Inflatable PVC boat It's a versatile tool for fishing and recreation, but without a reliable anchor, it becomes an uncontrollable toy of the wind, and a situation where a current or a gusty wind takes you away from a cool point is familiar to many boaters. anchorage It is not just a matter of comfort, but of safety.
Unlike boats with a rigid hull, flyboat They have a high sailing capacity and a low weight, which requires a special anchor system, and you can't just use any piece of metal that's in your garage, and you need to consider the type of bottom, the depth of the pond and the sailing area of your boat to ensure that you have a reliable, reliable, reliable, safe, safe, safe, safe, safe, safe, safe, safe, safe, safe, safe, safe, safe, safe, and secure boat. parking.
In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of choice, from calculating the mass to installation schemes, so that your rest on the water is not overshadowed by unpleasant surprises. cat-anchor It can be dangerous and you can also get a table to calculate your weight accurately.
Calculation of the weight of the anchor: the mathematics of reliable parking
The main mistake of beginners is to take anchor by eye. For inflatable boats, the golden rule is that the weight of the anchor should be approximately 10% of the carrying capacity of the boat, or 1/10 of the weight of the boat, but if you plan to fish on the current or in windy weather, this ratio should be increased to 15%. Anchor weight It’s not just a number, it’s your guarantee that the boat won’t blow up.
There are proven formulas for a more accurate calculation. For example, for rivers with moderate currents, the mass of the anchor (M) can be calculated by dividing the area of the boat's projection to the wind (S) by a factor of 10. retainer And the weight of the anchor will have to be increased, and light alloys like aluminum require more mass than steel because of the lower density of the material.
It should not be forgotten that flyboat This can cause the bottom to deform, the transom to deflect, or even the cylinders to burst when snatching. The optimal range for a standard two- or three-seater boat is usually 3 to 6 kg, but it is always best to check the specific specifications of your boat. PVC of the boat.
Always round the estimated weight of the anchor in the big way if you plan to fish in windy weather or on a strong current, as the margin of safety will never hurt.
Types of anchors for PVC boats: pros and cons
The market offers many options, but not all are suitable for inflatable boats. cat anchorIt folds its paws, which is convenient for transport in a bag of things, but it has a serious disadvantage: it can get stuck in stones or driftwood, and it will be extremely difficult to pull it out without risking damage to the balloon.
The second popular option is anchor They have excellent retention power on sand and silt, but require a long, flat section of the bottom to effectively burrow, and on a rocky bottom or overgrown grass, their effectiveness plummets, and the risk of getting stuck remains high. Construction Such anchors often have sharp edges that can cut the inflatable floor with careless laying.
The third option is mushroom-anchorIt's the perfect choice for a slurry-bottom parking lot, where they stick like suction cups, and they're safe for balloons because they don't have sharp corners, but they have to weigh significantly more than their vellum-shaped counterparts to provide the same retention power. On a solid clay or rocky bottom, the mushroom anchor will just drag on the bottom without getting caught.
Why is an anchor cat dangerous for PVC?
The main danger of a cat is that when you get stuck behind a snag or a rock, you often need to pull the anchor in the opposite direction to release it, and if the boat is above the anchor at that moment, the sharp paws can damage the cylinders, leading to rapid air etching and a potentially dangerous situation on the water.
Table of conformity of weight of anchor to type of boat
So you don't have to guess with the calculator, we've prepared a summary table that will help you quickly navigate your weight optimally for your calculator. floaterRemember, the data is for steel anchors; if you choose aluminum, add 20-30% to the weight.
It is important to understand that the length of the boat is the outer dimension, and the interior space and load capacity may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Flagship, hunter or Cayman.Therefore, always check the passport details of your particular model.
| Boat length (m) | Load capacity (kg) | Optimum weight of anchor (kg) | Type of bottom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 - 2.8 | 250 | 2.0 - 3.0 | Sand, silt |
| 2.9 - 3.4 | 300 - 450 | 3.0 - 4.5 | Sand, clay |
| 3.5 - 4.0 | 500 - 700 | 4.5 - 6.0 | Anybody (except a stone) |
| 4.0+ | 750+ | 6.0 - 8.0 | Strong current |
For boats longer than 3.5 meters, the use of an anchor weighing less than 4 kg on the current is practically useless - the boat will be demolished, creating discomfort and noise that scares away fish.
