A boat is not just a matter of comfort, it's a matter of safety and performance on the water. Many beginners make the mistake of buying expensive gear but forgetting the basic equipment that turns an inflatable boat into a full-fledged fishing boat. PVC fishing-boat It minimizes noise, provides a stable anchor and accurately determines the location of a school of fish.
In this article, we will discuss all the nuances, from the choice of anchor assembly to the installation of attachments that will not damage the cylinders. PVC materials They're strong, but they require delicate handling when mounting heavy elements, and it's important to understand the difference between trolling equipment and spinning throwing, because the ergonomics requirements are very different.
Particular attention should be paid to weight distribution. Overloading a transom or one side can lead to dangerous rolling, especially when entering the wave. The optimal loading of the boat should not exceed 80% of the maximum load capacity specified in the product passport. This rule is often ignored, which leads to a decrease in driving performance and increased fuel consumption.
Anchor system and safety
The equipment starts with the anchor, because it's the anchor that ensures parking safety and fishing efficiency. PVC The classic admiralty anchors with sharp horns that can puncture a balloon are not suitable, and the optimal choice is a folding structure such as the Cat or the Danforth anchor with legs pressed against the spindle. The weight of the anchor should be approximately 1/10 of the displacement of the boat with a full load.
The use of a thin rope or fishing line is unacceptable, as in high winds or currents it can cut your hands when sampling. It is recommended to use a floating polypropylene cord with a diameter of 4-6 mm. For rapid reset of the anchor in an emergency situation (for example, in a strong wind carrying a boat to an obstacle), use a system with a bursting element or buffet.
⚠️ Attention: Never tie the anchor end to the transom or the structure of the boat dead. When the strong current, the boat can turn the side to the wave, which will lead to a tip over. Use an anchor leer that runs through the nose handle or rum.
To fix the anchor on board, it is convenient to use special pockets or mounts that will not allow it to dangle and damage the fabric when moving, and you should also provide a place to store the anchor end so that it does not get confused under your feet.
- 🎣 Cat anchor: It is ideal for a rocky bottom, easily folds and takes up a minimum of space in a runduk.
- ⚓ Iron cargo: good for a sluggish bottom, but requires careful handling due to the absence of sharp elements.
- 🪢 Anchor buoy: It is mandatory for heavy anchors, allows you to unhook the anchor if it is stuck between the stones.
Installation of attachments and transom plate
The standard equipment of boats is often limited to banks and oars, which is not enough for serious fishing. The first step of modernization is the installation of a transom plate. plywood or composite), which is attached to the transom and serves as the basis for the rod holders, downriggers and sonars.
When installing the stove, it is important not to pull the fasteners bolts so as not to deform the trans board inside the cylinder. To drill holes for screws, use a drill with a depth limiter so that you are guaranteed not to penetrate the rear side through. All metal elements of the fastener must be made of stainless steel. AISI 316 Or have a high-quality zinc coating.
Before drilling holes in the transom, be sure to take measurements and make a pattern out of cardboard. A mistake of a couple of millimeters can cause the holder to rest in a cylinder or bulkhead.
In addition, stringers or straps are often installed on board to mount the spinning holders, which allow you to free your hands and conduct fishing wiring. Inflatable boats have special inflatable transom wheels that facilitate descent, but they should be removed before going into deep water to avoid puncture.
- 🔩 transom wheels: They greatly facilitate transportation, but require reliable mounting so as not to break away on the go.
- 🎣 Holders of rods: They are horizontal for trolling and inclined for catching in the throw.
- 📦 Runduks: sealed boxes that are attached to the bottom or cans, serve to store gear and at the same time are seats.
Electronics: sonar, navigation and mounting of sensors
Modern fishing is unthinkable without a sonar. PVC boat The issue of attaching the sensor (emitter) is a pressing one. Drilling holes in the bottom is a bad idea. There are three main ways of mounting: suction cup mounting (unreliable), mounting on a remote rod (requires drilling), and using special fairings that are attached to the bank or bottom with belts.
The most popular and safe removable designs are the ones that are attached to a stick, which in turn is fixed to a switch or a special bracket, which allows you to remove the sensor at any time if you need to go through shallow water or pull the boat ashore, and the sounder screen and the navigator are better placed on a rotary bracket, so that you can quickly remove it from the sun or rain.
