The modern inflatable boat is no longer just a means of delivering a fisherman to the point of coolness, and today it is a full-fledged mobile complex, the functionality of which depends on a competent configuration.
The right equipment not only makes fishing more efficient, but also makes it safe to swim in all weather conditions, and even a small PVC boat, when properly equipped, becomes a professional tool for trophy fishing.
In this article we will analyze all the nuances, from the choice of anchor system and ending with complex electronics that will make your stay on the water as comfortable as possible.
Basic navigation and boat management
The first thing the owner faces is the need to control the boat, the wind and current can become serious enemies if you do not have a reliable anchor. For PVC boats, the weight of the anchor is critical: it should be about 10% of the displacement of the vessel, but do not damage the cylinders when lifting.
The ideal solution is cat anchor Or Denforth's anchor with rounded paw edges. Many fishermen make the mistake of using homemade cargoes that can break through the bottom when a strong jerk is made. A reliable anchor mount is not just a knot, but a sophisticated system with a bursting element.
To operate the boat in large waters, you need a GPS navigator, which not only shows you a map, but also allows you to save parking points, bins and brows, and modern models run on an integrated battery or directly from the onboard network.
- ⚓ Anchor system: weight, type of rope and false board for protection against rubbing.
- 🧭 Navigation devices: GPS trackers, compasses and paper maps in sealed packaging.
- 🚣 Oars: The emergency kit should always be at hand, even if there is a motor.
- 🔦 Lighting: Switching lights are required to move in the dark.
⚠️ Attention: Never tie the anchor tack directly to the transom or the fry bolt without a burst insert. When caught on a snag on a strong current, the boat can flip or pull under water.
Good navigation requires not only appliances, but also the ability to use them. Take the time to learn the functionality of your sonar or cartplotter before you go out to the water, so that you do not waste precious fishing time reading the instructions.
Electronics for fish search: sonars and cartplotters
The heart of any modern fishing boat is a sonar, which allows you to see the topography of the bottom, the structure of the soil and, most importantly, the fish. For PVC boats, it is important to choose the right type of sensor and how to attach it so that you do not damage the cylinders.
The most popular models with transducer But for quiet fishing in shallow water, it is better to use sensors installed in a special pit on the bottom of the boat or on a remote bar, which eliminates the creation of air bubbles and noise.
Cartplotters combine the functions of a navigator and sonar, allowing you to build detailed maps of the reservoir. This is especially true for fishing on unfamiliar rivers or large reservoirs. High screen refresh rates and readability in the sun are key options for choosing.
- 📡 Scan Frequency: The choice between 83 kHz for wide view and 200 kHz for detail.
- 🔋 Energy consumption: important for calculating battery autonomy.
- 📺 Screen size and resolution: Affects the distinctiveness of small details and fish arcs.
- 💾 Sonar recording function: allows you to analyze post-factum passages.
When installing electronics, you should keep in mind the tightness of the connections. Moisture is the main enemy of electronics in fishing. All connectors must be treated with special lubrication or protected by thermal shrinkage.
Energy system: batteries and chargers
The autonomy of your equipment depends on the quality of the power source. For PVC boats, where every kilogram counts, the best choice is to use the power source. AGM or GEL They are maintenance-free, safe (not emitting gas when charged normally) and vibrating well.
Lithium-iron-phosphate (LI)LiFePO4) Batteries are becoming the new standard: they are 2-3 times lighter than lead-based batteries and have 5-10 times more charge-discharge cycles, the only downside is the high initial cost, which pays off in the long run.
How to extend the life of the battery?
Do not discharge the traction battery below 20%. Deep discharge is critical for lead batteries. Always use a charger with automatic desulfation and winter storage. Store the battery in a warm room at a temperature of at least +5 ° C.
The charger must match the type of battery you have, and using cheap pulse charges for expensive gel batteries can cause them to fail quickly, and it's important to have a backup cable and know the current of the charge.
| Type of AKB | Weight (roughly) | Duration of service (cycles) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead-acid (WET) | 12-15 kg | 200-300 | Needs maintenance, is afraid of tilting |
| AGM / GEL | 10-13 kg | 400-600 | Hermetic, safe, medium weight |
| LiFePO4 (Lithium) | 4-6 kg | 2000-5000 | Lightweight, expensive, requires a BMS controller |
⚠️ Attention: Do not keep the batteries discharged. Self-discharge leads to sulfation of the plates, which irreversibly reduces the capacity of the battery. Before long-term storage (winter), be sure to fully charge the battery.
Use fuses to connect equipment. A short circuit in the 12B onboard network can cause the wiring to fire or the battery to explode, which is especially dangerous on a boat.
