Effective fishing with modern gadgets requires not only high-quality equipment, but also its competent integration into the design of the boat. How to attach a sonar to a PVC boatThis is a priority, because improper installation can lead to the loss of an expensive sensor or damage to cylinders. Unlike metal or fiberglass boats, you can not just drill a hole or weld a bracket, which dictates the use of specific fixation methods.
The main difficulty is the need to maintain tightness and integrity. grazing-bowlAny mistake in choosing a fastener or a sensor location can cause a puncture that can be fatal far from shore, which is why it is important to study all the available installation methods in detail to ensure the sonar's stable operation and the safety of the crew.
In this article, we will discuss proven installation techniques that allow you to securely fix equipment without compromising the design of the boat. You will learn about the nuances of cable laying, protecting the battery from moisture and choosing the optimal height of the sensor mount to obtain a clear picture of the bottom.
Choosing the optimal location for the sensor installation
The first and most important step is to define a zone on the transom where the hydrodynamic flows will minimally distort the signal and the risk of damage to the sensor itself is reduced. cross-board It is often limited in height and has a specific inclination angle, depending on the pumping of cylinders, and the ideal location is where the sensor is submerged in water even at a minimum speed, but does not protrude too much so as not to touch the bottom or algae.
It is important to note that when a PVC boat is moving, the transom may slightly deform or shift relative to the water plane due to the flexibility of the structure. Therefore, the attachment should provide some degree of freedom or adjustment. It is also important to avoid places where air bubbles form when paddled or the engine is running, as they create "dead zones" on the sounder screen.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to install the sensor in the zone of direct impact of the jet from the propeller of the motor, since the cavitation will completely silence the sonar signal.
When choosing a location, you should also focus on the length of the regular cable. Standard cables are often about 6 meters long, which may not be enough to wiring from the bow of the boat to the stern with a margin. If you plan to place a display at the fisherman sitting on the nose and a sensor on the transom, make sure that the length of the wire is enough to take into account all the bends and fastenings along the side.
Methods of attaching the sensor to the transom board
There are several basic ways to fix the sensor, each with its own advantages and disadvantages depending on your boat's design and frequency of use. pinch-barThis is a method that is attached to the top of the transom board, which requires no drilling and allows you to quickly remove equipment after fishing.
This is often done with plastic or metal clamps that cover the board. If a standard sonar kit does not provide such a clamping, anglers often make custom solutions out of aluminum profiles or durable plastic. It is important that the inner surface of the clamps be equipped with a soft seal, for example, from a soft seal. rubber or a stainless stain so as not to damage the stained floor.
- 🔹 Using a rod: a reliable option for thick transom boards, allowing you to rigidly fix the sensor leg.
- 🔹 Adhesive mounting area: suitable for lightweight sensors, requires degreasing of the surface and the use of a marine sealant.
- 🔹 Through mounting through adapter: requires drilling, but provides maximum rigidity and minimal vibrations.
If you choose a pressed option, make sure that the bracket design allows you to adjust the angle of inclination of the sensor, which is necessary to compensate for the angle of the boat's different on the move, the sensor must be dipped in the water strictly vertically, regardless of the angle at which the transom goes under water when moving.
To improve fixation on a smooth transom board, use an anti-slip strip for skateboards between the bracket clip and the tree.
Technology of installation on an inflatable transom (without a rigid board)
Owners of lightweight inflatable boats, where the transom is performed by an inflatable balloon structure with a plywood insert inside, face the greatest difficulties. In such cases, classic clamps cannot be used because they will crumple the cylinder. mounting or platforms that are fixed on the surface of the balloon.
One of the most effective solutions is to use a rigid platform that is attached to the cylinder with a system of belts and Velcro straps covering the diameter of the cylinder, and this platform is already being mounted for the sensor, the main requirement is that the platform must be completely stationary relative to the cylinder, otherwise vibration when the engine is running will quickly destroy the attachment site.
| Type of attachment | Compatibility | Difficulty of installation | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure bracket | Hard-transene boats | Low. | High. |
| Platform on belts | Inflatable transom | Medium | Medium |
| Glue on the tannery. | Any type (with limitations) | High. | Permanent. |
| Removable on the cable | All types of boats | Low. | Low (risk of hooking) |
There's also a floating sensor, where it's attached to a small piece of foam or plastic plate, which in turn is attached to the balloon so that the sensor hangs in the water at the stern, which is good in that it completely eliminates the contact of the fasteners with the boat hull, but is less accurate at high speeds because of the bolter.
The secret of installation on a soft transneur
Use a wide carbine sling that runs under the bottom of the boat and connects to the sensor platform, which will distribute the load and prevent the mount from slipping.
