Fishing or resting on the water often requires fixing the craft at a specific point, especially in high winds or currents. anchor-winch In an inflatable PVC boat, it changes the way we anchor, making it fast, safe and effortless. Unlike the classic manually-resetting, a mechanical or electric lift allows you to control the rate of sinking and, more importantly, ensures that the gear is lifted clean and fast, even from great depths.
Small-size boat owners often underestimate the importance of the right equipment, relying on the vosal or cheap counterparts. anchor-rope Under stress, it can cause serious injuries to the hands, and losing anchor on a rocky bottom is not only a financial loss, but also a risk of being unattached in stormy weather. A well-chosen winch solves these problems by making anchorage a comfortable process.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what types of devices are suitable for PVC boatsYou'll learn about the power nuances of electric motors and why the weight of the device is critical for the inflatable side.
Criteria for selection of anchor winch for inflatable board
The choice of equipment for an inflatable boat is very different from the choice of machinery for metal boats. The main enemy of PVC is overweight and the complexity of installation, which can disrupt the balance or damage the cylinders. anchorage The power-to-weight ratio is paramount, and lightweight aluminum alloys and strong plastics are the priority here over heavy steel.
The second important aspect is the type of drive: mechanical winches are reliable, power-free and cheaper, but require physical effort to lift the anchor from a depth of more than 3-4 meters. Electric winches They are battery-powered, effortless lifting, but they are heavier, afraid of submersion and require a competent organization of power supply. Small boats up to 3.5 meters long often enough high-quality manual model.
Be sure to pay attention to the type of rope used. For inflatable boats, it is critical that the mechanism is compatible with the use of the cable. anchor-flyMost modern-day stalls work with a wicker rope or chain, but some generic models allow you to combine the chain at the anchor and the cable above, which reduces the risk of damage to the bottom of the boat by a sharp chain when lifting.
⚠️ Warning: Never use an anchor winch to tow a boat to shore or another vessel! This device is designed solely for the vertical load of the anchor. Attempting to pull the boat horizontally can cause the gearbox to break or the transom roll over.
Electrical vs. Mechanical: Which one to choose?
The decision between a hand winch and an electric winch often depends on the size of the boat and the frequency of use. Hand-held modelssuch as popular Handy Anchor Winch They're very compact and simple, and they're perfect for boats where every kilogram counts, and they're based on the rotation of the handle that winds the rope onto the drum through the gearbox, which is very reliable, but at depths of over 5 meters, it can be tedious, especially if the anchor is stuck in the ground.
Electric winches (e.g. models from Min Kota or Trac) offer maximum comfort, push the button raises the anchor in seconds, but their installation on a PVC boat requires additional batteryIn addition, electrics on water are always a risk of contact oxidation, so such models require careful sealing and regular maintenance.
There is also a compromise option – using a powerful electric motor for the boat as a traction device, but this requires special adapters and is not a regular function. For most amateur fishermen using boats with a length of 3.0-4.2 meters, the best choice will be a quality adapter. winch-wheel It has a good gear ratio that will not fail at a critical moment.
- 🔋 Electric models require a separate battery and protection from moisture.
- ⚙️ Mechanical winches are lighter and do not depend on battery power.
- 🌊 For depths of more than 7 meters, the electrician is much more comfortable.
- 💰 The cost of electrical devices is 3-5 times higher than mechanical analogues.
The secret of the durability of a mechanical winch
To extend the life of a mechanical winch, it is recommended to wash it with fresh water after each fishing and lubricate the moving parts with silicone lubrication, salt and sand are the main enemies of the gearbox, even if it is made of stainless steel.
Installation of winches on the transom and bow of the boat
Installing an anchor is a process that requires precision and understanding of your boat's design. sling-mountThe winch is attached to the top of the transom or to a special platform, and it is important that the fasteners do not damage the transmutation board or create stress points that can deform the plywood under load.
The bow mounting (to the dull) is more difficult to implement on inflatable boats, as it requires a hard pad in the bow. keel Or with a hard deck to the nose, it can be mounted using special brackets that cover cylinders, but this method is less stable when rolling hard and is more often used on boats with a hard nose.
When mounting, make sure that the axis of the winch drum is located strictly parallel to the transom or perpendicular to the diametral plane of the boat. anchor-lineUse only stainless fasteners (bolts, nuts, washers) because the regular metal will rust in one season.
☑️ Check before installing the winch
Pay special attention to the organization anchor-hole In PVC boats, the rope should not rub against the side, because when stretched it can damage the material of the balloon. Use protective linings or conduct the rope through special holes in the hard deck, if the design of the boat this is foreseen.
