Any inflatable boat owner will come to the conclusion that they don't have the basic equipment from the manufacturer, and standard models are often just a "trough" with two cans and oars, which is acceptable for short walks off the coast, but completely unsuitable for full-fledged fishing or long hikes. tuning-boat It is not just a whim, but a necessity for those who value their time and health on the water.
The upgrades allow the vessel to be adapted to specific tasks, whether it is trolling fishing, where speed is needed, or spinning fishing, which requires maneuverability and stability. Well-designed improvements can radically change the behavior of the vessel on the water, reduce the load on the motor and back of the angler. In this article, we will discuss the main areas of modernization that can be implemented at home without complex equipment.
It is worth noting that any interference in the design should be balanced. Inflatable boards and flat-floor They have their limits of strength, and overloading can backfire, but with a smart approach, you'll turn a standard slack into a comfortable boat that's outperforming many of the factory's counterparts in functionality, and we'll start with the most important thing: keeping you safe.
Safety and Strength of the Construction
The first thing that the owner must take care of before installing powerful engines or heavy equipment is to protect the boat itself. kylson and The cylinders are constantly subjected to mechanical stress, friction to the bottom and impacts on obstacles, and strengthening the most vulnerable areas is not a matter of comfort, but a matter of survival on the water.
⚠️ Attention: The adhesion of additional elements should be made only on a defatted and cleaned surface using a specialized glue for PVC. Violation of the technology will lead to detachment of the protection at the most inopportune time.
Special attention should be paid squirt-board And the area around it, and that's where the maximum loads from the engine are. The seabeds, or the reinforcement of the transom with plywood (with subsequent painting or varnishing) will significantly prolong the life of the craft, and it is also critical to protect the bottom from the abrasive effects of sand and stones.
To protect the bottom, they often use special tapes made of PVC or denser material, glued in areas of greatest wear and tear: under the feet of the fisherman, in the nose and along the keel area, which allows you to keep the main cylinders tight even with frequent pulling ashore.
Before sticking any protective elements, warm the glued surfaces with a building hair dryer to a temperature of 40-50 degrees - this will improve the adhesion of the glue.
We must not forget about the system. safety-linerIf you're abruptly maneuvering or excited, you can throw a person overboard and you can't grab it. The handles will be your last line of defense in an emergency.
Improvement of driving performance and management
Driving performance is directly dependent on hydrodynamics and weight distribution. A standard boat often has high drag, which makes the engine run at its limit, consuming excess fuel. One of the most effective ways to improve the situation is to install a vehicle. hydrofoil on the lower unit engine.
The hydrofoil stabilizes the vessel in planing, removes yaw, and makes it easier to get the boat onto the plane, especially when underloaded. This device redirects the flow of water, creating additional lift, and the result is noticeable immediately: the boat goes smoother, pecks less nose and saves up to 15-20% of fuel.
The effect of hydrofoil on speed
The hydraulic wing is not always a top speed boost, but it's a goal of stabilization and efficiency, but on heavy boats with powerful engines, the 2 to 3 km/h increase is possible by getting more efficient in planing mode.
Another important aspect is governance. Roompell gases or cable control are often tight or uncomfortable, replacing cables with better ones, installing bearing units in the same way. squirt-board Or switching to remote control (for powerful motors) makes the steering process easy and enjoyable.
- 🚤 Installation hydrofoil to stabilize the course and save fuel.
- 🚤 Installation Transfer wheels for convenient transportation along the coast without assistants.
- 🚤 Lubrication and adjustment cable-control for ease of running the rummel.
- 🚤 Installation Anchor box in the nose for proper centering.
The wheels are perhaps the most popular tuning element, and they allow one person to easily move a heavy motorized boat and a battery along the shore. It is important to choose a model with the right wheel diameter and a reliable mount that will not hurt. turret with long-term operation.
Interior space and flooring
The angler's comfort depends on how the space inside the cockpit is organized. Plywood cans (seats) are often stiff, slippery and have no backrests. Replacing them with soft, folding seats with adjustable position is the first step to comfort. The back is critical for unloading the spine during long fishing.
But it's not enough to just put comfortable seats. You need to think about the system of mounting them. guide The ridges on the sides allow you to move the seats to any point of the boat, which is important for balancing when catching two. cylinders under loads.
⚠️ Warning: When installing new seat or equipment anchorages, make sure that the sharp edges of screws or bolts do not touch the inner surface of inflatable tubes. Any vibration can cause a puncture.
A regular floorboard (a set floor made of plywood or aluminum sheets) often has cracks into which small gear falls and collects water. carpet (EVA-material) solves several problems at once: the legs do not slide, heat insulate from cold water, and the trifle is not lost in the cracks.
