Effective fishing on inflatable swimming aids is impossible without high-quality fishing sonarIt's a system that allows you to see the bottoms and the fish clusters in real time. PVC Often faced with the dilemma of how to securely fix sensitive equipment on a soft and flexible board, which constantly vibrates from the operation of the engine, improper installation will not only distort the readings of the device, but can lead to the loss of an expensive sensor during high-speed travel.
There are several proven installation methods, each with its own advantages depending on the design of your vessel and the sonar model. In this article, we will discuss in detail the methods of attachment to the squirrel board, the options for inserting into the inflatable cylinder and ways to minimize hydrodynamic noise.
Choosing the optimal location for installing the converter
The first and most critical step is to determine the mounting point where the water flow will be most laminar, without vortices and air bubbles. Converter The ideal place is the flat part of the transom board, located closer to the diametric plane, but with a shift away from the propeller jet.
If you plan to use a boat in plane mode, you need to consider the angle of attack of the bottom. The sensor must be installed so that its working surface is parallel to the water while moving, and not "nose pecking" or, conversely, not breaking out of the water. Often this requires a small experimental swim with a temporary fixation of the element on a suction cup or tape.
- 📍 The central part of the transom provides minimal impact of the boat roll on the viewing angle.
- 🌊 Shifting from the propeller jet prevents cavitation interference and "noise" on the screen.
- 📏 Removal from the motor reduces the risk of mechanical damage to the sensor when lifted.
So the mounting area should be as rigid as possible. If the transom is made of plywood coated with plastic, make sure that the surface is flat and free of defects that could create an air gap between the emitter and the water.
Fixing methods: transom brackets and brackets
The most common and simple way is to use a standard grazing-stackThis method does not require drilling of the boat hull and allows you to quickly remove equipment, the bracket is fixed on the top of the transom board with a screw clip, providing the necessary rigidity of the structure.
⚠️ Attention: When installing braces on the soft edge of the PVC boat transom board, be sure to use rubber pads coming in the kit so as not to damage the coating and increase friction.
Boats with low transoms or specific geometry may require elongated brackets, which allow the sensor to be lowered deeper into the area of calmer water, which is especially true when there is strong turbulence from the engine. bracket Stainless steel or durable plastic can withstand high loads and are not subject to corrosion.
If you don't think the standard bracket is reliable enough, you can make a reinforced version of aluminum or textolite. holder It can cover a large area of the transom, spreading the load, and the main requirement is that there are no vibrations that can destroy the internal structure of the piezoelectric element of the sensor.
Injection of the sensor in an inflatable balloon: technology and risks
Owners of boats, often using trolling mode or not wanting to mess with removable structures, sometimes choose the method of inserting the sensor directly into the inflatable board. balloon This method uses a special plastic transducer glass that is glued into the fabric of PVC.
The process involves cutting holes in the fabric (but not in the inner layers, if possible, or using a special glue for PVC) and installing an adapter. Inside the glass, water or antifreeze is poured, which serves as an acoustic medium for transmitting a signal from the emitter glued to the bottom of the glass, which allows the sensor to "think" that it is in water, although the balloon protects it from the outside.
- 💧 Using distilled water or non-freezing liquid inside the glass improves signal conduction.
- 🧪 The use of two-component glue for PVC guarantees the tightness of the connection for many years.
- 🔊 The correct angle of inclination of the glass is critical for the vertical sonar beam.
It should be noted that thickness of PVC tissue and the presence of a reinforcing layer may slightly reduce the sensitivity of the sonarThis method is considered more advanced and requires skills in working with polymeric materials, and a mistake in pasting can lead to etching of the balloon, so it is recommended to first practice on an unnecessary piece of fabric.
Sealing of compounds and protection against moisture
Water is the main enemy of any electronics, especially in salty environments or constant humidity. The cable that runs from the sensor to the head unit must be securely protected. The places where the cable is connected to the sensor body (if they are detachable) and the places where the wire enters the control unit require careful attention. sealing.
To protect the contacts, the best way to do this is to use adhesive shrink tubes, and when heated, the glue melts and fills all the microscopic voids, creating a monolithic bond, and the normal insulation on the boat will not last long, it will be unstuck by the sun and moisture.
