Searching for inflatables often starts with trying to find direct contact with the manufacturer, but in today's market, the concept of "official site" becomes blurred due to the many dealers and dealers. AzimuthAnd you need to understand that this name is a specific production, which has its own unique features and technological solutions, and unlike mass consumer goods, these vessels were designed with the expectation of harsh operating conditions in Russian latitudes.
In this article, we will not only provide links, but also understand how to distinguish the original product from a fake, what series are relevant now and what to pay attention to when buying. The factory production is based in the city of St. PetersburgAnd this is a very high quality requirement for seams and materials, because the climate of the region dictates its rules, and we're going to analyze the specifications so you can make an informed decision.
Many water-engineers mistakenly believe that all PVC boats are the same, differing only in color and length. This misconception can be worth the safety of the water, as bottom design, tissue density and adhesive quality play a crucial role. Next, we will look in detail why the products of this brand have earned the trust of fishermen and why the search for information about it often leads to a lot of third-party resources.
Brand history and production capacity
The company, which produces boats under the Azimuth brand, began its journey in an era of rapid development of the small mechanization market in Russia, initially focused on the creation of affordable but reliable boats for amateur fishing and recreation. St. Petersburg production base allowed to introduce advanced technologies for gluing and cutting materials at that time.
Importantly, assets and brand rights could be transferred or licensed to different entities at different times, which sometimes causes confusion among consumers. However, the technology chain and quality control remained a priority, allowing to hold positions in the top segment of budget and medium-sized boats.
Today, under this name, a wide range of modifications is produced: from simple rowing models to complex motor-rowing options with inflatable keels. Technological process includes the use of high-frequency welding or high-quality gluing with two-component adhesives, which ensures the tightness of cylinders even at extreme temperature changes.
The main series of boats: Riviera, Breeze and others
The range of the manufacturer is quite wide and divided into several key lines, each of which is sharpened for certain tasks. rivieraThese are classic flat-bottomed boats that are very stable and spacious, and are ideal for relaxing fishing in temperate lakes and rivers.
Series breeze It's a lighter, more compact solution, often focused on a single user or short trips, where engineers have tried to reduce the weight of the structure without critical loss of strength. For those who value speed and maneuverability, there are modifications with improved bottom hydrodynamics.
- 🚣 riviera - Classic flatbed, maximum stability, suitable for the installation of medium-power engines.
- ⚓ breeze Lightweight version, often single, ideal for transportation in the trunk of a car.
- 🌊 Compact - ultra-light models for propelling or low-power electric motors.
The inflatable keel (BBH) models deserve special attention, although they are less than flat-bottomed versions in the classic range of the brand. However, modern modifications gradually introduce these technologies, allowing you to develop higher speeds and better overcome the wave. The choice of a particular series depends on whether you plan to spend the night in a boat or you need the “arrive-depart-swim” option.
What is the difference between the Riviera and the regular flat-bed?
The main difference lies in the reinforced design of the transom and denser fabric in critical nodes, the Riviera is often equipped with additional grippers and more reliable valves.
Technical specifications and materials used
The basis of reliability of any inflatable boat is the material from which it is made. PVC (polyvinyl chloride)It's a multi-layered material, made up of polyester fabric, which is enclosed between layers of plastic, and it's the fabric that's responsible for the tensile strength, and the plastic layers that are responsible for the tightness and protection against ultraviolet light.
The density of the fabric in different models can vary. For cylinders, a material with a density of 750 to 1100 g/sq.m. is usually used. The denser fabric (1100 g/sq.m.) provides better protection against punctures against sharp stones or snags, but increases the overall weight of the product. The bottom is often made of an even stronger material, as it experiences maximum loads when mooring and ashore.
| Parameter | Meaning / Description | Impact on operation |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | PVC reinforced | High strength, resistance to HSM |
| Tissue density | 750 - 1100 g/sqm | Protection against puncture, boat weight |
| Temperature conditions | -40 to +60 °C | Possibility of use in winter |
| Stitches | Glue/Welded | Tightness and durability |
An important element of the design is turretMost models are made of moisture-resistant plywood, coated with special enamel or laminate, the thickness of the transom directly affects the maximum permissible power of the engine, and it is also worth noting the valve system: modern models use petal valves that are easy to operate and reliable.
