Equipping an inflatable fishing or recreation vessel requires careful attention to every detail, and PVC anchoring plays a key role here. Many beginners neglect this element by dumping the anchor cable into a bag or simply to the bottom, which often leads to tangled tangles and loss of precious time when you need to quickly anchor. Properly organized storage of the rope and rope is not just a matter of aesthetics, but a critical aspect of safety and comfort on the water.
In the modern range of tuning for flyboat There are many solutions available, from simple motors to complex electric winches, depending on the type of boat, operating conditions and personal preferences of the owner, and properly selected and installed, the anchor can be instantly re-arranged and selected as quickly as possible, keeping it clean on deck and preventing the gear from accidentally entangled.
In this article, we will discuss the main types of anchor devices, their advantages and disadvantages, and also consider the step-by-step process of installing yourself. You will learn how to properly attach the structure on board or a transom so that it withstands the loads during jerks and does not damage the cylinders. In addition, we will touch on safety issues and give practical tips for operating the anchor assembly in various weather conditions.
Why do you need an anchor winding on an inflatable boat?
The main function of the anchor winding is to provide fast and unimpeded access to the anchor rope, unlike metal boats, which provide special anchor locks and steppe room, on the anchor rope. PVC The space is limited and the sides are made up of soft cylinders, and the lack of a special holder causes the wet and dirty cable to stain equipment, get confused with rods and can even damage the fabric of the cylinder when a sharp jerk.
The use of specialized winding allows you to contain anchor-false This is especially important when you're catching a predator on a spinning spin, where you need to change the catch points frequently, instead of spending minutes unwinding the ball, the fisherman releases the anchor in one motion, and even more, organized storage reduces the risk that the cable will catch on the motor or other protruding parts, which can lead to an emergency.
In addition to functionality, the winding serves as an additional ordering-piece Modern models often combine the storage of a cable with a rod or sonar attachment, which maximizes the useful area of an inflatable vessel, freeing up space for fishing boxes and gear, and securely fixing the rope prevents it from falling overboard when rolling or high winds.
The main types of anchor windings for PVC boats
The water-powered accessories market offers a wide range of anchor cable storage devices, all of which can be divided into several major categories, each with its own design features, depending on where you plan to place the device: on the nose, on the transom or on board.
- 🪢 Classical thruster Simple plastic or metal slats with wire-wiring protrusions, lightweight, cheap and versatile, but require hand-wrapping.
- ⚓ Anchor winches These are more complex mechanisms, often mounted on the nose, and can be mechanical (with gates) or electrical, making it much easier to lift a heavy anchor.
- 🛶 Onboard holders They're compact devices that are attached to the huts, and they don't take up space on the floor, and they allow you to anchor along the side without interfering with the cockpit.
It is worth noting separately. anchorageThese are the most popular medium-sized and large boats, which allow you to anchor remotely and control the length of the rope you release, but for most small inflatable boat owners, mechanical options that do not require connection to the onboard network remain the best choice.
Materials of manufacture and their impact on the operation
The durability of an anchor winding depends on the materials it is made of, and given the aggressive aquatic environment, salts, ultraviolet light and mechanical stresses, manufacturers use specific composites. plastic (often ABS or polypropylene) which is not corrosive and has a low weight.
Metal variants made of stainless steel or anodic-coated aluminum are less common because of the greater weight and price, but they are more durable. These models are relevant for large boats that use heavy anchors. It is important that all metal elements are properly processed, otherwise the rust will quickly spoil the appearance and functionality of the device.
When choosing, you should pay attention to the quality of the processing of the edges. Cheap plastic can have sharp burrs, which eventually will begin to grind over. anchor-liningThis is a critical moment, as the rubbed cable may not withstand the load in strong winds or currents, which will lead to the loss of anchor or demolition of the boat.
Step-by-step instructions for installing winding yourself
Installation of anchor winding is a process that is possible for any owner of a boat and does not require special skills. However, it is important to follow the sequence of actions to ensure the reliability of the mounting. Most often, installation is done on a transom or on a hinge beam using special brackets or screws (for rigid elements).
If you install a winding on a transom, you need to choose a place that will not interfere with the operation of the engine and movement. To attach to the inflatable elements (cylinders) use special areas with adhesive support or belts that cover the cylinder. In the latter case, it is important not to pull the belts, so as not to deform the cylinder, but also to ensure sufficient rigidity of the fixation.
When installing on a hard transom (plywood) it is recommended to use stainless-munter Or bolts with wide washers to distribute the load. Before drilling holes, make sure to mark the mounting points. If the winding has a rotary mechanism, make sure that nothing limits the angle of rotation. After installation, test: give back several times and select the anchor, mimicking real conditions.
Comparative table: Motovil vs. Winch
To make a final decision on the choice of equipment, it is worth comparing the two main types of devices. Below is a table that will help you weigh the pros and cons according to your needs and budget.
| Characterization | Classical thruster | Anchor winch |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Low. | High. |
| Structure weight | Minimum (up to 0.5 kg) | Medium/High (1.5 - 5 kg) |
| Speed of ascent | Depends on physical strength. | High (mechanized) |
| Difficulty of installation | Minimum | Requires placement preparation |
As you can see from the table, the motovils are more expensive and more weighty, which is critical for light single boats, and winches are more useful on large PVC vessels, where the weight of the anchor can be 10 kilograms or more, and it is difficult to lift it manually, and the winch is also indispensable if you often fish alone and you have no one to help with the anchor.
Safety Techniques and Common Errors
Operating an anchor device on an inflatable boat requires certain safety rules, and the main danger is the risk of getting caught by the screw of a running engine or getting tangled in it with your feet. anchorage shall be so arranged as to prevent it from falling spontaneously overboard or on the engine running.
⚠️ Attention: Never tie the end of the anchor tile (sturts) dead to the boat if you are in a place with strong current or wind. When anchored in the snags, the boat can flip or pull under water with the anchor. Use a burst insert or hold the end in your hand.
Another common mistake is to use a cord that is too thin or, conversely, too thick. The optimal diameter for most PVC boats is 4-6 mm. Too thin will cut your hands, and a thick one will take up a lot of space on the winding and will not fit well. It is also important (regularly check) the condition of the cable itself for rubbing and knots.
Remember to keep your gear clean. After every fishing trip, especially in salt water, it is recommended to rinse the anchor system with fresh water. Salt plaque accelerates the wear of plastic parts and metal fasteners. Proper care will extend the life of your winding and ensure it works smoothly at (- key point).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long should the anchor cable be for a PVC boat?
The optimal length of the anchor flounder for a standard inflatable boat is 10 to 15 meters. That's enough for most bodies of water. If you plan to go to great depths, you can increase the length to 20-25 meters, but then you need a more spacious winding.
Can I use a regular rope instead of a special anchor line?
Technically, but not recommended: conventional household ropes quickly absorb water, become heavy, can rot and lose strength. Specialized anchor lines made of polyamide or polypropylene do not absorb moisture, are resistant to UV radiation and have the necessary elasticity to quench the jerks.
How to prevent the overhang of the cable on the motorville?
To avoid overlap, wind the cable evenly, turning to the coil, without strong tension, which can lead to the slipping of the lower layers, and also make sure that the cable comes out of the water cleanly, without algae and debris, which can disturb the uniformity of the winding.
Should the mechanism of the winch be lubricated?
Yes, if you have a mechanical or electrical winch, regular lubrication of moving parts is necessary. Use lubricants designed for marine applications (e.g., lithium-based) that are not washed away by water and protect against corrosion.