Operation of an inflatable vessel is often associated with the need for accurate fixation at a point, especially when fishing in windy weather or on the current. GPS anchor Or a retention system that allows you to stay in a catchy position without constantly monitoring the position of the boat, but simply buying an electronic device is not enough - it is critical to integrate it properly into the design of your vessel.
Incorrect installation can lead to the rope overlap around the transom or engine screw, which poses a direct threat to the safety of the crew. In this article, we will discuss the technical details of the choice of mounting location, how to fix equipment on the soft side and methods of protection against external factors that will prolong the life of your navigator.
Choice of anchorage and preparation of equipment
The first step is to determine the optimal mounting point, and PVC boats have a soft structure, so you can't just attach the hull to the cylinder. squirt-board Or a specially prepared platform mounted on a rigid transom, and if you plan to use an anchor-cat, the anchor should be positioned as close as possible to the diametric plane of the vessel to minimize the boat's drifting away.
It is important to consider the length of the line and the angle of its exit from the water. If the mounting point is too high, the rope can rub against the inflatable side, causing friction and potential puncture. Ideally, the angle between the rope and the water surface should be sharp, which is provided by a retractable bar or a properly selected place on the transom. Before starting work, make sure that the device body has the appropriate class. watertightnessThis is usually IP67 or IP68.
Preparation involves not only finding a place, but also checking the equipment. Make sure the kit has reliable carbines, a stretch of durable phalt and possibly a buffer spring that extinguishes the jerks. For PVC boats, the use of rigid metal elements without damping is undesirable, as they can damage the soft elements of the structure when sharp jerks on the wave.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to attach equipment directly to the inflatable cylinder without the use of a rigid substrate or a transom board, as this will lead to depressurization and loss of the device.
Installation of the platform and fixation of the device
To securely anchor the GPS anchor on an inflatable boat, you need to create a rigid base. plywood or aluminum If the transom is soft, the method of pressing slats or special brackets covering the transom board is used, and the fastening must withstand considerable loads, especially if the boat is used on high-current water bodies.
The anchor body itself is usually mounted on a bracket, allowing the device to be quickly removed for charging or maintenance. stainless-steel Or anodized aluminum for all metallic products to avoid corrosion in salt water, and it is recommended that the threaded joints be treated with silicone lubricant or thread lock so that the vibration of the motor does not unwind the mounts during movement.
☑️ Preparation for installation
When you install, make sure that the wires are not stretched. Leave a small margin of cable length, forming a neat loop protected by corrugated or tape. This will prevent contact breaks when rocking the boat on the wave. It is also important to ensure free access to control buttons and status indicators, if they are provided by the design of the model.
Organization of discharge and sampling of rope
The key to the system is the mechanism of the drop and sampling of the falters. PVC boats often use manual unwinding, securing the bay in a special compartment or on a hook. However, to improve comfort, you can install a simple winch or use a coil from the spinning of a large dough, the main condition is that the rope must go free, without hooks for the elements of the rigging boat.
To prevent overlap around the transom or motor screw, it is recommended to use pole-bar The shaft carries the rope out of the trunk, ensuring that even with strong side winds, the anchor line goes clean, and this is especially true for outboard boats where the risk of screwing is extremely high.
If you can't use a bar, arrange for a roller-restriction roller to be dropped overboard, using a special roller-restrictive fixed to a liner fence or a beam. The roller directs the rope downwards, preventing it from cruising along the side. Remember that the rope should be long enough for the depths you plan to get up to, usually 3-4 depths of the catch point.
How to avoid the rope around the screw?
Use a retractable rod (downrigger), which carries the anchor drop point by 50-70 cm per transom. If there is no rod, drop the anchor strictly from the nose, not from the transom, using a long pellet thrown through the nose handle. This physically eliminates contact of the line with the motor.
Electronics and power connection
Most modern GPS anchors are powered by built-in batteries, but for long-term fishing it is advisable to organize external power. safety-guard 5-10A, set to the break of the plus wire, which will protect the device from surges of voltage and possible short circuit.
