Fishing or hunting often requires a lot of dedication, when every hour on the pond is worth its weight in gold, and in such situations, it is simply irrational to go back to shore in the evening, especially if the peck is just beginning or you need to travel a long distance to the cherished point. night-outIt's a journey that transforms a boat into a fully mobile camp, an experience that gives you an unparalleled sense of connection with nature and absolute freedom.
However, to prevent the next morning from becoming a nightmare with a bit of back and chills, the process must be approached with all seriousness. Inflatable boat, unlike the metal "Kazanka" or wooden "ob", has its own unique specifications of thermal conductivity and buoyancy. PVC It gets cold from the cold water quickly, but when you do it right, it becomes a great platform to relax, and you have to consider a lot of factors, from the choice of parking place to protection from mosquitoes.
Many beginners make the mistake of thinking that it's enough to just drop anchor and spread a sleeping bag. Reality dictates its terms: humidity, wind, temperature swings and insects can negate all pleasure. Proper organization of the space inside the cockpit and adherence to basic safety rules will make the night comfortable and safe. Let's go through all the stages of preparation in detail.
Selection of parking space and anchor system
The first thing to think about long before dark is the place to sleep. The ideal parking lot should be protected from the wind and, crucially, from the wave. Open creeks, where even at night a freshman can rise, are best avoided. The optimal choice is to choose quiet backwaters, floodwaters or areas behind the island where the water is calm like a mirror. Remember, it is more difficult to navigate at night, so the place should be familiar or well studied from the depth map.
Pay special attention to the bottom. For overnight stays in a PVC boat, the best fit is a sluggish or sandy bottom that will allow the anchor to hold a dead grip. The rocky bottom is dangerous because the anchor may not catch, and the boat will begin to tear down with current or wind, which can be fraught with a blow to the shore or stones. Anchor system It should be reliable: use a load exceeding the weight of your boat with a crew by at least 1.5-2 times, or specialized cat anchors with a sufficient supply of rope.
Don't forget the depth. At night, the water level can change, or the boat can turn in shallow water. Make sure there's a supply of water under the keel and the trench so you don't damage the tanks to the bottom when you sway. And you also need to evaluate the vegetation around: reeds can be great protection from the wind, but they're home to hordes of mosquitoes and midges, which will make the night unbearable without mosquito nets.
Organization of a sleeping place in the cockpit
The main problem with staying overnight in an inflatable boat is the uneven floor. Inflated bottoms (NDND) or slate mats create bumps that prevent the legs from being pulled out properly. To turn a cockpit into a bedroom, you need to create a flat plane. The easiest way is to use a rigid plywood insert carved into the size of a cockpit, but that's weight. The more modern option is to use special inflatable matresses that replicate the contours of the bottom, or to stack soft luggage (clothing bags with clothes) into the voids between the surfaces.
Water insulation is the second critical point: the water is cold even in summer nights, and it quickly knocks out the bottom of the boat. You can't lie straight on PVC, you freeze in an hour. You need a multi-layer system: first you have a foam mattress (tourist "foam"), then you have an inflatable mattress or a thick sleeping bag, and then you have your body. Thermal insulation The bottom is more important than the insulation from above, since the main heat exchange occurs through contact with a cold surface.
The boat is best positioned across, if width allows, or along the side, but so as not to touch cold cylinders with your hands and feet in your sleep. If the boat is narrow, the only way out is to sleep along, but then your head and legs will rest against the sides. In this case, use soft pillows or rolled-up clothes for cushioning. It is important to leave the passage to the engine and oars free in case of an emergency.
☑️ Bedroom checklist
Protection from cold and condensation
At night, the water is hotter than on land, because of the high humidity and lack of heat transfer from the ground. Even on a warm summer night, it can get chilly. Basic rule: dress in layers. Thermowear, fleece jacket and windshield jacket are the perfect set. Synthetic materials It's preferable to cotton, because it's better at removing moisture and drying faster, and wet cotton, on the contrary, turns into an ice pack, which is dangerous for health.
Condensate is the inconspicuous enemy of the boat sleeper, because of the difference in temperature inside the boat and outside, moisture is on the sides and awnings. It drips in, wets and sleeping bags. To avoid this, you need to provide ventilation. Don't close the boat tightly on all sides with a tent. Leave crevices for air circulation, but so that it doesn't blow directly on the sleeper.
Secrets of combating condensate
If you use a tent transformer or a tent on a boat, be sure to treat the interior with hydrophobic sprays, rub the sides with dry rags before bed, and the most effective method is to create a “tambure” of fabric that prevents heat from quickly leaving, but allows moisture to evaporate through special membranes, if you have them in your equipment.
Pay special attention to the head and legs. They are the ones that freeze first. A warm hat can save the day even in summer if the wind blows. A heating pad in your feet can do wonders and prolong your sleep for a few hours. Use a one-time chemical heating pad or an electric one if you have energy.
Safety: anchor, awning and neighbors
Safety during the night on the water is priority number one. The biggest risk is the loss of anchor or its slipping. A boat without anchor turns into an unguided projectile that can be carried by current to the fairway, where it will be crushed by passing boats, or thrown on rocks. Always use anchor: one from the nose and one from the stern, if the current and wind allow, or one main and one safety rope to the anchor, attach only to the fry bolt, not just tie to the handle.
