Planning to buy additional equipment for a boat is always about balancing functionality, weight and cost. Inflatable and metal boat owners often face a dilemma: whether to overpay for branded components or find worthy counterparts in the mass market. The boating market today offers thousands of solutions, from simple mounts to complex electronic navigation systems.
Well-chosen accessories It can turn a normal rowing boat into a full-fledged fishing boat or a comfortable family boat, but chaotic buying up of equipment without understanding the specifics of the hull material or operating conditions can lead to unnecessary waste and even damage to property, and it is important to prioritize.
In this article, we will discuss the key categories of equipment, help you understand the materials of manufacture and give you an idea of what to look for when choosing, you will learn which elements of tuning are really necessary for safety, and which serve only to improve comfort. The right approach The equipment will prolong the life of your boat.
Anchoring equipment and parking systems
Without a reliable anchor, getting out to the water, especially on rivers with the current or in windy weather on large bodies of water, becomes a risky event. The choice of anchor device depends not only on the weight of the boat, but also on the type of bottom. For silted areas, cat anchors are suitable, whereas for a rocky bottom, it is better to choose anchor Or the Admiralty type.
Special attention should be paid to the anchor ditch and the mechanism of discharge. On PVC inflatable boats, it is critical to use soft dips or special linings to avoid damaging the cylinders when jerking. Metal dips without rubber pads can wipe the fabric when anchored for long periods.
⚠️ Warning: Never tie the anchor tile directly to the bow handle of the PVC boat. In a strong jerk or wind, the handle may come off along with a piece of cloth, resulting in the loss of anchor and damage to the balloon.
For ease of parking management, anchor winches are often installed or simplified systems with carabiners are used, which allows you to quickly raise the anchor without smearing into the bottom silt and without risking injury to your hands on the cable.
- ⚓ Anchor-cat is a universal option for complex bottom relief.
- ⚓ Anchor cable - choose a wicker cord, it does not get confused and is pleasant to the touch.
- ⚓ Rymes - preferably models with a rotary mechanism to reduce the load.
Modern fastening systems allow you to quickly dismantle the anchor device when it is not necessary, for example, when switching to jolly traction or towing.
Protection from the sun and rain: awnings and canopies
Long periods of sunshine or sudden rainfall can ruin any fishing trip, so installing awnings is often one of the first things to do after buying a boat. Awnings are framed, inflatable and combined. Frame options provide better wind resistance, but require storage space for arcs.
The awning material must be water-repellent and UV-protective, and the cheap fabrics quickly burn out and begin to leak moisture, turning into a sieve after the active season. Oxford Specialized membrane tissues last for years.
When installing an awning, it is important to consider the height of the fisherman's landing and the possibility of installing a sonar or spinning. Too low an awning will create discomfort, and too high will increase the sailing of the boat, which is dangerous with strong lateral winds.
And don't forget the sidewalls, they make the boat a tent, so you can sleep on the water, or you can hide from insects and cold wind, and the sidewalls must be sealed, usually lightning or Velcro straps with valves.
Electronics and navigational instruments
Modern fishing is unthinkable without a sonar and GPS, and installing these devices requires not only the purchase of the device itself, but also the proper installation of sensors and screens. PVC boats are popular with universal transom mounts that do not require drilling of the hull.
When choosing the location of the screen, consider the viewing angle and spray protection. Electronics It is afraid of moisture, so even waterproof housings should be further protected from direct water ingress when turbulent. The wiring should be carefully placed in corrugated or cable channels to avoid mechanical damage.
Batteries power the devices. Small electronics often use battery launchers, but high-power sonars and electric motors require deep-discharge traction batteries, and it's important to calculate the capacity correctly so that the charge is enough for the whole day of fishing.
| Type of instrument | Average consumption (A/h) | Recommended capacity of AKB | Features of installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Echo sounder (base) | 0.2 - 0.5 | 7-12 A/h | transom mounting |
| GPS-navigator | 0.3 - 0.6 | 7-12 A/h | Crowstein on cockpit |
| Electric motor | 10 - 50 | 50-100 A/h | Tran or bow of the boat |
| Radio (VHF) | 0.1 - 1.0 | 7 A/h | Inside the cockpit |
Cable management is an important part of the installation, and coiled wires at the bottom of the boat run the risk of getting caught and dropping expensive equipment into the water.
Comfort: seats, tables and organizers
The regular inflatable cans are only suitable for short breaks. Full fishing requires comfortable backrested seats. They are tough (plastic, coated plywood) and soft (inflatable with a frame); rigid seats are longer-lasting, but take up more space during transportation.
