Operation of an inflatable vessel, especially in conditions of strong wave or current, requires reliable fixation. anchor-winch It's becoming the element that makes chaotic drifting into controlled parking, and owners of PVC boats often underestimate the importance of a quality anchor, relying on simple ropes that can lead to loss of anchor or even damage to cylinders in stormy weather.
The modern market offers many solutions, from the simplest mechanical devices to high-tech electrical systems. anchor-winch Not only does it make it easier to pick up cargo from the depths, it also allows you to react instantly to changing water conditions, and in this article we will go into detail all aspects of selecting, installing and maintaining this important equipment for your boat.
Types of anchor winches for inflatable vessels
The first thing that the buyer faces is the need to choose between mechanical and electric drive. Mechanical winches They are powered by the operator's physical effort, transmitted through a gear system or a drum mechanism, and are simple, reliable and do not require on-board network connectivity, making them ideal for small boats up to 3.5 meters long.
Unlike them, electric-anchor winches They connect to a outboard motor battery or a separate battery, which allows anchors to be lifted up to 10-15 kg at the touch of a button, which is critical for large PVC boats with powerful engines, where the weight of the anchor can reach 7-10 kg or more, and the electrification of the process significantly reduces the load on the crew and speeds up the assembly of the camp.
- 🔧 Mechanical models: require manual rotation, cheaper, easier to maintain, ideal for shallow depths.
- ⚡ Electric models: operate from 12V, equipped with a remote control, require protection from moisture, suitable for heavy anchors.
- 🌊 Combined systems: allow you to switch between manual and automatic mode, providing redundancy.
The type of drive you choose depends on how often and where you plan to fish. If you are a small river and lake with depths of up to 5 meters, the mechanics will be enough. electric It's gonna be a real salvation.
⚠️ Attention: When installing an electric winch, make sure that the wire cross-section matches the current consumed by the device. The use of thin wires can lead to overheating of the wiring and fire on board.
Selection criteria: capacity and load capacity
The main parameter that you need to pay attention to is tractionIt must exceed the weight of your anchor with a margin. For inflatable boats, the rule is that the weight of the anchor should be approximately 1/10 of the displacement of the boat when loaded, and accordingly, the winch should confidently lift this weight, plus the weight of the anchor faline itself (rope or chain).
An important aspect is the material of manufacture of the housing and working elements. Stainless steel Plastic elements are only permissible in mechanical winches of low power and must be made of impact-resistant composites resistant to ultraviolet light.
Note the sample speed. Electric models typically range from 10 to 25 meters per minute. Too high speed can be dangerous if the anchor is stuck, as there is a high risk of a sharp jerk. Low-speed models provide smoother and more controlled operation, allowing you to feel the tension of the rope.
When choosing a winch, always take a model with a power reserve of 20-30%, which will prolong the service life of the mechanism and allow you to use heavier anchors in emergency situations without overloading.
Also consider the type of anchor rope. For winches with a horizontal arrangement of the drum, the best chain is that which fits into special grooves. Vertical winches (plate) often work with a combination of a chain and a rope rope (synthetic cable).
Methods of fastening a winch on a PVC boat
Mounting equipment on an inflatable vessel is a delicate process, because you can't just drill through a balloon. There are several proven ways to fix it. transom-boardThe winch is mounted on a special platform or bracket, which in turn is rigidly fixed to the transom.
For the bow of the boat are used quilt Or special inflatable platforms that stick to the balloon, and the winch is already mounted on these platforms, so that the center of gravity can be shifted forward and the speed of the vessel can be improved, and it is important that the platform has a rigid insert (litros or plywood) for the secure fixation of the bolts.
| Place of installation | Type of attachment | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tranza | Kronstein/Platform | Easy installation, availability | Reverse centre of gravity |
| Nose (balloon) | Inflatable platform | Improvement of course, ease of anchoring | Installation complexity, risk of damage |
| Board (clot-clot-clot) | Removable stops | Universality | Less reliable with strong traction |
When mounting on the nose, it is critically important to use pads Any friction of the metal against the cylinder under tension can cause scuffling and depressurization. Use rubber mats or special tread belts.
