Planning to buy an inflatable watercraft is just the first step towards a full rest on the water. Many beginners mistakenly believe that the basic equipment provided by the manufacturer will be enough for safe and comfortable operation. However, real practice shows that the standard set is often limited to the body, oars and a simple pump, leaving the owner alone with management and safety tasks.
To turn a conventional inflatable boat into a functional boat for trophy fishing or family vacations, you need to choose the necessary additional equipment, and the market offers a huge number of solutions, from simple remixes to complex electronic navigation systems. The right selection Accessories allow not only to increase convenience, but also significantly extend the service life of the PVC material itself, protecting it from mechanical damage.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what items are worth buying first and what you can save on. We will look at the technical nuances of equipment fastening, materials compatibility and criteria for choosing reliable brands. Your goal is to create the perfect configuration that will meet specific tasks, whether it is spinning fishing or calm trolling.
Basic anchor systems and their features
The first and most critical safety element to purchase is anchor. For light inflatable boats, classic cast-iron cats or Admiralty anchors are often too heavy and traumatic. Dropping such cargo on board can damage cylinders or even lead to overkill (overturning) of a vessel in a sharp jerk. PVC-flesh.
The best choice is a folding cat anchor made of stainless steel or aluminum, which allows you to fold your legs compactly, which saves space in the konduka. The weight of such a device usually varies from 1 to 3 kg, which is enough to hold a boat up to 4 meters long in moderate winds. It is also important to take care of the presence of a verp - a special buoy (buoy) that is attached to the top of the anchor.
- 🎣 Folding anchor A universal solution that takes up a minimum of space in the bag.
- ⚓ Gravitational anchor - works at the expense of its own weight, ideal for a rocky bottom.
- 🪢 Anchor end - must be made of floating material or have a float buoy.
- 🛡️ mounting bracket - necessary for safe installation of anchor on the nose or stern.
When choosing anchor equipment, pay attention to the bursting load of carbines and the quality of welds. Cheap Chinese counterparts can rust after the first season, staining the light floor of the boat and losing strength. Stainless steel grade AISI 304 or 316 It is a quality standard that guarantees durability in an aggressive salty environment.
⚠️ Warning: Never tie the anchor thack directly to the ring on the boat cylinder. In high currents or winds, this can lead to transom deformation or ring separation. Use only specialized anchor mounts or attach the thong to the tan on the transom, passing through the side.
Electrification: batteries and motors
The switch to electric traction or the installation of electric motor-trolling requires a competent organization of power supply. Standard car batteries (starter) are categorically not suitable for boat electric motors, as they are not designed for long-term return of low-power current.
In addition to the energy source itself, you need a reliable mount. Battery plastic boxes protect the battery from splashes, short circuits and, most importantly, prevent the leakage of the electrolyte in the event of damage to the hull or a boat tip over, and the presence of ventilation holes in the box is necessary to remove gases generated during charging.
Remote rams or foot pedals are used to control the speed of the rotor, but the battery itself remains the base element. When choosing a capacity, you should follow the rule: the more ampere hours (Ah), the longer you can stay on the water without recharging. For a 30-40 lb motor, the best choice will be a 100 Ah battery.
How to extend the life of the battery?
Don't leave the battery completely discharged for storage. After every fishing, recharge it. It's better to store the battery in a cool place, periodically (once a month) checking the charge level and recharging it to 100%.
Navigation and search for fish: sonars and cartplotters
Modern fishing is unthinkable without electronic assistants. Buying a sonar turns chaotic flashing into a targeted search for promising brows and pits. For PVC boat owners, not only the technical specifications of the device, but also the way it is installed. Large-screen fixed models can be uncomfortable in a cramped cockpit, so they often choose compact portable solutions.
The key element here is the transducer, which, depending on the design of the boat, can be fixed by the transom method (on the rear side) or use cast wireless models. The transom mount provides a more stable picture and allows you to work on the go, whereas the throwable sensors are good only for parking.
- 📡 Portable sonars - light models with attachment to a suction cup or suction tube.
- 🗺️ Cartplotters GPS-navigated devices to save points and tracks.
- 🔋 External batteries Power bank for powering portable electronics.
- 🌊 Speed sensors Additional modules for precise drift control.
When installing equipment on the inflatable side, it is important to consider vibrations and possible impacts on water. The screen of the device must have an anti-reflective coating and high brightness so that the picture is read in bright sun. Tightness The body of the device is another critical parameter, since splashing and rain on the water is (normal), not the exception.
Comfort and protection from the elements
Long exposure to open water requires protection from UV and precipitation. Sunscreen awnings and rain visors are not just a luxury item, but a necessity to preserve the health and performance of the angler. PVC boat awnings are usually designed on a duraluminium or stainless steel frame that is inserted into special glasses (holders) mounted on stringers.
