Operation of a high-pressure inflatable vessel, or NDMAIt opens up new horizons for fishermen to take on a more serious wave and feel more confident in windy weather, but it is the rigidity of such a bottom that dictates special requirements for the installation of attachments, in particular, sonar. Unlike classic boats with plywood piola, you can not just hit the sensor in the bottom or use regular holes, because this will violate the tightness of the cylinders and the integrity of the structure.
The key element of installation becomes sonarThis is a sensing system that should not only fix, but also compensate for the constant vibration and shocks of the wave. Incorrectly selected fasteners can lead to the loss of expensive equipment or damage to the transom. In this article, we will discuss in detail the nuances of choosing, installing and operating sounder mounting systems on modern inflatable boats.
Features of fastening on the transom of NDND boats
The inflatable boat trawler is a complex structure where a wooden or composite plate is glued into the PVC fabric. This place is under tremendous stress, especially when moving against a wave. rods It requires an understanding of how the pressure is distributed at the point of contact, and too narrow fastener sponges can damage tissue or deform the wooden base, which in the long run will lead to depressurization.
It is important to consider that NDND boats have a more rigid bottom structure that transmits vibration to the transom stronger than soft solder boats. bracket It's not just a clamp, it's a damping system, and many anglers make the mistake of buying universal plastic holders designed for calm water that can't withstand the load at high speed or when they're excited.
⚠️ Warning: Never install a sharp metal edged rod directly on the cylinder fabric or in close proximity to the seams. Even minimal friction when rolling can wipe PVC, leading to the boat descending on the water.
There are several types of transoms, and each requires a different approach. stationaryAnd if you put it in an angle, you have a wider selection of rods. prairie (suspended), it is critically important not to disturb the balance of the boat, as a heavy metal bracket with a sonar can shift the center of gravity and worsen driving performance.
Manufacture materials: plastic, aluminum or stainless steel
The choice of material is the first step towards reliable operation. The market offers three main options, and each has its pros and cons in the context of use on inflatable vessels. Plastic (ABS or composite) is the cheapest and easiest option, but its strength often raises questions with prolonged use under the sun and in salt water.
Aluminum alloys, especially aircraft series, represent a “middle ground”; they are lightweight, do not rust (although they can oxidize), and have sufficient rigidity. Stainless steel It's the choice of perfectionists who are willing to put up with weight for absolute reliability, but on a PVC boat, every gram counts, and a heavy steel slug can become an unnecessary ballast.
- 🛡️ Plastic: Cheap, light, but afraid of ultraviolet light and strong impacts on ice or rocks.
- ⚖️ Aluminum: optimal weight-strength ratio, requires minimal maintenance, is not magnetized.
- 🏗️ Stainless steel: Maximum strength, high price, significant weight, ideal for aggressive environments.
And you also have to look at the quality of the rubber linings on the sponges of the rod, which are the ones that come in contact with the transom. Cheap rubber quickly dries up in the sun and starts to crumble, leaving traces and losing its shock-absorbing properties. EPDM Or silicone will last several seasons without losing elasticity.
When buying aluminum rods, check the quality of the anodizing. If the coating looks dull or uneven, such metal will quickly be coated with a white coating of oxides in salt water.
Construction of the clamping mechanism
The locking mechanism is the heart of any slug. For PVC NDND boats, screw clips are the most popular, which allow you to adjust the compression force. However, a simple screw pair can have backlashes. eccentric clamps, which allow you to quickly remove the sonar with one hand movement, which is convenient for frequent transportation.
The most important element is the vibration protection system. The sounder is a sensitive device, and constant shaking can lead to the separation of contacts or damage to the screen. A good rod has built-in rubber gaskets or spring elements that quench high-even vibrations. The lack of such protection is a direct road to electronics breakdown.
Some models have a rotary mechanism that allows you to change the angle of inclination of the sensor on the go, which is useful when you go from low depths to large depths or when you move against the flow, but it is worth remembering that the more moving parts, the higher the risk of backlashes over time.
⚠️ Attention: Regularly check the screw tightening on the clamp mechanism. Vibration has the property of unwinding threaded joints. Use a thread lock (anaerobic sealant) when assembled to avoid spontaneous weakening.
Special attention should be paid to the width of the sponge opening. The trunks of different boat manufacturers can have different thicknesses. Standard rods usually have a stroke of 20 to 60 mm, but for high-powered NDNDD boats with a reinforced transom, large-opening models, up to 80-90 mm, may be required.