☑️ Pre-installing check
Installation and connection of an electric winch
Installation of an electrical device requires compliance with electrical safety rules, first of all, you need to determine the location of the control panel, it must be within the reach of the steering wheel, but be protected from splashes. DU remote Often made wireless or on a long cable so that you can control the anchor while being at the motor.
Connection to the onboard network 12 volts is through a fuse. The denomination of the fuse is selected according to the instructions to the winch, usually 15-30 ampere. The wires must be copper, with a cross section of at least 2.5 mm2, and for powerful winches - 4 mm2 or more. All connections must be carefully isolated and protected against corrosion.
Connection diagram:
Battery (+) -> Safety -> Control button -> Winch -> Battery (-)
After installation, be sure to run a test run on land, check the work in both directions (sampling and etching), make sure that the mechanism does not emit foreign creaks, and the current consumption is within normal limits. Regular lubrication The moving parts with a special marine lubricant will extend the life of the gearbox.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave an electric winch under voltage unattended if the boat is on water. Accessal press of a button can cause injury or loss of anchor.
What to do if the battery is dead?
In an emergency, when the battery is dead and the anchor needs to be lifted, most electric winches have a manual rotation mode, which requires removing the protective cover from the end of the gearbox motor and inserting a special key-gate (usually included), rotating it, you can choose the anchor manually, although this will require physical effort.
Maintenance and care of the anchor mechanism
Salt water and river suspension are the main enemies of any mechanism. After every foray into the water, especially in salty environments, a winch is necessary. freshwaterIt will wash away the salt and sand, which when dried, turn into an abrasive that destroys gears and cables.
Once a season, a full revision is recommended: remove the side cover of the gearbox (if the design allows), check the amount and condition of the lubricant. For plastic gears, use silicone lubricants, for metal - lithium or special marine compounds. Preservation lubrication It is mandatory for the winter period.
Look at the anchor rope or the chain. The rope should not have any nagging, nodes or rubbed areas. The chain should not have any links. If you use a Rope rope, make sure that it does not twist on the drum, otherwise it will lead to a jamming mechanism.
- 🧼 Washing: Rinse the mechanism with fresh water after each use in salt water.
- 🛢️ Lubrication: Lubricate the moving parts once a season or after heavy use.
- 🔍 Inspection: Regularly check the integrity of the cable and the reliability of the fasteners.
Keep the winch in winter is better removed, in a dry room. If you can't dismantle the device, cover it with a case to protect it from dust and direct sunlight, which destroys plastic and rubber seals.
Regular maintenance and washing with fresh water increase the life of the winch by 2-3 times and guarantee its operation at a critical moment.
Safety when using an anchor winch
An anchor winch is a high-risk source, and when you're under load, an anchor rope or chain stores tremendous kinetic energy, and when you break it or jump off the drum, it can cause a huge amount of kinetic energy. serious injuryTherefore, it is strictly forbidden to stand on the tension line of the rope during the operation of the winch.
When using electric models, always keep your finger on the stop button or use the emergency stop control. If the anchor is stuck at the bottom (catch on a snag or stone), do not try to tear it out with full force. This can cause the gearbox to break or the light PVC boat to tip over. rope off, bypass the place of the hook and try to select the anchor from the other side.
Pay special attention to fixing the winch itself. The fasteners must be tightened at the desired moment and fixed by the engrovers or the carving fixer. Vibration from the motor and jerks when anchoring can weaken the connections. Check-up The fastener should be carried out before each release to the water.
Can I use a winch from an ATV on a boat?
Technically possible, but not recommended: ATV winches do not have IP67-IP68 moisture protection, their materials can corrode in salt water, and the shape of the drum is not always suitable for anchor chains. They often consume more current, which requires a major upgrade to the boat's power grid.
What is the optimal weight of the anchor for a PVC boat 3.6 meters long?
For a boat 3.6 meters (12 feet) long with a full crew and equipment, the optimal weight of the anchor is 4-6 kg. The winch should be designed to exert at least 100-150 kg to provide a margin of safety in wind and excitement.