Inflatable fishing has its own unique features that are very different from shore fishing or a fixed pier, and the main feature is the constant mobility of the structure under the influence of wind, current and weight of the angler, which requires a special approach to the organization of the workplace. Incorrectly organized storage of gear can lead not only to the loss of expensive trophy, but also to damage to the boat itself.
The question of how to competently perform rod-holdingIt becomes critical when the weather changes or when the predator is actively slapping. Unlike rigid hulls, the sides of the inflatable boat are susceptible to deformation, so the standard fixation methods here work poorly or require significant improvement.
There are many ways to do this, from simple homemade structures to professional mounting systems designed specifically for PVC materials. The choice of the specific method depends on the type of boat you are fishing for, and of course, your budget. In this article, we will discuss the main installation options, their advantages and hidden disadvantages, which are rarely reported in advertising booklets.
Basic requirements for inflatable side retainers
The first and most important condition is to maintain the tightness of cylinders. Any attachment that involves drilling, puncture or the use of sharp screws without special preparation should be immediately excluded from consideration. PVC fabricThe silk, from which modern boats are made, has a high tensile strength, but it is very easy to damage it by the point effect of a sharp object, especially under load.
The second aspect is the reliability of the holder's fixation: the design must withstand the jerks of large fish and not slip off the side when the vessel rolls. Often, anglers are faced with a situation where cheap plastic clips simply burst or break off the smooth surface of the cylinder at the most inopportune moment, and it is important to pay attention to the quality of the materials and the design of the clamping mechanisms.
⚠️ Warning: Never use sharp-toothed metal rods for wooden or metal boats to mount a boat, and even the minimum backlash of such a rod can cause a balloon to cut when rolling, which is tantamount to disaster on the water.
The third factor is versatility and ergonomics, and the fastening should not interfere with boating, paddles or motor control, but should allow you to quickly remove the gear and return it to its place just as quickly. A good fishing rod mounting system on a pvc boat becomes an extension of the angler's hand without creating unnecessary obstacles.
- 🛡️ Security - no risk of damage to the sealed compartments of the boat.
- ⚖️ Stability - confident fixation of the handle of the rod even with strong vibration of the motor.
- 🔄 Mobility The ability to quickly move the holder to another place or dismantle it.
Types of holders: from transom to onboard
The water-related accessories market offers a wide variety of solutions. The most popular option is the transom holders, which are attached directly to the wooden or aluminum transom of the boat. They come in plastic and metal, open and closed. For PVC boats, models with rubber or silicone pads that extinguish the vibration and do not scratch the surface are considered the best choice.
The onboard mounts are a more complex engineering task, and they can be mounted on a hinge (hard rope) or attached directly to the soft side with wide Velcro straps and belts. flat-kante They are considered the most reliable because they rely on a rigid design, but they are not suitable for all boat models.
Separately, paiola (floor) holders are usually adjustable-angle racks that rest against the floor and are fixed by weight or additional stops, and are convenient for trolling, where the fishing rods must be in a strictly defined position relative to the side, but they occupy useful space in the cockpit.
When choosing between different types, it is important to consider the length of your rod and the test. A simple plastic tube will do for a light spinning, whereas a heavy trolling rod will require a reinforced structure with a metal core.
Installation of holders on the transom and board: step-by-step instructions
The process of installing the holder on a transom is usually easy even for beginners. The main rule is not to drag the fasteners to avoid deforming wood or aluminum, and use all the gaskets provided by the manufacturer. If the holder has moving parts, they must be periodically lubricated with silicone grease resistant to salt water.
Mounting on board requires more care. Before installation, the surface of the balloon should be clean and dry. If you use a Velcro fastener, they should be "wiped" several times pressed and released to activate the adhesive layer. For mounts on the shaft thread, it is important to make sure that the clamp does not clamping the rope itself, but does not hang freely.
☑️ Verification of the holder's installation
Special attention should be paid to the angle of installation. For spinning fishing from a boat, the optimal angle is 45-60 degrees relative to the side, which allows you to do a cut without touching the boat. For trolling, the angle can be changed to a blunter one so that the gear goes strictly behind the stern. Adjustable models allow you to change this parameter on the go.
⚠️ Warning: When installing holders on board, avoid the joints of the cylinders gluing. The pressure of the fastener in the seam zone can lead to its delamination over time, especially in hot weather when the pressure in the cylinders increases.
