Properly mounting the sonar sensor on the trawler of an inflatable boat is a critical step in getting a high-quality underwater image. PVC boats They make the mistake of ignoring the mounting features of the softboard or the transom board, which leads to "noise" and false depth readings. Unlike metal or fiberglass boats, where the sensor can be rigidly fixed on the hull, inflatable structures require a more delicate approach and take into account the mobility of the elements.
The challenge is to keep the emitter in a stable position in the water, eliminating the high-speed surge and minimizing the vortex of the flow. sonar It will stop seeing the bottom or start showing chaotic numbers, making fishing impossible. In this article, we will explore all the nuances of choosing the location, methods of attachment and sealing connections to make your equipment work like a clock.
Before drilling or sticking, you need to carefully prepare the surface and choose the optimal height of the installation, errors at this stage are the most difficult to correct, since they are often associated with a violation of the integrity of the transom or the wrong angle of inclination. The angle of inclination of the working surface of the sensor relative to the horizon should be strictly 90 degrees in the static position of the boat. Only by observing this parameter, you can count on an accurate mapping of the structure of the bottom and fish.
Selection of the place and preparation of the transom board
The first step in the installation process is to choose the right place on the tanning board. The surface should be flat, without protruding bolt heads, seams or irregularities that could create an air cushion under the emitter. flyboat characteristic of the use of plywood tray board, covered with moisture-resistant paint or plastic, which simplifies installation, but requires care to the condition of the coating.
The optimal location is considered to be a zone displaced from lower unit. boat-engine This avoids air bubbles from the propeller from entering the sensor sensitivity zone, which is the main reason for the loss of signal on the move. If the motor is one, the sensor is usually placed on the left side (when viewed from the stern), since the propeller of most motors rotates clockwise.
⚠️ Warning: Never install the sonar sensor directly under the propeller jet or in the active exhaust area. Air bubbles and exhaust gases create powerful acoustic interference that completely block the sonar.
Before the final mounting point is selected, you should do a "sample": attach the sensor to the intended location and ask the assistant to slowly move the boat forward in shallow water. Watch the screen reading: if the picture is clean and stable, the location is correctly chosen. If there are breaks or noise, shift the mounting point.
Required tools and materials
You can't have a good installation without the right tools. PVC boats And with wooden squirrel boards, you need the minimum set that any home craftsman can have, and it's important to use tools that don't damage the structure of the materials and ensure that the elements are fixed reliably.
The basis of the set is a drill with a set of drills for wood and metal, as well as high-quality sealant You can't skimp on sealants, because they protect the transom panel from swelling, and the electrical contacts from corrosion and short circuit.
☑️ Installation tools
You'll need a special Cambrick or Corfra to help protect the wire from mechanical damage and ultraviolet light, and you'll need a spare set. fixing-piece (bolts, nuts, washers), since regular ones are often too short for installation through a thick transom board, taking into account the bracket.
Fixing methods: through and overhead installation
There are two main ways to fix the sensor on the transom: through mounting and installation on the overhead bracket. The choice of method depends on the design of your boat and personal preferences. Through-to-through installation is considered more reliable and aesthetic, since the sensor is rigidly fixed directly to the board.
With the through method, a hole is drilled in the squirrel board, through which the cable is passed, and the sensor is screwed on the outside, which eliminates the possibility of losing the sensor when hitting an obstacle, because it is part of the structure. However, this method requires perfect sealing so that water does not get into the tree.
| Parameter | Through-cutting | Folding bracket | Temporary sucker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reliability | High. | Medium | Low. |
| Complexity of installation | High. | Low. | Minimum |
| Risk of damage | Minimum | Medium. | Highly |
| Impact on speed | Missing. | Minor. | Notable. |
The overhead bracket attached to the top cut of the transom allows the sensor to be removed quickly if necessary, but creates more resistance to water and can vibrate at high revs. PVC boats It is preferable to still end-to-end installation or use of specialized streamlined brackets that do not create turbulence.
