Effective fishing in waters with unknown bottom relief is almost unthinkable without the use of modern electronics. Inflatable boatsWith its advantages over metallic counterparts, it requires a special approach to attachment installation because of its flexible design. Proper installation of a sonar on a PVC boat is not just a matter of convenience, but a necessity that ensures the durability of an expensive device and safety of navigation.
Unlike a rigid hull, the PVC boats' side or transverses are susceptible to deformation, which creates specific conditions for sonar to operate. An improperly attached sensor can give a distorted picture, lose signal when turbulent or, worst of all, damage inflatable tubes when hitting an underwater obstacle. sonar-mount It requires careful preparation and adherence to the technology.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the steps of installation, from the selection of the mounting site to the final configuration of the device, you will learn how to avoid common errors, what tools will be needed and why. radiator angle This is a critical parameter for getting a clear image of the bottom, and a competent approach will allow you to focus on the process of catching, rather than fighting equipment.
Choosing the optimal location for mounting the sensor
The first and most important step is to determine the place where the sounderOn PVC boats, the most common option is transom fastening, as this ensures stable contact with water and minimizes the effects of air bubbles. However, it is important to consider that the transom of an inflatable boat is often less rigid compared to a metal counterpart.
If you plan to use the boat not only for fishing, but also for recreation, or if the transom is occupied by an outboard motor, you can consider mounting on the nose or on a removable bracket. feed-in and the signal wire must be of sufficient length to comfortably place the display in the operator's visibility zone.
⚠️ Warning: Never install the sensor in the aeration zone of the screw or in places where large air bubbles form when moving, and the bubbles create "dead zones" on the screen, completely blocking the signal from the bottom.
Also, consider the geometry of the cylinders. When you attach it to the transom, make sure that when you lower the sensor does not touch the inflatable elements when you pump hard. floating-bracketThey are then raised to the top of the ladder, preventing the damage.
Necessary tools and components
To perform the job of installing a sonar on a PVC boat, you will need the minimum set of tools that any home craftsman will have, and you should pay attention to the quality of the fasteners, as they will constantly come into contact with aggressive aquatic environments.
Here is a list of what to prepare before starting the installation:
- 🛠️ A drill or screwdriver with a set of drills for metal and wood.
- 🔩 Set of stainless fasteners (bolts, nuts, washers) with a diameter of 4-6 mm.
- 🔌 Silicone-based sealant for marine applications.
- 🧵 Nylon screeds and tape for fixing wires.
Pay special attention to the choice sealantConventional building silicate may not withstand constant exposure to ultraviolet light and salt water. Boatlife Life Caulk or similar polyurethane sealants that retain elasticity after drying.
Use only AISI 304 or AISI 316 stainless steel for all bolts and nuts. Conventional steel will rust in one season, spoiling the boat's appearance and loosening the mount.
Technology of attachment of the sensor to the transom
The process of mounting the sensor on the transom is the most common and technically simple way. It is suitable for most sonar models, including popular brands. Garmin, Lowrance and HumminbirdThe key here is to ensure that the structure is rigid, so that the sensor does not vibrate when moving.
First, mark the holes on the transom, given the height of the installation. The sensor should be immersed in water to the depth recommended by the manufacturer, usually 30-50 cm from the bottom edge. Drill the holes, treat their edges with anti-corrosion composition and install the bracket, be sure to use large diameter washers to distribute the load.
☑️ Pre-drill check
After the bracket is physically installed, the angle of inclination must be correctly set; the surface of the emitter must be parallel to the bottom when the boat is in motion; at high speeds, water flow can lift the tail of the boat, so it is often necessary to tilt the sensor forward.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Impact on work |
|---|---|---|
| Depth of immersion | 10-20 cm below the keel | Reduces the impact of bubbles |
| Inclination angle | Parallel to the bottom | Maximum signal |
| Distance from the screw | Minimum 30 cm | No interference |
| Stiffness of attachment | Maximum | Clearness of picture |
Cable laying and power connection
The quality of the image on the sonar screen depends on the quality of the power supply and the integrity of the signal lines. The PVC boat wires have their own peculiarities: cables should not rub against cylinders, be stretched or have free loops into which the leg or tackle can catch.
To connect, use only copper multicore wires with a cross section of at least 1.5 mm2. All connections must be securely insulated with thermal shrink tubes or filled with a sealant. Safety lock mandatory and is installed in the gap of the plus wire directly near the battery.
If your sonar supports the connection of additional sensors, such as: GPS receiver Or a speed sensor, try to run their cables in separate beams, without interlacing with the power wires of the motor, which will help to avoid tips and interference on the screen.
⚠️ Warning: Do not allow wires to sag in places where they may be accidentally touched when boarding a boat or unloading fish. Mechanical damage to the insulation in salt water will lead to rapid corrosion and system failure.
How do you protect the wires from rodents?
If the boat is stored in a garage or outdoors, the sonar wires can attract the attention of rodents. Use a corrugated tube or special scarbing sprays to protect the insulation at the exit points of the rundoos.
Echo sounder setting and calibration
After physical installation and connection, there is a software setup stage, and even a perfectly installed sensor will be useless without the correct calibration, and the first step is to choose the type of sensor installed in the device menu, if this does not happen automatically.
The sensitivity should be adjusted (SensitivityToo high sensitivity will cause noise and arcs on the screen, and too low will prevent you from seeing small fish or relief details, it is optimal to start with automatic mode, and then adjust the parameters manually.
The important thing is the screen refresh rate and scrolling speed. For fishing from a slow-moving PVC boat, you can reduce these values to see a more detailed picture. If you move at high speeds, increase the scrolling speed so that the image does not "lubricate".
The right sensitivity and scroll speed setting is more important than the expensive sonar model. A basic instrument with a proper calibration will show more than a flagship with factory settings.
Seasonal maintenance and storage
Operating electronics in a water body requires regular maintenance. After each release, especially in salt water, it is recommended to rinse the sensor and the sonar body with fresh water. The salt, drying, forms crystals that can damage the coating of the emitter.
When preparing the boat for winter storage, dismantle all removable elements. Battery You need to remove, fully charge and store it in a cool, dry place, periodically monitoring the level of charge, and it is better to store the sonar indoors at room temperature, avoiding sudden changes.
Regularly check the condition of fasteners and tightness of joints. Vibration when moving on water can gradually unwind even reliably tightened nuts. Preventive inspection before the start of the season will save you from unpleasant surprises on fishing.
⚠️ Warning: Do not store the sonar and battery in a completely discharged state. Deep discharge of lithium and lead-acid batteries irreversibly reduces their capacity and can lead to failure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you use a sonar in winter when there is ice on the surface of the water?
You can't use a standard submersible in ice, you have to have it in water, but there are winter ice-built sensors or overhead sensors that are attached to the bottom of the ice hole, and a conventional transducer requires a water layer.
Why does the sonar show arcs but not see fish?
This could be due to incorrect sensitivity or scrolling speed, and it could be that the fish is in the dead zone under the sensor, or swim too quickly through the radiation cone. Try slowing the boat down and adjusting the parameters. Chart Speed.
How often should I change the battery for the sounder?
The battery life depends on its type and intensity of use: lead acid batteries usually last 3-5 years, lithium (LiFePO4) - up to 10 years or more, the main indicator of the need for replacement is rapid loss of charge during operation.
Does the color of the PVC boat hull affect the sonar?
The color of the balloons doesn't affect the sonar because the sensor is submerged in water, but the light color of the boat can visually make it easier to find fish in clear water when viewed from the side, but it doesn't affect the sonar readings.