Reliable and faithful assistants to a fisherman or hunter, boats of different designs and configurations may need improvement and improvement over time.
By carrying out simple manipulations, you can significantly expand their functionality and save a decent amount from the family budget, which you will not have to spend on purchasing a new boat model.
The boat tuning photos and options offered in this article will help you choose the optimal solution for improving your vehicle.
It is important to understand that all tuning procedures can be carried out independently, but to install complex equipment or devices, it is better to contact experienced specialists.
Tuning Boats: PVC, NDND, RIB, Aluminum for fishing with your own hands
Manufacturers produce and supply a wide range of different inflatable boats to the water-motor market.
They differ in size, weight, and inflatable design, but by and large they are the same and impersonal. A boat in the hands of a good owner becomes not only a means of water transport, but over the years of use it reflects the character of its owner. The FISHERInfo portal will tell you in detail how to customize PVC boats for fishing with your own hands.
Boat tuning happens:
- Protective;
- Optimized;
- Individual.
Protective tuning includes:
- Bottom reinforcement;
- Strengthening cylinders;
- Seam protection;
- Renewal of worn-out boat fittings.
Optimized tuning includes:
- Keel installation;
- Equipped with a fender;
- Strengthening or hanging the transom under the motor;
- Installation of redans;
- Laying a floor, slant or removable inflatable bottom;
- Transom wheels, trolley;
- Introduction of additional fittings.
Individual tuning of a boat is carried out for a specific activity or hobby of the owner, for example fishing, hunting, expeditions, hiking:
- Fishing rod stands;
- Inflatable seats;
- Tables and shelves;
- Various awnings (transport, parking, awning-roof, combined);
- Sensor;
- Seat covers;
- Hanging bags.
For fishing
An inflatable vessel is susceptible to various technical improvements. Since Soviet times, the tradition arose and has firmly taken root to independently, with your own hands, modify an acquisition or make repairs. In principle, modifying the watercraft and equipping it with the necessary accessories for fishing will not take much time. Especially when it comes to PVC inflatable motor boats.
Tuning a boat for fishing:
- Protect the bottom. Cover the base of the boat with rubber tape.
- Secure your cylinders. Apply similar tape along the bottom of the inflatable compartments.
- If possible, mount the engine according to technical specifications. boat recommendations.
- Glue the rotating oarlocks on the side.
- For cold weather, install a bow or running awning. It will protect you from rain and wind. Will replace the tent.
- For silent movement around the cockpit, purchase a removable inflatable bottom or a thick floor in profiles with stringers.
- Install rod holders and a table.
- Cover hard plywood benches with soft covers with hanging bags.
- Install sensors.
NDND
A low-pressure inflatable boat is a PVC boat with a separately inflated floor. Owners of boats with an inflatable bottom ND will agree that such a craft is more comfortable, safe for long-distance rafting and easy to assemble.
Let's look at what you can equip a NDND boat with:
- Folding or removable transom wheels for comfortable transportation. It is better not to drag the convex bottom along the shore;
- Rubberized reinforced bottom tape;
- Polypropylene folding mat that protects against ND punctures;
- Rubber mat, practical to use;
- Side handles for skipper, carrying, eye;
- Additional bench (bank);
- Comfortable running or practical parking awning;
- Inflatable soft chairs;
- Anchor roller.
RIB
The RIB boat is a comfortable watercraft with a hard plastic or aluminum bottom and inflatable sides. Unlike a completely plastic boat, a RIB is more maneuverable, lighter and buoyant on a body of water.
Tuning of RIB boats includes installation of:
- Transom plate;
- Cases for transportation or storage;
- On-board console;
- Protection of the keel and stem with a polyurethane plastic keelguard;
- Bow platform, as well as a metal handrail and a mooring cleat to it;
- Deck console with glass;
- Plastic locker;
- Plastic seat (bank);
- Holder for spinning rod;
- Bow anchor roller;
- Locker bags;
- Transport awning.
Aluminum boats
Aluminum is a practical, wear-resistant option for water transport. But even such a lightweight metal can be transformed and modified when it comes to tuning an aluminum boat with your own hands.