Electricity provision for winches
If you choose to go with the electric model, then power becomes the key. 12 volts.Connecting the winch directly to the battery that powers the outboard motor is not recommended, especially if the engine stalls and the battery runs out, you will be left without a move or anchor. The ideal solution is to install a separate traction battery.
Use special sea terminals and safety locks for switching, the connection circuit should be as simple as possible: Battery → Safety → Control button / Remote → WinchAll connections must be reliably protected from splashes and possible immersion. Select the wires with a cross section corresponding to the current consumption of the winch motor to avoid voltage drop and heating.
⚠️ Warning: When installing an electric winch, be sure to use an automatic fuse designed to run slightly above the nominal consumption of the motor, which will protect the wiring from fire in the event of a short circuit or jamming of the mechanism.
Use lithium (LiFePO4) batteries to power the electric winch, which are significantly lighter than lead-acid counterparts and better hold load, which is critical for balancing a lightweight PVC boat.
Don't forget to protect your contacts, even if the winch is protected. IP67, the connection points of the wires to the battery terminals remain vulnerable. Use special sprays for contacts or shrinking cambricks with adhesive layer to seal the connections.
Technical specifications and comparison of models
When choosing a particular model, it is important to rely on dry numbers, not just marketing promises. Below is a table comparing the popular types of winches available on the market for small craft.
| Parameter | Hand winch (Budget) | Hand winch (Premium) | Electric winch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight of the device | 1.5 - 2.5 kg | 2.0 - 3.0 kg | 4.0 - 7.0 kg |
| Max, load. | 150 kg | 250 kg | 500 kg |
| Speed of ascent | Depends on the user. | High (improved gearbox) | 15-25 m/min |
| Case material | Plastic/Aluminum | Stainless steel/Aluminum | Aluminum/Composite |
As you can see from the table, premium hand-held models They often beat cheap electric models in reliability and weight, they can lift anchors weighing 10-12 kg from a depth of 10 meters in minutes without requiring complex electrical binding. Electric models are justified for heavy anchors (Danforth, Hall) weighing 15 kg or more.
Another important parameter is the capacity of the drum, and make sure that the length of the rope is placed on the drum, which is equal to three depths of your intended fishing place. 30-50 metersUsing a rope that is too short makes anchorage inefficient in wind or current.
For PVC boats up to 4 meters long, the best choice is a high-quality hand winch made of anodized aluminum weighing up to 3 kg.
Rules of safe operation
Water safety is priority number one. There is a risk of entanglement when using an anchor winch on an inflatable boat. anchor-rope To avoid this, always lower and raise anchor from the bow of the boat (or from the transom, but taking into account the direction of the wind), holding the rope in tension. Never let the rope loosely hang out in the water next to the propeller.
When lifting the anchor, never step on the rope tension line. If the anchor is stuck and the winch is experiencing a limiting load, there is a risk of breaking the cable or breaking the fastener. In this situation, it is better to carefully approach the place of the hook on the motor (if depth and relief allows) or use a special special buoytied to the anchor ring to pull it out from the back.
Check your condition regularly anchor-failThe wicker cable is worn over time, especially in contact with the winch rollers, the presence of "shagginess" or damaged veins is a signal for immediate replacement, and also watch the purity of the drum: sand and small stones caught between the turns accelerate the wear of the mechanism.
- 🛑 Always control the tension of the rope with your hands, but do not wind them on the cable.
- 🧵 Lubricate the cable with a special lubricant to prevent rotting and icing.
- ⚓ Use a vertebra between the anchor and the rope to avoid twisting.
What if the anchor is stuck dead?
If the winch is not working, don't tear the mechanism. Tie the end of the anchor rope to the bow rim, slowly move the motor perpendicular to the direction of tension, and try to shake the anchor with the boat, often helping to rip it off.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a conventional car winch for a boat?
Theoretically, it is possible, but it is highly discouraged for PVC boats: Car winches are too heavy, require powerful power and often lack protection from moisture and salt. Their use will disrupt the light boat's balancing and create an excessive load on the transom.
How long should the anchor rope be?
The length of the rope should be at least 3, and preferably 4 lengths of maximum depth at the fishing site. This ensures the correct angle of tension and reliable operation of the anchor. 30-40 meters.
Do I need to grease the winch after every fishing trip?
Full lubrication after each fishing is not required, but fresh water rinsing from salt and dirt is mandatory. Lubrication of moving parts is recommended once a season or after intensive use in salt water.
Will the winch damage the boat's cylinder when installed?
With proper installation and protective linings, no, but avoid the sharp edges of the fasteners and the points of friction of the rope against the balloon. Use soft pads between the winch metal and PVC.
Can I leave a winch on a boat for the winter?
It's better to store the winch in a dry room at room temperature, and frost can make the plastic brittle, and the moisture left over inside the machine can freeze and damage the parts.