The organization of the fishing workplace in an inflatable boat is always about finding a balance between comfort, functionality and the preservation of useful space, and this is especially important when installing navigational electronics such as a sonar or a cartplotter. Echo-rest It's becoming a key element that not only securely locks expensive equipment, but also makes it easy to operate while trolling or anchoring. With a limited PVC cockpit area, every centimeter counts, and improper placement of instruments can turn fishing into torture.
The current market offers many solutions, from simple swivel brackets to complex integrated battery shelves. However, there is no universal answer, as the cockpit configuration varies significantly from one model to another. In this article, we will take a detailed look at all aspects of selection, fabrication materials and nuances of installation so that you can make informed choices that will last for many years of active operation on the water.
Criteria for the choice of design and type of attachment
The first thing that fishermen face is a variety of design solutions. Echo-rear bracket It should be not just a piece of metal or plastic, but an engineering product that takes into account vibration, humidity and dynamic loads. The type of attachment depends on the design of your boat: the presence of a transom board, the location of the cans (seats) and the presence of additional stiffness elements. An error at this stage can lead to the device interfere with rowing or moving along the cockpit.
The most common option is a squirrel board attachment, which is a classic solution that allows you to place the screen at the optimal height and angle of view. However, if the squirrel is occupied by the engine or outboard fuel tank, you have to look for alternatives. There are models that are attached to the sides (inflatable tubes) or to transom banks. fixation It did not damage the PVC material and did not create points of excessive pressure when inflating the boat.
⚠️ Warning: Never use homemade wire or clamps without rubber pads. Sharp metal edges under load easily wipe even high-strength PVC, which will depressurize the balloon on the water.
Lightweight portable sonars will withstand plastic brackets, whereas heavy stationary models with screens from 7 inches will require a reinforced stainless steel or aluminum design. load-bearing capacity Base - a critical parameter, the neglect of which is fraught with the fall of electronics into the water.
Manufacturing materials: plastic, aluminum or steel
The durability of the accessory depends on the materials used. In an aggressive aquatic environment where salt water, ultraviolet light and temperature changes are present, ordinary metals quickly corrode. Stainless steel (AISI 304 or 316) is considered the gold standard for marine applications, it has high strength and excellent corrosion resistance, but has a significant weight, which may not be desirable for light PVC boats.
Anodized aluminum alloys are a great alternative. They are much lighter than steel, which is important for maintaining the buoyancy and stability of a small vessel. Quality anodizing creates a protective oxide film that prevents oxidation. However, if the coating is damaged (scratches, chips), aluminum can undergo electrochemical corrosion, especially in salt water. Plastic structures are generally cheaper and do not fear corrosion, but they are less durable and can deform under the weight of heavy equipment at high wavele.
Comparison of galvanic metal pairs
When different metals come into contact, the electrolyte (water) generates a current that destroys the less noble metal. Aluminum paired with stainless steel in seawater will break down. Use insulating pads.
When choosing, also pay attention to the quality of the fittings. Bolts, nuts and hinges should be made of materials that are resistant to rust. Often manufacturers save on fasteners using ordinary ferrous metal, which begins to rust after the first season. Replacement of fasteners titanium or high-quality stainless is a mandatory procedure after buying many budget models of stands.
Instructions for installing a trans-Trans stand
Mounting the equipment on the trayboard requires precision and adherence to technology. First of all, you need to determine the optimal installation location. The screen should be read without glare, and access to the control buttons should not be difficult. mountMake sure that the fixing mechanism (usually a screw clip) has sufficient contact area and soft linings to protect the wood or transom plastic.
For a fixed installation that involves drilling, the process is more complex. You need to mark the holes, observing the symmetry and indentations from the edges of the transom board. You should drill carefully using metal drills (for aluminum linings) or wood, depending on the material of your board. It is important not to damage the inflatable tubes adjacent to the transmolor, so it is better to do the work with a partially deflated boat or with maximum care.
☑️ Checklist of mounting on the transom
Once the base is installed, the sensor cable must be laid, the cable must run freely, without tension, and be protected from rubbing, often hidden inside the transom board (if it is hollow) or fixed along it with plastic clamps. It is critical to leave the cable loop at the sensor itself.so that when hitting an obstacle, the load is not transferred to the place of soldering or the entrance to the sonar body.
