Buying an inflatable floating craft is just the beginning of a journey to a comfortable time on the water, often limited to the cylinders, oars and pump, which is enough for leisurely walks near the shore, but for a full fishing or long hikes, the owner will need to expand the functionality of the vessel using specialized equipment. PVC boat accessories.
With the right equipment, you can turn a simple inflatable vessel into a multifunctional boat that can handle a variety of tasks, from installing a transom wheel for easy transportation to installing a sonar, each element plays a role. It's important to understand that the market offers thousands of solutions, and choosing the right components requires understanding the design of your vessel.
Incorrectly selected or installed parts can not only spoil the experience of cruising, but also create dangerous situations on the water. Therefore, the issue of tuning should be approached systematically, assessing the compatibility of materials and the reliability of mounts. In this article, we will discuss the main groups of equipment that will make your operation. PVC boats as effective as possible.
Fixing systems and installation of equipment
The foundation of any tuning is a reliable system for attaching additional equipment. On the smooth sides of an inflatable boat, it is difficult to fix fishing rods, navigator or anchor shaft without special devices. platform and bracketwhich are mounted on board or on a transom.
The most popular fastening standard in today’s boating world is the Raymarine standard, which consists of two plastic or metal plates, one attached to a boat and the other to an appliance. Universality This system allows you to quickly change equipment without using tools directly on the water.
However, PVC installation requires caution: the glue used to glue the sites must be compatible with the cylinder material, otherwise the fabric can be damaged.
⚠️ Warning: Never use Moment or cyanacrylate-based superglues to mount on PVC. They overdry the material and make it brittle, which will depressurize the cylinder at the most inopportune time.
For installation of attachments are also widely used strap and sling They allow you to hold the bag, the sealer or the anchor in the right place without disturbing the integrity of the cylinders, and it is important to distribute the load evenly so that you do not create points of excessive pressure on the inflatable elements.
- 🔩 Platforms "Swallow's tail" - for quick-removal installation of electronics.
- ⚓ Ducks (slats) are classic metal or plastic fasteners for fixing mooring.
- 🎣 Holders for rods are vertical and inclined, with the ability to adjust the angle.
- 🔦 Navigation lights are mandatory for safe movement in the dark.
When planning installation sites, keep in mind the boat's balance. Heavy batteries and appliances are better placed closer to the center or on the transom, so as not to disturb the differentiation and handling of the vessel.
Transportation and launching
One of the main problems that inflatable boat owners have is transporting them from car to water and back, and even a two-seater motorized boat can weigh a significant number of kilograms, which makes carrying them on their hands tedious and difficult. door-wheel - devices that allow you to roll the boat like a cart.
The transom wheels are attached directly to the transom and when assembled do not interfere with movement. There are models with a V-shaped support and with a direct mount. The choice depends on the design of the transom board and the presence of reinforcements on it. inflatable or cast wheels of large diameter for cross-country on sand and stones.
In addition to wheels, special boats are used for the convenience of moving on solid ground. flounder or sledThey are put on cylinders and protect the fabric from abrasion on asphalt or gravel, which is especially true for boats with hard floorboard bottoms, which are of considerable weight.
When you are on the water, the water will be an indispensable helper. anchor-winch Or a simple anchor with a rope attached to the bow, which allows you to lock the boat down while you load the gear, or easily pull the boat up to shore after fishing.
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Navigation and electronics
Modern fishing and water tourism are unthinkable without electronic assistants. sounder It not only allows you to see the topography of the bottom and fish, but also to determine the temperature of the water and speed of movement. For PVC boats, models with compact displays and protected hulls are relevant.
The second important element is GPS-navigator It helps you map your route, set your waypoints to catchy places and return to them in the future, and in fog or unfamiliar water, the navigator becomes a guarantor of safety.
Electricity on water requires reliable energy sources. Standard car batteries are heavy and afraid of moisture, so the best choice is to use a battery. traction They can be installed in special plastic boxes, which also serve as a seat.
| Dashboard. | Substantive function | Energy consumption | Average price (ruble) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Echo sounder (base) | Fish search, depth | Low. | 5 000 - 15 000 |
| GPS-navigator | Orientation, points | Average | 10 000 - 30 000 |
| Memory map | Storage of cards | Missing. | 1 000 - 5 000 |
| Battery 12B | Powering appliances | Depends on the load. | 8 000 - 20 000 |
Electronics installation requires attention to detail, all connections must be protected from water, and wires must be carefully stacked and fixed so as not to get confused underfoot.
⚠️ Attention: The power wires cannot be simply twisted and wrapped with tape. Use shrinkage and special sea connectors, otherwise the oxidation of the contacts will lead to failure of equipment in the middle of the reservoir.
