Buying a PVC boat is only the first step to a full-fledged fishing, because without navigation equipment, the efficiency of finding fish decreases significantly. echoer and GPS-navigator They are a must-have for modern anglers, but placing them in the confined space of the inflatable board often becomes a headache. Simply putting the appliance on a jar or on the side is not an option: it is not safe, the screen shines, and the buttons are filled with water at the slightest wave.
The ideal solution for compact and medium-sized boats is becoming lyctrose It's a rigid structure that runs around the perimeter of the cylinders, and it's the one that's most often mounted on. sounding-tableUnlike transom mounts, lyctross installation does not require drilling cylinders and allows flexible change of position of the device depending on fishing tasks or lighting.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to choose a reliable fastener, which materials are better suited for marine conditions and how to properly fasten. holderYou'll learn about the nuances of installation on different types of boats and get answers to the questions that arise from 90% of owners of inflatable boats at the first upgrade.
Design features of fastening to lyctros
The lyctros is a rigid insert inside the balloon that defines the geometry of the bottom and the side of the boat, and it's this rigidity that makes it the perfect anchor point for attachments. fixationIt is important to consider the diameter of the lyctross itself, which can vary depending on the boat model and manufacturer. Standard solutions are often versatile, but specific models may require adapter.
The main advantage of lyctross is that it doesn't come into contact with water in a static position and it doesn't come in contact with splashes, which is critical for electronics. turretAnd if the transom already has sound sounder sensors and motors on it, the extra weight can disrupt the boat's differentiation, and the table on board solves this problem elegantly.
There are two main types of lyctross fixation: clamping systems and screw-adjusted clamping mechanisms. The former provide rigid fixation, but require precise diameter matching. The latter are more versatile and allow you to adjust the angle of inclination. tablet It is important that the inner surface of the clamping be equipped with a soft material, such as neoprene or rubber, so as not to damage the shell of the cylinder when vibrating.
⚠️ Warning: When tightening the screws of the lyctross mount, never use excessive force. Clasp can deform the balloon or damage the internal structure of the lyctross, which will lead to loss of tightness of the boat.
To ensure maximum reliability, many anglers use additional safety ropes or carbines, especially if fishing is planned at high speeds or in conditions of severe excitement, a simple precaution that will save expensive electronics from falling overboard if the main clamp is loosened.
Material choice: plastic, aluminum or stainless steel
Aggressive aquatic environment dictates its requirements for materials used in shipbuilding and accessories. Table. Or a bracket that is held in salt water or just in frequent contact with moisture, should have high corrosion resistance, the most budget option is a durable engineered plastic, but it can burn out in the sun and become brittle at low temperatures.
Aluminum alloys, especially anodic series aircraft, are a middle ground. They're lightweight, which is important for balancing a PVC boat, and they're quite durable. However, if you're planning to use a boat in salt water, you need to make sure that all the screws and fittings are also made of compatible materials, otherwise electrochemical corrosion will occur.
Stainless steel brand AISI 316 is considered a benchmark for marine applications. Steel products are almost eternal, but they are much heavier than aluminum counterparts. For a small inflatable boat, an extra 300-500 grams on board may seem insignificant, but when combined with other equipment, weight begins to play a role.
- 🛡️ Plastic: light, cheap, does not rust, but is afraid of ultraviolet light and shock loads.
- ⚙️ Aluminum: The optimal ratio of weight and strength, requires high-quality anodizing.
- 🌊 Stainless steel: Maximum durability, high weight, high price.
When choosing, you should also pay attention to the quality of the processing of the edges. Sharp burrs on metal can cut your hands when you install or, worse, damage. balloon All contact surfaces shall be smooth, round or covered with linings.
If you buy an aluminum table, treat the drilling sites (if you have to refine the design) with a special varnish for metal to prevent oxidation in places of violation of the protective layer.
Self-made table: step-by-step instructions
For many anglers, buying a ready-made solution is not an option, as industrial designs often do not take into account the individual specifications of the boat or have an exorbitant cost. A table yourself made of aluminum strip or profile is a popular and feasible task, and this allows you to create a design that perfectly replicates the curves of the side of your particular model.
First, you need to take precise measurements from the lyctross at the intended mounting site, you need to determine the diameter, the seat distance and the desired viewing angle of the screen, based on this data, you cut the base of the future table, and optimally use an aluminum strip 3-4 mm thick: it is quite rigid, but it is easy to bend and drill.
