Buying an inflatable vessel is just the first step in an endless process of improvement, and almost every owner, faced with the realities of operating on water, comes to the conclusion that the standard equipment is not enough for a comfortable fishing or recreation. Upgrade of PVC boat This is an inevitable step in turning a standard product into a personalized tool that perfectly meets the specific needs of the user.
The modern market offers many ready-made solutions, but the real pleasure is the development of the self. Strengthening the structure, upgrading the cockpit and installing additional equipment not only increase functionality, but also significantly prolong the life of the boat. It is important to understand that any interference with the design must be balanced, so as not to disturb the balance and safety.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the main areas of modernization that are available to any boater. You will learn how to properly strengthen the bottom, why you need transom wheels and how to properly organize the space for equipment without compromising the stability of the vessel. A competent approach to tuning This will allow you to get the most out of your boat.
Strengthen the design and protect the bottom
The most vulnerable place of any inflatable boat, especially the budget segment, is the bottom. Contact with rocky shore, shell or sand inevitably leads to the abrasion of the protective layer of PVC. Flying-bar invoice And the extra belts on the cylinders are the first thing to think about when upgrading, and they take the brunt of the mooring and pulling the boat out on land.
To strengthen the bottom, you often use additional layers of PVC fabric or special protective mats. If your boat is equipped with a low-pressure inflatable floor (LDPB), it is critical to protect it from puncture. keilban or the use of rigid inserts of plywood treated with moisture-repellent compounds will significantly increase permeability.
⚠️ Note: When gluing additional elements, use only specialized two-component adhesives for PVC. The use of universal adhesives will lead to detachment of the protection after one or two seasons of active use.
The reinforcement process requires careful surface preparation: degreasing and skinning. adhesion The safety of the entire vessel depends on it, and the protection of the bottom is done correctly, so you can feel confident in shallow water and not be afraid of obstacles hidden under the water.
Special attention should be paid to the places where the cylinders dock with the transom and the sides. This is where the most common scuffs from friction on the pier or when transporting in the trunk of the car. PVC fabric A thickness of at least 900 g/m2 will create a reliable buffer.
Modernization of the cockpit and installation of slags
The comfort of being in a boat depends on the quality of the floor. Staff plywood sleeves often have a surface, quickly absorb moisture and can be deformed. slipping It's a dramatic change in the way you feel, and your feet don't slide even in wet shoes, which makes it safer to roll.
When installing a new floor, it is important to ensure proper drainage: water that enters the cockpit from splashes or rain should flow freely into the aft part without stagnating under the feet, leaving technological gaps between the sleighs or using special profiles with drainage channels. The drainage system It has to work smoothly.
- 🛡️ Aluminum profile Light, does not rot, but cold to the touch and can rattle.
- 🪵 Sea plywood Warmer, quieter, but requires perfect waterproofing and heavier than aluminum.
- 🧱 Composite materials A modern alternative that combines lightness and strength, but is expensive to produce.
Another element of the upgrade is the installation of soft seats. Inflatable seats are often inconvenient for long fishing. Installing frame seats on rotary brackets allows you to change the landing, stand up with spinning and comfortably operate the engine. fishing-boat.
Use FC or FFP plywood at least 9 mm thick to make sleighs, be sure to coat the ends with epoxy resin or varnish in several layers for complete tightness.
transom wheels and facilitation of transportation
One of the most useful options for upgrading is the installation of transom wheels. The weight of the boat assembled with the engine, battery and equipment can reach 100 kg or more, dragging such a mass through sand or pebbles alone is almost impossible. transom wheels This problem is solved by allowing one person to move the boat along the shore.
There are two main types of wheel attachment: removable and stationary. Removable versions are attached directly to the transom and are installed only when the boat is pulled out. They do not interfere with movement and do not take up space during storage. Stationary models that recline upwards are more convenient in frequent use, but require a competent tack into the transomb.
| Type of wheel | Load capacity | Diameter of the wheel | Features of installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Removable (per transom) | 150 kg | 250-300 mm | Fixing bolts to the transom, require removal during the course |
| Folding (fixed) | 200 kg | 300-350 mm | Twisted, axis goes through the side. |
| Reinforced (for catamarans) | 300 kg | 350 mm | Requires reinforcement of the transom and additional fittings |
When choosing wheels, pay attention to the diameter. The larger the wheel, the easier it overcomes the irregularities of the terrain. 300 mm and moreSmall wheels (200-250 mm) are suitable only for smooth concrete slips.
⚠️ Note: When installing stationary wheels through a transom, be sure to use bushings and seals. Water should not get inside the multilayer structure of the transom board, otherwise plywood stratification will be a matter of time.
High-quality transom wheels are often equipped with bearings, which makes it easier to go. Remember to lubricate the axles and bearings after each season, especially if you have operated a boat in salt water. Corrosion of metal parts is the main enemy of this unit.
Electrification and navigation equipment
A modern boat is unthinkable without a power source. battery-chamber Even if you don't have a sonar or a navigator, having 12 volts on board will allow you to plug in a light, charge your phone or start an electric pump in an emergency.
