Inflatable vessel operation requires a special approach to the placement of navigation equipment and power sources, unlike metal or fiberglass analogues, PVC-boat They have a soft bottom, which dictates the use of specialized tanks, and a well-chosen sonar box and battery in a PVC boat solves several critical tasks at once: it protects expensive electronics from splashes and shocks, and also provides a rigid base for mounting sensors.
Water and electricity are dangerous combinations, especially in conditions of constant motion and pitching. Getting moisture on the terminals of the battery or in the case of the sonar can instantly disable the equipment. germboxThis is not just a recommendation, but a necessity for any boater who values his equipment.
In addition, the right choice of capacity affects the ergonomics of the cockpit. The battery is the heaviest piece of equipment, and its location directly affects the cockpit. centre-upThe shift in the centre of gravity can have a negative impact on the boat's performance and crew safety, so the choice and installation of the box should be approached in a comprehensive manner, taking into account not only the size, but also the material of manufacture.
Criteria for the selection of sealed boxes for inflatable vessels
The first thing to look at when buying is the fabrication material. ABS plasticThis material is highly impact-resistant, ultraviolet-resistant, and does not lose its properties at low temperatures. Cheap analogues can crack from impact on a transom or deform in the sun, which will lead to depressurization.
The second critical parameter is the Protection rating according to the IP standard. IP67This means complete protection from dust and the possibility of short-term immersion in water to a depth of 1 meter. However, for a PVC boat, where splashing and flooding with a wave is common, it is better to focus on models with a high-speed surface. IP68 or IP69K.
⚠️ Note: Do not use ordinary household plastic toolboxes as a box for battery packs. They do not have reliable sealing of the lid and can let water through at the slightest tilt of the boat.
The dimensions of the container should correspond to the size of your equipment with a stock. batteryBut also the thickness of the wires, and the possible connectors, and if you plan to use AGM or GEL batteries, they can be wider than standard starter batteries.
- 📏 Internal dimensions: must exceed the dimensions of the battery by at least 10-15 mm in width and length for free wire stacking.
- 🛡️ Impact resistance: The walls must withstand mechanical stress, as in a PVC boat, the box often serves as a seat or footrest.
- 🔒 Type of locks: preferably metal or reinforced plastic latches with the possibility of installing a hinged lock or seal.
Design features and functionality
Modern PVC sealants are often equipped with additional elements that increase ease of use. partition It allows you to divide the box space by separating the battery terminals from the rest of the volume, which makes it easier to connect and prevents short circuits when you open the lid.
Special attention should be paid to the sealing system of the cover. Quality models are equipped with a rubber seal around the perimeter. When the cover is closed, this seal must fit tightly to the body, creating a vacuum. Some manufacturers also implement a pressure relief valve that equalizes the pressure inside and outside, preventing the latches from opening spontaneously at temperature changes.
For mounting inside the boat, many boxes have special eyelets or reinforced drilling areas. squirt-board Or on the floor of a cockpit, except for its displacement while moving, and the absence of a reliable attachment can cause a heavy box to become a projectile when it is sharply braking or hitting a wave.
The myth of ventilation
Do you have to drill the ventilation holes in the sealant? No, if you use a sealed GEL or AGM battery, they don't emit gas in normal operation. Drilling the holes will break the sealability and lead to water getting inside. Ventilation is only needed for open lead batteries, but their use in sealants on PVC boats is not recommended because of the risk of acid vapor.
An important aspect is the availability of ready-made holes for the output of wires. cable They have rubber plugs that allow wires to pass without being leaky, and if they don't, they'll have to be made by themselves, which requires precision and sealant.
Preparation for installation: necessary tools and materials
Before you start installation, you need to prepare the workplace and the entire toolkit. You can't do a good installation without the use of specialized materials that ensure the durability of the connections. You'll have to build on the basis of reliable insulation and corrosion protection.
You will need the following set of tools and materials:
- 🔧 A drill or screwdriver with a set of drills (including feather or plastic crowns).
- 🔌 Copper multicore cable (cross section of at least 4-6 mm2 for sonar and 10-16 mm2 for connection to the battery).
- 🧴 Silicone sealant (neutral, vinegar-free smell) or polyurethane sealant glue.
- ✂️ Pieces, wire-cleaning knife and shrinkage.
