Operating an inflatable boat in the current or in high winds often requires position fixation. Manually operating the anchor takes time and effort, especially if you need to change your parking lot often or catch in windy weather, which is why many owners are thinking about mechanizing this process.
Installation anchor-winch Not only is it a matter of comfort, but it's also a matter of safety for fishing, and if you're properly mounted, you can quickly get your anchors down and pick them up without leaning overboard and risking flipping over, but you have a technical nuance to put the electric drive on the soft side.
Unlike metal boats, where the designs are welded to the hull, in the case of the polyvinyl chloride Incorrect loading can damage cylinders or impair leakage. In this article, we will discuss all the stages of preparation, selection of equipment and direct installation of the system on an inflatable vessel.
Choosing the right winch for an inflatable vessel
The first step is to select equipment that will not overload the transom and cylinders. For PVC boats, the best solution is a compact electric model with a vertical or horizontal drum arrangement. traction, which shall correspond to the displacement of the vessel and the weight of the anchor used.
Most modern winches run on a 12-volt onboard network. It is important to consider the current consumed: powerful models can quickly discharge the battery if it is not designed for deep discharge. For PVC boats up to 4 meters long, devices with thrust up to 150-200 kg are usually enough.
When choosing, consider the material of the case: corrosion-resistant aluminum alloys are preferable to steel, as they are easier and better tolerate salt water. IP, which must be at least IP67 for guaranteed operation in splash conditions.
- ⚓ Type of installation: Choose models with a removable base or the ability to install on a removable platform.
- 🔋 Current consumption: optimally up to 30-40 amperes under load for standard batteries.
- ⚖️ Weight of the device: For inflatable boats, models weighing up to 5-6 kg are preferred.
⚠️ Attention: Don't use winches designed for SUVs, even low-power winches, they don't have moisture protection and can shorten when water hits the contacts first.
Definition of installation site and preparation of the transom
The place of installation plays a crucial role in the stability of the boat at anchor, placing it strictly in the center of the transom can shift the center of gravity and lead to yawing of the vessel on the current. Experienced water engines recommend shifting the winch closer to one of the sides, but taking into account the symmetrical load.
For inflatable boats, the safest option is to use movable It's a console that's attached to a transom, so you don't drill the transmolator itself, you take the equipment off when you're transporting it, and the platform has to be rigid to dampen the vibrations of the motor and the jerks of the anchor cable.
If you plan to attach the winch directly to the trawler, make sure that its thickness and rigidity allow you to withstand dynamic loads. reinforcer from moisture-resistant plywood or aluminum, distributing the pressure of the bolts.
The height of the mount also matters: the winch drum must be above the waterline even when the boat is fully loaded to prevent the mechanism from being constantly immersed in water, but too high a landing can raise the center of gravity.
Required tools and materials
You can't get good installation without the right tools, because you're working with electricity and water, you're going to have higher material requirements than you would with home equipment, and you're going to need a robust toolkit and a specific marine component.
The electrical circuit will be based on copper wires with a cross section of at least 4-6 mm2 (depending on the length of the track and the current of consumption), the use of thin wires will lead to a drop in voltage at the winch terminals and loss of power. All connections must be protected from oxidation.
Mechanical attachment requires metal drills, wrenches and possibly a drill, and don't forget the sealant: even if you don't drill cylinders, threaded connections and contacts require moisture protection. Silicone sealant For aquariums or specialized marine compositions are best suited.
☑️ Preparation for installation
- 🔧 Tools: A set of keys, screwdrivers, cutters, a stripper to strip wires.
- 🧵 Fastening: stainless steel bolts and nuts (A2 or A4), Grover washers.
- 🛡️ Defense: a safety lock on 40-50A, installed in the break of the plus wire.
Step-by-step instructions for installation of the system
The installation process begins with fixing the base, and if you use a console, it's attached to the transom with standard bolts or rods, and the winch is mounted on the platform and securely fixed, and make sure that the mechanism does not wobble when you rock hard.
