Modern fishing and water hunting require not only a powerful motor, but also the ability to correctly control the position of the boat relative to the wind and current. A conventional cat anchor or plunger anchor securely fix the boat at one point, but often this does not correspond to the tactical tasks of the angler who wants to slowly drift along the brow or hold the nose of the boat against the wave in high wind. parachuteA drift anchor or underwater parachute that creates controlled water resistance.
This piece of equipment is a conical dome-shaped piece of durable fabric that, when it opens up underwater, creates a significant area of resistance. drift anchor It uses hydrodynamics to braking a boat, allowing it to move at current or wind speeds, but at a significantly reduced speed, which is critical for trolling at great depths or catching in stormy weather when needed to extinguish the onboard swing.
A well-fitted drift anchor turns an unstable inflatable boat into a stable fishing platform. However, many water-engines make mistakes when choosing the size of a dome or a mounting scheme for a fail, which reduces the efficiency of the device to zero. In this article, we will discuss the physics of the underwater parachute, help you choose a model for your boat, and describe the installation process in detail.
The principle of operation and advantages of drift anchor
The physical principle of operation parachute It's based on the creation of water drag, and when the dome fills with water, it becomes a powerful brake. If the classical anchor works by weight and by ground hook, the drift anchor works in the water column, regardless of the depth, making it an indispensable tool in deep water, where the traditional anchor tile would be impractical long and the bottom hook impossible.
The main advantage of using such a device is to stabilize the position of the boat. In side wind or excitement, the PVC inflatable boat has the ability to turn on board, which is dangerous for rollover or simply uncomfortable for fishing. Drift anchorA rod that's fixed to the nose causes the boat to keep its course against the resistance force, which is, its nose to the wind or the current, which significantly reduces the pitching amplitude and makes it easier to control.
In addition, parachutes allow for slow drifting. Trollingers know that wiring speeds are often critical. At low speeds, the motor can stall or work unstablely, and the electric motor quickly drains the battery. Drift anchors reduce the speed of a boat under the influence of wind to 0.5-1 km / h, which is ideal for catching a predator on a jig or wobblear.
⚠️ Warning: Never tie the drift anchor file directly to a duck or a ditch without using a quick-removal mechanism. In case of an emergency or a snag at the bottom, you should be able to drop the anchor instantly so as not to overturn the boat.
The important aspect is the fabrication material, and the quality models are made of high density Oxford. 450D or 600DThis fabric is water-free, resistant to ultraviolet light and rotting, and is usually made of fiberglass rods that provide the dome's rigidity when it is opened, but allow anchoring in a compact case.
Selection criteria: size, material and equipment
Choosing the right model is not just a matter of price, it's a matter of calculating physical compatibility with your boat. A parachute that's too small won't create enough drag on a large boat, and an overly large one will be difficult to pick out by hand and can put a dangerous strain on the mounts. The key parameter here is the area of the dome in the unfolded state, which is directly correlated with the length and displacement of the boat.
Pay attention to the design of the entrance opening. In professional models, it is equipped with a rigid ring that prevents the dome from collapsing when jerking. Also important is the length of the main phalt: the standard 10 meters are often not enough for deep places, so the ability to build length matters. The phalt must be made of a floating rope so that it can be easily picked up from water.
You should also consider the availability of additional elements in the kit. Some manufacturers offer anchors with a cargo pocket on the edge, which helps to load the device faster, but weights it dry. Other models come with a bag-case with drainage holes, which is convenient for storing wet things.
The following is a table of how the parachute anchor size fits the boat type and size, and these are averaged recommendations, because real efficiency depends on the strength of the wind and current in a particular region.
| Dome size (inches) | Diameter (cm) | Type of boat | Boat length (m) | Recommended wind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 inches. | 60 cm | Single inflatable | 2.5m | 5 m/s |
| 30 inches | 75 cm | Double PVC | 2.5 - 3.2 m | 7 m/s |
| 36 inches | 90cm | Triple PVC/Small Metal. | 3.2. - 3.8 m | 9m/s |
| 42+ inches | 105 cm | Large boats/boats | 3.8 m | 12 m/s |
Fixing and installation schemes on the boat
Proper installation parachute It's safe and efficient. There are two basic attachment patterns, the bow and the stern, and the nose attachment is the classic and most common, and in this case, the phala is attached to the nose ditch or duck, and this makes the boat move forward forwards in the direction of drift, which is the safest and most convenient for viewing.
Aft mounting is less common and requires special care, and is used when needed to slow down a boat moving for an outboard motor or when fishing in calm so that the boat does not turn nose to a small wave, but when fastening from the stern there is a risk of flooding the wave into the cockpit if the boat goes lag to the wave.
