Many fishermen use PVC boats, which allow them to reach remote areas of the reservoir and catch much larger prey.
In this case, a problem often arises associated with transporting the boat from the car to the chosen fishing spot: a boat loaded with ammunition and gear has an impressive weight, and it can be extremely difficult to move it even a short distance. It is for these purposes that transom wheels are needed, which greatly facilitate the transportation process.
The technology for installing transom wheels is quite simple; anyone can handle this procedure without special training.
Let's celebrate! Today, it is possible to purchase and use different types, differing in design features: all their individual advantages and disadvantages are discussed in this article.
Types of transom wheels
The main criterion for classifying such devices is differences in design. In accordance with them, a folding and removable variety is distinguished.
Folding
The folding design allows you to remove all external elements after the boat is immersed in the water. The wheels rise up, and the boat can move freely in the water, nothing will interfere with the movement. Today you can purchase various options, the difference between which is the position after folding.
Removable
Removable type structures are less popular because they need to be removed every time the vehicle is transported. This variety has no other fundamental differences or disadvantages associated with operation.
Tips for choosing wheels
Before purchasing wheels, it is necessary to take into account a number of factors to ensure that the operation of the system is convenient and comfortable:
- Wheel width. Narrow models with a small diameter are designed to move the boat over hard rocky surfaces. For moving on sandy and less firm ground, wide options are better.
- Strength and ability of the structure to withstand heavy loads. You should first make calculations taking into account the weight of the craft and the equipment loaded into it in order to understand whether the system can cope with such loads.
- Rack type. The most appropriate solution is to install structures on straight stands, but they are incompatible with some boat models. In this case, you can use wheels on curved stands.
- Wheel material. The best option is lightweight polyurethane, which has a special anti-corrosion layer to increase the service life of the system.
- Equipment. All leading manufacturers equip wheels with branded covers designed for specific models.
Which transom wheels to choose?
The design of the product is quite simple. The wheels are attached to a rigid steel frame that is not subject to corrosion. They can differ noticeably in diameter and quality (base material).
Before purchasing transom wheels specifically for your boat, you need to assess the soil conditions of the soil where you plan to transport the vessel . If it is assumed that the base of the earth is sand, then wide wheels , but if the surface has hard soil, then it is most rational to install narrow wheels of the smallest diameter on the boat.
It’s worth mentioning right away that regardless of the diameter of the wheels, the boat is very stable and mobile.
are not susceptible to rust are used as raw materials for their production . The basis for the wheels themselves is stable polyurethane foam. When purchasing transom wheels, make sure that the kit includes reliable fasteners . It is quite possible to have a special case for convenient transportation of the wheels.
Of no small importance is the specific gravity that transom wheels can withstand . The configuration of your boat may vary. Therefore, when purchasing wheels, you need to compare the possible loads on them. It is best to give preference to a product with a rectilinear rack shape . Considering that options with curved posts , the straight design is less susceptible to deformation. However, the main condition for any fisherman is the ability to make the best use of the necessary accessory, so if a curved version of the stand is ideal for your boat model, then you should not refuse the purchase.
The main thing is to take into account possible loads and clearly understand the options for reliable fastening of the product.
Best models
Below are some wheel models that have received the most positive reviews from anglers:
- Sun Marine 260 mm - on straight stands made of stainless steel; the design is powerful and reliable, suitable for moving the boat on any surface.
- Laker Transom Wheels - have a convenient design, installation and fastening are carried out quickly, after which even a heavily loaded boat can be easily moved by one person. The main advantage that distinguishes this model from its analogues is improved transportation over rough terrain.
- Horizon KN-260 – on curved stands of domestic production with the possibility of fixing in the upper and lower positions. The model is highly durable, the design can withstand loads of up to 450 kg.
- Horizon KNU-330 is an enlarged and additionally strengthened version of the previous model. The ability to change the position of the wheels allows you to conveniently move the boat when in the water or on land.
- TKM is a manufacturer that produces various versions of transom wheels, including a model for PVC boats. This design is of a removable type; it can be fixed in two different positions for water or land, and the absence of bearings has a positive effect on the service life of the system.
How to install wheels yourself?
The process of installing wheels on a PVC boat is quite simple; the detailed algorithm of actions is as follows:
- The structure is applied to the transom at an angle of 90° with the wheels parallel to each other to prevent bending; The lateral boundaries are marked.
- The lower limit of the fastener is measured and marked.
- The fastener element is superimposed on the marked boundaries so that the locations for the holes can be marked.
- Holes are drilled at the marked points; at this stage, accuracy is important.
- The holes made and the places where the fastener element comes into contact with the transom are treated with sealant to prevent the accumulation of moisture and subsequent rotting, as well as to ensure a tight adhesion.
- The structure is secured with bolts, after which the nuts are tightened tightly. You shouldn’t tighten them all the way right away; they need to be gradually tightened one at a time to the required state.
- The wheel can be inserted into the securely fixed mount. Initially, a frame is threaded into it into which it should be inserted.
- The bolt required to secure the wheel is threaded through the pipe, and it is secured with a nut.
- The position of the wheel can now be changed depending on whether the boat is in the water or on land. Its location will be maintained using a special clamp installed on the mount protrusion.
- The algorithm of actions for installing and fixing the position of the second wheel is similar.
Sequential transom installation process
When purchasing a boat and transom wheels, each owner has the opportunity to contact a service center where the installation will be professionally carried out. However, the transom can be attached directly to the water.
