Choosing a swimmer for a serious rest on the water often comes down to finding a balance between compactness in transportation and comfort on the go. flyboat Grand Tours, which are well-deservedly popular with anglers and water tourism enthusiasts, are designed to withstand heavy loads and storm conditions while remaining light enough for one person to carry.
The main focus of designing these models is on a reinforced balloon and a reliable bottom that can keep shape even at high wavelengths. Grand Tour This means that you have a transom to power your motor and you can go out into the open waters, which makes them a versatile tool for both spinning fishing and family cruising.
When buying, it is important to consider not only the length of the hull, but also design features that directly affect the performance and safety of the crew. Modern materials allow you to create durable structures, but ignoring the technical nuances can lead to disappointment on the water. Below we will discuss in detail what lies behind this name and how to choose the perfect model.
Design features and types of bottom
The fundamental difference of the Grand Tour series boats is the type of bottom used, which determines the rigidity of the hull and the speed of planing. NDMA (low pressure inflatable floor) which provides great buoyancy and comfort, because you're actually sitting on an air cushion, but for speed modes, it's more likely to be a model with a hard flatbed of aluminum or moisture-resistant plywood.
Hard floorboard allows the boat to keep its course better and to dissect the wave more efficiently, which is critical when driving against the wind or at high speeds. inflatable floor, in turn, gives a gain in weight and allows you to roll the boat into a more compact backpack, but requires more careful handling of the sharp rocky bottom. The choice between these two options often becomes a decisive factor when buying.
It is worth noting that the quality NDMA It has a special stretching system that prevents the floor from cruising and maintaining geometric stability, and the paiola models use a stringer system that connects the floor sections into a single rigid structure. High-quality assembly of the paillon floor takes longer than inflatable, but provides better seaworthiness.
- 🛶 NDNDM: Ideal for fishing from anchor, comfortable to sit on the floor, quick installation.
- ⚓ Pyol: Better course stability, higher speed, the possibility of installing a more powerful motor.
- 🔧 Stringers: Aluminum or plastic profiles that ensure the rigidity of the connection of the floors.
Overview of popular models and their dimensions
The market offers a wide range of modifications, varying in body length and cockpit width. 320-340 cm long models are considered the “golden mean” for single or double operation with a 5-8 hp engine. They are light enough to be assembled and disassembled alone, and yet have a margin of safety for confident driving.
Larger versions, such as 360-380 cm, are already fully PVC boats, which allow three adults with full gear to comfortably accommodate, and the increased width of the balloon on these models increases stability, allowing the fisherman to stand on board or make sudden movements without the risk of tipping over.
When choosing a size, you should focus not only on the number of passengers, but also on storage and transportation conditions. When assembled, a three-meter boat can easily fit into the trunk of a sedan, while a four-meter boat will require roof rails or a trailer. The weight of the kit also increases proportionally to the length, and if the 320th model can be carried to the water in a backpack, then a transom trolley is already desirable for the 380th.
| Model | Length (cm) | Width (cm) | Load capacity (kg) | River motor (L. S.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Tour 320 | 320 | 145 | 450 | 5-8 |
| Grand Tour 340 | 340 | 150 | 550 | 8-10 |
| Grand Tour 360 | 360 | 160 | 650 | 10-15 |
| Grand Tour 380 | 380 | 170 | 800 | 15-20 |
Materials and strength of the cylinder
The durability of the boat depends on the quality of the PVC fabric used for sewing cylinders. For the Grand Tour series, the standard is a five-layer reinforced material with a density of at least 850 g / sq.m. Such fabric is resistant to ultraviolet light, fuel (combustible lubricants) and mechanical damage to reeds or snags.
Special attention should be paid to the processing of seams. In quality models, the method of gluing hot air using two-component glue is used, which creates a monolithic connection, stronger than the material itself. Cheap analogues are often assembled on liquid glue, which can eventually dry out, especially at temperature changes.
How do you check the quality of the seam?
Put your nail along the seam, and if you feel bumps, steps, or if you see glue coming out, it's a sign of a technology failure, and the quality seam should be smooth and uniform throughout.
