Choosing navigation equipment for an inflatable vessel is always about finding a compromise between functionality, weight and dimensions. The PVC boat sonar with the engine needs to be not just a depth measuring device, but a full-fledged assistant that can withstand vibration, splashing and constant movement. Unlike stationary boats, there is no way to rigidly fix heavy equipment, so every gram counts.
The market today offers many solutions, from simple single-beam models to complex GPS-enabled mapplotters. A properly selected device will allow you not only to find fish, but also to safely navigate unfamiliar waters, bypassing the shallows and underwater obstacles. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances that will help you make the right decision.
Key criteria for choosing a sonar for an inflatable vessel
The first thing to look at when buying is emitter For PVC boats, which are often used in shallow waters or in overgrown water bodies, two-frequency models will be the best choice. They allow you to simultaneously see the overall picture of the bottom and detail small objects in the water column. High frequency gives a clear image at shallow depths, while low penetrates large depths, albeit with less resolution.
The second critical parameter is display size and readabilityOn a rocking boat, it's very inconvenient to see small details on a small screen. High-resolution color screens make it much easier to interpret data by distinguishing between the density of the bottom and the structure of underwater vegetation. Monochrome models are cheaper, but they may not be informative in sunny weather.
And we must not forget that moisture-protectionEven if the body of the device is IPX7 certified, this does not mean that it can be kept under water at all times. For a PVC boat, it is critical that all connectors and joints are reliably protected, since the risk of splashing here is higher than on a rigid body. Having a protective cover on the screen is a nice bonus that will prolong the life of the device.
Features of installation of the sensor on the PVC boat
Installing a sonar sensor on an inflatable boat is a separate engineering task that requires creativity and accuracy. Unlike fiberglass or aluminum vessels, you can't just drill a hole in a transom. sensor should be submerged in water And you have minimal contact with air bubbles that distort the signal, and it doesn't interfere with rowing or getting into a boat.
The most common method of fastening is the use of trailer-bar These brackets usually have a spring mechanism that folds the sensor when it hits an obstacle, preventing breakage. For PVC boats, it is important to choose models with wide clamping paws so as not to damage the cylinders and create a point of excessive pressure on the material.
There is also an option to install the sensor boatThe good thing about this is that it can't be lost or damaged when you pull a boat ashore, but it depends a lot on the design of the bottom of the boat and the inflatable floor, and if the floor is made up of separate cylinders, the signal is unstable.
⚠️ Attention: Never use conventional superglue or acetone-containing glue to fix the sensor inside the boat. Aggressive chemicals can corrode the PVC material, resulting in depressurization of the balloon and loss of buoyancy. Use only specialized PVC sealants or double-sided 3M VHB tape.
☑️ Check before installing the sensor
Types of cable attachment and protection
The sounder cable system is the weakest link in any mobile installation, and the constant assembly and disassembly of the boat, the twisting of the cylinders and the friction on the side quickly lead to fractures of the veins and disruption of contact. quality The choice of models with removable cables or the possibility of replacing them in case of damage is recommended.
For the organization of power and connection sensors are often used quick-removalThis allows you to disconnect the device from the boat in seconds without disassembling all the wiring every time. When you lay the cable along the side, be sure to use a corrugated tube or spiral braid, which will protect the insulation from abrasion on the rough surface of PVC and random hooks with tackle.
If you plan to use a sonar in conjunction with a GPS-navigator, make sure that the cables are long enough to comfortably accommodate the equipment in the cockpit. The standard length of 5-6 meters may not be enough if you decide to attach the sensor to the nose and the screen to the rear seat. In such cases, you have to resort to building up, which requires soldering and careful sealing of the joints.
How to build up the sensor cable without losing the signal?
You can't just twist the wires to build up the sonar cable. You need to use copper flux soldering, carefully insulating each connection with a shrink tube. It's important to follow the color marking of the wires. The build-up should not exceed 3-4 meters, otherwise the signal will weaken, and the sonar will stop seeing the bottom at great depths. It's better to use ready-made extension cables from the manufacturer.
Earrow power: batteries and savings
Autonomy is a major issue for PVC boat owners. Most sonars run on 12 volts, which requires a separate sounding system. traction-batteryIt is not recommended to use the starter battery of the motor to power the electronics, especially if the engine is low-power. The deep discharge of the starter battery can lead to the fact that you do not start the engine at the end of the fishing trip.
The best solution is to install a compact Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LiFePO4) These batteries are much lighter than lead-based batteries, are not afraid of deep discharge and have a greater lifetime of charge-discharge cycles. For a 0.5 Amp sounder, even a small 10 Ah battery will last for 15-20 hours of continuous use.
