The PVC boat's sophisticated design makes a standard inflatable vessel a comfortable platform for efficient fishing or outdoor activities, and most models, whether on a budget, are standard. Flagship premium BadgerThey're equipped with a minimal set of inflatable tubes, sleigh mats and simple cans, but the actual conditions of operation on the reservoir dictate their requirements for ergonomics and functionality.
You will have to go from simple transportation of the vessel in the trunk to creating a full-fledged workplace, where each element is securely secured and does not interfere with management. Tuning an inflatable boat It's not just an extra accessories, it's a complex engineering challenge, and you have to take into account the weight load, the balancing of the boat, and the resistance of the materials to aggressive aquatic environments.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the steps of modernization, from the choice of floor material to the installation of complex electronics, and the right approach will allow you to avoid typical errors, such as transom overload or shifting the center of gravity, which is critical for safety on water.
Material selection and slag manufacture
The first step in modernization is often to replace the regular sleigh, and factory plywood can be too thin, heavy, or uncomfortable to shape. Slate. It's a hard floor that not only provides comfort standing, but also adds extra stiffness to the body, improving fluid dynamics, and most often, FC plywood with a thickness of at least 9-12 mm is used to replace it.
When cutting the material, it is important to take into account not only the dimensions of the cockpit, but also the location of stringers (inflatable tubes inside the case). Phanera FC It is better suited for internal work, as it is less toxic to processing than PSF, although the latter is more moisture resistant. For maximum protection, the ends of the sheets must be treated with olifu or special impregnation, and then pasted with glass fiber with epoxy resin.
⚠️ Never use plywood less than 9 mm thick to make solid floors in boats longer than 3 meters. A thin sheet under the load of two people and a motor can bend, creating a hammock effect, which is dangerous for the stability of the vessel.
There are several floor design options: a solid sheet gives maximum comfort, but increases the weight and dimensions of the assembled form. Segmented slate, consisting of individual plates connected by belts or hinges, is easier to pack, the choice depends on how often you plan to disassemble the boat.
Installation of equipment anchorages
Basic equipment rarely provides space for fixing fishing rods, sonar or anchor cable. fixation It requires carefulness, as any interventions in the design of cylinders must be sealed. PVC fabrics use special nickels (platforms) of the same material, which are glued with two-component polyurethane glue.
The pens are fitted with threaded bushings that allow you to install spinning holders, tables or transom wheels. It is important to choose the right place: the mounts should not interfere with the work of the oars, inflating cylinders or packing the boat into a bag. Often, a scheme in which the removable elements are fixed only during operation.
To install sonar holders or navigators, brackets attached to the on-board cylinder are often used, which allows you to quickly remove the device if necessary. stainless-steel or high-quality plastic that is resistant to ultraviolet light to avoid corrosion and destruction of the fastener.
When sticking pentacles on cylinders, be sure to degrease the surface with alcohol or a special cleaner for PVC. Insufficient surface preparation is the main reason for peeling off the fasteners under load.
Renovation of seats and rundooks
The regular cans (seats) in inflatable boats are often simple boards that crash into the body during prolonged fishing. Creating a comfortable place The easiest way to do this is to use soft polyurethane foam linings that are lined with waterproof fabric (oxford, vinyl).
A more advanced option is the installation of stationary or removable kunduks. unduk It has a dual function: it's a seat, it's a box for storing gear, a thermos or personal items, and structurally, a runduk is a sealed or semi-sealed box of plywood or plastic that can be attached to sleighs or sides.
When designing seats, it is important to consider the landing height: a seat too high raises the center of gravity of the boat, which reduces stability and increases the risk of overturning. The optimal height of the board above the water when landing the angler should be at least 20-25 cm for safety.
| Type of seat | Basic material | Weight (approximate) | Functional |
|---|---|---|---|
| A jar with a soft case | Plywood 12 mm | 2-3 kg | Comfort. |
| jock | Plywood/Plastic | 4-6 kg | Storage + Seat |
| The clamshell chair | Aluminum/Tissue | 1.5-2 kg | Mobility |
| Backrested chair | Plastic/Aluminium | 3-5 kg | Maximum comfort |
Electrification and navigation installation
Modern fishing is unthinkable without sonar, GPS-navigator and illumination. Electrification of the boat It requires wires and battery installation, and the battery is the heaviest element, so placing it is critical for balancing, and it's usually placed in the bow or under the seat in a sealed box.
