Choosing a swimming aid is always a search for a compromise between cost, weight and durability. Case material It is a major factor in determining not only the price but also the scope of a vessel, and it is easy for a newcomer to water-engines to get confused by acronyms and marketing names, as production technologies are constantly being improved.
Understanding the chemical composition and physical properties of materials will avoid costly buying mistakes. There is no one-size-fits-all solution: one thing is good for fishing on small rivers, and another is different for going out to sea. Let's see what modern boats are actually made of.
In this article, we will conduct a detailed comparison of specifications, consider the nuances of operation and find out what material will be the best for your conditions. Production technologies They play a key role in turning raw materials into a reliable vessel.
Shipbuilding plywood: classics that go back to the past
For a long time, exactly. plywood It was the main material for small-size boats, and in Soviet times and in the era of scarcity, it was almost the only option available for a home craftsman, and modern technology has significantly improved the moisture resistance of this material.
But even the best plywood is still hygroscopic, and over time, the wood absorbs moisture, which leads to an increase in the weight of the case and requires regular painting or varnishing. putrefaction It is an inevitable companion of such a boat.
However, plywood boats are highly rigid and maintainable, easily modified in garage conditions by adding new elements or enhancing the transom, and for temporary solutions or seasonal calm water fishing, this is acceptable.
- 🪵 Availability of material and ease of self-construction.
- ⚖️ High stiffness of the design with the right set.
- 💧 Requirements for constant care and drying after operation.
⚠️ Note: Using conventional construction plywood instead of aircraft or bakelized will lead to the destruction of the hull after the first season of active operation.
What is bakelized plywood?
It's a special kind of plywood, soaked in bakelite varnish under pressure, and it's not afraid of water, gasoline and oils, but it costs many times more than usual and is rarely available on the market.
PVC fabric: a revolution in inflatable shipbuilding
Modern inflatable boats are not the rubber products of the past, but are based on a layered fabric of the same type. polyvinyl chloride (PVC) The reinforcement mesh of synthetic fibers, melted between the layers of the polymer, provides incredible tensile strength.
Quality reinforced PVC The density of the fabric varies from 750 to 1100 g/sq.m., and the choice depends on the expected loads. For quiet fishing, 750-900 g/sq.m., and for serious loads and rocky shores, it is better to choose 1100 g/sq.m.
An important aspect is the way the seams are connected. Stitched together Welds are considered more reliable and durable, although they require more time to manufacture; welds are faster to manufacture, but may be less resistant to strain under extreme loads.
- 🛡️ High resistance to puncture and abrasion.
- ☀️ Inertness to solar radiation and temperature changes.
- 🔧 Possibility of local repair in the field.
There is a myth that PVC is afraid of frost. In fact, modern materials retain elasticity up to -30 ° C, but transporting an inflated boat in such conditions is really not recommended because of the risk of microcracks when bending.
Aluminum: lightness and indestructibility of metal
Aluminum alloys, in particular AMG And unlike steel, aluminum doesn't rust as we know it, although it's oxidized, and it's coated with a protective oxide film that prevents further corrosion.
The main advantage of such vessels is lowweight The aluminum boat can be dragged through an obstacle without fear of damaging the bottom, and the metal is very good at hitting rocks and driftwood, making it ideal for shallow water and fast rivers.
But welding aluminum requires special equipment and skills, field repair is virtually impossible without welding or argon, and the metal cools and heats quickly, which can create discomfort during long fishing without proper insulation.
| Characterization | aluminum | Steel | PVC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight. | Low. | Highly | Medium. |
| Strength | High. | Very high. | Medium |
| Repairs | Difficult. | Medium. | Simple. |
| Price. | Medium/High | Low/Medium | Other. |
When buying an aluminum boat, pay attention to the thickness of the sheet. For motorboats up to 4 meters long, the optimal thickness is 2-3 mm. A thin sheet will get tired of the vibration of the engine faster.
Glass plastic: aesthetics and hydrodynamics
Fiberglass (GRP) is a composite material consisting of fiberglass and polyester or epoxy resins. The technology allows you to create housings of any shape with perfect surface smoothness, and fiberglass provides the best driving qualities and speed.
The hydrodynamics of these vessels are superior to metallic ones, the smooth bottom creates less water resistance, which allows for higher speeds at the same engine power, and fiberglass does not conduct heat or electricity, it is warm to the touch and does not require additional insulation.
On the other hand, fiberglass is afraid of being hit hard, and when it hits a rock at speed, it can crack or chip, breaking the tightness, and repairing it takes time to polymerize the resin and certain skills, although it is quite real in garage conditions.
- 🚀 Excellent hydrodynamics and speed indicators.
- 🎨 The ability to create complex contours and beautiful design.
- 🔨 Risk of cracking with strong point impacts.
⚠️ Caution: Cheap fiberglass is often made in a technology-defying manner, using excess resin and little fiberglass, and it will be heavy and fragile, resembling plastic rather than composite.
It's important to distinguish hand-laying The second method is a stronger, lighter body with an ideal ratio of components, but the cost of these products is much higher.
Comparison of the repairability of materials
The question of restoring the integrity of the hull arises before every owner of the boat sooner or later. Repairability It's a material-dependent thing, and you can patch PVC even on the shore of a pond, using a remix, and it takes 15 to 20 minutes with degreasing.
Aluminum requires a welding machine. If the hole is made away from civilization, the only way out is to use reinforced epoxy compounds or cold welding, but this is a temporary solution. The plastic glass is repaired by layering the fiberglass on an epoxy basis, which takes time to dry.
Plywood boats are repaired by replacing damaged areas or patching, but this often leads to geometry disruption and the need for a complete repainting of the entire board.
☑️ What to take in the remake on the water
Effect of material on service life
The durability of a boat is a derivative of operating and maintenance conditions. Aluminum boats When handled carefully, the metal can last for decades without changing its properties, and ages slowly unless it is subjected to electrochemical corrosion (for example, when in contact with copper in salt water).
PVC tissues have a lifespan that is usually 10 to 15 years old, and over time, plasticizers evaporate, and the material becomes tough and brittle. Fiberglass It is theoretically eternal, but requires protection of the gelcoat from fading and chipping.
When you're choosing a boat, it's important to understand that you're not just buying a product, you're buying a certain philosophy of leisure, and that ease of assembly, reliability of metal, or speed of plastic all have their own advantages.
The most durable material is aluminum, but the most versatile and forgiving storage errors is high-density PVC.
Saving on the hull material often leads to a quick failure of the boat and the need for a complete replacement, which ultimately costs more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which boat material is better for rocky rivers?
For rocky rivers and shallow waters, the ideal choice is considered to be aluminumIt's the best one to hold the impacts on rocks, and PVC boats with a high density of fabric (1,100 g/sq.m.) and a reinforced protected bottom are also a good option.
Can I keep a PVC boat in the cold?
Store assembled or deflated boat of PVC in the cold can be, but it can not be bent, folded or subjected to mechanical stress at a temperature below -5...-10 ° C. The material becomes fragile and can crack.
Does the aluminum boat rust?
Aluminum doesn't rust like iron (red rust); it oxidizes by coating itself with a thin film that protects the metal; however, electrochemical corrosion is possible in salt water or in contact with other metals.
Which is heavier: fiberglass or aluminum?
With the same structural strength, fiberglass boats tend to be heavier than aluminum counterparts. Aluminum allows for thinner and lighter sides without losing reliability.