Buying an inflatable boat is just the first step in preparing for full navigation, because basic equipment rarely covers all the needs of the angler or tourist. Properly selected attachments for the PVC boat turn a simple inflatable can into a comfortable boat that can withstand long crossings and difficult fishing. From the choice of anchor to the installation of the sonar, every detail affects safety and ease of operation.
The accessory market today is saturated with offers, and it is easy for a beginner to get confused in hundreds of options for mounts, brackets and holders. There is no universal solution.What is ideal for a relaxing fishing trip on the lake can be useless or even dangerous on a fast river with a rocky bottom. In this article, we will discuss the key elements of equipment that will help you make the right choice.
Before you go to the store, you need to clearly define the use cases of your vessel: will it be night fishing, requiring high-powered lighting, or high-speed walks, where every extra kilogram of weight is important? The answers to these questions will form your individual shopping list.
transom wheels and land-based travel systems
The first thing that the owner faces after the launch is the need to move the boat on the shore, the weight of the engine, battery, anchor and boxes of supplies makes it almost impossible for one person to carry a hand. door-wheel It is considered as a necessary equipment, greatly facilitating logistics.
There are two main types of designs: removable and foldable. Removable models are fixed to the transom using bolts or special clips and completely dismantled before getting on the water without creating resistance. Foldable versions are fixed in a fixed position and in an elevated position do not interfere with movement, which is more convenient, but adds a constant weight to the transom.
- 🚜 Wheel diameter: For sandy beach and flat roads, wheels with a diameter of 200-250 mm will suit, and for rocky shore or grass, it is better to choose models from 300 mm and above.
- ⚙️ Hub material: Metal hubs are more durable, but are susceptible to corrosion, whereas plastic hubs are lighter, but can burst when hitting a stone.
- 🔩 Type of attachment: Pay attention to compatibility with your type of transom – inflatable or rigid, as the methods of fixation are radically different.
When choosing to pay attention to the load capacity, which should exceed the weight of your boat with a full load of at least 20%. Cheap models often have a weak locking mechanism that can fail at the most inopportune moment when the boat is already loaded.
⚠️ Warning: Never attempt to tow a boat with tanning wheels installed at high speed over a hard surface – vibration can damage the fasteners and the transom itself.
A high-quality relocation system allows one person to easily prepare the boat for descent in minutes, especially for those who often change fishing spots or do not have the opportunity to use the trailer.
Anchor systems and parking devices
Safe parking on the water is impossible without a reliable anchor. Inflatable boats are critical not only weight, but also the shape of the anchor, and the material from which it is made. Heavy cast iron anchor can damage cylinders when sloppy lift, so folding-up Steel or aluminum is the de facto standard.
The classic cat anchor (Grappnel) has proven itself on the overgrown bottom and among the snags thanks to folding paws, which are easily removed even when hooked. denforth or their compact counterparts, which are buried in the ground under the action of thrust.
The most important element of the system is the anchor cable or the falter. The use of a chain between the anchor and the cable (called a spindle) helps to press the legs of the anchor to the bottom, increasing the holding force. The length of the falter should be at least three depths in the parking lot to ensure the correct angle of thrust.
- 🪢 Fail material: The nylon cord is better at stretching and extinguishing jerks, and the wicker cord (dainema) is stronger at breaking, but can cut hands when sampling.
- 🏗️ Weight of anchor: For a boat with a length of 3-4 meters, an anchor weighing 3-5 kg is usually sufficient, if the bottom is not too hard.
- 🧶 Fastening: Always use a vertebra between the anchor and the cable to avoid twisting and facilitate release when stuck.
Some anglers prefer to use anchor stretch marks or anchor systems, which allow the boat to be fixed with the bow and stern at the same time, ideal for fishing in windy weather when the boat is constantly turning on the side to the wave.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to tie the anchor shaft to the elements of the boat design (stringers, handles) not intended for bursting loads - use only special dips or stretchers.
A properly organized anchor place on the cockpit will allow you to react quickly to changing conditions without getting tangled in gear and without risking damage to cylinders.
How do you release a stuck anchor?
If the anchor is firmly embedded in rocks or driftwoods, don't try to pull it by force, risking turning the boat over. Put the end of the phala on the anchor ring (if the design permits), or use a special uncoupling system with a cargo-clutch sliding along the cable. When you get over the place of the hook, pull by the webbing line - the anchor paws will fold and it will come out.
Electrification: batteries, sockets and lighting
Modern fishing or tourism is unthinkable without electricity. Sonars, GPS navigators, LED tapes and electric motors require stable power supply. The basis of any electrical system on a boat is tractor, which differs from the starter by the possibility of a long discharge by small currents.
To protect the electronics and battery from moisture and spray, it is mandatory to use sealed boxes. Inside the cockpit, an on-board network with USB sockets and standard car connectors is often installed, which allows you to charge phones, lights and connect various equipment.
