Operating an inflatable boat often requires an extension of the basic configuration, especially if you plan long trips to the water or specific types of fishing. Basket on board PVC boat It becomes an indispensable element for the placement of gear, sonar or navigator, freeing up valuable space on floorboards, and the right solution not only increases comfort, but also significantly affects the weight distribution, which is critical for the stability of the vessel.
Many anglers mistakenly believe that any plastic container can be tied with a rope, but this activity often leads to damage to cylinders or loss of equipment when rolling. Modern fastening systems allow you to securely lock the box, turning it into a full-fledged desktop or fishing box, available at any time, in this material we will discuss all aspects of the selection, installation and operation of such systems.
Design features and purpose of onboard baskets
The main task of the onboard box is to provide quick access to the equipment without having to climb up or bend over the side. Basket on board the boat It should not only be roomy, but also have specific specifications that distinguish it from conventional household containers, structurally divided into open models, where access to content is unlimited, and closed drawers that protect things from splashes and precipitation.
The most important element is the fabrication material, the most commonly used is impact-resistant plastic, which is resistant to ultraviolet radiation and low temperatures. aluminum-frame It's a mesh-bottomed structure that allows water to drain instantly, keeping the gear dry. For anglers using bait, the presence of drainage holes in the structure is a critical parameter.
It is worth noting that the shape of the bottom is often designed with the geometry of the cylinders in mind. A round or beveled bottom allows the container to be pressed tightly against the inflated chamber, minimizing sailing and the risk of catching on branches or reeds when moving along the shore. The optimal volume of the basket is from 15 to 30 liters, which allows you to place a standard set of fisherman without overloading the board.
- 🎣 Universality: Possibility of installation on both left and starboard side.
- 💧 Water disposal: presence of perforation for rapid flow of water and melt ice.
- 🛡️ Defense: smooth edges that do not scratch PVC tissue on contact.
Fixing systems: from rope to rails
Safety on the water begins with the reliable fixation of equipment. Fixing the PVC boat basket It can be implemented in a number of ways, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, and the simplest option is to use regular liner cables that are strung along the cylinders, and the box is simply attached to the cable or put on it through special slots.
A more advanced method involves the use of railingAluminum profiles are attached to the boat through regular rings or hinge belts, creating a rigid platform, on which the basket is hung with special hooks, which provides a "dry" installation, in which you do not need to drill cylinders or use glue.
When using rope fasteners, always use nodes that do not crawl under load, such as a "snap" or "constrictor", and fix the ends with melting.
There are also magnetic mounts, but their use is limited to models of inflatable floor boats, where there are no hard floorboards that overlap the magnetic field. In most cases, mechanical clamps are relevant for PVC boats. It is important (regularly check) the condition of the fasteners, since vibration on the move can weaken even a tight knot.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to attach heavy boxes directly to or in the vicinity of the inflatable valve, the air pressure in the cylinder when heated in the sun can change, and hard contact with the sharp angle of the basket will lead to depressurization.
When choosing a system, pay attention to the presence of rubber or silicone gaskets in the places where metal or hard plastic contact the fabric of the boat. PVC protection And even small grains of sand caught between the mount and the balloon can play the role of an abrasive in a few hours of active operation.
Materials of manufacture and their effect on buoyancy
The weight of additional equipment is a factor that is often ignored by beginners, forgetting about the load capacity. Basket on board the boatA silk made of thick industrial plastic can weigh 2-3 kg in empty condition, which is equivalent to an extra child or a large case of beer per passenger, which can become critical when the boat is fully loaded.
The alternative to heavy plastic is composite materials and reinforced fabrics. Oxford 600D They're less durable, they're less durable, they're less shaped when they're hit on the side, and for those who prefer minimalism, there are grid models made of durable polypropylene.
Effect of weight on driving performance
Every extra kilogram placed on board above the waterline reduces the boat's stability. The heavy basket on the high side creates sailing and increases roll on corners, making the steering more sluggish.
Wooden boxes, which some craftsmen make DIY, are good buoyancy, but require careful treatment with olive oil or varnish. When wet, the tree gains weight, which can disrupt balancing. Metal mesh baskets, although they seem light, are susceptible to corrosion, especially in salt water, unless stainless steel is used.
- 📉 Plastic: It is long-lasting, but heavy and fragile in the cold.
- 🌿 Fabric: Lightweight and compact, but less protective of content.
- 🪵 Tree: It is aesthetically and buoyant, but requires care and dries.