Cable laying and connection protection
The proper organization of the cable track is the key to the durability of the equipment. The cable from the sensor should not be loosely dangled, creating sailing or the risk of getting hooked on foreign objects. On PVC boats, it is usually fixed along the side with plastic clamps or special clips on adhesive basis. It is important to leave a small margin of length at the sensor itself, so that when hit by an obstacle, the load falls on the bend of the cable, rather than on the place of its exit from the hull.
All connections, especially if you're increasing the length of the wire, must be carefully insulated. shrink-tube It's a glue layer inside, which, when heated, creates a sealed cocoon, and the normal insulation quickly becomes unusable from ultraviolet light and salt water.
- 🔹 Use a corrugated tube to protect sections of cable running on the boat floor from abrasion and legs.
- 🔹 Fix the cable every 30-40 cm to eliminate its beating on the side on the wave.
- 🔹 Make a sagging loop before entering the battery sealer so that the water drains without getting inside.
Pay special attention to the place of entry of the cable into the sonar body or battery compartment. This often forms condensation. cable-stamp or make drip loops when the wire before connecting is lowered down, forming a loop along which moisture flows to the bottom point, without reaching the contacts.
☑️ Checking the cable track
Placement of the display and battery unit
The comfort of the sounder depends on how ergonomically the display is placed. On PVC boats, space is limited, so often use swivel brackets that allow the screen to be removed from the boat when necessary. The display mounting should be rigid, since the vibration of the motor is transmitted throughout the body and can blur the image on the screen.
The battery is the heaviest part of the system, and its placement affects the balance of the boat. ACB They're placed on the floor in the nose or under the seat to shift the center of gravity and improve driving performance.
The sonar and motor often use one battery to power the sounder, but this requires the installation of high-quality fuses and connectors. If the sonar is powerful (with side scanning), it is better to allocate a separate battery for it so that the discharge when starting the engine does not cause the device to restart.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave the battery on the boat floor without fixing, with a sharp maneuver or wave, a heavy battery can punch through the bottom or injure passengers.
The ideal solution for PVC boats is to use a sealed battery box with terminal terminal terminal terminal terminal terminal terminal terminals, which can be securely attached to the rims on the boat floor, and you can make or buy a universal rack for the display that is attached to the oar switch or to a special area on the cylinder.
Optimal placement of the battery in the nose of the boat in a sealed box, which improves the range and safety.
System testing and setting up on water
Once the installation work is complete, you need to test the system in real-world conditions, so you don't have to hope that everything works perfectly the first time, but you'd better start in shallow water, so you can visually monitor the position of the sensor and the lack of air suction.
Turn on the sonar and let it warm up. Ride at different speeds, paying attention to the stability of the picture. If the image begins to snow or disappear at high revs, it may be that the sensor is too high or bubbles form around it, in which case you will need to adjust the angle of inclination or depth of immersion.
Also check the navigation functions if your model has them. GPS antenna, built into the display or remote, should have an open view of the sky. PVC boats with an awning or roof, this can be a problem, so sometimes the antenna has to be carried out separately.
- 🔹 Check the absence of interference from the engine at the frequencies of the sonar.
- 🔹 Make sure that the wires do not RUB against the transom while it is swinging.
- 🔹 Evaluate the convenience of reading information from the screen in bright sunlight.
The final sensitivity and scanning frequency settings are tailored to each body of water, and the sonar settings will vary in deep lakes and shallow waters, and remember to keep the setting profiles for different fishing conditions.
What if the sonar shows arcs but does not see the fish?
Maybe the screen speed is not synchronized with the boat speed, or the sensitivity is too low. Try to reduce the boat speed and increase the sensitivity value in the settings. Also check if the quiet water mode is on, which smooths the signal.
Can I leave the sensor in the water when the boat is on the porch?
Prolonged exposure to the sensor in water is not recommended, especially in warm water bodies; the emitter quickly acquires algal plaque, which impairs the signal permeability; In addition, galvanic vapor of different metals (if any) can accelerate corrosion; it is better to lift the sensor or shoot the boat ashore.
How to clean the sensor from plaque without damaging it?
Use soft cloth and a weak solution of vinegar or a special water stone removal tool. It is strictly forbidden to use metal brushes, a knife or aggressive solvents that can scratch the radiating surface or destroy the plastic of the case.
Why does the sounder turn off when you add gas?
It's probably low voltage protection, because of power drawdowns when you're going to have a sharp increase in load on the motor, check the wires, they might be too thin for that length, and it might be the oxidized battery terminal contacts that are causing the problem.
Do I need to lubricate the moving parts of the bracket?
Yes, regular lubrication of the movable bracket joints with silicone lubrication will prevent acidification and allow easy adjustment of the position of the sensor. Conventional motor oil can corrode rubber seals, so use only specialized means.