Choosing a swimming vehicle is always a balance between the desired functionality and budget, especially when it comes to the popular segment of inflatable vessels. rubber-boat It can cost a couple of tens of thousands of rubles or more than a used car, and it's easy for a beginner who decides to go out for the first time with a fishing rod or just ride with his family to get confused in terms like "sleigh", "NDNDM" or "reinforced PVC".
Errors in the buying phase often lead to discomfort during operation: a vessel can be too heavy to carry alone, unstable on the wave or not strong enough for rocky shores. That is why it is important to determine the purpose of use in advance, since there are almost no universal solutions ideal for high-speed slewing and quiet fishing in reeds at the same time.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the technical nuances that will help you make an informed decision. We will consider the materials, types of floor design, dimensionality and features of operation, so that your first or next purchase will please you for many years without unnecessary hassle and disappointment.
Key Material specifications and Strength Properties
The basis of any modern inflatable boat is reinforced polyvinyl chloride (PVC) This is not the typical rubber used in Soviet times, but a complex composite material consisting of several layers of polymer-coated fabric. It is the density of the fabric, measured in grams per square meter (g/m2), that directly affects the durability and weight of the product. For quiet fishing, the density of 750-900 g/m2 is usually sufficient, whereas for extreme conditions and frequent use, it is better to choose models from 1100 g/m2.
It's important to understand the difference between single-layer and five-layer fabrics, and cheap models are often made from a less durable material that wears off faster against sand and rock. High-density polyethylene It's a fabric that's resistant to puncture, but it increases the overall weight, and if you're planning to actively drag a boat along the shore, drag it through the snags, you don't need to save on the density of the material.
⚠️ Caution: Cheap models made of unreinforced PVC or thin rubber are extremely sensitive to ultraviolet light and temperature changes. Left in the sun, an inflated boat made of low-quality material can deform or lose the tightness of the seams in one season.
Seams are a weak point in any inflatable structure. There are two main methods of connecting parts: gluing and welding. Welds obtained under high temperature are considered more reliable and durable, because they are monolithic and do not undergo stratification. glue joints require high-quality glue and strict adherence to technology, otherwise they can eventually begin to “swim”.
How to check the quality of the stitches when buying?
Visually inspect the seams: they should be smooth, without bubbles, glue flows or sticking out threads. When pressed with your finger, you should not hear the characteristic cod or crunch, which indicates drying out of glue.
Bottom design: from soft sleigh to hard floor
Floor type is probably the most important parameter for comfort and performance. bottom (ND) These boats are easy to roll into a backpack, they're very lightweight, but they're hard to sit in, and you can feel every impact on the water on the wave, and it's an option for a leisurely walk in the quiet water.
A more advanced version is a flat hard bottom called "sleigh." Sleighs can be made of plywood (usually aeronautical, moisture-resistant) or aluminum. Plywood sleighs are warmer and more pleasant to the touch, but they are heavier and afraid of water if the coating is damaged. Aluminum is lighter and more durable, but can get very hot in the sun. Sleigh boats are collected longer because they need to spread out and dock the floor elements.
The gold standard for hunters and fishermen is NDMA In these models, the floor is an inflatable structure with internal stiffeners, which provides excellent wieldiness, making it easier to overcome the wave, and great comfort: you can sit right on the floor without using (additional) seats. In addition, NDNDM is much easier to assemble and disassemble compared to the rigid floor.
When choosing, you should also pay attention to the presence of quilt The Kielson gives the boat an extra hardness to bend, which is especially important for models longer than 3 meters, where the center can bend under the weight of passengers.
Size and load capacity: how many seats do you need?
The size of the boat is dictated not only by the number of passengers, but also by the availability of equipment. A two-seater boat is the minimum comfortable size for a single angler who wants to spread out gear, sonar and anchor. Three-seater models allow two adults or one with a large supply of cargo to comfortably accommodate, but they are already more difficult to transport in the trunk of a passenger car without special training.
Load capacity is a parameter that is often given with a margin, but it is worth remembering that the stated figure includes the weight of people, motor, battery, gas tank and equipment. If the passport says 400 kg, it does not mean that you can load three adults and the engine, hoping for good running. Workload It should be below the limit so that the boards do not "play" and the boat retains controllability.
The length of the displacement boat (which goes on water, not glides) directly affects its speed and ability to hold the course. Short models (up to 2.5 meters) are very maneuverable, but they are dangerous to go out in the wind above 3-4 m / s. Models with a length of 3.2-3.6 meters already allow you to confidently put more powerful engines and go to plane with one passenger.
⚠️ Warning: Never overload a boat above face value, even if it visually "holds" This critically reduces the height of the board above the water, making the boat unstable and increasing the risk of flooding with a wave at the slightest heel.
When choosing a size, consider the dimensions assembled. A boat with a hard bottom 3.2 meters may not fit in the trunk of the sedan, while a model with a NDNDL will fold into a medium-sized bag.
