Every avid fisherman knows that the success of fishing depends not only on luck, but also on the right equipment. PVC boat cage It's not just an accessory, it's a necessary piece of gear to keep the catch fresh and alive. Unlike metal boats, inflatable boats require a special approach to attaching additional equipment, because their sides and transoms have a soft structure.
A misfitted or installed cage can cause a balloon to puncture or lose all catch during a storm. Modern models are made of durable materials that are resistant to aggressive aquatic environments, and offer various ways of fixing. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to choose the perfect cage for your inflatable boat, what design features exist and how to avoid typical installation errors.
Many beginners underestimate the importance of hydrodynamics and the weight of extra equipment. Inflatable boat It's a lesser load capacity than a hard-hulled one, so every kilogram counts, and a good cage setup will not only keep the fish safe, but also keep the boat balanced, which is critical for water safety.
Design features of cages for inflatable boats
The main task of any cage is to ensure a constant flow of fresh water to the fish caught, preserving it in its natural habitat. PVC boats The product is usually a mesh cylinder or rectangle fixed to a rigid frame of reinforcement or plastic.
The frame plays a key role in keeping the shape of the product, and while metal boats often use simple suspension systems, flexibility of connections is important for inflatable models. Plastic arcs or flexible steel wire allows the cage to bend around the cylinder without creating excessive pressure points that could damage the material.
An important element is the lid opening, which must be opened with one hand so that the fisherman can quickly lower the trophy inside, even when in an unstable position, and the lid must have a reliable lock that prevents spontaneous opening during movement or in high winds.
⚠️ Attention: Never use cages with sharp metal elements of the frame without protective tips. With strong pitching, a sharp angle can easily pierce the PVC cylinder, which will lead to a water emergency.
The size of the grid cell also matters: a mesh that is too large can allow small fish to slip out, and a mesh that is too small can quickly get clogged with mud and silt, blocking oxygen, and a combined mesh or medium-sized material made of synthetic filaments that are not prone to rotting is considered the best option.
Types of fasteners: from transom to tether
The choice of how to attach the cage depends on the design of your boat and the fishing conditions. There are several basic types of installation, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages, and understanding these differences will help you make the right choice.
The most common option is transom-holdingThe garter is hung on special brackets or directly on the top edge of the transom, which is convenient because the fish is just behind the stern and does not interfere with movement on the cockpit, but when actively glides such a cage can create additional resistance to water.
The second popular option is to have a side mount using slings or carbines, and the sling is tied to the side. quince-pit And the good thing about this is that you can move the cage closer to the bow or the middle of the boat, changing the differential, but there's a risk that the net will frictize against the side when you're excited.
- 🎣 transom hook: It is worn on top of a transom, requires a flat upper edge.
- 🎣 Carbine slings: The universal method allows you to adjust the depth of immersion.
- 🎣 Hard bar: Removes the cage away from the side, excluding friction, but requires the installation of additional holders.
- 🎣 Built-in rings: Some boat models have special rings for fixing the cage in the aft.
One of the things that we should mention is the quick-removal mounts, which allow you to immediately unfasten the cage if you need to maneuver or pull the boat ashore without any extra gear. Fastex. And high-quality stainless steel carbines are a must here.
Manufacture materials: strength against weight
The durability of a cage depends on the materials it's made of, and in constant contact with water, sun and fish slime, cheap ones quickly become obsolete, so you should pay attention to the quality of the components when choosing.
The frame is most often made of fiberglass, plastic or stainless steel. Fiberglass It's ideal for PVC boats: it's lightweight, it doesn't rust, it has some flexibility. Metal frames are stronger, but heavier, and can oxidize if it's not a quality AISI 304 or 316 stainless steel.
The mesh is the second important element, and the traditional metal mesh is a thing of the past because of its weight and its ability to rust, and has been replaced by synthetic materials like capron thread, nylon, or special polymer mesh that don't absorb water, dry quickly, and don't damage fish scales.
| Frame material | Weight. | Corrosion resistance | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | Low. | High. | High. |
| Stainless steel | Highly | Very high. | Low. |
| Plastic (PVC/ABS) | Medium. | High. | Medium |
| Galvanized steel | Medium. | Low. | Low. |
Furniture such as rings, carbines and fasteners must also be made of corrosion-resistant materials. Brass elements can oxidize and stain hands, and cheap silumine often bursts in the cold or on impact. Plastic fixers It is only permissible in places that do not carry the main load.
After each fishing, be sure to wash the cage with fresh water and dry it. Residues of salt or river tin accelerate the destruction of synthetic fibers and cause corrosion of metal fittings.
