Any fishing or walk on the floatboat It becomes a challenge if you're constantly tangled with gear, anchor flaps and bait packs, and in the confined space of the cockpit, especially on two-seater models, every square centimeter by weight of gold, which is why the proper organization of space becomes a priority for every hydraulic motorist who wants to be comfortable.
The best solution to this problem is balloon-basket It's a specialty accessory that attaches directly to the sides of the boat, which allows you to free up the floor of the boat, while maintaining quick access to the necessary things. PVC material balloon.
In this article, we will take a look at the nuances of the choice, compare materials and review the installation process so that you can make the right choice, learn why some mounts are dangerous for the boat and how to avoid common tuning errors.
Design features and types of fastenings
The modern market offers many basket options that differ not only in size but also in the way they are fixed. balloonAnd that choice is very important for the safety of your boat, and most models are divided into systems that use beams and those that are attached to the belts.
Baskets with attachment to the hinge bar (or "stringer") are considered the most reliable for rigid fixation. They have special hooks or grooves that cling to the top of the inflated cylinder. Hard fixation It eliminates the rattling of the load on the wave, which is especially important when driving on the engine, but such models require a well-defined timber on your boat.
⚠️ Attention! Before buying a hook basket, be sure to measure the diameter of your boat's hump beam. Too narrow a grip can lead to slippage, and too wide can damage PVC tissue when under heavy load.
The second popular option is soft-hold These baskets are versatile and suitable for almost any shape of balloon, straps cover the cylinder around the circumference or pass through special hold handles, the main advantage here is the absence of high pressure points on the fabric, since the load is distributed over a wide area.
When choosing the type of fastening, you should also pay attention to the presence of shock-absorbingIf the metal frame of the basket comes into contact with the balloon, there must be a layer of dense fabric or rubber between them, which will prevent rubbing of the material when friction is applied to the water.
Manufacture materials: metal, plastic or fabric
The durability of the accessory depends on the materials used. The cylinder baskets can be made of stainless steel, aluminum, impact-resistant plastic or dense fabric with a frame. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages that must be considered.
Metal frames They are extremely durable, they can withstand considerable weight, they can not deform and last for decades. Aluminum models are often lighter than steel, but steel is less susceptible to oxidation in salt water. Metal mesh allows water to drain quickly without lingering inside.
Plastic models They're usually cheaper and lighter, but they can be brittle in cold weather or when they hit rocks. Soft-bottom fabrics (from Oxford or Tarpa) take up less space when assembled, but they're less likely to hold their shape when fully loaded. The choice depends on what you plan to store in your basket.
For fishermen who use sonar And the thing about the vibration-quenching properties is that metal can transmit vibration to electronics, whereas plastic or fabric can quench vibrations, and weight is also important, because a heavy steel basket with a load can shift the center of gravity of a light inflatable boat.
Comparative table of basket specifications
To make it easier to choose, let's compare the basics of different types of baskets, and this chart will help you quickly navigate the specifications before you buy.
| Type of material | Structure weight | Resistance to corrosion | Load capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel | Highly | Maximum | High (up to 15 kg) |
| aluminum | Medium. | Tall (covered) | Medium (up to 10 kg) |
| Plastic (ABS) | Low. | High. | Low/Mediocre (up to 7 kg) |
| Fabric + frame | Low. | Depends on the frame. | Medium (up to 8 kg) |
As you can see from the table, stainless steel The best thing is that it's tough, but it's not as heavy. Aluminum is the middle ground, and plastic is perfect for those who value lightness and don't plan on overloading the sides. Fabric options are good for storing things that aren't afraid of getting wet or packed in sealants.
Step-by-step instructions for installing a basket
The right installation is the key to the safety of the boat, the installation process depends on the type of attachment, but the general principles remain unchanged. Before starting work, the boat must be fully pumped to working pressure.
First, you need to determine the optimal location, and most often, you need to attach the basket to the bow or in the middle of the side, so that you don't interfere with the rowing and the engine. strapYou can use them under the balloon or through the handles to make sure they're not twisted, and you can tighten the belts tightly, but not with fanaticism, so you don't over-deform the balloon.
☑️ Checking before getting on the water
For models with hooks for the beam, the process looks different. Gently hook the hooks, trying not to scratch the fabric. Make sure the basket sits tight and does not hang from side to side. supplementary (e.g., carbine), be sure to use it.