Motor or paddle: the power selection plant
The decision on whether or not your boat will be powered by an engine must be made before you buy. boat-engineExceeding this limit is dangerous for the destruction of the transom (stern) and loss of control. For boats up to 3 meters long, a motor of 2-5 hp is usually enough, and for models 3.2-3.6 meters, 9.9-15 hp is optimal.
A trawler is a board that a motor is attached to, can be removable or pasted; a removable transom is convenient for storage and transportation, but glued provides greater rigidity and allows higher speeds. The transmutant material is also important: the plywood should be protected from moisture, and ideally reinforced with an aluminum lining at the point of contact with the motor.
For those who prefer silence or plan to go to places where the motor can not go (growths of reeds, shallow water), the presence of a high-quality exception and the ability to install an electric motor will be a plus. electric motor No more work on the nose or stern.
☑️ Checking before buying a motor boat
Comparative table of boat types
To organize information and simplify choice, we compare the main specifications of different types of inflatable vessels, and this table will help to quickly sift out the wrong options.
| Characterization | Sleighboat | NDND boat | Boat with inflatable floor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight gathered | Tall (25–45 kg) | Medium (20–35 kg) | Low (10-20 kg) |
| Assembly time | 15-25 minutes | 10-15 minutes | 5-10 minutes |
| Seat comfort | Requires seats. | You can sit on the floor. | Only on the seats. |
| Driving performance | Good, hard drive. | Nice, gentle move. | Medium, high sailing. |
| Price. | Medium/High | High. | Low. |
As you can see from the table, NDMA It's a great winner in comfort and speed, but it's a big loser in price. Sleigh boats are a proven classic for those who appreciate floor stiffness and are not afraid of excess weight. Inflatable bottoms are for passenger tourists or owners of small inflatable canoes.
Package and additional accessories
When you buy a boat, you often get a "basic kit" that may not be complete. The standard package usually includes: the boat itself, the seats (banks), the pump, the remix and the bag. However, the quality of the pumps in the kit often leaves much to be desired - they are either too tight or not productive. foot-pump with a pressure gauge or an electric pump running on a battery.
Seats (banks) are another element that manufacturers often save on. Shaky plywood boards on the sling can be uncomfortable for hours of fishing. Many anglers immediately change them to soft inflatable seats or install special rotary seats if the boat design allows.
For PVC boats weighing up to 100 kg, an anchor weighing 3-4 kg is enough. The use of heavy metal anchors without a bayrep rope is dangerous: if the anchor gets stuck, you can lose it, and damage the boat when you try to pull out by force.
A quality remix should contain not only patches, but also special glue for PVC, acetone for degreasing and roller roller. Normal superglue can not be used!
Care, storage and extension of service life
A high-quality PVC boat has a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, but only with proper care. The main enemy of PVC is dirt and sand. The abrasive particles left on the surface, when the boat is rolled up, act like sandpaper, gradually thinning the protective layer, so after each foray, the boat must be washed with fresh water and wiped dry.
Store the product in a straightened or half-blown form in a dry room at a temperature of -20 to +40 degrees. Although modern materials are frost resistant, it is not recommended to keep the boat in the cold in a rolled-up state - the fabric becomes fragile and can crack on the folds. In the summer, avoid storage under direct sunlight in an inflated state: the pressure inside the cylinders increases, which creates unnecessary stress in the seams.
Regularly check the pressure in the cylinders. Insufficient pressure (less than 0.2 atm) makes the boat sluggish and prone to damage, and excessive (more than 0.3 atm for the side) in the sun can cause the seams to rupture. Use a pressure gauge rather than rely on the sensation of the eye.
⚠️ Warning: If the boat is wintering in an unheated garage, do not put heavy objects on it. PVC fabric loses elasticity at negative temperatures, and a point load can lead to the formation of microcracks.
How to clean the boat from oil and oil?
Use special PVC cleaners or regular Kalosha gasoline. Apply the product on the rags and gently wipe the contamination, after which be sure to wash the place with water and soap.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I repair the PVC boat on my own?
Yes, small punctures and cuts up to 3-5 cm long can be sealed yourself at home using a remix. To do this, you need to degrease the surface, apply glue in two layers and tightly press the patch. Deep damage or breaks of the seams are better entrusted to professionals in the service center.
Which density is better: 750, 850 or 1100 g / m2?
For fishing and relaxing in calm water, 750-850 g / m2 is enough - such a boat will be lighter. A density of 1100 g / m2 and above is needed for commercial operation, rafting or use in extreme conditions with frequent contact with stones.
Do I need to let the air out of the boat into the sun?
Yes, it is. When heated in the sun, the air inside the cylinders expands, and the pressure can exceed the permissible limits, which will lead to deformation or rupture of the seams. In the heat, it is recommended to put some air out or keep the boat in the shade.
How long has a PVC boat been in operation?
The average life of a quality boat when properly operated and stored is 10-15 years. Cheap models may require repair in 3-5 years of active use.