Owning an inflatable boat is not just about getting out on the water, it's about finding a balance between ease of design and functionality. Every owner sooner or later is faced with the desire to improve their boat by adding useful little things or serious technical solutions. These are the additions that are affectionately referred to as "pvc boat approximations", and their role in modern fishing and tourism is difficult to overestimate.
The accessories market is now full of offerings ranging from simple mounts to sophisticated electronic navigation systems. However, chaotic cluttering of the deck can turn a comfortable vessel into an unstable, life-threatening raft. A competent approach to tuning allows not only to increase comfort levels, but also to significantly protect yourself and your passengers during a storm or an unforeseen situation on the water.
In this article, we will discuss which accessories are really necessary and which are just a waste of budget and useful space. You will learn about the nuances of mounting equipment on soft sides, the features of power supply in high humidity and how to turn a regular “basket” into a full-fledged fishing boat.
transom wheels and their attachment systems
One of the first and most sought-after watches for any inflatable boat is the transom wheels, and dragging the heavy motor and the boat itself through the sand or grass by hand is a thankless and physically costly task. A properly selected wheel system allows one person to easily move equipment weighing 50-70 kilograms along the uneven terrain of the coastline.
There are two main types of fastening: detachable Removable models are attached directly to the transom with bolts or clamps and removed before getting on the water, so as not to create unnecessary resistance and not interfere with the operation of the propeller. Stationary versions, although less common, can be integrated into the design of the boat, but require factory design.
When choosing wheels, you should pay attention to the diameter and material. For soft soil and sand, large diameter wheels (up to 300 mm) with an inflatable chamber that do not fail are ideal, and for hard surfaces and pebbles, cast polyurethane wheels of smaller diameter that cannot be pierced are better.
It is important to consider that the installation of the wheels requires a rigid transom. If your boat has a soft transom, the use of heavy wheels can lead to deformation of PVC and impaired sealing of the seams at the attachment site.
- 🛞 Diameter: The larger the diameter, the higher the passability on sand and high grass.
- ⚙️ Hub material: Stainless steel is preferable to aluminum for salt water.
- 🔩 Type of attachment: Bolt is more reliable but requires drilling; clamps are simpler but can backfire.
When installing removable wheels, always use rubber pads between the mount metal and PVC to avoid rubbing the material when vibrating.
Anchor systems and rod holders
An effective anchor system is key to successful fishing and safety. Just throwing an anchor overboard is not enough; you need to properly organize the anchor assembly to be able to quickly choose an anchor in high winds or currents. For PVC boats, it is critical to use cat or mushroom anchors that do not have sharp edges that can damage cylinders.
An integral part of this system is anchor-false The use of a chain between the anchor and a rope (gadrali) weighing about 1-2 kg helps the anchor to lie down better and extinguishes the thrusts of the boat on the wave. Special pockets on the bow of the boat or plastic containers attached to the stringers are used to store and quickly access the anchor.
The rod holders (downrigers) are the second most popular accessory, allowing the free hand of a fisherman when trolling or drifting. Inflatable boats, there are special models of holders that are attached to the lyctros (swaft beam) or to special areas glued to cylinders. It is important not to overload the sides, because this reduces the stability of the vessel.
⚠️ Warning: Never tie the anchor end directly to the boat without using a bursting element (weak insertion). When anchor is stuck, strong wind or current can overturn a lightweight PVC boat.
Modern holders are often equipped with an angle adjustment, which allows you to adapt the gear to specific fishing conditions. The rigidity of the attachment should be such that the rod does not fly out with a sharp jerk of the fish, but also does not break with vibration.
Electrification: batteries, chargers and wiring
Turning a boat into a comfortable space is impossible without electricity. Sonars, navigators, LED lighting and, of course, electric motors require a reliable power source. The basis of the system is a traction battery, which is fundamentally different from the starter car.
For boats PVC is most often used GEL or AGM They are sealed, they emit no harmful fumes (critical in the confined space of an inflated cylinder), and they are not afraid of deep discharge. Lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are becoming increasingly popular due to their light weight, but they require special protection boards (BMS) and chargers.
The organization of wiring in a PVC boat requires a special approach: all connections must be reliably protected from moisture, and the wires must be laid so as to eliminate the risk of damage by sharp objects or rubbing against the seams. The use of corrugated tubes and cable channels glued to the floorboards is the standard of quality installation.
Chargers must have a desulphation mode and work correctly with the type of battery you have, improper charging can knock out an expensive battery in one season, and installing a voltmeter in a prominent location to monitor the level of charge in real time.
| Type of AKB | Weight (roughly) | Duration of service (cycles) | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead-acid (WET) | Heavy (15+ kg) | 200-300 | Low. |
| AGM / GEL | Medium (12-14 kg) | 400-600 | Medium |
| LiFePO4 (Lithium) | Light (3-5 kg) | 2000+ | High. |
☑️ Electrical inspection
Navigation and sounders: selection and installation
Modern fishing is unthinkable without a sonar and GPS navigation, which not only allow you to find fish, but also to navigate safely in the waters, marking driftwood, depths and routes. For PVC boats, mobility and security of equipment are key.
