Buying a first swimmer is always a balance between wanting to get the most comfort and having to keep on budget. Polyvinyl chloride inflatable boats have long ceased to be a toy and have become a reliable tool for professional fishing and serious water expeditions. motorboat It is able to withstand the wave, carry heavy equipment and two adult fishermen, while remaining transportable in the trunk of a passenger car.
But the range is huge, and it's easy for an inexperienced buyer to get confused about specifications like fabric density, cylinder height, or seam connection type. Choosing a mistake can cost not only money, but also safety on the water, especially if you plan to go to large bodies of water with a motor. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances so that you can choose the perfect vessel for your conditions.
PVC density: myths and the reality of material choice
The first thing that a customer looks at is the density of the material, measured in grams per square meter. It's generally assumed that the higher the figure, the stronger the boat, but that's not quite true. 750–850 g/m2The denser fabrics (900-1,100 g/m2) are indeed more resistant to punctures against sharp stones or snags, but they are much heavier and stiffer, which makes it difficult to assemble in the cold season.
It's important to understand that the strength of the boat depends not only on the density of the PVC itself, but also on the quality of the reinforcement mesh inside the material. Cheap models often use a fabric with low density of weaving threads, which, when loaded, can begin to "walk" changing the geometry of the bottom. Reinforced polyvinyl chloride It should be resistant to ultraviolet light and fuel (gasoline, oil), otherwise, after a couple of seasons, the material will begin to layer and crack.
⚠️ Warning: Do not chase the maximum density of fabric if you plan to often carry the boat by hand. The difference in weight between 750 and 1100 g/m2 for a three-meter boat can be 5-7 kg, which is significant when carried along the shore.
There's also the term "five-haired" -- the slang name for a fabric with a five-layer structure that's often used in premium models -- which is very shaped, but requires a quality glue to repair. For most amateur anglers, the best choice is the middle ground, which is a fabric with a density of about a quarter of a square. 900 g/m2It combines sufficient strength and acceptable weight.
Bottom design: floorboard, NDND or slate
The type of bottom directly affects seaworthiness, plane speed and fishing comfort. low-pressure inflatable floor (LDPB)These boats are fast to assemble, have excellent germination on the wave and do not require rigid assembly, but they have a disadvantage: on the NDNDM it is uncomfortable to stand, because the surface is springy, and with a sharp maneuver you can lose balance.
For anchor fishing or trolling, models with a hard floorboard bottom are better suited. Piolas can be made of plywood (often coated). Slan Plywood floors are warmer and more pleasant to the touch, but they are afraid of moisture and require drying. Aluminum floors are eternal, light, but colder and noisier when the waves hit the side.
Special attention should be paid to the system of floor fastening. LTS (Low Pressure Floor System) Or similar, where the cylinders and paioles are a single structure that does not require complex flooring during assembly, which saves time and effort, which is especially important in windy weather or frequent trips.
☑️ Checking the bottom before buying
Train and motor power: critical ligament
The choice of a boat for an outboard motor is impossible without analyzing the transom, a rigid rear bulkhead to which the engine is attached. The trunk must be made of moisture-resistant plywood (usually 12-18 mm) and reinforced with a metal or plastic profile. A weak transom under the load of the motor can crack or deform, which will lead to a dangerous situation on the water.
Each boat has a maximum power limit specified in the data sheet, which is unacceptable because the center of gravity shifts and the boat can go cobblestone (nose picks) or, conversely, burrow into the wave. For two-seater boats with a length of 320-340 cm, the optimal engines are 5-9.9 hp, and for larger models (360-390 cm) – 15-20 hp.
| Boat length (m) | Recommended power (hp) | Max. load capacity (kg) | Type of bottom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8 – 3.0 | 2.5 – 5 | 350 – 450 | NDNDM/Slan |
| 3.2 – 3.4 | 5 – 9.9 | 450 – 600 | floorboard/NDM |
| 3.6 – 3.9 | 9.9 – 15 | 600 – 800 | floorboard/NDM |
| 4.0 and more | 15 – 30 | 800 – 1200 | Paioles/Aluminum |
Notice the height of the transom. The standard is 381 mm (15 inches) for the short daywut and 508 mm (20 inches) for the long one. Incorrect height picking will lead to cavitation (throwing water into the screw) or, conversely, to excessive water resistance and overheating of the motor.
