Effective fishing using modern electronics requires not only the availability of high-quality equipment, but also its competent installation. A boat echoer table It is the foundation on which sonar stability, readability and durability of expensive equipment depend. Many anglers underestimate the importance of properly positioning the display, relying on temporary solutions or smartphone holders, which often leads to the loss of trophies due to poor visibility.
Incorrectly fixed device is subjected to constant vibrations, impacts on the side and moisture, which in the conditions of pitching can be fatal for electronics. Garmin, Lowrance or Humminbird No matter the brand, any device needs a hard fix, and in this article we will discuss in detail how to choose or manufacture the perfect seat for your navigator and sonar, ensuring comfort and safety on the water.
Selection criteria for installation and design type
The first step to building a reliable system is to determine the optimal place to fit, and the design of the boat, whether it's PVC or aluminum, dictates its own terms. Echo-rear bracket It should not block the view, interfere with the work with rods or restrict movement on the cockpit. Often the ideal place is a transom or inner wall of the side in the cockpit area, where the device is in the line of sight of the steering.
It is important to consider ergonomics: the angle of the screen should allow you to read information even in bright sunlight, but not create glare. If you plan to install on a rotary bracket, make sure that the mechanism has a reliable lock, otherwise the display will dangle on the go. For PVC boats, it is critically important to use detachable structures so that when blowing cylinders, rigid fastening elements are not damaged.
There are several basic types of designs, each of which has its own advantages:
- 🔹 Stationary indentation mounting - provides maximum reliability and protection, but requires drilling of the body.
- 🔹 Overhead brackets on suction cups are universal, but can be unstuck at high speed or in the cold.
- 🔹 Removable racks on flanges are a golden mean, allowing you to quickly dismantle electronics.
⚠️ Note: When choosing a location, avoid areas where splash or condensate moisture is concentrated. Even IPX7-protected devices are not designed to immersion in salt water under jet pressure.
Materials for manufacturing: from aluminum to composites
Selection of material sounder-table Aluminum alloys (such as AMG or dural) are the most popular because of their combination of lightness and strength, but they require high-quality anodic protection or painting, especially if used in salt water, where galvanic vapor can quickly break down metal.
AISI 316 stainless steel is a premium choice for those who value aesthetics and maximum durability. Such designs are almost eternal, but have a significant weight, which can be redundant for light inflatable boats. Plastic and composite materials (glass fiber) are also found in applications, especially in the manufacture of streamlined molds or protective casings.
Comparative table of materials will help to determine the choice:
| Materials | Weight. | Corrosion resistance | Difficulty processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum (AMG) | Low. | Tall (covered) | Medium |
| Stainless steel AISI 316 | Highly | Very high. | High. |
| Fiberglass | Medium. | Absolute. | Tall (requires shape) |
| Textolyte | Medium. | High. | Low. |
When working with metal, use only stainless fasteners. Conventional steel rusts in one season, leaving rusty streams on the sides of the boat and spoiling the appearance of the entire product.
Self-manufacturing: drawings and tools
Creation sounding-table This is a task that is available to any home craftsman with a minimum set of tools, and you need to start by taking the exact dimensions off your device, not only considering the dimensions of the case, but also the exit of the cables. Often, standard mounts are not suitable for non-standard viewing angles, so a personal approach is justified here.
You'll need metal scissors, a drill with a set of drills (including the perimeters for large holes), filets and possibly a pipe bend if you plan to have a complex rack shape. If you use a 2 to 3 mm thick sheet aluminum, you can bend it in the vise, preheating the flexion site with a gas burner to reduce the stress of the metal.
The manufacturing process can be divided into stages:
- 📐 Creating a life-size paper layout to test ergonomics.
- ✂️ Cutting blanks from the main material with permission for processing.
- 🔩 Drilling holes under fasteners and cable channels.
- 🎨 Finishing edges and painting.
⚠️ Note: When drilling aluminum, be sure to use a coolant (oil or emulsion), otherwise the drill will instantly "stick" and the edges of the hole will be torn and sharp.
Vibration control and electronic protection
Vibration is the main enemy of electronics on a boat. The internal combustion engine and the shocks of waves on the body create resonant frequencies that can lead to the separation of contacts, cracks in soldering or breakage of the display mounts. Depreciation A key element in the design sonar-barThe use of rubber gaskets between the metal and the appliance significantly prolongs the life of the device.
Silicone dampers or special anti-vibration bushings found in car stores are great for quenching high-frequency vibrations, and the use of spring elements in the rack design that work as springs to smooth out sharp jerks is also an effective method.
