Comfortable fishing on a modern inflatable boat is impossible without competent organization of the interior space. Table in the PVC boat It's becoming a central element of equipment, allowing expensive electronics and power supplies to be reliably fixed, and many anglers underestimate the importance of proper installation, which often causes the instruments to fall overboard or damage them while pitching.
The main task of this design is to ensure the stability of the sonar, GPS-navigator and battery in conditions of constant movement and humidity. Inflatable boards They create a soft and unstable base, so simply putting the appliances down or tying them to banks is inefficient, and a properly designed table takes over the vibration of the motor and protects the equipment from splashing.
In this article, we will discuss all aspects of creating and buying ready-made solutions. aluminum It's considered the standard for these designs and how to avoid the typical errors in installation, and the proper organization of the space under the dashboard significantly improves the efficiency of fishing.
Why do you need a separate table for equipment?
Using a separate platform for hosting sonar and battery It's also a safety-driven instrument panel that's mounted directly on a transom or a jar, and it's subjected to constant shocks and vibrations from the outboard motor, which can cause sensitive electronics to fail or disrupt contacts.
In addition, the placement of a heavy battery on weight or on the soft bottom of the boat violates the centering of the boat. Shifting of the centre of gravity It can have a negative impact on the performance of the PVC boat, especially when moving on a planing table, allowing you to lower the load below and fix it in the center of the diametric plane.
The important aspect is water protection. Electronics are afraid not only of the direct hit of the jet, but also of the constant humidity that accumulates at the bottom of the boat. The increased level of installation of the instruments on the table minimizes the risk of short circuits. It also frees up useful space in the cockpit for fishing gear.
- 🛡️ Reliable fixation of devices in any storm
- ⚖️ Proper weighting of the boat for better handling
- 💧 Protection of electronics from splashes and condensation
- 🎣 Freeing up a place for convenient fishing
⚠️ Warning: Never install a battery simply on the floor of the boat without fixing. When braking sharply or hitting a wave, an unfixed load can become a dangerous projectile.
Manufacture materials: aluminum, plastic or plywood
The choice of material for the frame of the table determines its durability and weight. aluminumIt's non-rusting, it's very durable, it's lightweight, and aluminum structures are easy to assemble and disassemble, which is convenient when you're transporting a boat in the trunk of a car.
Plastic cells are also widely used, especially in ready-made factory solutions. They are cheaper than aluminum, but can be less resistant to ultraviolet light and severe frosts. plastic It lasts for years and does not require painting or additional processing.
Plywood and wood are used less often because of their tendency to absorb moisture and rot. If you make a table yourself out of plywood, make sure to use moisture-resistant varieties and cover them with epoxy resin or varnish, but this table will be heavier and require more care.
Comparative specifications of materials will help to determine the choice:
| Materials | Weight. | Corrosion resistance | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum profile | Low. | High. | Medium/High |
| Marine plastic | Medium. | Very high. | Medium |
| Plywood (processed) | Highly | Medium (requires care) | Low. |
| Stainless steel | Very tall. | Maximum | High. |
Design features and attachment schemes
The design of the table should be adapted to the type of boat you have. float-bottom (BDB) often uses mounting systems that rely on cylinders or insert into pockets. For boats with a rigid floorboard bottom, more massive structures with a focus on the floor can be used.
The scoring of the sides is carried out with the help of special bracket It is important that the mounting points do not press the cylinders excessively, but also do not allow the table to move, often using soft inserts of neoprene or dense fabric in the contact of metal with PVC.
There are universal circuits where the table is attached to the banks, which is a simple option, but it limits the height of the appliances. More advanced systems have their own supports that rest on the bottom, making the structure independent of the seats.
Secrets of Sustainable Design
For maximum stability, use a triangular leg mounting circuit. The spacers between the legs greatly increase the stiffness of the entire frame, quenching the vibration from the motor. Don't skimp on diagonal connections.
When you build, pay attention to the quality of the fittings. Bolts and nuts must be made of stainless steel or have a zinc coating. Conventional ferrous metal will rust after the first season of active use.
Placement of sonar and navigation equipment
The sonar and GPS require not only mechanical attachment, but also proper positioning. The screen must be clearly visible to the steering wheel, but not glare in the sun. Often use rotary brackets that allow you to change the angle of view depending on the position of the sun.
For installation of devices on the table, standard VESA anchorages Or specialty brackets from electronics manufacturers, and it's important to make sure you can quickly remove your appliances if you're planning to keep them at home or take them to another boat.
The wires from the sensors must be carefully stacked and fixed. Hanging cables can catch on gear or clothing. cable or a spiral braid to protect the wires from mechanical damage and ultraphylet.
- 📺 Set the screen at a 90 degree angle to the sun for better readability
- 🔌 Leave a margin of cable length for easy connection
- 🛡️ Use protective visors from rain and sun
- 🔒 Provide a reliable lock or lock against theft
⚠️ Note: Do not install power cords in the vicinity of radio or GPS antenna wires to avoid interference.
Organization of the battery space
The battery is the heaviest element of the system, and its placement on the table should be as low as possible so as not to increase the center of gravity of the boat. battery-box They perform a double function: fix the battery and protect it from water and sparks.
The drawer should be securely attached to the tabletop or table frame. Often use buckle belts or metal brackets. It is important that the battery cannot move even when the boat is rolling strongly. It is useful to place silica gel bags inside the drawer to absorb moisture.
Use special terminal pads or fast connection connectors to connect the battery quickly to disconnect for charging, without unscrewing the nuts at the terminals each time, which reduces the risk of contact oxidation.
☑️ Checking of the AKB anchorage
The weight of the battery also affects the choice of material on the table itself. If you use a heavy lead-acid battery, make sure that the design can withstand a load of 15-20 kg with a margin of safety.
Protection from moisture and maintenance of the structure
Water is the main enemy of any structure on the boat, even if the table is made of aluminum, the joints and fasteners require attention. fixation And if necessary, pull them up, because vibrations can weaken them.
After each fishing, the structure should be washed with fresh water, especially if you have been fishing in salt water. Salt accelerates the corrosion of even stable alloys. It is better to dry the table in a disassembled or semi-disassembled form.
To protect the electronics on the table, use special covers that will save the appliances not only from rain, but also from dust and sand during transportation, and regular lubrication of the moving parts of the brackets with silicone grease will prolong their life.
Use WD-40 Specialist Silicone to treat metal parts of the table after washing, which will create a water-repellent film and prevent threaded joints from boiling.
Remember to check the condition of the soft elements, if they are in the construction (plates, belts), the fabric wears out over time and can break at the most inappropriate moment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make a table in a PVC boat myself from improvised materials?
Yes, you can. Many anglers use PVC water pipes or aluminum profile pipes, and the key is to ensure that the boat is securely attached to the sides so that the structure does not damage the cylinders with sharp edges.
What is the maximum weight of a standard table?
Factory models are usually designed for loads of up to 30-40 kg, which is enough for two appliances and a battery. Homemade designs must be calculated individually, taking into account the safety margin.
Do I need to take a table when transporting a boat in a cover?
In most cases, yes. The table takes up a lot of space and can damage the fabric of the boat when compressed in the case. It is recommended to dismantle the structure or use boats with increased trunk volume.
How to protect the sounder screen from glare on the table?
Use tilt-adjusted brackets, and special anti-glare films and visors, which are often bundled with expensive sonar models, also help.
Is the boat table suitable for an inflatable floor (BBB)?
Yes, but the structure should have wide supports or special mounts that distribute pressure to the soft bottom, so as not to damage the cylinders of the keel and inflatable floor.