Comfort and ergonomics
Long-term stay in the boat requires a comfortable space, standard inflatable seats (banks) are often stiff and have no backrest, which leads to rapid fatigue of the back. backseat on metal frames that are installed in floorboards or attached to cylinders.
To protect from the sun and rain, many fishermen are using the tent or shedsThey're attached to arcs that are inserted into pockets or balloon mounts, and not only does the awning save you from burns, it also allows you to continue fishing even during a short rainstorm.
An important aspect of comfort is the organization of storage. Inflatable boats do not have knobs, so all the equipment is on the floor or in the bags. germ-potter It's a different shape and volume, and it keeps things dry and neatly folded, and there are special packages that are mounted on board and have pockets for small things.
How to choose the perfect seat?
When choosing a seat, pay attention to the angle of the back and the ability to adjust. For active fishing with frequent movements, lightweight folding models on an aluminum frame are better suited. For trolling or long waiting for cool, choose soft seats with a high back and armrests.”>Hidden text: Selecting criteria for a PVC boat seat.
And you also have to keep in mind the temperature, and in cold weather, the floor of the boat can be cold, so you can use it. heat-insulating or special flooring from EVA-material will significantly increase comfort.
Safety and rescue equipment
Water safety is priority number one, even experienced water-powered motors are not immune to unforeseen situations. lifejacketIt has to be sized and have bright, visible colors, and the vest has to be put on, not just in the bag.
For emergency pumping of water from the boat (for example, when breaking the balloon or flooding with a wave) is necessary scoop or pumpThe mechanical pump allows you to quickly remove large amounts of water without tilting over the side, which is especially important in windy weather.
Also, the security elements are anchor and fellaThe anchor must be appropriate to the weight and size of the boat. PVC boats often use cat anchors or Hall anchors, which hold well on different types of soil and easily fold. The length of the anchor shaft should be at least 3-4 times the maximum depth on the reservoir.
- 🛟 A life jacket is mandatory for everyone on board.
- ⚓ Anchor and thunder - for fixing the vessel on the current or wind.
- 💡 Signal means - whistle, flashlight, torch for distress signals.
- 🔪 Knife – should be easily accessible to cut entangled gear or cables.
It is important to check the condition of the rescue equipment before each season, the vest fabric should not have tears, and the buckles should not have cracks.
Repair kit and maintenance
Even the best accessories and the boat itself require maintenance and sometimes repair. kit This is not just a recommendation, it's a necessity. It should include pieces of PVC tissue, glue (two-component polyurethane), degreasing alcohol and a brush.
Regular maintenance includes washing the boat with fresh water after use in salt water, drying before packaging and treating the seams with special means to protect against ultraviolet light. UV radiation - the main enemy of PVC materials, leading to loss of elasticity and the appearance of microcracks.
To clean the surface and remove contaminants (oil, gasoline, tin) use special PVC cleanersThey don't damage the material and restore its appearance. Don't use aggressive chemistry, solvents or abrasive brushes.
⚠️ Warning: If you find a puncture or cut, don't delay repairs. Even a microscopic hole under air pressure can quickly turn into a large hole, especially if the boat is in the sun and gets hot.
Final recommendations for selection
Choosing PVC boat accessories is a creative process, but requires pragmatism. Don't try to buy everything at once. Start with the basic set: anchor, life jacket, pump and repair kit. Then, as you gain experience and understanding of your needs, buy specialized equipment.
Pay attention to the compatibility of accessories with your boat model. There are few universal solutions, and often you have to look for mounts that fit exactly your configuration of cylinders and transoms. The quality of materials should be high, because there are no shops on the water where you can buy a replacement for a broken part.
The basic principle of the boat's equipment is that safety and reliability over aesthetics and the number of gadgets, it is better to have less equipment, but be confident in its operation.
Remember that a well-equipped boat is not only comfort, but also confidence in the future. Competent approach to the choice of accessories will prolong the life of your boat and make every step into the water an unforgettable event.
How to store boat accessories in winter?
Accessories, especially electronics and fabric elements (tents, seats), are best stored in a dry room at plus temperature. Metal parts (brackets, holders) should be cleaned of salts and lubricated to prevent corrosion. Batteries should be kept on charge, checking the level of charge every 1-2 months.
Can I use car accessories for a boat?
Some car accessories (such as phone holders or universal mounts) can be adapted for a boat, but with caution. They are not designed to constantly come into contact with water and aggressive environments (sun, salt).
Which glue is best for PVC repair?
For PVC boat repairs, two-component polyurethane adhesives are best suited to create an elastic and water-resistant seam that withstands deformation. Single-component adhesives (like "Moment") lose elasticity over time and can detach, especially on stress-sensitive seams.