Going out on an inflatable boat is not just a pleasure to fish or walk, but also a serious responsibility that requires a clear understanding of the physics of the movement of the boat. PVC It has a different sailing and inertia that dictates its own rules of control, and beginners often make the mistake of relying only on the vomit screw, forgetting about the effect of wind and current on the light body.
Before you press on Start Or pull the starter cord, you have to do a visual inspection of the water area and make sure there are no obstacles. navigation and work with lower unit So you have to learn the theory of the motor, and that's going to avoid the trouble of winding algae onto a screw or hitting a snag.
In this article, we will explore all aspects of driving, from landing properly to performing complex turnarounds in confined spaces, and understanding how your vessel behaves at different speeds and loads is the foundation of safe operation. Always remember that inflatable boards take on wave shocks differently from metal or plastic, which requires smoother operation of the gas.
Landing and weight distribution on the boat
The proper loading of the vessel is the first step to a safe and comfortable voyage. The center of gravity should be strictly in the center or slightly closer to the transom, but in no case should it shift sharply onto the nose or on one of the sides. jar (seat) located in the middle or slightly closer to the stern to ensure optimal different.
Incorrect weight distribution can cause the boat to "buried" nose in the wave or, conversely, too nose-scraping, which is dangerous in high winds. diameterAny sudden movement of people inside the inflatable vessel causes a strong swelling, as soft sides extinguish the roll more slowly than the rigid hull.
It is important to make sure that the cargo is on the floor, not on inflatable tubes, so as not to damage the material when rolling. Use special nets or mounts to fix luggage, if they are provided by the design of your model. PVC boats.
- 🚣 Get in the boat in the center, putting your foot on the stringer or bottom flooring, so as not to lean on the board.
- ⚖️ Distribute heavy anchors and batteries closer to the transom for better performance.
- 🎒 Fix all loose objects so that they do not fly overboard in a sharp maneuver.
- 👥 Do not allow sudden movements of passengers during movement on planing.
Starting the engine and starting the movement
Before starting the engine, make sure that sink-board It's fixed, and the rods are tightened with the necessary force, and check if the lower unit is dipped in the water, because the engine can run dry for a few seconds, and it can cause overheating and damage. cooling-offIf you use an electric motor, check the battery charge and the integrity of the cable.
The launch is carried out according to the instructions for a particular engine model. For two-stroke engines, this is usually pumping fuel with a pear, opening the fuel crane and installing the fuel crane. throttle When you start, let the engine warm up at idle speed, making sure that the control hole is a stream of water.
⚠️ Attention: Never start the engine if the lower unit is raised above water, and do not let the propeller rotate if there are people nearby in the water or there is a risk of catching the anchor shaft.
Start smoothly, adding gas gradually, and a sharp start can cause the boat to "goat" - abruptly raises its nose and loses control. planing It requires a confident but controlled addition of traction.
☑️ Ready to leave
Handling technique and work with a tiller
The boat is controlled by turning the romple, which is connected to the engine's lower unit, and the opposite rule of thumb is that to turn the boat's nose to the left, the romple must be deflected to the right, and vice versa, because it's not the nose that turns, but the propeller's thrust vector in the aft.
When driving at high speeds, the boat becomes more sensitive to the steering wheel and the movements must be smooth. A sharp turn of the ramp at full speed can lead to a turn of the boat side to the wave or even to a wave. overturn (rollover), especially if the center of gravity is shifted, the steering efficiency decreases at low speeds, and gas may be required to turn around.
Use both hands to control the tiller in difficult conditions, so you can quickly react to a change in situation. long-handedThis gives more leverage and precision, but requires getting used to the amplitude of the movements.
- 🔄 To turn left, push the ramper away from you or to the right (depending on the design).
- 🛑 For an emergency stop, release the gas handle ("gas-on-brake"), and the engine will go to idle.
- 🌊 in choppy conditions, keep the course at an angle to the wave so as not to get hits in the transom.
Reversing maneuvers
Reversing on a PVC outboard boat is a skill that requires training, as handling in this mode is significantly different from moving forward. reverse (c) appropriately, often with little effort.