Aluminum boat tuning includes:
- Upgrade the underwater parts of the ship's hull to improve the ship's performance. This is an improvement with hydrofoils, transverse and longitudinal steps, cryolins, transom wedges, tunnels, hydraulic washers, and splash guards.
- Install an adjustable roll plate or steering gear to make mooring easier in rough weather.
- Cover the boat bottom with a special protective compound.
- Replace the propeller or jet. This will significantly save fuel and improve speed.
- Equip your aluminum boat with electronic systems and drive. For example, a bilge water pump, a spare tire pump, a navigator, an LED version of parking and running lights.
- Improve your steering. For example, install a hydraulic steering wheel.
- Equip the vessel with control instruments (tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, clock, etc.).
- Take care of radio communication and echo sounder.
- Increase the comfort of movement by equipping the boat with autonomous heating, a winch with an anchor, an electric motor or a music system.
- For an attractive appearance, take care to install a flagpole, a protective awning, and holders for equipment.
- Passengers will be comfortable in the cockpit with installed deck brackets for tabletops and chairs.
instructions
In the interesting video below, the author tells you about the complete tuning of a PVC boat
What vehicles can be tuned for?
Before planning to update the functionality of a watercraft at your own disposal, it is important to determine your capabilities.
Self-tuning or qualified tuning procedures from specialists are carried out for different types of boats:
- inflatable boats made of PVC or durable rubber;
- plastic models of various shapes and configurations;
- large metal boats with incomplete equipment.
Depending on the purpose of use and the regularity of using different equipment and your own needs, you can choose the best tuning methods.
An updated boat must undergo a testing period; to do this, you will have to go to the nearest body of water and try out the updated functionality and added structures in practice.
Aluminum boat repair and tuning
Aluminum boats and boats are in high demand, and in popularity they are second only to PVC boats.
This is understandable, because aluminum boats are relatively light in weight, high strength, comfortable, have the ability to install a powerful motor and are easy to maintain.
However, even these watercraft are not immune from breakdowns and damage, which require prompt and competent repair work.
In this article we will briefly look at the malfunctions of aluminum boat hulls and how to repair them. Also at the end of the article you will see a list of all kinds of equipment that can be installed on aluminum boats and boats.
Most often, damage to a boat's hull occurs due to a collision with a massive underwater object or when the vessel suddenly runs aground.
In addition, in the process of long-term operation, banal wear and tear of the boat appears, which happens much faster in the absence of basic care for the vessel.
But it is worth saying that repairing aluminum boats is, as a rule, not a difficult task if you have the necessary materials and basic knowledge.
Types of damage to aluminum boats
Dents are the most common damage to aluminum boats, but they are also the most harmless. They are formed as a result of external collisions. When trouble does happen and a dent forms on the body, you first need to inspect the damaged area. Having noticed that the material in this place is painfully thin, it would be optimal to leave everything as is.
However, if you are sure that there is no threat of a crack or hole, the deformation can be eliminated using an ordinary mallet.
Cuts, of course, are best repaired using special equipment and the efforts of an experienced professional, so as not to worsen the situation. But cuts can also be removed by attaching reliable patches. To make repairs using this method even more reliable, additional sealant is used.
Small holes are closed with rivets. Gradually, the fastening of the rivets weakens or they are simply lost, then they should be replaced with new ones.
Sometimes a set with a screw and nut is used on the same principle, but this option is less effective, although it is more convenient. Sheets of aluminum are also welded onto the holes in the body.
Riveting
Minor damage to the boat's hull and the effects of wear on the skin, as a rule, can be easily corrected without resorting to heat treatment. In such cases, it will be enough to use riveting - a simple and affordable way to repair aluminum watercraft. Using rivets, you can fill small cuts and holes without much difficulty.
Argon welding
Argon welding is a hybrid version of electric and gas welding.
Argon is needed to protect the welding site from oxygen.
Otherwise, the aluminum will corrode or even melt.
