Every boater, whether an avid angler or a lover of quiet walks, sooner or later comes to the conclusion that the basic configuration of the boat is not enough. Standard jars, oars and a transom outboard motor are just the basis that allows you to stay afloat and move from point A to point B. However, real comfort and efficiency begin where specialized accessories, often called “blows”, appear.
These small but functional elements can dramatically change the way we experience time on the water. ergonomics It's becoming more important than size, and getting the right tool quickly is more valuable than having extra pounds of safety, and it's a smart tuning that makes it possible to turn a normal inflatable boat or an aluminum boat into a full-fledged tool or a mobile recreation center.
In this article, we will discuss the most useful improvements that will not only make life easier on the water, but also increase the safety and effectiveness of fishing. gadgets It's really worth the investment, and what's just a marketing ploy, and it's important to understand that the choice of accessories is directly dependent on the type of vessel you're on and the tasks you're putting in front of it.
Organization of space: holders and fasteners
Chaos on deck is the angler's main enemy and a source of potential danger, and when the fishing rods are intertwined and the anchor is located anywhere, the pleasure of the process quickly turns into irritation, and the solution is specialized mounting systems that lock equipment in strictly designated places. The rod-holders This is the first thing to do after buying a boat.
There are many options for mounting, from simple glasses glued into the side, to complex rotary systems with angle adjustment. outriggerA quality holder must be made of materials resistant to ultraviet and salt water, such as polished stainless steel or reinforced plastic.
Use rubber-coated holders inside the glass – this will prevent scratches on expensive rod handles and reduce vibration during the boat.
Do not forget about the fastening of navigation electronics. brackets For sonars and GPS navigators, they need to be tightly fixed, but they also need to be able to quickly remove the device to charge or protect against theft, and the ease of access to the screen in any situation is a key factor in choosing the location.
- 🎣 Rotating spinning holders with angle fixer
- ⚓ Universal slats for installation of additional equipment
- 📱 Sealed boxes for smartphones with suction mount
- 🔦 Headlight anchorages on boat cylinders
Navigation and depth control: sonar and maps
Modern fishing is unthinkable without understanding what's going on under the keel. Basic sonar models only show depth, but serious fishing requires a device with detailed drawing. bottom-line And the right sonar becomes the angler's eyes, allowing you to see the structure of the bottom soil and the presence of thermoclins.
When choosing, you should pay attention to the frequency of the emitter and the angle of view of the cone. For large depths and high-speed search for fish, low-frequency emitters are optimal, whereas high-frequency emitters are better suited for a detailed study of bottom anomalies and predator sites. scannerMany modern models support DownVision or SideVision technology, which creates a photographic image of the underwater space.
What is the difference between 2D and 3D sounders?
3D sonars build a three-dimensional model of the bottom, which is useful when exploring an unfamiliar body of water, but they are significantly more expensive and require more powerful processors to process data in real time.
The important aspect is the power of electronics. battery For navigation devices, you'll be spared the risk of discharging the starting battery of the engine. voltmeter The dashboard will allow you to control the charge in real time and avoid troubles far from the shore.
Anchor system: safety and convenience of parking
The lack of a reliable anchor system can turn fishing into endless wind drifting. The classic knot at the end of the rope is a thing of the past, giving way to comfortable anchors. systems The main objective is to ensure that the anchor is raised and lowered quickly and safely without the risk of confusing the rope in the engine propeller.
Particular attention should be paid to the type of anchor, for rivers with strong currents and rocky bottoms, anchors of the type are best suited. Cat. or Grapple.And for a muddy or sandy bottom, it's more efficient to have plow-like structures or Danforth anchors that burrow into the ground under tension.
☑️ Checking the anchor system
A critically important element is anchor-gacIt's the one that takes the brunt of the wind and the flow, keeping the boat from turning sideways to the wave, and it also allows you to quickly uncouple the anchor in an emergency, just by relaxing the tension.
Comfort and protection from the elements
Long-term exposure to the water requires a home-like environment, and even a small boat can be equipped with elements that keep it warm and dry. Tents. And the canopies protect against the scorching sun and sudden rain, allowing you to fish in any weather without the risk of heat stroke or getting wet to the thread.
For the cold season, they are irreplaceable. sleeping bags Heated or special suits with electric heating, which operate from the onboard network, also worth considering the installation of windscreens on a transom, which cut off the cold air flow from the engine, and allow you to retain body heat.
The storage of personal belongings is another aspect of comfort. boxes Dry bags protect spare clothes, phones and documents from splashing and rain, and built-in pockets and mesh compartments allow you to keep things on hand: sunscreen, polarizing glasses, towels.
- ☔ cruising awnings with transparent windows for review
- 🧥 Heaters for closed-cut boats
- 🎒 Hermetic bags of different sizes for equipment
- 🪑 Folding chairs with cylinder attachments
Comparison of accessories materials
When choosing equipment, it is important to consider not only the functionality, but also the materials of manufacture. In aggressive aqueous environments, under the influence of the sun and mechanical stress, poor-quality materials quickly become obsolete. Below is a comparative table of the main materials used in boat accessories.
| Materials | Resistance to UV | Corrosion resistance | Weight. | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel AISI 316 | High. | Very high. | Heavy. | Brackets, liner equipment |
| Aluminum (anodized) | Medium | High. | Light. | Tent frames, instrumentation casings |
| ABS plastic | Low. | Perfect. | Very light. | Shore-hulls, small fittings |
| Fiberglass | High. | Perfect. | Medium. | Holders, decor elements |
Pay attention to the stainless steel labeling. Conventional 304 steel can rust in salt water, so it is required for sea walks or fishing in salt lakes. AISI 316Aluminum parts must be qualitatively anodized, otherwise oxidation will go very quickly.
Safety and emergency equipment
No one's a bummer is more important than your safety. lifejacket But modern safety features go far beyond simple vests: automatic inflating systems, life ends ("the end of Alexandrov") and signal lights - a set for any water motor.
An important element is hydroacoustic whistleIt's audible up to 2 kilometers away, even in storms, and you should also have a waterproof cover for your radio or satellite phone, and in an emergency, communication can be the only way to escape.
⚠️ Attention: Never rely on just one navigation source. Electronics may fail, so always carry paper maps of the terrain and a compass.
⚠️ Attention: Check the expiration date of the pyrotechnic signals (falshfires) before each season. expired pyrotechnics may not work at the right time.
The first aid kit in the boat should be equipped not only with patches, but also with sunburn, antihistamines and a tourniquet. The water enhances the sun, and burns can be obtained even in cloudy weather. Regularly check the kit kit and update the medicines with an expiring expiration date.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register the installed equipment in GIMS?
The attachments (echo sounders, holders, awnings) are not subject to registration unless they change the design specifications of the vessel (load capacity, passenger capacity, engine power), however, if you install a stationary fuel tank or change the design of the transom, this may require changes in the documents.
How to protect electronics from moisture and splashes?
Use only equipment with a protection class not lower IPX7For additional protection, transparent visors can be made or bought. After each trip, be sure to wipe the appliances with a dry cloth and leave them in a warm room to vaporize the condensate.
Can I use car batteries for a boat?
You can use car starter batteries to power sonars and navigation, but you can't use them for long periods of time. They're not designed for deep discharge. For overnight fishing, you'd better buy a traction tank. AGM or GEL A battery that keeps the load much longer.
What weight of accessories is considered acceptable for an inflatable boat?
All the extra equipment should not exceed 10 to 15 percent of the maximum load capacity of the boat, and exceeding this limit reduces stability, increases draught, and makes the boat more vulnerable to the wave. Always leave a margin of weight for passengers and catch.