Modern fishing or inflatable boat hunting is already unthinkable without comfortable positioning management. Electric anchor on PVC boat It's gone from being the lot of the elite owners of expensive boats to being an affordable solution for a wide range of water-powered boats, and it's a game-changer in anchoring, freeing up your hands for other tasks, and eliminating the risk of entanglement in the engine propeller.
Unlike the traditional method, where the fisherman is forced to constantly pull a heavy rope, the electric winch takes the entire load on itself. Automatic control It allows you to raise the anchor instantly when the wind or current is soaring, which is critical to the safety of an inflatable vessel, and many owners underestimate the importance of the right power and type of attachment, which often damages the transponder or cylinders.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the technical nuances that must be considered before buying. You will learn about the difference in traction force, how to install on the soft side and the features of the battery system. A competent approach to the choice of equipment will prolong the life of your boat and make staying on the water as comfortable as possible.
Principle of operation and advantages of electric anchor
The basis of the system is an electric winch, which is driven by direct current from the onboard battery. Lifting mechanism It works by transferring rotation from the electric motor through the gearbox to a drum or an asterisk, where the anchor shaft is wound. The lifting speed usually varies between 20-30 meters per minute, which allows you to react quickly to changing conditions.
The main advantage of using an electric drive is the ability to fix the boat in mode. Drift Control Or simply changing the fishing point quickly, without any physical effort, and the fisherman can control the anchor without getting out of the seat, using a remote control or foot pedal, and this is especially true when catching a predator on a jig, where it requires frequent restarting.
In addition, the electric anchor minimizes the noise created by the splash of water on the anchor rope and the anchor itself when lifted manually. Silence A key factor in fishing for careful fish in shallow waters, not having to bend overboard reduces the risk of losing balance and falling overboard, making fishing safer.
- 🚀 Instant lifting of the anchor from the water without physical effort.
- 🔇 No noise or noise that frightens the fish.
- ⚓ Possibility of using as a stop anchor in a strong current.
- 🔋 Saving time and effort of the fisherman during long fishing.
Selection criteria: traction, voltage and type of fala
When choosing a winch for an inflatable boat, the first and most important parameter is tractionIt is measured in pounds (lbs) or kilograms and must be suitable for the displacement of the vessel and operating conditions. For PVC boats up to 3.6 meters in length, a model with a thrust of 15-20 kg is usually sufficient, whereas for larger vessels 30-40 kg and above is required.
The second critical parameter is the working tensionMost compact winches run at 12 volts, which is ideally the voltage of standard car or traction batteries. There are 24 volt models, but they are more often used on heavy metal boats and require a series connection of two batteries, which is redundant for a light PVC boat.
Particular attention should be paid to the type of falt used. For electric winches, it is strongly recommended not to use chains due to their high weight and the risk of damage to the gearbox when the links get stuck. wicker or a special anchor rope marked "for winches" that does not stretch or rot.
Always choose a winch with a thrust reserve of at least 30% of the minimum necessary for your weight boat, which will prolong the life of the mechanism and ensure the operation in extreme conditions.
And the size of the device, too, should be kept in mind, because the winch should be compactly placed on the bow of the boat, without interfering with landing or creating sailing. Modern models for PVC boats weigh less than 3 kgThis allows them to be easily removed for storage or transport without disturbing the boat’s balance.
Features of installation on inflatable boards
Installing an electric winch on a PVC boat requires a special approach, because the classic weld bracket does not apply here. The main requirement is to create a rigid support pad that will not damage the cylinders when loaded. cross-board Or a specialized nose stop attached to a stringer bar.
The installation requires soft but strong materials in the contact with the boat, ideal for gaskets made of foamed polyethylene or special rubber, the bolted connection of the winch itself to the platform, and it is important to use large diameter washers to distribute pressure.
⚠️ Attention! Never attach the winch directly to an inflated cylinder or soft fabric without a rigid unloading platform, guaranteed to wipe the material and lose the tightness of the boat under the tension of the anchor rope.
There are two main ways to fix the platform: hard and removable. Hard installation It involves the constant attachment of the board to the stringers, which is more reliable, but complicates the assembly and disassembly of the boat. The removable version is convenient for storage, but requires careful check of fixation before each step on the water to prevent displacement under load.
☑️ Check before installing the winch
Connection scheme and battery requirements
The electrical part of the installation is no less important than the mechanical one. The current consumed by the winch at the time of lifting the anchor can reach 20-40 Amps, so the use of thin wires is unacceptable. To connect, you need to use a copper cable with a cross section of at least 4-6 mm2 to avoid voltage drop and heating the wiring.