☑️ Checking the tightness of installation
Pay special attention to the place where the cable passes through the side or trawler. If you make a through hole, use special sealants or In addition, the exit point of the wire can be smeared with silicone sealant for boats, which remains elastic after drying and compensates for vibrations.
Comparison of installation methods: specifications table
To make it easier for you to choose the right option, let's compare the basic methods on key parameters. Each method has its advantages for different scenarios of using a boat.
| Parameter | Trans brace | Insert on board | Underbody gluing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complexity of installation | Low. | High. | Medium |
| Risk of damage to the boat | Minimum | High (in case of errors) | Medium. |
| Signal quality | Good (depends on speed) | Excellent (stable) | Good. |
| Mobility | Tall (easily removed) | Low (stationary) | Low. |
As you can see from the table, grazing-bracket It remains the most versatile solution for most anglers, but for those who are engaged in sports fishing and need maximum picture stability at high speeds, a tuck in the side may be a justified choice.
Adjustment and elimination of interference
After the physical installation, you need to adjust the sounder correctly. Often beginners face the problem of a "noisy" picture, where the bottom is displayed by a discontinuous line, and the fish is not visible. Radiation frequency or sensitivity is too high.
First, try to automatically configure the device by running the function. Auto or DefaultIf the result is unsatisfactory, go to manual settings. Reduce sensitivity (See also:Sensitivity) to cut off excess noise and exhibit at a frequency: 200 kHz is better suited for shallow water and detail, and 50 kHz for greater depths.
⚠️ Warning: If vertical black stripes appear on the screen, this may indicate interference from the motor or other electronic equipment (radio station, navigator), spread antennas and cables away from each other.
The secret of a clean signal
Use ferrite rings on the sensor cable if you see high-frequency interference from the engine ignition system, which is a cheap and effective way to improve image quality.
It's also worth checking the angle of the sensor, and if the beam is looking too forward or backward at a large angle, some of the signal will bounce off the surface of the water or the bottom past the target, and the ideal position is vertically down when the boat is moving.
Maintenance and winter storage
A sonar is an investment that will last for years if properly maintained. After every fishing trip, especially in salt water, you need to flush the sensor and cable with fresh water. The salt, when dried, forms crystals that can damage the coating of the emitter.
When preparing the boat for winter storage, remove the sensor if it is installed on a removable bracket. The cable cannot be broken or reeled tightly into a small ring - this will lead to the destruction of the internal veins. Curl it with large rings with a diameter of at least 15-20 cm.
- 🧼 RUB the body of the head unit with a soft wet cloth without aggressive chemistry.
- 🌡️ Keep equipment at room temperature, avoiding sudden changes.
- 🔋 Remove the power from the head unit during prolonged downtime.
Regular check of condition of fasteners will also not be superfluous. screws on the transom bracket can weaken from vibration, so once a season it is recommended to tighten the connections and check them for corrosion.
Lubricate the threaded transom bracket joints with lithium lubricant or WD-40 Specialist before the season - this will prevent the metal from boiling and facilitate dismantling.
The main key to success is not so much the sounder model as the quality of its installation and sealing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you glue the sonar sensor directly onto the PVC fabric without insertion?
In theory, you can use a suction cup or double-sided tape, but it's a temporary solution: the glue is not very well maintained on PVC under water load, and the air between the sensor and the fabric greatly distorts the signal. For permanent use, you better choose a insert or transom mount.
Why does the sonar lose its bottom at speed?
It's likely that the sensor is coming off the water (cavitation), or it's going to be blowing air bubbles from the propeller, so try lowering the sensor deeper or moving it further away from the motor, and also check if it's too high up from the bottom.
Is it harmful to leave a sonar on a boat in winter?
It's not recommended. Low temperatures destroy LCD screens, make plastic brittle, and the battery can leak. The sensor can also be affected by temperature changes and ultraviolet light. Store equipment in a warm, dry room.
Which cable is best used for lengthening?
You can't just twist the wires. You need a shielded cable with the same wave specifications as the standard one, otherwise the signal will be lost, you'd better buy a ready-made extension cord from the sonar manufacturer or use special sea sockets with soldering and high-quality insulation.