Going out is always a balance between the pleasure of cruising and the need to be prepared for unexpected situations. Experienced boatmasters know that it is the quality of training that determines not only comfort, but also the safety of the crew. Boat kit It is not just a backpack with things, but a carefully thought-out system that allows you to solve technical problems far from the shore.
When you're assembling your boat, it's important to consider the type of boat you're going to be able to build, and the inflatable PVC boat will be very different from the rigid aluminum hull, but there are some basic principles that you can't ignore, whether it's fishing on a small river or cruising around a reservoir.
In this article, we will discuss which items should be included in the mandatory kit and which can be considered optional. We will touch on the issues of tool storage, the choice of materials for repairs and the specifics of anchor devices. Competent equipment allows you to focus on rest without worrying about the little things.
Basic safety and rescue equipment
Every journey begins with safety. Life jackets It's an axiom, but in the context of a boat's equipment, it's important to have a place to keep them compact so they don't interfere with rowing or fishing, and in addition to vests, there should be an Alexandrov life end on board, which in an emergency situation will help lift a person out of the water, even if he is unconscious.
Special attention should be paid to alarms, and the tap for pumping water is often forgotten to put in a prominent place, which may be necessary primarily when the water is coming in. Falshfeuer or smoke bombs must be in a waterproof bag, available even in an overturned boat.
⚠️ Warning: Do not store pyrotechnic alarms in sealed plastic containers without air access if they are in direct sunlight - this can lead to their spontaneous detonation or damage.
The first aid kit should be specialized, water resistant, and the standard car kit won't work, because many drugs can become unusable from humidity, including tourniquets, antiseptics, tissue-based patches and sunburn remedies. Airtight container For documents and phone – a mandatory element that will save your valuables when rolling over.
Tools for repairing PVC boats
Inflatable boat owners need to have a specialised remix on hand. A puncture or cut can happen at the most inopportune time, such as when landing on a rocky shore. The basic set includes PVC patches, glue (one-component or two-component) and degreasing.
A good repair in the field requires a small roller, which can be replaced with a smooth metal object, but a specialized tool provides better adhesion, and a set must also contain scissors with short blades, so that the patch is carefully cut out the desired shape without damaging the neighboring cylinders.
- 🛠️ A set of patches of different sizes and colors (gray, salad, black).
- 🧴 A tube of PVC glue with instructions for use.
- 🧼 Gausse tampons and acetone for surface preparation.
- ✏️ Marker to mark the damage area.
Special attention should be paid to repairing the valve system. bottom (BND) or high-pressure inflatable tubes, having a spare valve and a key to unscrew it is critical. A valve failure can render a boat unusable in minutes.
How to properly glue PVC in cold weather?
At temperatures below 15°C, you can't use standard PVC adhesives without heating. Use a building hair dryer or gas burner (carefully!) to warm up the glue surfaces and the glue itself. The ideal glue temperature is 20-25°C. If you glue in the cold, use special "winter" adhesives, but they require very precise aging times.
Equipment for metal and rigid housings
Aluminum boats and boats require a different approach to maintenance, where the fight against corrosion and mechanical damage to the skin comes to the fore. Boat kit The metal must include means for temporary sealing of holes. Epoxy plasticine or cold welding allows you to close a small leak and reach the shore on your own.
Metal tools must be rust-proof. Wrecks, screwdrivers and passages should be kept in oiled rags or a special silicone-impregnated organizer. Wooden conical plugs and hammers are also effective for temporary leak-remediation, so you can quickly hit the hole against the snag.
| Type of damage | Materials required | Seizure time | Conditions of application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pork hole (up to 5 mm) | Epoxy plasticine | 15.30 minutes. | The surface shall be dry. |
| Cracking seam | Seam sealant + washer bolt | 2-4 hours | Access from both sides is required |
| Dump without rupture | Not required (or corrected) | - | We can leave it to the base. |
| The hole at the keel | Tissue + epoxy resin | 24 hours. | Only on dry body. |
Don't forget to protect against electrochemical corrosion. If the boat has a motor, it has to have a spare anode in the kit, and replacing it is a simple procedure, but the absence of a zinc plate can lead to a rapid breakdown of the lower unit or screw.
Anchor system and mooring
To hold on to the point is a task that requires proper calculation. Anchor For PVC boats weighing up to 300 kg, an anchor weighing 3-4 kg (for example, a “cat” or “mushroom”) is usually sufficient. For heavier aluminum boats, anchors of the Hall or Danforth type weighing 6 kg or higher will be required.
The most important element of the system is anchor-lining. The use of chains on inflatable boats is prohibited, as they can damage cylinders. The best option is a synthetic foil with a diameter of 6-8 mm. At the end of the phallar attached to the anchor, it is recommended to have a chain insert from a length of 0.5-1 meters so that the anchor lies with its paws correctly, and not hanging on a rope.
- ⚓ The main anchor (the main weight in displacement).
- 🪢 Anchor line (length equals triple depth in the parking lot).
