Properly equipped PVC boats are the foundation of safety and comfort on the water, whether you plan a quiet walk on the lake or active fishing on the river with a strong current. Many beginners make the mistake of relying solely on the basic kit that manufacturers offer in the box, forgetting that factory assembly is often only the minimum acceptable standard for moving on the water.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the nuances of equipment, so that your boat becomes not just an inflatable balloon, but a full-fledged, reliable tool for achieving goals. polyvinyl chloride Improve the handling of the boat even in difficult weather conditions.
You have to choose between ease of transportation and maximum functionality, as these options often conflict. The optimal weight of the equipment should not exceed 20% of the load capacity of the boat to maintain high speed and maneuverability on the water. Let’s look at each element of the tooling in detail so that you can assemble the perfect kit for your tasks.
Basic equipment and inspection of equipment when buying
The first thing the owner faces is unpacking and checking the contents, as unscrupulous sellers or factory assembly errors can lead to the absence of critical elements. Standard equipment usually includes the boat itself, two inflatable seats (banks), a remix and a packing bag, but you can not rely on this list blindly. product passport and the serial number on the cylinders and documents, which is important for warranty service.
Particular attention should be paid to quality cross-plateWhen included, and the condition of the air intake valves, the basic versions often use simple plastic valves that may require replacement with more reliable metal counterparts. Bravo or Bombard with active operation.
- 🛶 The presence of two full oars with aluminum or composite blades, not just wooden sticks.
- ⚓ The presence of rim rings for anchoring and mooring, which must be reliably glued into cylinders.
- 🔧 Remake, including not only glue and patches, but also a key for tightening the valves.
⚠️ Warning: If you hear hissing or see bubbles in the soapy water around the valves when inflating the boat, stop operating immediately and contact a service center, as this may indicate a production defect of the seals.
Do not ignore the inspection of seams for factory defects, especially in the places of pasting coatboard Even microscopic detachment of PVC tissue from the base can depressurize the balloon under heavy loading, making a pleasant walk a dangerous situation.
Choosing an anchor system for different conditions
The anchor is one of the most important safety elements, and its choice depends on the type of reservoir and bottom soil where you plan to fish or relax. For PVC boats up to 3 meters long, a 1.5-2 kg anchor-cat, which is compactly folded and easily hides in a handbag or a handbag, however, for large bodies of water with strong current or wind, a heavier one may be required. anchor or specialized type models denforth.
It is important to correctly calculate the length of the anchor shaft, which must be 3-4 times the depth at the parking lot to ensure reliable engagement. Using too short a rope will lead to the anchor simply dragging along the bottom, not performing its function, especially if the bottom is covered with silt or algae.
The material of the anchor cable also matters: synthetic cords are lighter and do not rot, but the metal cable is more reliable when stuck in stones, although heavier. anchorage Or a bayrep that allows you to get rid of the hook by pulling the back side.
- 🪢 Using a carbine to quickly connect the fala to the fry ring on the bow of the boat.
- 🧶 The presence of a vertebra on the phallus, preventing twisting of the cable when changing the direction of the wind or current.
- 🎒 A separate bag for anchor so that wet and dirty equipment does not soil the rest of the things in the cockpit.
⚠️ Warning: Never tie an anchor falsefox (the end of the cable you hold in your hand) to the boat’s structural elements or yourself – this can lead to a boat tipping over or injury if a sharp jerk is made.
Affixing equipment: transom, holders and fasteners
The attachment makes a simple inflatable boat a functional boat, allowing you to secure the sonar, spinning, navigator and other gadgets. prairieThis is a sling-top, which is attached to the cylinder and allows you to install an outboard motor without the use of a stationary transom board, which is especially true for boats without a hard transom. Modern models of transmuters are made of moisture-resistant plywood coated with fiberglass or completely aluminum.
Universal platforms and slats are used to fasten various equipment d-shapedIt is important to correctly calculate the places of their installation, so as not to disturb the balance of the boat and not create obstacles to rowing or moving inside the cockpit.
Stick the extra fasteners only to a clean, fat-free and slightly heated PVC surface, using a special glue for polyurethane fabrics to ensure maximum adhesion.
