Proper installation sonar In a low-pressure inflatable boat (LBBB), it is not just a matter of convenience, but a critical factor in obtaining a quality picture of the bottom. Unlike aluminum or fiberglass vessels, where the sensor can be rigidly fixed to a transom, the soft design of PVC requires a personalized approach to the choice of location and method of fixation. Planning errors often lead to noise, loss of signal or, worst of all, mechanical damage to expensive equipment during the exit.
The challenge is to balance the quality of the signal with the safety of the boat, and the sensor must be submerged in water at a certain angle, but not create any resistance that could damage the cylinders or the inflatable floor. NDMA The problem of choosing between a stationary mount on a transom and mobile solutions that can be quickly dismantled is relevant.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the nuances of selection and installation sensor-holderWith a special focus on the specifics of the soft side, you will learn how to avoid the typical mistakes that beginners make, and ensure that the sonar works consistently even at high speeds or under heavy chop.
Specifics of fastening on boats with inflatable floor
The NDNDBs have a unique bottom design that has a significant impact on the hydrodynamics and installation of the equipment. The inflated bottom creates a certain curvature of the surface, making it impossible to use the classic down-mounting sensor used on rigid transverses. Sonar sensor It must be in constant contact with water, but must not rest on a soft bottom that can bend under the weight of a fisherman or cargo.
Another important aspect is vibration. The engine, running on a soft transom, transmits vibrations to the entire structure of the boat, including the water inside the cockpit. If the sensor is installed incorrectly, these vibrations transform into interference on the screen, making fishing impossible. fixation It must have damping properties or be removed from the zone of active turbulence.
⚠️ Attention: Never attach the sensor directly to the inflatable floor of the NDNDM with glue or Velcro. When you release pressure or deform the bottom under load, the sensor can flip over, lose signal or get mechanical damage to the rocky bottom.
There are several proven methods of solving this problem, each of which has its own advantages: the choice of the specific method depends on the design of your boat, the sonar model and personal preferences. Below we will discuss the main options that have proven themselves in real-world operating conditions.
Selection of the holder type: transom or remote
The first and most important question that the owner of a PVC boat faces is where exactly to place the sensor. The market offers many solutions, but they all boil down to two main categories: transom mounts and retractable structures. Trans holder It is the most popular solution due to its simplicity and versatility.
These attachments are fixed on a flat part of the transom, which is usually reinforced with a plastic or wooden lining. However, for NDND boats, it is important to consider that the transmolina can also be soft. In this case, the standard clamping mechanism may not provide a rigid fixation, and the sensor will "walk" in the water. Therefore, for soft transmolants, a model with a wide press area or additional stops is preferable.
- 🔹 Plastic swivel brackets It's a budget option, often with sonars, which are lightweight, but can break when hit by obstacles, suitable for calm water and low speeds.
- 🔹 Metal adjustable bars It's a more reliable solution that allows you to fine-tune the depth of the dive and the angle of the inclination, often requiring transom drilling or the use of powerful rods.
- 🔹 Removable holders on board They're attached to the balloon with suction cups or Velcro straps, which allow you to remove the sensor from the screw's range, but they're less resistant to speed and can detach from the sun for a long time.
When choosing between these options, you should be guided not only by price, but also by operating conditions. If you plan to reach speeds above 15-20 km / h, plastic holders may not withstand the pressure of water, and the sensor will begin to surface, losing contact with the aquatic environment.
When choosing a holder, pay attention to the presence of a spring mechanism or the possibility of rapid recline. This will save the sensor from breaking when hitting a snag or strand.
Materials of manufacture and their influence on the signal
Material from which it is made sensor-holderMetal structures, although they seem more reliable, can cause electromagnetic interference, especially if the sonar cable passes in close proximity to the metal attachment elements.
Plastic and composite materials are preferred by most anglers, they are inert to water, they don't rust or affect sonar, but cheap plastic can become brittle in the cold, so you should pay attention to the labeling of the material. ABS plastic or polypropylene, which have good impact resistance.
Special attention should be paid to the rubber and silin elements in the design of the holder, which serve not only to protect the hull of the boat from scratches, but also work as vibration insulators. damper It is able to significantly improve the readability of the sonar, cutting off high-frequency vibrations from the motor.
| Materials | Strength | Effect on signal | Term of service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic (ABS) | Medium | Missing. | 3-5 years |
| Stainless steel | High. | Possible interference | 10+ years |
| aluminum | Medium | Minimum | 5-7 years |
| Composite | High. | Missing. | 7-10 years |
When buying, pay attention to the quality of the casting of plastic. The presence of blankets, sinks or cracks may indicate a violation of the production technology, which will eventually lead to a failure of the holder at the most inopportune time.
