Driving on an inflatable vessel at high speed always carries the risk of getting a powerful shower from the seaside water. motor It can lift a wave that, when the wind is on the head, turns a pleasant walk into an endurance test, and the water quickly cools the body, gets wet, and can cause a cold if you plan to be on the water for a long time.
That's why. spray-proof (often called an apron) is not just an accessory, but a necessity for the comfort of the vessel. A properly installed screen changes the aerodynamics of the cockpit, creating a dry pocket where passengers stay warm and comfortable. In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects of the choice of materials, designs and installation.
Many PVC boat owners underestimate the importance of this element until they are faced with real-world conditions, but experienced boaters know that it is a well-designed engine. lens It can reduce the amount of water that enters the coccpit by up to 90 percent, which is critical to keeping equipment dry and keeping crew safe.
Why you need protection from splashes on an inflatable boat
The main function of the shield is obvious: it physically blocks the flow of water towards the crew, but it is not limited to keeping clothes dry, but when moving at speed, water hits the sides and nose, creating a fine suspension, which at low air temperature causes the effect of wind-cold exposure.
Aerodynamic effect It also plays a key role: the vertical screen redirects air flow upwards, creating a zone of low pressure and turbulence directly in front of the passengers, which allows you to maintain body heat even in high headwinds, without such a screen, the body's heat transfer increases by many times, which can lead to hypothermia.
⚠️ Attention: Setting a screen too high or too hard on low-power boats can be a cruel joke: With strong side winds, the sailing of the boat will increase, which will require the steering officer to constantly monitor the course and can lead to a tip over.
In addition, protection saves electronic devices, navigation equipment and personal belongings from salt or fresh water, corrosion of contacts and failure of sonars is a common problem for those who neglect to install simple protective measures. PVC material The screen also serves as an additional safety barrier, protecting the face from small objects or insects flying from the water.
Selection of material for the manufacture of apron
The market offers many solutions, but not all fabrics are suitable for creating long-lasting spray protection for a PVC boat. The main requirement is a combination of flexibility, tensile strength and resistance to ultraviolet radiation. PVCIt is also used to make the boats themselves.
Fabric Oxford Polyurethane or PVC coatings have also proven to be a great option, lighter, easier to fold and often more aesthetically pleasing, but for places with high mechanical loads (mounts, seams), it is better to use denser reinforced versions, the material thickness should be at least 700-900 g/sq.m to ensure wind resistance.
Transparency is an important aspect. Often the front of the screen is made of transparent. polyurethane The use of cloudy or scratchy materials is unacceptable, as it directly affects the safety of the vessel.
Comparison of materials for apron
PVC reinforced: Maximum strength, high sailing, heavy. Perfect for harsh conditions and high speeds. Oxford fabric: Lighter, compact, cheaper. Suitable for calm water and low speeds. Transparent vinyl: Used only for viewing windows. Fears frost and scratches.
When choosing a material, pay attention to its elasticity at low temperatures. Cheap analogues in the cold can "blown" and crack on the folds, losing their tightness. material It retains flexibility even in cool weather.
Design features and types of screens
The design of spray protection can range from a simple vertical shield to complex combined systems. verticalIt can be hard (on the frame) or soft (strung on the rope or arc).
More complex systems include sidewalls that connect to the nose screen to form a hood or windshield awning, which provide maximum comfort, but require more complex installation and take up more space during transportation. pockets It's for storing small things.
The mounting systems should be considered as being reliable, but not damaging the cylinders of the boat. loovers And laces allow you to regulate tension, and special pockets-skirts worn on the balloon, distribute the load over a large area.
| Type of design | Difficulty of installation | Effectiveness of protection | Weight and dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical shield | Low. | Medium (front only) | Lightweight, compact. |
| Sidewall screen | Medium | High (front and side) | Average weight |
| Full awning transformer | High. | Maximum (including roof) | Heavy, bulky. |
| Flexible screen on the cable | Low. | Low/Medium | Minimum |
The type of fishing you choose depends on how you use the boat. For fishing alone, a simple solution is often enough, whereas for family walks with children, it is better to consider options with side protection.