Schemes of anchor installation: nose or stern?
The question of anchoring floatboat The classic maritime practice is to anchor from the nose, which allows the boat to navigate the wind and current correctly, minimizing the onboard swing, and if you get off the stern, the boat can turn sideways to the wave, which can be a coup, especially if there are people on board.
However, many anglers prefer to anchor to the stern, especially when fishing in the throw or on spinning with the snare. electric motorThis is convenient for position control, but requires extreme caution, in which case it is strictly forbidden to use a rigid fastener; anchor-fail with a burst insert or buffet so that when stuck you can quickly free yourself.
There is also a scheme of placing two anchors (nose and stern) to fix the boat in a strictly defined position, for example, when fishing at rolling-offs, but for beginners we recommend that you stick to the rule: bow-anchorThis is the safest and most predictable scheme that will save you in stormy weather.
Anchor tile and chain: selection and maintenance
The anchor itself is only half the success. The other half is the success. anchor-line For PVC inflatable boats, the chain between anchor and cable is not recommended, as excess weight can damage the soft bottom during sampling, it is better to use a quality capron cord or a special anchor rope.
The length of the tile should be at least 3-4 times the depth in the parking lot. If you stand to a depth of 3 meters, the length of the rope should be at least 10-12 meters. This ensures the correct angle of attack of the anchor paws on the ground. Too short a tile will simply pull the anchor out of the ground at the slightest jerk.
Be sure to use it. anchor-bag Wet ropes mixed with keys and gear are a guaranteed knot that you have to untie with your teeth in the cold. laying A separate seal will save you nerves and time.
☑️ Checking the anchor system before exit
Common mistakes and safety on the water
One of the most common mistakes is to tie the thale to the red, and if the anchor gets stuck, you're trapped: you can't pull it off by force, and it's very difficult to cut a wet synthetic rope under tension with a knife. burst-in from a fishing line or a slack that will allow you to uncouple in a critical situation.
⚠️ Attention: Never wind an anchor shaft around your arm or body when sampling an anchor! with a sharp jerk or boat movement, this can lead to serious limb injuries or even a person getting overboard.
Another mistake is to use rusty and sharp anchors without protection. Rust not only soils the boat, but also destroys the PVC fabric. Sharp edges of the paws can cut through the balloon when sloppy lifting. It is recommended to wrap the paws of the anchor with tape or use special plastic linings, if the anchor design allows it.
If a storm has started and you are anchored in an open body of water, it is better to un-anchor and leave for sheltered bay than to risk the integrity of the boat. Inflatable boat At anchor during a storm, it's like a kite that can't withstand the load.
⚠️ Attention: When lifting the anchor on a strong current or wind, do not pull the rope with your hands over the side. Pull the boat to the anchor, going through the phala, so as not to lose balance and turn over.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use car wheels or bricks instead of anchor?
Bricks are crumbled, have sharp edges and unpredictable shape, which is dangerous for the body. PVCCar rims are too heavy and can break through the bottom. Use only specialized anchors designed for small craft.
Which anchor is better for a river with strong current?
For the river with the current, anchors of the type are best suited denforth or Halla. It's got long legs that burrow well into the ground, it's important to increase the weight of the anchor and the length of the tile, and the fungal anchors on the flow don't work well.
Do I need to lubricate the anchor before storage?
Yes, steel anchors must be cleaned of sand and dirt, dry and lubricated with anti-corrosion compounds (for example, WD-40 Or solidol before winter storage, which will prolong the life of the metal and prevent rust from appearing, which is harmful to the boat.
What if the anchor is stuck?
Try to pick a slack, get as close as possible to the hook point (above the anchor) and pull vertically upwards. If it doesn't work, use a webbing load or, in extreme cases, trim the flounder to save the boat and people.