Buying a quality sonar is only half the battle in preparation for fishing, and the second, equally important part, is to securely and conveniently attach the instrument on board. floater face unique challenges: the absence of a hard transom, constant vibrations of the side and the risk of damage to the cylinder by sharp edges of the metal.
A mismatched bracket can make fishing a pain, making you constantly adjust your screen or fear dropping expensive electronics into the water. Properly organizing a fisherman's workplace on a PVC boat requires a lot of nuances, from the material of making the fasteners to the way it is fixed on an inflated cylinder.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the types of mounts available on the market and help you determine which option will be optimal for your boat model. You will learn about the intricacies of installation that will prolong the life of the device and provide a stable picture even on a strong wave.
Types of echo sounder attachments for inflatable boats
The water accessories market offers several design solutions for fixing the appliances, the main difference being the way the appliances are installed and the point of reference. PVC The most common transom and onboard options, each of which has its advantages.
The transom mounts simulate the installation on a hard transom, but use special pins covering the soft side. On-board models are attached directly to the inflated cylinder using belts, suction cups or special pockets. The choice depends on the design of your boat and personal preferences.
It is worth noting that some fishermen prefer universal solutions that allow you to quickly move the sonar from one side to the other or remove it for storage. Mobility is especially important if the boat is used not only for fishing, but also for walks where the device can interfere.
- 🔹 transom brackets - provide maximum rigidity and stability, ideal for motorboats.
- 🔹 On-board suction cups - do not require drilling or complex installation, but can be peeled off on a strong wave.
- 🔹 Railblaza (Railblaza) Modular mounts that allow you to fix the sensor and screen at any point on the side.
- 🔹 Suspended pockets - soft mounts made of PVC fabric, protecting the device from shocks, but less resistant to vibration.
⚠️ Warning: Using homemade metal brackets without rubber pads can damage the boat cylinder under water pressure and the weight of the appliance.
Manufacture materials: plastic, aluminum or stainless steel
The durability of the attachment depends on the materials used. In aggressive aqueous environments, especially in salt water, ordinary metals are quickly exposed to the use of the material. corrosionTherefore, when choosing a holder, you need to pay close attention to the quality of the coating and alloys.
Plastic brackets often come with budget sonar models. They are lightweight and do not rust, but can be brittle at low temperatures or strong impacts on the board. Aluminum alloys with anode coating represent the “golden mean” in terms of price-to-strength ratio.
Stainless steel brand AISI 316 It's a premium option that will last decades, but it's heavier and usually requires more complex installation. For inflatable boats, weight matters, so you often choose composites or lightweight aluminum.
Why do even “stainless” bolts rust?
The fact is that cheap stainless steel (grades 304 or 430) contains less molybdenum and is less resistant to chlorides. In sea water or prolonged contact with salty sweat of hands, even they can be covered with red coating. The true sea stainless steel is AISI 316L.
It's also important to consider the compatibility of materials. If you attach an aluminum bracket with steel bolts to an aluminum bar, you'll create a galvanic pair that will accelerate the destruction of a less noble metal, use insulating pads or pick up hardware from the same material as the base.
Features of installation on the transom of the PVC boat
Mounting the holder on the traverse of an inflatable boat is a process that requires precision. The main task is to ensure rigid fixation without damaging the soft structure of the balloon or disturbing the tightness of the seams. Modern PVC transom plates often have built-in pockets or reinforced mounting areas.
Before installation, you must thoroughly wash and degrease the surface if you use glue or suction cup. Mechanical clamps require adjustment of the pressure force: too weak clamps will lead to the bolter of the screen, too strong - to deformation of the balloon.
For sounders with a remote sensor, it is important to correctly position the emitter itself, it must be immersed in water to a depth of 15-30 cm from the surface and be in an area free of air bubbles that cause interference.
☑️ Pre-launch checks
If your sonar has a function DownVision or SideVisionThe requirements for the sensor installation are becoming stricter: it must hang strictly vertically, without tilting, otherwise the picture will be distorted.
