The inflatable boat can be controlled remotely, that is, using the steering console or tiller. When equipping a boat with a steering wheel, you should pay attention to the following factors:
- The purchased console must correspond to the overall dimensions of the boat, as well as the physical capabilities of the owner. In addition, you need to familiarize yourself with the method of attaching the console, which is located in the cockpit area.
- Before purchasing, you need to consider the possibility of removing it if operating conditions require it. If such actions are not necessary, then you can give preference to a monolithic structure. Otherwise, the choice should be made on a collapsible structure consisting of a small number of individual elements.
- Many owners argue that the design should be lightweight and, at the same time, reliable, so that there is no excessive fuel consumption.
- The cost of the structure depends on the functionality, its strength and reliability.
REMOTE CONTROL OF PVC BOAT. TRIAL
Currently, it is possible to choose a suitable console model, which is due to the availability of a variety of designs from different manufacturers. Despite this, each console is equipped with a steering wheel and a reverse throttle lever, which dramatically reduces the effort required to control the boat.
Which console should you choose?
The steering console is designed to change the direction of movement of the craft. In addition, devices for various purposes can be located here, including devices for monitoring engine operation.
All elements are mounted on a special chassis, to which all motor control parts are connected. Here you can also install a tachometer, a voltmeter and a trimmer that controls the tilt angle of the outboard motor. Moreover, many owners of such structures install navigators and echo sounders on them. You can find various remote control designs depending on the design features of PVC boats. Since boats differ in size, consoles also have different sizes.
To choose the appropriate option, you need to follow some recommendations:
Purpose of a small vessel:
- for fishing or hunting;
- for tourism.
Intensity of use and range of movement.
When purchasing a console, you should study its technical characteristics in detail. For example:
- what is the advantage of this model;
- its material of manufacture;
- its overall dimensions and technical capabilities.
Regular steering console
Typical remote controls for PVC boats include devices such as:
- steering cables;
- tiller extensions;
- steering wheel gearbox;
- reverse machine with gas.
Installation of the motor remote control device is carried out before launching the motor boat into the water.
Typically, the remote control kit includes:
Outboard motor for a boat , capable of being controlled remotely.
Engine controls such as:
- wide or narrow steering console with all fasteners;
- gearbox selected for a specific type of motor and steering wheel;
- steering wheel;
- cable;
- craving;
- rod fastening element.
As a rule, the main device is considered to be a gearbox, which transforms the rotational movements of the steering wheel into translational movements of the control cable.
There are 2 types of gearboxes:
- for outboard motors with power up to 55 hp, with single gear;
- for engines more powerful than 60 hp, operating on a planetary principle.
Almost all designs have a panel made of waterproof plywood, plastic or stainless steel. It is much less common to find other options.
Mini console for PVC boat
The console is not large in size, unlike the classic console, and is perfect for installation on small inflatable boats.
The advantages of the mini design include:
- It can be installed on watercraft structures of any size.
- Lightweight and easy to install.
- The console is attached to the boat cylinders using special adapters, which are included in the mini console kit.
- It is possible to install 2-3 additional elements, such as an echo sounder, tachometer and navigator.
The mini design uses standard gearboxes:
- Gearbox G08, T67.
- T-71 FC gearbox, as well as other similar gearboxes.
It should be noted that mini consoles are also available with left-hand drive.
Dimensions of the mini console: length – 750 mm, width – 920 mm and height – 720 mm. The device is made of white or gray fiberglass and weighs up to 4 kilograms. A similar design costs from 7 to 12 thousand rubles.
It is recommended to install an element such as a rail, which will help protect the structure from damage in the presence of rough waters. In addition, headlights or other equipment necessary for operation can be installed on this element.
Protocols of offenses and their validity
However, it should be remembered that the protocol on an administrative offense itself is not the ultimate truth. Even while expressing confidence that you are acting correctly and you do not need a license, the personal interpretation of some inspection inspector may differ even from that specified in the law. No one can guarantee the correct application of the law, even by civil servants themselves. This will in no way prevent the inspector from drawing up a protocol on an administrative violation. If this happens, then you should pay attention to:
- what points of violations the official refers to;
- whether the protocol complies with procedural norms;
- are you familiar with it?
Within the near future, it can be challenged in court, and if you are sure that in a particular situation you did not need the rights to a motor boat, then the court will side with you, because in the reasoning part of the decision it will definitely have to refer to the rule prohibiting or permitting the operation of a boat without a license. The principle of current legislation in our country is based on a permissive orientation. This means that everything that is not directly prohibited by law is actually permitted. That is, when saying that you must have rights, the inspector must demonstrate a norm that directly obliges you to do so.
In our case, there are no direct instructions for driving a light motor boat only if you have a license. There are no formal grounds for bringing a person to administrative responsibility. As noted above, the interpretation of the inspector may be somewhat different, free, and even not in accordance with the law. Therefore, if a situation arises in which you believe that going to court would be justified, you should definitely act in this direction. In administrative proceedings, as in any other type of legal proceedings, the nature of the dispute is always adversarial. But at the same time, in these legal relations there is a presumption of innocence. Remember, it is not you who must prove your guilt and failure to comply with the instructions, but the law enforcement agency.
Removable steering console for PVC boat
Dimensions of the removable device: width – 530 mm, length – 510 mm and height – 510 mm. As a rule, right-sided installation is preferred, although it can also be installed on a left-handed cylinder. The structure weighs about 3 kg and can be installed on an inflatable boat in a matter of minutes.
It is characterized by the following indicators:
- Easy to install and operate, and low weight does not lead to excess fuel.
- It takes up very little usable space, which is very important when installed on small vessels.
- Resistant to mechanical forces and behaves well during movement.