For those who are engaged in active fishing, the installation is relevant It's a control console, or even a little sounder and navigator table, which frees your knees and allows you to have all the instruments in front of your eyes. argus (valves) for air venting.
Electrification and navigation equipment
Modern fishing is unthinkable without electronics. Sonar, GPS, radio and backlights require stable power supply. Basic equipment rarely provides convenient places to accommodate batteries and appliances. Competent electrification is not just wires, it is a system.
The center of the system becomes batteryYou can't just throw it to the bottom of the boat. A battery box that protects the battery from water and prevents short circuits when rolling, and the box must be securely secured so that it doesn't move during the course.
The wiring is best done by using special connectors that are protected from moisture. carpet Or along the sides, locking it with clamps so that it does not get confused under the feet, using copper wires with a cross section of at least 2.5-4 mm2 will avoid voltage drops.
| Component | Consumption (A) | Recommended cross-section of wire (mm2) | Type of protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Echoer/Navigator | 0.3 - 0.5 | 1.5 - 2.5 | Safety lock 2A |
| Radio station (transmission) | 5 - 10 | 2.5 - 4.0 | Safety 10A |
| LED tape | 1 - 2 | 1.5 | Safety 3A |
| Pump (pump) | 10 - 15 | 4.0 | Safety 15A |
Don't forget the lighting, LED tape, which is fired around the perimeter of the cockpit under the hood. The timber, not only creates comfort, but also allows you to safely move in the dark, without blinding yourself and other anglers with the bright light of the lantern.
Storage and tackle management
Order in the boat is the key to successful fishing, when fishing rods, peelers, yawners and extra baits are lying in your legs, it is not only uncomfortable, but dangerous. You can accidentally step on a hook or drop a valuable gadget in the water. Storage begins with choosing the right containers.
The ideal solution is sealed boxes They're not afraid of water, they keep things dry, and they're great for fishing rods with special holders that are attached to the sides or the floor. banks or boards, freeing up their hands.
☑️ Organization of space
It is also worth considering a place to anchorIt should always be at hand, but not lying in the center of the boat. Mounting the anchor tile on the nose with the ability to quickly reset (in emergency cases) is a must-have. An anchor box combined with a handdock for things would be a great solution.
Small accessories such as passages, a knife, spare loaders, it is better to keep in special organizers attached with Velcro or carabiners in the reach of the hands of a sitting angler, this will eliminate the need to dive into deep bags every time.
Protection from the sun and bad weather
Fishing is often hours of outdoor activities, and the scorching sun or sudden rain can ruin the experience of leaving. tent Or at least a simple sun visor is a tuning element that only those who have not yet installed regret.
There are many options: from simple frames with strained fabric to full-fledged ones. transformable tentsThe frame is usually made of duraluminium tubes or fiberglass, which makes the structure light and durable.
⚠️ Attention: When installing an awning, consider the sailing of the boat. In the wind, the awning works like a sail, which can make the control unstable. Always have the ability to quickly remove or fold the structure.
The awning also allows the boat to be used as a temporary shelter while parking, protecting against mosquitoes (with nets) and dew, especially for lovers of night fishing or multi-day expeditions, where the boat becomes the main holiday destination.
The tent transforms the boat from an open boat into a versatile vessel that allows you to fish in any weather and even sleep on the water comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you stick the wheels without damaging the boat?
Yes, this is possible if you use the right glue (two-component polyurethane or special for PVC) and carefully prepare the surface (clean, degrease), the main thing is not to overheat the material with a dryer when drying and let the glue gain strength for 24-48 hours before loading.
Do I need to register a tuning boat in GIMS?
Registration is required for all small vessels weighing more than 200 kg (in running order) or with an engine power of more than 8 hp (for boats up to 3 meters). The mere installation of transom wheels or an awning does not change the status of the vessel, but if you have replaced the engine with a more powerful, exceeding the limit, or increased the weight of the vessel above 200 kg, registration is mandatory.
What is the optimal battery weight for a PVC boat?
The optimal weight depends on the boat's load capacity. For most double boats (loading capacity 350-450 kg), traction batteries weighing 12-15 kg (for example, 55-60 Ah) are excellent. Heavyer batteries (20+ kg) may require redistribution of cargo or reinforcement of the floor to avoid disturbing the centering.
Does the hydrofoil installation damage the engine warranty?
In most cases, the installation of attachments on the lower unit, which does not require drilling or violation of the integrity of the engine components, is not a reason for denial of warranty. However, if the hydrofoil is installed incorrectly and causes overheating or cavitation damage to the lower unit, the service may refuse repairs.