Any commercial PVC inflatable boat, even the most expensive, is originally designed as a versatile vehicle for moving through the water. But the requirements of the angler are very different from those of the average vacationer or rescuer. Fishing requires a stationary position, convenient placement of gear, sonar, cages and a lot of small things that are simply nowhere to fix. tuning-ready It is not a whim, but an urgent necessity for comfortable fishing.
Before drilling or sticking extras, it’s important to have a clear picture of the end result. Irreconsidered upgrades can disrupt the boat’s balance, shift the center of gravity, or worse, damage the tightness of the cylinders. In this article, we’ll look at time-tested solutions that will turn your rubber into a full-fledged fishing boat while maintaining its buoyancy and reliability.
Basic preparation and selection of materials for modernization
The first step is always to thoroughly review the initial condition of the boat, so it makes no sense to install heavy equipment on worn-out boats. PVC Or use a cheap fastener that will rust after the first season, and the basis of any quality tuning is the right selection of components that will not chemically react with polyvinyl chloride and will withstand constant contact with water and ultraviolet light.
The most common method of attachment of elements is the glue or adhesion (for hard floors). The adhesive must be specialized, two-component, designed specifically for PVC. The use of "Moments" or universal sealants is unacceptable, since they do not provide a monolithic connection under load. adhesion materials should be maximum, so that when the boat is moving at speed, the installed platforms do not break off, damaging the balloon.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on gluing elements, be sure to degrease the surface with a special composition or alcohol. Dust and fat negate the properties of even the most expensive glue.
You also need to decide on the type of floor, and if you have a low pressure inflatable floor (LDPF), there are limited options for rigid mounting, and the owners of the floorboards or sleigh floor are more fortunate to use the space under your feet to lay communications or install hidden mounts.
Modernization of the transom part and installation of transom wheels
The trawler is the most loaded part of the boat, taking on the thrust of the engine and the weight of the attachments. The standard configuration often does not allow you to conveniently accommodate anchors, cranes or additional tanks. The first and most important development for any angler, especially if he goes out on the water alone, is the installation of a single installation. transom-wheelThis device allows one person to easily pull a motorboat ashore and roll it into the water.
There are many wheel designs: folding, removable, bolt-mounted or strap-mounted. For fishing, bolt-mounted models through a transom are considered the best option, as they provide maximum rigidity and do not interfere with movement. It is important to choose wheels with bearings and a diameter of at least 200 mm so that they can overcome obstacles on the descent to the water.
- 🛠️ Removable wheels They are convenient because they do not stick out when moving, but they take time to install each time.
- 🛠️ Folding models Always with you, but can create additional resistance to water or make noise on the wave.
- 🛠️ Fixing to the seatbelt It does not require transom drilling, but is less reliable for heavy motors.
In parallel with the wheels, it makes sense to put additional holders on the transom, such as a bracket for attaching the second anchor or a holder for a fuel tank if there is not enough regular space for an outboard motor, which will free up the space in the cockpit that the angler so needs to maneuver.
The secret of wheel installation
When mounting transom wheels on bolts, be sure to use wide washers on the inside of the transom. This will prevent PVC from pressing through or deforming the plywood under load when pulling a heavy boat onto the pebble shore.
Organization of space: anchor box and runduks
Chaoticly scattered on the bottom of the boat anchors, ropes, life jacket and spare clothing are not only uncomfortable, but dangerous. They can catch on the valve, damage the balloon or just interfere with the cutting of the fish. anchor-box The anchor box has a dual function of storing the anchor and its accessories, and also serves as a seat for a rower or passenger.
The box is designed to be a sealed container that attaches to the floor or sides, and inside it, the anchor flounder is wound onto the drum or placed with rings, which prevents it from getting tangled at the most inopportune moment. On the top, the box is often equipped with a soft seat, which increases the overall comfort of being on the water. For fishing, it is important that the lid open quickly and with one hand.
⚠️ Warning: Do not overload the anchor box with unnecessary things. It should remain light so that in case of an emergency it can be quickly moved or used as a buoyancy aid.
You can also install soft or hard knobs in the bow of the boat, which are convenient for storing dry clothing, food and personal belongings, and the main requirement for such containers is waterproof. Even if the boat draws on the side, the contents of the knoll must remain dry. Modern models are often made of the same PVC as the boat, and glued to the cylinder, forming a single structure.
Fixtures for sonar, navigator and spinning
Modern fishing is unthinkable without electronics. echoer And GPS has become as much of a must-have as a fishing rod, but you can't place them on your lap or hold them in your hand -- you need a rigid fixation -- and you use swivel brackets that are attached either to the stringers (if the floor is designed to fit) or directly to the balloon through the beam.
The bracket should provide the ability to quickly remove the device and, preferably, have an adjustment of the angle of the screen to protect against glare. Wiring from the sonar sensor is better to immediately let inside the balloon (if technically possible) or gently fasten along the side with clips so that it does not dangle and do not interfere with the work of oars or movement on the cockpit.