The removable structure is attached using special glued adapters and a plastic heel that rests on the floor. It has rounded shapes, which reduces the risk of injury or damage to inflatable parts.
Do I need to register a rubber boat in Russia?
On the territory of the Russian Federation, the law on mandatory registration of small boats, and in our case rubber and inflatable PVC boats, was changed in favor of the owners in 2012.
Owners are not required to register rubber boats that meet the following parameters: • Boats without a motor and weighing no more than two hundred kilograms; • Boats with a motor, weighing less than two hundred kilograms and an engine with a power of no more than 8 kW (10.88 horsepower).
Now the phrase “carrying capacity” has been removed from the text of the law; it doesn’t matter how much cargo your boat can carry, the main thing is that its weight should not be more than 200 kg. Those who own a boat know that inflatable boats weigh much less.
So owners of rubber boats can sleep peacefully; they do not need to be registered, only if the motor on it is powerful, more than 8 kW.
If your rubber boat was previously registered, then it is not necessary to deregister it. But, if you want to withdraw, you will need to write a statement.
If the owner wants to voluntarily register a rubber boat that is not subject to registration, for example, to protect himself from theft, he will not be able to do this, these are the new rules.
You do not need to carry documents with you indicating that the boat is not subject to registration, but in some emergency situations the inspector may require a document certifying that the boat belongs to you.
The rule still applies that a rubber boat must be equipped with a life jacket, bailer and oars.
TOP 7 best PVC boat steering consoles
In specialized stores you can find various design solutions for remote control systems for outboard motors. But among them there are better offers:
Deck console, narrow
Its cost is within 18 thousand rubles.
Main technical characteristics:
- Available in gray or white.
- Manufacturing material – fiberglass.
- Overall dimensions of the console: length – 80 cm, width – 50 cm, height – 115 cm.
Wide steering console with glass and deck mount
This design is estimated at 18.9 thousand rubles.
Main technical indicators:
- Available in white or grey.
- Manufacturing material – fiberglass.
- There is protective glass and a protective handrail.
- Dimensions of the device: length – 90 cm, width – 60 cm and height – 110 cm.
Steering column made of stainless steel “Compact”
The stand is made of pipe with a diameter of 25 mm and is estimated at 9.9 thousand rubles. The design is capable of working with T85, G10, G12 or T67 gearboxes. On the right side there is a reverse and gas machine. The kit also includes fastening elements.
Small steering rack with mounting for 2 cylinders
The stand is designed for installation on PVC boats. The material used for its manufacture is stainless steel pipe. The device is attached using special eyelets that are glued to inflatable structures. Mounting elements are supplied with the stand. The steering rack can work with any gearbox. A reverse and gas controller is also installed here. Installation instructions can be found in the kit.
The product costs 8.9 thousand rubles.
Stainless steel steering column with mounting for one cylinder
This is a popular type of console because it saves usable space. Any steering gearbox and reverse and throttle controller can be installed on the rack. Fastening elements are also supplied with the product. The device costs 5.95 thousand rubles.
Mini steering console
A similar design costs 11.45 thousand rubles.
Main characteristics of the product:
- Color white or grey.
- Construction material – fiberglass.
- Mounts for cylinders with a diameter of up to 55 cm.
- It is possible to install a steering wheel, gearbox and reverse throttle controller on the console, which are purchased separately.
- Design dimensions: length – 530 mm, width – 540 mm and height – 470 mm. Product weight – 2.5 kg.
Plastic steering console with seat
It is installed on the right side and has the following dimensions: length – 50-59 cm, width – 59-65 cm and height – 48-56 cm. The kit includes a seat with a height of 44-48 cm. The weight of the product is 65 kg. The cost of such a design is estimated at 55 thousand rubles.
When purchasing a product, you should always check the package contents. Almost every product must have installation and operating instructions.
Installation of steering console for PVC boat
How to connect a remote control for a boat motor
As a rule, this does not require much effort, but some factors need to be paid attention to. For example:
- It is better to mount the device in the middle of the length of the boat in order to balance the reactive component of the propeller.
- Before the installation process, you should take into account the strength of the boat motor.
- The power of the gearbox should always match the power of the motor. For example, the T67 gearbox is designed to work with a 60 hp motor.
- Accordingly, a cable should be selected for this pair, for example, brand T09 or M58.
- For such elements, you should select a steering wheel of the appropriate diameter, for example, no more than 400 mm.
If a motor with a power of 60-110 hp is used, then a T71 gearbox should be installed. This gearbox does not require additional configuration. In addition, it is made of duralumin and is not afraid of mechanical stress.
The T85 gearbox is designed for steering structures operating in tandem with engines with power up to 160 hp.
Device characteristics:
- Stroke 220 mm.
- The steering wheel makes 3 turns until it locks.
- The device is designed for a force of up to 350 kg.
- The permissible minimum bend of the M66 cable is 200 mm.
How to install a remote engine control system
To properly install a remote control on a boat motor, it is important to follow certain rules:
- Select the type of installation in accordance with the engine power and the design of the vessel.
- For a specific type of engine, select the appropriate gearbox.
- All elements of the selected distance system (wheel size, cables, etc.) must be suitable for the entire installation complex.
- Determine the location for installation so that later the remote control system does not have to be moved, which will certainly entail additional costs (replacement of cables, purchase of fittings and other connections).
- Make sure that the kit contains instructions from the manufacturer with a detailed description of the installation system and proceed according to the specified scheme.
I saw about installing a remote control on a boat motor
Experts advise purchasing engines with a ready-made remote control - this will simplify the installation process and help avoid mistakes in the configuration details. Also, on certain boat models, the manufacturer has already designated a place for the remote system, and it is better to install it there.
