Comfort on the water depends on how well organized the internal space of the swimmer. PVC-box It often becomes the element that turns an inflatable rubber bot into a full-fledged fishing boat or a convenient cruising vehicle. Many owners underestimate the importance of this accessory, preferring to simply throw things on the bottom, but this leads to damage to the equipment and loss of stability of the vessel.
A well-designed runduk solves several tasks: it serves as a seat for a rower or passenger, protects gear from water and sun, and provides additional unsinkability. In this article, we will discuss in detail which materials are better suited for aquatic environment, how to calculate optimal dimensions and what to consider when attaching the structure to a transom or cylinders.
It's worth noting that there is no universal solution. Kharkov or Yamaran Weight requirements will be the same, and for heavier models, Badger or Gladiator It is important to understand the difference between a stationary transom box and a removable kunduk, which can be quickly removed to facilitate the boat's transportation.
Main functions and purpose of runduk
The main purpose of the box installation is to systematize storage. Unlike a simple bag, it's rigid. chunk-box It allows you to safely place fragile objects: sonars, navigators, gas tanks and glass containers. In addition, the presence of a solid surface above the balloon makes it possible to conveniently sit down while waiting for a stick or rest.
The second critical function is to ensure sluggishnessA properly sealed box, even when fully submerged, maintains a positive buoyancy, a property that can save the boat in a critical situation when the cylinders are damaged, and there is enough air inside the empty volume to keep the boat afloat with the crew.
⚠️ Warning: Never use regular plastic food containers to store things in water. Ultraviolet and temperature changes will quickly make them brittle, and they will crack at the most inopportune moment.
The box also acts as a safety buffer, and when mounted on a tray, it takes on the shocks of the waves, protecting the back of the motorist from splashes and headwinds. gas tanksThis allows you to free up useful space in the cockpit and reduce the risk of fuel splashing.
Selection of materials: plastic, plywood or composite
When making or buying a hazelnut, the owner is faced with the question of choosing a material, each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, which directly affect the durability and weight of the structure. plywood, covered with sea lacquer or fiberglass.
Plastic models, often made from polypropylene or ABS plasticThey don't rot, they don't require painting, they clean easily, but they tend to cost more, and they have lower maintenance in the field, and if the plastic is tampered with, it's harder to seal it than to patch it with epoxy.
- 🪵 Plywood: durable, repairable, but requires high-quality waterproofing and heavier than analogues.
- 💧 Plastic: It is water resistant, lightweight, but can be fragile in the cold and expensive.
- 🛶 Composite: A combination of strength and lightness is often used in premium factory models.
⚠️ Note: When using plywood, categorically avoid varieties below FC. Plywood FSF contains phenolformaldehyde resins that are more resistant to moisture, but if improperly processed can be toxic in an enclosed space.
Composite materials are gaining popularity due to their ability to mimic the texture of wood while fully waterproof. Zodiac or NorfolkThey don't swell or change geometry, which is important for a tight lid fit.
Design features and dimensions
The geometry of the box is dictated by the size of the boat and the place of installation. chunk-box It is usually as wide as the cylinders, or slightly less so as not to interfere with the passageway, and the height is chosen so that the top cover is at a comfortable level for sitting, usually 35-45 cm from the bottom.
The rigidity ribs are an important part of the structure, and without them, the thin walls can deform under the weight of a sitting person or the pressure of water when rolling. The internal partitions also help to structure the space by separating the compartment. gear and a fuel bay.
The lid of the drawer should open comfortably, even with gloves. Loops are better chosen from stainless steel or brass, since ordinary chermet will rust after the first season. Locks-fixers should provide a tight fit, but do not require excessive effort to open.
The table below shows the recommended dimensions for boats of different lengths:
| Boat length (m) | Recommended box width (see para. | Height (cm) | Volume (l) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 - 2.9 | 30 - 40 | 30 - 35 | 20 - 30 |
| 3.0 - 3.5 | 40 - 50 | 35 - 40 | 40 - 60 |
| 3.6 - 4.2 | 50 - 60 | 40 - 45 | 60 - 90 |
| 4.3. and more | 60 - 80 | 45 - 50 | 90 - 120 |
Instructions for self-manufacturing
Creation boat-box It's a very practical task for someone with basic carpentry skills, and it starts with taking accurate measurements of your boat's cockpit, and you don't have to rely on the manufacturer's stated dimensions, you'd better measure the distance between the cylinders in the narrowest part.
To do this, you'll need at least 10 mm of moisture-resistant plywood, epoxy resin, fiberglass and stainless steel fittings, and you'll need to cut the body parts, then you'll need to put them together with glue and screws, and you'll need to pay special attention to the corners, and you'll need to glue them in multiple layers of glass.
☑️ Checklist for box assembly
Once the case is assembled, it's waterproofing, and multiple layers of varnish is a classic option, but epoxy-based glass is considered more reliable, and this turns regular plywood into a fiberglass-like plastic that's almost water-free.
The final step is to put a sealer around the perimeter of the lid, and this is a great way to do this with a rubber seal in the car or a self-adhesive tape made of foamed polyurethane, which will prevent spray from getting in and keep things dry even in high waves.
Boat anchorage and installation
The method of fixing the box depends on the design of the boat and the type of the runduk itself. sling It's important that the mount does not rub the fabric of the balloon when you move.
If the box is on the floor (bottom), it must be fixed so that it does not travel on slippery PVC when rolling, to do this, strips of anti-slip material are glued to the bottom of the box, and Velcro response elements are attached to the bottom of the boat or use standard liner stretches.
When installed prairie The weight of the box is critical, because a construction that is too heavy can push the balloon through or shift the center of gravity, which is dangerous when you get on plane, and lightweight plastic models are preferred.
⚠️ Warning: Do not drill holes in cylinders to rigidly fasten the box. Use only soft slings, Velcro straps or regular rings provided by the boat manufacturer.
Care and maintenance in the offseason
Even the best quality. PVC-box After each fishing, it is recommended to rinse the structure with fresh water, especially if you have been swimming on a salty body of water, and the salt aggressively affects metal loops and locks.
Before long storage, be sure to remove the lid and let the insides dry completely. The remaining moisture can lead to mold on the walls or corrosion of metal elements. If the box is wooden, once a season check the integrity of the lacquer coating.
Lubricating the hinges and locks is another important point: Use silicone lubricants that are not washed away by water or frozen in the cold, which will ensure that the lid is easily opened even after winter downtime.
Can I use the box as a seat when the engine is running?
Yes, if the design of the box is designed for the weight of an adult (usually up to 120-150 kg) and it is securely fixed, but when you get on plane, it is better to sit on the regular cans, as the center of gravity shifts.
How much gas tank will fit in a standard drawer?
A standard 40-50 cm wide transom box usually has a 12-20 litre tank freely. 25+ litre tanks may require larger models or individual layout.
Do I need to make holes in the bottom of the box?
Yes, small drainage holes (5-7 mm) at the bottom are necessary, allowing water that gets inside (condensation, spray when opened) to flow freely, preventing the formation of a "swamp" inside.
How to protect the box from ultraviolet light?
Use varnishes and paints with UV filters. If the box is plastic, choose models with UV stabilizers, otherwise the material will become brittle in 2-3 seasons of active use in the sun.