Sound sounder sensors are a different story, and hard-trans boats have the sensor attached directly to the transom, and if the transom is soft or the boat is using an electric motor, they use it. floating-sensor It's important to keep the sensor upright when you're moving, so you don't have to break the signal at speed.
The mounting of the display (head) should provide quick access and good visibility, but at the same time allow you to quickly remove the device in case of rain or need to free up space. Rotary brackets with the ability to remove the “head” in one motion is the best choice for inflatable boats.
When choosing a model, you should pay attention to the screen diagonal and resolution. For small boats, 5-7 inch screens are optimal: they are already readable, but not yet occupy half a boat. Having a cartplotter makes it much easier to navigate unfamiliar bodies of water.
- 📡 Frequency: 83/200 kHz for classics, CHIRP for detail.
- 💡 Backlight: It is important for night fishing, so as not to blind your eyes.
- 🌊 Moisture protection: At least IPX7, better than IPX8 for complete certainty.
How to extend the life of a sonar sensor?
When storing a boat in the cold season, be sure to remove the sonar sensor and keep it warm. Rubber seals and plastic elements in the cold bluff and can crack on the first impact on ice or stone the following season.
Comfort: seats, tables and awnings
Long-term water stays require comfortable spaces. Standard inflatable seats (banks) are good for short runs, but full fishing requires more ergonomic solutions. Folding chairs on rotary platforms (platform sliders) allow you to change the position of the body and not to leak your back.
A tent or sun visor is a lifeline on a hot summer day. Direct sunlight quickly leads to heat stroke, and reflection from water increases the impact of ultraviolet light. Oxford's lightweight frame awnings are reliably protective against the sun and sudden rain, without greatly weighting the structure.
Space management often uses soft refrigerator bags that serve as seats at the same time, or special plastic boxes that are attached between cylinders, which are convenient for storing gear, food and personal belongings, protecting them from splashes.
It is important to remember the centering. Heavy comfort elements (for example, a large tent with a frame or a massive box) should be installed taking into account the center of gravity of the boat, so as not to disturb its driving performance and stability.
⚠️ Attention: When installing an awning, monitor the height of the structure. When folded or when passing under low bridges and tree branches, a high awning can play the role of a sail or lead to a tipping over.
Safety and emergency equipment
For safety, prodigals are not just a formality, but a necessity: in addition to the mandatory life jackets, the arsenal must include visual alarms (false fires, smoke bombs) and an audible signal (horn, whistle or electric siren).
For inflatable boats, critically important kitIt's not just in a bag, it's properly organized, glue, PVC patches, scissors and degreaser should be in a sealed bag and be in an easily accessible place, and it's also useful to have a pump that runs on the boat's battery in case of emergency pumping of cylinders.
The lifeline (the end of Alexandrov) should be fixed on the boat so that it can be quickly thrown overboard by a fallen person. The loop at the end of the line allows even the not strongest crew member to throw it.
You can also use a bright LED flashlight or spotlight on the boat, and in poor visibility, fog or night, you have to be seen by other boats to avoid collision, a requirement of navigational regulations that small boat owners often forget.
Safety on the water consists of small things: a serviceable remix, a working pump and a bright alarm can save lives in a critical situation.
Additional gadgets and useful little things
The world of PVC boat accessories is expanding, with useful trivia including waterproof smartphone holders, special belts for carrying the boat (to avoid dragging it), and even battery-powered mini-pressure washes to clean the boat from silt right on the shore.
Small things mounted on board allow you to carry a passage, a knife, spare hooks and a fishing line. Magnetic tool holders are another simple but effective solution to prevent metal objects from being lost overboard.
For lovers of night fishing or multi-day hikes, the Power Bank of large capacity with fast charging function becomes an indispensable gadget, which will keep the gadgets working even if you can not charge from the network for several days.
When choosing accessories, always weigh their need against weight. An overloaded boat is worse at planing, consumes more fuel and becomes less maneuverable. Each "wanderer" should have a clear functional purpose.
- 🔦 Lantern: A red headlight preserves night vision.
- 🔪 Knife: Stringorez (knife for cutting the legs) should be on the belt of the motorist.
- 🧴 Gone: A spray to protect PVC from ultraviolet light will prolong the life of the boat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a car battery in a PVC boat?
You can use a car starter battery, but with caution, and it's not designed for the deep discharge that often happens when an electric motor is running or when a sonar is running for a long time, and it can release acid vapors, which is dangerous in a confined space, and it's better to use specialized traction batteries like AGM or GEL.
How often should I glue the boat after installing new accessories?
If the installation is done correctly, using high-quality adhesives (two-component polyurethane) and following the technology (degreasing, temperature), then re-adhesives are not required for years. However, after installing any heavy elements (brackets, platforms) after 24-48 hours, it is recommended to conduct a visual inspection and check for detachment of the edges.
What is the maximum weight you can place on a PVC boat?
The maximum load capacity is indicated on the product passport and on the plate on board. However, for comfortable and safe operation, it is recommended to load the boat no more than 70-80% of the rated carrying capacity.
Do I need to take off electronics for the winter?
Sound sounders, navigators, and especially batteries, need to be stored in a warm, dry room at room temperature, plastic becomes brittle in the cold, and batteries can irreversibly lose capacity or freeze.