- 🔗 Carbine with a vertebral (to prevent twisting).
- 🎈 Buyrep (to lift a stuck anchor).
Use it for mooring. nylon-terminusThey don't absorb water or rot. The kit should always have at least two mooring ends 5-7 meters long. Nodes such as bayonet or boulin should be learned and put into practice, because simple loops can tighten tightly under load.
Always have a spare anchor end in the kunduk. If the main molt rubs against the shell or gets tangled in the screw, you can quickly replace it without losing anchor.
Navigation and communication on water
Modern navigation is unthinkable without electronics, but relying on it alone is dangerous. GPS-navigator Or a smartphone with offline cards must be charged, but a paper map of the terrain and a compass is a mandatory reserve that works even when the battery is dead, and in fog or failure, they will help determine the direction to the shore.
Communications are your lifeline. A cell phone in a sealer around your neck is good, but away from cell towers, it's useless. VHF (Maritime)It allows you to hear the conversations of other boats and send a distress signal on channel 16.
The signal means must be varied. The whistle is heard further than the scream, especially in windy weather; a red-filtered light or flashing SOS mode is necessary for night time; make sure that the batteries in the flashlight are fresh and that the light itself has water protection at least as low as standard. IPX7.
⚠️ Note: Marine radios require registration and a boat's call sign for legal use on the broadcast. The use of civil frequencies (LPD/PMR) is allowed without a license, but their range on water is limited by the horizon.
Operation and maintenance of the motor
If your boat is equipped with an outboard motor, the toolkit expands. Candle key The spare spark plug is a consumable that you might need at any time when you get a trifle, and you might want to use a set of candle keys with a rubber insert inside.
For two-stroke engines, it is critical to have a fuel mixture reserve. It is better to store it in a special canister of light-tight plastic so that the oil does not fall into precipitation. For four-strokes, a supply of motor oil is required to increase the level. oil-probe.
Motor tools:
- 🔧 Set of carob and cape keys (basic dimensions: 8, 10, 12, 13, 14 mm).
- 🪛 Screwdrivers (cross and flat) with magnetic tips.
- 🗜️ Passages and cutters.
- 🧵 Spare splints and nuts for the lower unit fastening.
Don't forget the first aid kit. A waterproofing underwater obstacle can bend blades or break a deadwall. Having a spare screw and splints to hold it is a sign of high professionalism. Replacing the screw on the water takes 5-10 minutes and allows you to return to the base yourself.
☑️ Checking the engine before the season
Comfort and life on board
Long stays on the water require minimal comfort, even in summer, water and wind can quickly cool the body, and the set should be raincoats or waterproof suits. Thermos with hot tea and a supply of dry food (energy bars, nuts) will help to recover.
Hygiene and cleaning are important. Paper towels, wet wipes and garbage bags should be in an easily accessible place. Remember the rule: "Take everything with you." Leaving plastic and bottles on the water or shore is a movetonic and environmental violations.
To protect yourself from the sun, use wide-field caps and polarized sunglasses. Polarized glasses not only protect your eyes, but also allow you to see through the water, which is useful when searching for fish or assessing depth. Sunscreen is applied before you go out into the open water, because the reflection from the surface increases the effect of ultrafi.
olette.The basic principle of equipment: every object in the boat should have its fixed place and attachment. In a storm or in a sharp maneuver, loose things turn into dangerous projectiles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the minimum weight of anchor required for a PVC boat 3 meters long?
For an inflatable boat with a length of 3 meters with one or two passengers, the optimal is an anchor weighing 3-4 kg. However, it is not the weight that is more important. A 2 kg cat anchor can hold better than a 5 kg mushroom, thanks to the ability to cling to the bottom relief with its paws. The main rule is that the weight of the anchor should be approximately 10% of the displacement of the cargo boat, but for inflaters often enough and less weight with the correct choice of the type of anchor.
Can I use a car sealant to repair a boat?
It is strongly recommended not to use car sealants (for example, for glasses or engine) to repair the hull of the boat. They do not have the necessary elasticity in constant contact with water, may contain solvents that destroy PVC, and do not withstand dynamic bending loads. Use only specialized two-component adhesives for PVC or polyurethane sealants for marine applications.
Do I need to carry a fire extinguisher on a boat without a cabin?
According to the rules of GIMS, the presence of a fire extinguisher is mandatory for small craft with an outboard motor of 8 hp and more, as well as for all boats with a stationary engine. Even if you have a lower engine, having a small powder or aerosol fire extinguisher (OU or OP) in a watertight container or sealant is a reasonable safety measure, since fire on the water is extremely difficult to extinguish.
How often should I check the expiry date on life jackets and pyrotechnics?
Life jackets do not have a strict shelf life if stored under the right conditions (dry, no direct sunlight). However, once a season they must be checked for the integrity of the belts, fittings and no rot on the fabric. Pyrotechnics (falshfires, rockets) have a clear shelf life specified on the case. Expired pyrotechnics can not be used - it may fail or work with a delay, which is dangerous. Replace it annually before navigation.