The essential element of the chain is safety-guardIt protects the system from short circuits and overloads that can occur when the mechanism jams or the insulation of the wires is damaged. The fuse is selected according to the instructions for the particular model of the forehead (usually 30-50 A).
And you often use remote buttons or pedals to control, which also need to be protected from water, and all connections are best soldered and insulated with shrinkage, not just twisted. waterproofing - the pledge of long-term operation of the equipment in conditions of high humidity and spray.
| Parameter | Minimum value | Recommended value | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cable cross-section | 4 mm2 | 6 mm2 | Copper, flexible. |
| Capacity of AKB | 45 A/h | 75+ A/h | AGM/GEL is preferably |
| Safety lock | 30 A | 40-50 A | Automatic or smelting |
| Type of isolation | PVC | Silicone/Rezina | Oil-resistant |
Why is the battery going down?
A common reason for rapid discharge is the use of a starter battery instead of a traction battery. Starter batteries are not designed for long-term return of low-power current and quickly degraph in the cyclic mode of the winch.
Table of conformity of power and weight of the boat
To make sure you don't make the wrong choice, you have to match the winch to the actual weight of the boat, and you take not only the weight of the PVC canister, but also the mass of the engine, fuel, crew and equipment, and overloading the mechanism will cause it to quickly fail.
Below is a table that helps you navigate the choice of model depending on the class of boat, and it should be borne in mind that the data is relevant for calm water; in strong currents or winds, the power reserve should be higher.
| PVC class boat | Length (m) | Full weight (kg) | Recommended traction (lbs/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-seat | 2.0 - 2.8 | 250 | 12-15 lbs (6-7 kg) |
| Double-seat | 2.9 - 3.6 | 250 - 450 | 20-25 lbs (9-11 kg) |
| Three-seater | 3.7 - 4.2 | 450 - 600 | 30 lbs (14 kg) |
| Large-sized | 4.3+ | 600+ | 40+ lbs (18+ kg) |
It is important to understand that winch-stroke The actual efficiency may be reduced by the angle of the anchor rope, the type of bottom and the presence of algae, so choosing a "back-to-back" model at the lower weight limit is not recommended.
Operation and safety on water
The use of an electric winch imposes certain obligations on the owner to comply with safety rules, the main rule is never to leave the anchor shaft unattended in a strained state if the boat is in a strong current.
When operating in winter or in conditions of negative temperatures, you need to monitor the state of the mechanism. Water that gets inside the gearbox can freeze and block the shaft. After each fishing, it is desirable to rinse the winch with fresh water and dry.
⚠️ Attention! It is strictly forbidden to use an electric winch to pull a boat to the dock or shore if the anchor is stuck in stones or driftwood. Attempting to "pull out" the anchor by the power of the winch engine can lead to a break in the facade or the breakage of the gears.
Regular maintenance includes lubricating moving parts and checking electrical contacts. Specialized lubrication For bearings, it must be water resistant and not break down rubber seals. Visual inspection of the cable for rubbing is also mandatory before each season.
Safety comes first: Always carry a knife on hand to cut the anchor rope in case of emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can an electric anchor be used on a strong current?
It can be used, but with limitations. The electric winch is designed primarily to hold the boat, not to hold it against the powerful flow of water as the main stop anchor. During strong currents, the load on the mechanism increases many times, which can lead to overheating of the engine or cutting of the gears. It is recommended to combine the anchor with the correct setting of the boat along the current.
How long does a winch last from a single battery?
The operating time depends on the battery capacity and frequency of use. A standard 55 A/h battery allows you to make 30 to 50 cycles of the anchor. In downtime (holding anchor on weight), current consumption is minimal, but at the very lift it is maximum. For long expeditions, it is better to have a spare battery.
Do I need to remove the winch after fishing?
It is advisable to remove the device, especially if the boat is stored in a garage or on the balcony, this will prevent theft, protect the mechanism from temperature changes and ultraviolet radiation, and also allow you to check and dry the mounts. If the boat is on the water in season, you can leave the winch, but you must cover it with a cover.
What to do if the battery sits in the middle of the reservoir?
Most electric winches have manual unlock mode or the ability to manually rotate the shaft (although this is inconvenient). In extreme cases, the anchor shaft can be selected manually by disconnecting the connection to the drum if the design allows. Always monitor the battery charge before exiting.