Buying an inflatable swimmer is just the beginning of the journey to perfect fishing or a comfortable water holiday, and most models are standard, even from well-known brands like the one that is not a good fit. Badger or FlagshipThe standard set includes only the boat itself, the seat banks, the oars, the pump and the refit, which in real conditions is clearly not enough.
Experienced water-engineers know: it is additional devices that turn an ordinary "inflatable inflatable boat" into a full-fledged fishing boat or a comfortable sloop. tuning It allows solving many problems: from the difficulties with moving the vessel along the shore to the lack of storage space for gear and sonar.
In this article, we will discuss in detail which PVC boat gears are really needed and which are just a waste of budget, you will learn about the nuances of installing transom wheels, choosing the right anchor and how to protect the vulnerable areas of the hull. The main secret of long service of PVC material is not in expensive additives, but in competent protection of the bottom and proper mooring. Let’s start with the most important thing: mobility.
transom wheels: the mobility of your boat
Moving a boat along the shore, especially with full load of equipment, engine and fuel, turns into a real torture without special equipment. fixture They are attached to the transom (stern part) and allow one person to easily roll the boat on sand, pebbles or grass, like a cart.
Structurally, they're a metal frame that presses against a transom, and removable or folding wheels. There are two main types of attachment: brackets welded to a transmolor, or universal clips that can be mounted on any model. When you choose, consider the diameter of the wheels: for sand and soft soil, you need wide doughnuts, and for hard surfaces, smaller sizes will suit.
⚠️ Attention: Never attempt to move a boat with wheels down on sharp stones or broken glass - this is a direct route to puncture the balloon or damage to the transance mount.
An important parameter is the load capacity and fabrication material. Aluminum structures are lighter, but steel is stronger and more durable. For heavy boats longer than 4 meters, it is recommended to use reinforced models with bearings in the hubs of wheels.
Wheel fitting doesn't require complicated tools if you've chosen a clamping model, but you just need to loosen the bolts, press the frame against the transom, tighten the mounts, but if you plan to remove and put the wheels off frequently, you'd better have fixed mounting locations so you don't waste time on the shore.
Protection of the body and bottom: prolong the life of PVC
The inflatable sides and bottom of the boat made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are very strong, but they are not all-powerful. Sharp stones, shells, snags and even dry grass can cause damage to the material. protector and quillson.
Treads on cylinders are tight rubber or PVC reinforced linings that are glued to the outside of the sides in places of greatest wear, usually installed in the bow, where most contact with the pier or shore occurs, and also timbers that protect the board from friction against the pier.
- 🛡️ kylson - longitudinal lining on the bottom, protecting against abrasion when pulled ashore.
- 🛡️ Layer-bar - a rubber rope around the perimeter, softening the blows on the pier.
- 🛡️ Train linings Protect the motor attachment from vibration and friction.
If your boat does not have a low pressure inflatable floor (LDP) with built-in protection, consider installing a removable protective mat that fits inside the cockpit and takes the full blow from dirt, sand and sharp objects.
Before gluing any protective elements be sure to degrease the surface of PVC with a special composition, otherwise the glue will not catch and the protection will fall off after a couple of trips.
Regular inspection of the protective elements allows you to notice the beginning of damage in time, if the tread begins to peel off, it must be immediately glued to the sand, otherwise it will be filled with sand, which will work as an abrasive, rubbing the main material of the cylinder.
Anchoring: reliability and safety
Lack of a reliable anchor on fishing is not just an inconvenience, it is a risk to life, especially when fishing on the current or in windy weather. For PVC boats, classic cast-iron cat anchors weighing 10-15 kg are often redundant and even dangerous when falling on board. The optimal solution is folding anchors-cats made of steel or lead cargo.
The weight of the anchor should be approximately 10% of the displacement of the boat with full load. For a standard two-seater boat, an anchor weighing 3-5 kg is usually sufficient. anchor-false The use of a chain between the anchor and the cable helps the anchor to lie down better and to engage.
| Type of soil | Recommended type of anchor | Weight (for boats up to 500 kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Sand, silt | Anchor-mushroom, Denforth | 3-4 kg |
| Grass, algae | Cat folding (4 paws) | 4-5 kg |
| Rocky bottom | A cat with a detachable load | 5-6 kg |
| Mixed soil | Plow, Halla. | 4-5 kg |
An important tool is an anchor knot or a rim bolt to attach the thala. You can't fasten the rope just around a duck on a boat, because if you pull a sharp jerk (for example, if the motor stalls on the current), the anchor can tear the duck or turn the boat over. You need to use burst inserts or special knots that hold a static load, but release when you snatch.
⚠️ Attention: Never tie the anchor cable to the bow of the boat across the cylinder! In a strong current, this can lead to the boat's capsizing. The cable must run strictly along the diametric axis.