For switching, use only sea connectors with a protection class of at least IP65. Conventional household outlets or screws of insulation in conditions of high humidity and salt spray will quickly oxidize and fail. The wires should be laid in corrugated hoses, fixing them with clamps to the structural elements so that they do not dangle and rub.
If your device supports a connection to an external display or smartphone, make sure the data cable is also reliably protected from water. Often, USB or RS-232 connectors are a weak spot, so it is recommended to additionally seal them with adhesive layer thermal shrinkage or use special plugs when the connection is not active.
To protect your contacts from oxidation, use a silicone-based spray lubricant that displaces moisture and creates a protective film without damaging the rubber seals of the connectors.
System testing and track setup
The first launch is better done on the shore or in shallow waters, so you can quickly intervene in case of an emergency. GPS module It can determine the coordinates and hold the position. Modern algorithms allow you to keep the boat within a radius of 1-2 meters, but this requires the right calibration.
When you test, look at the algorithms for demolition compensation. The device should automatically steer if the wind or current is trying to carry the boat off the dot. If you use an anchor-cat in conjunction with electronics, check how the system responds to slack sampling and tension. The mechanical anchor should lie on the bottom, and the electronics should only correct the position without idle.
The test also tests the reliability of the load mounts. Try to simulate jerks by pulling a rope. Nothing should creak, shift or fall over. If you find instability, immediately strengthen the structure by adding additional fixing points or strengthening the mounting platform.
Maintenance and care of the system
After every fishing trip, especially in salt water, the equipment must be washed with fresh water. The salt has an aggressive effect on metal and electronics, so do not be lazy to rinse the body, mounts and rope. Periodically check the condition of the fail: if you notice scuffling or ragging, the site should be replaced or rewinded.
The battery should be charged according to the manufacturer's instructions. Do not leave the device discharged for long periods of storage, especially in winter. Lithium-ion batteries can lose capacity or fail if the voltage drops below a critical level. Keep GPS anchor is better in a dry room at room temperature.
Lubricate the moving parts of the mechanism regularly, if any (for example, the axis of the coil or carbines). For this, use specialized lubricants that do not destroy plastic and rubber. Visual inspection of the body for cracks or chips is also mandatory, since leakage can lead to fatal consequences for electronics.
Regular maintenance and washing with fresh water after each release on the water increase the service life of the equipment by 2-3 times.
Comparison of types of anchor systems for PVC boats
The choice between a purely mechanical anchor, electronic hold or hybrid system depends on fishing conditions and budget. Mechanical anchors are reliable and power-free, but require physical effort to sample. Electronic GPS anchors are convenient but battery-dependent. Hybrid systems combine the advantages of both types, saving charge and guaranteeing a stop even when discharged.
The table below compares the main specifications of the different PVC boat anchoring approaches, which will help you make the final configuration choice.
| Parameter | Mechanical anchor | GPS Anchor (Electronic) | Hybrid system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nutrition dependence | No. | High. | Medium |
| Physical activity | High. | Missing. | Low. |
| Accuracy of retention | Depends on the wind. | Tall (1-2 m) | High. |
| Cost | Low. | High. | Medium/High |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a GPS anchor on a strong current?
The use of an electronic anchor on a strong current (more than 2-3 knots) is not recommended. The motor may not cope with the flow of water, the battery will quickly run out, and the boat itself will experience constant jerks.
Do I need to take off the GPS anchor when transporting a boat?
Yes, it is recommended to dismantle the device or hide it safely in a junk. Direct sunlight can overheat the hull and battery, and accidental impacts during the assembly and disassembly of the boat can damage sensitive electronics or disrupt the tightness.
Which rope is best used for GPS anchor?
The best choice is a high-strength polyethylene (Dyneema) wicker cord or a specialized anchor line that does not absorb water, rot, and has minimal stretching, which is important for the precise operation of position sensors. A conventional nylon rope can pull, creating a spring effect.
Are GPS anchors compatible with sonar?
Many modern GPS anchor models have a synchronization function with sonars (for example, Garmin, Lowrance), which allows you to see on the sonar screen not only the bottom relief, but also tracks of the traveled path and parking points, which greatly simplifies navigation and search for fish.