Do not overload the sides with excessive equipment, as this increases the sailing and risk of damage to the cylinders on the branches or stones when docking. The optimal solution is to use removable structures that can be dismantled during transportation or storage of the boat in a deflated state.
| Type of attachment | Materials | Appointment | Mode of installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universal framework | Stainless steel | Echoer, GPS | Glue + bolts |
| The rod-holder | Plastic/Aluminium | spinning | Clay. |
| transom wheels | Steel/Resina | Transportation | Bolts on the transom |
| The guardrail | TROSS/KANAT | Security | Firming to the rum |
Control and navigation systems
Modern fishing and recreation on the water is unthinkable without electronic assistants, which require reliable fixation and protection from moisture. sonar Not only does it allow you to find fish, but it also allows you to see the bottom of the bottom, which is critical for anchoring, so you can attach the sonar sensor to the transom or use the floating version if the bottom is rocky and there is a high risk of damage.
For navigation in unfamiliar water bodies or in fog conditions is indispensable GPS-navigator Or a smartphone with a waterproof case and pre-installed depth maps, and the mounting for gadgets must be rigid and vibrationally stable so that the screen remains readable even on the wave.
How to protect electronics from water?
Use a sealant with a transparent touchscreen window, and treat all the joints with silicone lubrication, and you can also make a sun and rain visor from waterproof fabric.
The power supply of onboard electronics is provided by batteries, which must be securely fixed in a special locker or box protected from splashes and direct water ingress. AGM or GEL batteries It is preferable, as they are safer and do not require maintenance, unlike liquid counterparts.
- 🔋 Installation of a voltmeter to control battery charge and prevent deep discharge.
- 💡 Installation of LED tape or running lights for safety in the dark.
- 📱 Use the High Capacity Power Bank as a backup power source for the navigator.
⚠️ Attention: All electrical connections on the boat should be made using shrink tubes and moisture-protective terminals, as salt water and oxidation quickly disable open wiring.
Comfort and safety of the crew
Long-term water stays require comfortable conditions that start with a high-quality inflatable or plywood floor, and if the base inflatable seats (banks) seem stiff to you, they can be upgraded with soft linings or replaced with full-fledged backrested seats mounted on rotary bases, which will significantly reduce back fatigue while waiting for hours for cooling.
Crew safety is the number one priority, so having life jackets in terms of the number of people on the boat is a requirement, not a recommendation. The vests should be matched to size and fastened even if you are confidently staying on the water, as hitting the side of the boat when falling can lead to loss of consciousness.
☑️ Security check before exit
You can protect yourself from the sun and rain. tent Or a sun visor that is attached to the crummy rings, which not only increases comfort, but also protects equipment from overheating and burnout, especially plastic elements and electronics screens.
It is important to have a water pumping scoop on hand, which should always be in an easily accessible place, not in the depth of the bags, and it will also not hurt to have a whistle and flashlight, which may be needed to give signals in an emergency.
Transport and storage of equipment
Proper organization of space in the boat affects not only comfort, but also the stability of the vessel. All heavy objects such as the battery, anchor and box with gear should be placed as low as possible to the bottom and closer to the diametric axis to avoid rolling. Light and bulky things can be placed in the bow or in special bags attached to the sides.
Shipping boats to the water often use transom wheels, which make it much easier to move a loaded vessel along the shore, but when moving on water they must be removed or raised to the upper position so that they do not create resistance or damage to underwater obstacles.
Proper distribution of cargo on the boat is the key to stability and controllability: heavy down and in the center, light on the sides.
After each operation, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, especially if you have been swimming on a salty body of water, and dried before packaging. Keeping a wet boat rolled up will cause mold, the destruction of glue seams and an unpleasant smell, which then get rid of.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which pump is better to choose for a PVC boat: foot or electric?
An electric pump powered by a car battery or a built-in Li-Ion battery is ideal for pumping the main volume of air, as it saves energy and time. However, a manual pump (feather or double-pass) is mandatory as a backup and for final pumping to working pressure, so as not to pump the cylinders with electricity.
Can I use a car sealant to repair a puncture?
It is strictly not recommended to use car sealants or solvent-based adhesives (for example, "Moment" for shoes) for repairing PVC. For quality repairs, a two-component polyurethane adhesive is necessary, specially designed for gluing reinforced fabrics, otherwise the patch will fall off under pressure.
How often should I check the pressure in the cylinders?
The pressure in the cylinders depends on the temperature of the air: in the sun it rises, in the cold it falls. Before each step out into the water, as well as after prolonged exposure to the sun, you need to check the pressure with a pressure gauge and, if necessary, pit excess or pump the cylinders to the norm indicated in the passport.
Do I need to register a PVC boat in GIMS?
Boats weighing more than 200 kg in running order (along with engine and equipment) are subject to registration. Most modern light PVC boats with low-power engines (up to 5 hp) weigh less than this threshold and do not require registration, but the rules may change, so it is worthwhile to clarify the current legislation.