Buying an inflatable boat is just the first step to comfortable fishing, because the factory equipment rarely takes into account all the individual needs of the owner. Many models are equipped with basic plywood and simple slate, which, when actively used, quickly become unusable or simply do not provide the proper level of comfort, which is why competent tuning of PVC boats yourself becomes a necessity for those who value time on the water and safety.
The modern market offers many ready-made solutions, but their cost is often unnecessarily high, and the quality of materials leaves much to be desired. By creating equipment elements yourself, you get a unique opportunity to adapt the vessel to a specific fishing style, whether it is trolling, spinning from the shore or night fishing with a tent. In this article, we will analyze the key nodes of modernization, drawing on the experience of professional water engines and time-tested technologies.
Before you start purchasing materials, you need to clearly understand what tasks will solve your tuningThis could be reducing the weight of the structure, improving the performance of the vehicle, or creating additional storage spaces for gear, and it is important not to overload the cylinders with unnecessary equipment, while maintaining the buoyancy and stability of the vessel.
Reinforce and replace floorboard: plywood or aluminum?
Factory sleighs are often made from thin plywood that quickly absorbs moisture, swells and loses strength. Many anglers consider replacing plyol with more reliable materials as the first step in modernization. FSF a thickness of at least 9-12 mm covered with a non-slip coating or light corrugated aluminum.
When making new floorboards, it is critical to accurately remove the dimensions from the inflated cylinder, given the tension of the fabric. If you make the floorboards too large, they will be impossible to install, and too small will lead to cracks and floor instability.
⚠️ Warning: When drilling holes in metal floorboards, be sure to treat the edges with a corer and use metal-cooled drills to avoid burrs that can damage the inflatable floor of the boat.
To increase comfort and thermal insulation on top of the hard floor, many masters lay tourist mats EVA This not only creates a soft surface for the legs, but also protects the PVC fabric from abrasion by sand and dirt, prolonging the life of the product.
- 🛠️ Materials: Plywood FSF 12mm, aluminum sheet AMG, polyester sling.
- 📏 Tools: Electric jigsaw, grinder, roulette, marker.
- 🧪 Chemistry: Wood polish, PVC glue, degreaser.
The process of changing the floor requires precision and precision. Don't skimp on fasteners, because their reliability depends on your safety on the water. Properly assembled floor turns a soft inflatable boat into a full-fledged hard vessel with excellent handling.
Modernization of the transom: installation for an outboard motor
The trans board is the element that experiences maximum loads when driving, especially when installing a powerful outboard motor. Factory options are often made of multi-layer plywood, sheathed with leather, which over time leads to stratification and rotting. Strengthening the transom yourself is a priority for owners of motors from 5 hp.
The most effective way to upgrade is to install an additional metal frame or a complete replacement of the board with a single sheet of aluminum with internal stiffness ribs. motor or heavy petrol unit, the thickness of the transan must be strictly regulated by the manufacturer of the boat, usually 40-50 mm.
To protect against moisture, the ends of the transom should be thoroughly soaked with oliphide or special water-resistant compounds, and then pasted with strips of PVC fabric, which will prevent water from entering the material structure, which is especially important when operating in salt water or in frequent rains.
| Motor type | Recommended transnese thickness | Basic material | Max power (hp) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical. | 25-30 mm | Phanera FSF/Aluminum | 3-5 |
| Gasoline 2t | 40-50 mm | Plywood FSF (enhanced) | 10-15 |
| Petrol 4t | 50 mm | Aluminum/Composite | 20+ |
| trolling | 50 mm + struts | Metal frame | 30+ |
You can also put downrigger brackets on the transom, or fishing rod holders, which will free up space inside the cockpit and allow for more efficient use of the boat's useful area during fishing.
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Organization of space: runduks and fastenings
Comfortable fishing is impossible without order in the boat, so installing stationary or removable handuks is an important stage of tuning. Homemade boxes for storing gear, food and equipment are best made of plastic. HDPE Or moisture-resistant plywood, followed by carpet pasting, the main requirement is tightness and reliability of the attachment.
You can't attach the knobs and other equipment directly to the cylinders, because it will damage the fabric, all the elements must be mounted on floorboards or on a special line stretched along the side, and the fixation uses rump bolts that are screwed into the floor or special areas on the cylinders.
