Fishing in an inflatable boat gives you access to the most promising points of the pond, but it often raises the question of keeping the catch alive and fresh. Many anglers mistakenly believe that just throwing a cage overboard is the right decision, but on a moving boat it can lead to the loss of trophies or even damage to cylinders. Proper fixation of the cage is not just a convenience, but a matter of the safety of the entire design of the boat and your catch.
Inflatable boards PVC boats They are sensitive to friction and point loads, so using sharp or heavy attachments without protection is unacceptable. In this article, we will discuss proven installation methods that will allow you not to worry about the integrity of the catch during the transition or when catching the next trophy.
Choosing the optimal place to install the cage
The first thing you need to do before you start mounting is to determine the mounting point. The most popular option is to put it in the bow of the boat, directly behind the squirrel board or in front of it, if the design allows. This is where the fisherman is most often present, and he is comfortable monitoring the condition of the cage without getting up, but it is worth considering that the nose, when moving at speed, experiences maximum wave shocks, which can create additional stress on the mounts.
The alternative is to place the cage in the stern, next to the motor, which is suitable for those who use it. electric motors Or it makes short transitions, because the exhaust gases of the gasoline engine can adversely affect the fish, the stern location is also convenient because the cage is in the zone of calm water created by the transom, and less sails in the wind, it is important that the chosen location does not interfere with the operation of the propellers, if they are designed for your boat.
When choosing a place, be sure to check whether the cage will touch the cylinders when the boat rolls or sharp turns. Grid friction PVC will inevitably thin the tank material during long-term operation, and if you plan to actively fish on the current, it is better to move the attachment point closer to the center of the cockpit to minimize the impact of water flow on the stability of the craft.
Required materials and tools for installation
To fix the cage reliably, you need a set of simple but high-quality materials. fixerIn most cases, anglers use metal or plastic brackets that can be purchased in specialty stores or made independently from stainless steel. The use of conventional iron is unacceptable, since salt water and fishing environments will quickly lead to corrosion.
You will also need strong cords, carbines and possibly elements from fluoroplasty Or rubber to protect the boat's tubes. The cord should be resistant to wetness and ultraviolet light, so the conventional cotton option won't work — choose polypropylene or nylon flaps. To work with the fasteners, prepare a set of wrenches, a screwdriver and, if necessary, a drill with metal drills if you plan to install stationary holders.
☑️ What to prepare before installation
Don't forget to prepare the cage itself. It's desirable that it has a hard throat or the ability to attach to the outer frame. Soft cages are harder to fix so that they keep their shape and do not get confused in the legs. If the cage's throat is soft, it's recommended to insert a plastic ring of the appropriate diameter into it to give the structure a rigidity.
Methods of fastening the cage: analysis of options
There are several basic methods of fixing the cage on an inflatable boat, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. timber And we'll look at the basics that have been proven to be operational.
The first way is to use regular railing posts or bolts, and if your boat is equipped with a railing fence, you can hang the cage on a carbine to one of the pillars by lowering it overboard through a special cut in the cylinder or simply hanging it off the side if the length allows. This method is good because it does not require drilling additional holes. The second way is to install a special holder on a transom board. This is the most reliable option for boats with a hard transom, allowing you to rigidly lock the cage in an upright position.
⚠️ Attention: When attaching the cage to the liner racks, make sure that the load is evenly distributed. A sharp jerk of a large fish or a strong wave can tear the rack out of the nest if it is not designed for such loads.
The third option is to use removable brackets that are attached to the timber with rods or clamps, a universal solution that allows you to quickly remove the cage when necessary, the main thing here is to ensure that the metal contact with PVC using rubber pads, any metal element that comes into contact with the cylinder must be carefully processed and not have sharp edges.
Nuances of use of transceiver holders
When you set the holder on a tray, it is important to consider the height of the board. If the cage is too long, its bottom may drag along the bottom in shallow water or, conversely, be too high and the fish will swim out.
Step by step: installation of the holder on the transom
Putting the holder on the squirrel board is considered one of the most reliable ways. First, you need to determine the exact place of installation. It should be such that the cage does not interfere with the control of the motor and does not create resistance when moving. Place the holes under the squirt bolts, making sure that they do not fall into the squirrel gain areas or, conversely, into weakened areas.
Drill holes and install fasteners using counternuts To prevent spontaneous unwinding from vibration, between the metal of the holder and the tree of the transom, it is desirable to lay a layer of sealant or rubber to prevent moisture from entering the structure of the tree, which is especially true for plywood transmuters. After installation, check the reliability of the fixation by applying a force in different directions.
