Buying the first boat is just the beginning of a journey that opens up new horizons and trophies, and many newcomers mistakenly believe that it's enough to just buy a boat's hull and put a power unit on a transom. motorboat It requires a much more thoughtful approach, as water does not forgive mistakes and lack of necessary equipment.
Lacking even one piece of equipment can turn a pleasant walk into a dangerous adventure with an unpredictable ending: modern registration rules and safety requirements dictate their terms, ignoring which can lead to severe fines by regulators or, worse, loss of property and health.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what exactly is needed for the full and safe operation of a small vessel, whether it is a compact one. PVC boat full-fledged metal boatWe will look at the mandatory elements of the law, critical navigation equipment and useful accessories that will make your stay on the water as comfortable as possible.
Legal requirements and documents of GIMS
Before we talk about technical content, we need to understand the legal side of the issue: according to current legislation, every small craft that is subject to registration must have a certain set of documents on board. boat registration certificate The right to drive is equivalent to driving a car without documents, with all the ensuing consequences.
The owner must carry and present originals or certified copies of documents at the first request of the GIMS inspector, this applies not only to the owner, but also to all passengers if they are subject to age restrictions or the requirements for the availability of certificates. A boat without a registration number on board is prohibited from operating.
In addition, there must be valid third party liability insurance on board, although the control over its presence on the water is not as strict as on the roads, but in the event of a collision or damage, the availability of an OSHO policy (mandatory liability insurance for owners of water vessels) will be a decisive factor.
- 📄 boat registration certificate of a small vessel with a note on the annual technical survey.
- 🪪 Certificate of right to drive a small vessel of the relevant category.
- 🆔 Document certifying the identity of the owner and passengers.
- 🛡️ Civil liability insurance policy (recommended).
⚠️ Attention: The side number shall be applied in contrast paint at a distance of 1/4 of the length of the body from the head-step on both sides, the height of the signs is not less than 150 mm, the width is 100 mm, the thickness of the stroke is 15-20 mm.
Navigational equipment and communications
Water safety is directly dependent on your ability to navigate and communicate with the shore, and even if you plan to walk only along a familiar riverbed, weather conditions can change in minutes, creating thick fog or heavy winds. navigational They become the only connection to reality.
The basis of modern navigation is a GPS navigator or cartplotter. This device not only shows a point on a map, but also allows you to plot routes, track speed and depth, and see underwater terrain. For boats with a motor, it is critical to have a spare power source or a second, autonomous navigator, because electronics tend to fail at the most inopportune moment.
Communications are your lifeline in the digital world. A cell phone in a sealer is good, but it's not enough. In large waterways or remote areas, cell phone service may not be available at all. sea-faring VHF range is the safety standard for any serious water motor.
And visual navigation, too. The compass, even with electronics, should be on board forever. The batteries sit down, the screens go out, and the magnetic hand is always on, and you also need to have up-to-date paper maps of the terrain that are independent of battery power.
- 🛰️ GPS-navigator or mapplotter with current vector maps.
- 📻 Marine radio VHF range (preferably with a license).
- 🧭 A magnetic compass installed away from metal objects and electronics.
- 📱 Mobile phone in a waterproof case with a spare Power Bank.
Life-saving appliances and security
The issue of saving people on the water is a priority worldwide, and Russia is no exception. lifejackets The rules state that the number of vests must correspond to the number of people on the boat, plus one spare.
It is important to distinguish between safety vests and life jackets. For open water and motorboats, only full life jackets with a collar that supports the head even in an unconscious state face up are suitable. Inflatable pony vests, popular among fishermen, often do not meet the safety requirements for active motor running.
In addition to vests, there should be a life ring on board, fixed to a liner fence or a special bracket, so that it can be instantly thrown overboard, a molt of at least 18.5 meters is necessarily tied to the ring. hold-pump.
⚠️ Warning: Life jackets must be tailored to the size and weight of each crew member, and a vest "growth" or too loose can slip in the water and cause drowning.
☑️ Security check before exit
Anchor and mooring
The ability to anchor properly is a basic skill of a boater. What do you need to do that? First of all, the anchor itself, the weight of which must correspond to the displacement of the boat. Inflatable boats weighing up to 300 kg usually enough anchor weighing 3-4 kg, for heavier boats calculation is carried out by the formula, taking into account the sail area and the weight of the vessel.
The second critical element is anchor line, the use of chains on light inflatable boats is not recommended, as they can damage cylinders. The optimal solution is a synthetic cable (nylon or polypropylene) with a diameter of 6-8 mm. The cable should be at least three depths in the parking lot to ensure the correct angle of the anchor to the bottom.
To fix a boat on the shore or berth, you need mooring ends, at least two, 3-5 meters long each, the ends should be equipped with ogons (hinges) or carabiners for quick and reliable mooring, do not use thin linen ropes for mooring, which will get wet and become slippery and unstable.