The next step is to lay the electrical circuit, and the wires from the battery (located in the kunduk or on the floor) are brought to the transom, and it is important to lay them in such a way that you can avoid mechanical damage by the legs or the load, and you should use a corrugated tube or a cable channel.
Connection to the terminals of the winch is carried out according to the scheme in the instructions (usually a thick wire - by mass, two thin ones - to control the reverse, or one thick plus and minus). soldering or crimping terminals with subsequent insulation with thermal shrinkage.
Connection scheme (simplified):
AKB (+) -> Fuse -> Button / Remote -> Winch -> AKB (-)
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to leave the wires under voltage without loading. Always open the chain or remove the terminals from the battery after fishing to avoid deep battery discharge.
Comparison of methods of fastening of equipment
There are several approaches to fixing a winch on an overhead boat, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, which are worth weighing before buying components, depending on the frequency of use and the model of the boat.
The most popular method is to install it on a removable console, a versatile solution suitable for most PVC models, which allows you to quickly dismantle the winch for winter storage or transportation in the trunk.
Mounting directly onto a transom (through or threaded studs) provides maximum rigidity but requires drilling. For expensive high-pressure inflatable floor boats (HPD), this method can be risky due to vibrations.
| Method of attachment | Stiffness of fixation | Difficulty of installation | Mobility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Removable console | High. | Low. | High. |
| Stationary on the transom | Very high. | Medium | Low. |
| Nose accent | Medium | High. | Medium |
| Temporary strub | Low. | Minimum | Maximum |
When choosing a method, take into account that console-mount It is the safest for the integrity of cylinders, as it eliminates direct contact of metal with PVC during vibration.
Configuring and checking the mechanism
Once the installation work is complete, you need to test the system on land and then on water, turn on the winch and check the work in both directions, and the drum should rotate smoothly, without jerks and extraneous noise.
Pay special attention to the work safety-guardIf it is installed, try to create a load (for example, pull the cable through the cloth). The device should turn off when overloaded, protecting the motor and wiring.
Check the tightness of all connections. Spray the joints with spray water when the system is on (with caution), if there is no spark and the work is stable, the installation is successful.
What to do if the winch is buzzing, but not spinning?
This is a sign of a lack of voltage, check the cross-section of the wires (perhaps they are too thin) and the quality of the contacts on the battery terminals, and the cause may be a dead battery.
Operational rules and safety measures
Using an anchor winch requires discipline. Never try to stop a rotating drum with your hands or feet. The cable moves with great effort and can cause serious injury or wind clothes.
Regularly maintain the mechanism. After each exit on the salt water winch should be rinsed with fresh water, periodically lubricate the moving parts and check the condition of the cable for rags.
When operating in winter, keep the device in a warm room. Plastic gears and lubricant can lose properties in the cold, which will lead to breakage on the first turn on.
To extend the life of the cable, use an anchor rump block, which reduces the friction of the cable against the side of the boat and reduces wear on both the cable and the cylinder.
The main guarantee of the longevity of the winch is timely washing with fresh water after salt water and the absence of load on the electric motor with a jammed anchor.
Can a winch be used to lift a person?
Absolutely not. Anchor winches are not designed to lift loads that exceed the weight of the anchor, much less people, and this can lead to a cable break and injuries.
Which battery is better to choose for a winch?
The best choice is traction batteries (GEL or AGM), which can withstand multiple discharge cycles and have a low self-discharge, unlike starter car batteries.
Should I lubricate the winch cable?
Yes, it is recommended to periodically treat the cable with silicone lubricant or a special spray for the cables, which will prevent corrosion and reduce friction of the turns when winding.
What to do if the battery is on water?
Always have a spare hand-held thack or the ability to choose the anchor manually. The winch design usually allows you to turn the shaft manually when power is off, but it takes effort.