When you go backwards, the bow tends to go sideways, and it becomes more difficult to control the trajectory. The steering wheel (dadewood) works less efficiently, so the main maneuvers are performed in short series of rotor operation. It is important to constantly look around to control the space behind the stern and not wind foreign objects on the screw.
Why is the back-up less effective?
The engine screw is designed to create maximum traction as you go forward. When you reverse, the flow of water twists differently, the efficiency drops, and the turbulence around the lower unit reduces the efficiency of the steering pen, making the boat less docile.
If you need to turn around in a confined space, use a combination of front and reverse, for example, to turn left: give full gas forward with the right steering wheel turned, then turn back, while keeping the steering wheel turned, which will allow you to turn the boat almost in place.
| Action. | Position of the hummulus | Motor mode | The result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Move straight. | Downtown. | Let's go. | Direct course |
| Turning your nose to the left | Right (from himself) | Let's go. | Change of course to the left |
| Braking | Anybody | Single/Stop | Speed reduction |
| U-turn in place | Towards the turnaround | Backing up | The feed goes sideways |
Movement against the current and wind
The most difficult thing for beginners is to move against a strong current or headwind, and in such conditions, a high-sailing PVC boat can lose its course or drift to the side. course-angle: you need to go not strictly forehead to forehead, but at a small angle, using the force of the flow to hold the course.
If the current is very strong, you may have to go galsam, periodically changing direction to get closer to the target, but it is important to make sure that the wave does not overwhelm the transom. The engine must operate in a mode close to maximum to provide a reserve of power to overcome the resistance of the water.
⚠️ Attention: When you move against a wave, watch the angle of attack: if the nose is too raised, the boat can lose stability. If the nose is buried in the water, turn off the gas and shift the weight back.
Use it. door-wheel They're only used for cruising along the shore; they're extremely resistant on the water, and they can cause an accident if not removed. Always check their ascent before going out into the deep water.
With a strong side wind, slightly tilt the boat hull towards the wind (tilt yourself) so that the sailing of the balloon works as a stabilizer and the boat demolishes less.
Stop, mooring and safety
Approaching the shore or the pier is the moment that requires maximum concentration. Drop the gas in advance and go idling. Remember that the boat will go a further distance by inertia. Use the short-term turn on of the rear gear ("reverse the gas") to extinguish the inertia.
It is better to dock with your nose to the gently shore or side to the pier, having pre-prepared the ends of the i-hooks. If the wind blows, approach it, using it as a natural brake. You can only get out of the boat after it is securely fixed or pulled ashore.
Safety on the water is not just about having a life jacket, but also sober assessment of your strength and the capabilities of the vessel. Always carry a knife to cut entangled gear and an anchor to wait out the weather or stop demolition.
- ⚓ Approaching the shore, raise the lower unit in advance, so as not to damage the screw on the ground.
- 🧥 The life jacket should always be zipped up, even if you are a great swimmer.
- 🔇 Observe the rules of silence near residential areas and reserves.
The main principle of safe docking is to assess the wind and current in advance, approach the stopping point at minimum speed and use inertia and short-term reverse for a precise stop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register a PVC boat with an engine in GIMS?
Registration is mandatory if the weight of the boat in service (boat + engine + equipment) exceeds 200 kg, or if the engine power exceeds 8 horsepower (for boats up to 200 kg).
What to do if the motor stalls on water?
Don't panic. First of all, anchor if there's a current or wind to keep you from being blown away. Check for fuel, spark plug status and cooling system. If you can't fix the cause on site, use your paddles to get back to shore.
How often should you change the oil in a two-stroke engine?
In two-stroke engines, the oil does not change, but burns with the fuel, you only need to follow the correct ratio of mixing gasoline and oil (usually 1:50 or 1:25 depending on the model) and use special oils with the labeling. TC-W3.
Can you drive a boat in a storm?
It is strongly recommended not to get on the water during storm warning. PVC boats have wave height restrictions (usually up to 0.5-0.75 meters for safe plane), exceeding these standards threatens to tip over or lose control.