Everything for the PVC boat: from the choice of accessories to tuning

Buying an inflatable watercraft is just the beginning of a journey to a full rest on the water. Many beginners mistakenly believe that the basic equipment coming in a box from the factory is enough to comfortably enter the pond. In practice, the standard set is often limited to paddles, pumps and can seats, making long swims tedious and fishing ineffective.

Well-chosen PVC-equipment It can change the experience of operation. Competent equipment improves safety, increases usable area and turns an inflatable boat into a full-fledged fishing boat or pleasure boat. In this article, we will discuss the key elements without which it is difficult to imagine a modern waterway.

The market for accessories is full of offers, and it's easy for a beginner to get confused in marketing tricks. base-setIgnoring certain positions can lead to property damage or create a dangerous situation in the waters.

Critical security systems

Safety on the water is a no-brainer, and the first thing is always the anchor system. Even if you don't plan to fish in standing water, being able to fast-track a vessel in wind or current is vital. For lightweight inflatable vessels, the classic iron anchor is often redundant and even dangerous because of the risk of damaging cylinders.

The best solution is to cat anchor They have rounded legs that minimize the risk of puncture, and they weigh a little.

⚠️ Warning: Never tie the anchor tile directly to the transom or nose handle. In high winds or currents, the boat can turn the side to the wave, which will create a high risk of tipping over. Use an anchor leer with a carabiner attached to the rump ring on the nose, and always carry an emergency circumcision knife on hand.

In addition to the anchor, a critical element is lifejacketThis is not a case where you can flout the rules for comfort, and even experienced swimmers in cold water or when hit on board can faint.

• 🛡️ Choose vests with markings ISO 12402 or according to the standards of your country.
• 🔦 You need to have reflective elements for visibility in the dark.
• 📿 For children, vests should have inguinal straps so that the vest does not slide when falling into the water.

Another safety feature that is often overlooked is the repair kit, which should be in an easily accessible place, not rolled into the far corner of the runduk, which should include not only patches, but also degreaser and special glue.

Comfort and ergonomics: seats and floors

The regular plywood cans that come with budget boat models rarely provide the comfort they need, and when you're fishing or cruising for a long time, sitting on a hard board becomes unbearable after an hour. soft-seat with the ability to adjust the height.

Modern models are equipped with fastenings under boat-seat It's a bit more comfortable to be able to move around in struts that can be rearranged, so you can change the center of gravity, or you can just sit down to throw the gear, and you can also use inflatable seats that are less stable, but they take up minimal space when you're transporting them.

The second aspect of comfort is flooring. Wooden floorboard (floor) is often cold and slippery. carpeting EVA-material or specialized marine carpet solves several tasks: legs do not freeze, objects do not slide on the bottom, and the boat itself receives additional heat and noise insulation.

For owners of inflatable floor boats (BBBs), the problem of floor rigidity is relevant, it can bend over time. transom-wheel When assembled (if the design allows) it helps to distribute the load.

• 🪑 Adjustable seats allow you to change the position of the body, reducing back fatigue.
• 🌡️ Thermoinsulating mats protect against the cold coming from the water.
• 🧹 Carpet coating makes it easier to clean sand and dirt after landing on shore.

Mechanization: outboard motors and transom wheels

The shift to motor propulsion opens new horizons, but requires refinement of the aft. engine-plateEspecially if you plan to install a heavy four-stroke engine, the stove distributes the load and prevents the transom from pressing.

A critically important accessory for a solo fisherman is quiltIt allows one person to pull a heavy motor boat ashore and float it on the water, without any assistance, and there are models that are mounted on the cheekbone and on the transom.

Nuances of the choice of the transom wheel

When choosing a wheel, pay attention to the diameter. Small wheels (150-200 mm) are only suitable for smooth concrete slips. To approach from a gentle sandy or rocky shore, you need wheels with a diameter of 260 mm or higher, otherwise you will just get stuck.

When installing the engine, you should also think about anticavitation It's a power wing that's mounted on the engine's lower unit, and it improves the boat's planing output, reduces fuel consumption, and makes it easier to move, especially on the wave.

And remember, the protection of the lower unit, the driftwood or the algae that float in the water can wrap on the screw, and although it's difficult to fully protect the screw, the use of the screw is not very effective. quick-rotor or the presence of a spare set in the boat is a mandatory requirement for long trips.

Accessory type	Materials of execution	Appointment	Difficulty of installation
The transom wheel	Aluminum/Plastic	Transportation by land	Low.
The engine plate	Stainless steel	Load distribution	Medium
Hydrofoil	Plastic/Aluminium	Improvement of course	Low.
rumble-extensioner	aluminum	Nose control	Low.

