Going out on your own boat is not just a way to get to a fishing spot or have a picnic on an island, it is a serious step that requires preparation and responsibility. Many beginners mistakenly believe that it is enough to buy an inflatable boat, put an engine on a transom and you can go sailing without legal and technical nuances. water-safety It depends on many factors, ranging from the correct execution of documents and ending with the presence of a life jacket.
Modern legislation clearly regulates what is required for the legal and safe use of small craft. Motorboat It can be a simple rowing boat with an outboard motor or a complex boat with a stationary engine, and the requirements vary, and ignoring the rules can lead to fines, delays, or, worse, tragic consequences on the water, where the count goes on minutes.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the full range of requirements, from bureaucratic registration procedures to the choice of technical equipment. outboard The preparation for the season begins long before the launch, and understanding these basics will make your vacation comfortable and legal.
Legal aspects: rights and registration of the boat
The first thing that the future boat owner faces is the issue of registration. According to the current rules of the GIMS, small craft weighing more than 200 kilograms together with the engine are subject to registration, or if the installed engine power exceeds 8 kW (which is approximately 10.88 hp). flyboat When you're in running order, you're lighter and the engine is weaker than the threshold, so you don't have to register it formally and take an annual inspection, but that doesn't take away the responsibility of following the rules of the road.
The second critical point is to have a driving license: category M (small craft) rights are required if your engine power exceeds 5 hp (3.68 kW), which applies regardless of whether you have a metal body or a metal body. PVCLack of rights during inspection by the inspector of the GIMS threatens with an administrative fine and removal from management, which can leave the company far from the shore without the possibility of returning on its own.
⚠️ Note: Even if your engine is exactly 5 hp or slightly less, the inspector may require documents confirming the technical specifications of the engine. If the power is not specified or erased in the technical data sheet or on the label, the vessel may be considered more powerful, which will entail a penalty for lack of rights.
The process of obtaining rights includes training in a specialized center and passing a theoretical exam, as well as practical navigation skills. The theory covers the rules of the road on water bodies, basic navigation and emergency management.
Selection of watercraft: body and load capacity
The basis of your safety and comfort is the right boat. The market offers many options, but for motorized swimming, the most popular designs are reinforced polyvinyl chloride (PVC). loading capacity For the installation of the motor, it is desirable to have a rigid or inflatable transom capable of bearing the weight of the engine and vibrations arising when moving.
An important element is the type of floor. For quiet fishing in small water bodies, a low-pressure inflatable floor (LDPB) is suitable, which provides excellent comfort and stability. For faster movement and access to large water, it is better to choose a solder floor (from aluminum or plywood sheets), since it creates a hard keelson, which improves driving performance and allows you to develop higher speeds.
When choosing the size of the boat, always leave a reserve for capacity. If the passport says 3 people, it will be really comfortable to have two with full gear. stabilityIt's worse than the steering wheel, and it's more dangerous when you're excited, and also consider the weight of all the gear: the engine, the gasoline, the anchor, the tackles and the passengers, all of which add up to the total mass that the board is supposed to carry.
Secrets of choosing the color of the boat
Bright colors (orange, salad) are more visible on the water, which improves safety, especially in fog or when searching for a fallen person. Dark colors (khaki, gray) better mask the boat when hunting or careful fishing, but make the vessel less visible to other participants in the movement.
Selection of the outboard motor: power and type
The heart of your boat is the engine. For beginner boatmasters, two-stroke or four-stroke outboard motors ranging from 2 to 6 hp are the best choice. Two-stroke models are lighter, easier to maintain and cheaper, but require fuel mix preparation and produce more noise. Four-stroke engines It is more economical, quieter and more environmentally friendly, but they are heavier and require careful transportation only on a transom or strictly vertically.
The engine power must be in line with the manufacturer's recommendations: Exceeding the maximum recommended power can lead to the collapse of the transom and loss of control at high speed. On the other hand, too weak engine will not bring the boat to plane, which will significantly increase fuel consumption and reduce maneuverability. Optimal engine loading allows you to reach a speed of about 20-25 km / h, which is enough for most tasks.
When buying, you should pay attention to the presence of an emergency engine stop system (the sloth cable), which is attached to the driver's clothes and silences the engine if a person falls overboard. vitalAlso check for valid certificate of conformity and environmental class if you plan to go into conservation areas.
To extend the life of a two-stroke engine, use only high-quality AI-92/95 gasoline and a special oil for water equipment labeled TC-W3. Mix the fuel in a clean canister immediately before exiting, rather than storing the mixture for weeks.