Instructions for installation of the holder DIY
Installation of the holder on the boat requires careful and consistent actions. Incorrect installation can lead to leakage or damage to cylinders. Before starting work, make sure that the boat is clean and completely dried, and the surface of the transom is defatted.
The installation process can be divided into several steps: first, the optimal mounting point is determined, then the fitting and fixing of the holder is performed, and only then, the final setting of the position of the sensor is made, and it is important to take your time and check the reliability of the connections several times.
☑️ Pre-installing check
First, put the holder on the transom and mark the contact points. If you use a suction cup model, make sure the surface is perfectly smooth and clean. For rod models, it's important to position the screws so that they don't touch the inflatable parts of the cylinders when puffed.
Then, you put the sensor in the holder, but don't tighten the locking elements completely, lower the boat into the water, or simulate a dive to check the angle of entry of the sensor into the water, and it should enter the water smoothly, without creating a lot of bubbles that can shield the signal.
The final step is to test the reliability. Pull the holder in different directions, mimicking the impact of a wave. If the structure is a backlash, you need to put additional gaskets or strengthen the puff. Remember about the cable: it should have a margin of length and not be stretched like a string.
⚠️ Attention: When drilling a transom (if the design requires it), use only special PVC drills and be sure to seal the hole. Even a microscopic crack can cause the transomb to inflate and lose stiffness.
Nuances of hermetic work
Use only polyurethane or silicone sealants with high adhesion to PVC. Before application, the surface should be dry. The time for complete polymerization is 24 hours, after which water tests can be performed.
Setting the position of the sensor and combating interference
Once the holder is physically attached, there's a fine-tuning phase, and the position of the sensor relative to the water surface is a key parameter. If the sensor is too deep, it creates resistance and makes noise. If it's too small, it will catch air when the boat rolls.
The optimal position is considered when the lower face of the sensor is below the bottom of the boat by 3-5 cm The angle of inclination should be such that the emitter looks strictly down, perpendicular to the surface of the water when the boat is in motion.
- 🌀 Cavitation The main problem with the wrong sensor is that the air bubbles in front of the emitter completely block the signal, and this is solved by moving the sensor sideways or changing the angle of inclination.
- 🔌 Motor tips. If you have vertical stripes or chaotic dots on the screen, maybe the sonar cable goes too close to the motor's power wires. Spread them apart.
- 🌊 Excitement The NDNDM boat is swaying a lot in the wave, so that the sensor doesn't fly out of the water, sometimes you have to lower it a little deeper than calm, or use heavier models of holders.
To adjust, start the motor and slowly increase speed. Watch the sounder screen. If the image starts to crumble, stop and check the position of the sensor. Often, you just need to change the angle of inclination by a few degrees to get the perfect signal.
The golden rule of tuning is that the sensor should cut through the water, not slosh over it. The cleaner the flow of water around the emitter, the clearer the picture on the screen.
Operation, care and seasonal storage
Proper care of the holder and the sensor will extend their life and preserve the quality of the signal. After each fishing, especially in salt water or in muddy waters, the equipment must be washed with fresh water. Salt and silt can clog the mobile mechanisms of the holder and settle on the emitter.
When storing a boat in a deflated state, it is better to dismantle the holder if possible. Constant pressure when folded can deform plastic elements or damage the cable. If dismantling is not possible, make sure that the cable is not twisted and has no clamps.
Check the condition of fasteners regularly. Screws can weaken from vibration, and rubber gaskets can dry out. Timely replacement of small parts will be cheaper than buying a new sonar or repairing a boat.
How to store the holder in the winter?
In winter, it is recommended to store the holder and sensor in a warm room, plastic in the cold becomes brittle, and an accidental impact during transportation can split the case, it is better not to wind the cable into tight rings, but leave in a straightened state or large rings.
What to do if the holder is rusted?
If the metal parts of the holder (screws, springs) began to rust, they must be replaced with stainless steel analogues. Rust can jam the rotation mechanism, and oxides can get on the contacts and disrupt the electrical circuit.
Can I paint the holder?
You can paint the holder, but only with special paints for plastic and PVC. Normal nitro-enamels can eat the material. However, it is worth remembering that the paint layer can change the geometry of the seats, so it is better to use ready-made color models or stickers.
How often do you change the lubricant in moving parts?
Moving joints (pivot axes, spring mechanisms) are recommended to be lubricated with silicone lubrication once a season or after heavy use. This will prevent creaking and jamming of the mechanism.
Does the color of the holder affect the fish?
The color of the holder alone does not affect the fish, as it is under the boat. However, the bright glare from metal parts can scare off cautious fish in clear water.
These simple rules will allow you to enjoy fishing for many years, receiving a stable and high-quality signal from your sonar. Remember that the reliability of the system is determined by its weakest element, and the sensor holder is the element that connects electronics with the water element.