Effective fishing from a swimming facility is impossible without a high-quality sonar that allows you to track the topography of the bottom and the accumulation of fish. However, the device itself is useless if it has nowhere to securely fix. Inflatable boat owners face a unique problem: the lack of a rigid transom, or its non-standard shape, requires a personalized approach to installation.
Wrongly selected sonar-mounting It can lead to the loss of expensive equipment or damage to cylinders while driving. It is important to consider not only the model of the gadget, but also the operating conditions, the speed of the flow and the type of motor used. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of the choice and installation of holders.
The right solution depends on a variety of factors, from the budget to the design of your boat, sometimes a simple suction cup is enough, and in other cases you will need to install a full-fledged transom board, and see which option will be the best for you.
Types of echo sounder anchorages on inflatable boats
The market offers many options for fixing navigation equipment, each with its own advantages. graffitiThese are the mounts that come with most sonars, and they're basically a bracket that's clamped on the hard transom of the boat.
However, many PVC boats do not have a hard transom or are removable, and in such cases, universal suction holders or special adapters come to the rescue. Garmin and Lowrance They often complete their devices with basic brackets, but for inflatable boats they may not be enough.
There are also specialized solutions designed specifically for the soft side structure, which allow you to fix the device directly on the balloon or inflated bottom, which is especially important for fishing in pairs or when using boats without a hard floor.
- πΉ Standard transom brackets: Suitable for boats with a hard hinged transom, provide reliable fixation.
- πΉ Suction anchorages: They are universal, but require a perfectly smooth surface and regular checks of leakage.
- πΉ Adapters for inflatable boards: special belts and platforms attached directly to the cylinder.
β οΈ Attention: Suction cup fasteners can lose traction when they are in water or on a high wavelength. Always use a safety rope for the sonar screen.
transom boards: a reliable solution for PVC boats
If you plan to go fishing seriously, the best solution is to install it. coatboardIt is a rigid plate made of moisture-resistant plywood or composite that is attached to the inflatable transom of the boat and serves as the basis for the motor and navigation equipment.
Installation of such an element allows the use of standard sonarThe board distributes the load and prevents the soft transom from being pressed under the weight of the motor and additional accessories.
It is important to properly treat the ends and surface of the board to prevent swelling and stratification of the material. coating with varnish or epoxy will significantly extend the life of the product. On the finished board you can attach not only the screen, but also the sensor, if the design allows.
To fasten the tranny board, use bolts with wide washers to reduce pressure on the PVC material and avoid tearing.
There are two main ways to fix the board: with press-down belts or with a bolt connection through the valves. The second option is more reliable, but requires accuracy when installing. The belts are easier to install, but can sag over time.
Installation of the sensor: transom, bottom or board?
The location of the emitter (sensor) is as important as the mounting of the screen, and the quality of the display depends on it. PVC boats often use the method of attaching the sensor. boat (through-hull) by gluing it to the bottom.
And the good thing about this is that it's protected from impacts on rocks and algae, but it can be distorted if there's a double bottom or stiff ribs between the sensor and the water, and you have to cut the hole out or use a special gel pad.
The alternative is to attach the sensor to the hard-transe This is the classic version, which provides the best signal, and the sensor is lowered into the water below the bottom of the boat, which eliminates the appearance of air bubbles in the scanning area.
| Method of installation | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Inside the boat (to the bottom) | Protection from damage, lack of resistance | Possible signal loss, difficult to move |
| On the transom (outside) | Perfect signal, easy to adjust depth | Risk of hitting an obstacle, requires drilling or clamping |
| Takeaway on the barbell | Mobility, universality | Takes up a seat in the boat, requires fixation |
The nuances of work through the bottom of PVC->