To connect the equipment, copper wires with a cross section of at least 2.5-4 mm2 are used to avoid a voltage drop. All connections must be reliably insulated by shrinkage and protected from water. fume-tunter The masses to shut off power to the entire system when the boat is on the porch.
Sound sounder sensor attachment is a separate topic, and inflatable boats use special brackets that attach to a balloon or transom, and it's important that the sensor doesn't hit the bottom when you pull the boat ashore and doesn't create sailing when you move.
How to calculate the capacity of the battery?
To calculate, multiply the current consumption of your equipment (in Ampere) by the planned fishing time (in hours). Increase the resulting value by 20-30% for stock. For example, the sonar consumes 0.5A, you fish 8 hours: 0.5 * 8 = 4 Ah. The minimum battery capacity is 7-10 Ah, but it is better to take 20 + Ah for confidence.
Anchor system and safety
Safe parking in the current or wind is impossible without a properly selected anchor. For PVC boats weighing up to 200 kg, the optimal anchor type "cat" or "cat" anchor Hall The use of too heavy anchors is dangerous: when hooking for a snag, there is a risk of damage to the balloon or even tipping the boat over with a jerk.
The key element of the system is the anchor line (rope), which must be synthetic (nylon, polypropylene) to sink and not rot. The length of the line must be 3-4 depth lengths at the fishing site. anchor-false with a buoy if you use a heavy anchor, or use a burst insert.
⚠️ Attention! Never tie the anchor end directly to the rim on the bow of the boat without using a burst insert or buoy. When hooked by a snag, the boat can pull on the anchor rope and flip over with a wave or wind.
It is also necessary to provide a storage space. lifejacket The scoop should always be at hand, not deep in the bag, and in an emergency, when the boat is drawing water, the count goes by seconds.
☑️ Checking before getting on the water
Transport and storage
After installing all the improvements, the boat becomes heavier and bulkier. Transportation If the weight is assembled to exceed 40-50 kg, it is advisable to install transom wheels, which allow you to move the boat with the engine and battery along the shore without assistance.
When stored in winter, all installed elements (brackets, holders) are better removed if possible, or carefully preserved. Metal parts can oxidize, and plastic elements become brittle in the cold. A boat with installed slurry should be stored in a straightened form or in a large case to avoid crumps on the folds.
Regularly check the condition of the glue on the installed pens and fasteners. Vibration from the motor and temperature changes over time can weaken the adhesion. Timely inspection and gluing will avoid losing equipment directly on the water.
The main principle of tuning PVC boats: any addition should not critically reduce the buoyancy and stability of the vessel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I paint a PVC boat with ordinary paint?
Conventional paints (oil, nitro) are not held on PVC and can corrode the material. Only specialized PVC paints (for example, polyurethane-based) or liquid rubber are used for painting.
Which glue is better to use for sticking fives?
The best choice is two-component polyurethane adhesives (e.g. Teknipol, Kleyberg, Mah) that create an elastic and durable seam that withstands the strain of the balloon. Single-component adhesives are less reliable for power elements.
Do I need to register a boat with an installed engine?
Registration with GIMS is mandatory if the weight of the equipped vessel with the engine exceeds 200 kg, or if the engine power exceeds 8 kW (about 10.88 hp). However, the rules may change, so the current information should be clarified at the local GIMS office.
How to protect plywood slate from rotting?
In addition to olifer and painting, slate can be pasted with linoleum or carpet, which creates an additional barrier to moisture, and it is also important to dry the floor after every fishing trip, even if it looks dry.