Lighting is critical when fishing in the dark or in fog. LED tapes pasted around the perimeter of cylinders not only illuminate the space, but also make the boat visible to other boatmasters, which is a safety requirement.
| Type of consumer | Average consumption (A/h) | Recommended capacity of AKB | Features of installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earrow + GPS | 0.5 - 1.0 A/h | Any (even 20 A/h) | Protection against engine interference |
| LED lighting | 1.0 - 3.0 A/h | 40 A/h. | Tightness of contacts |
| Electric motor (medium) | 20 - 40 A/h | From 100 A/h (LiFePO4/GEL) | Thick wires, machine guns. |
| Refrigerator (auto) | 30 - 50 A/h (day) | From 80 A/h | Shadow, ventilation. |
When laying wires, use corrugated hoses and securely fix them to prevent rubbing on sharp corners or cables. All connections should be soldered and insulated with adhesive heat shrinkage.
⚠️ Warning: Never place the battery in open form on the bottom of the boat - with a roll or wave, an electrolyte leak is possible, which will irrevocably damage the PVC tissue and lead to chemical burns.
Properly assembled electrical circuit is the key to the operation of your devices at the most critical time of fishing.
Navigation and sound sounders: installation of sensors
Installing sonar and navigator on an inflatable boat has its own peculiarities related to the flexibility of the transom and boards. Standard fasteners "pincloth" often prove unreliable at high speeds or at high wave, so many switch to the "switch" to the "switch" to the "switch" to the "shoulder" of the "shoulder". stationary.
The sonar sensor can be secured in several ways: on the transom bar, on the suction cup (temporary solution), or on the remote bracket that is attached to the stringer. The latter option is the most reliable, since the rigid connection to the balloon provides a stable signal and reduces the risk of loss of the sensor.
The screen (head) is most conveniently placed on a rotary bracket that allows you to remove the device into a hazel or tilt it to protect yourself from the sun. There are special slat stands that are attached to cylinders and have sleds for quick screen removal.
- 📡 Extension cable: Standard wire length is often not enough for a convenient laying, so buying a quality extension with shielding is a frequent necessity.
- 🔋 Nutrition protection: be sure to put a fuse or automatic in the sounder supply chain close to the battery.
- 💧 Waterproofing: even waterproof devices are better to additionally process with sealant in the exit points of the cable.
To navigate in unfamiliar water bodies, a mapplotter with the ability to download depth maps becomes indispensable, allowing you to plan your route in advance and avoid shallow waters.
Use Velcro for temporary fixation of wires on cylinders – this will not damage the fabric and will allow you to easily change the configuration of the equipment.
Comfort and protection: awnings, seats and tables
Long stays on the water require comfortable conditions. Standard inflatable seats (banks) quickly tire the back, so installing full-fledged seats. backseat Aluminum frames are one of the best investments in comfort.
The weather on the water changes rapidly, and the presence of an awning or a full-fledged running canopy can save from the scorching sun or sudden rain.
For storage of small things, gear and personal belongings, hermoryuksaks and special bags-organizers that are attached to the board are ideal, small folding tables for installing a navigator or snacking are also popular.
Do not forget about insect protection: mosquito nets installed on the awning allow you to sleep comfortably on a boat even in the wilderness, where the mosquito is especially aggressive.
- ☀️ Tent canopy: protects against UV radiation, preventing overheating and burning of the boat fabric.
- 🪑 Seats: Choose models with position adjustment to find the optimal angle for rowing or fishing.
- 🎒 Germies: A must-have element that everyone should have, even if the boat doesn't flip over, splashes can get things wet.
The organization of the interior space of the boat directly affects safety: in a cluttered cockpit, the risk of catching a leg on the tackle and falling overboard is higher.
☑️ Long-distance assembly
Security and additional accessories
Besides the basic equipment, there are a number of small things that can save lives or simply simplify the operation process. The guardrail (strung around the perimeter cord) is a mandatory element for any boat, allowing you to stay afloat when falling overboard.
The water tap (draught) should always be at hand, even if there is a self-draining valve in the boat, sometimes you need to quickly remove the water from the cockpit without leaning over the side.
For repair on water, an extended remake is required, including not only patches, but also a special glue, degreasing agent and pump (preferably with a foot drive in case of battery discharge).
⚠️ Warning: Having life jackets by number of passengers is not just a recommendation, it is a requirement of the law and common sense.
It's also worth considering installing light reflectors or running lights if you're planning to travel at dusk, which will make you visible to boaters and other boaters.
Properly selected attachments increase not only comfort, but also safety of operation of the PVC boat, turning it into a reliable tool for recreation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install transom wheels on a boat with an inflatable transom?
Yes, you can, but you need special models with wide clamping slats or additional inflatable elements to distribute the pressure and not damage the PVC. Conventional bolt mounts can deform the soft transom.
Which battery is better to choose for a PVC boat: acid or gel?
For PVC boats, gel (GEL) or lithium (LiFePO4) batteries are preferred, and are sealed, do not emit gas when charged (which is important in the confined space of the cockpit), and are not afraid of hull tilts.
Do I need to register the installed sounder in GIMS?
No, navigation equipment and sonars do not require registration, only the boat itself (if it is more powerful than 5 hp or longer than 2 meters) and the engine are registered.
How to protect equipment from theft in the parking lot?
Use lock-wire cables to lock the motor and battery box. Removable elements such as sonar and transom wheels are better taken with you or safely hidden in locks when you are away.