The quiet sliding of an inflatable vessel across a body of water is often interrupted by the need to stand on a point, especially for anglers looking for cool spots on the current or wind. Using a classic metal anchor in conjunction with a lightweight boat made of polyvinyl chloride creates a lot of problems: the risk of puncture of the balloon, the difficulty of climbing from the hook and noise when reelling.
This is where the stage comes in. anchor-parachuteThis device is a radical change in the way we anchor, not just to stand, but to effectively fend off the forces of the elements. Unlike traditional cargo, this type of anchor works by resisting water, creating powerful braking without excess weight on board.
In this article, we will discuss in detail why. anchor-chute becomes the safety standard for owners of PVC boats, how to correctly calculate its size for your boat and what are the nuances of installation anchor-rim And rope attachments.
Principle of action and advantages over classics
The basic principle of the device is hydrodynamic resistance, and when the dome is opened, it captures a huge amount of water, creating a powerful thrust that holds the boat nose against the current or the wave. flyboat has a small mass and high sailing, which is why it often unfolds sideways to the wind, which is fraught with a coup or overwhelming of the board.
The key advantage is safety. You don't have to worry about heavy iron anymore. anchor It's only 300 to 500 grams in weight, which is often more important for a light pleasure boat than a 5-pound load, and if you're hooked on a snag or a rock, you just have to pull the snag and the dome folds, allowing you to pull the anchor without loss.
⚠️ Attention: The parachute anchor is not designed to be rigidly fixed in place (like a cat or a plow), it allows the boat to drift, albeit very slowly. If your task is to stand strictly on a point and not move a meter, this option may not be suitable.
The efficiency of the work depends on the area of the dome. PVC boats The length of up to 3.2 meters is usually enough dome diameter of 60-80 cm. Larger vessels require reinforced models. It is important to understand that the retention force increases exponentially with increasing speed of flow, which makes the parachute ideal for moderate to high current rivers.
Design features and materials
The modern market offers many variations, but they are all divided into several types according to the design of the dome. anchor-chute It's a cone-shaped bag with a hard or soft inlet, and more advanced models have a frame of plastic or metal arcs that keeps the dome open even with minimal water movement.
The fabrication material is critical to durability: budget models are made of PU-impregnated Oxford or nylon; they are lightweight and dry quickly, but they can lose strength with prolonged ultraphylete exposure. Professional anchorage Often made of reinforced fabric, which is resistant to abrasion of bottom debris and shells.
- 🎣 Soft dome: requires a flow of water to open, compactly folds, ideal for storage in a kunduk.
- 🎣 Frame type: keeps the shape static, opens faster, but takes up more space during transportation.
- 🎣 With a cargo pocket: Some models have a special pocket for laying stones or sand on the bottom, which increases efficiency in the weak current.
Special attention should be paid to the slings and the mounting assembly. nylon With a burst load of at least 200 kg. Places mounting slings to the dome must be reinforced by levers or double seam. Cheap analogues often sin weak fittings, which can burst when jerking.
Proper installation and attachment schemes
Mounting an anchor system on a PVC boat requires a smart approach. The main mistake of beginners is to attach the faucet to a nose handle or a dip that is too high, which creates a tipping point. To anchor safely, the anchoring point should be as low as possible, ideally at water level or slightly higher.
The best solution is the installation anchor-rim (ducks) on the transom or on the nose of the balloon, but with the obligatory use of a delay. If you use a nose poop, make sure it is fixed through a belt covering the balloon, not just glued. For transmolina boats, a scheme of attachment to the dim on the transmolina is great, but then the boat will stand stern against the current, which is convenient for trolling, but not always for fishing.
There is a popular scheme using anchor-end Rubber (shock absorber) extinguishes the boat's jerks on the wave, preventing sharp twitching that can tear the anchor from the ground or tear the fabric of the dome. The length of the fail should be 3-4 depths in the parking lot to ensure the correct angle of attack.
⚠️ Warning: Never tie the anchor thack rigidly to the boat without the possibility of a quick reset (for example, through a fast-equipped carbine or simply a knot that can be cut with a knife).
For those who want to achieve maximum reliability, it is recommended to use anchor-light A special loop at the end of the rope that passes through the anchor ring, and when you sample the anchor, you pull a special thin tug attached to a narrow part of the dome, which allows you to flip the anchor and easily pull it out.
Comparison of anchor types for PVC boats
To make a final decision, you need to compare the anchor-parachute with other popular options. Each type has its own use cases, and unfortunately there is no universal solution, the choice depends on the conditions of the reservoir and the purpose of the voyage.
