Fixing the cage to the PVC boat: reliable ways and tips of pros

Every angler who uses an inflatable boat is faced with the need to keep the catch alive sooner or later. gardenBut if it's properly placed on board, it's a real test of the design of the craft, and if it's not properly fixed, it can lead to the loss of the trophy or, worse, to the damage of the cylinders at the most inopportune moment.

The main difficulty is that the boats from the PVC The materials are not designed to come into direct contact with sharp metal elements or rigid load anchorages. The water creates additional resistance, and the live fish inside the cage can weigh a significant number of kilograms, creating a dangerous lever. So the question of how to securely and safely lock the cage requires detailed consideration and the application of proven methods.

In this article, we will look at all the nuances of tooling, from the choice of materials to specific installation schemes that will allow you to forget about the problems with the catch, you will learn why standard methods often do not work and how to make a mount that will withstand even the most active pike or pike.

Choosing the Right Cage for an Inflatable Boat

Before we go to fixation methods, we need to make sure that the cage itself is suitable for use with a small boat. metal-frame It's a soft mesh, because it folds more easily and takes up less space when transported, and plastic can be too bulky, and wood can absorb moisture and rot, which is unacceptable in a confined space.

The most important parameter is the length of the cage. For a PVC boat, it is critical that the bottom of the cage does not touch the bottom of the pond when parked in shallow water, but is deep enough for the fish to stay comfortable. Optimal length Usually varies from 1.5 to 2 meters, which allows you to lower the structure deeply, without creating unnecessary resistance to water when moving.

And you also have to look at the neck design, which is that it's wide enough to be able to extract large fish quickly and without damage, but it has a reliable locking mechanism, and if the neck is too narrow, you run the risk of damaging the gill covers of the fish, or you just can't pull the trophy out without breaking the net.

• 🐟 A stainless steel or aluminum frame is a guarantee of durability and absence of rust.
• 🐟 A net made of capron thread or soft plastic - minimizes injury to the scales of the fish.
• 🐟 Floats on the top - help the cage to stay vertical and not sink with a sharp jerk.

⚠️ Warning: Never use cages with sharp protruding frame elements without additional insulation. When rolling on the wave, such a cage can easily pierce the boat cylinder, turning fishing into a struggle for survival.

Basic methods of attaching the cage to the board

There are several proven ways to lock a cage on board an inflatable boat, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. standard-lineHowever, most budget and medium-sized PVC models do not have special hinges for cages, which requires creativity.

The second popular option is to fasten through squirrel-duck This is a good way to fix the top of the cage, so you can't bolt it from side to side, but it's important not to overload the mounting point, so you don't deform the soft side of the boat under the weight of wet nets and fish.

A third method, often used by experienced anglers, involves using a separate buoy or foam block, which is attached to the board, and already a cage is attached to it, which allows you to unload the board and transfer the weight of the catch to the water, leaving the boat only minimal load from the upper ring of the cage.

Regardless of the method chosen, the reliability of the connection node becomes a key element. Using poor-quality ropes or carbines can lead to the fact that the cage will simply be carried away along with your catch.

Required materials and tools

And to get a good mount, you're going to need a set of simple, reliable materials. cock-cord It's a 4-6 mm diameter, it doesn't rot in water, it's ultraviolet resistant, it's very tensile, and it's not acceptable to use cotton or synthetic threads of small diameter because they will quickly rub against sharp edges.

The second important component is the fittings. You'll need carbines, preferably made of stainless steel or brass, and rings to unload the knots. Plastic fittings It's also a good place to live, but only if it's of high quality and doesn't become brittle in the cold, and cheap plastic can burst when it hits the side in the cold.

Also, don't forget about insulating materials. EVA These elements must be installed at all points of contact of the rigid parts of the cage or fasteners with the cylinder.

The preparation of the tools takes a minimum of time, but saves nerves on the pond. Always check the integrity of the cord before each fishing, as microcracks may not be visible to the eye.

Step-by-step instructions for installing the anchorage

The installation process starts with the choice of location, and it should be so that the cage does not interfere with the operation of the oars or the motor, but it is accessible to the hand. chunk and a small seat, with a slight shift to the side.

First, prepare the top ring of the cage, if it doesn't have any loops ready, they need to be made from the same capron cord, melting the ends securely, then run the main phala through the cage rings and through the mounting point on the boat, and it's important to make sure that you can quickly unfasten in an emergency.