Mechanization requires regular maintenance, and every time you go out into salt water or a muddy river, you have to flush the cooling system with fresh water, and there are special attachments to the lower unit.

Navigation and electronics on board

Modern fishing and navigation are unthinkable without electronics. The first gadget that appears in a boat is usually the first thing you do. sounderIt allows you not only to search for fish, but also to navigate safely through unfamiliar bodies of water, avoiding shallows and underwater obstacles.

A sounder, GPS or cartplotter requires reliable mounts. The market offers many options for brackets, but many experienced water motors prefer to make them. pole-holder It's all self-contained from a profile pipe or a large-diameter PVC tube, and it allows you to place the devices exactly as you want.

The most important element of the electronic circuit is batteryFor PVC boats, lead-acid starter batteries are often too heavy and afraid of deep discharge. The best choice is traction batteries (GEL, AGM) or more modern ones. Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LiFePO4) Batteries that are lighter and more compact.

Keep your contacts protected. Sea salt and water spray quickly oxidize compounds. Use contact sprays and sealed boxes to house batteries. This will prolong the life of your electronics.

• 🔋 LiFePO4 batteries weigh 2-3 times less lead at the same capacity.
• 📡 GPS trackers allow you to track the location of the boat in the event of a hijacking or loss.
• 💡 LED lighting consumes minimal energy and does not heat up.

Organization of space: handukes and holders

Chaos in the boat is the enemy of the fisherman, and scattered gear, clothing and food not only interfere with it, but can cause injury or loss of belongings overboard. hermormunk.

Sealed boxes, mounted on boards or on the floor, serve as both seats and storage, convenient to hold spare clothes, first aid kit, documents and valuable electronics, and it is important that the fasteners are reliable and do not damage the cylinders.

For gear, special fishing rod holders are used. They can be cut-in (requires the installation of glasses in the floor) or overhead (mounted on board). Holders for spinning must have a fixation mechanism so that the tackle does not fly away with a sharp jerk of fish or the roll of the boat.

⚠️ Attention: When drilling holes in plywood floorboard for installing glasses, be sure to treat the sections with moisture-resistant varnish or epoxy. Water entering the plywood will lead to decomposition and rotting of the floor.

Also useful are net pockets that are attached to the boat, which are convenient to hold small objects: telephone, sunglasses, pliers, which should be at hand, but not lying on the floor.

Field care, storage and repair

The durability of PVC boats depends on proper care, the main enemy of the material is ultraviolet and dirt, and after each fishing, it is advisable to wash the boat with fresh water, especially if it was used in a salt water body.

Keep the boat in a dry, cool place, preferably straightened or semi-assembled. Prolonged storage in a compressed state (in a bag) under pressure can lead to adhesion of PVC layers and make it difficult to pump in the future.

For quick repairs, always carry a remix, but not just a factory one, but an extended one, a piece of PVC fabric, a tube of quality glue. Radical or Texacol), degreaser and roller is a kit that will save your fishing.

If you find a cut or puncture, take your time to glue it on your eye. The repair site needs to be cleaned, degreased and warmed up. A high-quality patch installed with technology keeps the pressure on for years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which pump is better to choose for a PVC boat: electric or foot?

For constant operation and large volumes of air (especially for boats with NDNDM), an electric pump is indispensable, it saves your energy. However, a foot or hand pump is necessary as a backup option in case of battery discharge away from the shore. The ideal ligament: electric for the main pump and foot for final pumping and insurance.

Can I leave a PVC boat on the water overnight?

It is strongly recommended not to leave an inflatable boat on the water unattended for a long time. In addition to the risk of theft, there is a risk of changing the volume of air in the cylinders due to temperature changes (it gets cold at night, the pressure drops, the boat becomes sluggish; during the day it heats up, the pressure rises, the seams may break), and many materials are afraid of prolonged contact with water and fouling.

How often should I pump a boat in hot weather?

In hot sunny weather, the pressure in the cylinders can rise very quickly. It is recommended to check the pressure every 30-60 minutes in the sun. If the boat is in the shade, the pressure can, on the contrary, drop. Always carry a pressure gauge so as not to pump the cylinders, which is dangerous for seams.

How to clean a boat from oil or oil stains?

To remove PVC oil products, you can't use aggressive solvents like acetone or gasoline, because they can damage the structure of the material. Use PVC Cleaner or a soft sponge soap solution, and it's best to remove fresh stains immediately before they're absorbed.