Traditional metal anchors (Denforth, Cat, Halla) provide a stranglehold, but on a rocky bottom or in grass thickets, their effectiveness decreases and the risk of loss is high. Anchor parachute It is devoid of these disadvantages, but loses in the strength of retention in a very strong wind, when the boat begins to drag like a sail.
| Parameter | Anchor-parachute | Cat anchor | Cargo (bag) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight. | 300-500g | 2-5 kg | 3-10 kg |
| Risk of puncture | Missing. | Highly | Medium. |
| Chatches. | Impossible. | Frequent | Rare. |
| Retention in the wind | Average | High. | Low. |
| Price. | Low/Medium | Medium/High | Low. |
From the table you can see that for quiet fishing and cruising. anchor-chute It's a benefit of a combination of safety and convenience, but if you want to park on an open path in a strong side wind, it's better to have a small metal anchor or a combination.
The secret of the combined scheme
Experienced boaters often use a bundle: a light anchor-parachute as the main and a small cat (1 kg) as a safety kit. The parachute holds its nose against the wave, and the cat lying on the bottom prevents heavy drift.
Operation and maintenance of the anchor system
After every trip to the water anchor-chute You need to be thoroughly washed with fresh water, especially if you've been swimming in salty water or in muddy river water, and the sand and salt left in the fabric act as an abrasive, rubbing the fibers the next time you fold it, and drying it straightened, in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight.
Storage should be organized in a dry place. A damp dome, retracted in a sealant for a long time, is guaranteed to be covered with mold that will destroy the protective layer of tissue. Optimal use of mesh bags that allow the fabric to "breathe." Regularly check the state of the seams and sling attachments - this is where the scuffs most often occur.
- 🧼 Cleanup: Use a soft brush and soapy solution to remove mud and silt.
- 🧼 Drying: It is strictly forbidden to dry on a battery or a fire - the synthetic will melt.
- 🧼 Repair: Small punctures can be sewn with a capron thread or glued with a special glue for PVC.
The fall also requires attention. Nylon tends to accumulate moisture and can rot from the inside if it stays wet for a long time in a twisted state. Periodically unwind the rope completely and inspect it for rubbing. If you notice "fluffiness" in certain areas, this is a signal to replace the fail.
Typical errors in anchoring
Even experienced anglers sometimes make mistakes that can cost boats or tackles, and the most common is using a too short phala. Many beginners anchor "under themselves," not considering that the wind will blow the boat down and the tension angle will become vertical. anchor-parachute It will jump out of the water or lose its effectiveness.
The second mistake is to ignore the direction of the drift, and when you set the anchor, you always have to be your nose against the current or the wave, and if you stand sideways, the boat's sailing will create a roll that can lead to a rollover, especially if there are people in the boat who are actively moving along the sides.
⚠️ Warning: Never tie an anchor rope to a leg or arm! with a sharp jerk (for example, if the boat is turned by the wind) this can lead to serious injury or a person falling overboard.
The 3-length depth rule works for calm water, but with high winds or excitement, the ratio should be 5:1 or even 7:1. This provides a gentler thrust angle, which is critical for work. anchor-parachute.
☑️ Checking before exit
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
What size anchor-parachute to choose for a boat 3.20 meters?
For a boat with a length of 3.20 meters (two-seater) the optimal diameter of the dome will be 60-80 cm If you plan to fish alone on such a boat, 60 cm will suffice.
Can I use a parachute anchor on the current?
Yes, this is one of its main advantages. It works even more efficiently on the current than on standing water, because the constant flow of water keeps the dome open. However, in a very strong current (more than 2 m / s), one parachute can be small, and it should be combined with an additional load.
How fast does the anchor parachute fold?
Soft models fold in 1 to 2 minutes, you just shook the water, roll the dome with a cam and put it in a bag, and frame models take a little longer to disassemble the arcs, but modern designs allow you to do this quite quickly even in the field.
Do I need a load for the parachute anchor?
The cargo itself is not necessary, because the principle of operation is hydrodynamic, but a small weight (1-2 kg) at the end of the rope in front of the anchor helps to lower it to the bottom faster and prevents tangled tangles. It is critical not to overload the system, otherwise the parachute will lie down and stop working.
What to do if the anchor is entangled in algae?
A parachute anchor is almost undetectable because it has no hooks. If it gets entangled in long algae, it usually takes a couple of jerks in the opposite direction to free the dome. Unlike a cat, it does not collect a beard from grass.
In summary, it can be said that anchor-parachute It's an indispensable accessory for the owner of a modern inflatable boat, which combines lightness, safety and high efficiency, and a competent approach to choosing a model and the right installation will allow you to enjoy fishing and resting on the water without fear for the integrity of the vessel.