Effective fishing from a swimming vehicle is impossible without understanding the bottom relief and the presence of fish under the keel. For owners of inflatable vessels, the task of mounting a sonar on a PVC motorized boat becomes a priority, since standard fastening methods used on rigid hulls often do not work here. Flexible cylinder structure and lack of transom mounting in the classical sense require individual approach and the use of specialized accessories.
Proper installation is not just about fixing the device, but about a set of measures to ensure a stable signal and protect electronics from water. Planning errors can lead to the loss of an expensive gadget or, worse, damage to the boat cylinder at the most inopportune time. In this article, we will examine all the nuances, from the type of sensor to the final setting. scanning frequency.
It's important to understand that an inflatable boat is constantly changing its geometry under the influence of waves and loads. Hard attachment "dead" is not allowed here, because when hitting an obstacle, the sensor should be able to deflect without damaging the fabric. We will look at proven methods that allow you to combine the reliability of the fixation and the safety of the vessel.
Selection of sensor type and installation location
The first step is always to determine the type sensorThe two options that are most relevant for inflatable vessels are the classic transducer with a transom-mounted transducer and the more modern models with suction cups or Velcro straps, depending on the speed of movement and the type of bottom you plan to catch.
Trans sensors require a rigid platform, which often has to be organized independently. They provide a stable signal at high speeds, but more difficult to install on PVC. Sensors on suction cups or Velcro straps are versatile, they can be moved on the sides, but they are less resistant to speeds above 15-20 km / h and require a perfectly smooth surface of the balloon.
The location is determined not only by convenience, but also by the hydrodynamics of the boat. The sensor must be in an area free of air bubbles that create the motor or propellers. The air emulsion passing under the sensor completely blocks the signal, turning the sonar screen into chaotic noise.
- 🐟 transom type: It is ideal for high-speed search and hard mounts on plywood inserts.
- 🐟 Velcro/Sucker: The best choice for temporary installation and preservation of integrity of cylinders.
- 🐟 Throwable sensor: Suitable for fishing from anchor, but uncomfortable with trolling.
⚠️ Warning: Never place the sensor directly in front of the engine cavitation plate or in the area of active boiling water from the propeller, otherwise you will get false depth readings.
Preparation of the transom and creation of a landing place
If you're staying on a classic transom sensor, you'll need a flat vertical surface. Many PVC boats have a bending or under-height trunk board that requires an extra bar, using moisture-resistant plywood or composite materials that are attached to the main board with bolts or powerful screeds.
The surface of the mounting should be smooth, without sharp corners and barbs that can damage the balloon when accidentally touched. Often anglers use plastic corners or special adapters that allow you to adjust the angle of inclination. transducerThe angle adjustment is critical: the beam must go strictly perpendicular to the bottom when the boat is in a horizontal position.
When drilling holes in the tanning board, be sure to use a sealant to prevent moisture from entering the plywood. Even a small drop of water entering the layer will eventually lead to the material's stratification and loss of structural strength. All metal elements of the fastener must be made of stainless steel or have a zinc coating.
Use rubber washers between the bolt head and the plywood surface – this will prevent vibrational unwinding of the fastener while moving along the wave.
Installation of the sensor on the inflatable side
An alternative to rigid mounting is to mount directly onto the cylinder, a method that requires special care to avoid damaging the PVC fabric. The fixation uses special sticky pads that come with some sonar models, or powerful suction cups designed for smooth surfaces.
Before you stick or install the suction cup, you need to degrease the surface of the balloon. Use alcohol or a special cleaner, but never acetone or aggressive chemistry, which can erode the top protective layer of the tissue. After degreasing, the surface should dry completely.
The sandwich method is often used to secure the Velcro, where a special PVC patch is glued onto the balloon and a sensor is mounted on it, so you don't have to worry about a piece of the boat's fabric being removed, and the patch is glued to a special PVC glue, and then the time for full polymerization is maintained.
| Mounting method | Difficulty of installation | Impact on the boat | Max, speed. |
|---|---|---|---|
| transom bar | Medium | Safe. | High. |
| Velcro on the cylinder. | Low. | Demands a patch. | Medium |
| Suction cup. | Low. | Safe. | Low. |
| Inside the boat | Low. | Safe. | Anything. |
Cable laying and connection protection
The most vulnerable element of the system is the cable, which is constantly twisted, stretched and exposed to ultraviolet light on an inflatable boat, so that it does not interfere with the movement of the angler and does not have the opportunity to catch the gear or anchor shaft.
