Buying a 3.2-meter inflatable boat is often the starting point for an owner who quickly realizes that the standard equipment is not enough for a full fishing season or comfortable walks. The basic version usually includes only oars, seats and a pump, which limits the possibility of using in open water or in high winds. That is why competent tuning of PVC 320 boats is not just a whim, but a necessity for improving safety and convenience.
The upgrade process allows the vessel to be adapted to specific tasks, whether it is trolling, throwing or family vacation. The right accessories turn a simple inflatable bath into a functional tool that can withstand severe loads. In this article, we will discuss the key steps of the refinement, which can be performed independently without specialized equipment.
Strengthen driving performance and protect the bottom
The first thing that a 320 cm boat owner faces when going out on a full load is the insufficient hardness of the floor and the risk of damage to the cylinders on the rocky bottom or shell. Standard plywood or aluminum decking can bend, creating discomfort when standing. The solution is installation. stringer or an additional layer of floorboard, which significantly increases the torpedo of the boat.
To protect the bottom of the cylinders from abrasive effects and sharp objects, it is advisable to use special protective tapes, which are glued to the outside of the cylinders in the areas of greatest contact with water and bottom. protector They are made of the same PVC fabric as the boat itself, ensuring the monolithic structure and preservation of the elasticity of the material.
⚠️ Note: When self-adhesive protective elements, use only two-component polyurethane adhesive intended for PVC. The use of universal adhesives can lead to detachment of the protection at the most inappropriate time.
An important aspect is the installation timber This element not only protects the boat from impacts on the dock or on the side of another vessel, but also serves as the basis for attaching additional equipment, without a quality halter beam, operating the boat in difficult conditions becomes risky.
Protector sticker technology
For high-quality gluing of the surface, you need to degrease, hide with fine sandpaper and warm up with a hair dryer to 50-60 degrees before applying the glue.
Mobility: transom wheels and anchor system
One of the most useful improvements for boats of this class is the installation of transom wheels. The weight of the equipped boat 320 with an engine often exceeds 50 kg, and dragging it through sand or pebbles alone is almost impossible. transom-wheel It allows you to easily move the boat along the shore, fixing directly on the transom.
When choosing a wheel mechanism, you should pay attention to the material of the racks. Aluminum alloys are preferable to steel, since they are less susceptible to corrosion in salt water and have less weight. The design should provide quick-removal elements so as not to create unnecessary resistance when driving on water.
In parallel with the wheels, you need to think about the anchor system. For a boat with a length of 3.2 meters, a stationary anchor rump can be inconvenient. anchor-leaver It's a roller that's mounted on the nose, and it allows you to quickly eject and lift anchor without getting up.
- 🚣 Types of wheels: inflatable (best permeability) or cast (not penetrated).
- ⚓ Load capacity: The mechanism must withstand the weight of a boat with motor and gear.
- 🔧 Installation: requires drilling of the transom or the use of special fasteners on the timber.
Fisherman's comfort: seats and platforms
The regular seats, complete with the boat 320, are often simple plywood boards on slings that are inconvenient for long fishing. Tuning in this area aims to create an ergonomic space. steering-chair Aluminum racks turn the boat into a full-fledged fishing trawler.
The chairs are mounted on a platform that attaches to the cans or bottom, and it's important that the structure is rigid and not wobbly when rolling. Many anglers prefer combinations where the soft seat can be transformed or removed to increase the usable space.
Another element of comfort is tiller Or a backpack that's attached to a tray or a side, and it's packed with gear, a thermos, and personal items that you need to have on hand, and it frees up space in the cockpit, and it prevents little things from scattering around the bottom of the boat in abrupt maneuvers.
Use mesh-backed seats – they dry faster and do not accumulate water, unlike foam-up counterparts with dermatin upholstery.
Navigation and electronics on board
Modern fishing or a day on the water is unthinkable without navigational devices. sonar But just putting it down is not an option, because vibration and splashing can knock out the electronics.
The best solution is to make or buy a removable console, which is attached to the right or left cylinder and allows you to securely lock the screen of the device, the console can also serve as a shelf for a smartphone or radio station, and it is important to provide protection from direct sunlight for better screen readability.
The power of electronics requires special attention. Using a car battery in an inflatable boat is dangerous because of the risk of electrolyte overturning. AGM or GEL batterieswiring should be done in a corrugated tube and securely fixed with clamps to prevent overlap with the tiller.
| Dashboard. | Place of installation | Type of attachment | Current consumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| echoer | Centre/Nose | Removable console | Low. |
| GPS-navigator | Near the sonar | crone | Average |
| Radio station | Board/Console | Clips | High (on transmission) |
| LED tape | Perimeter. | Sticky base | Minimum |
⚠️ Attention: All electrical connections on board the boat must be made using adhesive-coated thermal shrinkage, and conventional insulation will quickly become unusable from moisture and ultraviolet light.
Organization of space and storage of gear
In a boat that is 320 cm long, every centimeter of space counts, and randomly scattered fishing rods and bait packets not only interfere with, but can damage PVC material. pockets and organizerswhich are glued or screwed to the inside of the cylinders.
A great solution for storing things that need to stay dry is sealants fixed to the bottom or sides, rigid plastic boxes that can serve as an extra seat are also popular, and the main thing is to securely fix any objects so that when the boat tips over, they do not drown along with the contents.
It's a good idea to have rods that have holders, or cups, that can be cut-in or overhead, and if you prefer to throw, you can have multiple locks on the sides, so you can free your hands to work with a lift or an anchor.
☑️ Organization of space
Safety and emergency equipment
Tuning is not only comfort, it's also safety. PVC 320 boats must have an emergency repair kit available at any time, not hidden deep in their backpack. Remnant It should include a piece of PVC fabric, glue, degreaser and knife.
It is also worth considering the installation. false-board Or additional inflatable elements that increase the height of the board, which is especially true when you're worried or if there are children or pets in the boat, and the high side prevents water from flooding into the cockpit.
Don't forget the lighting. Night fishing or returning at night requires a running light, can be mounted on a removable mast or mounted on the bow of a boat, and magnetic LED lights will be a great addition to the work inside the boat.
Safety on the water depends on the details: the presence of a working pump, remix and life jackets on each passenger is mandatory according to the rules of GIMS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install a motor with a power of more than 5 hp on a boat 320 after tuning?
Technically, it is possible to install, but it is dangerous. boats 320 cm are usually certified for engines up to 5-6 hp Increase power without strengthening the transom and changing the design can lead to the destruction of the boat on the planing. Exceeding the recommended engine power cancels the warranty and creates a risk to life.
Which glue is better to use to glue accessories to PVC?
Two-component polyurethane adhesives (such as Teknipol or similar) are best known for creating an elastic and water-resistant seam, and single-component adhesives can dry out over time under ultraviolet light and stress.
Do I need to register a tuning boat in GIMS?
Registration is required for all small vessels weighing more than 200 kg or with an engine power of more than 8 kW (about 10 hp). If your tuning has not increased the weight of the equipped boat with an engine to 200 kg and the engine is weaker than 10 hp, registration is not required, but the documents for the boat and the engine must be with you.
How often should the pressure in the cylinders be checked after the linings are installed?
The installation of additional elements (pockets, treads) does not affect the frequency of checks, but in summer, in hot weather, the pressure can increase, and you need to avoid rupture of the seams.