Protection against vibration and shock loads
Inflatable boats, unlike metal or fiberglass, extinguish some of the vibration, but at high speeds or when hit by a wave, the load on the device increases many times. Constant shaking can lead to unsticking of the internal elements of the screen or break plastic latches.
To minimize risks, use fasteners with shock absorbing elements. These can be rubber gaskets between the bracket and the hull of the boat, as well as special attachments. vibrating Some manufacturers have their models equipped with spring mechanisms.
The power cable and the sensor also need protection, and it should not be loosely hanging around the tackle or the legs of the fisherman, and it is recommended to use spiral cords or special cable channels attached to the board.
| Type of load | Risk to the sonar | Protection method |
|---|---|---|
| Constant vibration of the motor | Display detachment, connectors | Rubber pads, vibration extinguishers |
| Blow on the wave (push) | Departure from holder, fall | Insurance cable, secure lock |
| Solar radiation | Matrix burnout, overheating | Blizzard, swivel mechanism |
| Water intrusion (splash) | Short circuit, corrosion | Tightness IP67, hinged visor |
⚠️ Warning: Never leave the sonar attached to the boat when stored out of the water. Overheating in the sun in a closed case or in direct rays can irreversibly damage the battery and matrix.
Sensor fastening: transom or through installation
The choice of the method of installing the sensor (emitter) is often more important than the choice of holder for the screen. For PVC boats, the most popular option is the transom version, where the sensor is attached to a movable bracket, which allows you to adjust the depth of immersion and, if necessary, lift it when passing through shallow water.
End-to-end installation, in which the sensor is glued inside the boat hull, is practically not used for inflatable models due to the complexity of sealing and low efficiency (the air gap between the bottom of the boat and the water extinguishes the signal).
The alternative is to attach the sensor to a suction cup or a separate bar lowered into the water, the latter being good for trolling, where the boat is moving fast and the transom sensor can escape the water or create cavitation.
Tip: To fine-tune the depth of immersion of the transom sensor, use plastic washers on the fastener bolt, which will allow you to change the angle of incretion in 1-2 degrees without using tools.
When installing, make sure that the sensor cable has enough length for maneuver, but not so large as to get entangled in the legs. It is optimal to hold it along the side under a stringer or in a special groove, fixing it with plastic clamps.
Overview of popular models and manufacturers
There are many brands in the market that specialize in marine fasteners, and companies are considered leaders in the segment of universal solutions. Railblaza and RAM MountsTheir systems are modular: if you buy one base, you can attach a sonar, a navigator, a phone or a glass of fishing rod to it.
The budget segment is represented by a lot of Chinese analogues and products of domestic manufacturers adapted to the realities of fishing in the CIS. They are often simpler in functionality, but cheaper to replace.
Specialized holders from manufacturers of sonars (Garmin, Lowrance, Humminbird) are usually ideal for seats, but can be more expensive than universal counterparts. They often come with the device, but the basic equipment does not always satisfy experienced anglers.
Universal mounting systems (such as those with a 360-degree hinge) give more freedom to adjust the viewing angle, which is critical in bright sun or an uncomfortable landing in a boat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I attach the sounder to the suction cup in choppy conditions?
Suction cups are only allowed in calm water, if you're excited above 10-15 cm or if you're moving a boat by planing the suction cup, the suction cup can come off, and the device will fall off. For active fishing, you better choose a mechanical clamp.
How to protect the sonar from theft in the parking lot?
Use fast-removal mounts. Take the device (head unit) off and take it with you, leaving only the bracket on the boat. There are also safety cables with locks.
Do I need to lubricate the moving parts of the holder?
Yes, the hinges and screws should be periodically lubricated with silicone lubricant, which does not corrode plastic and rubber, which will prevent the metal from souring and creaking when adjusting.
Will the universal holder go to my sonar?
Most modern sonars have a standard square or rectangular mount (VESA or equivalent). Check the size of your seat before buying a universal bracket.
How often should the rubber pads be changed?
Rubber ages under the influence of ultraviolet light and ozone. It is recommended to inspect the gaskets once a season. If they become rigid, cracked or lost elasticity, replace them to avoid damage to the side of the boat.