Step-by-step instructions for installing the cage
The right fit ensures that the cage is safe and secure for your boat. The installation process does not require complex tools, but requires attention to detail. Follow the algorithm to avoid errors.
First, determine the optimal mounting location. For transom models, this is the top plane of the transom. Make sure that there are no sharp corners or elements that can rub the slings. transomMake sure that the yard does not interfere with their work.
If you're using a hook, you can put it on a trawler and tighten the screws. If you're slinging, you can run it through the dice or the handles, and it's important to spread the load evenly so that the cage doesn't sway to one side.
☑️ Checking the installation of the cage
Put the cage in the water and check its position. It should be in the water deep enough to make the fish feel comfortable, but it should not drag along the bottom in shallow water. Adjust the length of the slings or the position of the frame.
⚠️ Attention: When installing the cage, make sure that its lower part does not touch the lower unit motor or propeller. A rotating screw can instantly tear the net and damage the cage, as well as create a dangerous situation.
Lock all the loose ends of the slings. They should not hang around, or there is a risk of clinging to them with clothes or gear. screed Or special locks to remove the extra length, and check if the grid is twisted, because that reduces the usable volume.
Operation and care of the cage
For the cage to last and maintain its functional properties, it must be properly maintained, regular maintenance will prolong the life of the product and ensure the hygienic storage of the catch, neglect of simple rules can lead to rapid wear and tear.
After every fishing trip, especially in salt water, the cage must be thoroughly rinsed. Salt deposits crystallize and break the structure of the grid threads. If you've been fishing in a polluted pond, remove the remains of mud and silt with a soft brush.
Keep the cage should be straightened or neatly folded, but not crumpled in a tight lump. Synthetic materials They can break down if they're kept compressed for a long time under load, and it's best to keep them suspended in a dry room.
How do you get rid of the smell of fish?
If the cage has acquired a persistent unpleasant odor, soak it in a solution of water with citric acid or a special means to clean fishing gear for 30 minutes.
Periodically check the mounting and joints of the frame. Plastic can become brittle with ultraviolet light, and metal can become covered with microcracks. Timely replacement of the damaged element will prevent the loss of catch at the most inopportune time.
Security and Typical Errors
Using a cage on an inflatable boat imposes additional safety requirements. PVC He is afraid of punctures and cuts, so any contact with hard or sharp objects should be ruled out, and typical mistakes are often due to neglect of this rule.
One of the common mistakes is to overload the cage, and fishermen often forget that the weight of the catch in the water is less than in the air, but when you lift the boat to plane, the dynamic load increases, and an overcrowded cage can tear off the mounts or flip a light boat.
Another mistake is ignoring the weather, and in stormy weather, the cage creates additional resistance and can become an anchor that turns the boat sideways to the wave, and in such conditions, it is better to keep the cage inside the boat or even abandon its use using the kukan.
- 🚫 Do not leave the cage in the water in the parking lot unattended - the catch can be stolen or damaged by animals.
- 🚫 Do not use a cage to store heavy objects (anchors, tools), only for fish.
- 🚫 Avoid contact with the engine during the movement.
It's also important to consider fish behavior. Some predators, once in a cage, start to throw themselves around and can damage the net or even punch it with their teeth. For pike or pike, it's better to use cages with a strengthened neck and a stronger net.
The safety of the PVC boat is more important than the safety of the catch, and if you doubt the reliability of the mounting or the weather worsens, raise the cage on board.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a metal cage on a PVC boat?
Yes, but with caution, make sure that all the metal parts of the frame are not sharp edges and barbs, it is better if the metal frame will have a plastic or rubber coating in places of possible contact with the sides of the boat, also consider the greater weight of metal, which can affect the boat's differentiation.
What size of cages to choose for pike?
For pike, it is recommended to choose cages with a more frequent net or a special insert, since the pike has very sharp teeth and can chew on a regular capron thread. Also important is volume: the pike is active, it needs space, so the minimum volume should be from 40-50 liters.
How to fasten the cage if there is no space on the transom because of the motor?
In this case, the best solution would be to have a retractable mount on the side or use special inflatable platform holders that are attached to the sides of the boat, and you can also use a mount to the rift in the aft, pulling the cages aside with a strut.
Do I need to remove the cage when transporting the boat?
Yes, when transported by trailer or assembled, it is better to remove the cages, the prolonged tension of the attachments and vibrations when moving can damage both the cage itself and the attachment sites on the boat, and it will save space and protect the net from damage.