Operating an electric-powered inflatable boat requires a special approach to safety, and the central element of this system is the proper installation of the power source. Incorrect fixation of a heavy battery can lead not only to damage to expensive equipment, but also to the boat's capsizing or loss of control at the most inopportune moment. PVC materials You need to organize the seats independently, taking into account the specifics of the flexible bottom.
The big challenge is that a lead-acid or lithium battery has a significant weight, which, when you move along a wave, creates an inertial load. If you just put a box on a cylinder or on the floor, it will slide, it will beat against the side and create a dangerous roll. How to secure the battery in a PVC boatThis is one of the first motors that happens to owners after buying the engine itself.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the proven methods of fixation, the choice of protective boxes and the nuances of working with the soft bottom of an inflatable boat. You will learn what materials are best used to create a platform, how to protect the terminals from splashes and why a regular rope is the worst option for such a task. A competent approach to organizing the power compartment will prolong the life of your equipment and ensure peace of mind during fishing.
Selection of installation site and preparation of platform
The first step in the installation process is to determine the optimal location for the battery. Most models of inflatable boats, the manufacturer provides special transom plates or reinforced pads on the nose, but their load capacity can be limited. If you plan to use a heavy battery with a capacity of more than 100 Ah, placing in the bow can disrupt the differentiation, uplifting the boat's nose and reducing the efficiency of planing.
The safest and most common solution is to install the battery on the floor in the middle of the cockpit or closer to the stern, but with the mandatory use of a rigid base. mounting-platformThis platform distributes the point pressure of the heavy box over a large area, preventing the cylinders from squeezing and providing a flat horizontal surface.
For the base, it is best to use moisture-resistant plywood at least 10-12 mm thick or aluminum sheets. The platform should be 5-10 cm larger than the battery box on each side. This space is necessary for the installation of fasteners and ventilation. It is important to understand that the platform should not have sharp angles that can damage the inner surface of the boat when rolled actively.
Use an anti-slip coating (a mat in the trunk of the car) between the platform and the bottom of the boat to exclude the displacement of the entire structure by slippery PVC during movement.
When choosing a location, also consider the length of the power cables. Elongation of wires from the battery to the motor leads to a drop in voltage and loss of power, so try to minimize the distance, but not at the expense of safety. transomMake sure that the battery installed will not interfere with their operation or folding.
The need to use protective boxing
Using a specialized plastic battery box is not just a recommendation, but a safety requirement when operating on water. An open battery, even a sealed one (AGM or GEL), with a strong roll or flip of a boat can become a source of danger, since the electrolyte can still flow through pressure relief valves. lockbox It completely isolates the content from the environment.
In addition to the safety feature, boxing solves the problem of mounting. The smooth walls of a plastic case allow it to be securely fixed with belts or bolts without fear of damaging the battery itself. Inside the box, the battery is also protected from impacts on hard objects, buckets or fishing rods that can lie in the boat. Many modern boxes are equipped with convenient handles for carrying and pins for splash-proof wires.
⚠️ Note: It is strictly forbidden to use metal boxes for storage of batteries in a boat without special insulation. Metal can cause short circuits when vibrating or become a conductor of current in the event of a breakdown of the battery housing on water.
When choosing a box, pay attention to the presence of ventilation holes. Although modern batteries are considered unmaintenable, during intensive charging or under load they can emit gases. The presence of ventilation channels at the top of the box cover will prevent the creation of explosive concentrations of gases inside the closed volume. Also make sure that the lid closes on reliable latches that will not open spontaneously when shaking.
Another important aspect is the protection of the terminals: quality boxes have internal protrusions or pads that prevent the terminals from touching the lid or walls even when shaking heavily. If you use a homemade mounting option, make sure that the top of the battery is insulated from salt water, which is an excellent conductor and can cause self-discharge or corrosion of the contacts.
Methods of fixing: belts, bolts or Velcro straps
There are several basic methods of attaching the battery box to the platform or bottom of the boat, and the choice depends on the design of your boat and the type of floor. The most versatile and gentle for inflatable floor boats (NDB) is the method of fixation using the help of a fixed method. transport-belt It's a ratchet-like mechanism or friction buckles, and it doesn't require drilling of the platform, and it allows you to quickly dismantle the battery if you need it.
To implement the straps in the platform or directly on the sides of the boat (if the design permits), half rings or eyelets are installed. The belt is passed over the box and tightened, pressing the battery to the base. It is important to use at least two belts located cross-cross or parallel on different sides to prevent rollover. The belts must be made of materials that do not absorb water, such as polyester, and have resistance to ultraviolet.
A more rigid option is to bolt through the bottom of the plastic box to a wooden or aluminum platform, in which case holes that match the holes in the platform are drilled into the bottom of the box, and the battery is screwed through, which provides a "dead" fixation, but requires that the platform itself be securely attached to the boat, otherwise the vibration from the motor will be transmitted to the floor.
A third option, often used in conjunction with others, is high-strength industrial Velcro, one part of Velcro is glued to the platform, another to the bottom of the box, but relying only on Velcro when installing a heavy lead battery weighing 20-30 kg is not worth it. It may not withstand inertial load when a boat is sharply braking or hitting a wave. Velcro is better used as an additional lock from the shift.
☑️ Checking of the attachment reliability
Electrical wiring and contact protection
Proper connection and laying of cables - the key to stable operation of the electric motor and fire safety. clover (cable is flexible) with copper veins and double insulation, resistant to oil and water, and the wire section is selected based on the motor consumption current and the length of the track: the longer the wire, the larger the section must be to avoid a voltage drop.
