Boat Fishing opens up entirely new horizons for the miner, allowing him to catch the far-off brows, pits and snags, where from land you can not easily get. However, choosing the first or new vessel often turns into a difficult quest due to the huge number of models, materials and design features on the market. flyboat This can not only spoil the mood, but also endanger the safety of the crew, so this issue should be approached as pragmatically as possible.
Many beginners make the mistake of buying the cheapest models for tanning or focusing solely on the price, forgetting that the conditions of fishing are much tougher than calm bathing. PVC boats You have to withstand impacts on rocky bottoms, resistance waves, constant contact with sharp hooks and heavy equipment, and in this article we will discuss all the technical details so that you can choose the vessel that will last for many years.
First of all, you need to decide on the type of reservoirs where you plan to fish: it can be small overgrown ponds, wide Volga rivers or rugged mountain rivers. load capacity It's also important to know whether you're going to use a motor or if you're going to be content with oars, because that requires the strength of the transom and the shape of the bottom.
Material selection: tissue density and quality of seams
The basis of any modern inflatable boat is reinforced polyvinyl chloride, often referred to simply as PVCIt's not just a thin film, but a complex composite material made up of several layers: a synthetic fabric base (usually polyester or nylon) and PVC protective layers on either side, and it's the density of this fabric, measured in grams per square meter (g/m2), that determines the boat's resistance to puncture, abrasion and ultraviolet.
For fishing, the best choice is a fabric with a density of 750 to 1100 g/m2. Thinner materials, such as 640-690 g/m2, are suitable for pleasure models or single boats where the load is minimal. However, if you plan to drag the vessel over the shell, put it on a rocky shore or use it in winter, then save on the density of the material. categoricallyBecause repairing in the field is a thankless task.
⚠️ Attention: The presence of a reinforcement layer in the fabric is critical. Cheap boats made of unreinforced PVC (used for pools or toys) are absolutely unfit for fishing and can burst from minor pressure or impact.
Equally important is the technology of connecting the body elements. There are two main methods: gluing and welding. Glued seams are made with special two-component adhesives and are considered more repairable at home. Welds obtained by hot welding create a monolithic connection that is almost impossible to damage during operation, but their repair requires special equipment.
- 🛡️ PVC reinforced - provides high tensile strength and resistance to gasoline and oil.
- 🧵 Lausanne - gives the material elasticity and resistance to stretching when temperature changes.
- 🌞 UV protection Special additives to the top layer prevent the destruction of the polymer under the sun.
Types of bottom: from inflatable to soldered
Bottom design is perhaps the most important factor in driving and fishing comfort: the simplest option is a fully inflatable floor, which can be high (High Pressure) or low pressure. These boats are very lightweight, assemble quickly and take up minimal space in the trunk, but they are difficult to stand on, and when the wave is, they behave like a float, vibrating underfoot.
For serious fishing, models with a hard or semi-rigid bottom are often chosen. Pillet bottom It's made from individual aluminum or plywood sheets that are inserted into the cylinders, which gives the body a great stiffness, allowing you to stand on your feet, spinning and better steering, but it takes 15-20 minutes to assemble the boat, and the weight of the floorboards significantly increases the total weight of the kit.
The compromise solution is NDMA In such models, the bottom is a separate inflatable cylinder with an internal cellular structure that is inserted into the main cylinders, which ensures excellent seaworthiness, gentleness (wave shock) and the ability to plane at low power, while maintaining relatively low weight and dimensions in the assembled form.
The secret of rapid assembly of solder boat
To speed up the process of assembling a solder boat, do not try to insert all the sheets immediately. First, spread the floorboards on a flat surface in the correct order, connect them with locks, and then gently pull the resulting "rug" into the cylinders, starting from the bow, which will save you up to 5 minutes of time.
The choice of bottom type also depends on the season: in the summer, when the water is calm, you can do with simpler options. But in the fall, when the windy weather and the "white lambs" begin, the rigidity of the hull becomes a matter of safety. On a soft bottom, it is more difficult to control the boat in strong lateral winds.
Size and load capacity: calculation for the crew
When choosing the size of the boat, many people make the mistake of buying a sideways model for current needs. You should always take a boat with a stock, because in the process of fishing you overgrown with equipment: an anchor, a cage with a catch, an additional fuel supply, a sonar, a tent. Load capacity It is specified in the data sheet, but it is calculated based on ideal conditions and does not take into account the dynamic loads from the wave.
Single boats up to 280 cm long are suitable for cruising fishing, when every kilogram counts, and transportation is carried out in a backpack. For two anglers with a motor, the length is considered optimal from 320 to 360 cm. These dimensions allow you to comfortably fit, unfold the gear and feel confident on the water even with a slight excitement.
| Boat length (cm) | Plenty of seats | Recommended motor (hp) | Typical application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 240 - 280 | 1 | 2 - 5 | Spinning from shore, quiet lakes |
| 300 - 330 | 1-2 | 5 - 9.9 | Trolling, river, two. |
| 340 - 380 | 2-3 | 9.9 - 15 | Long walks, trophy fishing |
| 400 + | 3+ | 18 - 30+ | Expeditions, big company |
It is important to consider not only the length but also the width of the cockpit: narrow boats ("banks") walk faster but are less stable. Wide models (over 140 cm) provide more room for maneuver, but can sail in the wind. Working width The cockpit should allow you to freely lean with a paddle or comfortably place your legs.
