Buying an inflatable vessel is just the first step towards fully developing the waters, and to turn a simple boat into a functional platform for fishing or relaxing, you need to be competently selected additional equipment. PVC directly affects the safety of the crew, ease of management and the effectiveness of the entire event.
Depending on the purpose of operation, the set of accessories can be radically different: for walks with family, comfort and protection from splashes will be the priority, while avid anglers will need a specialized platform for mounting sonars and rod holders. It is important to understand that overloading a vessel with excess weight is as dangerous as lack of necessary equipment.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the key elements of tuning, without which it is difficult to imagine modern operation of inflatable vessels. We will discuss the choice of motor, navigation devices, anchor devices and safety systems that will make your exits to the water as efficient as possible.
Choice of hinged motor and transom board
The heart of your boat is, of course, the engine, and it's the specifications that determine speed, fuel consumption and the ability to overcome waves. petrol-engine They're 5 to 15 horsepower, and they provide enough traction to get on plane even when fully loaded.
However, the installation of a powerful unit requires strengthening the transom. Standard transom panel may not withstand the vibrations and weight of the heavy motor, especially at full speed. In such cases, it is recommended to install an additional transmutation plate made of water-resistant plywood or composite materials, which distributes the load to the entire cylinder.
When choosing a motor, you should also pay attention to the length of the daydwoot. For high-sided inflatable vessels, it is critical that the propeller is in the correct position relative to the water. Too high a dive will lead to cavitation and loss of speed, and too deep will lead to increased drag and risk damage to the screw to the bottom.
When installing the motor, always use the safety cable fixed to the transom to exclude loss of the engine in the event of failure of fasteners.
Don't forget about sustainability and silence. If you plan to fish in places with noise restriction or just value peace of mind, consider it. electric motorsThey are ideal for trolling at low speeds and do not require complex preparation for the season, unlike ICE.
Navigation and search for fish: sonar and GPS
Modern fishing is unthinkable without electronics, the basic element of the equipment is a sonar that allows you to see the topography of the bottom, the structure of the soil and the presence of fish. For installation on PVC boats, portable models with a mount on a transom or a remote bar are best suited.
The key choice is the frequency of the emitter. For shallow depths and fish hunting, 83 kHz is the optimal frequency, whereas for deep depths and detailed scanning of the bottom structure, 200 kHz or higher is the best choice. Many modern devices combine functions. GPS-navigator and the cartplotter.
- 🎣 Sensor fastening: Use suction cups or special brackets to avoid damaging the balloon.
- 🔋 Autonomy: Choose low power appliances or have a spare battery.
- 📡 Interference protection: properly lay the wires away from the sources of electrical tips.
An important aspect is the power of electronics. Inflatable boats do not have a regular electrical network, so you need to provide a sealed box for the battery. Lead acid batteries are prohibited from being used inside sealed compartments without ventilation due to the risk of gases being released. The best choice would be traction AGM or GEL batteries.
How to protect electronics from water?
Use special sealants with silicone sealants. additionally treat the contacts with a moisture dislodging spray, and fix the cables so that they do not hang around and rub against the side.
Anchor equipment and anchoring systems
Without a reliable anchor, fishing in the current or the wind turns into chaos. For PVC boats, classic cat anchors are often too heavy and bulky. denforth or Grapple.It takes up a minimum of space in the bag.
Particular attention should be paid to the anchor end. The use of a chain between the anchor and the rope is not always justified on light boats, as it shifts the center of gravity and can damage the balloon during the sample. The optimal use of a fused polypropylene cord that does not absorb water and is easily washed off silt.
For ease of management, there are special systems such as an anchor assembly. Quick ReleaseThey allow you to instantly release the anchor if it is stuck, or quickly change position, and the system of "anchor cable in the pipe" is also popular, when the cord is passed through a PVC pipe attached along the side, which eliminates its entanglement.
| Type of anchor | Weight, kg | For boats (m) | grunt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat folding. | 2-4 | up to 3.5 | Rocks, snags |
| Grapple. | 1.5-3 | 4.0 | Sand, grass. |
| pyramid | 3-5 | 5.0 | Il, clay |
| Floating anchor | 0.5 | Anybody. | Current (drift) |
Comfort: seats, transom wheels and awnings
Long-term water stays require a comfortable place, regular inflatable cans are good for short runs, but for full fishing you need hard seats. stringer Or in the grooves of the timbers, providing a rigid fixation and proper fit.
Trans wheels are not just an accessory, but a necessity for a solo angler, they allow a heavy boat with an engine to be transported along the shore without assistance, and the design must be removable so that it does not create unnecessary drag on the move and does not interfere with the pulling of the boat to the gently shore.
Sun and rain protection is also included in the basic equipment, and canopies and awnings can be stationary (arcs) or temporary (umbrellas). It is important that the awning fixtures do not rub against cylinders in the wind, so use soft linings or factory fasteners.
☑️ Checking comfort before the season
If you plan to stay on the water at night, the presence of running lights is mandatory according to the rules of GIMS. Fishing is also useful headlights with red lights that do not deter the fish and maintain night vision.
Safety and rescue equipment
The inflatable boat is vulnerable to puncture, so having a refit is an axiom, but safety equipment is not limited to the lattices. Life jacket Every crew member should have one, regardless of how they swim, and in cold water, even a good swimmer can pass out from shock.
⚠️ Warning: Never use inflatable boats in windy weather without checking the forecast. Squally wind can flip a boat or carry it to open water in minutes.
To communicate with the shore, you need a waterproof phone case or radio. Mobile communication may not catch far from the shore, so in large bodies of water it is better to have a VHF radio station. Also a useful addition will be a whistle and a signal light that operates autonomously.
If you use a gasoline engine, a fire extinguisher is included in the mandatory equipment, and on small craft it is often replaced by a compact aerosol version, but the effectiveness of a powder or carbon dioxide device is much higher when extinguishing fuel ignition.
Organization of space and storage of gear
Chaos in the boat leads to a loss of time and gear, the competent organization of space involves the use of seals and hard cases, gear, clothing and food must be sorted and fixed, so that when a sharp maneuver or wave is not overboard.
For fish storage and catch, mesh bottom cans that sink into the water or special sealed containers with ice are ideal. It is important that the catch tank does not disturb the centering of the boat, so it is better to place it closer to the center of the diametric plane.
The main principle of the organization: everything heavy down and down the center, everything you need is at hand, everything valuable is in a sealer.
There are rod holders that are attached to the board or the seat, which free the fisherman's hands and prevent the gear from falling into the water when other fish bite, and small-time organizers that are attached to the inside of the board are also popular.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register a PVC boat with an engine?
Registration in GIMS is mandatory if the weight of the outfit vessel (boat + engine + standard equipment) exceeds 200 kg. For most double boats with an engine up to 5 hp registration is often not required, but the rules may change, so it is worth clarifying the current norms.
What pressure should be in the cylinders?
The optimal working pressure is usually 0.2-0.25 atm (about 200-250 mbar). Pumping harder is not recommended, as the air will expand in the sun and the pressure can rise to critical values, which will lead to rupture of the seams.
Can I leave a boat with an engine in the sun?
Ultraviolet destroys PVC fabric, and heating the air in the cylinders and the engine's lower unit can deform materials and damage the seals. Always cover the boat with an awning or slosh it in the shade.
How to dry a boat after fishing?
Drying should be done in the shade, turning the bottom up so that the glass water from all the depressions. Do not use hair dryers or heaters to speed up the process, this will damage the glue and fabric. A completely dry boat is only packed for long-term storage.