Why not use suction cups?
Suction cups are a temporary solution. When exposed to the sun, the rubber dries up, and when the wave is ripped off, the suction cup can tear off, and losing the sensor at full speed is a common problem for anglers using this method.
Step-by-step instructions for installing the sensor
The installation process begins with marking. Apply the bracket or the sensor itself to the selected location on the transom and mark the centers of future holes. Make sure that the distance from the bottom edge of the sensor to the conventional line of the bottom of the boat allows it to be lowered below the keel level, but not too deep, so as not to increase resistance.
Drill the holes with a drill diameter corresponding to fasteners. If through mounting is used, the holes should be strictly perpendicular to the surface of the transom. After drilling, be sure to treat the edges of the holes and the adjacent surface with a degreaser to remove dust and shavings.
⚠️ Note: When drilling a plywood transom board, use a depth limiter or manually control the process so as not to damage the internal inflatable balloon if it is located close to the board.
Apply a layer of sealant around the holes and on the bolt threads. Set the sensor tightly pressed to the surface. Excess sealant protruding at the edges, immediately remove with a wet cloth, forming a neat sideboard. Let the sealant dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions (usually 24 hours) before launching the boat.
For better adhesion of the sealant with sensor plastic and transom paint, lightly hide the contact places with small sandpaper before applying the composition.
Cable laying and connection to the head unit
Laying of cable from the transom to the installation site head-stack (display) is a step that requires care. The cable must not have stretched areas or hinges in which water can accumulate. PVC boats cable is best laid along the side, fixing it with special clips or carefully gluing double-sided tape for PVC boats.
In places of passage through rigid elements (for example, if you wind a cable inside a kunduk), use rubber bushings or Cambricks. This will prevent rubbing the insulation against the edge of plastic or wood during vibration and movement of the boat. The cable should be with a small margin so that you can lift the motor or sensor for maintenance.
When connecting to the battery, be sure to use a fuse mounted in the break of the plus wire as close as possible to the battery terminal, this will protect the equipment and the boat itself from fire in the event of a short circuit.
The sounder's power cable cannot be extended with standard twists, which causes a voltage drop and the device to malfunction. Use soldering and high-quality insulation.
Immersion depth adjustment and testing
After installation, you need to adjust the depth of immersion of the sensor. In the operating position, the lower edge of the emitter should be below the imaginary line of continuation of the bottom of the boat by about 3-5 cm If the sensor is installed too high, at speed it will "catch" air and lose contact with water.
To test, run the boat into the water and turn the sonar on idle. Look at the screen: if you see a clear bottom and minimum noise, everything is fine. Then slowly add gas. If at certain turns the picture breaks into noise, then the sensor pops up or falls into the cavitation zone, in which case you will need to adjust the angle of inclination or depth of immersion.
Adjusting the angle of inclination is done by placing washers under the top or bottom of the mount (if the design allows) or changing the position of the bracket. The ideal position is where the sensor operates stably at the maximum speeds of the motor that you plan to use during fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I glue the sonar sensor directly on board the PVC boat?
Technically, this is possible with special suction cups or adhesive platforms, but this is considered temporary. On the soft side, the sensor will vibrate very strongly, which will create interference, and the risk of unfeeling and loss is very high.
Which sealant is best used for installation on a transom?
The best choice is a polyurethane sealant glue (for example, 3M 4200 Or analogues, because it provides high adhesion, elasticity and resistance to vibration, ordinary acid silicone can detach from the plastic of the sensor over time.
Why does the sonar show arcs but not see fish?
This may be due to the incorrect sensitivity setting or the refresh rate of the screen, and also check if the sensor is in the zone of turbulence from the screw, sometimes helps slowing down the boat speed or changing the position of the sensor.
Do I need to take off the sensor for the winter?
If the boat is stored in a warm room, the sensor should be removed to avoid deformation of plastic elements from temperature changes. If the boat is stored in a deflated form, the sensor is also recommended to be dismantled to avoid clogs of the cable.