Many experienced anglers and small boat owners sooner or later face the need to effectively braking or keeping the craft flowing. Standard metal anchors, despite their reliability, are often impractical for lightweight PVC inflatable boats. anchor-parachuteThis allows you to drift safely while trolling or spinning.
Buying a quality parachute for a boat is easy today, but the market is full of products of different quality. The right choice depends not only on the comfort of fishing, but also on the safety of the crew on the water. In this article, we will discuss in detail what to look for when buying, which models are considered the best and how to avoid common mistakes in the operation of this useful accessory.
The design and operation of the drifting anchor
The principle of operation of this device is based on the creation of high water resistance, unlike the classical anchor, which clings to the bottom soil. drift-anchor When the boat is driven by wind or current, the open dome fills with water and creates a powerful thrust that slows the vessel down, allowing it to move at the optimal speed for fishing, even if the engine is running at minimum speeds or even completely shut down.
The design of the product is a cone-shaped dome made of a strong synthetic material, and slings are attached to the top of the dome, which converge to a single point of attachment to the faucet. cargo-cone Or a weighting device that prevents the parachute from floating to the surface and keeps it upright in the water, and without the right balancing weight, the device will not work smoothly.
A high-quality parachute for a boat should be made of materials that are resistant to ultraviolet radiation and mechanical damage. Most often, high-strength nylon or polyurethane-coated Oxford is used. Seams should be reinforced and treated with special compounds that prevent rotting of the threads. The reliability of the seams is a critical parameter, since they are the main load when the boat jerks.
Some models have an extra ring for the buoy, which allows you to release the anchor if it catches on the bottom without pulling it out manually. Although this is less relevant for drifting anchors than for bottom anchors, the presence of this option indicates the design of the manufacturer. Always pay attention to the presence of a carbine or a vertebrel in the kit, as they prevent the twirling of the twirl.
When you first use, be sure to check the tightness of the dome seams by filling it with water on the shore, which will help to identify the marriage before going out into the open water.
Selection criteria: size, material and equipment
Before you buy a parachute for a boat, you need to clearly define the tasks for which it will be used. The main parameter of choice is the area of the dome, which directly affects the braking force. For light inflatable boats up to 3 meters in length, a model with a diameter of 60-80 cm is usually enough. If you have a heavier vessel or plan to fish on a strong current, you will need a product with a diameter of 90 to 120 cm.
The fabrication material plays a key role in the durability of the accessory: Cheap models are often made of thin fabric that can quickly lose its tightness or break upon contact with sharp objects in water. Oxford 300D Or 600D with PVC impregnation is considered the gold standard for such products, it combines lightness, strength and abrasion resistance. It is also important to check the quality of the accessories: carbines should be made of stainless steel or brass, not silumin.
- 🌊 Diameter of the dome: Selected strictly by the displacement of the boat and the strength of the current.
- ⚓ Fail length: The optimal length is 2-3 lengths of the boat hull, usually 6-10 meters.
- 🎒 Package: Having a storage bag greatly facilitates transportation and drying.
Pay attention to the color of the product. Bright colors (orange, yellow) are easier to see in the water if you need to raise the anchor for inspection or repair. However, dark colors are less noticeable to fish, which can be important when fishing in shallow water. In most cases, color does not affect functionality, but affects the ease of operation and visual control of the position of the anchor in the water.
The packages can also vary. Basic versions often include only the dome and slings; more expensive sets are equipped with a ready-made phala, buoy, cargo and even a vertebra; buying a full kit can be more profitable than buying components separately; and ready-made kits are usually better balanced by the manufacturer.
Comparison of popular models and manufacturers
The market offers a wide range of models from various manufacturers, both domestic and foreign, and to help you decide on your choice, we have compiled a comparison table of popular models available on sale, based on technical specifications and user feedback.
| Model | Diameter (cm) | Materials | Completement | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SeaAnchor Basic | 60 | nylon | Just the dome. | Budgetary option |
| FishingPro 90 | 90 | Oxford 420D | Dome, phal, bag. | Strengthened seams |
| DriftMaster XL | 120 | PVC fabric | Complete set | For big boats. |
| RiverStop 80 | 80 | Nylon RIP-STOP | Dome, cargo, vertebrae | fast-drying |
Model SeaAnchor Basic Beginners are often chosen because of the low price, but the lack of a fale in the kit requires additional costs. FishingPro 90 It's a big selling point because it's a good value for money. DriftMaster XL It is the only reasonable choice because of its power.
Domestic manufacturers often offer products that are more locally adapted, better able to tolerate the extremes of temperature and the aggressive environment of our water bodies, and foreign counterparts may be more elegant and lightweight, but sometimes lose in maintainability, and the availability of spare parts or the possibility of self-repair should be considered when choosing.
Secrets of Durability
How to extend the life of a parachute?: After each fishing, be sure to wash the anchor-parachute with fresh water, especially if the fishing was conducted in salt water. Sand and salt destroy the fabric structure and fittings. Dry the product in the straightened form in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight, which can burn out the material.
Installation and operation rules for water
The proper installation of the parachute anchor is critical for safety, and the mounting of the phala is to the bow of the boat, which ensures that the vessel is positioned with its nose against the current or wind, and if anchored from the side or stern, the boat can turn sideways to the wave, which can tip over, especially in windy weather. Security It should be priority number one.