What is cavitation and how is it dangerous?
Cavitation is the formation of vapor bubbles in the fluid stream when the local pressure drops below saturation pressure. For a outboard motor, this means that the propeller starts working in the air mixture, losing traction abruptly. Prolonged cavitation operation leads to erosion of the propeller blades and overheating of the engine, as the circulation of cooling water is disrupted.
Safety: valves, compartments and protection
Safety on the water is the number one priority, and the design of the boat should be consistent with this: all quality models are divided into independent inflatable compartments; if one cylinder is damaged, the rest will allow you to stay afloat and rise to shore; the minimum number of compartments for a serious boat is three (two sides and a nose), but it is better if there are four or five.
Pay special attention to the valve system. Modern boats are equipped with valves. petal-valvesIt's a very cool, pump-free air conditioner that allows you to blow it off quickly when you're blowing it away. It's a requirement for summer use to have an extra emergency valve (which puts excess pressure on you when you're heating it in the sun).
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a fully pumped boat unattended in the direct sun. When heated, the pressure inside can grow so much that the seams can't withstand. Always use sunscreen awnings or blow some air.
Protective elements such as a perimeter hinge and a keel on the bottom prolong the life of the vessel. A timber (rubber belt) takes the blows when mooring, and a keel protects the bottom from abrasion on the sand and stones when pulling ashore. The absence of these elements in the basic configuration is a reason to think about the feasibility of buying.
Use a pressure gauge when pumping a boat. Eye pumping often results in either under-pumping (the boat loses its course) or pumping (the risk of seams rupturing in the sun).
Ergonomics and fishing accessories
Fishing requires a lot of manipulation, so the boat has to be adapted to it. fish-leaver They can be used to fix the suction, the sonar or the spinning so that they don't fall overboard, and in cheap models, the leas are often absent, and they have to be bought separately or attached to the squirrels, which is not always convenient.
Seat configuration is also important: For running fishing, swivel or sliding seats are preferred, which allow you to change position depending on the direction of the wind or current; rigid cans (seats) are better than soft inflatable ones, since they provide a stable support for the back when working with the trophy.
Weight of the boat with the engine and the beanback can reach 50-60 kg. The presence of reinforced handles for carrying, high-quality bag-package with straps and wheels (for heavy models) will significantly facilitate life. Quick-assemblyWhen the boat does not need to be completely disassembled after fishing, but can be rolled into a compact roll.
The ergonomics of the boat affect the fatigue of the angler, and properly positioned leers, comfortable seats and access to the anchor rift allow you to focus on fishing rather than maintaining balance.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How long does the PVC boat last for active operation?
The average lifespan of a quality PVC boat is 7-10 years, provided proper storage and maintenance. Longevity’s key factors are no long-term exposure to UV light, timely drying before packaging and storage in a warm room in winter. Cheap Chinese models may require repair in 2-3 years.
Can I use a boat for an outboard motor in winter?
Yes, but with limitations. PVC becomes hard and brittle in the cold. You only need to pump such a boat with warm air (using a heated compressor or pumping in the house / in the heat) and in no case throw it in the cold completely pumped. You can not walk on ice crumbs - it works like an abrasive and instantly spoils the cylinders.
Which glue is better for repairing PVC in the field?
For emergency repairs, two-component polyurethane adhesives are best suited (for example, Texacol Or specialised remixes from the boat manufacturer. They provide a seam that is as strong as the factory one. Single-component adhesives are only suitable for temporary fixes.
Do I need to register a boat with GIMS?
Since 2017, small vessels weighing up to 200 kg (including a motor) and an engine power of more than 8 kW (about 10.88 hp) are subject to registration in the Russian Federation. Thus, if you have a motorized boat of 5-9.9 hp and a total weight of a kit of less than 200 kg, registration is not required. However, the rules may change, and you need to have documents for the boat and the engine with you.