Argon welding guarantees high strength of seams and their durability.
Soldering
Another way to eliminate small holes in the case is soldering. First of all, thoroughly clean the surface of the damaged area, then use a blowtorch to heat the soldering area and the solder itself. After this, the damaged area of the body is rubbed well with heated solder and the hole is sealed.
Gluing
Using quality glue can also help with repairs. Before starting the gluing process itself, the surface is thoroughly cleaned, degreased and given time to dry. Only after this a thin layer of glue is applied and the patch is connected to the surface of the boat. Small cracks can be repaired only with special glue.
Repair and tuning of aluminum boats includes:
- painting aluminum boats
- strengthening the transom for the motor
- eliminating small dents and holes
- eliminating major damage to the hull
- ship interior reupholstery
- boat upholstery restoration
- glass production
- sewing awnings and making arcs for them
- modernizing the boat cockpit
- production of frames for glass, handrails and ladders
- hemming boats for movement in shallow waters
- we equip niches for remote fuel tanks
- remote control installation
- installation of electrical equipment
Also, additional equipment can be installed on aluminum boats, which expands both the sailing characteristics of the boats and your capabilities in terms of fishing and recreational convenience.
The following equipment can be installed on an aluminum boat:
- floors
- locks
- bollards
- railings
- seats
- echo sounders
- lockers
- glove compartments
- stairs
- oarlocks
- navigators
- mooring cleats
- steering systems
- spinning holders
- navigation lights
- filler necks
- sump pumps
- pump control panel
- trolling equipment
- engine management systems
- engine monitoring devices (tachometer, sensors).
Source
Methods for tuning boats and what is needed for this
The presented videos of boat tuning will help you visually assess the complexity of the procedures for updating the vehicle.
It is better to select a tuning option for your boat in advance, which will help you plan the upcoming work and calculate the required costs, select the necessary tools and accessories.
Hard floor installation
When tuning PVC boats with your own hands, it is recommended to start with arranging a hard floor, which will increase the safety of using the boat.
If you have available funds, you can purchase ready-made, folding structures made of wood and metal or combined materials, the use of which will increase the rigidity of the bottom of the vehicle.
Note!
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Tuning of aluminum boats
For all owners of small boats, a boat is a pleasant way to spend time, and also increases the status of the owner.
The desire to improve a swimming device for one’s needs, giving it individuality, leads to a significant change in its appearance and properties.
In modern language, refinement and improvement is called “tuning”. Today in our review we will talk about what tuning of aluminum boats is.
Tuning of boats and boats in RosPromResurs
All improvements made in our Nizhny Novgorod shipyard are based on practical experience. Tuning elements are taken from other boat models with interesting designs and better performance parameters, at exhibitions and other places.
According to the purpose of tuning, it is divided into several basic areas:
- Improving the running properties of the boat hull.
- Adjustment of motor characteristics.
- Installation of various additional devices.
- Changing the design of the housing and installing auxiliary devices.
- Modernization of the cabin and cockpit - appearance and ergonomics.
At the end of the review, we will discuss the issue of “alternative tuning”.
Changing underwater hull elements
This issue requires professional knowledge in hydrodynamics, an understanding of what the result of actions depends on, the availability of the necessary funds, time and place. For small aluminum boats, experts conduct experiments with hydrofoils, transverse and longitudinal steps, cryolins, transom wedges, tunnels, hydraulic washers, and splash guards.
Often such tuning of aluminum boats creates a great effect. With hydrofoils and transverse steps, the boat increases speed. Greater speeds were achieved with conventional engines and modernized propellers. However, after the modification, the boats retained the ability to fully load.
Many owners of motor boats do not go far in their desire to upgrade their performance using professional methods. Owners of motor yachts and boats most often install adjustable plates, which make it possible to change the angle of heel, and a steering mechanism that facilitates mooring during a storm. The bottom of the boat is often coated with a special compound.
Drive and propeller upgrades
An affordable way to greatly optimize the speed and economic parameters of a boat is to choose the right propeller or water jet. The choice makes it possible to coordinate the operation of the motor with the load and body parameters. A correctly selected propeller saves fuel, makes it possible to use the engine in the optimal speed range, and achieve good speeds.
