Fishing or hunting from the water requires not only good technique, but also the ability to remain unnoticed. A scrub for a boat It is an indispensable element of equipment that allows you to hide the silhouette of the fisherman and his movements from careful fish or game. Unlike coastal camouflage, a floating shelter must be not only visually invisible, but also have a specific design that is resistant to wind and splashes.
The modern market offers many ready-made solutions, but many fishermen prefer to make them. camouflage It allows you to perfectly adapt the design to a particular model of the boat, whether it's a boat. PVC Or a metallic Kazanka, and properly designed camouflage and a well-fitting frame can turn a normal walk into a successful hunt.
In this article, we will discuss all aspects of creating an effective shelter on the water, you will learn about the types of frames, the choice of fabrics with effect. 3D camouflage And the nuances that distinguish professional scrubbing from amateur crafts, and understanding these principles will help you create a shelter that actually works in the field.
Design features and types of frames
The basis of any quality shelter is a reliable framework, which determines the sailing structure, the speed of installation and the overall stability on the water, most often for floating scrubs use arcs of fiberglass or aluminum, because these materials do not rust and have sufficient elasticity. Arched frame It is considered the most versatile, providing a good view and sufficient interior space.
For inflatable boats, it is critical that the frame attachment points do not damage the cylinders. pole-arc Metal boats allow for more rigid structures, including welded frames that are attached to the sides, but even then the weight of the structure must remain minimal so as not to disturb the stability of the vessel.
Some models use telescopic fishing rods or ski poles as temporary racks, a solution popular with tourists, but less reliable in high winds. Fixed frame From duraluminium tubes with a diameter of 10-12 mm provides better wind resistance.
⚠️ Warning: When installing the frame on an inflatable boat, make sure that the sharp edges of the metal elements do not come into contact with PVC. Use soft pads or insulation at the points of contact.
The choice of frame type also depends on the fishing season, with a lightweight design for summer fishing, whereas autumn hunting requires a more massive skeleton that can withstand the weight of dense, windproof fabric.
Material choice: fabric and camouflage coloring
The second key component is the coating material, and it depends on how efficiently you do it. scruffy It's going to keep you out of the fish and birds. Traditional fabrics like Oxford or Taffet with polyurethane coatings hold water very well, but they can make noise when you touch them. For silent hunting, you'll want to choose pile-surfaced materials or specialized ones. membrane.
The colors should be appropriate for the season and the terrain, in spring, salad and yellow tones that mimic young vegetation are relevant, in summer and autumn, dark green, brown and marsh shades dominate. Reed camouflage Or Rogoz, which fits perfectly into the landscape of overgrown bodies of water, and modern technology allows you to create fabrics with spraying that mimics bulky foliage.
The important parameter is the density of the fabric. Too light material will inflate with the wind, creating a sailing effect and rocking the boat. The optimal density is 150-220 g / m2. It must also have water-repellent properties, so as not to absorb moisture and not increase the weight of the equipment. The use of fabric coated with "Anti-UV" will prolong the service life of the screed, preventing the pattern from burning out under direct sunlight.
- 🌿 Leave netting: Light, well blown, but worse protects from wind and rain.
- 💧 Membrane textiles: Quiet, water repellent, perfectly keeps the shape, but more expensive in production.
- 🛡️ Oxford with PVC: Maximum strength and water resistance, but can make noise in the wind.
When you choose a color, consider that fish see the world differently than humans, they're sensitive to contrasts and movement, so the fabric's job is not just to be green, but to break the silhouette of a person, making it indistinguishable against a coastline or a ripple.
Step-by-step instructions for sewing a cover
Making a case yourself saves you money and you get something that's perfect for your job. It starts with measuring the frame you're wearing on the boat, measuring the height at the highest point, the width at the base, and the length at the arcs, and then you build a pattern from that.
The fabric is cut with the sutures (usually 1.5-2 cm). If you use loose fabric, the edges are better immediately scorched or treated with an overlock. The main seams are made with a double stitch for strength. kaliska Or a puff system to tightly wrap the sides of the boat and eliminate sailing.
☑️ Checklist before opening the fabric
To ensure the view and shooting in the front of the case, windows are cut out, the edges are treated with tight braiding, and the holes themselves are equipped with valves on Velcro or lightning, this allows you to quickly open and close the view, remaining hidden, and it is also recommended to provide ventilation holes in the upper part so that condensation does not accumulate inside.
⚠️ Warning: When burning holes for luvers or windows, use a hot knife or soldering iron carefully so as not to burn the camouflage pattern around the hole.
The final step is to install the fittings: Luvers for attachment to the frame, zippers for entry and Velcro for fixing the valves must be of high quality; plastic fittings are preferable to metal ones, since they are not susceptible to corrosion in salt water.