Once installed, do a strength test: rock an empty basket, then put a load equal to the intended one in it, see if it slips, if it presses on the valves or seams, and only when you're sure it's reliable, you can assemble the boat or go out on the water.
⚠️ Attention! Never attach the basket directly to the air supply valves or to the thin lintels between compartments, which can cause the cylinder to depressurize under load.
What can be stored in the onboard basket
The functionality of the basket is determined by its capacity and design, and first of all, it takes away things that should be at hand, but interfere with the cockpit. anchorage, spare oars, bait bags or dry ration.
Many fishermen use baskets to accommodate battery But it's important to balance this: a heavy battery on board can create roll, especially on narrow boats, and it's better to place heavy objects closer to the diametric plane or use special sealed boxes with mounts.
- 🎣 Fishing equipment: cages, lifts, boxes with baits.
- ⚓ Anchorage: anchor, thal, topenant, bag for dirty anchor.
- 🛠 Tools and remix: pump, glue, patches, engine keys.
- 🧥 Personal items: raincoats, spare clothes, thermos, products.
It is not recommended to store valuable electronics in open baskets without additional protection from splashes and rain. PVC fabric inside or outside the cylinder.
How to protect things from water in an open basket?
Use waterproof liners or regular thick bags, small-sized sealants are perfect, and if the basket is metal, you can make your own Oxford cloth case with water-repellent impregnation.
Accessories care and maintenance
Any equipment requires maintenance, especially if it is operated in an aggressive aquatic environment. After each fishing, the basket must be thoroughly rinsed with fresh water, especially if you have been swimming on the sea or salt lakes. metal-corrosion It destroys synthetic tissue.
Drying is a must before packaging. Wet fabric will quickly become molded and metal will rust even in the case. Check fasteners: belts should not have cracks, plastic fastexes should have chipped. Any crack on plastic under load on water can lead to loss of cargo.
Periodically lubricate rubbing metal parts with silicone lubrication to prevent jamming of the fastening mechanisms. If you use fabric baskets, check the integrity of the seams. If you find minor damage, sew them immediately or glue them using special compounds for the purpose of fixing the stains. synthetic.
To prolong the life of the belts, treat them with a UV protective spray. Ultraviolet destroys the structure of nylon, making it brittle, and the protective composition significantly slows down this process.
Common mistakes in selection and operation
Beginners often make mistakes that can cost them expensive boat repairs or loss of equipment. One of the most common mistakes is buying a basket "for growth" or too large a capacity for a small boat.
Another mistake is to ignore compatibility with a particular model boat, and universal mounts are not always perfect, for example, in low-pressure inflatable floor (LBBB) boats, side cylinders may be positioned differently from classic floorboard models, which affects the mounting point and the stability of the cargo.
We also often forget about weight distribution, and if you put 10 kilograms of cargo in one basket on the left side and nothing on the right side, the boat will be constantly tilting, which is not only uncomfortable, but also dangerous in choppy conditions, you need to strive for load symmetry.
⚠️ Attention! Do not use rusty or oxidized baskets. Rust leaves indissoluble traces on PVC, and sharp oxides can damage the tissue when friction occurs, leading to depressurization.
A properly selected and installed basket increases the useful volume of the boat by 30-40%, making fishing more comfortable and safer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install a basket on a boat without a shutter bar?
Yes, you can. For those cases, there are models with wide belts that cover the entire cylinder, or baskets that are attached to the handles for carrying, the main thing is to make sure that the belts do not slide when the boat is moving.
Will the basket withstand the weight of the anchor of 5-6 kg?
Most high-quality metal and reinforced plastic baskets are designed for loads of up to 10-15 kg. However, it is important to check the quality of fasteners (belts or hooks), as they are often the weak link.
How to prevent the spray from being worn under the basket?
Use soft-pad models at the contact points, if the basket is already purchased and is not protected, you can stick the bands of tight tape or rubber on the insides of the frame yourself, regularly check the condition of the tissue under the attachment.
Does the boat’s speed affect the boat’s speed?
When you're driving on the engine, the basket on board creates a little aerodynamic drag, but it's not very high, but if the basket is submerged in water because of overload, the drag will increase many times, which will reduce speed and increase fuel consumption.