So gear organizers and soft tables make it a lot more convenient, and instead of holding a fishing rod or putting it on board, anglers can use special holders, especially when you're fishing on a track or trolling, when you need to control multiple tackles.
When installing additional interior elements, make sure that they do not block access to the valves and do not rub against the cylinders when moving. Any friction will eventually lead to scuffing and leakage.
- 🪑 Seats with backrests are mandatory for protecting the spine during long fishing.
- 🪑 Runduks – allow you to keep things dry and serve as an additional seat.
- 🪑 Holders of rods - free their hands and prevent the loss of tackles.
Materials must be resistant to water and the sun, ordinary plywood will quickly dry out, and the metal will rust without proper processing.
Safety and rescue equipment
Buying security accessories is not just a formality for GIMs, it's a necessity: life jackets must be sized and fit the weight of the owner; inflatable vests are smaller, but require inspection before each exit.
Safety features include scoops, anchor ends and repair kits. The scoop should always be at hand, not buried in a hand-held. The remake should contain glue that fits exactly the material of your boat (PVC, Haipalon, aluminum), as versatile adhesives do not work everywhere.
⚠️ Warning: Check the shelf life of the pyrotechnics (falshfires, rockets) in the life kit. expired alarms may fail at a critical moment, leaving you without assistance.
Reflective elements on boats and clothing significantly increase visibility at dusk, which is critical if you plan to linger on the water until dark or go out into fog.
The first aid kit should be equipped not only with patches, but also with means to stop bleeding, antiseptics and a tourniquet, and wounds heal worse in water due to humidity and microorganisms.
Transport and storage of the boat
Proper transportation extends the life of the boat. Using a squirrel wheel makes it easier to move a motorized boat along the shore. For inflatable boats, there are special trolleys that refuel under the bottom, protecting the fabric from puncture with sharp stones.
When storing a boat assembled (on the roof of the car or in the garage), covers are required, they protect against dust, ultraviolet radiation and mechanical damage. For winter storage of PVC boats, it is better to blow off, but if this is not possible, the case is mandatory.
☑️ Pre-season checks
The brackets for mounting the boat to the car must be securely fixed. Use additional safety belts, especially when traveling along the highway at high speeds. Vibration can weaken the regular mounts.
Storage of the motor in a horizontal position without draining oil and fuel can cause failure of the oil glands and carburetor.
Where to buy: market, specialty stores or online
The choice of place of purchase depends on the type of accessory. Complex electronics and expensive awnings are better to buy in specialized stores with a guarantee and the possibility of return, here you will get professional advice and you will be able to visually assess the quality of materials.
Small fittings, fasteners and consumables are more profitable to order on large marketplaces or wholesale bases, but there is a high risk of running into counterfeit or substandard material. Always read reviews and check the seller's rating.
When buying used equipment (for example, electric motors or anchors), carefully check the technical condition. Corrosion on metal or scuffing on PVC can be fatal in operation.
Don't chase the lowest price. Cheap Chinese plastic in the cold becomes brittle and breaks, and cheap fabric fades quickly. Quality accessories last for years, paying off comfort and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use car glue to repair a PVC boat?
It is strongly discouraged to use conventional car adhesive or "moment" to repair PVC boats. These adhesives do not have the necessary elasticity and adhesion to polyvinyl chloride. When the balloon is deformed, such a patch will simply unstick. Use only two-component polyurethane adhesives designed for PVC.
What weight anchor is required for a boat 3.5 meters long?
For a 3.5-meter inflatable boat, an anchor weighing 4-6 kg is considered optimal. However, it is not the weight that matters, but the area of engagement. A light cat anchor with wide legs will hold better than a heavy piece of metal without paws.
Do I need to take off the awning for the winter?
Yes, frame awnings and soft sidewalls are best removed for winter storage, plastic and fabric become brittle at subzero temperatures, snow caps can push or break the structure, they should be kept straightened or neatly rolled up indoors at plus temperature.
How often should I change my life jackets?
Life jackets depend on the intensity of use and storage conditions. Inflatable vests require annual replacement of the gas cylinder and check mechanism. Foam vests last longer (5-7 years), but require regular inspection for cracks, loss of buoyancy and integrity of the belts.
Can I install an electric motor on any boat?
Theoretically, yes, if the transom design permits, but for heavy boats (over 200 kg with a load), low-power electric motors will be inefficient, and it is also important to consider battery life. For serious transitions to electric power, expensive high-capacity lithium batteries are required.