High-quality inflatable fishing is impossible without understanding the bottom of the fishing. Many boat owners mistakenly believe that the sonar is exclusively for large boats, but modern compact models are ideal for small boats. The installation of a sonar sensor on a PVC boat radically changes the effectiveness of fishing, allowing you to see not only the depth, but also the structure of the bottom, as well as the accumulation of fish.
The installation process requires careful attention, because the soft side and the specific design of an inflatable vessel dictate the rules of the game. Unlike a rigid hull, you can't just drill a hole or weld a bracket without damaging the balloon. You need to take into account the hydrodynamics, the influence of the engine and the mounting features to make sure that you can't just drill a hole or weld a bracket without damaging the balloon. sensor It was always submerged in water even when driving at high speed.
In this article, we will discuss all the stages of preparation and installation of equipment in detail so that you can avoid the typical mistakes of beginners, you will learn how to choose the optimal location for a transducer, what materials to use to protect the cylinder and how to configure the device to get the clearest picture possible.
Choice of attachment type and installation location
The first and most important step is to determine how you can fix the transducer. Inflatable boats, there are two main options: transom mounting and bow mounting. The choice depends on whether you use the boat most often, either for an outboard motor or on oars/electric motors. petrol-outboardThe preferred option is the transom installation.
The mounting position on the transom should be chosen so that there are no obstacles between the sensor and the engine screw; the air bubbles created by the screw can shield the signal, causing noise interference on the screen; the ideal position is strictly horizontal, on the same line with the keel or slightly lower, but not too deep, so as not to increase the resistance of the water.
⚠️ Note: Do not place the sensor too close to the motor’s datadwid, as the vibration of the running engine can be transmitted to the mount and distort the sonar readings.
If you plan to use the boat primarily for trolling or electric fishing, you should consider installing a sensor in the bow, which will allow you to see the bottom ahead of the course, which is critical when passing shallow water areas, but this scheme requires more complex installation and reliable protection of the cable from rubbing.
Required materials and tools
Before starting work, you need to prepare a full set of tools and consumables. The specifics of working with PVC require the use of special adhesives that do not damage the tissue structure, but provide reliable fixation. Using inappropriate chemicals can lead to the destruction of the balloon in the future.
You'll need a two-part polyurethane glue, a special solvent to degrease the surface, and a dense fabric (like a tent or tarpaulin) to create reinforcement, and be sure to prepare screws with wide hats if you plan to screw the pad, although most often use the adhesive method.
☑️ List of tools for installation
The cable will require a small diameter corrugated tube to protect the wire from ultraviolet light and mechanical damage. All connections must be sealed, as moisture entering the connectors will lead to oxidation of the contacts and loss of signal.
Surface preparation and site installation
The process of gluing the site to the sensor requires cleanliness and accuracy, first, thoroughly wash and dry the section of the board where the installation will be performed, then the surface is degreased with a solvent, and then the first layer of glue is applied to both the adhesive surfaces, both the cylinder and the reinforcement fabric.
Once the first layer is dry, the second layer is applied, and the parts are joined together, and it is important to carefully roll the gluing site with a roller or a solid object to expel all the air bubbles, and the quality of this stage depends on the durability of the attachment: a poorly glued area can come off with the sensor during intensive operation.
Secrets of working with glue for PVC
The time of polymerization of the adhesive depends on the ambient temperature. At temperatures below +15°C, the process can take much longer and the strength of the joint will be lower. The ideal temperature for gluing is from +20°C to +25°C. If you work in a cold garage, use a heat gun or hair dryer to warm up the gluing site, but do not overheat the fabric above +60°C.
Some anglers prefer to use removable areas on suction cups or magnets, but for constant operation and high speeds, adhesive joint remains the most reliable option. After the glue is completely dry (usually 24 hours), you can move to install the sensor itself in the prepared place.
Cable laying and connection protection
The cable from the sensor to the head unit is a weak link in the system, so it needs to be carefully laid. In inflatable boats, the wire is often placed on the floor or attached to the liners, which poses a risk of damage by sharp objects, fishing hooks or simply the feet of passengers.
It is recommended to lay the cable along the side, fixing it with special clips or tape in the color of the boat. In places of inflection, for example, at the transom, the cable should have a free loop so that when the cylinder is bent or the engine is removed, the wire does not stretch to the limit.
All joints and connections must be securely insulated, even if the connectors are protected. IP67If you're in the water for a long time under pressure, you can get moisture in, and if you put an extra layer of silicone sealant on the connectors, you'll be a good way to prevent problems in the future.
| Type of cable | Protection | Recommended seat |
|---|---|---|
| The wire's on the wire. | Gophra 10-12 mm | Open areas on board |
| Extensioner | Thermal shrinkage + insulation | Connection points |
| Power wire | Cable-channel | Battery power |
| Network cord | No (not used) | - |
If the cable is too long, it should not be coiled into a tight bay next to the antenna or sensor, as this can cause interference, it is better to carefully put the surplus under the seat or in a special kunduk, securing them with screeds.
Setting up the sounder and eliminating interference
After the physical installation, the software is set up, and the first step is to select the right type of emitter in the menu of the device so that the signal processing algorithms work correctly.sensitivity): too high will cause noise on the screen, and too low will prevent you from seeing small fish.
A common problem on PVC boats is interference from the outboard motor or other electronic equipment. If there are chaotic stripes on the screen, try changing the frequency of the radiation or moving the sonar power cable away from other wires.
Use ferrite rings on power cables and signal wires – this is a simple and cheap way to significantly reduce the level of electromagnetic interference from the engine ignition system.
It is also important to set the depth range correctly. Automation does not always have time to respond to sudden changes in the terrain, so it is better to use manual zoom mode for a detailed study of the bottom.
Operation and maintenance of equipment
Proper care of the sonar will extend its life and maintain its accuracy. After each fishing, the sensor must be washed with fresh water, especially if the fish was carried out in salt water. The salt crystallizes on the emitter, creating a layer that impairs the signal passage.
Store the head unit and sensor should be in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Ultraviolet destroys the plastic of the case and makes the cable brittle. Before long storage (for example, in winter), it is recommended to remove the batteries and lubricate the connectors with contact lubrication.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave the sounder on air without submerging the sensor in water – this can cause the emitter to overheat and fail.
Regularly check the status of the sensor attachment. glue over time can lose its properties under the influence of temperature changes and ultraviolet light, so seasonal check of the reliability of fixation will not be superfluous.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install a sonar on a PVC boat without drilling and glue?
Yes, there are temporary attachments to suction cups or transom clamps that don't require a breakdown in the integrity of the balloon, but they're less reliable at high speeds and can shift, resulting in loss of signal.
Why does the sounder show "porridge" instead of a clear bottom?
Most often, this is caused by air bubbles hitting the sensor, or too sensitive of the device, and also the cause can be the wrong angle of installation of the emitter or the operation of the motor at high revs.
How does the speed of the boat affect the sonar readings?
At high speeds, the sensor can jump out of the water due to cavitation or excitement, which leads to loss of signal, and it is important to choose the right depth and angle of installation to minimize this effect.
Do I need to take off the sensor for the winter?
Yes, it is recommended to dismantle the sensor and head unit for storage in a warm room, frost can damage plastic elements and seals, as well as reduce battery life.
The main secret of successful installation is not so much the sounder model as the quality of surface preparation and tightness of all cable connections.