Rules for installing transom wheels on a plastic boat:
- The free space from the transom to the surface of the wheels must be at least 2 cm, and the distance between the flange and the transom contour must be at least 0.5 cm.
- The wheels are installed closer to the front axle so that the load weight is evenly distributed in the future.
- At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that the motor and wheels do not interfere with each other while moving.
The design of the support posts and the bracket must be fully compatible with each other.
Instructions on how to install transom wheels on a boat:
- The swimming device must be placed on a base base, the height of which should reach 0.4 meters. It is imperative to check the reliability of the structure’s fixation.
- Next, they begin marking, for which they draw a line along the vertical axis from the cylinder to the central point of the transom.
- The second line is drawn from the intersection point to the lower contour of the transom.
- After checking the accuracy of the markings, you can drill the designated points. In this case, it is better to drill from the reverse side of the transom surface.
- Before connecting the flange, the prepared holes are treated with silicone compound.
Next, connect the supports and flanges, and then check the wheels by rotating each wheel sequentially.
Reviews
Below are reviews from anglers sharing their experience of installing wheels on PVC boats:
“Transom wheels are a very useful thing that comes to the rescue if it is not possible to transport the boat directly to the shore. I’ve been using a removable system that I made myself for 2 years now, and I’m completely satisfied with it.” Grade:
Eugene
“I used to suffer and regularly break my back when I was dragging a PVC boat to a pond. The problem was solved by installing removable wheels: the boat does not roll easily, but still rolls towards the water.” Grade:
Andrey
“I don’t know how you can do without wheels if you plan to use even a small boat for fishing. After loading gear and everything else, it is difficult for two people to move it even a short distance. With wheels, this process is much easier; I can handle it alone.” Grade:
Michael
“I don’t know why some fishermen subject themselves to torture by pulling the boat to the pond on their own. Even small and light models can be difficult to move, not to mention large watercraft. Nowadays you can buy different versions of transom wheels for different models of boats; they are inexpensive and make transportation much easier.” Grade:
Peter
A little about transom wheels
First, let's remember what transom wheels are:
- Semi-automatic reversible. There is a spring-loaded reversible mechanism, due to which the disks or wheels take the desired position. When moving through water, they are located on the sides of the engine. Removed by unscrewing the nut. The problem is that in the raised position the wheels can become a nuisance, especially if a fish finder is attached to the transom.
2. On stiletto heels for NDND. The structure is attached to the transom surface with two studs. They are placed in the holes, wheels are put on them and secured with cotter pins. The difference between the first type is that more needs to be done for the wheels to take the upper position.
3. Quick release wheels. They do not rise, that is, with their help you can only move the ship on land. But after that it’s not difficult to disconnect them.
4. On clamps. They replace brackets. The system is removable and can be installed and removed very quickly. There is no need to make holes to install such wheels. But this option is not suitable for boats with NDND, because the lower transom area is not rigid and does not extend beyond the boundaries of the boat, that is, it will not be possible to install wheels.
There are also several types of chassis: inflatable, polyurethane and plastic. The first type is suitable for pebble shores.
Now is the time to consider the rules for the location of transom wheels.
All wheels must have two positions: for transportation and for swimming. The dimensions of the wheels and their racks do not exceed the dimensions of the transom and do not affect movement in any way or create any resistance in the water. It only takes a few minutes to install the transport wheels. After bringing the wheels into the desired position, the motor is installed in its place, the boat is lifted by the bow handles and lowered into the water. And already in the water, the wheels are set to the swimming position.
Most inflatable boats produced today are quite heavy, especially those longer than 3 meters. We're talking about boats that are originally designed to be powered by an outboard motor. Their design necessarily includes a transom. Launching such a boat on the water alone is quite problematic. There are two ways out: always take another assistant person with you when fishing or hunting, or install it on transom wheels. We like the second option much better.
All wheels must have two positions: for transportation and for swimming. The dimensions of the wheels and their racks do not exceed the dimensions of the transom and do not affect movement in any way or create any resistance in the water. It only takes a few minutes to install the transport wheels. After bringing the wheels into the desired position, the motor is installed in its place, the boat is lifted by the bow handles and lowered into the water. And already in the water, the wheels are set to the swimming position.
The folding wheels simply retract into a certain position, and then just as easily occupy another desired position. And all this is done literally in one movement. It is clear that in this case the reliability of the mechanism plays an important role.
The choice largely depends on the ground on which the boat will move. For sand you need wider wheels, and for rocky shores narrower ones. This is the only way to ensure their sustainability.
Tips for a fisherman: PVC boat Admiral 335, which engine is installed - Detailed review
Transom wheels for a boat can be of several types. Firstly, they can be folding or removable. The second option means that after the end of the boat’s use, such wheels are removed. They are a little cheaper, but you will have to reinstall them each time. This does not take much time, but still creates some discomfort. When purchasing them, be sure to pay attention to the fact that the kit includes all the necessary mounting materials.
The folding wheels simply retract into a certain position, and then just as easily occupy another desired position. And all this is done literally in one movement. It is clear that in this case the reliability of the mechanism plays an important role.
In addition, manufacturers produce dual transom wheels designed for boats with powerful (and therefore heavy) engines. For boats with an inflatable bottom, experts recommend purchasing transom wheels on an extended stand.
Below are reviews from anglers sharing their experience of installing wheels on PVC boats:
