Buying an inflatable floating craft is just the first step into the world of water, because it is the competent equipment of a PVC boat that turns a standard kit into a functional fishing tool or a comfortable boat for recreation. Many beginners mistakenly believe that the oar and pump are enough for full operation, but practice shows the opposite: the lack of specialized equipment can not only spoil the pleasure of cruising, but also create dangerous situations on the water.
The completion process requires a systematic approach, as every detail affects the handling, safety and ergonomics of your vessel. Properly selected equipment This allows you to adapt a universal inflatable design to specific tasks, whether it is trolling at great depths or high-speed plane through shallow waters. In this article, we will discuss the key elements without which it is impossible to imagine modern water tourism.
It is important to understand that boat-building It's an art that you can upgrade through a mounting system, but overloading with extra elements can have a negative impact on your performance. The balance between comfort and payload is an art that you need to learn. Let's look at what you need to add first to make your swimming safe and efficient.
Anchorage and parking systems
The first and most critical element that is often ignored in basic trim levels is the anchor unit. PVC boat anchor Not only should it be heavy enough to keep the vessel flowing, but it should also be safe for inflatable tubes. The use of classic cast iron cats or Hall anchors without special protection is strongly discouraged, as sharp edges can damage tissue during sampling.
The optimal solution for inflatable vessels is considered to be folding anchors of the Grapple or Denfort type weighing from 3 to 5 kg, depending on the windiness of the region and the size of the boat. Anchor rum It should be mounted strictly along the diametral axis in the bow, so that when the wind turns the boat nose to the wave, rather than the side, which is fraught with rollover.
⚠️ Warning: Never tie an anchor thack to a switch or transom - this can cause the boat to flip over when the anchor is abruptly jerked or hooked by bottom obstacles.
For fixing boats during fishing or swimming are also often used. anchor-rope The rope must be at least three depths in the parking lot to ensure that it is held at any angle, and the use of elastic cords instead of static rope helps to extinguish the jerks from excitement.
- 🪢 Anchor iron - classic option, requiring the winding of sharp parts with a fabric or the use of a special cover.
- ⚓ Folding anchor - compact solution, ideal for transportation in a sealed bag.
- 🎈 Anchor buoy - a mandatory element for safe return of the anchor from the inflatable side.
The proper organization of the anchor is the foundation of safety on the water. Without reliable fixation, even a light current can carry your boat in minutes, especially if you are engaged in fishing.
Affixed equipment for motor and control
Installation outboard PVC boat requires not only the presence of a transom, but also additional controls and protection. tiller-cord (check) is a small thing, the loss of which can lead to uncontrolled movement of the boat without a driver, so always have spare mounting options. For comfortable control over long distances, many anglers install a console with steering, which requires mounting a cable mechanism.
The most important element of security is sink-board Or motor reinforcement, which distributes the load on inflatable tubes. Standard transes on many boat models may not withstand the vibrations of a powerful motor, so installing an additional wooden or aluminum lining will significantly extend the life of the boat. wheel-transIt allows you to move the boat with the motor on the shore without having to remove them.
To protect the propeller and increase the efficiency of movement, a hydrofoil is often used, mounted on the lower unit of the engine. This device allows the boat to get on plane faster, reduces yaw and prevents cavitation, which is especially important for the boat. flyboat with a soft bottom, experiencing greater water resistance.
⚠️ Warning: When installing the engine, make sure that the anti-cavitation plate is 10-20 mm below the bottom of the boat, otherwise overheating of the engine and loss of traction are possible.
Gas and ignition control can be carried out on the ramp or use a remote system with a dashboard. Remote control cable shall be laid so as to prevent rubbing against cylinders or sharp corners of fittings during operation.
- 🔧 transom wheels Allow one person to easily move a heavy motorized boat along the shore.
- 🎛️ Control console - provides ergonomic placement of instruments and steering wheel for long hikes.
- 🛡️ Screw protection - protects the blades from impacts on underwater obstacles and logs.
High-quality attachments turn a simple inflatable boat into a full-fledged boat, capable of covering long distances with comfort and safety.
How to choose the right power of the motor?
The engine power must be in line with the manufacturer's recommendations. Excess power can lead to the destruction of the transom and loss of buoyancy. Usually for boats with a length of 320-360 cm, the optimal engines are 5-9.9 hp, and for boats 380 + cm - 15-20 hp and above.
Navigation, sonar and electronics
Modern fishing and navigation are unthinkable without electronic assistants. echoer It's one of the first devices that anglers can install, allowing you to see the bottom relief, depth and presence of fish. For PVC boats, it's important to choose models with a suction cup or a special bracket that will not damage the balloon when you install and remove it.
For orientation on large bodies of water is necessary GPS-navigator Or a mapplotter that not only shows the location, but also allows you to save tracks and points. dashboard With a voltmeter, it is critical to control battery power, because discharging the battery away from shore can leave you without motor or communication. All electronic devices require a reliable power source, so using AGM or GEL traction batteries is preferable to starting batteries.
The wiring should be carefully insulated and protected from moisture, as salt water and splashes quickly oxidize the contacts. Thermal shrink tubes And waterproof connectors are essential parts of mounting electronics on water, and it's recommended that you use separate fuses for each energy user.
| The device | Consumption (A) | Working hours (h)* | Type of attachment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Echo sounder (base) | 0.2 - 0.5 | 20-40 | Suction/Kronstein |
| GPS-navigator | 0.3 - 0.6 | 15-30 | Panel/Velcro |
| Radio (VHF) | 0.5 - 2.0 | 5-20 | crone |
| LED tape | 0.5 - 1.0 | 10-20 | Sticky base |
*The operating time is indicated for a 10 Ah battery at 50% discharge.
The correct electronics layout allows you to fish in any weather and at any time of the day without worrying about navigation and finding fish. Energy efficiency Systems are a key parameter for autonomous hikes.
Electronics integration requires careful waterproofing of all connections and the use of high-quality deep discharge batteries.
Comfort: seats, floor and sun protection
Long-term exposure to the water requires comfortable spaces, and standard can-shaped inflatable seats are often inconvenient for long-term fishing, so they are replaced by a new type of inflatable seat. turn-chair Seat installation requires the installation of special platforms (boards) that distribute the load and allow you to change the configuration of the cabin.
The floor in the boat is also subject to modernization: regular inflatable or plywood floorboards can be replaced by aluminum-floor Or cover an existing anti-slip coating (EVA mat) that not only increases comfort, but also protects the bottom of the boat from puncture with sharp objects, hooks or animal claws. Inflatable floor Air Deck is a great solution in itself, but the additional coating will prolong its life.
Protecting yourself from the sun and rain is another aspect of comfort. Tents. and sheds (Bimini) are mounted on arcs attached to a rod or a special glass, which allows you to escape from the scorching sun or sudden rainfall, making fishing pleasant in all weather, and you should also take care of rod holders that can be built into the side or installed on separate racks.
⚠️ Warning: When installing rigid structures (platforms, seats), watch for support points - they should not fall on welds or valves to avoid damage to the boat.
Ergonomics of the interior space directly affects the fatigue of the fisherman. Freedom of movement And the ability to change position is the key to successful fishing.
- 💺 The turning chair. Provides a comfortable landing and view in any direction.
- ☔ Tent-shore - protects from ultraviolet light and precipitation, preserving strength.
- 🎣 The rod-holders - allow you to use tackle in plumb or trolling without holding in your hands.
Investments in comfort pay off with hours of pleasant time on the water without back pain and discomfort.
☑️ Checking comfort before leaving
Safety and emergency equipment
Water safety is not just a formality, but a set of specific actions and devices that can save lives. lifejackets For every passenger, the boat should have a spare kit or an inflatable lifeline, and the vests should be matched to size and zip-up while you're driving, even if you're a great swimmer.
The most important element is scoop The scoop, which should always be at hand, not in the far hazel, and in the case of water (from a wave, rain or splash), the scoop allows you to quickly remove it from the cockpit. pump for pumping water, especially on large boats where the volume of incoming water can be significant.