The process of launching the anchor is simple: throw the folded dome into the water in front of the boat, holding the end of the phala in your hand. Let the parachute fill with water and slowly poison the phala until the boat stretches. The optimal length of the phala depends on the depth and strength of the current, but is usually at least 6 meters. A too short phala will prevent the parachute from opening fully and operating efficiently.
⚠️ Warning: Never wrap the parachute anchor shaft around your arm or body when the engine is running or on strong currents. A sharp jerk can cause injury or fall overboard. Use special leer ducks or coils to store excess shafts.
When you're in a wave, the anchor-parachute helps smooth the sway by orienting the boat along the wave, which reduces the risk of water flooding through the side. However, remember that the drift anchor is not designed to stop the boat completely in a storm, its job is to control the speed and direction of drift. In extreme conditions, you can't rely on this accessory alone.
If you're using a troll anchor, make sure the tile doesn't get for an outboard motor screw, you can use special thugs or just monitor the tension. If you break the troll or lose your anchor, have a backup plan. Losing a parachute anchor is less critical than losing a bottom anchor, but it's still unpleasant.
☑️ Pre-launch checks
Advantages of use over metal anchors
The main advantage of a parachute anchor over a metal cat or admiralty anchor is that it is versatile at great depths. A metal anchor is useless if the depth is longer than the length of your anchor rope. A parachute operates at any depth because it is held by the resistance of water rather than the ground, which makes it indispensable on deep-facing rivers or in marine conditions.
Besides, anchor-parachute It's much lighter and more compact to store. When folded, it takes up the minimum space in the PVC boat's runduct. Metal anchors, even foldable ones, take up more space and can damage inflatable tubes when transported carelessly. A parachute weighs hundreds of grams, whereas a metal anchor for a boat of the same size would weigh several kilograms.
- 💰 Economics: The cost of a quality parachute is often lower than the cost of a good chained metal anchor.
- 🛡️ Safety for the boat: Soft fabric will not damage PVC tubes upon contact.
- 🎣 Perfect for fishing: It allows you to drift slowly and smoothly, which is ideal for spinning.
Another advantage is that there's no noise when you go down. A metal anchor crashes to the bottom, frightening the fish away. A parachute goes down silently. This is especially important when you're fishing for careful fish like a perch or a pike in shallow water. Silence on the water is key to successful fishing.
But it's worth noting that a parachute can't completely replace a bottom anchor. If you have to stand on a point and stand still in high winds, a metal anchor will do better. So experienced water motors often have both types of anchors, using each one for its intended purpose. Combining these devices gives you maximum flexibility on the water.
The parachute anchor is not a replacement for the bottom anchor, but a specialized tool for controlled drift and stabilization of the boat on the current.
Care, storage and repair of products
The boat parachute you buy will last for years, and you need to take good care of it. After every fishing trip, especially in salt water, it needs to be thoroughly rinsed in fresh water. The salt crystallizes in the tissues and breaks down the fibers, and it also causes corrosion of the metal fittings. Even if you've been fishing in fresh water, the sand and silt can abrasively affect the material.
Drying is an important step in preparation for storage. Only fold the parachute after drying completely. Closed wet tissue is the perfect environment for mold and unpleasant odors that are difficult to remove. It is better to dry in the shade, since direct sunlight can adversely affect the strength of synthetic filaments when exposed to prolonged exposure.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use aggressive chemical detergents or solvents to clean the parachute. They can destroy the water-repellent impregnation and weaken the fabric structure. Use only soft soap and water.
Store the product in a dry, cool place, away from heat sources and open fire. Synthetic materials are easy to melt. The storage bag should be breathable to prevent condensation. If you notice a slight gust, it can be sewn manually with strong threads or sealed with special glue for PVC and fabrics, but it is better to prevent damage.
Check the slings' mounting points to the dome regularly. This is where you get the most scuffs. If you notice that the threads are starting to unravel, you need to take immediate repairs. A little maintenance will take 10 minutes, but save the anchor from being lost at the worst possible moment. Repair of the kit is often more expensive than timely maintenance.
How quickly can you repair a broken sling?
If the sling is torn at the dome itself, you don't have to re-arrange it. You can use the loop-to-loop method with a new piece of sling of the same strength, and the main thing is to use knots that do not crawl under load, such as a boulin or a bayonet with two slings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a parachute anchor to stop the boat completely on a strong current?
No, the parachute anchor is designed to slow down drift, not to stop completely. On a strong current, the boat will still shift, albeit more slowly.
How long should the phala be for the parachute anchor?
The recommended length of the phala is 6 to 15 meters, depending on the size of the boat. The phala is too short to let the parachute open, too long to confuse, Optimally 3 lengths of the hull of the vessel.
Do I need a load for the parachute anchor?
Yes, a load (usually a lead ring or cone) is necessary, it provides a vertical position of the dome in the water and prevents it from floating to the surface where it will be useless.
Is a parachute suitable for a boat with an outboard motor?
Yes, but you have to make sure that the phala doesn't wind on the propeller, and when you use it with a motor, the phala is fixed strictly in the center of the nose, and the motor has to be raised or silenced if the boat drifts.
How do I know if the parachute has opened?
You'll feel the characteristic resistance on the phalt, and the boat will stabilize with its nose against the current, and you can visually check this by looking overboard, and you can see a cone filled with water in the water.