Comparison of Skream Models for Other Boat Types
There is no universal solution, so it is important to understand the differences in requirements for different craft. Inflatable boats They require lightweight and soft designs that don't damage cylinders when installed. Metal boats allow for heavier and tougher materials, but that raises the question of sailing and wind stability.
Below is a comparative table of the specifications of scrubbers for different types of boats, which will help determine the choice of materials and design.
| Parameter | Inflatable boat (PVC) | Metal boat | Plastic boat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight of the frame | Minimum (glass-plastic) | Medium (aluminum) | Medium (aluminum) |
| Type of attachment | Nests or trench | Airside stops | Stressing the sides |
| tissue | Light, silent. | Tight, windproof. | Universal. |
| Sailing | Critical (risk of tipping) | Moderate. | Moderate. |
| Complexity of installation | High (needs care) | Low. | Medium |
| Cost | Medium | Low/Medium | Medium |
For catamaran And in two-hull boats, scrubs are often modular, covering only the aft or the center platform, which reduces wind load and makes it easier to control oars or the engine. Owners of small flatboats should pay attention to low profiles of shelters that do not shift the center of gravity.
The main principle of choice is the balance between camouflage and safety: scrupulousness should not make the boat unstable on the water.
Installation and camouflage on a reservoir
The correct installation of the screeching on the water is an art that requires practice. First, you need to securely fix the frame, or in the wind, the additional load can be anchors attached to the sides, the fabric is stretched so that there are no sagging that can slam in the wind, giving you your presence.
Additional camouflage is achieved by weaving a cover of natural vegetation into the net, and reeds, horns or shrubs, ripped directly from the fishing site, make the shelter part of the landscape. Natural disguise It works better than any artificial one, since it has a natural color and structure for the given area.
It's also important to disguise the boat itself. Skripal boards can shine in the sun or create a contrasting strip on the water. Use special covers on the board or just sketch a little grass on top. Movement inside the scrub should be smooth and minimal.
Use matte sprays to handle shiny pieces of gear inside the scrub so that the glare from the tackle doesn't catch the fish's attention.
When you set up, keep the sun in mind, and the scrubber should not only protect you from the fish's gaze, but also allow you to see in the shade while the object is in the light, which gives you a tactical advantage when aiming.
Care, storage and repair of equipment
After the season of scrubbing requires careful care, the fabric must be cleaned of dirt, sludge and salt, and it is enough to wash it with warm water with a soft soap solution and a soft brush. Aggressive chemicals can damage the water-repellent impregnation and destroy it. camplace.
The cover should be dried in the shade, straight sunlight when drying can cause uneven burnout of the fabric, the frame also wiped and lubricated with silicone grease mobile compounds, if any, stored in a dry place, in a case protected from rodents who like to chew synthetic fabrics.
Small repairs can be done on your own, punctures in the fabric are sealed with special patches for PVC or awnings, or sewn with a capron thread and then glued. Broken arcs of the fiberglass frame can be temporarily repaired using an aluminum tire and insulating tape, but for full operation it is better to replace the element.
⚠️ Warning: Never pack wet scrubs for long-term storage, guaranteed to produce mold and an unpleasant odor that is almost impossible to remove.
Regular inspection of joints and fittings before each season will avoid unpleasant surprises on the water. Pay special attention to the places where the luvers attach, where the fabric experiences maximum tension and can break.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you use a squirrel in a strong wind?
It is highly discouraged to use screeching in high winds (over 10-12 m/s), especially on inflatable boats. The design works like a sail, which can lead to a boat tipping over or demolition to dangerous areas. In windy weather, it is better to use low profiles or abandon camouflage in favor of safety.
Which fabric is better to choose for winter fishing?
For winter, ideal dense, windproof materials such as Oxford 300D They don't tan in the cold as much as cheap ones, and they keep the heat inside well if you use a heater, and it's important that the fabric doesn't absorb moisture, or it turns into ice.
Do I need to register the squirrels in GIMS?
The scrub itself is not a critically changing attachment or buoyancy, so it does not require separate registration, but if the design significantly changes the size or sailing of the boat, the inspector may ask questions, the main thing is that all the documents for the boat and the engine are available.
How do you make a screech noiseless?
For quietness, use a pile fabric (fleece, velour) or special silent membranes. Avoid using lightning - replace them with Velcro or tiers. Also lubricate all rubbing parts of the frame with silicone or wrap with tape.
How long does it take to install the squirrel?
The installation time depends on design and experience. Simple cape models are installed in 2-3 minutes. Arc frame models take 5-10 minutes. Training to collect and disassemble the screeches at home so that on the water, in cold or rush, you can do it quickly and confidently.