Planning for the purchase of water transport equipment is a process that requires not only financial investment, but also a deep understanding of the specifics of the operation of the vessel. boat-boatIt faces a huge range of products, from critical security systems to comfort elements. The market is saturated with offers, and without a clear plan, it's easy to buy unnecessary gadgets, forgetting the really important things.
Competent equipment directly affects your safety and enjoyment of fishing or cruising. An error in choosing an anchor can lead to the loss of a boat, and poor quality transom wheel drive will spoil the entire logistics of the descent. We will discuss the key categories of goods that will help to complete your vessel at the highest level.
In this article, we're not just going to list products, we're going to structure what's really needed on the water, and you're going to learn about the intricacies of navigation, the features of anchor systems, and the nuances of storage. Let's dive into the world of water-powered equipment.
Fixing systems: anchors and berthing accessories
The first thing to buy after the boat and the engine is a reliable anchor system, and many beginners make the mistake of buying too light anchors that do not hold the boat when the wind is amplified. Cat anchor or Hall anchors should be selected strictly according to the displacement of your boat, and not on the principle of "just get into the hazelnut".
Besides the shipper itself, it is critical to choose the right anchor cable or chain. The chain provides a horizontal force on the armature paws, causing them to burrow into the ground, while the cable serves as the main extension element. For PVC boats, a combination of short chain at the anchor and a long nylon fall are often used.
⚠️ Warning: Never tie the anchor end directly to the PVC rim on the bow of a boat without a burst insert! When anchored, the boat can flip or tear the balloon when snatched. Use special bursting carbines or a weak strand on the mount.
For storage and ease of use of anchorages will require an anchor box or bag, which allows you to keep wet and dirty cable separate from dry things. anchor-rail (the lock) which will protect the side of the boat from being rubbed with a cable.
- 🪢 Anchor cable: Choose wicker nylon, it is stronger and more convenient to work than twisted.
- ⚓ Weight of anchor: For a boat with a length of 3-4 meters, the optimal weight is 4-6 kg depending on the type of soil.
- 📦 Anchor bag: should have drainage holes for water runoff and dirty sludge.
Navigation and Electronics: The Captain's Eyes and Ears
Modern fishing and navigation are impossible without electronics. boatThis includes a GPS navigator and a sonar, and these devices are often combined into a single instrument, a sonar-based cartplotter, which allows you not only to see the bottom relief and fish, but also to return to the feeding points accurately.
When choosing electronics, pay attention to water protection. IPX7 means that the device will withstand a short-term immersion, but for installation on an open deck it is better to look for IPX8 Sunlight is the main enemy of screen readability, so matte screens are preferable to glossy screens.
Remember the power supply. Standard car batteries are not designed to be the kind of deep discharge that happens when you run an electric motor or sonar all day long. tractor (GEL or AGM) and a reliable terminal box for protection from moisture.
| Type of device | Substantive function | Important characteristic | Recommended brand |
|---|---|---|---|
| cartplotter | Navigation by map | Screen resolution, card support | Garmin, Lowrance |
| echoer | Fish search, relief | Radiator frequency, power | Humminbird, Raymarine |
| Radio. | Connection | Power, water resistance | Midland, Icom |
| Fuel sensor. | Control of flow | Compatibility with motor | Yamaha, Mercury |
Do I need a side scanner?
The side scanner is a huge extension of search capabilities, and it can see not only under the boat, but also on the sides at a distance of 30 to 50 meters, and it can find driftwood, sunken trees and shoals of fish as it swims by, without having to do circles. For professional fishing, it must have.
Safety on the water: life-saving equipment
Security should be a priority when you decide that boat The number of passengers on life jackets is not just a recommendation, it's a requirement of law and common sense, and they have to be certified and matched for weight and height.
In addition to vests, on board must be a first aid kit, equipped with special waterproof means, wet cotton wool or bandages in a regular bag will turn into a useless mass in a matter of minutes. life-line A buoy that can be thrown instantly to a person who has fallen overboard.
Night fishing or poor visibility swimming requires running lights. If you don't have regular installation sites, get a battery-powered magnetic LED lights. They're cheap, but they can save you from a high-speed boat collision.
- 🆘 Save the vest: It should have bright reflective elements and a whistle.
