Modern inflatable fishing is unthinkable without the use of a sonar, a device that has become the de facto standard for fish retrieval and bottom-relief research, allowing anglers to dramatically improve fishing efficiency. But inflatable boat owners often face the dilemma of how to securely lock the device so that it does not interfere with management, damage cylinders and, most importantly, does not drown in a sharp maneuver.
The problem is that many models lack a rigid transocutor or its specific design, which does not allow the use of standard installation methods, familiar to aluminum or plastic boats. Fastening for sonar on a PVC boat It must have a number of unique specifications: vibration resistance, moisture protection and, critically, safety for the vessel's material itself, and mistakes in the method of fixation can cost expensive equipment or even lead to injuries.
In this article, we will take a closer look at existing types of mounts, from budget temporary solutions to professional transom plates. You will learn about the nuances of mounting emitter sensors, which often fail when hitting obstacles. A properly selected fixation system will turn your sonar from a source of problems into an indispensable assistant on the water.
Types of anchorages for inflatable vessels
The water accessories market offers many fixation options, each with its own advantages and limitations. The choice of the specific type depends on your boat design, sonar model and budget. The main separation is by installation site and hull fixation method.
The most common option is transom-holdingIt's designed for boats with a hard or inflatable transcreant reinforced with a plate, and it's a bracket that's held on top of the translator, and it's considered a classic solution because it allows you to quickly remove the device after fishing and put it in a case, but for inflatable boards, it requires extreme caution.
The alternative is sticker They are mounted directly on the cockpit or on the bottom of the cockpit, and the main advantage is that there are no protruding parts that can damage the cylinders when moving. However, the reliability of adhesives under the influence of salt water and ultraviolet often raises questions among experienced boaters.
transom brackets: design features
transom brackets are metal or plastic structures consisting of a vertical bar and a horizontal platform for fastening the sonar head. Stainless steel It's the preferred material because it's not corrosive in an aggressive marine environment, and cheap dyed steel counterparts rust quickly, leaving traces on the transom and losing strength.
The most important element is the transom attachment mechanism. For PVC boats, it is critical that the clamp screws are sharp-edged and equipped with soft rubber or plastic pads. This prevents PVC tissue from being pressed and damaged under load. eccentric clamps, which allow you to fix the bracket without using tools, which is very convenient in the field.
⚠️ Attention: When using a transom mount on an inflatable transom, make sure that the pressure in the cylinders is sufficient. An under-pumped boat can deform under the weight of the bracket, which will cause equipment to skew and fall.
The length of the bracket also matters. Too short a bracket can cause the sensor to capture air bubbles from the engine or paddle blades, causing interference on the screen. The optimal is to dive the sensor to a depth of 30-50 cm from the surface of the water in static.
Installation of the sensor without drilling: adhesive methods
For owners of boats without a hard transom or those who are strongly against drilling the hull, there are methods of gluing the sensor. "through-hull" (through the body), although in the case of PVC, it is a sticker on the inner surface of the side or bottom, and special two-component epoxy adhesives or polyurethane sealants are used to implement this idea.
The installation technology requires careful surface preparation, the installation site must be degreased, cleaned with fine sandpaper to create roughness and degreased again, the glue applied to the low-fat sensor pad or a special plastic washer, which is then pressed tightly against the inside of the board, it is important to squeeze all air bubbles from under the glue layer.
Use polyurethane-based adhesives (e.g. 3M 5200 or its analogues) as it retains elasticity after drying and compensates for the cylinder deformation when pressure and temperature change.
The main disadvantage of the method is that it is impossible to quickly remove the sensor. If you plan to keep the boat deflated, a rigidly glued sensor can become a problem when folding, although modern materials allow you to bend the structure without damage, and the radiation angle must strictly correspond to the geometry of the board at the installation site.
Rapid removal systems and turning mechanisms
For those who appreciate comfort and speed of assembly, quick removal systems have been developed, which are the response part that is permanently attached to the boat (on the transom or on the board), and the sonar itself, which is snapped on it with a single movement, which allows you to transport expensive electronics in the interior of the car, leaving the boat only an inexpensive bracket.
Tilt mechanisms allow you to change the angle of the sensor relative to the vertical, which is especially true when you're driving at high speeds or when you're towing, and by lifting the sensor, you reduce the water resistance and the risk of hitting underwater obstacles. Spring-spring mechanism automatically returns the sensor to the operating position after passing shallow water.
When choosing a rotary mechanism, pay attention to the quality of the hinge joints. The lufts in the joints will lead to "jumping" sonar readings and blurring the bottom image. Quality models are equipped with frictional washers to adjust the rotation force.
☑️ Check of the anchorage system
Comparison of materials and manufacturers
When choosing fasteners, it is important to pay attention not only to the design, but also to the brand. Ram Mounts, Scotty or Transducer TamerThe low-cost Chinese counterparts often sin with casting quality and corrosion resistance, but can be acceptable for quiet fishing in inland waters.
Below is a comparative table of the main types of fasteners available on the market:
| Type of attachment | Difficulty of installation | Mobility | Risk to the boat |
|---|---|---|---|
| transom clamp | Low. | High. | Medium (pressure per transom) |
| Glue pad | High. | Low (stationary) | Low (with proper glue) |
| Suction cup. | Low. | Medium | Low. |
| A paddle bracket | Low. | High. | Missing. |
It is worth noting that there are no universal solutions. For inflatable boats with rigid decking and a transom board, the best option would be a combined option: a soft-pad transom bracket. For fully inflatable structures (runnings), it is better to consider options with attachment to the board or the use of remote sensors.
Practical advice on installation and operation
Sound sounder installation is a creative process, but it requires technical nuances. Before you do the final fixation, do the test swims, place the sensor temporarily with tape or clamps, and test the device at different speeds and depths, and this will help determine the ideal place, free of cavitation bubbles.
Pay special attention to wiring. The cable should not hang around or have a chance to be clamped by the elements of the structure. Use a corrugated tube or spiral braid to protect the wire UV light and mechanical damage, and sagging cables can wind into the engine propeller, causing an emergency.
The secret to quiet work
To prevent the bracket from rattling against the transom as you move along the wave, put a layer of car noise insulator or dense rubber between the metal and the transmolator, which also protects the fabric from rubbing.
Regularly check the condition of fasteners. Salt water and temperature changes destroy even quality materials. A weakened screw can cause the loss of an expensive appliance. After each release, especially in salt water, it is recommended to rinse the fasteners with fresh water.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave the sonar attached to the boat when stored in the sun, the plastic of the body and the sensor lenses can deform from overheating, and the battery can fail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I attach the echo sounder to the inflatable cylinder?
Theoretically, you can use special soft girth mounts, but this is not recommended. Deformation of the balloon when moving and changing the pressure will cause the sensor to shift and loss of signal. There is also a high risk of damage to the balloon by rigid mounting elements.
Which glue is best for PVC?
For site installation, it is best to use two-component polyurethane adhesives or specialized PVC adhesives (such as those used in boat repairs). Epoxy resins can be too rigid and peel off when the material is deformed.
Do I need to lubricate the threaded connections?
Use lithium lubricant or special sprays like WD-40 Specialist to protect against corrosion, which will also make it easier to dismantle the structure after the season, the lubricant prevents the thread from boiling.
How to protect the sensor from impact on a stone?
Use a kick-up mount, and when you hit an obstacle, the sensor will bend backwards and then back to its original position, and stainless steel protective casings that take the hit are also effective.
A properly fitted fastener is not only a guarantee on the sounder screen, but also a guarantee for the safety of your boat and crew.