks up), the speed may drop. It's important to balance.
Do I need to remove the transom while storing the boat?
It is advisable to remove removable elements to eliminate the constant pressure on the cylinders at the attachment points. If the transom is stationary, make sure that the boat is not kept in a strained state under the weight of the structure.