A great solution for storing small things will be the use of soft bags-organizers, fixed on the inside of the boards. They do not take up much space, are easy to remove for cleaning and allow you to keep at hand the most necessary items: passages, knife, spare hooks.
- 🎣 Holders: PVC pipe rod glasses.
- 🔦 Lights: LED tapes on 12V batteries.
- 🪣 Capacity: Plastic canisters with a cut top.
When planning equipment, consider the boat’s balance. Heavy items such as a battery or anchor box, it is better to place closer to the center of the diametric plane or on the stern, so as not to rust the bow of the boat.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use sharp screws or nails that can penetrate the cylinder to fasten equipment. All fasteners must have blunt ends or be reliably hidden under linings.
The idea for a canister runduk
Take a 10 to 20 litre plastic canister, cut the top, put a lid on the hinges of the plastic, put a foam inside to protect the gear, and it doesn't sink or rot.
Navigation and electronics: sonar and GPS installation
Modern fishing is unthinkable without a sonar and a navigator, so the question of their placement is acute. To install the sonar sensor on the transom can make a rotary bracket of stainless steel or durable plastic, which will allow you to lift the sensor when leaving in shallow water or when transporting.
The instrument screens are best mounted on removable racks that are fixed in glasses mounted on floorboards, which allows you to quickly remove expensive electronics after fishing and take them home, leaving the boat in the parking lot, wiring should be laid in corrugated tubes and fastened with clamps to prevent moisture and mechanical damage.
To power electronics, you need a reliable source of energy. GEL or AGM You should put it in a special sealed box with ventilation and the terminals out, which will protect the battery from splashes and prevent short circuit.
When installing equipment, remember that any drills in floorboards must be protected from corrosion, and the wires must have a margin of length for free movement when inflating and blowing the boat. Quality insulation of connections is the key to the long service of your navigation system.
Use silicone sealant to treat all the holes through which the wires pass, which will prevent water from flowing into the boat even in severe excitement.
Protection and comfort: awnings, anchor systems and leers
Protection from sun and rain is an important aspect of comfort, especially on multi-day trips. Oxford It's water-repellent, and it's easy to make patterns and it's mounted on arcs of fiberglass or aluminum tubes, and it's lightweight, it doesn't sail, it's quick to assemble.
The anchor system also needs to be reworked, so instead of anchoring in your legs, you can put a bracket or a rudder on the bow of the boat to anchor the boat quickly and just as quickly get the boat off anchor without getting tangled in the rope or rust on your hands.
The liner fence around the perimeter of the boat is another useful element of tuning. The strained cord at a height of 10-15 cm from the cylinder serves as a support for the legs, prevents things from falling overboard and allows you to secure additional bags or gear anywhere in the perimeter.
- ⚓ Anchor: Cargo cat or plow anchor.
- 🌂 Tent: Oxford 300D fabric, 22mm arcs.
- 🔗 Leer: Polypropylene 6mm cord.
All textile elements, such as awnings and covers, must be dried before packaging after fishing. Wet fabric in the enclosed space quickly becomes covered with mold, which destroys the structure of the material and creates an unpleasant odor.
A properly organized leer and anchor system improve the safety and ease of boat management in windy weather.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Tuning
Can conventional construction silicone be used to seal PVC seams?
No, conventional acid silicone is not suitable for PVC and can even damage the material. PVC boats need to be repaired and sealed with special two-component polyurethane adhesives or PVC adhesive silicones for the boat industry.
How much weight can a standard plywood floor withstand without deflections?
A 12 mm thick, high-quality plywood with the right pitch of paioles (the distance between them) can withstand loads of up to 150-200 kg per section without visible deflection. However, for heavy motors and equipment, it is recommended to use aluminum or increase the thickness of the plywood to 15 mm.
Do I need to paint the inside of the balloons when tuning?
You can't paint the inside of the cylinders with regular paint, because it will lose its elasticity and start cracking when inflated. If you need to change color or protect the fabric, use special PVC formulations or liquid rubber that retain elasticity after drying.
How to properly store a boat with installed tuning?
A boat with a rigid floor and equipment installed is best kept disassembled. Metal elements can oxidize, and constant pressure on the fabric when folded leads to the formation of crumbs. Remove the floorboards, dry all the elements and put in a case.