Homemade PVC pipe fasteners
For those who like to tinker DIY, a great solution is to make holders from gray sewer pipes with a diameter of 40-50 mm. This material is cheap, affordable, not afraid of water and, most importantly, has a rough surface that holds glue well and does not slide through cylinders. The design can be any complexity: from a simple tube to a complex system with several sections.
To make the simplest version, you can cut a piece of pipe 15-20 cm long, seal one end or insert a plug there, and drill holes to attach the belts to the board. Inside the pipe you can paste a piece of porous rubber or foamed polyethylene, so that the handle of the fishing rod sat tighter and did not hang. budget-wise organize storage of gear, not inferior to expensive analogues.
More advanced models can include rotary mechanisms made from pipe fittings. Using angular connections and tees, you can create an extensive system that allows you to place several rods on board at once, the main thing is not to overload the side with excess weight, which can shift the center of gravity of the boat.
The secret of reliable belt fastening
Use not ordinary plastic clamps that burst in the cold, but special nylon belts with fastex buckles, which withstand ultraviolet light and do not lose elasticity for years.
Comparative table of specifications of holders
To make it easier to choose, let’s compare the main types of fasteners by key parameters, which will help determine which option is right for your fishing style and boat model.
| Type of holder | Reliability | Safety for PVC | Price. | Universality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| transom (plastic) | High. | High. | Low. | Medium |
| Onboard (Velcro) | Medium | High. | Medium | High. |
| On the shaft thread | Very high. | Medium | High. | Low. |
| Homemade (PVC) | Depends on the execution | High. | Minimum | Maximum |
*Note: The average safety for attachments to the hinge thread is due to the risk of damage to the kink if improperly installed or using metal clips without linings.
As you can see from the table, there is no perfect solution. transom models are reliable, but take up space with the engine. On-board models are convenient, but they can slide. Homemade ones are cheap, but they take time to make. The choice is always left to the angler, based on his priorities.
Protecting tackles from loss and damage
Even the most reliable rod attachment on a pvc boat does not give 100% guarantee against loss of gear unless you use additional insurance tools. Fish can be larger than expected, the jerk can be stronger, and the holder can just turn out of the mount.
The insurance is a strong cord, one end attached to the rod or coil, and the other to the fixed part of the boat (fluor, handle, ring), the length of the cord should be such that when the fishing rod breaks, it does not fall overboard, but remains hanging in the cockpit or on the side, which will save you from losing an expensive spinning.
Use a bright fluorescent cord for insurance, and if the fishing rod does end up in water, the bright color will allow you to quickly notice it even in dark water or when you are excited.
It is also worth taking care of protecting the rod itself from the sun and mechanical damage. Left in the sun in the tackle holder can overheat, which will adversely affect the lacquer coating and glues. In between castings, it is better to remove the fishing rods in a special tube or cover mounted on board.
⚠️ Warning: Do not store rods in holders while standing in the sun unattended. Heating the form can lead to stratification of graphite carbon fibers, which will irreversibly spoil the tackle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I glue the holder directly to the cylinder of the boat?
It is strongly discouraged. The adhesive used for PVC requires specific application and polymerization conditions. Self-adhesive can disrupt the structure of the cylinder material. It will be virtually impossible to tear off the holder without damaging the boat. Use removable belt or Velcro attachments.
What diameter of the pipe is optimal for spinning?
For most spinning rods with a cork handle or EVA, the inner diameter of the pipe is 40-45 mm. If the handle is thick or you plan to use a fishing rod in winter clothes and gloves, it is better to take a pipe with a diameter of 50 mm. Always try on the tackle before the final installation.
How often should I check the mounts for wear?
Visual inspection should be done before every fishing trip, and once a season (or every 20 to 30 hours on the water), it is recommended to carry out a detailed check: remove the holders, wash them, check the condition of the rubber gaskets and the integrity of the belts. Ultraviolet and salt do their job, and the plastic becomes brittle over time.
Are the holders suitable for sea fishing?
For seawater, you have to choose holders from materials that are resistant to corrosion: AISI 316 stainless steel, anodized aluminum or special marine plastics. Conventional steel will rust in 2-3 outputs, and cheap plastic can become brittle under the influence of aggressive sun.
The safety of the boat and gear depends on the quality of the selected accessories and the regularity of their maintenance. Do not skimp on mounts, as the cost of lost gear or puncture repair is always higher than the cost of a good holder.