All connections must be soldered or pressed with shells, and then securely insulated with thermal shrink tubes. Vibration and humidity twists are guaranteed oxidation and heating. At the exit of the battery box, a moisture-proof connector is installed to disconnect the battery without getting your hands inside the cockpit. A popular solution is the use of quick-removable terminals such as Anderson.
| Motor current (A) | Cable length up to 1.5 m | Cable length up to 3 m | Cable length up to 5 m |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 30 A. | 2.5 mm2 (AWG 14) | 4 mm2 (AWG 12) | 6 mm2 (AWG 10) |
| 30-50 AA | 4 mm2 (AWG 12) | 6 mm2 (AWG 10) | 10 mm2 (AWG 8) |
| 50-80 AA | 10 mm2 (AWG 8) | 16 mm2 (AWG 6) | 25 mm2 (AWG 4) |
| 80-100 A | 16 mm2 (AWG 6) | 25 mm2 (AWG 4) | 35 mm2 (AWG 2) |
Do not forget about the safety lock. It should be installed in the break of the plus wire as close as possible to the battery terminal (within 15-20 cm). In the case of a short circuit or screw jamming, the fuse will instantly break the chain, preventing wiring from burning or damage to the battery itself. For boat conditions, car fuses in a plastic case with a transparent cover type are ideal. ANL or MasterFuse.
Should we lubricate the terminals?
Yes, be sure to use a special lubricant for terminals (for example, lithium-based or silicone) which displaces moisture and prevents contact oxidation, which is especially important in high humidity and salty environments.
Specifics of fastening for boats with different types of bottom
The type of bottom of your PVC boat dictates its limitations and the possibilities for battery installation. Owners of hard floorboard floor boats (plywood or aluminum) are in the best position. They can attach a wooden bar or a metal pad directly to the floorboard, and attach the battery to them. The main thing here is to use large-diameter washers under bolts, so as not to push the floorboard material.
High-pressure inflatable floor (HPD) is more complicated, you can't drill cylinders, so you can only attach it by using downforce on top or using regular slings. sink-board Or a reinforced transom, you can put the battery there, but be sure to check the boat's passport for the permissible load on the transom. Often manufacturers limit the weight on the transom 10-15 kg, whereas the battery with the motor can weigh more.
For boats without rigid elements, the only safe option is to place the battery on the floor in the center of the cockpit using a wide platform-spread. The platform must rely on the sides through soft pads, distributing weight. In some cases, it is justified to use a suspension bracket that is attached to the slings on the sides, but this requires careful calculation of the center of gravity so that the boat does not become a roller.
⚠️ Warning: Never simply put the battery on cylinders without a wide rigid substrate. Pinpoint pressure from the corners of the plastic box under the weight of the battery and when moving along the wave can cause the PVC fabric to rupture and loss of sealing of the boat.
Maintenance and preparation for winter storage
Proper battery installation is only half the battle, so that the system can run smoothly in any season, you need to regularly check the condition of the mounts and contacts. Before each step into the water, visually assess the tension of the belts: vibration and temperature can weaken them, also check the terminals for white oxide plaque and clean them if necessary.
Pay special attention to the storage of the boat and battery in the off-season. Lead batteries cannot be left discharged in the cold - the electrolyte can freeze and rupture the hull. Lithium batteries (Lithium batteries)LiFePO4) are more stable, but they are also recommended to be stored at room temperature with a charge of about 60-80%. Be sure to unplug the terminals before putting them in the winter box and wipe the battery case with dry rags.
Regular check of tension of fasteners belts and purity of terminals are the main conditions of long service of electrical equipment on a PVC boat.
When preparing the boat for storage, remove the battery platform and dry it. Moisture accumulated under the platform can be preserved and cause plywood to rot or metal to corrosion, which will spoil the boat floor for next season. If you used metal bolts, treat them with anticort. Observing these simple rules will allow you to enjoy quiet and eco-friendly fishing for many years.
Can I attach the battery directly to the boat cylinder?
It is strongly discouraged. The cylinder is not rigid and flexes under weight. Even with a platform, there is a high risk of PVC tissue being damaged by sharp angles or uneven pressure when driving on a wave. Use only the boat floor or special transom plates.
How much battery weight can a PVC floor of a boat withstand?
The floor itself (cylinders or paioles) can withstand 50 kg if the weight is distributed over a large area of the platform, the problem is not tensile strength, but the stability and safety of the material, the main thing is to use a wide substrate and securely fix the load so that it does not rub against the bottom when rolling.
Do I need to remove the battery while charging in the boat?
It is advisable to charge the battery outside the boat or in a well-ventilated area. During the charging process (especially gel and AGM batteries at the end of the cycle), gas formation can occur. The enclosed space of the cockpit or runduk can become explosive. If charging in the boat is inevitable, ensure maximum ventilation.
How to replace the standard belts for fastening?
You can use slings for cargo with carabiners, but they must be made of synthetic materials. Do not use chains (rust, injure the boat) or conventional ropes (trend, rot), Snap belts used to fasten the loads in the body of the car are ideal.
How to protect the wires from rubbing on the side?
Use a corrugated tube or spiral braid for the cable in contact with the sides or sharp corners of the floorboard. Lay the cable so that it is not in a strained state and has a small sagging loop to compensate for the movements of the boat.