Planning for a trip to the water is not just about loading fishing rods and a thermos into the trunk of a car, it's a process that directly affects your safety, comfort and success of your entire expedition, whether it's a long trolling trip or a short walk to the nearest island. Many beginners, when they first get a boat, make the classic mistake of focusing solely on the choice of the motor, forgetting that they're not going to be able to do that. boat-building It should be thought out to the smallest detail before launching.
Water does not forgive a frivolous attitude, and the absence of even a seemingly minor element of equipment can turn a pleasant holiday into a serious challenge. In this article, we will discuss what should be in the boat to make you feel confident in any situation. We will look at mandatory GIM equipment, navigation devices, anchor system, as well as security equipment and remixes that should lie in every handuk.
The list of equipment required may vary depending on the type of water body, weather conditions and duration of the foray, but there is a basic set without which access to large water is simply unacceptable.
Mandatory equipment and safety by GIMS
The first thing that the owner of a new vessel should think about is compliance with the rules of the State Inspectorate for Small-Sized Vessels. PVC Or metallic "whistle," having a set of items is not just a recommendation, it's a requirement of the law, and not having those items can lead to fines, but more importantly, they save lives.
The safety vest is central to the safety of the life jacket, which should not be just in the bag, but in close proximity to each passenger, the vest should be suitable for the weight of the person and have proper belts and fastexes, and the scoop, which is necessary for pumping water in the event of a breach or flooding with a wave, is also mandatory.
If your boat is powered by a motor, you must have an anchor of the appropriate mass and length, an anchor is not just a piece of metal on a rope, it is a guarantee that you will not be swept away by current or wind in an open body of water, and the rules require a lifeline (fala) of at least 15 meters long, which is attached to a lifeline or throwing end.
⚠️ Attention: Life jackets must be tailored to fit their size and weight, and a vest bought “for growth” or too loose can slip off at a critical moment and lose its functionality.
- 🛟 Life jackets by number of passengers (required with the marking of conformity to standards).
- ⚓ An anchor with an anchor shaft (line) of at least 3 lengths of depth in the parking place.
- 🪣 A cherpak (bucket) for pumping water on a strong cable or cord.
- 🔦 A light (white light) for light signals in the dark.
- 📢 A whistle or other audible signal device.
Navigation and communication: how not to get lost on the water
Water is a tricky element, where landmarks disappear much faster than on land, and fog, a sudden squall, or just a keen fishing can lead to the fact that you lose your understanding of where you are. navigational equipment It is the second most important item after the means of salvation.
Modern navigation is impossible without a GPS receiver, which can be a specialized cartplotter with a sonar or even a secure smartphone in a sealed bag with offline cards installed. But relying on electronics alone is dangerous: the battery can sit down and the device can fail from moisture.
Always carry a compass and a paper map of the terrain. Reading a map and navigating the world is a skill that may be the only way to get home if your equipment fails. Use waterproof radio stations or mobile phones in sealed cases, pre-charge them to 100%.
Charge your navigators and phones before each exit. Ideally, bring an external power bank with you, as the discharge is faster on water due to temperature changes and GPS.
It's important to note that even in a familiar body of water, conditions can change, changing water levels, new shallows or driftwoods require constant monitoring of depth. echoer It helps not only to search for fish, but also to safely pass difficult areas, showing the relief of the bottom in real time.
Anchor system: the right choice and installation
The anchor question is often underestimated, assuming that any cargo will come off. However, during or in high winds, an improperly selected anchor will simply drag along the bottom, carrying the boat in an unknown direction. The type of anchor depends on the soil: for silt and grass, cat anchors or cat anchors are better suited. anchor Hall, and for a rocky bottom - more massive structures with developed paws.
Particular attention should be paid to anchor rope (line). The use of chains on inflatable boats is not recommended, as they can damage the cylinders during sampling. The best option is a synthetic cord with a tearing load exceeding the weight of the boat with a crew several times. At the end of the line, which is attached to the boat, there must be a float, so that in case of a cliff or loss of anchor, it can be found.
The anchor line attachment to the boat is critical, and inflatable boats use special dips or rings glued into cylinders, and it's important to check their integrity before each season. Metal boats often use a bow duck, but here too, you need to make sure that the angle of departure of the rope does not lead to the tipping of the vessel in a sharp jerk.
| Type of boat | Recommended weight of anchor | Length of anchor line | Type of attachment |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC (up to 3.2 m) | 1.5 - 3 kg | 10 - 15 meters | Pome in a cylinder |
| PVC (3.5 - 4.0 m) | 3 - 5 kg | 15 - 25 meters | Spook in a balloon / Nose duck |
| Metal (up to 4 m) | 5 - 7 kg | 20 - 30 meters | Nose duck / Leer device |
| Cutter/Cruiser | 10kg | 40 meters | Anchor Blue/Winch |
☑️ Checking the anchor system
Refit and tools for emergency repairs
A breakdown in the water can happen at the most inopportune moment, away from shore and aid. kit The toolkit must be compact but functional, eliminating most common faults.
