Anchoring on an inflatable boat is not just a matter of convenience, but a critical element of safety on the water. PVC The boats make the mistake of simply trying to tie the phala to the rift on the nose, which, with strong wind or current, can lead to the tilting of the boat. Proper attachment ensures that the boat will stand with its nose against the wave rather than sideways, which greatly reduces the risk of water getting in.
Unlike metal boats, where the hull is heavy, a light airframe can be demolished even with a small force of the anchor chain. the fixing scheme shall require the use of a shock absorber or anchor chopikIt's a rule that stops jerks and prevents a sharp roll, and ignoring this rule often causes the loss of gear or even the anchor itself at a critical moment.
In this article, we will examine in detail the physics of the anchoring process, select the optimal weight of the cargo and consider the step-by-step algorithm of actions. static The transom is more dangerous than it seems, and how to organize the anchor assembly so that it works reliably in any conditions.
Choosing an anchor and calculating weight for an inflatable boat
The first step to a safe parking lot is to choose the right equipment. PVC Heavy admiralty anchors, which can damage cylinders when lifted, are not suitable. The optimal solution is considered to be structures such as "Cat" or Denfort folding anchors, which have hooked legs and compact folding.
The weight of the anchor depends on the displacement of the boat and operating conditions. There is a rule of thumb: the mass of the anchor should be approximately 10% of the displacement of the vessel, but not less than 1 kg per meter of hull length. grip with soil.
- 🪨 For a muddy bottom, anchors with wide paws are best suited, which do not fall deep.
- 🌊 On the current and wind, the weight of the chain lying at the bottom, and not only the anchor itself, is critical.
- 🎣 For fishing in the trunk, it is preferable to use the "Cat", which is easier to pull by the paws.
Do not chase the maximum weight, as lifting a heavy anchor through the side of a soft boat can lead to its loss. destabilizationIf you plan to fish at depths of more than 5 meters or in places with strong currents, it is better to increase the length of the anchor rope than the weight of the cargo itself, which will provide a gentler angle of traction and reliable retention.
⚠️ Warning: Never anchor a bunch of stones or bricks without a reliable package; sharp edges can cut through the cylinder when sloppy lifting, and the risk of such cargo getting stuck in the bottom snags is 100%.
Required materials and equipment of the anchor unit
To organize a full anchor place, you will need not only the cargo itself, but also a number of additional elements. anchor-rope It's a stainless, but easy-to-use synthetic cable made of polypropylene or nylon that doesn't rot, doesn't absorb water, and has a lot of elasticity.
The most important element of the system is the anchor chain (stack), which is usually 1-2 meters long, and the weight is chosen so that it lies on the bottom and presses the rope. shock absorberWhen the boat begins to be blown by the wind, the chain is lifted, extinguishing the jerk, and only then the force is transferred to anchor.
It is also necessary to prepare rim bolts or special ducks for fastening the façade on the boat. For inflatable boats, it is better to use removable rim bolts that are installed in the boat. pour-hole (Transse or nasal) so as not to injure the PVC material during storage.
☑️ Assembly of the anchor system
Step by step: how to tie the anchor to the boat
The fastening process begins with the preparation of the thal, and at one end of the rope, a loop is made that is placed on the spindle of the anchor or secured through a special ring, if a chain is used, it is tied to the anchor, and at the other end of the chain it is tied to the main anchor. nylon.
The key is the boat attachment, and the phal is never tied to the rot on the nose, which is a gross mistake that can cost the boat stability, and the correct scheme is that the phal passes through the nasal pome, and then attaches itself to a transom ditch or duck on the stern, or to a special duck on board closer to the stern.
Here is what the correct algorithm of actions looks like:
- Armor in the water from the bow of the boat, holding the falt in your hands.
- Let the anchor touch the bottom and draw the rope until the boat is carried away by the wind or current to the desired distance.
- Fill the flounder on feed-cloth (or the stern-shifted side of the stern).
- The tension of the phala should be such that the boat stood with its nose against the elements.
This pattern, where the anchor shaft goes from nose to stern, causes the boat to rise along the wave, but if you attach the shaft only to the nose, the boat will turn sideways to the wave, which is why the boat is so swayed. PVC In this case, the sailing area of the board is maximum, and the risk of drawing water or flipping increases many times over.