Step-by-step instructions for installing the box
Installation of additional equipment requires preparation and compliance with the technology. Before starting work, make sure that the boat is clean and, most importantly, completely washed. pumped If you install the anchorages on the slightly inflated cylinders, the nodes may move or burst after the final pumping.
The installation process depends on the type of fixation you choose. If you use a liner cable attachment system, first apply the rope through all the rings. Then put the basket on, adjusting its height so that it does not interfere with the oars or the legs of the oars. For systems with sticker (a less desirable option for temporary solutions), you need to degrease the surface.
☑️ Checklist of installation
When using adhesive fasteners (for example, platforms under the box), a two-component polyurethane glue compatible with PVC is used. The surface of the balloon and the site is cleaned with fine sandpaper, degreased. acetone After applying the glue and drying (according to the instructions), pressing with force is performed.
The final step is testing, and the loaded basket needs to be pulled in different directions several times, simulating ripples on the wave. If you use a rail, check if it's overly compressing the balloon. Optimally, there's a minimum gap between the fastener and the fabric, which prevents friction, but provides stiffness.
| Type of attachment | Difficulty of installation | Reliability | Risk for PVC |
|---|---|---|---|
| On the liner cable. | Low. | Medium | Minimum |
| Railing system | Medium | High. | Low. |
| Adhesive compound | High. | Very high. | Medium (during dismantling) |
| Magnetic (for NDNDM) | Low. | Medium | Missing. |
Ergonomics and deck location
Location. boat-basket The ideal place is the cockpit area, just ahead of the transom, where the fisherman can reach the gear without getting out of the seat, but the stern installation can shift the center of gravity, especially on low-power engines, causing a different at the stern and slowing down the speed.
For two-seater boats, the symmetrical arrangement of two small boxes on the sides is important, which allows you to keep the balance of the vessel even when you take out the contents from one of the baskets, and it is important to ensure that open lids or doors do not block the view and do not interfere with movement inside the cockpit.
Shifting the centre of gravity more than 15-20 cm from the diametric plane may require passengers to be transferred to align the boat.
The height of the installation also matters: a basket that is too low will draw water on the wave, pouring the contents; too high will create sailing and the risk of tipping over; the optimal height is the height at which the bottom of the box is 10-15 cm above the level of the paioles.
⚠️ Attention: Never place heavy baskets (lead loads, batteries) on nose canisters, which can cause the nose to bury in the wave during the course and flood the cockpit with water.
Also consider the ease of access to the valves. The basket should not block access to the air valves of cylinders, as in hot weather it may be necessary to embroide excessive pressure. Leave technological gaps for maintenance of the boat.
Care, maintenance and winter storage
Any equipment that comes into contact with water requires regular maintenance. basket It should be thoroughly washed with fresh water, especially if fishing was done in a salty water body or if live feeding was used, salt and organic residues accelerate the degradation of plastics and cause corrosion of metal attachments.
Before packing the boat for storage, make sure that all the elements are completely dried. Wet fabric or plastic in a closed case is the ideal medium for mold development, which can spread to the material of the boat. Metal hooks and bolts are recommended to be lubricated with silicone lubricant to prevent souring.
In winter, storage is best done in a heated room or in conditions that exclude extreme temperature changes, plastic becomes brittle in the cold, and an accidental blow when unpacking can split the case, if the basket is removable, it is better to store it separately from the boat.
- 🧼 Cleanup: Use soft sponges and neutral detergents.
- ☀️ Drying: Avoid drying in the direct scorching sun immediately after cold water.
- 🔧 Check: Once a season, check the tightening of bolts and the condition of the nodes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I put a basket directly on a balloon without a platform?
Technically, this is possible with PVC special glue, but it is highly discouraged. Direct contact of the hard plastic of the box with the inflatable cylinder will lead to rapid rubbing of the fabric. Be sure to use intermediate gaskets or rack systems.
Will the basket withstand the weight of the battery for the sonar?
Standard fishing baskets are designed for light load. For a battery (weighing 2.5-3 kg), a specialized reinforced model with a rigid railing mount is needed to prevent heavy loads from rocking.
How to protect the contents of the basket from rain?
Use models with sealed covers or get a special cover made of waterproof fabric, you can also use internal inserts made of sealants.
Will a universal basket be suitable for boats of different manufacturers?
Most hinged baskets are versatile, but it is important to consider the diameter of the liner cable and the shape of the balloon of your particular boat model (for example, inflatable floor boats have a different side geometry).