Algorithm of action:
1. Select the anchorage point on the leer or on the board.
2. Install an insulating lining (foam/cambrick).
3. Run the cord through the cage ring.
4. Make 2-3 turns around the mounting point.
5. tie a secure knot (for example, "bulin" or "double bayonet").
6. Melt the ends of the cord with a lighter.

Once the top is fixed, you have to lower the cage into the water and check its position, it has to hang upright, without swaying to the sides, and if the cage is pushed to the side when moving, you may need to add a second fixation point or weight the bottom.

The final step is to check the reliability of all the nodes under load. Try pulling the cage with force, simulating the jerk of a large fish. If the structure holds, you can consider the installation complete.

Table of comparison of anchorage types

To make it easier for you to choose the right option, we have prepared a comparative table of basic fixation methods, which will help you to weigh the pros and cons of each method depending on your fishing conditions.

Type of attachment	Reliability	Difficulty of installation	Risk to the side
To the leer rope	Medium	Low.	Tall (friction)
To the transom ducks	High.	Medium	Low.
Separate float	High.	High.	Minimum
Special bracket	Very high.	High.	Medium.

As can be seen from the table, the use of bracket Or a single float gives the best safety results for the boat, but it takes more time and money. Fixing to the leyer is the fastest, but requires constant monitoring of the condition of the board at the point of contact.

⚠️ Note: When using a mounting cable, be sure to use a sliding loop or carbine that can be moved quickly, which will allow you to quickly change the position of the cage depending on the direction of the wind and current.

Safety Techniques and Frequent Errors

One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the weight of a full cage, and the fish in the water weigh less, but when you lift the cage to test or retrieve the catch, the load on the anchorage point increases dramatically. Overloading It can cause the mount to be removed from the soft side or deform the inflatable chamber.

Another mistake is the use of rusting elements: ordinary steel rusts very quickly in fresh water, and in salt it is much faster, rust not only spoils the appearance, but also reduces the strength of the metal, and can also stain water and fish, which is especially critical for athletes.

And fishermen often forget that the cage creates additional resistance to water, and when you're driving on the motor, it can cause the boat to roll or even turn across the wave. board Or unfasten and tow separately on a long phalt.

• 🛑 Do not leave the cages dipped in the water overnight unattended - it can be dragged by poachers or large predators.
• 🛑 Avoid placing the cage in close proximity to the propeller of the motor in order to avoid getting the mesh into the water.
• 🛑 Regularly check the contact places of the cord with the sides for scuffing and grinding.

Care of the cage and fasteners

After each fishing, the cages should be thoroughly washed with fresh water, especially if you have been fishing in a salty pond. The salt aggressively destroys metal parts and contributes to the rotting of natural fibers if used in the construction. It is better to dry the cage in the straightened form in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight, which accelerates the aging of materials.

The fasteners also require attention. Carbines should be lubricated with silicone lubricant so that they do not jam with sand and dirt. Cords should be inspected for "shagginess" - if the pile appears, the cord is better replaced, since its strength has already dropped by 30-40%.

Storage cage in the offseason

The sludge should be stored in a dry, cool place, in a straightened state or loosely folded. It is not recommended to store it in a compressed state under load, as this can lead to deformation of the frame and the appearance of crevices on the grid, which will then be difficult to straighten.

Regular maintenance will prolong the life of your gear and ensure that the cage does not fail at the decisive moment. Remember that a good catch is the result not only of the skill of the angler, but also of the correct preparation of the equipment.

Can I attach the cage directly to the handle of the paddle holder?

Mounting the cages to the handle of the oar is strongly discouraged, the oar is a moving element, and when rowing the cages will dangle, creating additional resistance and interfering with the control of the boat, and the oar handle is not designed for a constant load of several kilograms and can break.

Which is the best fit for the sleeve?

The best way to use a Bulin knot is to use a double bayonet, which is not tightened tightly under load, which makes it easy to untie them even after a long stay in the water, and is highly reliable.

Do I need to lift the car when driving on the motor?

Yes, when you're driving on the engine, especially on planing, it's better to lift the cage on board, and when you're in the water, it creates a lot of resistance, it can get entangled in the propeller, or it can cause the boat to tip over in a sharp maneuver.

How to prevent the entanglement of the cage around the boat?

To keep the cage from getting tangled, use a rigid frame or an extra float at the bottom that will keep the net upright, and it also helps to use two mounting points on top that fixes the cage relative to the side.