Properly selected PVC boat accessories can turn a standard inflatable vessel into a full-fledged floating office or a comfortable camp for recreation. Many beginners, buying the first boat, are limited to only the basic equipment, forgetting that it is the additional elements that ensure safety and ease of operation. tuning It allows you to adapt a universal platform for specific tasks, whether it is trolling, spinning fishing or family walks.
It is important to understand that the market offers thousands of solutions, and without a clear plan, it is easy to get confused in unnecessary gadgets. In this article, we will discuss what elements are really necessary, how to properly attach them to cylinders and bottom so as not to damage the material, and what you absolutely can not save.
Minimum required: anchor system and transax plates
The first thing to think about is the reliability of the parking lot, because a drifting boat is not only a lost fishing spot, but also a risk of collision. Standard cat anchors, coming with a kit, are often not enough weight for the current or wind, so experienced water engines immediately change them to more efficient options.
The best solution for inflatable vessels is Denforth-type anchors or foldable stainless steel structures that easily hide in a hazelnut. The key here is not only weight, but also the right organization. anchor-end And a vertebrae that prevents the rope from twisting around the axis.
- 🛡️ Denforth anchor – provides excellent grip with sand and silt at a minimum weight.
- ⚓ Folding anchor-cat - universal for rocky bottom, but requires careful handling of cylinders.
- 🔗 Anchor rim - mandatory for installation, so as not to RUB the rope on the side of the boat.
⚠️ Warning: Never tie the anchor end directly to a balloon or handle - when jerked, this is guaranteed to cause a tissue cut or a mounting element to break away.
The second critical element is sink-board Or a reinforced transom if you find the regular one flimsy, and installing an additional engine, sonar or high-powered lighting requires a rigid base that won't walk under load.
For boats with engines over 5 hp, it is recommended to use reinforced trans-plate plates made of plywood or composite, coated with marine lacquer or plastic, which will distribute the load throughout the stern and protect the cylinders from spraying oil and fuel.
Boat electrification: batteries and wiring
Modern fishing is unthinkable without electronics, which means that the issue of energy supply is coming to the fore. traction-battery It requires not only the correct choice of container, but also safe placement, eliminating moisture and short circuit.
The best solution would be sealed batteries like AGM or GEL, which emit no gases and are safe in a confined space, and they should be placed in special lockers or boxes attached to the bottom to prevent the center of gravity from shifting and damage to the body when hit by a wave.
The wiring must be done with copper cables of the appropriate cross-section to minimize voltage loss in long areas up to the motor or sonar. All connections must be sealed by thermal shrinkage with adhesive layer, and the chains are protected. safety-lock.
- 🔋 The AGM 100 A/h battery is the gold standard for electric motors and electronics power.
- 🔌 Quick-removal contacts – allow you to quickly remove the battery for charging at home.
- 📟 Voltmeter in the cabin - helps to control the charge and not leave with a discharged battery.
Use only copper tips for battery terminals and squeeze them with a special tool, not a hammer - this will ensure reliable contact and no heating.
Special attention should be paid to laying cables along the side, they should not hang or lie on the floor, where they are easily damaged by foot or tackle, special cable channels or clamps glued to the cylinder are ideal for fixation.
| Type of consumer | Recommended cable cross section (mm2) | Maximum length of section (m) | Type of protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric motor (up to 1000 W) | 10 - 16 | 2.5 | 40-60A machine |
| Echoer/Navigator | 1.5 - 2.5 | 5.0 | Safety 5A |
| Lights (LED tape) | 1.5 | 3.0 | Safety 3A |
Comfort on the water: seats and johnduks
Long stays on a hard inflated bottom quickly tire the back, so the question of organizing seats is acute. Standard cans of plywood or dural are good for short runs, but for full fishing you need chairs with backrests and adjustability.
Modern. PVC-seat They're attached to special platforms or directly to the lyctross (stringer) with latches, and it's important to choose models with soft linings and water-repellent upholstery that dries quickly and doesn't rot.