And we should also mention the choice of wires, and for marine applications, even in fresh water, it's best to use wires in isolation. PVC or SiliconeIt's also very useful to use tinted copper, which is less oxidized, and it's also very desirable to use tinted copper, which is less oxidized.
☑️ Preparation for installation
Step-by-step instructions for installation of equipment
The installation process starts with the choice of location. In PVC boats, the most rational place is to choose a location. cross-board Or the space under the can (seat) in the bow, if the design allows, and the placement on the transom is easier to access, but requires careful sealing of the attachment places.
Drill holes into the bottom of the box (unless provided by the factory) to pass the cable. The diameter of the hole should be the minimum necessary to ensure that the cable enters tightly. Once the cable is pulled, the input site must be smeared with a sealant on both sides, which will create a reliable barrier to moisture.
Connection diagram:[Battery (+)] --> [Fuse] --> [Fuse supply to sonar]
[Battery (-)] --> [Boat body/Engine] --> [Earth sonar power terminal]
If you use a trawler board, make sure that the bolts do not damage the inflatable tubes. Between the hard plastic of the box and the soft bottom of the PVC boat, it is advisable to lay a layer of water. polyethylene This will prevent the cylinder from rubbing against the hard plastic when moving and loading.
⚠️ Warning: When drilling holes in the transom board or plywood floor, be extremely careful. A mistake of several millimeters can lead to a puncture of the inflated cylinder of the boat, which can lead to an emergency situation on the water.
Once you have the box case installed, do the internal switching, connect the wires to the battery, keeping polarity in mind, make sure to set the fuse in the break of the plus wire as close as possible to the battery terminal, which will protect the wiring from ignition in the event of a short circuit.
Table of comparison of popular models of sealants
There are many options on the market, and it’s easy for a beginner to get confused. Below is a comparison of several popular box types to help you make an informed choice.
| Model/Type | Materials | Protection | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget plastic | Polypropylene | IP54 (splash) | Low price, weak latches, requires revision of the seal |
| Middle class (ABS) | ABS plastic | IP67 | Good impact resistance, there is a sealer, suitable for most tasks |
| Premium (Aluminum) | Aluminum powder-painted | IP68 | Maximum strength, stylish look, high price, heavier than plastic |
| Specialized PVC | Reinforced PVC/Plastic | IP68 | Perfectly repeats the geometry of boats, often comes complete with a boat |
When you install a sonar inside the sealant on the lid, make sure the screen reads well at an angle. Sometimes you need to install a visor or use a polarizing film to keep the sun from blinding the display.
Maintenance and safety measures during operation
Even the best quality. sealer After every fishing trip, especially in salt water, you need to wipe the body and seals with fresh water, and the salt, when dried, crystallizes and can damage the rubber seal or clog the latch mechanism.
Once a season, check the status of contacts inside the box. Oxidation is the main enemy of electronics. Use a special lubricant to protect contacts, for example, to protect the contact. Lithium Grease Or silicone-based sprays, which create a protective film that repels moisture.
Do not leave the battery in a sealed box for long-term storage in winter unattended. Although modern batteries are safe, it is better to store them in a warm room by detaching the terminals. Also regularly check the tension of the fasteners - the vibration of the engine can gradually weaken the connections.
Regularly checking the seal seal and the cleanliness of the contacts are the key to the long life of your sonar and battery. Ignoring these simple rules can cost expensive repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a conventional car battery in a PVC boat?
Technically possible, but not recommended. Starter batteries are not designed for the deep discharge that often occurs when the sonar and electric motor are running. It is better to use traction batteries (AGM or GEL), which withstand many charge-discharge cycles and are safer in enclosed spaces.
Do I need to drill holes in the bottom of the water drain box?
Absolutely not. The box has to be completely sealed, and if the water gets in, it means that the lid or the wires are not tight, and this problem needs to be addressed, not made of drain holes that will put water out of the boat inside at the first serious flood.
How to protect the wires from rubbing on the edge of the hole in the box?
Use rubber sleeves (passage rings) when mounting the cable. If there is no sleeve, pour a sealant into the exit area of the wire so that the cable is completely surrounded by an elastic material that compensates for vibration and friction.
What capacity is the battery needed for sonar and electric motor?
For one sonar, 7-12 Ah is enough. If you plan to use an electric motor, the minimum recommended capacity is 55-60 Ah for several hours of active fishing. For long-term autonomous exits, consider LiFePO4 lithium assemblies with a capacity of 100 Ah.