The inflatable vessel requires careful handling of every detail, and anchorage It's not the last thing that's going to happen here, for lightweight swimmers like this. PVC boatsTraditional sea anchors are often too bulky or even dangerous to the integrity of cylinders, and this is where the fungus anchor comes on the scene, perfect for soft bottoms and delicate materials.
This type of restraint is valued for its compactness and ability to securely fix the vessel on sludge or sandy ground. Unlike lapberry models, the fungus has no sharp edges, which minimizes the risk of puncture during lifting or storage. However, in order for the device to work effectively, you need to understand the principles of its interaction with the bottom relief and correctly calculate the mass.
⚠️ Warning: Using an overly heavy anchor on an inflatable boat can cause transom deformation or damage to the bottom in high winds. Always consider the carrying capacity of your vessel.
Constructive features and principle of operation
The mushroom anchor is a massive body with a rounded cap and leg to which a vertebra is attached, and its working principle is radically different from the lapnic cats or the Admiralty models. Instead of crashing into the ground with sharp elements, the mushroom relies on the use of a vertebrae. suction And when it goes down, it flips its cap down, and it starts to sink into the soft bottom sediments under the weight.
The main force of retention is due to the difference in pressure: under the hat, a thinning zone is created, and the top layer of soil acts as a sucker. The softer and slurred bottom, the more efficiently it works. mushroom-anchorOn rocky or hard clay soil, efficiency drops dramatically, as the device simply lies on the surface, unable to sink.
Modern models often come with additional elements to improve grip, such as ribs around the perimeter of the cap or a special coating that increases friction. Some manufacturers offer foldable options where the leg separates or hinges with the body, which makes it easier to do so. transportation In a bag of things.
To improve the grip on the slurry bottom, you can tie a small bag of sand to the anchor leg, which will weight the structure and accelerate immersion in the ground.
Calculation of the required weight for a PVC boat
The choice of weight of the restraint is a balance between the reliability of the fixation and the safety of operation. For inflatable boats, the rule is that the anchor must be heavy enough to withstand the wind load, but not so heavy as to become a threat if you accidentally fall on the foot or side. The weight depends on the area of sailing your boat and the strength of the current.
There is an empirical formula that allows you to calculate the necessary mass approximately, and it takes into account the length of the vessel and the expected conditions. mushroom-model Often, 20-30% more weight is required than for lapbar anchors of the same holding capacity, due to the peculiarities of their work on the breakaway.
Below is a table that helps to orient in the choice of weight depending on the dimensions of the craft and the conditions of use:
| Boat length (m) | Conditions (smooth/low current) | Conditions (wind/medium current) | Recommended type of mushroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 | 2 - 3 kg | 3 - 4 kg | Solid cast iron |
| 3.0 - 3.6 | 3 - 4 kg | 4 - 6 kg | Iron and ribs |
| 3.6 - 4.2 | 4 - 5 kg | 6 - 8 kg | Strengthened construction |
| more than 4.2 | 5 - 6 kg | 8 - 10 kg | Special series for PVC |
If you plan to fish on the river with a sandy-pebble bottom, the mass will have to increase, or consider alternative options. Security It should always be a priority, so do not overload the boat with excess metal without an urgent need.
Advantages and disadvantages over other types
Every technical solution has its pros and cons, and the fungus anchor is no exception. polyvinyl chloride The absence of sharp legs excludes accidental punctures, which is especially important when pulling the anchor from the water on board in pitching conditions.
And the fungus is almost never stuck dead, and even if it gets a little bit into the silt, pulling it off usually allows it to be released without jerking, and it keeps the angler's nervous system and integrity intact. anchor-falinaThe compact shape allows you to stack it in any free corner of the bag, without fear of staining other things with dirt or rust (with proper care).
- 🍄 High safety for inflatable elements of the boat due to the absence of sharp edges.
- 💨 Excellent work on sludge, sand and grassy bottom due to the suction effect.
- 📦 Compact and easy storage, the possibility of placement in a sealed bag.
