Fishing from inflatable boats requires a special approach to the placement of navigation equipment. Table for sonar on a PVC boat It is not just a shelf, but a critical element of ergonomics, ensuring the safety of expensive electronics and the comfort of the fisherman during long-term races on the reservoir.
Unlike metal boats, where you can weld brackets, inflatable tubes and a trayboard dictate their own conditions of attachment. An improperly installed device can damage the board or, worse, drown on the first strike of a wave, which is why it is a matter of choosing or making a seat for yourself. sonar You should pay maximum attention before getting on the water.
In this article, we will analyze in detail the design features of the tables, compare factory solutions and do-it-yourself options, and also consider the nuances of protecting equipment from an aggressive environment.
Construction and material requirements
The main task of any stand is to ensure that the display and sensor are rigidly fixed, without vibrations and displacements. The inflatable boat is constantly in dynamics: it swings on the wave, vibrates from the engine and is subjected to shocks when moving. The design must withstand these loads without deformation.
The material is paramount. Most commonly, plywood, composites or aluminum are used. Plywood is available and easy to process, but requires high-quality impregnation. Aluminum is strong and durable, but can oxidize in salt water without anodizing.
An important aspect is constructionOverloading the bow or transom can disrupt the boat's differentiation, which will negatively affect driving performance and fuel consumption, so the desire for minimalism in the size of the table is justified.
- 🛡️ Moisture resistance: The material should not swell or rust from constant contact with water.
- ⚖️ Strength: The design must withstand the weight of the device plus the wind load.
- 🔧 Repairability: the ability to quickly replace fasteners in the field.
⚠️ Note: Using conventional plywood without careful waterproofing will lead to the material layering after 2-3 seasons of operation, which can cause the sonar to fall overboard.
Factory models against homemade ones
The market offers many off-the-shelf solutions from boat equipment manufacturers: factory tables are usually made of anodized aluminum or fiberglass, and their main advantage is the perfect fit for specific sonar models and the presence of regular holes for fasteners.
But the cost of these products is often high, and the versatility is poor, and if you're planning to change the sounder model in a couple of years, the new instrument might just not be the same as it was before, and there are homemade devices that are coming on the scene to make a personalized project.
Self-manufactured gives you complete freedom in size and configuration. You can integrate a battery shelf, a place to lay gear, or even combine a table with a seat bank. For beginners, this is a great opportunity to save money and get exactly what you need.
Let us compare the main specifications of both approaches:
| Characterization | Factory model | Homemade |
|---|---|---|
| Price. | High. | Low. |
| Materials | Aluminum, plastic | Plywood, composite |
| Adaptability | Under a specific model | Any configuration |
| Time of manufacture | Delivery 3-10 days | 1-2 days |
Selection of installation site for PVC boat
The location of the sonar determines the convenience of fishing. There are two main options: on a transom board or on a nose jar. Trambard placement is the most popular, because it allows you to keep the device in sight when you control the motor.
When fastening to a transom, it is important to consider the length of the engine's lower unit and the stroke of the humming wheel. The table should not interfere with the rotation of the engine or the addition of gas. In addition, vibrations from the motor are maximum, so high-quality cushioning is required.
Nasal placement (on the can) is preferable for trolling or when the angler is in the bow of the boat, which reduces the risk of splashes on the screen, but increases the length of wires going to the battery, which can lead to a voltage drop.
Viewing angle The screen must be read in all lights, including bright sun. Matt screens are less demanding, but glossy screens require the installation of a visor or the choice of a shady place.
⚠️ Warning: When installing on a transom, make sure the table does not block access to the drain hole of the boat, otherwise you will not be able to quickly remove water from the cockpit.
Technology of self-manufacturing
If you're going to make a table yourself, start by choosing the material. plywood thickness of 10-12 mm or sheet aluminum of the brand AMG 2-3 mm thick. Plywood is easier to process, aluminum is more durable.
The fabrication process begins with the creation of a template. Cut the outline of the future shelf out of cardboard, try it on the boat, check the ergonomics. Only after the mold is approved, proceed to the opening of the main material.
Wooden structures are required to impregnate olive oil or special yacht varnishes in several layers. The ends are the most vulnerable place, they must be soaked especially carefully. Aluminum parts should be cleaned and coated with anti-corrosion composition.
☑️ Checklist for table manufacture
The fasteners must be stainless steel. The normal ferrous metal will rust in one season, leaving ugly streams and weakening the structure. Use bolts with wide washers to spread the load on the soft material of the boat or plywood.
Mounting and fixing methods
There are several ways to fix a table on a boat, and the simplest way is to use rods, which don't require drilling cylinders or a transom board, but they can shift when you shake a lot.
A more reliable option is through bolts through a squirrel board, which ensures the structure is monolithic, but requires sealing of holes. For PVC boats, it is important not to damage the cylinders, so the bolt caps should be recessed or covered with plugs.
Also popular are removable structures that are installed on regular can mounting places, which allows you to quickly dismantle the equipment after fishing and remove the boat into the garage without taking up the space of protruding parts.
- 🔩 Strubbins: Quickly, without drilling, but less reliably.
- 🔨 Bolts through the transom: as rigid as possible, requires sealing.
- 🧩 Insert in the slots of the cans: convenient for storage, you need an accurate fit.
Use rubber pads between the table and the boat hull, which extinguish vibrations and prevent PVC from rubbing against the hard edges of the shelf.
Equipment protection and electrical wiring
Electronics don't like water and temperature changes, even if the sounder itself has protection. IPX7The wiring and back of the device are vulnerable, and the table should allow for the installation of a protective visor or cover.
Pay special attention to wiring. Cables should not hang with nozzles clinging to clothes or gear. Use corrugated tubes and cable channels to lay wires along the side or under the can.
To connect the power, you'd better use quick-removal connectors, so you can disconnect the device with the table in seconds, and all the contacts should be earned and covered with silicone lubrication to prevent oxidation.
It is critically important to leave the cable stock loop at the very entrance to the device so that when pitching a boat, the wire does not pull out of the connector.Check the insulation status regularly. Sunshine UV and salt water quickly destroy poor-quality insulation, which can lead to short circuit and battery failure.
How to extend the life of the battery?
Use a separate traction battery or Li-Iron-Phosphate (LiFePO4) unit to power the sonar. Do not connect the device directly to the engine starter battery without deep discharge protection, otherwise you risk being left without the ability to start the motor on water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a regular sonar table on a PVC boat?
It is not recommended to use a stationary table due to the large weight and lack of adaptation to the shape of the boat, it is better to use specialized lightweight aluminum structures or plywood that do not disturb the balance of the vessel.
How high is the table for comfortable viewing?
The optimal height is selected individually, but usually the screen should be at the eye level of the sitting angler or slightly lower, so as not to block the view of the water in front.
Do I need to take a sonar for the winter with a table?
The sonar and battery must be removed and stored warm. A table of aluminum can be left, if it does not interfere, but the wooden structure is better brought into the room, so that the temperature changes do not destroy the varnish and glue.
How to secure a table if there is no hard transom on the boat?
In this case, brackets are used that are attached to inflatable tubes through special platforms, or structures that rely on seat banks.
Properly made and installed table turns fishing from fighting equipment into a comfortable process, prolonging the life of your sonar and nerves.