For emergency cases, a repair kit is needed, including not only patches and glue, but also pump with the ability to work from a battery or foot. germ-o-o-o-o- Every person on the voyage should have a whistle, a flashlight and a flare for documents, a phone and keys.
| Element | Appointment | Storage area | Frequency of verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Save the vest | Keeping afloat | On passenger/available | Every exit |
| cerpak | Water scooping | On the stringer/under hand | Every day. |
| Remake | Puncture removal | Germomeshok/Bag | Once a season |
| Anchor | Fixing of the vessel | Nose locker | Before the exit |
Regular checks emergency equipment I need to get used to it. A rusty carbine Or a deflated vest can be a fatal mistake at a critical moment.
- 🆘 Life jacket A mandatory element for every person on board.
- 🪣 Cherpak and pump Tools to deal with water inside the boat.
- 🔦 Lanterns and signals - means of attracting attention in the dark.
Safety rules are not to be ignored, as water does not forgive mistakes. Ready for any scenario - a sign of an experienced boater.
Always bring a spare dry set of clothes in a sealed bag - even on a hot day, hypothermia in wet clothes in the wind comes very quickly.
Transport and storage of the boat
Proper preparation of the boat for transportation and storage significantly prolongs its service life. Transportation wheeled transom It allows you to move the boat in a assembled form, but for long-distance transport on a trailer or trunk, it is better to blow the boat away. When blowing away, it is important to follow the sequence: first blow the air out of the cylinders, then from the keel and bottom to avoid stressing the seams.
Special storage and transportation is used transport-bagIt protects PVC fabric from dirt, ultraviolet light and mechanical damage, and before packing, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water (especially after the sea) and completely dried to avoid mold and unpleasant odor. Storage It should be carried out in straightened form or in free twisting, without heavy objects on top.
Winter storage requires special conditions: temperature at least -10°C (although modern materials hold more, it is better not to risk it) and no direct sunlight. It is recommended to blow the boat periodically (once a season) and check the pressure so that the fabric does not "lode". Complete drying before packaging is a critical step, ignoring which reduces the life of glue and fabric by 30-40%.
⚠️ Warning: Do not keep the boat near heating appliances or open fire sources – high temperatures can lead to deformation of the seams and destruction of the PVC structure.
Taking care of the boat in the off-season is an investment in future seasons. Cleanliness and dryness The main enemies of the ageing of materials.
- 🚛 Wheeled trawler - simplifies movement on the shore and loading in the car.
- 🧼 Washing and drying - mandatory procedures before long-term storage.
- 📦 Transportation bag Protects against dust, dirt and UV radiation.
Compliance with the rules of operation and storage will allow your boat to last for decades, delighting with reliability and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which anchor is better to choose for a PVC boat with a length of 3.2 meters?
For a boat 3.2 meters long, the best choice would be a folding anchor (type "Grapple" or "Denforth") weighing 3-4 kg. It is compact, will not damage the cylinders during storage and fairly reliably keeps the boat in moderate current. Be sure to use an anchor bayrep for safety.
Do I have to blow the boat off after every fishing trip?
You don't have to blow the boat out completely after every fishing trip if you keep it in your garage or in your country house, you just need to reduce the pressure in the cylinders by 10 to 15 percent (especially in hot weather) to compensate for the temperature changes, but before you store it for a long time or transport it in the trunk, you need to blow it out.
Can I install an electric motor on any PVC boat?
Yes, you can install an electric motor on almost any PVC boat that has a transom or can install it, and the main thing is to make sure that the transom will withstand the weight of the motor and battery, and also to choose the right engine thrust for the size of the boat.
How often should I check the pressure in the cylinders?
The pressure in the cylinders is recommended to be checked before each outing, as it varies depending on the temperature of the air. On a hot day, the pressure can rise and it will have to be fired, and in cold weather - pumped. The optimal working pressure is usually 0.2-0.25 atm (indicated in the boat data sheet).
How to wash a PVC boat after salt water?
After sailing on salt water, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water using a soft sponge and mild soap. The salt crystallizes and can damage the fabric and seams when bending, so flushing the salt plaque is a must-have procedure to preserve the boat's life.