When organizing the electrical system, you must use it. safety-guardInstalling a safety lock 15-20 cm from the battery terminal will protect the wiring and the device in the event of a short circuit. On a boat with constant water and vibration, the risk of closure is higher than in a car, so you can not neglect the protection.
| Type of battery | Weight (roughly) | Cycle resource | Features for PVC boats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead-acid (AGM) | 3.0 - 4.5 kg | 300-500 | Cheap but heavy and afraid of deep discharge |
| Gel (GEL) | 3.5 - 5.0 kg | 400-600 | Hermetic, but slow to charge and heavy |
| Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LiFePO4) | 0.8 - 1.5 kg | 2000+ | Lightweight, powerful, but more expensive when buying |
For winter storage, be sure to charge lead batteries to 100% and store them in a cool room. Lithium batteries can be stored at any charge level, but optimally - about 50-70%.
Set-up and interpretation of testimony
After installing and first switching on the sonar, many users are faced with the fact that the picture on the screen looks like a chaotic set of stripes. sensitivity-calibrationAutomation is often wrong at high speeds or in shallow water, so manual tuning is a skill to master.
First thing you have to do is set up. Sensitivity (Sensitivity)If it's too high, there's a lot of noise and false arcs on the screen. If it's too low, you won't see any small fish or changes in the structure of the bottom. Perfectly tuned, you can see a clear line of the bottom and little detail right above it. It's also important to set the depth range correctly.Depth Range) to ensure that the scaling is optimal for the current location.
Pay special attention to the functions Zoom (Scaling)It allows you to stretch the water column to look at the bottom layer in detail, where the fish most often stand. For fishing on a PVC boat, which often drifts or moves slowly, using zoom combined with high frequency radiation gives the best results.
⚠️ Attention: Don't blindly trust the depth of the numerical data. In overgrown water bodies, the sounder can show depth to the tops of the algae, not to the hard bottom. Always analyze the graphics: the algae look like blurred stripes, and the solid ground looks like a clear fat line.
The right sensitivity setting is more important than the power of the sonar itself, and even an expensive instrument will show noise when the settings are wrong, and a budget one will show a great picture in skillful hands.
Overview of popular models for small vessels
The market offers a variety of models adapted for use on small swimming facilities. Garmin, Lowrance and HumminbirdHowever, Chinese manufacturers such as Practik or DeeperThey also have a significant market share due to availability and specific solutions.
Model series Garmin Striker They're popular because of the built-in GPS and the simple interface, and they're great for beginners who just need to see depth and save dots. CHIRP and SideVüAlthough the latter require more complex installation of sensors, which is more difficult to implement on a PVC boat.
Special attention deserves float-flyThey're pelted with a fishing rod or attached to a smartphone, and it's the perfect solution for ultralight PVC boats, where every kilogram of weight counts, but it's worth remembering that a smartphone screen in the bright sun can shine, and the operating time depends on the charge of the phone.
Why are wireless sonars not always convenient?
Despite their compactness, they have downsides: signal delay, dependence on the phone’s battery charge, inability to use navigation mode (maps) simultaneously with echolocation, and the risk of losing a float in high winds or hooks.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I use a sonar in winter, storing it in an unheated garage?
Most modern sonars are designed to operate at temperatures as low as -10...-20 degrees. However, they are better stored at plus temperature. Sharp temperature changes can lead to condensation inside the housing, which will cause oxidation of the contacts. Before turning on after frost, let the device warm up at room temperature for 1-2 hours.
Does the speed of the PVC boat affect the sonar readings?
Yes, it does. At high speeds (over 15-20 km/h), a cavitation (air bubbles) forms under the sensor, which shields the signal, the sounder starts to show noise or loses the bottom, and for high-speed traffic, the sensor must be buried below the bottom line, which is difficult to do on PVC boats without special attachments.
Do I need to lubricate the contacts of the sonar connectors?
Yes, it's a mandatory procedure. Use a special silicone lubricant for electrocontacts. It displaces water and prevents oxidation. Normal solidol or litol is not recommended, as they can destroy the rubber seals of the connectors.
Will the sonar show the fish standing in the grass?
A typical single-beam sonar is more likely to show fish as part of the bottom relief or not at all. Two-frequency models and instruments with CHIRP technology are more likely to isolate fish in the thickets, but you can't guarantee 100% results. In dense grass, it's better to focus on "windows" and clean areas near vegetation.