Well-chosen floating-stock Not only does it determine comfort on the water, it also determine the safety of the crew. Owning an inflatable boat offers great opportunities for fishing and recreation, but the basic version is often devoid of the necessary elements. accessories It turns a simple inflatable vessel into a fully functional boat.
The accessories market is now saturated with offers, from cheap Chinese counterparts to premium professional equipment. quality And the reliability of your mounts is critical in extreme conditions, and in this article, we'll look at the key elements that will make your watering experience as productive and enjoyable as possible.
You don't have to skimp on little things that can cause a breakdown or a loss of time. anchorage Or the rod holder, it's doing its job, so let's take a look at what you need to buy first to be fully operational.
Fixtures and transom fastenings
One of the first tasks faced by the owner is the installation of attachmentStandard equipment rarely provides convenient places for fixing spinning or sonar, the solution is universal trans slats and brackets that are attached to cylinders or transoms.
Special fixations are used for reliable fixation platformThey're made of stainless steel or durable plastic, and they allow you to fix a sonar, a navigator, or even a lightweight suspension chair, and it's important to choose models with adjustable angles of inclination, which is especially important when you install sensors. sonar.
⚠️ Warning: When installing heavy batteries or equipment on a trawler board, make sure the load is evenly distributed to avoid skewing the boat and loss of handling.
There are several types of mounts, each with its own mounting features, depending on the design of your boat and the type of equipment you intend to use.
- 🔹 transom brackets - are attached directly to the transom slice, suitable for motors and heavy equipment.
- 🔹 Inflatable holders - fixed on cylinders with the help of slings, ideal for fishing rods and light devices.
- 🔹 Universal platforms - mounted on paiola or inflatable floor, serve as a table or stand.
When choosing, pay attention to quality fittingsCheap plastic in the sun becomes brittle, and poor-quality steel rusts quickly, and the best solution is aluminum alloy with powder painting or polished stainless steel.
Anchor system and stopping means
Safe parking on the water is impossible without reliable anchorFor PVC boats, the weight of the anchor is critical, as excessive loading can damage the cylinders in the sample. There is a rule that the weight of the anchor should be approximately 10% of the displacement of the boat, but for inflatable models, lighter versions with greater resistance are often used.
The most popular types are anchor-cats and anchors. denforthThe first is compact and versatile, the second has excellent engagement on the sandy and slurry bottom, and the key element of the system is not the load itself, but the anchor end and the way it is attached.
Using a regular rope without a burst insert is dangerous, and if you get caught on a snag or stone, there is a risk of damage. balloon When you try to pull the anchor out, the professionals use special knots or weak inserts.
| Type of anchor | Weight (kg) | Type of bottom | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat anchor | 1.5 - 3.0 | Rocky, grassy. | Foldable, versatile |
| Denforth anchor | 2.0 - 4.0 | Sand, silt | High holding power |
| Cargo iron | 3.0 - 5.0 | Anybody (like ballast) | Low engagement |
| Floating anchor | 0.1 - 0.5 | Open water | For braking and stabilizing |
To fix the anchor end on a PVC boat, you can't tie it dead to the fry ring. burst-in from a fishing line or a thin cord, or fasten the end through a special node, which can be quickly untie with a jerk.
Protection of cylinders and bottoms
Inflatable sides of the boat are vulnerable to mechanical damage, friction against the rocky shore, sharp branches or driftwood can lead to puncture. shield-belt They are glued to the outside of the cylinders where they are most exposed to obstacles.
Special attention should be paid to the protection of the bottom. If your boat does not have a high pressure inflatable floor (HPD), then the use of the substrate is not necessary. squirrel And the sliders allow you to drag the boat across the sand and grass without the risk of wiping the PVC fabric.
The material for protection is the same PVC or special rubber tape. gluing requires careful surface preparation: degreasing and using two-component glueMistakes at this stage can lead to detachment of the defense at the most inopportune time.