Comfort and ergonomics: seats and platforms
Fishing is often a long wait, sitting on a hard inflated cylinder or plywood can is uncomfortable and unhealthy, and specialised fishing seats with adjustable height and backrest allow you to maintain your performance throughout the day.
The seating system used for PVC boats is different, and the most popular is the rotary mechanism. fish-stackIt's important that the rack doesn't damage the material of the boat.
Use soft pads on the top of the seat racks. When fishing or in windy weather, hard plastic can damage the inside of the side or the cylinder.
In addition to seats, comfort is provided by foot platforms and flooring. Removable plywood or aluminum floors (sleigh) distribute the load and protect the bottom from punctures. Large boats often install full-fledged decks with handdukes for storing things.
- 🪑 Type of seat: soft, rigid, with or without armrests.
- 🔩 Fixing: on the lyctross, on the transom or on the removable racks.
- 📏 Adjustments: the ability to change the height and angle of inclination.
- 🎒 Additional functionality: built-in gearboxes under the seat.
Ergonomics affects not only comfort, but also safety: a tired fisherman loses concentration, which can lead to a fall overboard or a boat tipping over when abruptly moving.
Protection of the boat and storage of equipment
The inflatable boat is vulnerable to mechanical damage. Rocks, shells, hooks and sharp edges of equipment are potential enemies of PVC. Protecting the bottom and sides is a mandatory element of equipment for a serious angler.
kylson Or a safety tape on the bottom significantly prolongs the life of the boat when pulling ashore, using seals and special bags that are attached to the board or placed in the bow.
☑️ Checking the boat's protection
Organizing space in a boat is an art. Everything should be at hand, but not interfere with movement. Using organizers mounted on boards allows you to keep baits and tools available, but protected from water.
⚠️ Attention: Do not store gas cylinders in the boat (for burners) under direct sunlight. The pressure inside the cylinder can increase to critical values, which will lead to an explosion.
To protect against the sun and rain, awnings or umbrellas are often installed, not only to protect the fisherman from overheating, but also to protect the gear and electronics from burning out and moisture.
Safety and emergency equipment
Water safety is priority number one. Even in calm, things can change in minutes, and a life jacket is a must for anyone on board, regardless of how they swim.
Besides vests, the boat should have an emergency kit, which includes a PVC repair kit (cloth, glue, degrease), a water pump scoop and signaling aids (whistle, torch, bright mirror).
The anchor end (fal) should always be attached to the bow pod, but be able to quickly reset. A tangled anchor is a common cause of problems. It is also important to have a knife with a fixed blade fixed in a prominent place, so that if necessary, cut entangled gear or ropes.
- 🛟 Life jacket: should be sized and buttoned.
- 🔪 Insurance knife: easily accessible, with a fixed blade.
- 🛠 Remake: necessarily dry and with an effective shelf life of glue.
- 📢 Signal means: whistle, lantern, bright colors of clothes.
The basic principle of safety on the water: it is better to take extra equipment and not use it, than to be in trouble without the necessary tool.
Check the condition of life-saving equipment regularly, the vest fabric may fade and lose strength, and the glue in the remix may dry, and preparation for the season should begin with an inspection of safety equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which battery is better for a PVC boat: AGM or LiFePO4?
The choice depends on the budget and frequency of use. AGM Cheaper and more reliable in the cold, but heavier and has a lower life cycles. LiFePO4 It is much lighter (which is critical for PVC boats), has a huge resource and gives full capacity even when discharged, but costs 3-4 times more expensive and requires careful attitude to the charge temperature (you can not charge in the cold).
Do I need to register a PVC boat with an engine?
According to the legislation of the Russian Federation (at the time of writing), the registration in the GIMS are subject to boats weighing up to 200 kg. engine-mountedIf the engine is more than 8 kW (about 10 hp), however, the rules may vary and vary from country to country, so always check with local GIMS authorities before buying a powerful engine.
How to properly store a PVC boat in winter?
The boat must be thoroughly washed, dried and treated with a protective composition (such as "Anti-masonry" or PVC analogues). Stored in an unstretched or semi-folded form (without hard clamps) in a dry room at temperatures above -15 ° C (for some materials) or above 0 ° C. It is optimal to hang it or put it on a flat surface, avoiding the pressure of heavy objects.
Can I use a car battery for a outboard motor?
Use a starter car battery to power an electric motor or powerful electronics categorically not recommendedThey are designed for short-term high-current (start engine) and quickly degrade at a deep discharge, which is inevitable when working with a trolling engine.