The main sources of vibration problems are:
- 🔊 Hard connection of metal rack with thin side of the boat without damper.
- 🔊 Long cables, hanging in the wind and pulling connectors.
- 🔊 Resonance of the shelf itself at certain engine speeds.
Use a large diameter heat shrink tube on the legs of the mount or wrap the base of the rack with a layer of car vibration insulator (noise) before installation.
Do not forget to fix the wires. The cable should be fixed with clamps every 15-20 cm to eliminate the effect of "whiplash". At the point of entry of the cable into the device, it is recommended to make a small loop that will compensate for the tension.
Instructions for installation and sealing of compounds
Installation of the finished sounding-bench The installation site must be cleaned of dirt, grease and oxides. If you drill the hull of a boat, especially metal, the edges of the hole must be treated with anti-corrosion composition and painted to prevent the development of a rust source.
For PVC boats, use special polyurethane-based sealants (e.g., 900 glue) that provide an elastic seam. For metal boats, polyurethane or silicone sealants labeled “marine use” (marine use) that are resistant to ultraviolet and salt water are suitable.
☑️ Checking before getting on the water
The sequence of actions during installation:
- Mark the mounting points using the template or the bracket itself.
- Drill the holes, observing perpendicularity.
- Apply a layer of sealant to the contact areas.
- Install the fastener using larger diameter washers to distribute the load.
- Remove the excess sealant immediately before it freezes.
Allow the sealant to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions (usually 24 hours) before first getting on the water.
Composite of multimedia complex
Modern fishing is rarely done with a single sonar. sonar-bench They also have GPS, radar, and even a mapping tablet, and they're designed to avoid wire confusion and make it easy to access all the functions, and they need to be designed so that they don't overlap and create blind spots.
The ideal solution is to create a single dashboard that has all the displays embedded in it, which gives the boat a professional look and protects the screens from mechanical damage, but this approach requires precise calculations and often tailor-made design of the shape of the panel for a specific boat.
Secrets of Cable Management
Use a corrugated tube or spiral braid to organize wires inside hollow racks, which is not only beautiful, but also protects the wires from rubbing against metal. Run cables with a margin of length (about 10-15 cm) in case you need to repair or replace the device.
Consider the angles of view of different devices. The navigator may require one angle of inclination and the sonar may require another, and using rotary bases for each device or the inclined plane of the table solves this problem. Garmin and Raymarine Often offer universal mounts that can be adapted to a common panel.
⚠️ Note: Do not place GPS antennas directly above metal surfaces or near powerful radiation sources (radio stations), this will cause loss of satellite signal.
Maintenance and preparation for winter storage
Even the best quality. sounding-table Salt water, dust and solar ultraviote do their job. Rinse the structure regularly with fresh water after each outing to wash off the salt plaque, which is a catalyst for corrosion. Check the mounting sites for weakening screws — vibration has the ability to unwind even well-tightened joints.
In winter, removable structural elements are recommended to be dismantled and stored in a dry room. If dismantling is not possible (stationary insertion), carefully preserve the metal parts with greases that prevent oxidation, and electronic blocks are better removed and taken home.
The planned services include:
- 🧼 Wash with fresh water with a soft detergent.
- 🔧 Check the tightening of all bolt joints.
- 🔍 Visual inspection for cracks in metal or plastic.
- 🛡️ Updating protective wax coating or paint.
Regular maintenance and proper preservation for the winter increase the service life of the table and electronics by 2-3 times, saving significant funds on repairs.
Remember, the reliability of your navigation system depends on small things. A rusty bolt or a rubbed wire can cause the loss of expensive equipment or even a water emergency. sounding-bench with full responsibility.
Can I use wooden elements for a sounder table?
You can use only special moisture-resistant wood (ticks, larch) or high-quality plywood with impregnation. However, wood requires constant care, varnishing and protection from rotting. For fishing, this is a less practical option compared to aluminum or plastic.
What is the best metal thickness to choose for a bracket?
The optimal thickness of the aluminum sheet is 2-3 mm. Less thickness can lead to deformation under the weight of the device and vibration, and a larger (more than 4 mm) will create excess weight and complexity when flexible at home.
How to protect the screen from the sun if there is no visor?
If you don't have a visor, you can use a polarizing screen film that's sold in electronics stores, and you can use a temporary visor made of dense black cardboard or plastic that's attached to Velcro straps.
Do I need to ground a metal table?
In the context of galvanic corrosion protection, yes, if the boat is metal, the table should be electrically connected to the boat hull so as not to create a galvanic pair. For PVC boats, this is less relevant, but it is important to ensure a connection to the "minus" of the onboard network, if the electronics instruction so requires.