Fishing from a PVC boat requires not only luck, but also the right organization of space. fish-boxIt's a three-pronged system that keeps catches fresh, frees up hands to catch and prevents clutter on board, but not every container is suitable for inflatable vessels: the wrong choice can lead to overweight, corrosion or even damage to PVC material.
In this article, we will discuss 7 criteria for the ideal box for a PVC boat - from sizes to aeration systems, compare ready-made models and homemade options, and also show How to secure a container without drilling the sides (a method used by 90% of professional fishermen)We will separately dwell on the errors that reduce the life of the box by 2-3 times, and give a checklist for checking before buying.
1. Why a conventional box is not suitable for a PVC boat: 3 key issues
Many fishermen try to adapt household containers or toolboxes for PVC boats, but they face typical difficulties:
- 🔹 Corrosion and smell: Low-quality plastic absorbs fishy smell, and metal boxes rust from moisture. "Crab." galvanizing begin to be covered with red spots after 5-6 outlets on the water.
- 🔹 Unstable attachment: In motion, the unfixed box shifts, hits the transoms or flips, not only interferes with the control, but can damage the PVC material with sharp edges.
- 🔹 Lack of aeration: Without oxygen, fish in a closed box suffocate in 1-2 hours. Even if you use ice, without water circulation, catch spoils 3 times faster.
According to the surveys on fishing forums, 68% of fishermen They change the first box they buy during the season because of these problems, and the solution is specialized models with drainage holes, transom mounts and built-in water supply systems.
⚠️ Attention.: Never use boxes with sharp corners or unrounded edges! When they hit a PVC boat, they cut through the material like a knife. Flamingo FishBox).
Size and volume: how to calculate for your boat
The main rule is: The box should not cover more than 20% of the bottom of the boat.For most PVC vessels with a length of 3-3.5 m, the optimal dimensions of the container are: 50×30×25 cm (volume 30-40 l) Exceeding these parameters leads to:
- 📉 Decrease in the stability of the boat on the wave;
- 🚣 Deterioration of maneuverability during rowing;
- ⚖️ The weight on the stern or nose (depending on the location of the box).
For an accurate calculation, use the formula:
Permissible volume (l) = (Length of boat × width × 0.2) / 1.5Example: For a boat Hunter 320. (3.2 m x 1.5 m) the maximum volume of the box is 64 l lBut it is better to take 10-15 liters less for a reserve.
| Boat length (m) | Recommended box volume (L) | Example of model |
|---|---|---|
| 2.8–3.0 | 20–25 | Plastmo FishBox 22 |
| 3.1–3.5 | 30–40 | Flamingo FB-35 |
| 3.6–4.0 | 45–55 | Kormoran BigBox 50 |
| 4.1+ | 60–80 | Salmo ProBox 70 |
3. Materials: plastic vs aluminum vs polystyrene foam
The choice of material determines the weight, durability and price of the box.
- 🧴 Plastic (polyethylene, polypropylene):
- ✅ Light (weight 2-4 kg), does not rust, does not absorb odors.
- ❌ There may be cracks at sub-zero temperatures.
- 💰 Price: 1,500–4,000 RUB (models) Plastmo, Flamingo).
- ♻️ aluminum:
- ✅ Strong, can withstand weight up to 50 kg, does not break when falling.
- ❌ Heavy (5-8 kg), requires anticorrosion treatment.
- 💰 Price: 3,500-7000 RUB (for example, Kormoran AluBox).
- ❄️ Styrofoam (foamed plastic):
- ✅ Excellent thermal insulation (holds the cold for up to 12 hours).
- ❌ Fragile, afraid of shocks and sunlight.
- 💰 Price: 2000-5000 RUB (series) Salmo Thermo).
For boats, PVC is optimal reinforced Aluminum is lightweight, does not scratch the side and does not require complex maintenance. Aluminum should be chosen only for large vessels (from 4 m) or when catching trophy fish (pike, catfish), when you need a margin of safety.
If you're looking for a plastic box, check for a UV stabilizer in the composition, which protects the material from burning out in the sun. UV-stabilized or Anti-UV
Aeration Systems: How to Keep Fish Alive to the Shore
Without oxygen, the fish in the box dies in 1-3 hours (depending on the water temperature), and three types of systems help solve the problem:
- Passive aeration (drainage openings + off-shore water):
The simplest option is a box with a perforated bottom and hose that sinks into the water, suitable for short trips (up to 2-3 hours). Plastmo AquaFlow.
- Active aeration (pump + sprayer):
The pump pumps water from overboard and sprays it in a drawer. Efficiency: keeps the fish alive for up to 8-10 hours. Rule 500GPH or Attwood Tsunami.
- Oxygen pills (for closed containers):
Used in thermal boxes (e.g., Salmo OxyBoxOne pill.
Oxy-PlusIt releases oxygen for 6-8 hours, but is only suitable for a small catch (up to 5 kg).
For PVC boats, the best balance of cost and efficiency is combination-system: passive aeration + periodic pumping, which reduces battery load and ensures freshness of the fish.
How to make aeration yourself?
For a homemade system, take:
1. Plastic box with drainage holes (diameter 5-8 mm).
2. Aquarium compressor (e.g., Eheim Air Pump 100).
3. Silicone hose and sprayer.
Sealer for the treatment of holes.