How to extend the life of the battery on water?
Use airtight AGM or GEL batteries. They're not afraid of shaking and tilting, unlike classic acid batteries. Be sure to use a waterproof battery box, even if it seems that there won't be a splash. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination.
It's important to take care of the power. The wiring should be laid so that it doesn't hang or interfere with movement, all connections should be carefully insulated with thermal shrinkage and covered with silicone sealant, and to protect against interference, the power wires of the sonar and motor should be separated.
| Type of equipment | Method of attachment | Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Echo sounder (sensor) | On the suction cup. | Cheap, fast. | Unreliable, losing signal |
| Echo sounder (sensor) | On the rod. | Stable signal. | We need to drill the hull. |
| Navigator. | Turning bracket | Convenient review | Takes up space. |
| ACB | Bottom-box | Security, sustainability | Hard access for charging |
Comfort: Seats, awnings and storage
Fishing often lasts several hours, so standard inflatable seats or rigid cans quickly cause back fatigue. The best solution is to install folding chairs on rotary platforms (flyer seats), which are attached to the floorboard (floor) and allow you to change the position of the body, which is critical when catching large fish.
To protect against the sun and rain, an awning becomes indispensable. PVC boats The awnings are mounted on arcs that are inserted into special pockets or attached to the fryms, and it is important that the awning does not sail in the wind and has a rapid dismantling system.
☑️ Checking comfort before the season
Space is the key to order. Use sealers for personal items and clothing. Equipment is better stored in soft bags, which can be tightly placed in the nose or under the seats without damaging the plastic of fishing boxes on the side with sharp angles.
The choice of the motor and its impact on the equipment
The power of the motor dictates the requirements for the rest of the equipment. If you put a motor with a capacity of 5-9.9 hp, the slate must withstand vibrations, and the anchor system must be powerful enough to hold the boat against the wind with the engine running on trolling.
Two motors are often used for trolling: the main gasoline and auxiliary electric motor. The electric motor is ideal for a silent approach and catching pike or pike on pressed water bodies. The electric motor is usually mounted on the bow of the boat, which requires strengthening the bow with additional ribbons or linings.
⚠️ Attention: When installing a powerful motor (more than 50% of the maximum power of the boat), be sure to use an anti-cavitation plate (hydrofoil) on the lower unit. This will reduce the load on the transom, remove yaw and increase the speed of exit to planing.
Keep in mind the fuel tank. For safety, it is better to place it in the bow or in a special compartment, away from the source of sparks (motor), the fuel supply hose should have a quality pear and not have scuffs.
Repair kit and maintenance on the water
Even the best equipment is not immune to damage. Every trip you take should have a remake, not just a patch and glue, but a complete set, which should include a degreaser, a roller, a knife, a marker and several patches of different sizes already prepared (cut corners).
An electric pump is good for initial pumping, but a manual (leg) pump is mandatory as a backup for final pumping, and remember that in the sun the pressure in the cylinders increases, and you may need to blow out excess air to avoid damaging the seams.
- 💊 Remake: It should be in an easily accessible place, not in the back of a backpack.
- 🔪 Knife: be sure to have a floating handle and blunt end (hook) to cut the tangled line without fear of cutting the boat.
- 🧼 Sponge and scoop: to remove water from the cockpit, as the water in PVC boats goes away poorly.
The main principle of equipment is modularity: all equipment should be easy to remove, so that the boat can be quickly blown away and packed into one or two backpack bags without losing functionality.
Do you need to buy expensive branded equipment or will analogues be suitable?
For critical safety elements (anchor, remix, life jackets) you can not save - take proven brands. For comfort elements (rod holders, shelves) are quite suitable high-quality Chinese analogues or products made of aluminum / stainless steel of local production, the main thing is the absence of sharp edges and corrosion.
How often should I check the pressure in the cylinders while fishing?
It is enough to check the pressure in the morning after pumping and once in the middle of the day, especially if the weather or water temperature changes. A sharp drop in pressure can signal a puncture, and a strong increase can signal the risk of rupture of the seams in the sun.
Can I use a wooden floor instead of aluminum?
Plywood floorboards may be cheaper and warmer, but they are significantly heavier than aluminum and require careful varnishing and drying after each fishing. Aluminum flooring is lighter, more durable and dries faster, which is preferable for regular use.