Storing an anchor device also requires attention. Anchor-cat, popular with owners PVC boatIt has the property of clinging to everything, so its paws are often covered with a cover or use anchors of the Denfort type with a vertebral.
- ⚓ Anchor of the appropriate type and weight (Grapple, Danforth, Plug).
- 🧶 Anchor cable with a reserve of length and a depth marker.
- 🔗 A vertebra to prevent the rope from twisting.
- 🪢 Mooring ends with ogons for reliable parking.
Maintenance and refitting
A motorboat is a complex machine that operates in an aggressive aquatic environment, and failure can happen at any time, and often away from service centers, so having a basic set of tools and spare parts is a must for long-distance exits.
First of all, you need to take care of the fuel system. A spare spark plug, a set of candle keys and a fuel supply (in the containers allowed for transportation) should always be available. For two-stroke engines, it is critical to have a reserve of oil to mix with gasoline, since working dry will bring the engine down in minutes.
Inflatable boats require a PVC remix, including pieces of fabric, glue and degreasing. You can get a puncture even in clean water, seemingly, by stumbling on a hidden snag or sharp stone near the shore. You also need to have a pump (feather or electric) with a pressure gauge to monitor the pressure in the cylinders.
What is included in the extended engine remake?
The extended set includes: spare fuel filter-sludge, a set of screwdrivers and keys corresponding to the fastener of your motor, tape, WD-40, spare propeller veneers and the spare propeller itself. It is also useful to have a starter cable to replace.
And don't forget to take care of the hull. If you have a metal boat, you'll need corrosion-resistant compounds. For PVC, you'll need UV care and protection to extend the life of the material.
Table: Minimum equipment depending on the type of boat
To systematize the requirements, we present a comparative table of equipment for different types of small craft. The figures and requirements may vary depending on the region and specific navigation conditions, but the basic set remains unchanged.
| Equipment element | Inflatable boat (PVC) | Metal boat (Kazanka/Crimea) | chopping-boat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life jackets. | I'll be sure to do it for everyone. | I'll be sure to do it for everyone. | I'll be sure to do it for everyone. |
| Anchor | 1-3 kg (Cat/Grapple) | 4-6 kg (Danforth/Plow) | 10+ kg (Plow/Hall) |
| The hinged motor | Up to 10 hp. | Up to 15-20 hp. | 30 hp and up. |
| Documents | boat registration certificate (if >200 kg) | boat registration certificate is mandatory | boat registration certificate is mandatory |
| cerpak | Definitely (bucket) | Sure. | Definitely + hold pump |
Always keep documents in a waterproof bag or sealed container. A paper boat's ticket, wet and soaked in salt water, loses its strength and can cause problems during verification.
Comfort and additional accessories
Once you've got safety, you can move on to comfort, and being on the water for a long time, especially in the sun and the wind, requires special equipment, and what does it take for a boat with an engine to keep your back from hurting and the fish pecking? First of all, it's the right seat.
The regular inflatable can seats are only suitable for short runs, and for a full fishing or walk, you need rigid seats with backrests that are attached to stringers or a transom board, which provide the right support for the spine and allow you to stay focused longer.
Sun and water protection is another important aspect: a tent (sunscreen awning) significantly reduces UV fatigue, and sealants or plastic sealants are ideal for storing gear, clothing and food supplies, which also serve as additional seats.
- 🪑 Removable seats with backrests for a comfortable landing.
- ☂️ A tent or chassis awning for protection from the sun and rain.
- 🎒 Hermetic bags and sealants for storing personal belongings.
- 🔦 Headlight with red light for night fishing.
⚠️ Warning: Do not overload the boat with additional equipment. Each extra kilogram reduces the buoyancy reserve and increases draught, which can be critical when turbulent or squall winds.
Safety on the water is based on three whales: the serviceable technical condition of the vessel, the availability of complete sets of life-saving aids and sobriety of the crew.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register the outboard motor separately from the boat?
No, since 2012, the motor is registered with the boat in the same boat's ticket, there is no need for a separate number for the engine, but its serial number and model are in the documents on the boat, however, if you buy a new engine for an already registered boat, you need to make changes to the boat's ticket to the GIMS.
What is the minimum set for fishing from a boat?
The minimum set includes: life jacket for each, scoop, anchor with a line, first aid kit, repair kit for the boat and motor, as well as communication equipment (telephone in herm). Without this kit, access to the water, especially alone, is highly recommended.
Can I use a fire extinguisher on a boat?
Car fire extinguishers may not be as effective in combating combustibles (gasoline, oil) on the water as specialized marine or powder fire extinguishers with a volume of 2 liters, fixed in an accessible place.
Do I need to drive a boat with a 5 hp engine?
If the engine power is less than 8 kW (about 10.88 hp) and the weight of the boat without the engine is less than 200 kg, registration with the GIMS and the availability of rights is not required.