getting on the water is always an event that requires careful preparation, because the quality of equipment depends not only on the comfort, but also on the safety of the crew. boat-work They turn a simple boat into a full-fledged boat or a cozy fishing camp, and owners often forget that the hull and the motor are just the base, whereas the functionality is determined by the little things: from the way they moor to the ability to heat up in a storm.
The boating market offers thousands of solutions, and it's easy for a beginner to get confused about the range of anchor systems, navigation devices and comfort elements. What is really necessary for safe navigation on inland waterways, and what is considered a superfluous? PVC Or a metal boat.
It's important to understand that the equipment is directly dependent on the type of vessel and the purpose of its use. If a minimum is enough for fishing in a small lake, then the requirements of GIMS and common sense dictate the presence of a serious arsenal of rescue and technical equipment. Let's take a detailed look at how to assemble the perfect set.
Anchoring equipment and parking systems
One of the most critical systems is the anchor system, as it keeps the boat in place in strong wind or current. anchor It depends on the type of bottom: for silt, cat anchors are suitable, and for sandy soil, it is better to choose plow-shaped models. You should not skimp on this element, since losing a boat due to a weak anchor is a common problem.
The most important element of the system is anchor-line The chain is preferable because it, when it lies on the bottom, presses the top of the anchor, improving engagement, but for inflatable boats, the heavy chain can be redundant, so often use a combination of a short chain at the anchor and a long synthetic phala.
How to calculate the length of the anchor cable?
The length of the anchor cable should be at least 3-4 depths at the parking point. If you stand at a depth of 3 meters, then you need to overboard at least 10-12 meters of the cable to the angle of thrust was effective.
For ease of lifting cargo on board often installed anchor-winches On large boats, the winch can be electric, allowing the anchor to be lifted at the touch of a button without getting your hands dirty or risking damage to the side.
- ⚓ Anchor Hall or Danforth - classic for sandy and clay bottom
- ⚓ Admiralty anchor - a universal solution for mixed soil
- ⚓ Floating anchor – necessary for drifting during fishing
- ⚓ Anchor chain calibrated - provides the correct angle of attack of the paws
Navigation and electronics on board
Modern navigation has gone far beyond compasses and paper maps, although the latter are still a requirement of navigation rules. GPS-navigator Or a multifunction device (MFD) that combines a cartplotter and a sonar, and it allows you to see not only your location, but also the bottom relief under the keel.
Safety at night or in the fog is necessary running alarmThe lights must be properly positioned: white top light, onboard red and green, and aft white light. The boat's electrics require special attention to insulation, as water is an excellent conductor.
And you can't forget the connection. A cell phone in a sealer is good, but it's good. radiostation VHF ranges allow for contact with rescuers or other vessels up to 10-15 kilometers away, and in an emergency, this may be the only way to call for assistance.
Install a separate voltmeter on the instrument panel, and control the battery voltage will allow you to notice the discharge in time and avoid a situation where the engine will stop starting far from the shore.
Electronics are sensitive to voltage and moisture, all connections must be soldered and protected by thermal shrinkage, and the devices themselves are installed in dry handbags or on brackets that exclude direct spray.
Propulsion and control
The outboard motor is controlled through a tiller or remote system. steeringFor boats longer than 4 meters and with an engine power of more than 15 hp, switching to steering with a steering wheel is highly recommended, which reduces fatigue and increases maneuvering accuracy.
The key element of the control system is the steering cable. There are power-driven cables (such as the one used in the transmission system). SSChydraulic systems: hydraulics provide a gentler ride and no backlashes, which is especially important for high-powered motors.
| Type of system | Engine power | Difficulty of installation | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical cable | up to 115 hp | Low. | Budgetary |
| Rack cable. | up to 150 hp. | Medium | Medium |
| Hydraulic | 115 hp. | High. | High. |
The management system also applies gas-reverse For safety, it must have neutral locks so that the motor cannot start in gear, and regular lubrication of the car hinges and checking the cables for rust is a mandatory maintenance procedure.
⚠️ Note: When installing remote control, be sure to use The emergency switch (kill switch) It's a tape attached to the driver's life jacket, which will stop the engine if the driver falls overboard.
Comfort and arrangement of the cockpit
Long stay on the water requires the creation of conditions for rest. Tents. And the canopies are designed to protect against the scorching sun and sudden rain, and PVC boats are very popular for inflatable arcs that are easy to put in and don't injure the side in case of accidental impact.
The interior space of the cockpit is optimized using removable or stationary seat And the cans, and the modern seats have soft pillows and angle adjustments, which are critical for unloading the spine when you're fishing for a long time, and they also have good storage for things that are also leg support.
☑️ Arrangement of a comfortable boat
Sealed boxes are ideal for storing gear and personal items, they are not afraid of water and allow you to keep things dry even when you are excited, small organizers can be attached to the sides or under the banks.
Safety and life-saving appliances
Safety equipment is not just a formality for GIMS, but a real necessity. lifejackets The number of people on board should be alarms, and the falshfires and smoke bombs allow you to indicate your location in the dark or fog.
An important element is scoop Even if you have an automatic bilge pump, it's a matter of policy to have a bucket on your flounder, and the pumps can fail or clog, and you can manually scoop up the water quickly.
- 🛟 Lifeline with a line - for throwing overboard
- 🛟 First aid kit - waterproof, with topical drugs
- 🛟 Hold pump – electric or manual, for pumping water
- 🛟 Lifeline - at least 10 meters, in the bay
⚠️ Warning: The shelf life of pyrotechnics (falshfires, rockets) is limited. Check the dates on the hull annually before navigation begins and dispose of expired signals responsibly.
Transport and storage
Proper preparation of the boat for transportation on the trailer prolongs its life. Transportation racks (wheels) for PVC boats allow you to easily move a heavy cockpit on solid ground without a fiber that abrades the material of the cylinders.
The motor and boat need covers to store and transport, the fabric covers protect against dust and ultraviolet light, but must be breathable so that condensation does not form inside, leading to mold. Metal boats require protection against corrosion, especially in the areas of contact with the trailer.
A high-quality trailer with the correct padding or keel support is a guarantee that the boat will reach the water without punctures and damage to the transom.
When stored in winter, the boat should be blown away (if it is PVC) or turned upside down with the keel so that moisture and snow do not accumulate inside.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which anchor is better to choose for an inflatable boat up to 3.5 meters?
For boats of this size, the best choice is a folding cat anchor weighing 1.5-2 kg. It is compact, has no sharp angles that could damage cylinders, and holds well on most types of soil. Alternatively, you can use a cargo anchor (pancake) weighing 3-4 kg.
Do I need to register a outboard motor if it is less than 10 hp?
A small vessel (boat + engine) is subject to registration with GIMS if the weight of the curb vessel exceeds 200 kg or the engine power exceeds 8 kW (about 10.88 hp). Thus, the 9.9 hp engine formally requires registration if the total weight of the boat with the engine and equipment exceeds 200 kg. However, if the boat is light, then the bundle may not require registration.
How often should the fuel filter be changed on the outboard motor?
The fuel filter-sludge (separator) should be checked before each release for water and dirt. The paper filter element should be replaced once a season or every 100 hours, depending on the quality of the fuel. If you use biofuel or ethanol-blend gasoline, replacement should be increased.
Can I use a car battery for a outboard motor?
You can use a starter car battery, but with caution. They are not designed for long-term operation in conditions of vibration and inclination (electrolyte can leak if it is not AGM / GEL). For boats, traction batteries or special marine batteries with a reinforced hull and rollover protection are better suited.