Choosing a swimmer is always a trade-off between mobility, capacity and water sustainability. For a fisherman, this is a particularly pressing issue, because not only does the comfort of catching a trophy depend on the reliability of a vessel, but the safety of the crew depends on it. The market is oversupplied, and it's easy for a beginner to get confused about the specifications that manufacturers often inflate for marketing.
In this article, we will discuss the key parameters to look at first, ignoring beautiful packaging. tissue-density It is not always as strong as dangerous. bottom of NDND With high winds and how to pay for unnecessary options, a well-chosen boat will last decades, becoming a reliable partner on the water.
Setting Goals: Size Matters
Before you look at the catalogs, honestly answer the question: how many people will be in the boat at the same time and what cargo do you plan to carry? Many people make the mistake of buying a back-to-back model by load capacity, forgetting about the weight of the engine, gasoline, anchor and tackle. If you fish alone, you will suit a compact model up to 3 meters long, but for two you will need a compact model that is already 3 meters long. work-length from 320 cm.
And if you add 20 to 30 centimeters of length, you get a tremendous increase in comfort and stability, and you stop pecking your nose at the wave, and you don't have to be a fisherman, but you have to remember that as you get bigger, you get bigger, and you get bigger, and you get bigger, and you get bigger, and you get bigger, and you get bigger, and bigger, and you get bigger, and you get bigger, and you get bigger, and you get bigger. boat-engine.
For fishing in large reservoirs where high wave is possible, the minimum length of the board should be 38-40 cm. This will provide protection from splashes and ensure that the vessel does not overwhelm. On small rivers or overgrown lakes, you can sacrifice the height of the board for maneuverability.
- 🎣 Single fishing: optimal length of 270-300 cm, load capacity up to 250 kg.
- 🎣 Fishing together: length 320-360 cm, carrying capacity 350-450 kg, the possibility of installing the engine 5-9.9 hp.
- 🎣 Expeditionary fishing: length from 380 cm, reinforced transom, the possibility of installing an electric motor or a powerful gasoline engine.
⚠️ Warning: Never choose a boat solely for the maximum load capacity specified in your passport. Real comfort begins when you use only 60-70% of your stated limit. An overloaded boat becomes unmanageable and dangerous.
Materials: myths about PVC density
One of the most common myths is that the denser the fabric, the stronger it is. It's not quite true. PVC tissue density is measured in grams per square meter and usually ranges from 750 to 1100 g/m2. 1100 g/m2 It's heavier, harder in the cold and more expensive, and for most amateur anglers, the gold standard is 850-900 g/m2.
The key factor is not so much the weight of a square meter, as the quality of the polyvinyl chloride and reinforcement mesh. Modern 5-layer fabrics with a density of 850 g / m2 often outperform the old samples in 1100 g / m2. UV protection and special antibacterial impregnations that prevent rotting of the sutures.
The type of joint of the seams is also important. The weld, made with hot air, creates a monolithic structure where the fabric and the seam have the same strength. Adhesive joints (although modern two-component adhesives are very reliable) still require more careful handling and regular inspection.
Check the quality of the seams visually in the store: they should not be bloated, indigested or protruding threads of the reinforcing mesh.
The color of the boat plays a role not only aesthetics, but also functionality. Light colors (gray, light green, camouflage "reed") are less heated in the sun, which is important for the air pressure inside the cylinders. Dark colors (dark green, black) can overheat, causing the cylinders to pump into the hot afternoon.
Underfloor design: from inflatable to rigid
The bottom type is the characteristic that most affects driving performance and comfort. There are three main types: NDN (inflatable floor), NDMA (low pressure inflatable floor) and rigid (hard bottom of plywood or aluminum).
High-pressure inflatable floor (HPD) is a classic: it's lightweight, compact, but has a slight keeliness, and at that bottom, the boat scours at speed, and it's uncomfortable to stand in it, and it's a budget option for calm water.
Air Deck is a more modern version, and the bottom is made up of many cells that, when pumped, create a tough but slightly flexible surface. standing-up It's better handling than normal ND, while keeping the weight low, but when you're in a strong wave, the bottom can bend.
Hard pitting bottoms (plywood or aluminum) are the choice of those who value speed and stability. A hard bottom boat cuts the wave better, allows you to work confidently standing and withstand high speeds. Cons: heavy weight, long build and the risk of gaps between the floorboards over time.
Why is aluminum better than plywood?