Today, no one polishes propellers anymore, since such an operation was carried out back in Soviet times, when stainless propellers were not produced in production, and it was impossible to buy foreign products. But then there were no engines for boats larger than 30 hp. With. The only advantage was the variable pitch propellers.
They had mediocre parameters, which was created by the design features of the blades. Some outboard motors are designed in such a way that you can increase the power in one line of models. Sometimes it pays off. The situation is more complicated with more powerful motors. They require replacement of camshafts, control unit and other parts. The cost of such modernization exceeds acceptable limits.
Therefore, it is easier to sell the existing engine and buy another one.
A popular method for increasing the speed of boats is to replace the outboard motor with a powerful model. Owners of stationary motors are losing out to outboard models. Changing the charging system can lead to failure of an expensive turbine and piston group.
Installation of auxiliary equipment
The most popular type of tuning is the installation of electronic systems and drives. When we purchase an empty boat hull or a used model, we try to install comfort and safety features on it. Of the mandatory devices that can be installed in RosPromResource of Nizhny Novgorod, the following devices should be highlighted:
- Bilge water pump. Even on a small river it helps when cleaning the boat. On large reservoirs, a spare pump is also installed.
- Navigator. Whether a complex or simple navigator, this device is a must-have. It will remember the path so that you can return home at night, and will provide information if there is a depth map. When sailing at sea, you need to install a compass. This useful device will come in handy if your electronic devices fail.
- Parking and running lights are usually included from the factory. But owners often change them to LED options.
- Steering tuning. If you have a motor of more than 50 hp. With. install a steering cable system that operates through a gearbox and has no feedback. If the engine has a power of more than 90 hp. p., it will be correct to install the hydraulic steering drive. If there are two steering posts, then hydraulics are combined with electric power steering. Particular attention is paid to the choice of the steering wheel, as it should be pleasant to look at.
- Motor controls. There are several modifications of such devices. On small vessels, overhead “cars” are more often used. On larger boats, mortise motor control mechanisms are often installed. On sale you can find both standard options and exclusive models with chrome elements.
- Control devices. All boats have a tachometer. Many manufacturers include combined instruments in the kit. They include a tachometer, trim indicator, hour meter, overheating and emergency oil pressure indicator. You can set the fuel gauge, mains voltage, temperature. On the dashboard, an analog clock is more convenient to use than a digital one located on the navigator display.
Other optional equipment
In addition to the above devices, you can order the installation of other additional devices from RosPromResource:
- Means of communication. When traveling along large rivers, the sea, and also in large cities, radio communication is necessary. Devices with a portable or stationary transmitter are selected, depending on the requirements for the vessel. If the boat is sailing both on the river and the sea, then you need to establish radio communication at frequencies from 300 to 337 megahertz for the river, or from 156 to 163 megahertz for the sea. In addition, you may need a portable radio operating in the 400 megahertz range.
- Installation of echo sounder. Even in the smallest configuration, the echo sounder helps in controlling the boat. A nice bonus will be the presence of a mains voltage function. The display can also display the water temperature to help you know if the water is worth swimming in.
In addition to the mandatory list, there are many necessary devices, the use of which facilitates living conditions and creates comfort for the owner of a motor boat:
- Heating system.
- Fishing equipment.
- Electric motors.
- Winches with anchors.
- Equipment for latrine and galley.
- Music systems.
Case styling
The interior space is visible only to the boat owner and passengers. The outside view of the boat's hull is visible to all surrounding people. Therefore, a lot of attention is often paid to the appearance of the case.
For exterior finishing, ropes, vinyl films, varnishes and paints, decorative inserts, teak coverings, and chromed metal nameplates are used.
In addition to creating an individual look for the hull, you need to combine other elements with the design of the boat:
- Platforms and gangways.
- Mechanism for launching the tender.
- Railing fencing.
- Flagpoles.
- Radar stands.
- Protective awnings.