☑️ Checking of the clamping mechanism
Comparison of popular models of strubcins
To make the choice easier, we have compiled a comparative table of the popular types of fasteners available on the market, based on practical experience in mid-band and southern regions.
| Parameter | Budget plastic | Aluminum composite | Professional stainless steel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight. | 150-200 | 300-400g | 600-800g |
| Resistance to UV | Low (cracking) | High. | Maximum |
| Price. | Low. | Medium | High. |
| Term of service | 1-2 seasons | 3-5 years | 10+ years |
When analyzing the table, it can be seen that aluminum composites They're good enough for most hobbyists, light enough not to overload the transom, strong enough to withstand an accidental impact, and plastic models are only eligible for life as a temporary solution or for very calm water.
Professional stainless steel models often have additional functionality, such as built-in mounts for additional sensors (temperature, speed) or the ability to install lateral takeaways, making them preferred by athletes and guides.
The Secret of Durability
If you've chosen aluminum strub, lubricate all moving parts with silicone lubrication once a season, which will prevent the aluminum from oxidizing and keep the mechanism running smoothly.
Installation and tuning of the sonar
The installation process starts with the choice of location. On NDND boats, the best place is to the right side of the transom (when viewed from the stern), since there is usually a motor crank, and the sensor will not interfere with the control. sonar bracket.
Set the screw on the transom, pre-supposed under the sponges pieces of soft tissue or special protective linings, if they are not provided by the design. Tighten the screws to the end, but without fanaticism - the transom tree should not flatten. After that, attach the sonar itself to the holder.
The next step is to calibrate the depth, put the sensor in the water and compare the sounder readings to the real depth measured by, for example, a lot.Settings → Sonar → Calibration) correct the displacement of the sensor relative to the water surface.
- 🔧 Check the reliability of the cable mounting. It should not dangle or RUB against the side.
- 🌊 Make sure the sensor is immersed in water deep enough not to capture air when rolling.
- 🔋 Lay the wire so that it does not interfere with landing and disembarkation from the boat.
⚠️ Warning: When installing on a boat with an electric motor, make sure that the metal part of the rod does not interfere with the operation of the magnetic compass or GPS antenna, if they are located nearby.
The final test is done on water, go out to clean water and see if the sonar is losing its bottom at speed, and if the signal loss is happening all the time, maybe the sensor is picking up the air bubbles. sensor Or change the angle of its inclination.
The right sounder to be mounted on the NDND is the balance between rigid fixation and vibration quenching. Don't skimp on the quality of the scab, as it protects expensive electronics.
Maintenance and care of anchorages
The aquatic environment, especially salty, is aggressive to all metals. After every fishing, especially in seawater, the scab must be washed with fresh water. The salt, as it dries, becomes cryalized and begins to corrode even anodized aluminum, let alone steel.
Once a month, you should do a preventive check, check the condition of the rubber seals, if they become rigid or cracked, they should be replaced, you can use car seals or a special rubber profile, sliced to the size.
It's better to keep the boat with the echo sounder removed, but you can keep the rod as long as it's not disturbing the packaging, but you can also remove it to take the strain off the transom tissue when you store it for a long time in folded form, which will prolong the life of both the boat and the fastener.
Lubrication of moving parts is a mandatory procedure. Use only water-resistant lubricants such as lithium or silicone. Graphite lubricants can stain clothing and equipment, and plant-based oils will quickly wash away with water.
How to remove the backlash in an old rod?
If the rod starts to hang, try putting the washers under the screws of the mounting or using Teflon tape on the thread. In extreme cases, you can gently press the spring mechanism with pliers, if the design allows.
Can I use a rod for the engine?
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. No, no. No, no. No, no. No, no. No, no. No, no. No, no. No, no. No, no. No, no. No. No, no. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No.
What if the screw is rusty?
Don't try to force the rusty screw out, you can break the head. Treat the connection with penetrating lubricant (e.g. WD-40), leave it for 15-20 minutes, then carefully try to unscrew it. If you don't, you'd better replace the entire knot.
Does the material of the strubbine affect the sounder readings?
The material itself does not affect the sonar, but if the strubbine vibrates, it creates noise on the screen, so it's about the rigidity of the structure and the presence of vibration suppressors, not the chemical composition of the metal.