Table of selection of anchor weight and thalide length
For ease of equipment selection, we will make a summary table that will help determine the necessary parameters depending on the size of your boat and the conditions of parking, the data are recommended, since wind strength and current speed can vary.
| Boat length (m) | Anchor weight (kg) | Chain length (m) | Min. length of the fala (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 | 1.0 - 1.5 | 1.0 | 15 - 20 |
| 3.0 - 3.6 | 1.5 - 2.0 | 1.5 | 20 - 25 |
| 3.6 - 4.2 | 2.0 - 3.0 | 2.0 | 25 - 30 |
| more than 4.2 | 3.0 - 4.0 | 2.5 - 3.0 | 30 - 40 |
When choosing the length of the phala, follow the rule: the length of the rope should be 3-5 times the depth in the parking lot, this ensures the necessary angle of attack of the anchor on the ground. If the angle is too steep (the rope is stretched vertically), the anchor will not be buried, but will simply slide along the bottom.
Safety Techniques and Typical Errors
Safety on the water requires strict compliance with the rules of operation of equipment. One of the most common mistakes is to wrap the fail on the arm or leg. When a boat or anchor jerks sharply, this can lead to serious injury or even drowning. Always keep a supply of rope in a separate container or on the floor of the boat, but not on yourself.
Another critical mistake is the use of rotten or rubbed ropes. Synthetic materials Wearing from UV light and friction against rocks, regularly check the condition of the tile, especially in the anchor and crummy bolts, if the pile becomes confused or the threads of the base are visible, the rope should be replaced.
- 🚫 Do not tie the faal "deadly" to the boat without the possibility of a quick reset (for example, with a knife at hand).
- 🌪️ In stormy weather, increase the length of the phala and use two anchors if the boat design allows.
- 🧶 Make sure that the rope does not RUB against the sharp cut of the transom or the engine screws.
Pay special attention to keeping the anchor inside the boat. Wet, dirty anchor with remnants of mud and silt can damage the bottom. PVC It is recommended to use a special sealer or plastic container for transporting cargo inside the cockpit.
⚠️ Attention: If the anchor is stuck in snags or rocks, do not try to pull it out by force, working with oars or motors at the limit of your ability. This can damage the transan or cylinders. It is better to lose the anchor by cutting off the shaft than to risk the integrity of the boat and your own safety.
Caring for anchor equipment and storage
Proper maintenance prolongs the life of the anchor system. After every fishing, especially in salt water or in siltated water bodies, the anchor and chain must be thoroughly washed with fresh water. Metal elements are susceptible to corrosion, which over time weakens the structure.
The anchor rope should be dried before cleaning. Wet synthetic rope, folded in a pile, can begin to lithe, and in the winter - to freeze in a lump. For storage, it is best to use special bags made of mesh or durable fabric that allow equipment to be stored. breathe They don't collect any dirt.
Regularly lubricate the bolt threads and the moving parts of the folding anchors with silicone lubrication or litholic, which will prevent the machinery from jamming at the most inopportune moment, and checking the condition of all nodes before the start of the season is a mandatory procedure for each boating.
What if the anchor is stuck?
If the anchor is stuck, don't pull the boat back abruptly. Try to change the angle of thrust: get as close as possible to the hook, pick a rope slack, fasten it to the nose, then slowly move to the stern or side. Changing the force vector often helps to free your paws. If that doesn't work, use the "pull" method: pull a ring or sliding knot through the flounder, lower it to the bottom along the rope and pull it in the opposite direction.
Can a car be used as an anchor?
Steel cable is strongly discouraged for inflatable boats, heavy, buoyant, hard and can damage cylinders, and steel rusts quickly. If you find yourself in a desperate situation, use it only with great care and the mandatory protection of contact points with the boat.
Which unit is better to use for fastening?
The best way to attach the anchor to the rope is to use a Boulin knot (a squat knot) or a Fisherman knot. They are strong, untied under load and relatively easy to untie after stress relief. Use a carbine with a squat to connect the rope to the chain so that the squat does not twist.