Fishing comfort: fasteners and holders
Boat Fishing requires a lot of little things that need to be at hand. Spinnings, sonar, navigator, glass of water - all this requires competent placement. Chaotic scattered gear not only interfere with, but can cause a hook or breakage of expensive equipment.
The modern market offers many ready-made solutions: sonar tables, spinning holders, navigation mounting platforms, most of which are mounted on a tray or on special racks installed in sockets for cans. flat-tablewhich are attached between the sides by means of Velcro or belts.
- 🎣 Spinning holders - there are vertical and inclined, with a coil lock.
- 📟 Echo-sound brackets Allows you to turn the screen in the right direction.
- 🔋 Hermashers. - required for storage of phone, keys and documents.
When installing rigid structures (metal tables, racks), it is important to monitor the support points. They should not press on one point of PVC material, creating a risk of puncture. Use wide gaskets of dense fabric or rubber under the bases of the attachments.
How to make a table yourself?
You can use a piece of moisture-resistant plywood that's lined with carpet, strap it across the sides, or strap it onto removable supports that are inserted into the nests of oars, and the key is to ensure stability and no sharp corners.
Personal comfort is also a must: the can seats that come with the kit are often tough and uncomfortable for hours of fishing, special soft linings or removable backrest seats significantly reduce the load on the spine.
Hangings and awnings
The weather on the water changes rapidly, and a sunstroke or sudden rainfall can ruin all fishing. The tent canopy is a device that creates shade and protects against precipitation. For PVC boats, the most convenient awnings on a frame of duraluminum tubes that are inserted into special pockets or attached to cylinders.
In addition to sun protection, the awning acts as a camouflage, fish are less afraid of the movements of the angler if he is in the shade, and there are transport awnings that completely cover the boat when transported by trailer or stored, protecting PVC from the ultrafilter, which is the main enemy of polyvinyl chloride.
In addition to the tents are often installed anchorage They allow you to bait at a given depth without interfering with rowing or motor control, and they require you to reinforce the transom or use special inserts in the cylinders.
☑️ Checking before season-bound
When choosing awning, pay attention to the quality of the seams and water-repellent properties of the fabric. Cheap models can quickly burn out and start leaking, turning into a sieve. A good awning lasts 5-7 seasons when stored properly.
Field repair and maintenance
Even the most reliable boat can get damaged, a sharp snag, a cut on a shell or a burn from a fire spark, and there are different situations, and having a quality remix is not just a recommendation, it's a necessity. The standard set includes glue, PVC patches and degreaser.
However, standard adhesives often have one significant drawback: they require time to dry and certain temperature conditions. For emergency repairs in the field (on water), it is better to have special quick-drying compounds or self-adhesive tapes that hold until you return to base.
The repair technology is simple, but it requires care: the damage site must be cleaned, degreased and dried, the patch must be 2-3 cm larger than the damaged area on all sides, the glue is applied in two layers: the first dries to "stick", the second presses with force.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use acetone-based adhesives or solvents for other materials to repair PVC boats, which can erode the structure of polyvinyl chloride and make the hole even bigger. Use only specialized PVC adhesive (polyurethane).
After repair, it is advisable not to load or pump the boat to maximum pressure during the day, so that the glue is finally polymerized. Regular inspection of the valves will also help to avoid unpleasant surprises. Sometimes it is not the hole that poisons the boat, but the valve itself, which just needs to be cleaned or tightened.
Quality repairs at home extend the life of the boat for years, but requires strict adherence to technology and the use of original materials.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What glue is best for repairing a PVC boat?
For professional repairs, two-component polyurethane adhesives are best suited (for example, Texacol, Wurth They create a flexible, water-resistant seam that can withstand extremes of temperature and load, and single-component adhesives are suitable for minor cosmetic repairs.
Do I have to completely lower the boat after fishing?
It doesn't have to be completely deflated, but it does. When heated in the sun, the air inside the cylinders expands, and the pressure can exceed the permissible limits, which will cause the seams to rupture. In cold weather, on the contrary, the pressure drops, and the boat may need to be pumped.
Can I use a car pump for a boat?
You can use a car compressor, but with great care and only up to the pressure of 0.8-1.0 atmosphere, after which you must pump with a foot or hand pump. Car pumps give a high flow and can quickly overheat or "pump" the cylinder, damaging the seams. In addition, they do not give accurate pressure control.
How to store a PVC boat in winter?
The boat should be thoroughly washed, dried and folded in a spacious bag, stored in a rolled-up form at room temperature, away from heating appliances and direct sunlight. It is not recommended to keep the boat in a strained state (on a call-up) in an unheated garage, as temperature changes and condensation can adversely affect glue seams.
What if the boat starts poisoning the air?
Pump the boat and soap it with soap. You'll see bubbles in the bullying area. If the valve is poisoning, try cleaning it or replacing the rubber seal. If the balloon is poisoning, find a puncture and seal it according to the instructions. If you can't find a place, leave the boat pumped for a few hours in a quiet place, listening to the hiss.