Choosing a swimmer is always a compromise between budget, operating conditions and personal preferences of the fisherman. The market is full of offers, from budget inflatable models to serious boats, and it is easy for a beginner to get confused about the technical specifications. A properly selected vessel will be a reliable partner for many years, allowing you to get to the most promising brows and spend time comfortably with your family.
Before you spend money, you need to clearly define where exactly you plan to fish and how many people will be on board. River specificity It's not just about the load capacity, it's about the ability of the hull to keep the wave and the speed of the current, and a mistake in choosing during the planning phase can lead to the desired fishing becoming a struggle for survival or constant discomfort.
In this article, we will discuss all aspects of the choice, compare the materials of the housings and help determine the type of engine. PVCAnd for others, it is only necessary. aluminumWe will also address security and check-in issues so that your first voyage is free of fines and unpleasant surprises.
Key criteria for the choice of watercraft for the river
The river is a dynamic element, different from a calm lake by the presence of a current, the possible wave from passing boats and the diversity of the coastline. loading capacityYou don't just have to focus on the weight of the fisherman, you have to take into account the mass of all the equipment, anchor, engine and fuel, and the overloaded boat loses its driving performance and becomes dangerous.
The second important parameter is the type of bottom. NDMA The NDNDM provides excellent cruising comfort and stability, but these boats are heavier and take longer to assemble. The solder models are lighter and more compact when folded, which is convenient for transport in the trunk of a passenger car, but take time to assemble.
Don't ignore the quality of the materials and the seams. reinforced It can withstand impacts on rocks and branches that are common on rivers, and also look at the design of the transo, the motor's anchorage, which must be fixed rigidly so that the vibration from the engine does not destroy the structure at high speeds.
⚠️ Warning: Buying a boat with a payload of less than 30% of the actual weight of the crew and equipment is a direct safety hazard. On the water, the weight feels different, and the wave can easily turn over an overloaded vessel.
When evaluating dimensions, consider not only the length inflated condition, but also the size in the packing backpack. If you do not have a trailer and a garage, you will have to carry the boat in the car. A heavy backpack weighing 40-50 kg can be a serious problem when you often go out alone.
PVC vs. Metal: the eternal confrontation of materials
Dispute between supporters PVC And aluminum boats have been around for decades, and each material has its own strengths and weaknesses that only become apparent in real life, and PVC boats are winning in versatility: they can be launched anywhere, even where there is no comfortable descent, they are softer on the go, they extinguish the shocks against the wave and do not require storage space, because they are deflated.
Metal boats, most often from the aluminum-magnesium alloyIt's a choice for those who value speed and durability, and it's almost impossible to damage aluminum with snags or stones, and it's not afraid of fire sparks and it lasts for decades, but it requires a trailer to transport and a well-equipped parking space by the water, and it's tougher, noisier and cools faster in the wind.
In terms of fishing, PVC is often more practical, and on a soft bottom you can conveniently place a box of gear, kneel or even lie down, which is impossible on a cold metal floor, and inflatable boards are better at absorbing impacts on the berth or side of another boat.
The Hidden Danger of Metal
Aluminum boats are susceptible to electrochemical corrosion when they come into contact with certain types of antifouling paints or when they are grounded incorrectly, and conduct electricity, which requires special care in thunderstorms.
If you plan to walk in shallow water, often pull the boat ashore with your hands or fish in hard-to-reach places, PVC Metal is the choice of avid water-engines, who travel long distances in open water and have the ability to store the boat on water or trailer.
Tran and outboard motor: select the power plant
The choice of motor depends on the specifications of the transom of your boat. Tran can be stationary (pasted) and hinged. stationaryIt's a very tight connection between the body and the engine, and hinged boards often vibrate the mounts and prevent them from developing high speed.
The power of the motor must be in accordance with the recommendations of the boat manufacturer. Vehicle passport Or on a nameplate) can lead to a transom break or a boat tipping over at full speed. For a two-seater PVC boat, the optimal engine is 5-9.9 hp, and for a three- or four-seater one - 15 hp and above.
When choosing between two-stroke and four-stroke engines, consider the frequency of exits. Two-tacters lighter, cheaper, transportable in any position and less sensitive to fuel quality. Four-tact It is quieter, more economical and more environmentally friendly, but they are heavier, more expensive and require transportation in a strictly defined position so that oil does not get into the combustion chamber.
The important element is the lower unit, the length of the motor leg. PVC boats are standard for a short leg.S) because the transom is low above the water.L) will require the installation of a liner, which will complicate the design and reduce efficiency.
