Modern inflatable vessels made of polyvinyl chloride have excellent load capacity and driving qualities, but the factory equipment is often focused on the average user or pleasure purposes. For a serious angler, a standard boat is only a base that requires deep modernization to ensure comfortable fishing in all conditions. tuning It allows you to turn a regular inflator into a full-fledged fishing boat, improving safety, stability and ergonomics.
Self-designing offers the owner a wide range of personalization options, allowing you to take into account the specifics of the water bodies and fishing style. You can add space for attaching gear, strengthen the design for installing a powerful motor or integrate complex electronics. The main thing is to understand that any intervention in the design must be carried out with the adherence to the technology of gluing and the use of compatible materials so as not to violate the tightness of the cylinders.
In this article, we will look at proven modernization techniques that actually improve fishing efficiency. We will discuss reinforcement, installation of additional equipment and ergonomic improvements available for implementation in garage conditions.
Structural reinforcement and bottom protection
The first thing to start with is to protect the lower part of the vessel from mechanical damage. The standard PVC bottom, even with reinforcement, is vulnerable to sharp stones, shells and driftwood in shallow water. Kiel linings and protective belts on cylinders will significantly extend the life of the boat and prevent unpleasant situations with punctures away from the shore.
The most common reinforcement is the same PVC density of 640 g/sq.m. or a special transporter rubber material. The gluing process requires careful surface preparation: stripping, degreasing and applying two layers of glue. polyurethaneSo that the seam is monolithic.
⚠️ Warning: Never use hard plastic or metal linings on inflatable elements, as when the cylinder is deformed, they can cut through the material or create a stress concentration point leading to rupture.
Special attention should be paid to the transom part, where the load from the engine is maximum. cross-plate From plywood or composites on the outside, it allows you to distribute the pressure from the daydwoot and prevent the transom from pressing, which is especially true when installing motors over 10 hp.
Installation of the transom wheel and anchor system
One of the most useful mobile anglers is the squirrel wheel kit, which allows one person to easily move a motorboat along the shore, which is especially important when descending from steep slopes or driving on soft ground, the design is usually attached to a transom or kilisons and when folded does not interfere with movement.
In parallel with the wheel, you need to think about the organization of anchorages, the classic version is a rump bolt in the bow, but for PVC boats, the safer solution is the one that can be used. anchor-lear This device allows you to get rid of the hook without coming close to the danger and without risking to roll over.
To fix the position of the boat on the current or wind often use a system of two anchors, fixed on the nose and stern, which allows you to stand "lag" to the current, which is convenient for catching spinning in the wiring, fasteners must be made of stainless steel or high-quality plastic resistant to ultraviolet light.
☑️ Installation of the transom wheel
Modernization of the cockpit: floor and seats
Fishing comfort is directly dependent on how comfortable the angler is in the boat for several hours at a time. Factory inflatable seats often do not have a rigid backrest and quickly tire the lower back, replacing them with homemade structures with a plywood frame, moisture-resistant cloth and foam, dramatically changes the situation.
An important element is the organization of the space under the feet, and if the boat has a low-pressure inflatable floor (LDPB), then an additional hard floor may not be necessary. solid-floor It's on top of the regular floorboards, and it levels the surface, allows you to move freely around the cockpit, and you can install additional equipment anywhere.
| Type of seat | Frame material | Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turning. | Aluminum + Plastic | 360 degree view, convenient for sounder | Requires platform installation |
| Stullchak (box) | Plywood/Plastic | Capacity for tackles, stability | Takes up a spot at the bottom |
| Soft backed. | Pipe + fabric | Lightness, compactness | Less rigidity of construction |
When making new interior elements, be sure to use only moisture-resistant plywood of the FFS brand or composite materials. The ends of wooden parts should be carefully polished, painted or glued with a edge to prevent damage to the boat cylinders by sharp edges.
Integration of Electronics and Navigation
Modern fishing is unthinkable without a sonar, GPS and radio, and these devices require a smart approach to attachment and power supply, and for sonars and cartplotters, swivel brackets mounted on the sides or a special table between the seats are ideal.
The power system needs special attention. Lead acid or lithium batteries are heavy and afraid of moisture, so they need to be placed in sealed batteries. battery-roomThese boxes are often made of plastic or fiberglass, providing ventilation and a reliable attachment to the floor of the boat to prevent the movement of cargo on the wave.
Secrets of wire-laying
The wiring should be placed in corrugated hoses and fixed with clamps to the structural elements. Do not allow the wires to sag over the cockpit, so that they do not interfere with the work with gear and are not damaged by sharp objects. All connections should be soldered and insulated by thermal shrinkage.
To control the motor and navigation, it is convenient to use the tiller-extension or the installation of the motor through the tiller-tether, which allows you to sit in the center of the boat while maintaining balance. This is especially important for narrow boats where the shift of the fisherman to the transom causes a strong roll.
Storage of equipment and equipment
Chaos in the boat is the enemy of good fishing. When the cut-off happens and the sucker gets stuck under the seat, or the spinning falls overboard because there's no holder, the mood drops instantly. The organization of space begins with the installation of rod holders. They can be built into the sides (requires the sticking of glasses) or hinged, attached to the liner cable.
For small equipment, baits and tools, sealed boxes fixed on the bottom or on special platforms are ideal. Fixing system It should be modular, so that if necessary, it is possible to quickly dismantle the boxes and free up space, for example, for catching a large trophy.
⚠️ Warning: Do not overload the bow of the boat with heavy crates, as this can lead to burrowing of the nose in the wave and reduce the stability of the vessel.
A useful addition is the installation of soft organizer bags on board the boat, they are not afraid of water, easy to wash and allow you to keep a towel, gloves, yawning and other accessories on hand without taking up useful space on the floor.
Use bright colors for anchor line and rescue equipment handles – this will help you quickly find them in the water if they accidentally fall overboard.
Safety and emergency equipment
Tuning is not only comfort, it's also safety, and even in calm weather, there can be unforeseen circumstances on the pond. rym They're not just for mooring, but for mounting safety ends, life lane or tow thack.
It is important to provide storage space for the first aid kit, remix and signaling equipment. Fire on the water is a disaster, so having a fire extinguisher in an easily accessible place (but protected from splashes) is a must for boats with a motor.
Light alarms are required to go out into the water at night or in poor visibility. White circular light must be installed on a mast height of at least 1 meter. For PVC boats, there are special light masts that can be quickly installed and dismantled.
The main principle of tuning: any added equipment should not reduce the buoyancy and stability of the boat, as well as prevent emergency leaving the boat.
Can I add additional stains and holders to the cylinders?
Yes, it's possible if you've got experience with PVC and two-part adhesives, but it's important to use special remixes from the boat manufacturer or compatible materials. The installation site needs to be reinforced with additional layers of fabric, and the operation itself is only performed on dry, low-fat surfaces at temperatures above 15 degrees.
What is the maximum amount of equipment that can be placed in a boat?
The amount of equipment is limited to the carrying capacity of the boat indicated in the passport. Remember that the weight of equipment, fuel, batteries and passengers should not exceed this limit. An overloaded boat becomes roller, poorly controlled and has a high risk of tipping over.
Do I need to register a tuning boat in GIMS?
Registration is subject to vessels weighing more than 200 kg (together with the engine) or with an engine power of more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp). Tuning itself (protection sticker, seat installation) does not require re-registration, unless the main specifications of the vessel specified in the documents change, and its weight remains within the limits that require registration.