If you sleep in company, don't put the boats close to each other. At night, a person can turn, a boat can shift, and you end up waking up in the water because of a puncture of the side with a foreign screw or a sharp object. The optimal distance between the boats in the parking lot is at least 3-5 meters. Be sure to mark your parking lot with a light signal if you are in a busy body of water so that other boaters see the obstacle.
Never tie the anchor rope to yourself or to parts that may come off under load. The end of the phalo should always be fixed firmly to the structure of the boat.
The issue of open fire in a hoverboat requires separate consideration, it is strictly forbidden to make bonfires on the transom or bottom. PVCIt's a good idea to cook and warm yourself on the shore, or use special safe platforms if you have one, and use gas burners with extreme caution, only in a well-ventilated place and in a stable position.
Protection from insects and wild animals
Summer is not only warm, but it's also a horde of mosquitoes, midges and other bloodsuckers. In open water, the wind often saves, but in a quiet backwater, where you usually get up for the night, insects attack ruthlessly. The most effective defense is the most effective defense. mosquitonetThere are mosquito awnings that completely cover the boat, and if you don't, you can use a small-sized fishing net or gauze strung over a fishing rod frame.
Chemical repellents work well, but they may be less durable on the water because of the humidity, so you can put them on clothes, not just your skin, and mosquito spirals also help, but you need to set them so that the wind doesn't blow smoke towards the boat, and you don't get sparks on the cylinders.
- 🦟 Use net awnings that completely cover the cockpit, it is 100% mosquito protection.
- 🧴 Apply high-DEET repellents on clothing an hour before bedtime.
- 🔥 Smoke from a small fire on the shore (if allowed) can scare insects away from the parking area.
- 🌬️ Turn on the fan (if there is power) - the air flow knocks the insects off the flight path.
And don't forget about wild animals. Depending on the region, your boat may be interested in raccoons, wild boars, or even bears attracted by the smell of food. Never leave food, especially odorous (fish, canned food), inside the boat or on an open table next to it. All food should be hermetically packaged and ideally packed in containers or suspended from a tree away from the parking lot.
| Type of threat | Risk | Protection method | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mosquitoes/Mosquitoes | Bite, swelling, insomnia | Mosquito net, repellents | High. |
| Wind/wave | Overturning, demolition | Two anchors, choice of bay | Critical |
| Cold/Damp | Hypothermia, cold. | Layered, foamy | High. |
| Wild beasts. | Food theft, damage | Cleaning food, noise | Medium |
Hygiene and morning fees
Mornings on the water begin long before dawn, if you are a fisherman. However, you need to get up carefully so as not to upset the balance of the boat and not to fall overboard. Sharp movements can cause the boat to turn over, especially if it is narrow and loaded. Get up slowly, holding on the sides or a transom. Immediately check the status of the anchor system: overnight the wind could turn the boat around, and the anchor rope could rub against a stone or get tangled in the driftwood.
The issue of toilets and washing in nature is acute. Have a supply of water for hygiene procedures and must carry garbage bags. The principle of "leave no trace" should be law. Everything that you bring with you must be returned, including organic waste that can attract animals or spoil the water in the parking lot.
Bring a separate dry microfiber towel and a dirty clothes sealer. Dew is often on the water in the morning, and it's important not to wet the main gear while you're tidying up.
Building a boat after an overnight stay takes time to dry. If you've been sleeping in a boat, there's probably condensation and moisture inside. Don't pack the wet boat right into the bag, it'll start to mold. Let it lie in the sun for at least 30 to 40 minutes, wipe the sides with a dry cloth. If you don't have time, use special soaking napkins for cars or just roll the boat so that moisture doesn't linger in the folds.
⚠️ Be sure to check the pressure in the cylinders before you start, the nighttime cold snap may have lowered the pressure, and the boat has become softer, which is dangerous on the move, and also check if small animals or insects climbed in while you slept.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make a fire right in a PVC boat?
Absolutely not, sparks from the fire will instantly burn through the cylinders, resulting in loss of buoyancy and possible drowning, and can only be cooked on special wind-protected gas burners installed on a stable platform or on the shore.
What temperature does a PVC boat withstand at night?
Modern materials (PVC, Haipalon) can withstand temperatures from -40 to +60 degrees. It is not cold itself that is dangerous, but pressure drops and condensation. The main thing is to dress warmly yourself, the material of the boat will withstand the cold.
Do I need to lower the pressure in the cylinders at night?
No, on the contrary. During the day, the pressure can rise in the sun, and at night it can fall. If you put the boat overnight, check the pressure. You don't have to lower it unless you expect a sharp rise in temperature (for example, a scorching sun in the morning), which can cause the seams to rupture from an oversupply of pressure.
How to cover the bottom if there is no NDND?
Ideally, you can use a bunch of thick plywood cut out in a contour or a special hard paiola, and as a temporary solution, you can use a few tourist foam mats stacked in several layers to level the surface.
Is it dangerous to sleep alone in a boat?
It's risky. In case of an emergency (puncture, storm, attack of illness), there will be no one to help, always tell someone on the shore the exact place of parking and time of return, carry a loaded phone in a sealed bag and a whistle.