Corrugated tubes or special cable channels are used to protect the cable; it is important to leave small loops (weaknesses) at the entry and exit points of the wire to avoid breaking the veins when bending; the cable is fastened to the liner cable or structural elements by plastic screeds, but not too tight.
All connections, especially connectors, must be carefully insulated. Water and salt are the main enemies of electronics. Use shrink tubes with adhesive layer or high-quality insulation for electrical wiring. Connectors are better placed above the waterline and, if possible, in areas protected from direct spray.
How to restore the worn cable?
If you've worn the cable at the sensor itself, you can build it up carefully using soldering and shrinkage, it's important to color-code the wires, use a solder with a roanifoil, and the adhesive must be sealed.
Connection to power supply
Modern sonars consume a little power, but the stability of the voltage is critical for them. Connecting directly to the motor battery is not recommended because of possible voltage surges during the starter. battery Or a safety lock.
It's convenient to use existing design elements to mount the wiring inside the boat, hiding the wires under the banks or along the side cylinders. If the boat is equipped with a battery lock, put the terminals there, which will provide convenient access and protection from moisture.
Make sure to set the fuse in the break of the plus wire as close as possible to the power source. The fuse value should correspond to the current consumed by the device, usually 2-5 Amps. This will save the wiring from ignition in the event of a short circuit.
⚠️ Warning: Do not allow the wires to sag above water or in the zone of operation of the screw - an accidental hit of the cable in the screw will instantly disable both the sensor and the motor.
Echo sounder setting and calibration
After physical installation, there's a software setup phase, and the initial calibration involves choosing the language, the units of measurement, and most importantly, the type of sensor you have installed, and if the sounder model allows, specify the exact frequency of your transducer.
To improve the quality of the picture, you need to adjust the sensitivity and range (Range). Automotive mode often works incorrectly in standing water or in high winds, so manual adjustment gives the best result. Set the sensitivity value so that the screen shows small details, but there is no unnecessary noise.
The important thing is the speed of the screen refresh and the speed of scrolling. For drift fishing or anchor fishing, you can reduce the speed of scrolling to look at the structure of the bottom in detail. When you search for fish on the move, you increase the speed to make the picture correspond to real time.
☑️ Final system check
Typical errors in installation
One of the most common mistakes is to place the sensor too high or too low relative to the waterline, if the sensor is above water level when moving, it will grab air, if it is too low, it will create excessive resistance and the risk of hitting the bottom.
Ignoring the Noise Filter makes the angler see porridge on the screen instead of a clear arc of fish. Don't be afraid to experiment with the frequency and power settings based on the depth of the fish.
Seasonal maintenance is also often overlooked, and after every fishing trip, especially in salt water, the equipment must be cleaned with fresh water and dried, and the remaining salt on the connector contacts can cause corrosion and signal loss by the next season.
The main secret of successful installation is the balance between the rigidity of the sensor attachment and the elasticity of the connections, taking into account the constant deformation of the inflatable hull of the boat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I leave a boat on the boat in winter?
The battery can freeze and fail, and the plastic of the case and the screen become brittle in the cold, the sonar and battery must be removed and stored at room temperature.
Why does the sonar show arcs, but there is no fish?
This may be due to a mistuning of sensitivity or the presence of a thermocline, and the arcs can create air bubbles from the engine or floating thickets of algae if they are dense.
How to protect the sensor from impacts on stones?
Use spring-loaded swivel brackets that allow the sensor to lean back when impacted. Inflatable boats also have efficient sensors on flexible float cable that float behind the boat.
Does the thickness of the PVC boat's bottom affect the signal?
Yes, it does. If you plan to install a sensor inside the boat (through the bottom), the thickness of the fabric and the presence of an air layer can significantly weaken the signal or create a double echo. For PVC boats, this method is only suitable for sonars with powerful emitters and using a special contact gel.
Do I need to lubricate the connectors?
Yes, once a season it is recommended to treat electrical contacts with a special lubricant for electrical wiring (for example, silicone-based), which displaces moisture and prevents oxidation.