Put a circuit together: compressor hose sprayer in a drawer, fasten compressor on the transom with screeds, which will cost 1,200-1,800 RUB and last 3-4 seasons.
5. Box fastening: 4 reliable ways without drilling the sides
Problem #1 when installing a box How to fix it without damaging PVCDrilling the sides is strongly discouraged: it violates the tightness and voids the warranty.
Use soft pads under fasteners |Test the tension of the screeds every 2 hours |Avoid sharp metal elements |Tighten the box in 2-3 points-->
- 🔗 Textile screeds with shock absorbers:
Suitable for boxes up to 30 liters. Example: screeds SeaDog They're attached to the D-rings of a boat or a transom, and the cost of the kit is 300 to 500 RUB.
- 🧲 Magnetic holders:
They're used for aluminum boxes. NeoMagnet 50×20 mm (15 kg) attached to the metal elements of the boat (for example, a transom plate) Price - 600-800 RUB per pair.
- 🛠️ Universal suction cup anchorages:
Models. Scotty or RailBlaza They can hold up to 10 kg. They're good for smooth surfaces. They can lose traction when they get in contact with sand or oil.
- 🏗️ Homemade PVC tube frame:
The 25 mm diameter pipes are attached to the transom with clamps, and the box is fixed to the frame with belts, which distributes the load and prevents displacement.
⚠️ Attention.: When mounting the box on the stern, make sure that it does not block the drain valve of the boat! This leads to accumulation of water in the aft and the risk of overturning.
6. TOP-5 models of PVC boat boxes (according to the feedback of fishermen)
Based on the analysis of feedback in forums FishHunting, Fisherman and Okean. Ru We have compiled a rating of proven models:
| Model | Volume (l) | Materials | Features | Price (RUB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plastmo FishBox 35 | 35 | Polypropylene | Built-in pump, UV stabilization, weight 3.2 kg | 3 800 |
| Flamingo FB-40 Pro | 40 | Reinforced plastic | Thermal insulation, drainage holes, transom attachment | 4 500 |
| Kormoran AluBox 50 | 50 | aluminum | Anti-corrosion coating, can withstand up to 50 kg, weight 6.5 kg | 6 200 |
| Salmo ThermoBox 28 | 28 | polystyrene | Keeps cold for up to 12 hours, light (2.1 kg) | 3 100 |
| Attwood 7201-7 | 30 | Polyethylene | Built-in aerator, belt mount, weight 2.8 kg | 5 100 |
Leader in the price/quality ratio - Plastmo FishBox 35It is suitable for 90% of PVC boats 3-3.5 m long and equipped with everything necessary to preserve the catch. Flamingo FB-40 Pro It's due to better thermal insulation.
When choosing a model, pay attention to seal-proofIn quality boxes, it is at least 2 years (for example, in Kormoran - 3 years.
7. Homemade box: step-by-step instruction in 3 hours
If the finished models don't fit in size or budget, you can make the box yourself.
- 📦 Plastic container (e.g. from the IKEA SAMLA, 35 l);
- 🔧 Drill with drills 5-10 mm;
- 🧵 Hermetic Soudal Fix All;
- 🔄 pomp Hailea ACO-2201 (500 ₽);
- 🧲 4 magnets NeoMagnet (200 RUB apiece).
Step 1: Preparation of the container
Drill 8-10 holes 5 mm in diameter in the bottom for drainage, treat the edges of the holes with sandpaper so that the fish do not injure.
Step 2. Installation of aeration
Put the pump on the lid of the box with a sealant, put the spray hose in and take it inside the container, and the pump pump pumps water from overboard.
Step 3: Fastening to the boat
Stick the magnets to the outer walls of the box (2 on each side) and they will be fixed to the metal elements of the boat (for example, a transom plate).
Step 4: Testing
Fill the box with water and check:
- ✅ Leakiness (no leaks);
- ✅ The pump (water is evenly sprayed);
- ✅ Stability (the box does not shift when the boat is swaying).
The cost of this box is 1 500–2 000 ₽It's 2 times cheaper than finished analogues. The service life with proper care is 3-4 seasons.
FAQ: Answers to frequent questions
How often should I change the water in the box?
Passive aeration every 30 to 40 minutes. If a pump is used, it is enough to update the water every 1 to 1.5 hours. In hot weather (above + 25 ° C), reduce the interval to 20 minutes.
Can I use the box as a seat?
Yes, but only if the model is designed to load more than 100 kg (indicated in the specifications). Kormoran AluBox 50 It can withstand weight up to 120 kg. Plastic boxes without reinforcement can crack.
How to get rid of the smell of fish in the box?
After use, wash the box with a solution of vinegar (1: 1 with water) or a special remedy. OdorGoneFor prevention, keep the container open in a ventilated room.
Do I need to keep the box warm in winter?
Yes, if you catch from ice or at temperatures below 0°C. Use thermal covers (e.g., Salmo ThermoCover) or paste the walls of the box with polystyrene foam 2 to 3 cm thick.
How to transport a box in a car?
Stow it horizontally onto the trunk, drain the water beforehand. Use a cover or an old blanket to protect against scratches. Aluminum boxes can be transported vertically if you lock them with belts.