An important element of protection is flat-barIt's a timber that runs around the perimeter of the balloon, and it takes the main impacts when mooring and protects the core fabric from abrasion. On some models, the timber is reinforced with additional rubber band, which significantly extends the life of the product during active use.
- 🧱 Reinforcement layer: A grid of synthetic threads that gives the fabric tensile strength.
- ☀️ UV protection: Special additives in PVC, preventing the destruction of the structure in the sun.
- 🛡️ KILSON: Strengthened strip on the bottom, protecting the boat when pulling ashore.
Selection of motor and attachment equipment
The right boat-motor bundle determines whether you will enjoy cruising or suffer with control. For models up to 340 cm long, two-stroke engines with a capacity of 5-9.9 hp are the best choice. They are light, economical and allow you to reach speeds of up to 25-30 km / h, which is enough to move along reservoirs and rivers.
The heavier modifications (360+ cm) require more traction, and it makes sense to look at engines 15 hp and higher, especially if you plan to plane with full load.
When buying a motor, immediately buy a spare candle and a screw. On water, breakage of these elements occurs most often, and the presence of spare parts will save your fishing.
Of the hinged equipment, the minimum is the flap anchor and comfortable seats. Staffing cans are often rigid and uncomfortable for long sitting, so many owners immediately order soft inflatable seats or install stationary seats on swivel bases. It is also worth considering installing a sonar and holders for rods.
⚠️ Attention: Never exceed the maximum load capacity specified in your passport, not only for the weight of the people, but also for the mass of the motor, fuel, equipment and water that gets inside, and overloading reduces the height of the board above the water and makes the boat unstable.
Assembly, operation and care
The process of assembling a paiole bottom boat takes a certain amount of skill and time. First, PVC is spread out, then the floor frame is assembled and stringers are inserted. The cylinders are pumped to working pressure, after which the structure is finally formed. It is important to ensure that there are no clamps in the cloth folds that can eventually lead to cracks.
The pressure in the cylinders is critical. In hot weather, the air expands and the pressure can grow to dangerous values, so on sunny days it is recommended to lightly burn the air before getting on the water or not to pump the cylinders "to the point" in the shade. Winter operation requires the use of special frost-resistant lubricants and careful handling of material that becomes less elastic in the cold.
☑️ Preparation for the season
After each operation, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, especially if you have been swimming on salty seas or standing in a mud-covered place. Drying before packaging is a prerequisite for a long life of the product. Wet fabric in a closed case is the ideal medium for mold that destroys the reinforcing layer.
Tuning and modernization of the boat
Grand Tour boat owners often resort to tuning to adapt the vessel to their specific tasks. console This allows you to control the motor with one hand (gas) and frees the other for gear or navigation.
Also popular is the installation of an inflatable keel, which improves the course stability and cuts off the spray that flies into the cockpit. For lovers of trophy fishing, the installation of additional runduks and mounts for boxes is important. All modifications should be carried out with the balance of the vessel in mind.
Safety is also a safety feature, with a motor safety line, bright reflective elements on cylinders and robust armature bolts, all of which can save the day in an emergency. Competent tuning makes a standard boat a unique recreational tool.
⚠️ Attention: When installing additional equipment (consoles, tanks) on your own, carefully monitor the weight distribution. Shifting the center of gravity can make the boat roll and dangerous on the go.
Competent tuning increases comfort, but safety should always be a priority over speed or appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to assemble a boat with a paiole bottom?
The initial assembly can take 20-30 minutes. After a few training sessions and the development of an algorithm of actions, the time is reduced to 10-15 minutes. With an inflatable floor (BND), the process goes faster - about 5-7 minutes.
Can I leave a PVC boat in the sun?
Long exposure to direct sunlight is not recommended. Ultraviolet destroys the structure of PVC and glue. If the boat is standing on water, it is better to use a protective awning or parking anchor to remove the vessel into the shadow.
What pressure should be in the cylinder?
The optimum working pressure is usually 0.2 atm (about 200 mbar or 2.8 psi). The exact values are always indicated in the passport of a particular model.
Should I lubricate the transom plate?
Yes, the places of fastening of the motor and the sling of the transom plate it is desirable to periodically treat with silicone lubricant or special means for PVC to prevent drying and cracking of the material in stress areas.