Spinning holders require special attention, and they are usually not available in the basic configuration, and it is tedious to hold the gear in your hand for hours.
- 🎣 Overhead holders on the suction cups or suction cups (less reliable).
- 🎣 Cutting glasses (c) the squatting (requires the floor drilling).
- 🎣 Fixings to the seat belt (a universal and reliable option).
Use special adhesive PVC clips to attach electronic wires, they are not afraid of water and allow you to carefully lay the cable along the side, eliminating the risk of hooking.
It is important to think about the location of the holders so that when cutting the spinning does not touch the cylinders or other gear, optimally position them on the sides in the cockpit area, slightly swiveling to the side of the stern for ease of catching.
Boat protection: keelson, stringers and linings
Active fishing often involves heading out on the water in places where there is a risk of damaging the bottom: rocky sliding, shell or simply unknown relief. Standard protection of the bottom (keelban) is not in all models, and if there is, it may not be reliable enough. shield-layer Or strengthening an existing one is a reasonable investment in the boat’s durability.
inflatable floor boats (BBBs) often use removable protective sheets of denser PVC or special wear-resistant material that are laid on top of the bottom. In boats with hard floors (plywood, aluminum), it is important to protect the stringers themselves and their attachments from abrasion. If the floor is wooden, it must be covered with moisture protection impregnation and varnish, and from the bottom to glue the protective tape.
| Type of protection | Materials | Mode of installation | For what sexes? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kilson tape | PVC 900-1100 g/m2 | Sticker | All types |
| Protective mat | Reinforced fabric | Laying | NDMA |
| Aluminum linings | aluminum | Rivets/Bolts | Hard floors |
| transom plate | Nerzh. steel/aluminum | Bolts through the transom | All types |
And don't forget to protect the timber, because this is the first line of defense when you moor against concrete walls or stones, and if the timber is thin, you can put an extra strip of dense PVC on top of it, creating a kind of PVC-like structure. safety-buffer.
Protecting the bottom and sides is not just an increase in the life of the boat, it is a guarantee that you will not stay in the middle of a pond with a punctured balloon far from the shore.
Installation of awning, wind protection and attachment equipment
Fishing is often hours of waiting, and weather conditions can change quickly. Rain, scorching sun or cold wind can ruin all rest. Installing a tent-transformer solves these problems. Modern awnings allow you to quickly turn an open boat into a closed space that protects from rain and wind.
The design of the awning is usually based on stainless steel or dural arcs that are inserted into special pockets or attached to the crims. It is important that the awning has ventilation windows, otherwise condensation will form inside. Insulated cubes are popular for winter fishing or cold season, which are mounted on a rigid frame.
In addition to the awning, a useful addition is a table for a fisherman.
- 🍵 Removable - is set for the duration of the parking.
- 🍵 Foldable - attached to the board and removed when moving.
- 🍵 Transcript. - hanging on the engine bay.
⚠️ Warning: When installing tall structures (tents, antennas), consider the sailing of the boat. In high winds and waves, the awning boat becomes less stable and less manageable.
It is also worth thinking about additional lighting. LED tape, launched along the perimeter of the cockpit or under a hut, will allow you to fish comfortably in the dark, without disturbing other anglers with bright light.
☑️ Checklist before the first exit after tuning
Final recommendations and safety on water
Boat tuning is a creative process, but it doesn't have to turn into a wasteful, uncontrolled, overgrown structure. Each new element is an added weight and a potential risk. Before each season, you have to audit all the components installed: check the condition of the glue, the reliability of the bolt joints and the integrity of the wiring. Security Always be the number one priority.
Remember, upgrades can change the center of gravity of a boat. If you have a heavy anchor box in your nose and a powerful battery in the stern, the boat can become a roller. Be sure to test a boat with a full set of equipment and a crew on a safe stretch of the pond to understand its behavior on the water.
A competent approach to refinement allows you to create the perfect platform for your fishing style, whether it is trolling, requiring many holders, or fishing in the cast, where freedom of movement is important, everything is solved by means of modern tuning.
Can I drill the sides of the boat to install fasteners?
Drilling the inflatable tubes themselves is strictly not recommended, as this violates their tightness and integrity. All attachments should be mounted on a hinge timber, a tray or glued to the outer surface of the balloon without through drilling. Except for specialized bushings installed by professionals with a guarantee of sealing, but for amateur tuning it is better to use the adhesive method or clamps.
How to choose glue for gluing elements from PVC?
Use only two-component polyurethane adhesives designed for PVC (e.g. Texacol, Henkel Klejpur or specialized adhesives from boat manufacturers). Single-component adhesives ("Moment" and analogues) are only suitable for temporary repair or gluing of light decorative elements, but will not withstand the load of equipment and constant exposure to water.
Do I need to register the tuning boat again?
According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, the installation of additional equipment (anchor boxes, holders, sonars) does not require re-registration or changes in documents, unless the design of the case changes, passenger capacity increases and an engine with a capacity higher than the one allowed for this model is installed. However, if you change the transom to a more powerful or significantly change the dimensions, the GIMS inspector may theoretically have questions.