It is critical for owners of inflatable boats to have glue, patch material (PVC fabric), degreaser and roller for rolling, a pump (preferably with foot drive, since an electric one can discharge the battery) and a pressure gauge are needed. Metal boats must have passages, a set of screwdrivers, wrenches for the size of motor and transom bolts, and spare candles and fuel hoses.
Special attention should be paid to the spare spark plug and the key to unscrew it. Often it is the breakdown of the candle that causes the engine to suddenly stop. Having a spare one at hand means having a guarantee that you will continue to move on your own course.
⚠️ Attention: PVC repair glue has a limited shelf life, check the date of production and the condition of the tube before each season, dried adhesive at a critical moment will be useless.
Don't forget the tape (preferably reinforced) and plastic screeds. These simple things often allow you to temporarily repair a broken pipe, fix a broken wire, or lock the hose before you get back to base, and the remix should also have spare fasteners: bolts, nuts, washers of various diameters.
Protection from water, sun and cold
Water reflects the sun's rays, increasing their effects on the body. Even in cloudy weather, you can get serious burns to the skin and eyes. So UV protection should be a priority. Use sunscreens with a high SPF, wear headgear with fields and polarized sunglasses that remove glare from the water surface.
Boat clothes should be multi-layered and dry quickly. Cotton, when wet, dries for a long time and greatly cools the body, which can lead to hypothermia even in summer. The best choice is specialized clothing made of membrane fabrics or fleece. Be sure to carry a spare set of dry clothes in a sealed sealer.
Why are polarization glasses important?
The polarization filter in the glasses blocks horizontally reflected light (glare) from the surface of the water. This not only improves visibility (you can see what is happening under the water), but also reduces eye fatigue, preventing headaches and allowing you to quickly notice obstacles or fish.
Water is highly thermally conductive, and wind at speed increases the feeling of cold. Even on a warm day, a long motor trip can lead to freezing. A windshield jacket or raincoat should be available instantly. For feet, it is better to use shoes with a non-slip sole that is not afraid of water, for example, specialized shoes or EVA boots.
Comfort and additional accessories
When safety issues are solved, you need to think about comfort, which makes survival a complete rest. Being in a boat for a long time without comfort can ruin the experience of fishing or cruising.
Seats are a critical element. Inflatable seats ("banks") are often inconvenient for long fishing, and it is recommended to use folding chairs on the frame, which are mounted on the floorboard, or special inflatable seats with a rigid structure, which reduce the load on the spine and allow you to take a comfortable position to throw tackles.
Storage and catch require sealed bags or plastic boxes, not only protect the contents from splashes, but also act as additional floating elements in the event of a rollover, and it is also useful to have a folding table (if the size of the boat allows) to accommodate the sonar, thermos and tackles.
- 🎣 Organizer for tackles with transparent covers.
- 🧊 Refrigerator bag or thermal container to save catch and food.
- 🔦 A headlight with a red light (so as not to blind yourself and others at night).
- ☕ Thermos with a hot drink (coffee or tea warms from the inside better than any clothing).
- 🧻 Hygienic set: towel, wet wipes, garbage bag.
Comfortable equipment directly affects the concentration of the fisherman. Comfortable seat and the right temperature allow you to stay attentive longer, which increases the chances of successful fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the minimum set should be in a boat to go to a pond without a motor?
Even for a rowing boat, you must have life jackets by number of people, a scoop, anchor with a line, a first aid kit, drinking water and a whistle. Sunglasses and a headdress are also highly desirable.
Do I need to register an inflatable boat with a 5 hp engine?
According to the current rules of the State Institute of Civil Aviation (GIMS) of the Russian Federation, small vessels weighing more than 200 kg (along with an engine) are subject to registration. Light PVC boats with low-power engines often do not require registration, but the presence of rights and documents for the vessel and engine with you is mandatory for inspection.
How often should I check the pressure in the PVC tubes of the boat?
Pressure must be checked before each release, and during operation, especially when the ambient temperature changes (heating in the sun), the pressure in the cylinders increases, and it may need to be fired to avoid damaging the seams.
Can I use a car pump for a boat?
Car compressors can be used, but with caution. They often don't have a precise pressure gauge and can pump cylinders, which will cause the seams to rupture in the heat. It's better to use specialized foot or electric designed pumps for PVC, for low pressure and high volume.
What if the boat started sinking far from the shore?
Don't panic. Put your vests on all passengers. If possible, try to find and eliminate the cause of the water intake (breakdown, broken valve). Use scoops and buckets. If the boat has inflatable sides, they provide buoyancy even when the cockpit is completely flooded. Give distress signals (lights, sound, swings of hands) and call for rescue on 112.