The operation of the inflatable craft requires constant monitoring of the condition of its cylinders, and gauge It's becoming one of the most useful tuning tools for experienced boaters. Unlike external devices that need to be constantly searched in the bag and connected to the valves, the built-in sensor allows you to estimate the pressure in the cylinder with an instant glance while you're driving, which is critical, because changes in water and air temperature directly affect the rigidity of the structure, and overload can lead to rupture of the seams.
Installing such a device requires care, but the result is worth it: you get complete control of the situation on the water without unnecessary manipulation. Modern models are highly accurate, reliable and protected from aggressive marine environments. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to choose a quality device, what are the nuances of installation and why pressure control is not only a matter of comfort, but also safety on the water.
Why you need a built-in pressure sensor on an inflatable boat
The main function that it performs gaugeThe material from which modern boats are made (polyvinyl chloride), has a certain coefficient of thermal expansion, and when heated in the sun, the pressure inside can grow to critical values. The presence of a built-in indicator allows you to put excess atmospheres in time, preventing deformation of the seams or rupture of the valve group.
In addition, constant monitoring helps to detect slow air leaks, which may not be visible, and if you notice that the readings of the device have decreased during the journey, this is a signal of a possible puncture or a loose valve closure. Digital models With high accuracy, even minimal changes can be tracked, which is especially important for long expeditions or fishing away from the shore.
It is important to understand that standard valves type Brisa or Valmex It is not always convenient to use for frequent measurements, as each connection of the pump or external pressure gauge creates a risk of air loss or dirt. The throughput element is integrated directly into the board, providing sealed and constant access to information about the state of the system, which is especially valuable when using a boat in changing weather conditions, when the rigidity of the cylinders should be ideal.
⚠️ Attention: Never ignore the sharp jumps in the instrument readings. If the pressure gauge arrow went up sharply in bright sun, immediately find the shadow or carefully blow the air to avoid rupture of the balloon.
And the psychological aspect is that when the device is always in front of you, the boatmaster feels more confident, you know that the boat is pumped up to normal, and you can focus on motor control or fishing without being distracted by periodic checks "to the touch."
Types of pressure gauges for installation on board the boat
The water accessories market offers several types of appliances that can be integrated into the design of the craft, depending on your accuracy, budget and aesthetic requirements, and the main division is based on the operation and type of display.
The most common are mechanical hand-held models, which are simple, power-free and highly reliable, and which have a spring mechanism inside them that deforms under air pressure, moving the arrow along a scale. PVC boats typically use ranges from 0 to 1 bar (or 1.2 bar), because more pressure is not required for inflatable structures and is even dangerous.
The second type is electronic (digital) sensors, which often have a more compact body and can be backlit, which is convenient for night fishing. However, they require a power source (battery), which in humidity and vibration can be less reliable than mechanics. In addition, digital devices can have a delay in displaying data or take time to warm up the sensor.
- 🔹 Mechanical analogue: Classic choice, not afraid of moisture, work at any temperature, but have an error.
- 🔹 Digital sensors: High accuracy, calibration, but depend on the battery.
- 🔹 Combined systems: A rare option that combines an arrow and an electronic signal output (for example, to connect to an onboard computer).
When choosing, you should also pay attention to the material of the body. Passage gauge It has to be made of stainless steel or high-quality chrome brass to resist corrosion, and plastic models will quickly lose their appearance and can crack under the influence of ultraviolet light.
What is the difference between a bar and a PSI?
Bar (bar) is the metric unit of measure familiar to us (1 bar ≈ 1 atmosphere). PSI (pound force per square inch) is the English unit. 1 bar ≈ 14.5 PSI. PVC boats usually use scales in bars (0-1.2) or kgf / cm2.
Criteria for the selection of a quality device
Choosing the right device is not just about buying the first part you find in a store. Passage gauge It's going to be exposed to a very aggressive environment, like salt water, gasoline spray, direct sunlight and mechanical shocks, and so it's not recommended to skimp on quality.
The first and foremost criterion is the measurement range. For PVC boats, the optimal range is considered to be up to 1.0 or 1.2 bar. Buying a device with a range of up to 4 or 6 bar (as for compressors) will lead to the fact that the scale will be too stretched, and you will not be able to accurately determine the operating pressure of 0.25-0.3 bar.
The second important parameter is the diameter of the landing hole and the length of the fitting. Standard dimensions can vary, but most models are designed to fit into holes with a diameter of 12-15 mm. The length of the threaded part should be sufficient to pass through the layer of PVC and plywood paiola (if the installation goes through it), but not too long to not interfere with the inside of the cylinder or cockpit.
Also, pay attention to the protection class. The device must be marked at least below the IP65 or IP67This is a safety net that guarantees protection from jets of water and short-term immersion, and the rubber sealing rings that come with the kit must be made of aging-resistant rubber that is oil-resistant.
When buying, be sure to check the equipment: the set should be not only the pressure gauge itself, but also nuts, washers and rubber gaskets for reliable sealing.
| Characterization | Optimal value | What does it affect? |
|---|---|---|
| Measurement range | 0 - 1.2 bar | Accuracy of readings in the working range |
| Case material | Stainless steel/Brass | Corrosion resistance and durability |
| Protection class | IP65 and higher | Protection from water entering the mechanism |
| Diameter of thread | Standard (often 1/8" or M12) | Compatibility with adapters and installation places |
Instructions for mounting a pressure gauge on board PVC
Installation of the device requires accuracy and compliance with the technology of working with PVC materials. Passage gauge It can be placed either directly into the cylinder (requiring the pad pasting) or into the floorboard (hard bottom), if the boat design allows it, and consider the most common option - insertion into the side through a special PVC site.
First, you need to choose a place to put it, which is easy to see, but it's also safe from direct impacts and splashes. Often, the device is mounted in the cockpit area, on the flat part of the tank, and before starting work, the boat needs to be thoroughly washed and degreased the place of future sticker.
The installation process is as follows:
- 🛠️ Preparation of the hole: Mark the center and carefully drill the hole of the desired diameter, and hide the edge of the hole with fine sandpaper for better adhesion.
- 🛠️ Plugging of the site: If the pressure gauge requires a sticking base, apply a special two-component glue for PVC on both surfaces (platform and board), let dry and connect them by rolling a roller.
- 🛠️ Installation of the device: Put a pressure gauge in the hole, put sealing pads on both sides, tighten the locking nut. Don't pull the threads over so you don't damage the plastic.
- 🛠️ Check it out.