If you're using a carbine, make sure it has a reliable latch that won't open spontaneously. For added security, you can use a cord knitting, but it's less fast. Check how the cage behaves in the water at different angles of the boat's roll.
| Type of attachment | Reliability | Difficulty of installation | Impact on the boat |
|---|---|---|---|
| On the transom board. | High. | Medium | Minimum (per solid transom) |
| To the liners. | Medium | Low. | Safe (if there are racks) |
| On the timber. | Medium | High. | Risk of PVC damage from friction |
| Removable bracket | High. | Medium | Depends on the quality of the pads |
Use screw- or spring-latched carbines that require double-acting to open, which will eliminate accidental unbuttoning when the motor vibrates.
Protection of cylinders from damage and grinding
The biggest danger when you put a cage on a PVC boat is damage to the cylinders. The cage net, especially wet and heavy from water and fish, acts like an abrasive. Even a slight swaying of the boat on the wave can lead to the fact that the cage is not very good. polythin It's going to start rubbing the PVC protective layer, so you need to prioritize protection.
In places of contact of the cage or its attachments with cylinders, be sure to use protective linings. These can be pieces of dense rubber, special treads from teflon Or just extra layers of cloth impregnated with a protective compound, so if the cage hangs along the side, make sure it's not pressed tightly against the cylinder, but has a small gap or slides along the protective strip.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a cage attached to a boat for long periods of time unattended, especially in the sun. The heated material of the cage can "weld" to PVC or leave undetectable traces of dye.
Regularly inspect the condition of the cylinders in the attachment areas. If you find even microscopic scuffs, immediately take action: replace the gaskets, change the angle of inclination of the cage or use softer materials for contact. Remember that repairing punctures in the field is always a risk and a waste of time, which is better prevented in advance.
Safety and behavior on water with a fixed cage
The presence of a fixed cage changes
When fishing alone, be especially careful: leaning over the side to check the cage, it is easy to upset the balance and get into the water. Try to keep the center of gravity of the boat shifted to the side opposite to the cage. electric motorMake sure that the cord of the cage does not wind on the screw, which can lead to engine failure or loss of catch.
The safety rule is that the cage should not be an obstacle to emergency maneuver or rescue a person overboard.
Also consider the weight of the catch. A full cage can weigh 10-20 kg or more. Dramatic removal of such cargo on board can turn a light single boat. Use a feeder to lift the fish from the cage to the boat, so that you do not pull the heavy cage entirely over the side.
Care for equipment after fishing
When you return from fishing, you need to properly treat your equipment, the charcoal that has been in the water must be thoroughly washed with fresh water and dried, the residues of fish slime and scales accelerate the rotting of the net and the appearance of unpleasant odor that can affect things in the boat, it is better to dry the cage in the straightened form, in the shade, away from direct sunlight.
The fasteners also require maintenance. Metal parts, even stainless steel, should be wiped dry and periodically lubricated with silicone lubrication to prevent oxidation. Check the condition of the cords and carbines: the presence of corrosion or scuffs on the cable is a signal for immediate replacement. Regular maintenance It will extend the life of your equipment and ensure reliability on your next trip.
Don't forget to inspect the boat. Even with protective pads, a preventive check of the cage attachment is a must. Take time to touch the cylinders for hidden damage. It only takes a couple of minutes, but it will save your fishing in the future.
How to remove the smell of fish from the cage?
If the cage begins to smell unpleasant, soak it in a solution of baking soda or a special disinfectant for fishing equipment. Chlorine-containing products are not recommended, as they can destroy the structure of the net.
Can you fasten a cage just by tying a cord to the handle of a boat?
Fixing to the handle is a temporary and unreliable solution. PVC handles on boats are often not designed to handle the constant dynamic load that a full cage creates, and the cord will be constantly rubbed against the handle and the cylinder, which will quickly lead to damage. Use special holders or brackets for safety.
How long should the cord of the cage be?
The length of the cord depends on the depth of the reservoir and the design of the boat, but it is optimal that the cage is immersed in the water for 50-70 cm Too long the cord will lead to the fact that the cage will drag along the bottom in shallow water, and too short will not provide the fish with enough water.
Is the engine cage dangerous?
Yes, if the cord or the net of the cage is in the rotor's range, which is especially true when you're reversing or flowing, always keep the cage in position relative to the lower unit of the motor, and when you're moving at speed, remove the cage from the water.
Do I need to remove the cage when transporting the boat?
When transported on a trailer or on the roof of a car, all removable elements, including cages and their holders, must be removed. The left cage can become a sail, create unnecessary resistance or damage cylinders due to vibration and oncoming airflow.