⚠️ Warning: When drilling a transom board, be sure to use a drill with a depth limiter or control the process visually so as not to punch the opposite side and damage the inflated cylinder of the boat.
Alternative ways of accommodation in the cockpit
The transom is not always the best place to install. In some boat configurations, especially models with high-power outboard motors or with large fuel tanks, the stern space is limited, in which cases mounts on board or on the can come to the rescue. Onboard brackets fasten to rigid elements (stringers) or cover inflatable tubes with soft belts without damaging PVC.
The can (seat) can place the sonar right in front of the angler's eyes, which is convenient for controlling depth in sheer flaming. However, this design is less resistant to rolling and can interfere with movement inside the boat. There are universal systems with flexible "goose neck" or hinge connections that allow you to take the screen to any point of the cockpit. The main requirement here is the reliability of fixation, so that when a sharp jerk of the boat, the device does not fly overboard.
For minimalists, there are solutions on suction cups or magnets, but their reliability in real fishing with the excitement of water is questionable. Magnets can demagnetize or slip from vibration, and suction cups lose their grip in the cold or in the sand. mechanical Bolts or reliable clamps remain a priority choice for serious anglers.
Use a contrasting colored tape or shrinkage on the cable sections that pass through sharp corners, which will help you notice the beginning of the insulation grinding.
Comparison of popular fastener models
To make it easier to choose, we have compiled a comparative table of the main types of designs on the market. Please note that prices can vary depending on the region and configuration.
| Type of design | Materials | Weight (approximate) | Compatibility | Difficulty of installation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| transom clamp | Nerzh. steel/Plastic | 0.5 - 1.0 kg | Universal. | Low. |
| Stationary plate | aluminum | 0.3 - 0.5 kg | Requires drilling. | Medium |
| Fixing on board | Combined | 0.8. 1.2 kg | Stringer boats | High. |
| Flexible bracket | Coated steel | 0.6 - 0.9 kg | Universal. | Low. |
When choosing between models, consider not only price, but also maintainability. Simple designs are easier to service in the field. Complex hinge mechanisms require regular lubrication and protection from sand. Durability Products are often determined by the quality of the edge treatment and the absence of burrs that can injure hands or damage equipment.
Equipment protection and maintenance
Installing a stand is only half the battle. Operating electronics on the water requires constant attention to the condition of the fasteners and cables. Salt deposits, dust and moisture can disable even moisture-proof devices if you don't have regular maintenance. After every fishing trip, especially in salt water, it is recommended to rinse. metallic Fresh water and dry them out.
Pay special attention to the condition of the cables. PVC wires will bluff over time in the cold and crack in the sun. Regularly inspect the cable along the entire length, especially at the exit points of the device and at the points of attachment to the boat. Any signs of damage to the insulation should be immediately eliminated with a sealant or replacement of the cable. Also check the tightening of the bolt joints, as engine vibration and wave shocks can gradually weaken the fastener.
Regular maintenance of mounts and cables prolongs the life of expensive electronics and prevents the loss of data or equipment during fishing.
⚠️ Warning: Do not keep a boat with a sounder mounted in direct sunlight in a pumped state. Overheating inside a closed cockpit can damage the battery and the device screen, even if it is turned off.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a wooden stand made myself?
Yes, you can, but the wood needs to be carefully treated, you need to use moisture-resistant rocks (tick, larch) or high-quality plywood coated with epoxy resin or yacht lacquer. The wood can swell and rot, so you need to take care of it more carefully than metal or plastic.
How to protect the sonar from theft, if the stand is not removable?
Use special cables with electronic locks, running them through regular holes in the device body (if any) or using protective casings. Also an effective way is to remove only the head of the device (screen), leaving the mount on the boat, if the design allows.
Will the metal stand affect the sounder?
Metal elements in close proximity to the sensor (emitter) may cause interference or dead zones, but a screen stand above the waterline and away from the sensor does not usually affect the quality of the sonar signal.
What is the maximum weight of a standard stand?
Most high-quality metal stands are designed for loads up to 5-10 kg, which with a margin covers the weight of any civilian sonars and cartplotters. Plastic models can have a limit of 2-3 kg, which is worth considering when choosing.