☑️ Check before buying the engine
Comparative table of specifications of boats
To organize information and simplify decision-making, let's compare the main types of boats by key parameters. The numbers are averaged and can vary depending on the particular model and manufacturer.
| Parameter | PVC (NDD) | PVC (Pyol) | aluminum | Plastic (FRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (3.2-3.6 m) | 45-60 kg | 35-45 kg | 60-90 kg | 80-120 kg |
| Assembly/Disassembly | 20-30 minutes | 15-20 minutes | Not required | Not required |
| Transportation | Bathroom car | Bathroom car | Trailer | Trailer |
| Comfort on the water | Highly | Medium. | Low (hard) | Highly |
| Price (average) | Medium | Low/Medium | High. | Very high. |
The table shows that aluminum Plastic boats benefit in longevity and speed of assembly, but lose in mobility and logistics requirements. PVC The middle ground remains the golden mean for most amateur anglers, combining acceptable weight and comfort.
It is also important to note that plastic boats (FRP) are seaworthy and do not require assembly, but they are extremely difficult to transport without a special trailer and a powerful tractor.
Security and registration at GIMS
Buying a boat is not only a joy, but also a responsibility. According to Russian legislation, small craft weighing more than 200 kg or with an engine of more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp) are subject to registration. GIMS MOE.
Regardless of the need to check in, having life jackets by passenger numbers is law and common sense, and there should always be a line anchor, a scoop and a repair kit on board, and ignoring these rules can cost a life in an emergency.
⚠️ Warning: Failure to register a vessel subject to a record will result in a fine and a parking lot for the boat, and check the documents (PSM, sales contract, checks) immediately when you purchase.
Pay special attention to navigation. Even on a familiar river in fog or at night, it is easy to lose orientation. Having a GPS navigator or at least a charged smartphone in a sealer is a prerequisite for long-distance exits.
Keep electronic copies of all boat and motor documents (PSM, checks, passport) in cloud storage or send yourself an email to help recover data in case of theft or loss of paper versions.
Accessories that improve fishing
The boat itself is just a platform, and for a comfortable fishing, it needs to be properly equipped. anchorageOn a river with a strong current, a normal anchor weighing 3-4 kg can be small, so often use cat anchors or loads on the flounder. It is important to have a quick-release mechanism so that in the case of a hook you can get free with a jerk.
The second important element is the holders of rods and sonar platforms. Modern fishing is unthinkable without the need for a modern fishing. sonarThe sensor attachment must be reliable, but it allows you to quickly remove the device when you moor to the shore.
Don't forget to protect yourself from the sun and rain, the tent canopy will not only save you from the scorching heat, but also protect you from sudden rainfall, allowing you to continue fishing, and also a useful accessory is soft linings on the boards, which allow you to lean back when catching fish without risking piercing the balloon.
Properly selected equipment turns a simple boat into a full-fledged fishing tool, increasing catchability and comfort by 50%.
In conclusion, there is no perfect boat, there is a boat that is perfect for your specific tasks. Weigh the pros and cons, try the size of a backpack on your car and honestly assess your physical capabilities, only in this way the purchase will bring joy, not headache.
Do I need to register a PVC boat with a 5 hp engine?
Under current Russian law, registration is required for small vessels weighing up to 200 kg with an engine capacity of up to 8 kW (inclusive). The 5 hp engine (about 3.7 kW) clearly falls within this range. However, if the weight of the boat in running order (with an engine but without people and cargo) exceeds 200 kg, registration is mandatory regardless of the engine power. For a standard two-seater PVC boat with a light engine, the total weight is usually less than 200 kg, so registration is often not required, but it is better to specify the weight of your particular model in the Passport.
What is the life of a PVC boat?
When properly operated and stored, a high-quality PVC reinforced boat lasts 10-15 years or more. The main enemies of the material are ultraviolet light and improper storage (deflated under load, in the cold). If you keep the boat in the shade, in a half-deflated state and at positive temperatures, it will last a very long time.
Can I put an electric motor on an inflatable boat?
Yes, you can and should if you fish in pressurized water bodies or like silence. Electric motors are light, fuel-free and perfectly combined with PVC boats. For a river with the flow, the electric motor will only work as an auxiliary motor (for a quiet approach or a calming streak), since its thrust may not be enough to fight a strong current.
How to dry a boat after fishing?
Drying the boat completely after each departure is not necessary, and it's even harmful to some glue seams on frequent cycles, just wipe it with a cloth, remove the sand and dirt, and leave it spread out in the shade for a couple of hours. You can't keep a wet boat in a backpack for months, you can't get mold and a bad smell.