Always check the date of production of PVC fabric. Material that has been in storage for more than 3-4 years before the boat assembly, can have reduced elasticity and age faster in the sun.
How to Find Official Dealers and Avoid Counterfeiting
The issue of finding original products is acute, because the market is flooded with replicas. The official factory often does not sell products directly to the retail buyer in a single copy, working through a network of distributors. So the phrase "azimuth boats pvc official site" in the search engine can lead to different resources, and it is important to be able to filter information.
The first thing to notice is the presence of markings: the original product always has a badge or marking directly on the cylinder, which shows the model number, release date and contacts of the manufacturer, and the absence of such signs or their poor performance (curve printing, easily erasable) is a sure sign of counterfeiting.
⚠️ Attention: Beware of sites that offer prices well below the market average, most likely a cheap Chinese PVC boat without warranty or a model of the last year with an expired shelf life of materials.
You should also check the documents. When buying, you must be issued a product passport and a warranty card with the seller's stamp. Guarantee obligations The plant is only valid if you have a check and a properly filled warranty. Buying "hands-on" or in the spontaneous markets deprives you of the right to free repairs in the event of a production defect.
☑️ Checking the boat when buying
Comparison with competitors: Flagman, Hunter, Mev
To evaluate Azimuth’s products objectively, you need to compare them to other market players such as Flagman, Hunter or Mev. Each brand has its own strengths, such as Flagman is famous for its patented solutions in the field of inflatable bottoms, and Miv – a decades-old classic.
Azimuth boats often win in the price/quality category for classic flat-waterers; they are easier to build than sophisticated inflatable keel counterparts, and lighter than some metal or composite competitors; however, in the high-speed planing boat segment, they may be inferior to specialized deep-delta models.
Compared to Hunter.Azimuth often offers a more conservative design, but more predictable behavior on the water due to a wide balloon. For fishing in reed-grown areas or in shallow waters, this can be a decisive factor.
- 🏆 Azimuth Balance of price and reliability, good for a quiet fishing.
- 🚀 Flagship - a leader in inflatable floor technologies, better holds the wave.
- 🛡️ Mev. Maximum strength of materials, but often more weight.
Choosing between brands is always a compromise. For quiet fishing from the shore, Azimuth is ideal, and for sea trips, it is better to look towards specialized keel models from other manufacturers.
Rules of operation and care of PVC boat
The durability of your boat depends on how you use it and store it. PVC is durable, but it doesn't tolerate negligence. The basic rule is never to leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight for long periods. Thermal expansion air inside the cylinders can cause joints to rupture or deformation.
After each operation, especially in salt water or dirty water bodies, the boat must be washed with fresh water and thoroughly dried before packaging. Wet fabric is the ideal medium for mold development, which destroys the structure of PVC from the inside. It is better to dry in the shade, at room temperature.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use aggressive chemicals, gasoline or solvents to wash the boats; they may damage the protective layer of the fabric. Use only soap solution or special PVC products.
Store the product in a straightened or slightly rolled-up dry room. Dramatic temperature changes and compressed storage in the cold can cause microcracks in the folds. If you plan to store it in winter, make sure that there are no rodents in the room that can chew the cloth.
What to do if the boat loses pressure in the cold?
It's a normal physical process. When you get the temperature down, the air shrinks, and you can push the boat to the right pressure, whether it's in the water or in a warm room, but don't pump it in the heat if you're going to float it out in the cold.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is the official Azimuth factory located?
The production facilities are historically located in St. Petersburg, but given the possible changes in ownership, it is better to focus on the contacts indicated in the passport of a particular product.
Can I put a motor more powerful than recommended?
Excessive motor power leads to overloading of the transom, disruption of the alignment and reduced safety, and this is also a reason for refusal of warranty repair.
How to seal a puncture in the field?
Use the kit that comes with the kit. The surface needs to be degreased, glued on both surfaces, allowed to dry (to a stick), then pressed hard and warmed (with a hair dryer or warm hands). Full polymerization takes 24 hours.
How long has a PVC boat been in operation?
When properly operated and stored, the service life is 10-15 years or more, the main enemy being ultraviolet light and improper storage (crumbed in dampness).
Does Azimuth have inflatable floor boats?
The classic range is dominated by flat-bottomed models with rigid floorboards. Low-pressure inflatable floor (LDPB) models are less common or are modifications, so they need to be checked with dealers.