Owning an inflatable boat is not just the presence of a rubber shell with oars, but a whole ecosystem where comfort and safety directly depend on the correct selection of additional equipment. Modern accessories standardize PVC construction It's a full-fledged fishing boat or high-speed plane that can compete with lightweight aluminum counterparts, and without proper refitting, even the most expensive model can be uncomfortable to operate, especially on long crossings or deep fishing.
The accessories market is now saturated with offerings, from low-end Chinese counterparts to premium professional equipment. compatibility And the quality of the materials is critical: cheap glue or poor-quality fittings can negate the benefits of an expensive balloon. In this article, we will look at in detail which tuning elements are really necessary and which will only become unnecessary loads on the transom and floorboard.
Basic attachments and attachment components
The foundation of any competent tuning is the installation of reliable mounts. Standard equipment is often limited to two handles and fun keys, which is categorically not enough for active use. rod-holder The most popular stainless steel models with plastic inserts that do not scratch the tackle or rust in salt water.
A critically important element is anchorUnlike simple rings, the rim has a movable part that prevents the anchor shaft from being rubbed against the side in strong wind or current, the rim must be mounted on a reinforced area glued to the cylinder, or in a regular place if it is provided by the boat design, and improper installation can lead to depressurization of the cylinder at the most inopportune moment.
⚠️ Warning: When self-adhesived, make sure to use a special PVC glue and degreasing agent. Heating the surface with a hairdryer to 40-50 degrees before gluing significantly increases adhesion, but overheating can damage the fabric!
For the organization of space inside the cockpit are often used anchor-lifter The winch allows you to effortlessly lift a heavy anchor from the depth, which is especially true for boats longer than 3.5 meters. D-rings around the perimeter of the cockpit for fixing luggage nets or safety ends.
- 🛶 Holders of rods: provide free hands and safe storage of gear.
- ⚓ Anchor dips: prevents the break of the faucet and damage to the balloon.
- 🔗 Fixing slats: allow you to mount additional equipment without drilling.
- 🕸️ Cargo nets: fix things in the nose and stern, preventing them from falling overboard.
transom wheels and displacement systems
One of the biggest challenges for heavy PVC boat owners is transporting them from the dock to the water, and a fully manned motorized boat, battery and anchor can weigh up to 100 kilograms or more. transom wheels This is a problem that one person can easily move a boat on hard ground, sand or even gravel, and they are structurally a metal frame attached to a transom, with rotary or removable wheels.
There are two main types of designs: rotary and removable. Rotary models are more convenient to use, because you do not need to completely disassemble before launching, just throw the wheels up. Removable options are more compact when stored, but require more time for installation and dismantling. When choosing, you should pay attention to the diameter of the wheels: for soft soil and grass, the best option is to use them. flywheel large diameter, and solid coatings suitable whole-cast polyurethane analogues.
When installing transom wheels, make sure that the axis of rotation is above the waterline when the boat is fully loaded, otherwise the wheels will create resistance to water and hum at speed.
The frame material is an important aspect: Aluminum alloys are lighter and not susceptible to corrosion, but steel is stronger and withstands heavy loads, although it requires careful maintenance of the coating. The attachment to the transom must be rigid, without backlashes, so that when moving on unevenness do not damage. prairie Or the boat itself.
☑️ Check before installation of wheels
Electrification and navigation equipment
Modern fishing and recreation on the water is unthinkable without electronics. sonar or The mapplotter is a game-changer in fish-hunting and navigation, but placing the instruments on an inflatable boat requires a solution to power and moisture protection, and the standard solution is to install a battery compartment that is often combined with a can seat.
Sound sounder sensors are mounted with special brackets attached to a balloon or transom, and it's important that the mount is adjustable, allowing the sensor to be lifted when passing through shallow water. GPS-navigators They allow you to save parking points, build tracks and return to fish places with the accuracy of a meter, all wires must be carefully isolated and removed in corrugated or cable channels to prevent accidental damage.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave Li-Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries in the cold or in direct sunlight without thermal insulation. This can lead to irreversible capacity decline or fire!
