The issue of a swimmer's equipment often puzzles newcomers to buying an inflatable vessel. Many believe that one heavy load thrown overboard is enough to securely lock the vessel on the water. However, reality makes its own adjustments depending on wind conditions, bottom relief and dimensions of the boat itself. Security On the water begins with the correct selection of the anchor device.
For owners. PVC boats Complicating matters further, inflatable tubes are highly sailable and lightweight structures are susceptible to demolition even in low winds. Miscalculation can result in the loss of an expensive engine or the demolition of a vessel into dangerous areas. In this article, we will discuss how to determine the number and weight of anchors required for different operating conditions.
There's a golden rule of water motors: it's better to have a safety margin than to fight the elements, holding overboard. The number of anchors depends on whether you plan to fish alone or with the whole company, and the nature of the reservoir. For safe parking on the current or in strong winds, one anchor is often not enough, and installation on two anchors (in stretch) is required.
⚠️ Attention: Using an anchor that is too heavy for a lightweight inflatable boat can cause the transom to deform or the balloon to break when rolling. Always consider the maximum permissible load on the attachment elements.
Calculation of the weight of the anchor by the length and carrying capacity of the boat
The first thing to determine before buying is the mass of the anchor, and there is a common formula that says that the weight of the anchor should be about 10% of the carrying capacity of the boat. fly-boat This parameter is often adjusted in a smaller direction, so as not to overload the structure, but to increase the length of the anchor rope.
If you own a compact single-seater boat, you won’t need a bulky one. anchorAt the same time, larger three- to four-seater models, especially hard bottom models (HBBTs), require more serious retention forces, and it is important to understand the difference between static loading and dynamic jerking that occurs in choppy conditions.
Below is a table that will help you navigate the minimum weight of your anchor depending on the length of your boat's hull, and these are averaged for moderate wind and calm water conditions.
| Boat length (m) | Load capacity (kg) | Recommended weight of anchor (kg) | Typical anchor type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 200 | 1.0 - 1.5 | Mushroom/Foldable |
| 2.5 - 3.2 | 200 - 400 | 2.0 - 3.0 | Hall/Denforth anchor |
| 3.2 - 4.0 | 400 - 600 | 3.0 - 4.5 | Plow/Lapteva |
| 4.0 - 5.0 | 600 - 900 | 5.0 - 7.0 | Anchor of Matrosov |
It's worth noting that the bottom material also plays a role, and for slurry or sandy bottoms, wide-paw anchors are suitable, such as: anchorIf you plan to stand on rocky ground, it is better to use a load that just gets stuck in irregularities, for example, the classic one. fungus or coinage.
One or two: when you need to stretch
Many anglers ask themselves, why carry two anchors when you can do one? The answer lies in the physics of how wind and current affect the hull of a boat. Using one anchor, the boat turns its nose toward the current or the wind and begins to scour (walk side to side) along an arc of a radius equal to the length of a rope.
Such movements not only motion passengers, but can also lead to the overlap of the anchor rope around the motor or entanglement of gear. Stretching (for two anchors) allows you to rigidly fix the vessel at one point, eliminating lateral swing and turns.
The use of two anchors is especially important when trolling or in strong side winds, in which case one anchor descends from the nose, and the second from the stern or from the opposite side, pulling the ropes and stabilizing the position. PVC boats.
- 🌊 Strong current: One anchor may not withstand the load, and the boat will begin to poison (demolish), the second anchor serves as insurance.
- 🌬️ Alternating wind: If the wind changes direction frequently, the two anchors will prevent the boat from moving around the anchor point in a circular manner.
- 🎣 Spot fishing: When fishing on a specific feeding place ("point") stretching allows you to stay strictly above it.
⚠️ Attention: When anchored, make sure that anchor ropes do not cross under the boat, which can damage the cylinders with sharp metal edges when rolling.
Choosing the type of anchor for an inflatable boat
The range of anchors on the market is huge, but not all models are suitable for polyvinyl chloride boats. The main criteria for choosing are compact folded, no sharp protruding parts and sufficient size. hookability.
The most popular solution for small and medium boats is a folding anchor, often called a cat anchor, whose paws fold along the central spindle, making it easy to pack the device into a backpack or boat bag, which usually range in weight from 1.5 to 4 kg.
For more serious fishing conditions, where reliable ground hooking is required, type anchors are used. denforth or HallThey have excellent retention capacity on sand and silt, but they are more cumbersome and should be transported in a rigid tube or cover so as not to damage the fabric. PVC.
Why not use concrete blocks?
