The question of protection from the scorching sun or sudden rain arises before every owner of the boat, planning long trips to the water. floatboat They can be damaged by ultraviolet light if you don't take care of the canopy in advance. PVC umbrella is not just an accessory, but a prerequisite for maintaining health and increasing comfort while on the pond.
Many newcomers mistakenly believe that it is enough to take a regular beach umbrella and stick it into a balloon, but the specificity of inflatable designs requires a special approach to selection and installation. Polyvinyl chlorideThe mountings are not designed for point loads or punctures, so the use of specialized mounts becomes a critical safety aspect.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what types of protective structures exist, how to choose the right material and, most importantly, how to securely fix an umbrella without damaging the boat. tent Or an umbrella can turn a regular inflatable boat into a full-fledged mobile holiday home.
Criteria for the selection of a protective umbrella for inflatable vessels
When choosing protection for PVC boats The first thing you need to do is to look at the material in the dome, and the fabric has to be water-repellent and, most importantly, have a high coefficient. UV protectionCheap synthetic materials can quickly burn out and let harmful radiation through, negating the whole point of installing a canopy.
The second critical parameter is sailing. The inflatable boat has a low draft and light weight, so any vertical element turns into a sail.
⚠️ Note: Using an umbrella with a large dome area in winds above 5-7 m / s can lead to a boat tipping over or loss of control.Therefore, for open water bodies, it is better to choose streamlined shapes or models with the possibility of addition.
The way of attachment is also worth considering. Universal models often require improvement, while specialized solutions for mounting are used. fishing It's important that the structure doesn't have sharp angles that could accidentally damage the cylinders when rolling or when the angler is active.
Types of fasteners and methods of installation
Umbrella installation Inflatable craft is a process that requires precision. There are several basic fixing methods, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the design of your boat and the availability of additional elements, such as transom wheels or rod holders.
The most common option is to fix on door-wheelThis allows you to place an umbrella in the aft without taking up useful space in the cockpit, but this method is only suitable for models where the wheels are fastened quite rigidly and not folded while driving.
- 🔹 Clutch brackets: Ideal for boats with inflatable or rigid seats with standard sockets.
- 🔹 Strubs on board: Require the presence of a rigid element (for example, a wooden jar), on which you can lean the clamp.
- 🔹 Fixing to the fun-filled squirrels: It allows you to quickly dismantle the umbrella, but can interfere with rowing.
Special attention should be paid to the method of installation in spinnerIf your boat is equipped with these glasses, you can buy an adapter that will lock the umbrella rack in them, which provides high stability, but limits the choice of installation site.
☑️ Check before installing an umbrella
Comparison of materials: Oxford, PVC and Polyester
The durability of your shelter depends on the fabric you choose, and there are three main types of materials on the market, and understanding the differences between them will help you avoid unnecessary costs. Oxford is considered the gold standard for tourist equipment due to its durability and water-repellent impregnation.
Fabric-based polyester They are often cheaper, but they lose color more quickly under the influence of ultraviolet light and can get wet after a long stay in the rain. For seasonal use in calm water bodies, this is an acceptable option, but for serious use it is not suitable.
Below is a comparative table of specifications of popular umbrella materials:
| Parameter | Oxford 210D | polyester | Specialized PVC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproofness | High (PU coating) | Medium | Absolute. |
| Resistance to UV | Good. | Low. | Great. |
| Weight. | Light. | Very light. | Heavy. |
| Term of service | 3-5 years | 1-2 years | 5-7 years |
When choosing, you should also pay attention to the density of the tissue, which is indicated by the letter. D For boat umbrellas, the optimal range is between 210D and 400D. Lower density may not withstand wind gusts, and higher density may unnecessarily weigh the structure.
Secrets of care for the fabric of the umbrella
After each fishing, especially in salt water or dirty pond, the fabric should be rinsed with fresh water, and the umbrella should be dried only in the straightened form and in the shade to avoid deformation of the frame and the appearance of mold on the folds.
Self-made canopy: step-by-step instructions
For those who prefer to do everything DIY, create an umbrella for the PVC It could be an interesting project, and it would be based on a regular fishing tent, a machine, or a frame from a large beach umbrella that needs to be adapted.
The first step is to create a solid base, and you'll need a 25-30 mm stainless steel or aluminum tube. It is critical to use round plugs at all ends of metal pipes to eliminate any risk of balloon puncture in accidental contact. This security requirement cannot be ignored.
Then you have to make or adapt the mount, and if you use transom wheels, you can weld an extra vertical glass to the rack, and you need a soft inner pad strap strap to attach it to the rack. rubber or EVA materialSo as not to damage the boat's fabric.
- 🔸 Prepare a drawing taking into account the dimensions of your boat.
- 🔸 Buy a high-quality moisture-repellent material with a density of at least 240 g / m2.
- 🔸 All seams glue a special tape for sealing.
- 🔸 Equip the legs of the umbrella with safety slings.
The final step is to test the structure on land, to test the stability of the rocking and make sure that the sharp elements are insulated, and then you can test it on water in calm weather.
⚠️ Warning: When self-manufactured, avoid welding in places that will be directly above the cylinders. Vibration of metal against metal or plastic can cause the fabric of the boat to be rubbed.
Safety rules and operation in windy weather
Operating an umbrella on the water imposes certain limitations, and the main danger is the sail effect, and even a small wind can create a significant force on the mast of the umbrella, which will lead to the roll of the boat. Centre of gravity It shifts, and the stability of the craft drops sharply.
In windy weather, you need to use extra stretchers, you can attach them to the dice on the bow and stern of the boat, adjusting the tension so that the umbrella does not fall, and if the wind is getting stronger, you should lower the dome or completely dismantle the structure.
Also worth remembering is visibility. A high umbrella can cover your view, which is dangerous when you're in active shipping or when other boats are approaching, and always keep a close eye on your surroundings, even if you think you're in a safe zone.
Use bright, visible colors for the top of the umbrella, which will increase your visibility to other boatmasters and rescue services if necessary.
Care and storage of accessories for the boat
Proper care will extend the life of your equipment. After each outing, especially if fishing has been in rain or salt water, the umbrella must be thoroughly dried. Wet fabric is the perfect environment for fungus and mold to develop, which destroy the protective coating.
The metal parts of the frame, even if they are made of aluminum or stainless steel, are recommended to be wiped and lubricated with silicone lubrication, which will prevent oxidation in the joints and jamming of telescopic mechanisms.
Store the umbrella should be spread out or slightly rolled up, avoiding the formation of cloth cloth cloth. The best option is to hang it in a dry room or fold it in a spacious cover that does not compress the structure.
Regular drying and lack of moisture during storage is a guarantee that your umbrella will last several seasons without losing water repellent properties.
In conclusion, putting an umbrella on a PVC boat is a smart investment that pays off with comfort and safety. The right model choice, proper installation and compliance with the rules of operation will allow you to enjoy fishing in all weather.
Can I use a conventional construction umbrella for a boat?
Construction umbrellas often have a heavy metal frame and sharp elements that are dangerous to PVC. Also, their sailing can be too large for a light inflatable boat, which creates a risk of tipping over.
How to secure an umbrella if there are no transom wheels on the boat?
In this case, the best solution would be to use mounts on the keys for oars or install a special rack in the holder for spinning, and you can also make a temporary support that is fixed on a rigid bank (seat) with the help of rods.
Do I need to remove my umbrella while driving on the motor?
Yes, when you're driving on a motor, especially when you're planing, you have to fold or remove an umbrella, and an open umbrella creates tremendous air resistance, can shift the center of gravity, and cause an emergency or a mount failure.
What is the best umbrella size for a two-seater boat?
For a two-seater boat 2.8-3.2 meters long, the dome diameter of 1.5-1.8 meters is considered optimal, enough to cover sitting fishers, but not critical for sailing. Large dimensions (2.4 meters and above) already require very reliable anchoring and calm water.