The lighting needs to be specially addressed. LED tape On the perimeter of the cockpit or on a tripod, it provides security in the dark and creates a comfortable atmosphere. LEDs consume minimal energy, so even a small battery will last for several nights of battery life. It is convenient to use waterproof switches installed in an accessible place to control the light.
| Type of equipment | Consumption (A/h) | Weight (kg) | Features of installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Echo sounder (base) | 0.2 - 0.5 | 0.3 | Bracket on the balloon. |
| GPS-navigator | 0.3 - 0.6 | 0.4 | Plank or bracket |
| LED tape (2m) | 0.5 - 1.0 | 0.1 | Sticky base |
| Electric motor (small) | 15 - 30 | 5-7 | Train anchorage |
Comfort and ergonomics of the cockpit
Long stays on the water require a comfortable seat, and regular inflatable cans are often uncomfortable and have no backrest. aluminum seats With folding backs, it reduces the load on the spine, and these seats are lightweight, water-free, and can be mounted at different heights, which is important for controlling the boat in different conditions.
To protect from the sun and rain, an indispensable accessory becomes tent or The frame is usually made of dural pipes and the awning is made of Oxford fabric with PVC impregnation, the presence of a running awning allows you to continue fishing even in heavy rain or heat, creating the necessary microclimate. It is important that the design of the awning does not disturb the centering of the boat and is easy to remove.
Storage of small items is another aspect of comfort: the organizer bags, attached to or under the seats, allow you to keep gear, tools and personal belongings in order and dry. Hermashers. Water in a cockpit is common, so having a scoop or automatic pump for pumping water is also a comfort element.
The Secret to Seat Stability
To increase the stability of folding seats on inflatable cans, use anti-slip mats or special rubber linings that will prevent slipping when the boat rolls.
- 🪑 Backrest seats: reduce fatigue and improve visibility.
- ☂️ Driving awnings: protect against precipitation and ultraviolet.
- 🎒 Hermbags: ensure dryness of things when rolling over.
- 🧹 Deck organization: bags and pockets for order in the cockpit.
Safety and emergency equipment
Water safety is the number one priority, and accessories play a key role here, and besides the mandatory life jackets that everyone on board should have, they are also useful. life-end They allow you to quickly help someone who has fallen overboard or to pull the boat to shore without going into the water.
To protect against splashes and oncoming wind at high speeds are installed spray-screenThey not only keep clothes dry, but also reduce the wind load on passengers. anchorage, including not only the anchor, but also a rope with a burst insert, which will save the anchor when hooked by the driftwood.
⚠️ Attention: The method that has been proven over the years is to always have a knife with a floating blade attached in a prominent place, and in an emergency, when gears or cables get tangled, it can save a life.
Do not forget about signaling tools. FalshfiresWhistles and bright flags are mandatory under GIMS rules, but are often ignored by amateurs. Having a working red-filtered flashlight (to preserve night vision) is also a sign of a well-prepared water motor. Remember that in the dark, the visibility of your boat to other boats is minimal without special lights.
The safety kit should be easily accessible, not hidden in the deepest depth of the runduk - in an emergency, the count goes for seconds.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can you stick the rod holders yourself without damaging the boat?
Yes, this is possible with two-component polyurethane adhesive and degreasing technology, the key is not to overheat the PVC when drying and allow the adhesive to fully polymerize (usually 24-48 hours) before loading.
Which battery is better for light and sounder?
The best choice is traction gel (GEL) or lithium-iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, which are not afraid of deep discharge, do not emit gases when charging and have a greater cycle life than conventional starter batteries.
Do you need transom wheels for a boat 2.90 meters long?
For boats up to 3 meters long and up to 5 hp, transom wheels are often a redundancy, as the total weight of the kit rarely exceeds 40-50 kg, which can be carried manually.
How often should I check the pressure in the cylinders after installing accessories?
After installing additional equipment, especially if it is attached to cylinders (holders, brackets), it is recommended to check the pressure before each exit.