- 🛡️ Cuttle ribbon - protects the lower part of the cylinders from abrasion on the bottom.
- 🛡️ Onboard treads - glued on boards in the area of seats and keys.
- 🛡️ transom pads - protect the place of fastening of the motor from impacts.
Regular inspection of the protective elements allows you to notice the beginning of the break and fix the problem before damage to the main material. boat several times.
Comfort and ergonomics on the water
Long stays in a boat require comfortable spaces, standard inflatable seats (banks) are often inconvenient for long fishing. turn-chair on flanges or hanging chairs.
The chair requires a platform that is attached to the paiola or the inflatable floor, and it is important that the platform is rigid and does not bend under the weight of a person. soft-plate on cans made of waterproof fabric.
The organization of space also includes bags and pockets, which are attached to the boards inside the boat and allow you to keep your gear, phone or documents at hand. germ-bag For valuable things, it is a prerequisite.
⚠️ Note: When installing additional structures inside the boat, make sure that the sharp edges of the metal elements do not touch the cylinders, especially when rolling.
Ergonomics affects fishing fatigue, and properly positioned fishing rod holders, footrests and gearbox spaces create productive fishing conditions. triflesThese are small on land but become critical on the water.
Electronics and navigation
Modern fishing is unthinkable without electronic assistants. echoer And the GPS system allows you to see the bottoms and fish, and the GPS helps you get back to the catch points, and installing these devices requires reliable fasteners and power supplies.
Electronics are powered by batteries that need to be securely fixed, and vibration and moisture are the main enemies of electronics. sealed-box for batteries and wires.
The attachment of the sonar sensor can be temporary (on a suction cup or a pinch) or permanent (through the hull or per tray). floating-sensor Or they are on the suction cups that do not require drilling.
- 📡 GPS-navigators - for building routes and saving points.
- 📡 Echo sounders are single-beam for simple tasks and multi-beam for a detailed picture.
- 📡 Radios – for communication with other boats and shore in the absence of mobile communication.
It is important to think about the connection scheme so that the wires do not interfere with movement and do not get confused under the feet. slurry And the cable management helps organize the screeds, and all connections need to be protected from water.
Renovation and maintenance
Even the most reliable boat can get damaged. repair-pack It's not an option, it's a necessity. It should include PVC pieces, glue, degreaser and scissors.
Regular maintenance includes checking cylinder pressure, cleaning sand and silt, and drying before storage. specialty for the care of PVC prevents the aging of the material and the appearance of mold.
☑️ Seasonal boat service
Keep the boat in a straightened or slightly deflated state, in a dry room. Sharp temperature changes and direct sunlight reduce the service life. materialCompliance with the rules of operation guarantees the long service of your boat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What glue is best used to repair PVC boats?
For repairs of PVC boats, it is best to use two-component polyurethane adhesives specifically designed for PVC materials (e.g. Teknipor, Kleyberg) that provide an elastic and water-resistant seam that withstands deformation.
Can I leave a boat with an engine installed on the water?
Short-term yes, but for a long time (night or more) it is not recommended to leave the boat with the engine on the water, it can lead to fouling of the lower unit, corrosion and risk of theft, and temperature changes can change the pressure in the cylinders.
How often should I check the pressure in the cylinders?
Pressure should be checked before each outing, and in hot weather, monitoring is needed more often, as the air expands when heated, and the pressure can exceed the permissible limits, which will lead to rupture of the seams.
Do I need to lubricate the valves of the boat?
Yes, rubber valve seals are recommended to be periodically lubricated with silicone lubricant, which prevents rubber from drying out, cracking and ensures that the closed valve is tight.
What is the danger of overloading the boat with accessories?
Overload reduces the height of the side above the water, making the boat vulnerable to flooding with the wave, and increases the inertia of the vessel, which worsens handling and increases the braking distance, which is especially dangerous in emergency situations.