⚠️ Note: When installing additional seats, monitor the weight distribution - shifting the center of gravity in the stern or on board can critically impair the boat's driving performance.
In parallel with the seats, you can also store things, you can have rundooks on your nose or in the stern, you can keep your clothes, your food, your spare parts dry, and you can also use these extra inflatable tubes to make it more unsinkable.
To organize the space inside the cockpit, soft organizer bags are often used, which are attached to the sides on Velcro, which are convenient for storing gear, tools and small accessories that should always be at hand.
How to fasten rigid elements to soft sides?
Rigid structures are attached exclusively to the lyctros (welded along the side of the strip) or to special shaft profiles. gluing or fastening something directly to the cylinder without reinforcement is prohibited - this will lead to depressurization.
Navigation and fishing accessories
Installing sonar, navigator and rod holders makes the boat an efficient fishing tool, and the main rule here is ergonomics: the instruments must be read in all lights, and the fishing rods must not interfere with the control of the engine.
To attach the sonar sensor to the transom, there are special brackets that allow you to quickly remove the device, and the sensor must be immersed in water to the desired depth, but not interfere with the operation of the engine propeller.
- 🎣 Holders of rods "glasses" - are installed in convenient places for trolling or drifting.
- 📡 Antenna holder - is necessary for stable reception of GPS / GLONASS signal.
- 💡 LED lighting – helps to see devices and gear in the dark.
Special attention deserves instrumentation The visors above the sounder displays greatly improve the readability of the picture on a sunny day, and the germ boxes save the equipment from sudden rainfall.
Don't forget to organize the fishing workplace, tackle tables attached to the sides or hanging organizers, so you can keep the baits and tools in order without cluttering the bottom of the boat.
☑️ Checking before exit
Protection and repair: remakes and kits
The inflatable boat is constantly subjected to mechanical stresses: friction against the sand, blows against branches, contact with hooks. kit It is not an option, but a necessity that should be in every boat.
The standard kit usually includes patches and glue, but experienced users complement it with liquid PVC, brushes, degreaser and even a piece of the boat's material itself for major repairs.
Protecting the most vulnerable areas, such as the bottom, nose and cylinders in the seat area, use protective belts and linings, which take the brunt of abrasive wear, while maintaining the integrity of the main cylinders.
⚠️ Attention: When gluing patches strictly follow the instructions for glue, especially in terms of degreasing and drying time - haste here leads to peeling off at the most inopportune moment.
It is also worth considering the installation. timber It's a rubber or PVC profile that protects the sides from impacts on the pier, rocks and other obstacles when mooring.
Transport and storage
Proper preparation of the boat for transportation prolongs its life. After each fishing, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, dried and folded not too tight to avoid clutter in the cold.
For transportation on the roof of the car or in the trailer, special covers are used to protect PVC from ultraviolet light and dust.
The main principle of tuning PVC boats is modularity: all additional elements should be easily removed so as not to weigh the boat during transportation and storage.
Remember PVC care products: sprays and air conditioners restore the elasticity of the material and protect it from burnout. Regular processing extends the life of the boat for several seasons.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I put the accessories directly on the balloon?
Only special PVC pads designed for this purpose can be glued using a two-component polyurethane glue, metal or plastic elements are mechanically attached to the lyctross or valvular profile, but not to the cylinder itself.
Which battery is better to choose for a PVC boat?
For inflatable boats, AGM or GEL batteries are ideal. They are sealed, do not emit gases when charging (which is important in a closed cockpit), and are resistant to vibration and pitching.
Do I need to take off electronics for the winter?
Yes, all electronic components (echo sounders, navigators, batteries) must be removed and stored in a warm, dry room at room temperature, and the cold and dampness quickly disable electronics.
How to protect the boat from stone punctures?
Use underside safety tapes, special cylinder linings, and try not to drag the boat along the shore, and using protective stockings on the engine propeller when driving in shallow water also helps.