Every experienced fisherman or hunter, who spends a lot of time on the water, sooner or later faces the question of organizing useful space on the boat. Boat-garden It's a key piece of gear that not only stores gear, but also keeps the catch fresh while fishing, and a well-chosen model can turn a chaotic pile of things into a neat system that's available at any time without the risk of tipping over the vessel.
It's important to understand that there's no one-size-fits-all solution, because the bottom and sides are very different from one model to the other, and if you're using a PVC inflatable vessel, rigid designs can damage the cylinders, whereas metal kandaks are perfect, and in this article, we'll take a look at all the nuances of the choices so you can make an informed decision based on the specifications of your boat.
Design features and types of cages
The main difference lies in the material of the fabrication of the frame and the grid itself. Metal cagesstainless steel or duraluminium, have high rigidity and durability, but have a significant weight. For light inflatable boats, more often choose models with a frame of fiberglass or durable plastic, which are lighter and safer for the sides.
The net itself is also critical to the safety of the catch: Capron filaments are less prone to rotting, but can injure the delicate scales of fish when actively fluttering. Metal mesh It is more traumatic, but it provides better water circulation and does not absorb odors, which is critical for long-term fishing.
- 🔹 Frame models: They have a rigid frame, keep shape in water, but take up more space during transportation.
- 🔹 The sleeves are the ones that are not. They fold into a compact roll, ideal for storage in the trunk, but require a float to hold the shape.
- 🔹 Hybrid options: combine a hard throat for fastening and a soft mesh part.
⚠️ Warning: When choosing a metal frame cage, make sure all welds and sharp edges are carefully ground. Any barb can cause a PVC cylinder cut or hand injury during installation.
And the shape of the neck should be the same as the diameter of the hole in the deck or the way it's attached to the board, too narrow a throat would make it difficult to get a large fish out, and too wide a throat would be uncomfortable to attach to standard flanges.
Criteria for selection for PVC inflatable boats
Owners of boats made of polyvinyl chloride should take special care. Rigid elements The vibrating of the motor and rolling on the wave can turn even smooth plastic into an abrasive that wipes the body material.
The best solution is to attach to a transom or special liner tensioners without touching the sides. Often used soft cages-basket, which are lowered into the water through the bow or aft cone valve, if the design of the boat provides.
Pay attention to the quality of the fittings. Plastic latches become brittle in the cold, so for autumn fishing, it is better to choose models from the mainland. metal-carbine It's also important to have the length of the cord, so that the cage can be lowered to a depth where the water temperature is lower.
Use special protective linings made of porous rubber or dense fabric in the contact points of the attachments of the cage with the cylinders of the boat, this will prolong the life of your boat.
Comparison of materials: metal, plastic and capron
The choice of material directly affects the life of the accessory and its behavior in water. Stainless steel It's a standard of strength, but it's heavy and expensive. Aluminum alloys are lighter, but they tend to oxidize in salt water if they don't have a special anodized coating.
Plastic frames are becoming more popular because of their inertness to chemical reactions and their lightness. They don't rust or corrosive. But cheap plastic can crack when hit by ice or rocks in shallow water. A capron or nylon mesh is durable, but requires drying after every fishing, otherwise you get a nasty smell of mud.
| Frame material | Weight. | Durability | Safety for PVC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel | Highly | Very high. | Low (requires isolation) |
| aluminum | Medium. | High. | Medium |
| Fiberglass | Low. | High. | High. |
| PVC tube | Low. | Medium | Maximum |
When buying, carefully examine the joints. Composite models often use metal inserts inside plastic tubes to reinforce, and if the connection is leaky, water will enter and break the structure when it freezes.
Methods of fastening and installation on board
Installing a cage is a process that requires precision, and the most common method is attaching to a linear tensioner or a special bracket on a jar. Flange connection It is considered the most reliable, as it rigidly fixes the neck and prevents boltanka.
Fastex buckles are often used for installation, and it is important to tighten them so that the cage does not hang, but also does not deform the side of the boat. If you use the transom version, make sure that the fastening elements do not block access to the engine's lower unit or drain valve.
☑️ Pre-installing check
Some anglers prefer removable structures that can be quickly dismantled, using carbines or hooks. Quick-removal elements convenient, but create an additional risk point: with a sharp jerk of a large fish, the cage can unfasten and swim away with the trophy.
⚠️ Warning: Never attach the cage to elements that may shift when the boat rolls, which can cause the vessel to lose balance and tip over, especially if the cage is filled with water and fish.
Maintenance and care of the garden
After each fishing, the cages must be thoroughly washed with running water, mucus residues, scales and algae destroy the grid fibers, and if you have been fishing in salt water, washing is mandatory for metal parts to avoid corrosion.
Store the product in a straightened form or neatly folded, but not in a compressed state for a long time. Plastic and rubber have "memory", and permanent cracks can lead to cracks. Before winter storage, make sure that the cage is completely dry.
How do you get rid of the smell of mud?
Soak the net in a weak solution of vinegar or citric acid for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Don't use chlorine-containing products, they destroy the chapron.
Check the grid's attachment to the frame regularly, and this is where the most common gaps occur under the weight of the catch, and if you find small holes, you can close them with a capron thread or a special glue for PVC/tissue, depending on the material.
Top models and price categories
The market offers a wide range of solutions, from low-end Chinese products to professional accessories of famous brands, the budget segment is dominated by models with a plastic frame and a simple capron mesh, they are functional, but their lifespan rarely exceeds 2-3 seasons of active use.
The mid-range price segment is represented by products made of anodized aluminum and high-quality stainless steel. Here you can already count on reliable fittings and thoughtful ergonomics. Premium models often have additional options: removable floats, reinforced necks, protective screens from predators.
- 💰 The Economist: Simple nets on a plastic ring, the price is up to 1000 rubles.
- 💰💰 Medium: frame models with a metal throat, the price is 1500-3,000 rubles.
- 💰💰💰 Premium: telescopic systems, stainless steel, brand solutions, from 4000 rubles.
When choosing, you should not chase the maximum cheapness. Lost catch due to a broken net will cost more than the difference in price between the budget and the average model. The optimal choice for most anglers is stainless steel models with a capron net in the middle price range.
The main criterion of choice is not the price, but the compatibility of the type of fastening with your boat and the reliability of the mesh material.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a sea cage in fresh water?
Yes, you can. Salt water resistant materials (stainless steel, capron) are also very good for fresh water, but after seawater, you have to wash it so that the salt does not crystallize in the cells.
How much should the pike cage be?
For pike and other large predatory fish, a volume of at least 40-50 liters and a mesh length of 1.5 meters is recommended, which will allow the fish to straighten and reduce stress, as well as the risk of damage to the net with sharp teeth.
How to secure the cage if there are no special fasteners on the boat?
You can use universal belts with carabiners, throwing them over the side or liner cable, the main thing is to ensure reliable fixation so that the cage does not shift when the boat moves.
Why is the cage sinking or floating?
It depends on the design. The frame cages usually hold the shape themselves. The frameless cages require a float. If the cage sinks, check if the water is collected in the cavity of the frame or if the float has enough buoyancy.