But there are some major drawbacks: on a hard, rocky or cartilaginous bottom, the mushroom is powerless -- it just slides across the surface, it also requires more storage space in volume than folding cat anchors, although it can benefit by weight, and in high-flow conditions, it can be dragged down the bottom if the mass is not properly matched.
⚠️ Warning: Never use a mushroom anchor on a fast course with a hard bottom, and in such conditions it will not provide a safe parking and may cause the boat to be demolished to a dangerous area.
Materials of manufacture and coating
The durability of the anchor device depends on the material. pig-ironIt's cheap, it's heavy, it's quite durable, but cast iron is corrosive, and without proper care, it can not only damage the look of the rust, but it can also spill over to the metal parts of the boat, if there are any.
More modern models are made of steel with different coatings. Hot galvanizing provides excellent protection from water, but over time the zinc layer can become thinner. Epoxy coatings and powder paint look aesthetically pleasing and last a long time, but are afraid of hitting stones - the chip of the paint will become a hearth. corrosion.
There are also models made of lead or lead filling, which are smaller at the same weight but much more expensive. For most PVC boat owners, the best choice is cast iron mushroom with a quality factory coating or painted with special metal compositions on its own.
How to restore the anchor cover?
If you notice chips on paint or zinc, be sure to clean the rust with sandpaper to metal. Degrease the surface and apply the soil over rust, and then 2-3 layers of epoxy paint. This will prolong the life of the anchor for several seasons.
Proper installation and anchoring technique
The effectiveness of the mushroom depends not only on its weight, but also on the correct installation. The key is the length of the rope (whalin). To reliably hold the angle between the bottom and the strained phalinum should be minimal, ideally less than 30 degrees, this provides a horizontal force that presses the fungus to the bottom, causing it to “buried”.
The rule is that the length of the faline should be 3-4 times the depth in the parking lot. If you stand at a depth of 2 meters, then you need to poison the rope 6-8 meters. Using a short rope will cause the anchor to pull up with every gust of wind or wave.
The anchoring process is as follows:
- Approach the selected place against the current or wind.
- Lower the anchor to the bottom, without throwing it, so as not to create a splash and not scare the fish.
- Slowly back up, scorching the falin to the desired length.
- Set the falin on anchor-roam Or a duck and let the boat pull a rope.
☑️ Checking before getting on the water
Care, storage and seasonal conservation
Metal and water are incompatible things without proper protection. After every fishing, especially in salt water, the anchor must be washed with fresh water. Salt is a catalyst for corrosion and can destroy even galvanized coatings in one season of active use.
Keep the armature-mushroom in a dry place. If it is removed into the bag to the boat, make sure that it is completely dried, otherwise the damp fabric of the bag and the constant friction of the metal on the boat. PVC Some anglers use separate sealers for anchoring.
Before long-term winter storage, it is recommended to lubricate the metal part (except the hat, if it is painted) with conservation lubricant or technical vaseline. This will prevent rust from appearing in the places of chips and microcracks. Regular inspection of the condition of faline is also mandatory: worn threads may not withstand a jerk at a critical moment.
The main secret of long service of the armour-mushroom is regular washing with fresh water and storage in a dry form, separate from the fabric elements of the boat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use the Mushroom anchor on the current?
You can use it, but with limitations. In strong currents, the fungus may not catch on and will drag along the bottom, creating noise, in which case it is better to increase the mass of the anchor or switch to lapberry models that can get stuck between the stones.
Which is better to choose: a rope or a chain?
For PVC boats and mushroom anchors, synthetic rope (nylon or polypropylene) is optimal. The chain is too heavy, takes up a lot of space and can damage cylinders. A small segment of the chain (1-2 meters) can be placed in front of the anchor so that it lies on the bottom horizontally, but for a mushroom this is rarely critical.
Why doesn't the anchor hold and the boat blows down?
The length of the phalin is probably wrong, and if the angle of separation is too large, the anchor is pulled out of the ground, and the reason may be the wrong type of bottom (stone, hard clay) for this model, try to increase the length of the rope or change the parking lot.
Do I need to paint a new cast iron anchor?
Factory paint is often thin and decorative. To extend the service life, it is recommended to additionally coat the anchor with specialized metal paint or blacksmith paint that is resistant to mechanical damage.