The aluminum bottom (rails) does not absorb moisture, does not rot and is lighter than plywood, but it is more expensive and can rattle when impacted, transmitting vibration to the body.
| Type of bottom | Weight. | Toughness | Assembly | What's the point? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ND (Inflatable) | Lung | Low. | Fast. | Calm water, rowing. |
| NDMA | Average | Medium | Medium | Wagon, trolling |
| Phanera (Pyol) | Heavy. | High. | Long time. | Speed, wave. |
| aluminum | Medium/Severe | Very high. | Difficult. | Pros, long distances. |
Tran and motor hanging
A transom is the back of your boat, taking over all the thrust of the engine, and it can be fixed or removable. Pluted transmolant It's tougher, lighter and more reliable because it's part of the housing design, and it's removable, easy to transport, but it adds weight and creates a risk of skewing when you install it.
The most important parameter is the height of the transom, the standard is 381 mm (15 inches) for the short shaft and 508 mm (20 inches) for the long shaft, and the mismatch between the height of the transom and the lower unit of the motor will lead to cavitation (bubbling) or, conversely, to the choking of the engine with water.
And you can see the tilt angle of the transom, which is 10 to 15 degrees in quality boats, which is the optimal way to get on plane, and if the transom is upright, the boat will get nose-whipped and it won't be able to reach full speed.
For powerful engines (from 15 hp) it is critical to have ferrot Weak transom under load can deform, leading to perimeter leakage or even engine detachment on the move.
Furniture and additional options
The devil is in the details, the quality of the fittings often gives out the class of the boat, the leading position is occupied by the German fittings. Valmex Cheap plastic valves can crack in the cold, and the "native" pump valves are often lost - it is better to buy a universal pump with a set of adapters.
The liner cable that goes around the perimeter of the cylinders is not just a decoration, but it is held on when you land in the water, you can pull the boat to the shore or grab it if it has moved away from the dock, and the absence of a leer is a sign of frank economy.
It is also worth paying attention to the presence of timber It protects the boat from impacts on the pier, rocks and shore, without which the cylinder fabric quickly rubs and loses its leakage.
- 🔧 Valves: preferably petals, they are more reliable than balls and easier to blow the air.
- 🔧 Pens: They must be soft, with a wide base, so as not to cut their hands when carrying a full boat.
- 🔧 Holders: availability of ready-made sites for sonar, spinning and anchor rum will greatly simplify the life of a fisherman.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure to check the package when buying, often the basic version does not include a bag, pump, seats (banks) and a refit, and buying them separately can increase the budget by 20-30%.
Brands and price segments
The inflatable boat market can be divided into three segments: the budget market is dominated by Chinese brands and domestic assemblers using simple fabrics, and you can find good options for rare trips, but miracles are not worth waiting. Flagship, Aqua.
The mid-range is a workhorse with a great value for money, with proven fabrics, good assembly and design, and boats of this class last 10 years or more. BoatWise., Poseidon, hunter.
The premium segment is about maximum comfort, unique technologies (such as inflatable keels of special shape), the best fabric and fittings. Such boats often have a warranty of 3-5 years. Badger, Zodiac, Yamaran.
The best boat is not the most expensive, but the one that is perfect for your fishing conditions and driving style.
When choosing a brand, it is also important to consider the availability of service centers and parts in your area. Buying a boat of a little-known brand can be cheap, but finding a valve or piece of fabric for repair after 3 years can be a serious problem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long has a PVC boat been in operation?
With proper care and storage in a warm room, a quality boat lasts 10-15 years or more. Key factors of longevity: protection from ultraviolet radiation, lack of storage in a deflated state for a long time and regular washing from dirt and oil.
Can I leave the boat in the sun?
Short term, yes, but leaving the PVC boat in the sun all day is not recommended. The air inside the cylinders expands, the pressure increases, which can cause the seams to rupture or deform. Always put some air in the heat.
What engine to choose for a boat 320 cm?
For a boat with a length of 320 cm with a hard bottom, the optimal engine will be a 9.9 hp engine. It will allow you to bring a boat with two passengers and a load to plane. 5-6 hp is enough for an inflatable floor (NDNDM), since the speed there is limited by the design.
What to wash the boat after fishing?
Use regular warm water and a soft sponge. To remove persistent contaminants (oil, gasoline), you can use special PVC products or a weak soap solution. Do not use aggressive chemicals, solvents and abrasive brushes.
Do I need to completely blow the boat away when storing?
No, you don't have to blow the boat completely, and it's not even harmful to the seams, you just need to blow the air so that the cylinders become soft, but they remain in shape, and you better keep the boat straightened or loosely rolled up, without heavy objects on top.