☑️ Table making tools
Fastening elements should be selected with a margin of safety. Bolts with a diameter of M6 or M8 will provide the necessary rigidity. It is important to use growers (spring washers), since vibration on water can unwind even a tightly tight nut in minutes. After assembly, the structure is recommended to paint or coat with an anti-corrosion compound.
The final step is to install a platform for the instrument, which can be a cut-out piece of plywood, lacquered, or a finished plastic panel, and the main thing is to make sure that the sonar itself can be quickly mounted so that it can be removed at the end of the fishing trip and taken home.
Comparison of anchorage models and their compatibility
The market offers many off-the-shelf solutions, from universal brackets to tailor-made systems for specific sonar brands. Understanding the differences will help you not overpay for unnecessary features or, conversely, not buy too weak design. Below is a comparison of the popular types of fasteners available on the market.
| Type of attachment | Materials | Compatibility | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universal clamp | Plastic/Aluminium | Any sounder with a V-shaped bracket | Low. |
| Specialized table | Stainless steel | Specific models (Garmin, Lowrance) | High. |
| Turning bracket | aluminum | Navigators and tablets up to 10” | Medium |
| Flexible goose neck | Steel in braiding | Light sonars and GPS | Low. |
The good thing about universal clamps is that they fit almost any device that has a standard paw attachment, but they often fail in ergonomics: the viewing angle can be limited, and the table itself can vibrate. Lowrance or GarminThey provide the perfect fit, but they tie you to the same brand.
Rolling mechanisms allow you to quickly change the orientation of the screen, which is convenient for navigation and finding fish. But they have a weakness: at high speed or strong shaking, they can start to walk, requiring constant adjustment. For calm fishing from the shore or in quiet water, this is a great option, but for high-speed trolling, you better choose rigid fixation.
The Secret to Sustainability
To increase the stability of homemade structures, use rubber gaskets between the metal and lyctross. This will not only protect the boat, but also extinguish the vibration, preventing the image from blurring on the sonar screen.
Ergonomics of placement and protection from external factors
Rightly chosen table It's not just a fastening, it's also a good positioning in the boat, and the sounder should be read with a single glance, without having to reach or bend, which is especially important when you're cutting a fish or maneuvering. The screen should not be glaring in the sun, so the ability to adjust the angle of inclination is critical.
Water and electronics are incompatible, even if your sonar is protected by standard. IPX7, constant splashes and possible immersion in chop can reduce its life, and the table should be placed so that the device is above the level of possible flooding waves, but still remains within reach of the angler's hands.
And you also need to think about protecting the wires, and the power cable and the sensor should not hang around or lie on the floor, where you can step on it or touch it with a paddle, and optimally put them along the side, fixing them with plastic clamps or special clips, and bring them directly to the sockets of the device on the table, which will make the cockpit neat and safe.
- ☀️ Antiglare: Place the screen perpendicular to the direction of the sun or use a visor.
- 💧 Moisture protection: Make sure that the cable connectors look down or are closed with rubber plugs.
- 🔌 Access: Leave a supply of cable for the possibility of removing the device without disconnecting from the network.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave the sonar in the direct sun in a closed boat in the summer. Even brief overheating can lead to detachment of the polarizing layer of the screen or failure of the battery.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I attach the sounder table just to Scotch or glue?
It's not recommended. PVC adhesives are unstable in extreme temperatures and prolonged contact with water. It's also very difficult to remove traces of glue later, and the risk of losing the device in water is too great. Use only mechanical attachments to the lyctross or transom.
Will the mount on the lyctross withstand a heavy 7-inch sonar?
Yes, if it's made of aluminum or steel and it's properly secured, and the liktros is one of the hardest parts of the boat, and the main thing is to spread the load and use wide clamping pads so that the balloon doesn't damage point by point.
How to protect contacts from oxidation on a homemade table?
Use only stainless fasteners. Lacquer or paint the aluminum parts. For electrical contacts, use a special lubricant for electrical contacts (for example, silicone-based), which displaces water and prevents corrosion.
Is there a universal mount for the tablet and sonar at the same time?
There are composite tables with two platforms or one large platform, but it is often more rational to make a separate mount for the tablet (for example, on a flexible leg) to be able to independently adjust the angle of view of the navigator and sonar.
The main criteria for choosing a table is not price, but the rigidity of the design and the quality of the materials. Cheap plastic can burst at the most inopportune moment, leaving you without navigation.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that the installation lyctross-bench It's an investment in the comfort and safety of your fishing, and if you have a properly designed or hand-made holder, you'll get rid of your nerves, you'll keep your appliance intact, you'll be able to focus on the fishing process, you'll be able to save on materials, you'll be able to use your equipment for years to come.