- Holders for sports equipment.
Therefore, before you start tuning the design of an aluminum boat, you need to carefully design all the planned changes and analyze whether the new decorative elements will be harmonious.
Increased cabin and cockpit comfort
In addition to the running characteristics and hull design, RosPromResurs creates comfort and coziness for the owner of the vessel.
The preferences of all owners are different - some like high-tech carbon inserts, others prefer wood or fabric finishes, while others prefer the standard look of vinyl leather in bright colors. Selecting a deck covering makes it possible to equip a vessel for any purpose.
For fishing, it is better to install corrugated sheets of aluminum alloy. Carpet is suitable for a small boat, but for an expensive yacht it is better to use a mahogany or teak finish.
Upholstering furniture on a yacht is an important step in creating interior comfort.
It is necessary to carefully select the material based on its performance properties so that it is attractive during rain and temperature changes, as well as in terms of color and texture in harmony with other elements.
Inserts made of different materials can emphasize the elegance of the space of the boat. For small boats, it is important to make proper use of all available space. Therefore, you need to equip the boat with various shelves, containers and lockers.
Particular attention is paid to the cockpit. If food is prepared in the galley, then the table is necessary for the boat owner to relax on the pond.
Therefore, special responsibility must be taken when choosing a tabletop and place for drinks. Deck brackets used for chairs have proven themselves well.
When feasts are held, these brackets make it possible to rearrange the seats attached to the table.
Ashtrays must be installed for smoking passengers. Falling ash from a cigarette can ruin the trim, and a cigarette butt thrown into the water can ruin your mood. A waste container is also necessary in the boat. After returning to shore, it is convenient to take the package from this box and take it to the trash container.
Sense of style
In conclusion, it must be said that the main thing in tuning a boat is a sense of proportion and style. If the hull of the boat is overloaded with decor, it will look like a Christmas tree. And multiple structures on the deck will reduce the comfort of being in the boat, and may even contribute to injuries. Excessive fascination with lighting devices misleads other owners of swimming equipment on the pond.
At one time, a ship with LED lights installed along its sides was floating along the Volga River. The boat shimmered in different colors, and green and red colors jumped near the fender. Such a boat was often called: “Russian tuning - merciless and senseless.” However, there are still more beautiful boats on the reservoirs, compared to overly tuned vessels.
When planning to modernize the exterior and interior of a small boat, contact our Nizhny Novgorod shipyard to professional architects, designers and artists. Show them the developments.
They will immediately see your mistakes and tell you where there are mistakes and inconsistencies.
This way you will save effort, time and money, since changing the drawing is much easier than redoing the hull or removing unacceptable-looking deck devices.
The boat is a reflection of the soul of its owner. Try to change, modernize, try, contact RosPromResurs. Men are grown up children who should have their own toys!
Rod holders
Attaching reliable and convenient rod mounts to the plastic or metal sides of the boat will help increase your comfort while fishing.
Special fasteners are selected depending on the fastening method, material of manufacture and functional features, which helps to make the right choice of such structures.
Our partners also offer:
- curved blade rowing oars
- straight blade rowing oars
- rowing oars with a rowlock with a curved blade
- rowing oars with a rowlock and a straight blade
- curved plastic rowing blades
- straight plastic rowing blades
- oarlocks
Details here
High chair mount
In medium and large sized boats, you can install additional mounts for removable seats, which are useful for a large group.
Such fastenings must be securely fastened and fixed, which will ensure the comfort of being in the boat with an optimal level of safety when the vehicle is moving.
Additional storage systems
When tuning motor boats, you can install additional storage systems in such structures, sold assembled or made independently.
Containers with opening lids can easily be used as benches for sitting, filled with the necessary gear or additional accessories that will be useful when fishing.
Note!
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Awning or umbrella for shading
Modern tuning of plastic boats involves various procedures, and most often they are aimed at increasing the comfort of their operation.
In addition to installing mounts for tables and chairs, such boats can be equipped with an awning or canopy, shading the interior of the vehicle on hot days and protecting from precipitation.