- 💊 The medicine cabinet: Use rigid plastic containers with a rubber seal.
- 🔦 Lantern: powerful search light with a strobe mode for signaling.
⚠️ Warning: Check the shelf life of pyrotechnics (falshfires, rockets) before each season. Damp pyrotechnics may fail at a critical moment or, conversely, become dangerous.
Comfort and ergonomics: seats, awnings and carpet
Long-term exposure to water requires convenience, standard inflatable seats, complete with budget boats, quickly tire your back. steering-chair Pedestal stands are very comfortable, and aluminum pedestals are very durable and they don't fear corrosion.
Sun and rain protection is another important aspect: a tent transformer or a full-fledged windshield running awning allows you to fish in all weather. When buying, pay attention to the quality of the seams and impregnation of fabric: a cheap Oxford quickly fades and begins to let water through.
Floor covering is often used carpet Carpet is pleasant to the touch, but absorbs water and fish odors, requiring frequent drying. EVA rugs (foam polyethylene) are devoid of this drawback, do not rot and easily wash, being a more modern solution.
When installing seats, use additional washers or reinforced pens under the fastener, which will distribute the load on the floorboard or transom plate and prevent the floor from pressing during prolonged parking.
Transportation and logistics
Getting the boat to the water is as important as fishing itself. If you don't have a tracker, you'll be an indispensable helper. junctionIt's attached to a transom, and it allows one person to easily move a heavy motorized boat along the shore, and choose models with large-diameter pneumatic wheels for cross-country terrain on sand and grass.
To transport in the trunk of the car, you need a reliable bag-package. It protects PVC from punctures and dirt. If the boat is metal (Kazanka, Crimea), then you need soft linings under the sides when fixing in the body, so as not to damage the paint and geometry of the hull.
Don't forget to organize things inside the car. Wet things, fish and gear should be kept separate from clean ones. Hermashers. Other volumes will help to keep dry phones, documents and spare clothes.
Tools and repair kit
Everything happens on the water, so you have to have a remix, because PVC boats have glue, patches of different sizes, degreases, and it's important to use the glue that's right for your material (PVC or Haipalon), because they have different chemical compositions.
The basic set of tools should include: passages, a set of screwdrivers, wrenches (especially for engine candles), tape and screeds. Multifunctional knife It should always be at hand, so that, if necessary, quickly cut the tangled cord or line.
☑️ Seasonal equipment check
⚠️ Warning: When repairing PVC in the field, do not use cyanacrylate glue ("superglue"). It makes the material tough and brittle, which will lead to microcracks and further tearing under pressure. Use only two-component polyurethane adhesives.
Seasonal storage and conservation
Proper storage prolongs the life of the equipment, and before wintering, the boat must be thoroughly washed, dried and greased with silicone all rubber seals and valves, which will prevent the material from drying out and cracks.
Electrical and battery storage should be kept in a warm room at room temperature. Lithium-ion and AGM batteries require periodic recharging in winter (every 2-3 months), otherwise they can fail irreversibly.
Investments in quality accessories (anchor, navigation, protection) pay off with comfort and safety, while saving on them often leads to loss of time, nerves and equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What weight anchor to choose for an inflatable boat 3.5 meters?
For a boat with a length of 3.5 meters, an anchor weighing 4-5 kg will be optimal. If the current is strong or the bottom is sluggish, it is better to take 6 kg. The main rule is that the weight of the anchor should be approximately 10% of the displacement of the boat with a full load, but for inflatable boats, often less weight is enough when using a chain.
Do I need to register the purchased equipment in GIMS?
The vessel itself (if its length is more than 3 meters or the engine power exceeds 8 kW/10.88 hp) and the engine are subject to registration in GIMS. Separate equipment (echo sounders, anchors, vests) does not require registration, but their presence can be checked by an inspector when inspecting the vessel for staffing.
Can I use a car battery for a sounder?
You can use a starting car battery, but you don't want it to be used regularly. They're not designed to be in deep discharge. To power electronics and electric motors, you'd better buy a traction battery (GEL or AGM) that can withstand many discharge-charging cycles.
Where is the best place to buy boat equipment?
Large specialized online stores of boating equipment often offer the best prices and warranty. However, for complex nodes (motors, expensive sonars) it is worth considering authorized service centers, where you will receive an official warranty and qualified advice.