Concrete blocks (pyramids) are popular because of their cheapness, but they are extremely inconvenient to operate on a PVC boat. They are heavy, take up a lot of space and, most importantly, have no legs. On a hard bottom, such a block simply slides, without providing a reliable stop. In addition, the rough surface of the concrete can damage the cylinder when inactive loading.
The Importance of Proper Anchor Rope and Rope
Fishers often focus on the anchor itself, forgetting about the rope, which is a critical mistake. It's the rope that takes the main load and provides the angle of attack of the anchor on the ground. The use of a thin line or cord is unacceptable, they cut their hands and do not have the necessary elasticity.
The best solution is to use nylon These materials have the ability to stretch under load, which allows you to extinguish the jerks of the boat on the wave, the length of the rope should be at least 3-4 times the depth in the parking lot.
The diameter of the rope is also important. A cord that is too thin will cut your hands when you sample the anchor, and a cord that is too thick will take up space and get confused. 6-8 mm.
- 🧶 Floating: Better to choose ropes that do not sink, or combine a synthetic phala with a chain, a sinking galanet can confuse the engine screw.
- 🔗 Chain insert: Between the anchor and the rope, it is recommended to insert a piece of chain (0.5-1 meters) that presses the spindle of the anchor to the bottom, improving engagement, and protects the rope from rubbing against stones.
- 🪢 Fixing: At the end of the rope, there must be a loop to attach to the ditch on the boat. The knot must be reliable, but easily untied with one hand.
Always mark your anchor ropes with bright tags or buoys. If you have to cut the rope because of a hook on a snag, you can easily find the place of loss and try to reach the anchor later.
Features of anchoring on the current and wind
Operating an inflatable boat in current conditions requires a special approach, and the flow of water acts on the underwater part of the hull and the anchor rope, creating considerable tension. anchorage It takes a back seat, giving way to its shape and ability to burrow into the ground.
In high winds, the PVC boat behaves like a sail. Even a small squall can turn a light vessel sideways to the wave, which can turn over or pour water overboard. In windy weather, it is recommended to use an anchor with a weight reserve and be sure to stand up with your nose against the wind.
If you're fishing on a fast-flowing river, you might not need one anchor for a small boat, and the water will wash the ground from under your paws, and the anchor will start to crawl, and in these cases, experienced water-engineers use the anchor-cargo method, where you attach an extra load (stone or sandbag) to the main anchor on a separate branch.
☑️ Pre-entry checks
Safe anchoring and sampling technique
The process of anchoring seems simple only at first glance. The wrong sequence of actions can lead to the anchor not catching, or worse, the boat gets entangled in its own tightrope, first you need to beat the boat to the current or wind, and only then lower the anchor.
Never anchor from the stern on the move - this can cause the boat to tip over instantly, as the stern will abruptly go under water under the action of inertia. nose-on Once the anchor has touched the bottom, you need to slowly roll back, picking the rope slack until the anchor jams in the ground.
The anchor is sampled vertically above it, and you can't pull the rope horizontally, hoping to pull the anchor off by force, it's only going to drag it deeper, and when you get above the anchor, it's going to be raised vertically upwards, and if the anchor is dead, you use a detachment mechanism, or you rock the boat.
⚠️ Attention: When sampling an anchor, always keep the knife ready. If the boat gets stuck between the propeller and the engine running, the count will go for seconds. The knife should be sharp and fixed to the belt or in an accessible pocket.
The main principle of safe parking: the anchor rope should exit the water at an angle close to the horizontal, so that the force of thrust works to bury the legs, not to pull them out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a bunch of bricks or stones be used instead of an anchor?
You can use it, but it's not recommended as a primary remedy, because the bricks are smooth and don't hold well, and the sharp edges of the brick can damage the cylinders of the boat, and you'd better buy a low-cost factory cat anchor.
How long should the anchor rope be?
The rope should be at least 3 depths in the parking lot, and ideally 4-5 depths, which ensures the correct angle of attack of the anchor on the bottom. For most water bodies, a rope of 20-30 meters is enough.
Do I need to tie the anchor rope rigidly to the boat?
Absolutely not! The rope should be attached through a quick-release knot or carbine that can be released instantly with one hand. In case of an emergency (for example, a boat is dragged stranded or under a bridge), you should be able to immediately drop anchor.
What if the anchor is stuck dead?
Don't pull hard. Try to approach the anchor from different sides, changing the angle of thrust. If you have a second anchor, you can stand on it and try to pull the first one out. In extreme cases, use the thwart end (if you have one), or trim the rope, retaining the coordinates of the place.