The awning fabric must be water-repellent and UV-protective. It is important that the frame does not have sharp angles that could damage cylinders in high winds or sloppy handling. Some models of awnings provide the possibility of installing additional equipment, such as fishing rod holders or LED lighting.
Beyond top protection, bottom comfort is important. Inflatable seats, which are standard, often don't have a hard back and get wet quickly; buying specialized fog chairs or folding chairs with soft pads greatly improves comfort. They are mounted on rotary platforms mounted on the solder floor.
| Accessory type | Materials of execution | Weight (approximate) | Substantive function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Awning sunscreen | Oxford 210D + aluminum | 2.5 - 4.0 kg | Protection from sun and rain |
| Rotating chair | Plastic + metal | 1.5 - 2.5 kg | Comfortable landing |
| Suspension table | ABS plastic | 0.5 kg | Positioning of gear |
| Refrigerator bag | PVC + insulation | 0.8. 1.2 kg | Conservation of catch |
⚠️ Warning: When installing an awning in windy weather, be sure to use storm troughs (additional stretches). The awning's sailing capacity is large, and when the wind gusts, the boat can turn over with passengers if it is not anchored or brought to clean water.
Organization of space and storage of gear
Chaos in the boat is the fishing man's main enemy. Tangled lines, fallen wobbles and wet lifts can ruin any fishing. There are special organizers, layout bags and holders to restore order, and their design is tailored to the specifics of the inflatable board: they must not have rigid protruding parts that can puncture PVC.
The best solution is soft bags made of waterproof fabric, which are attached with Velcro or belts to the balloon, inside these bags are transparent pockets for small things, fixers for spinning and compartments for boxes with baits, and rodholders deserve special attention.
They come in two types: they are mounted in glasses (similar to awning holders) and mounted, attached directly to the cylinder. The second option is more versatile, because it allows you to place the gear at any point in the perimeter of the boat. It is important that the inner surface of the holder is soft, so as not to scratch the fishing rod form.
☑️ Checking of completeness before exit
To store fish caught, it is better to use special bags of sati from the net or perforated canes, which allow water to circulate, keeping the fish alive and fresh, and easily attach to the side on a cord, without taking up space inside the cockpit and without soiling the floor with scales.
Maintenance and repair on water
Even the best quality. reinforced PVC Rocks on the shore, sparks from a fire, thorns of plants or accidental crochet puncture are all potential threats to the integrity of the boat. So buying a quality remake is mandatory before the first descent into the water. Don't rely on a minimum set of one piece of cloth and a tube of glue, which often comes as a basic package.
A professional remix should contain several types of patches (of different sizes and colors), a special glue for PVC (often two-component), acetone or alcohol for degreasing, and possibly a liquid latto to quickly eliminate small cuts. It is also useful to have a soap solution in a spray gun - it helps to quickly find places of air leakage.
The maintenance of the boat includes not only repairs, but also proper washing. After every fishing, especially in salt water or in mud-covered water bodies, the boat must be rinsed with fresh water. The use of aggressive chemicals or abrasive brushes is prohibited, as they destroy the protective layer of the material.
Before gluing the patch, be sure to warm the surface with a hair dryer to 40-50 degrees - this activates the glue polymers and ensures maximum strength of the connection that will withstand pressure on water.
Regular pumping of cylinders is also part of routine maintenance. PVC has the property of compressing in the cold and expanding in the heat. Always check the pressure with a pressure gauge before leaving to avoid sagging paioles or, conversely, rupturing the seams in the sun.
How to properly store a PVC boat in the off-season?
The boat should be thoroughly washed, dried and treated with a special preservative for PVC. It should not be too tight, preferably in a spacious bag, and stored in a warm room, avoiding direct sunlight and rodents. The optimal storage temperature is from +5 to +20 degrees.
Can I use a car pump for a boat?
You can use a car compressor only for primary pumping, but with extreme caution. They work from a lighter and can quickly land the car battery. Also, there is a high risk of pumping cylinders, because car pumps develop high pressure, dangerous for the seams of the boat. Always make the final adjustment with a foot or hand pump, controlling the pressure with a pressure gauge.
Which glue is best for PVC repair?
Two-component polyurethane adhesives are the best performers, creating a flexible and water-resistant seam that is as strong as the material itself, and single-component rubber-based adhesives are only suitable for temporary repairs or sealing of unimportant areas.
Should the valves be lubricated?
Yes, rubber valve seals (petal or bayonet) are recommended to be lubricated periodically with silicone lubricant, which prevents rubber from drying out, microcracking and ensures tightness. Do not use petroleum products (oil, gasoline, solidol), as they destroy the structure of the rubber.
Investment in quality accessories pays off comfort and safety. Don't skimp on anchor and refits - these are your main insurance on the water.