The best placement for the battery is to use sealed plastic boxes attached to the nose or under the sleigh, which shifts the center of gravity forward, which has a positive effect on glides. The wiring must be laid in corrugated tubes and securely fixed to prevent moisture and mechanical damage.
What battery should I choose for a boat?
A conventional low-capacity starter battery (45-55 Ah) is enough to power the sonar and navigator, however, if you plan to use an electric motor or a powerful audio system, you need traction gel batteries (Gel or AGM) that withstand deep discharge and have a greater resource of charge-discharge cycles.
Navigation equipment, such as sonars and GPS mapplotters, is mounted on brackets, and it's important to choose a place where the device can read well, but not interfere with the control, and often the screens are attached to rotary brackets, allowing them to be removed under the slate when necessary. The tightness of the wiring connections in this case is critically important.
- 🔋 Power supply - the basis of the power system, requires reliable fixation and ventilation.
- 🔌 Connectors Use only specialized sea sockets with moisture protection (IP67 and above).
- 🔦 Lighting LED tape around the perimeter of the cockpit will ensure safety in the dark.
Don't forget to put the voltmeter in a prominent place, and control the voltage to avoid the battery being drained at the most inopportune moment, and a simple LED display or digital instrumentation is inexpensive, but it's a big save.
Organization of space and storage of gear
Chaos in a boat is not only uncomfortable, it's dangerous. The fishing rods on the bottom can be accidentally broken or caught by the engine screw. The organization of space begins with the installation of spinning holders, which can be integrated into the design of the boat (welded) or attached to the belts.
For storing small things (spare hooks, fishing lines, tools) sealers or plastic containers secured with Velcro straps are ideal. Fixing system It must be designed so that in the event of a rollover, things do not float out of the boat, but are readily available.
☑️ Organization of fishing grounds
The anchoring area should be placed in the bow, and the faal should be wound on a coil or placed in a special box so as not to get confused under the feet. An anchor node or fast-release mechanism allows you to safely and quickly drop anchor or lift it.
Also worth thinking about is a tent or sun visor. Long exposure to direct sunlight is exhausting. A simple dural tube frame and awning fabric will protect you from ultraviolet light and sudden rain, making fishing more comfortable.
Tuning of the motor and screw group
The upgrade is not just about the boat itself, it's about the engine. anticavitational (if not) or refinement can improve planing and stability, and the installation of a hydrofoil on a lower unit is also popular, which is especially true for low-power engines (2-5 hp), allowing the boat to plane with one passenger.
The propeller is the engine of your boat, and picking a propeller with the right pitch and diameter for a specific load is the easiest way to improve the dynamics, and if the boat doesn't get on plane or the engine roars, but the speed is low, the propeller's pitch is probably too high. Replacing the engine is cheaper than replacing the engine.
⚠️ Attention: Experimenting with screws, watch the temperature of the engine. Too large a pitch of the screw can lead to the engine running at extreme loads, overheating and bullying of the piston group.
You can also add transom wheels (if not integrated into the boat), lower unit protection and an improved fuel filter-sludge, and clean fuel is the key to the long life of the carburetor and nozzles.
A properly designed propeller and clean fuel filter can increase the speed of the boat by 10-15% without increasing the power of the engine.
Security and the final touches
The final step of the upgrade is to ensure safety, and even if the boat is equipped with the latest technology, the lack of life jackets is unacceptable, and it is also worth putting on board safety lears (fails), which you can grab if you fall overboard.
Don't forget the remix. It doesn't just have to be thrown into a backpack, it has to be in a place that's easily accessible, check the expiration dates of the patches and the glue. Repairs on the water It is a troublesome business, and it is better to have verified materials at hand.
After all the improvements, be sure to conduct sea trials in shallow water in a safe area, check the tightness of all new connections, the stability of the boat on the water and the operation of the installed equipment, only after making sure that all systems are reliable, you can go on a long voyage.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about PVC Boat Tuning
Can I get a sleeve on my own, or do I need a workshop?
You can stick a stub on your own, but it requires skill, and the main thing is to prepare the surface (cleaning, degreasing) and use the right glue (two-component), in the workshop, this will be done faster and with a guarantee, but with careful work yourself, the result will not be worse.
How much heavier will the boat be after a full upgrade?
Weight will increase, but not critically. Slate mat will add 3-5 kg, transom wheels - 2-3 kg, battery - about 10-15 kg. In total, the boat will weigh 15-25 kg, which with the presence of wheels and proper stacking in the backpack is almost not felt when carrying.
What is the best glue for PVC at home?
For reliable connection at home, two-component polyurethane adhesives (for example, Texacol, Kleyberg or specialized adhesives for PVC boats) are best suited. Single-component adhesives are less resistant to temperature changes and break-off loads.
Do I need to register the boat after installing the engine and equipment?
Registration with GIMS depends on the total weight of the boat with the engine. If the weight exceeds 200 kg, registration is mandatory. Upgrade (installing sleighs, batteries) increases the weight, so it is worth weighing a fully equipped boat, so as not to violate the law.