Instructions for installing protection yourself
Installing spray protection on a PVC boat yourself is a process that requires precision and accuracy. The first step should always be marking. Don't rush to drill holes or stick elements. Deploy the material on a pumped boat, assess the view and position of the mounts.
You'll need PVC glue (two-component polyurethane), degrease, scissors, marker and possibly a dryer to warm up the material, and if the design involves pockets that are put on the cylinder, they require special precision in size calculations.
☑️ Checklist before installation
The process of gluing the response parts of the Velcro or pockets should take place at a temperature not lower than +15 ° C. The surface of the balloon is carefully degreased, glue is applied to both surfaces, a pause is maintained (according to the instructions for the glue), after which the elements are connected and rolled. It is important to avoid getting glue on visible parts of the screen.
⚠️ Attention: Never use solvent-based adhesives (e.g., "Moment" classic) to glue elements to an inflated cylinder under load. Aggressive components can damage the structure of PVC, especially if the boat is made of quality but sensitive fabric.
If you are using a system with loovers And with laces to the crims, make sure that the cord does not rub the fabric of the boat. It is better to run the cord through the dice or special soft hinges. The rigid elements of the frame (if any) should not touch the cylinder with sharp angles.
Screen maintenance and maintenance
Proper care of splash protection will extend the life of the boat and preserve the appearance of the boat. After each step out into the water, especially at sea, the screen must be washed with fresh water. The salt, drying, crystallizes and can damage the structure of the fabric or transparent window.
Store the screen should be spread out or freely folded, avoiding the formation of sharp creases in the cold. PVC materials They have shaped memory, and permanent crevices in one place can lead to cracks. Drying before packaging is mandatory - the wet fabric in the closed case will quickly become covered with mold.
To clean a transparent window, use only soft cloth and special plastic products or soap solution. Do not use abrasive sponges, alcohol or acetone - they will make the plastic cloudy and brittle.
Check the joints and mounting points regularly, and if you notice threads breaking apart or pockets peeling off, repairs should be done immediately using a boat remix, and ignoring minor defects under wind loads will quickly destroy the entire structure.
Safety and Impact on Manageability
Installation of any additional equipment changes the specifications of the vessel. Sailing The screen-mounted boats increase significantly, which means that with strong side winds, the boat will be more likely to be demolished, and to hold its course will require more active engine or oar work.
Special attention should be paid to the view. The screen should not block the visibility of the driver, especially in bad weather, when the view is already limited. The use of high-quality transparent inserts is critical. If the screen begins to slam in the wind of the parking lot, it is not only annoying, but also creates an unnecessary load on the mounting points.
The main safety principle is that the screen should be strong enough to hold the wave, but flexible enough or removable enough to avoid becoming a killer sail in a storm warning.
When moving in groups or narrows, remember the increased dimensions of the vessel. The side wings of the protection can affect other objects or people when mooring. Always consider this factor when maneuvering near shore or other boats.
How often should I change the screen?
The life of a transparent polyurethane depends on the operating conditions. When used and stored in the sun, you may need to replace it after 2-3 seasons. If you notice clouding that does not wash off, or the appearance of microcracks ("web"), the insert is better replaced, as it becomes fragile.
Can I use the screen in winter?
You can use standard PVC screens at low temperatures, but with caution. The material tans and becomes sensitive to impacts. Avoid sudden movements and bending of the screen in the cold. Special winter materials are more frost resistant, but they also require careful handling.
Do I need to take off the screen when storing the boat?
Yes, it is recommended to remove or minimize the tension of the screen before long storage, which will relieve stress from the places of gluing pockets and seams, preventing the deformation of the fabric and detachment of the adhesive from the cylinder under the influence of temperature changes.