Sea fishing is very different from inland fishing, and the first critical factor is the boat, which is the excitement, salt water, unpredictable winds and remoteness from the shore dictate their strict requirements for construction and materials. seaboat It is not just a transport, but your main guarantor of survival in extreme conditions of open water.
Unlike calm lakes, where you can use a light flatbed, the sea requires increased strength and strength from the hull. seaworthinessAn error in the choice can cost not only catch, but also health, so the issue of equipment must be approached with the utmost seriousness and knowledge of technical nuances.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what types of hulls are suitable for coastal and deep-sea fishing, how materials affect durability and why. keeliness The bottom is more important than it seems, and you will learn how to avoid common mistakes when buying and preparing for going to sea.
Key requirements for sea-going vessels
The first thing that catches the eye when you look at specialized equipment is the height of the side. For the sea, the minimum permissible value is 50-60 cm, which allows you to safely receive the wave and not draw water when rolling. Low sides, acceptable for a quiet river backwater, in marine conditions, turn into a deadly trap even with a small small amount of water. storm.
The second critical parameter is the buoyancy margin, and the structure must stay afloat even when completely flooded. inflatable tubes or built-in polystyrene foam blocks in rigid enclosures are an indispensable safety element, which cannot be ignored categorically.
⚠️ Never go out to sea on a boat without a check. lifejackets And if you don't have an anchor in a wind or current demolition, you can take you to the high seas in a matter of hours.
It is also worth paying attention to the presence of self-flow These are special holes in the transom or bottom that allow water to flow out of the cockpit when the boat is moving or floating, and that eliminates the need to constantly scoop water out by hand.
Always check the condition of the self-effluent valves before each exit - seaweed and debris can block the drain safely, which will lead to a rapid accumulation of water inside.
Comparison of materials: PVC, Aluminum or Plastic
Choosing the material of the case is always a compromise between weight, strength and cost. PVC Boats Polyvinyl chloride remains the most popular choice for transportation in the trunk of a passenger car, and modern five-layer fabrics are highly resistant to puncture and ultraviolet light, but require careful drying after every fishing trip.
Aluminum boats, often called "Kazanki" of the new generation, are incredibly survivable. Aluminum alloy AMG It's non-rusting, easy to repair with argon welding in the field, and can withstand impacts on rocks, but it's a high noise body that requires high-quality noise insulation if you plan to stay in the water for a long time.
Plastic housings have excellent hydrodynamics and aesthetics, are immune to corrosion and electrochemical reactions that are harmful to metals in salt water, but when hit by a hidden rock, plastic can crack, which requires special materials and time to polymerize.
| Parameter | PVC (Inflatable) | aluminum | Fiberglass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight. | Light. | Medium. | Heavy. |
| Transportability | Tall (bag) | Low (trailer) | Low (trailer) |
| Puncture resistance | Medium | High. | Low. |
| Price. | Affordable | Medium/High | High. |
Design features: Keel, Flat Bottom and RIBs
The shape of the bottom directly affects the behavior of the boat on the wave.flat bottom) provides excellent stability in the parking lot, which is important for fishing in calm, but when the wave is reached, the boat begins to prowl dangerously and hard hit the water, transmitting vibration to the angler's spine.
The keely bottom allows the boat to cut the wave, providing smoothness and stability at high speeds. The more keely, the more comfortable it is to move against the wave, but the less stability is in place. zygomatic Or outriggers.
Special attention should be paid to boats of the type rib (Rigid Inflatable Boat) It's a hybrid of rigid fiberglass or aluminum underbody and inflatable tubes, and it combines the best of both worlds: the speed and seaworthiness of a rigid body with the softness and unsinkability of inflatable sides.
What is Delta Cone Kilewattiness?
This is the shift in the angle of keeliness from transom to nose, and modern seaboats have a smaller angle at the transom (for stability), and a larger angle at the nose (for soft wave entry), which is a complex engineering parameter that affects handling.
Selection of motor group and transcoding board
The engine power must strictly comply with the recommendations of the boat manufacturer, as specified in the floater-passportExcessive power on inflatable boats can lead to the destruction of the transom board and loss of control. For the sea, the power reserve is critical to confidently move out of the surf zone.