When calculating the load capacity, consider the weight of the motor and battery as part of the payload. If the boat holds 400 kg, and the engine with the battery weighs 50 kg, then only 350 kg is left for people and equipment.
Tran and engine requirements
If you are planning to use an internal combustion engine, you should pay special attention to the transom, the rigid rear wall to which the motor is attached. The truncheon can be stationary (stick in cylinders) or removable (inserted in special pockets). The removable version is lighter and more compact in transportation, but the stationary one provides better structural rigidity and reliability of attachment of the heavy motor.
The transom material also matters. It's usually multi-layered plywood coated with waterproof varnish or plastic, and it's important to check the quality of the edges, because that's where the most often begins to detach from constant contact with water. For powerful motors, the transom is often reinforced with metal or plastic linings at the rod attachment sites.
⚠️ Warning: Never exceed the maximum power of the engine specified by the boat manufacturer. Installing an engine that is too powerful can cause the transom to deform, break the seams and tip the boat over due to shifting the center of gravity.
The height of the transom should correspond to the engine's lower unit (standard S - 381 mm or L - 508 mm). If the transom is too low, the motor will capture air and lose traction; if too high - water resistance will increase. Some models are equipped with adjustable transoms, which allows them to adjust to different types of motors, including electric ones.
- 🔩 Strubsins. - must securely fix the motor without damaging the surface of the transom.
- 🛡️ Protective tape. - keel tape on the bottom protects the boat when pulling ashore.
- 🔋 Electromotopes They require special attachment to avoid vibrations.
For fishing with one angler, a bundle of boat 320 cm + a 5-6 hp motor is optimal, which provides a speed of about 20-25 km / h and economical fuel consumption.
Package and useful accessories
When you buy a boat, you often get a basic set that can vary significantly from manufacturer to manufacturer. The standard package usually includes inflatable seats (banks), a pump, a remix and a bag-pack. However, for a full fishing, this is often not enough, and you have to buy additional elements that improve comfort and functionality.
One of the most important accessories is anchor It's almost impossible to anchor quickly or, conversely, to get off anchor in high winds without a convenient ditch, and you also need to pay attention to the presence of a liner cable around the perimeter of cylinders, which you can grab in an emergency or tie the cargo.
For storage of small things, gear and phone, hinged pockets that are attached to Velcro or in special pockets inside the boat are great. Some models have built-in holders for rods, which frees up your hands during crossings or catching fish.
☑️ Checking the completeness before buying
Care, storage and seasonal conservation
The life of an inflatable boat depends on how you care for it. After every fishing, especially in salt water or in polluted water, the boat must be rinsed with fresh water. The sand and dirt, when dried, work like an abrasive, gradually destroying the protective layer of PVC, and salt can cause corrosion of metal elements and accessories.
Store the boat should be in a dry, cool place, away from heating devices and direct sunlight. Ultraviolet The main enemy of polyvinyl chloride, which makes it brittle over time, before packing in a bag, the boat must be completely dry, otherwise mold will inevitably appear inside, which not only spoils the appearance, but also destroys the adhesive seams.
In winter, if you plan to fish from the ice, remember that PVC becomes less elastic in the cold. Inflate such a boat in the cold you need to be careful, not pumping, because when you move into a warm room, the pressure inside the cylinders will increase dramatically, which can lead to rupture of the seams. Use only specialized frost-resistant greases for valves.
How to Dry a Boat at Home
The best way to dry the boat is to spread the cylinders half-assembled. Don't use hair dryers or heaters to speed up the process - hot air can damage the adhesive seams. Natural drying at room temperature is the safest option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does a high-quality PVC boat last for regular operation?
The service life depends on the operating conditions and maintenance. On average, a high-quality boat made of dense PVC (900+ g / m2) lasts from 7 to 15 years. With careful storage and the absence of mechanical damage, the material can retain its properties longer, requiring only periodic replacement of fittings or valves.
Can I seal the boat myself in the field?
Yes, for small punctures (up to 3-5 cm), this is possible with a remix kit that comes with the kit, but for a high-quality and durable patch, you need a dry, low-fat surface and time for polymerization of the glue (usually 24 hours).
What is the difference between boats for rowing and for an outboard motor?
The main difference is in the design of the transom and the shape of the cylinders. Motor boats have a rigid transom to hold the engine and often a streamlined nose for better glides. Rowing models are lighter, simpler in design and have no gain for an outboard motor load.
What pressure should I pump into the cylinders?
The optimum working pressure is usually 0.2 atm (about 200 mbar or 0.2 bar). The exact value is always indicated on the product passport or on the label next to the valve. Pumping is dangerous by rupturing seams in the sun, under-pumping reduces rigidity and driving performance.