Mandatory equipment and equipment
Law and common sense dictate the list of things that must be on board, first of all, the means of escape, the life jacket should be on board, regardless of how you swim, in cold water shock can come instantly, and even a good swimmer can lose consciousness, the vest should be matched to the size and fastened on all the fastexes.
The second element is the anchor device. The anchor must have enough weight to keep the boat in the current and wind, and the length of the anchor end (line) must exceed the depth of the reservoir at the parking lot by 3-4 times. Instead of the classic anchor, you can use a cat anchor or a cargo in the form of a sandbag, but they must hold the boat securely.
The mandatory set also includes:
- 🛶 A scoop (tide bucket) to remove water from the cockpit.
- 🔦 A lantern (white) to indicate a vessel in the dark or fog.
- 🪢 Repair kit (glue, patches) for the prompt elimination of punctures of PVC.
- 🔪 A knife fixed in a prominent place for quick cutting of tangled gear or herbs.
⚠️ Warning: Storage of gasoline in plastic soda bottles is strictly prohibited! Gasoline destroys plastic, and the container can burst at any time, creating a fire hazard situation and polluting the reservoir. Use only special canisters for fuel.
Navigational skills and safety
Boat control comes with practice, but the basic principles must be learned before the first exit. The main rule is never to turn your back to the water and always hold on to the side or seat when moving. Sharp movements can turn a boat over, especially if it has a high side or is in planing. Centre of gravity You should always stay in the center of the boat, you need to move only on all fours.
Special attention should be paid to the three-point rule: when you go ashore or board a boat, always keep three points (two hands and one leg, or two legs and one hand) to prevent falling into water or on solid ground. When approaching shore on the motor, always release gas in advance, as the inertia of the boat is high, and the shallow water can be closer than it seems.
Mooring skills are also critical: You have to approach the dock or the shore against the current and wind, it's easier to control the speed and position of the vessel. If the engine stalls in the middle of the pond, don't panic. Use the anchor so you don't get blown away, and give distress signals if the situation becomes dangerous.
☑️ Pre-launch checks
Maintenance and storage
The long life of your equipment depends on proper care. After each release on salt water, the engine and boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water to wash away the salt, which causes corrosion of metal parts and destroys PVC. Even freshwater bodies leave a plaque that over time corrodes the material.
Store the boat should be deflated or half-deflated in a clean, dry room, protected from direct sunlight and rodents. The motor is better stored vertically, in the working position, so that the water remains flow from the lower unit. Before long storage (winter), it is recommended to preserve the engine: drain fuel from the carburetor or add a stabilizer, as well as lubricate the internal cylinders with special oil.
Regularly check the condition of the seams of the boat and the fastening of the fittings. Minor repairs, done on time, will save you from major problems on the water. Pay special attention to the valves: sand and dirt trapped in the valve can lead to slow etching of air and loss of hardness of cylinders during swimming.
Comparison of the main types of motors for beginners:
| Parameter | two-stroke motor | four-stroke engine |
|---|---|---|
| Weight. | Lighter (30-40%) | Harder. |
| Fuel consumption | Above (mixture with butter) | Below (clean gasoline) |
| Noise | High. | Low. |
| Transportation | In any situation | Only vertically. |
Safety on the water is made up of proper equipment, a sober captain and compliance. No catch is worth the risk to life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register the outboard motor separately from the boat?
No, the motor is registered with the boat as a single small vessel, the boat's ticket includes both the hull and the engine (motor number, model, power), separate inspection only for the engine is not carried out.
Can I swim on a boat without a license if the engine is 5 hp?
Yes, if the engine power is less than 5 hp (3.68 kW), you do not need a certificate of control for a small court, but you should know the rules of swimming and have the documents proving the power of the engine.
What if the boat starts to sink in the depths?
Don't try to swim inside the boat to scoop up water, it'll flip it over. Swim next to it while holding overboard, and scoop the water out with a mug or pump it out. If you have a pump, plug it in. The main thing is to stay calm and use the buoyancy of an inverted or semi-submerged boat.
What is the minimum set of tools you need on the water?
The minimum set includes: keys for tightening transnese bolts (often needed during operation), a screwdriver, passages, a spare spark plug and a PVC wire cap.
Is it allowed to swim at night?
Night sailing is permitted only if there is a good white light visible from all sides and provided that the skipper has the appropriate skills and navigation equipment.