☑️ Pre-installing check
You'll need a reliable knot or carbine to fit, and it's recommended that you use a vertebrae to keep the vertebrae from swirling around you as the boat rotates under the wind. If you don't have a regular smack on your boat, you can use leer tension by passing the tilt through the nose handle, but be sure to be symmetrical so that you don't damage the balloon.
It is important to ensure that the rope is free to descend. The anchor must be ejected into the water from the leeward side so that the current and wind do not nail it to the side of the boat immediately. After diving the dome, you need to choose a slack, but leave a reserve of the fail, allowing the boat to maneuver within the radius of drift.
Tactics of use in fishing and hunting
Application drift anchor It's a great way to get a fisherman to do tactical things, and for example, when you're fishing a pike in a large area, you often need to catch a specific area, and instead of constantly working with your motor, you can stand up in the wind, you can parachute and you can walk slowly over a point, and that allows you to do more precise wiring and make less noise.
Flying hunters use a parachute anchor to hold the boat in reeds in high winds. A conventional anchor can get stuck in bottom vegetation or, conversely, not hold on soft silt. A parachute operates in the water column, allowing the boat to stay in the corridor without falling out into open water.
It's also essential for rescue or other vessel assistance, and if you're blown away in shallow water or rocks, an anchored parachute can give you precious minutes to start the engine or make a decision, significantly reducing the speed of demolition, especially for lightweight, high-swimming inflatable boats.
The secret to quiet fishing
When fishing for a cautious fish, such as a tar or a tar, use a parachute anchor in combination with an electric motor. The parachute extinguishes the inertia of the boat after the engine stops, allowing you to hover over the point almost silently.
And don't forget about thunderstorm safety. Although a parachute isn't a lightning rod, it allows you to quickly stabilize the boat with your nose to the wave, minimizing the risk of getting splashed and water into the boat while you wait out the bad weather in the life jackets.
Maintenance, drying and storage
Like any equipment that comes into contact with water, parachute After every fishing trip, especially in salt water or in polluted water, the dome must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, and the salt and silt, when dried, are crilled into the fabric, breaking down the fibers and reducing the elasticity of the material.
Drying is a critical step, you can't put a wet anchor in a cover, and even if the fabric looks dry from the outside, there may be moisture in the seams and folds, which will cause mold and unpleasant odors, and you should dry it straightened, in the shade, away from direct sunlight, which can burn out the dye and weaken the synthetic thread.
Keeping the device in a spacious bag of breathable fabric is best, not in a sealed bag. The room should be dry and ventilated. Periodically check the condition of the seams and the integrity of the slings. If you notice divergent threads, it is better to close them immediately using a capron thread so as not to lose anchor at depth during the next fishing trip.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use aggressive chemicals, gasoline or solvents to clean the parachute anchor, which can break down the water-repellent impregnation of the fabric and make the material brittle.
Frequent Beginner Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
One of the most common mistakes is to use a too thin phala: a thin line or cord can cut your hands when sampling, and also has a high sailing capacity on its own, creating an additional arc and reducing braking efficiency. It is optimal to use a wicker cord with a diameter of 4-6 mm.
The second mistake is to ignore the depth of the dive, the anchor parachute must be fully submerged, if it is partially visible on the surface, its effectiveness drops by 50%, and it itself begins to create noise and splashes, scaring off the fish.
The third mistake is to try to use a parachute as the main anchor for standing still, and it's a drifting device, not an anchor device, and on strong currents or winds, it won't hold the boat at a point, it'll just drag it. Use traditional anchors to park.
Save the engine life: For long waits for cool in the wind, use the parachute anchor instead of running the engine at low speeds. This will save fuel and reduce engine wear.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I use a parachute anchor on a strong current?
Yes, but with caution. In a strong current, the resistance of the anchor will be huge. Make sure that the anchors on the boat (ducks, leers) will withstand the jerk load. In such conditions, it is better to use an anchor smaller than recommended to be able to control drift.
Will the thunder get tangled around the engine screw?
When used correctly, no. The phala should always be pulled and flow into the water from the bow of the boat. If you use the stern circuit, watch the position of the rope. When you use the engine, the anchor is usually chosen, because it creates resistance that interferes with the course.
How quickly does the parachute anchor fold after use?
The dome itself folds up pretty quickly if you adjust to spiraling it, but it takes a lot of drying, and if you're planning on packing wet anchors, use special mesh bags, but you should definitely dry the product at home.
Is there a difference between a PVC anchor and a metal boat?
The only difference is the power of the device and the strength of the mounts. Metal boats ("Kazanks", "kryanks") often require larger anchors (from 36-40 inches), since they are heavier and have a greater sailing over the water. Metal mounts must be welded or screwed onto bolts, rather than simply tied.
Anchor parachute is not just an accessory, but a tool to improve safety and comfort, which should be in the arsenal of every boat owner planning to fish in large water bodies.