Buying inflatable watercraft is only the first step to the full development of water bodies, and often after the first watering, the angler thinks about technical upgrades.
The PVC echoer becomes not just a toy, but a vital navigation tool that allows not only to find fish, but also to safely navigate through unfamiliar waters, bypassing underwater obstacles.
Unlike metal or fiberglass boats, the installation of electronics on an inflatable boat has its own unique features related to transom flexibility, the risk of punctures and limited space.
Specifics of the choice of sonar for inflatable boats
The main difficulty in equipping a PVC boat is the absence of a rigid, stationary transocutor in many budget models and vibrations that are transmitted to the mount.
In such circumstances, the ideal solution would be portable with wireless sensors or classical wired devices with the possibility of rapid installation on temporary mounting.
When choosing, you should pay attention to the weight of the device and the dimensions of the screen, since in a tight cockpite inflatable boat, every kilogram and centimeter of free space play a decisive role.
Besides, radiation It should be selected for the expected depths: for small and medium depths, characteristic of rivers and lakes, where PVC is often fished, the optimal sensors with an operating frequency of 200 kHz.
Types of sensor attachment on PVC boat
The most common and reliable way to fix the emitter is the use of transom-holdingwhich is held by the upper edge of the transom board.
However, if your boat does not have a hard transom or it is made of soft material, you will have to look for alternative solutions to avoid damaging the cylinders.
In such cases, experienced boaters use special floating-sensor, which are thrown overboard on a fishing line, or mount the emitter on a remote bar, fixed on the nose or on the side of the boat.
Use plastic knives to temporarily fix the sensor cable to the liner cable of the boat – this will prevent the wire from getting for an outboard motor and reduce the risk of a break.
- 🛶 transom bracket: A classic solution for hard-inserted boats provides a stable signal.
- 🎣 Throwable sensor: It is ideal for boats without a transom, but requires a smartphone or a separate display.
- ⚓ On-board anchorage: It allows you to install a sensor on board, but requires accuracy when maneuvering off the coast.
- 🔋 Built-in engine: Some modern electric motors have built-in sonar, which saves space.
⚠️ Attention! When using a squirrel mount on a PVC boat, be sure to check the tension of the mounting screws before each exit - the vibration of the motor can gradually weaken the fixation, which will lead to the loss of the sensor.
Earrow power: batteries and safety
The issue of power supply on a hoverboat is especially acute, since the placement of a heavy battery affects the weighting and stability of the craft.
For feeding echoers are most often used 12-volt batteriesHowever, for portable models with low energy consumption, compact lithium-ion batteries or even Power Bank with fast charging function are quite suitable.
How long does the battery sounder last?
The battery life depends on the battery capacity and the type of backlighting that the standard 7Ah battery will keep the sonar running for 10 to 15 hours of continuous use, and the use of GPS and bright backlights reduces that time by 20-30%.
Particular attention should be paid waterproofing Connections: All connectors should be protected from splashes and possible rain, as salt water quickly oxidizes the contacts.
For the connection, you can use standard car connectors or sea connectors, which have additional protection from moisture.
Comparison of popular models for small craft
The market offers many devices, but not all of them are equally well suited for operation in conjunction with an inflatable boat and a low-power engine.
Below is a table comparing the key specifications of popular devices that have proven themselves in real fishing conditions.
| Model | Type of sensor | Max. depth (m) | Weight (kg) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Striker 4 | Trants | 450 | 0.3 | Built-in GPS, clean karting |
| Lowrance Hook2-4 | Trants | 150 | 0.4 | Auto-tuning, wide angle |
| Deeper PRO+ | Thrown | 80 | 0.1 | Wi-Fi communication, GPS in the sensor |
| Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4 | Trants | 180 | 0.5 | Reliability, simple interface |
When choosing between a wired and wireless option, consider that wired models such as Garmin StrikerIt provides a more stable signal at high speeds.
Wireless gadgets, for example DeeperThey benefit from mobility and the absence of unnecessary wires in the cockpit, but depend on the battery charge in the sensor itself.
For PVC boats with outboard motor up to 5 hp, the optimal lightweight portable sonars with a screen up to 5 inches and the ability to work from a compact battery.
Instructions for installation and first start
The installation process begins with determining the location of the sensor: it should be in an area free of air bubbles that create the motor or the movement of the boat.
Air bubbles are the main enemy of the sonar, as they shield the signal and create "dead zones" on the screen.
The mounting of the sensor must be made strictly perpendicular to the surface of the water, so that the beam goes vertically down, ensuring the correct display of the bottom relief.
☑️ Checklist of sonar installation
After the physical installation, you need to calibration The device indicates the type of water (fresh or salty) and the desired sensitivity.
For the first tests, it is recommended to anchor above a known depth and check the readings of the device with real data to make sure there are no errors.
If you use GPS moduleGive the device a few minutes to start cold for satellite navigation before starting.
Operation and maintenance intricacies
Operation of electronics on water requires constant monitoring of the condition of the equipment, especially in an aggressive environment.
After each fishing trip, especially in salt water, all elements of the system, including fasteners and cables, must be washed with fresh water to remove salt and dirt.
Store the sonar and battery should be in a dry, warm place, avoiding direct sunlight, which can damage the plastic case and LCD screen.
⚠️ Never leave the sonar on when the boat is on or out of the water - the sensor's operation on the dry can cause it to overheat and fail.
Check the insulation status of the wires regularly, as ultraviolet light and mechanical loads make the material brittle over time.
Timely replacement of seals and lubrication of moving parts of the mounting silicone will extend the life of your equipment for several seasons.
Why does the sonar show "porridge" on the screen?
This is most often caused by too much sensitivity or water suspension, try lowering the Sensitivity setting or switching to a noise-suppressing mode.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a sonar in winter when the PVC boat is inflated in the garage?
It is strongly recommended not to include the sonar in the air, as the emitter can overheat without water cooling. Testing is possible only in a container with water.
Does the material of the bottom of the PVC boat affect the sonar work?
The bottom material (PVC, reinforced fabric) has little or no effect on the signal if the sensor is lowered into water, however, if the sensor is attached inside the boat (through the bottom), the signal will be severely distorted.
Which battery is better to choose for a sonar for 2-3 days of fishing?
For multi-day autonomous drives, lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries with a capacity of 10 AH are best suited, as they are lighter than lead and hold a charge at low temperatures.
Do I need to remove the sensor when moving on the plane?
Yes, most transom sensors are not designed for high speeds and can be damaged by cavitation or by hitting a wave. Speed modes require special speed sensors.