The height of the transom is another important nuance. Marine motors often have an elongated leg.Long ShaftInstallation of a short motor on a high transom will lead to cavitation and overheating of the engine, and a long one on a low one to a huge water resistance.
When choosing an outboard motor for salt water, you need to have anti-corrosion protection. Magnesium anodes, special coating and use of stainless steel in the exhaust system prolong the life of the unit in an aggressive environment. After each fishing, the engine must be washed with fresh water.
- 🚤 Be sure to use it. gas-head or motor tilt fixers when moving against a strong wave to avoid spontaneous squeezing of the lower unit.
- 🔋 For electric trolling motors, choose models with a composite or stainless steel mine, ordinary aluminum will rot in a season.
- ⚓ Consider the installation of an electric motor as an auxiliary quiet passage for approaching fish places without scaring the fish with the roar of a gasoline engine.
⚠️ Attention: When installing the engine, monitor the level of the anti-cavitation stove. It should be parallel to the bottom of the boat or slightly lowered with your nose down. The wrong angle of installation will reduce efficiency and increase fuel consumption.
Navigation and sounders: eyes of the fisherman
On the high seas, coastal orientation is often impossible due to remoteness or fog. A GPS navigation system with preloaded nautical charts is a must. Modern devices allow you to build tracks, put waypoints on catchy cans and return to them with a meter accuracy.
The sonar for the sea must have a powerful emitter capable of penetrating the water column of 50-100 meters or more.50 kHzGood for deep, high depths, and200 kHz) for a detailed examination of the structure of the bottom and fish in the bottom layer.
Technology CHIRP And side scanning (SideScan) is a dramatic change in the way we view the bottom, and you see not just dots, but relief, sunken objects and shoals of fish in real time, and it allows you to effectively capture the complex bottom terrains where predators often hide.
☑️ Verification of navigation equipment
Security and preparation for exit
The sea does not forgive carelessness. Before each exit, you need to check the weather forecast, paying attention not only to the strength of the wind, but also to the direction of the excitement. Storm warning is an absolute ban on getting on the water, regardless of the experience of the captain.
The kit needs to be expanded with specific marine remedies: antidotes for jellyfish bites, sunburn remedies, harnesses and sterile bandages. Polarized sunglasses are not a luxury, but a necessity for vision and safety, because they allow you to see through the glare of the water.
Communication is your last line of defense. A mobile phone in a waterproof package may not work far from shore. Having a distress-frequency marine VHF radio station or satellite phone/tracker greatly improves the chances of rescue in a critical situation.
The main rule of sea fishing: three things should always be with you - anchor, communication equipment and life jacket.
A well-chosen boat for fishing at sea is a complex engineering complex where every detail matters, from the shape of the keel to the material of the anchor shaft, and investing in a quality and safe boat pays off with thousands of hours of comfortable fishing and no problems with GIMS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a PVC river boat to go to sea?
It is strongly recommended not to go outside the surf zone: river boats have low sides, weak keeliness and often do not have sufficient buoyancy reserve for a sea wave, this is only permissible in complete calm 10-20 meters from the shore.
How long should a boat be for two fishermen in the sea?
The optimal length for comfortable fishing together, taking into account the placement of gear, anchor and motor is from 3.6 to 4.2 meters. On boats shorter than 3.4 meters, the two will be cramped, and any activity will greatly rock the vessel.
Do I need to register a motorized boat less than 10 hp?
According to the current GIMS rules, small vessels weighing more than 200 kg (in running order) OR with an engine capacity of more than 8 kW (about 10.88 hp) are subject to registration. However, the rules may change, and you should always check with the current legislation of your region.
How often should I change the magnesium anodes on the motor?
In salt water, anodes are consumed very quickly, checked after each exit, replaced when more than 50% of the anode mass has been lost, and in intensive operation, replacement may be required every 20-30 hours.
Which is better for the sea: inflatable tubes or hardboard?
For fishing in the surf and in shallow waters, RIBs or boats with inflatable tubes are often preferred, since they softer take blows against stones and are safer when in contact with the board. For long-distance crossings and high speed, a rigid hull (aluminum or plastic) is preferable.