Choosing a boat is always a compromise between the desired functionality and the available budget. A fisherman who decides to buy his first or next boat needs to clearly understand where he plans to fish. On a calm lake, the requirements for the hull are radically different from the conditions of shallow water with a rocky bottom or a stormy river with a strong current. bottom-piece and the type of material.
The second key is the capacity of the projected boat-engineNot every inflatable boat can carry a 15-horsepower unit, and a heavy aluminum hull will require serious traction to plane. A miscalculation will either lead to a dangerous underload when the boat starts to roam the wave, or to overload when it simply does not go on the plane, wasting fuel, so before going to the store, you should make a list of priorities.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the main types of boats available to modern fishermen, we will compare their performance, durability and ease of transportation. aluminum-boatand in other cases without PVC The right choice will save you nerves and money in the long run.
Determine the operating conditions and type of water reservoir
The first thing that you start with is a conversation with a vendor or a market research, and that's the geography of your fishing, and if you're predominantly a deep-wave fisherman, you need a boat with high sides and good keeliness. seaworthiness The flat bottom here will be useless, because the boat will start to hit the wave, making fishing impossible.
The picture is quite different in shallow rivers, grassy ducts or rocky lakes of Karelia, where the ability to pull a boat ashore without risking damage to the skin is critical. PVC And with inflatable tubes, it often beats metal because it's more forgiving when it comes into contact with underwater obstacles, but there's a nuance here, too: the thickness of the cylinders and the protection of the bottom are crucial.
⚠️ Warning: Never use flat-bottomed boats (floating boxes) on large open bodies of water in windy weather. The absence of a keel makes them unstable to lateral wind and wave, which can lead to tipping over.
And you also have to consider how you get the boat to the water, and if you don't have a trailer and you can store the boat assembled in a garage or in a cottage, weight and dimensions are the number one factor. flyboat You can get a case to the water in a few walks, and for many anglers, logistics is the decisive argument when choosing between metal and PVC.
PVC boats: advantages and design features
Polyvinyl chloride inflatable boats have long since ceased to be a bathing toy. Modern models are complex engineering structures that can withstand severe stress. reinforced PVCIt's a multi-layered, polymer coating, and it's the number of layers and the density of the fabric that determines the longevity of the boat and its resistance to puncture.
When choosing a PVC boat for the engine, you need to pay special attention to the type of bottom. NDMA This design provides excellent stability, allows you to stand in the boat to full height and cushion the impact of the wave, which reduces the fatigue of the angler. Unlike soldering floors (plywood or aluminum), NDNDM does not have rigid elements that can shift or damage the cylinders.
- 🚣 Mobility: The boat in deflated form can be transported in the trunk of a passenger car, which opens access to remote reservoirs.
- 🛡️ Safety: The multi-chamber design ensures buoyancy even when punctured one of the compartments.
- 🔧 Repairability: Most damage can be repaired independently in the field with the help of a remplekt.
But PVC has its limitations, and it's afraid of open fires (fire sparks), sharp objects (snags, spines) and prolonged UV exposure if you don't shade the boat. turret These boats are usually removable or glued, but their load-bearing capacity is limited. Powerful motors require a reinforced design, which increases weight.
Secrets of PVC durability
To keep your PVC boat as long as possible, never leave it in the sun uninflated. The air pressure inside the cylinders rises when heated, which creates excessive tension of the seams. If the boat needs to stay on the water, open the grass valves to put excess pressure into the heat.
Metal boats: the unkillable classic
Aluminum boats are the choice of those who value reliability over compactness. Aluminum-magnesium alloysThese boats are almost impossible to damage when in contact with rocks, ice or driftwood. For fishing in difficult conditions, where the bottom is littered with sharp shells or boulders, metal is often the only reasonable choice.
The main advantage of metal boats is the rigidity of the structure and the ability to install powerful attachments. consoleThe metal is not afraid of sparks, sonars, rod holders and anchor winches, without fear of deformation of the hull, which makes such boats popular among hunters and those who like to spend the night with a fire on the shore.
But metal has its drawbacks, which you can't keep quiet about. The first and foremost is noise. The rain that falls on the aluminum bottom creates a drumbeat that can interfere with fishing. The second minus is weight. The aluminum boat is much heavier than an analogue of the same length PVC, which makes it difficult to transport without a trailer. The third point is electrochemical corrosion when used with powerful engines, requiring installation. zinc anodes.
| Characterization | PVC Boat | aluminum boat | Glass-plastic (Short) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight. | Light (30-60 kg) | Medium/Severe (70-150+ kg) | Medium. |
| Transportability | Tall (car trunk) | Low (trailer needed) | Low (trailer needed) |
| Noise | Low. | High. | Medium |
| Resistance to puncture | Medium (requires care) | Very high. | High (but possible chipping) |
Selection criteria: size, load capacity and motor
The size of the boat depends on the number of people in the crew and the weight of the equipment. gold-ruleThe total weight of passengers, cargo and engine should not exceed 80% of the maximum load capacity specified in the product passport. Ignoring this rule leads to the fact that the boat “lands” on the water, loses driving performance and becomes dangerous.
For single-seat fishing with a minimum set of gear, 2.8-3.2 meters is often enough. If you plan to take a partner with you or use a sonar, anchor and spare batteries, look towards models ranging from 3.4 to 3.8 meters in length. Boats longer than 4 meters already require more powerful engines and, as a rule, a trailer for transportation.
☑️ Checklist before purchase
An important parameter is engine capacityIt is strictly forbidden to exceed this limit, because the transom can not withstand vibration and thrust, which will lead to breakage or loss of the engine. On the other hand, it is also inefficient to put too weak a motor, the boat will not go to the plane, will waste a lot of fuel, and the engine will work for wear. It is optimal to choose a motor that is 70-80% of the maximum permissible power.
Transcension design and motor installation
The tranny is the heart of a motorboat, the point of maximum loads. In PVC boats, it can be removable (inserted into pockets) or glued. The removable version is lighter and more compact in transportation, but the glued version provides greater rigidity and reliability, especially for motors ranging from 5 hp and above. The transom material is usually plywood protected by water-resistant paint or plastic.
When installing the motor, it is critically important to set the correct lower unitIf the propeller is too high, cavitation will occur, the engine will roar, but there will be no thrust. If it is too low, water resistance will increase and speed will fall. Many boats have markings or adjustable brackets on their transverses to find their ideal position.
It is also worth paying attention to the possibility of installation electric motorMany anglers consider electric traction as a primary or auxiliary, and for this, the transom must be adapted to attach the electric motor rod, and the boat design must withstand the static load of a heavy battery, which is often placed on the nose or under the seat.
Expert advice: When buying a boat with a glued transmesse, be sure to check the quality of the gluing. There should be no bubbles, detachments or non-progle at the junction of PVC and plywood. Knock on the transmess - the sound should be deaf and uniform, without ringing areas indicating detachment.
Accessories and modification for fishing
Buying the boat itself is only half the battle. For comfortable fishing, the boat must be fitted. The basic set includes a line anchor, life jackets (required by law!), a pump and a refit, but comfort comes with the option of soft inflatable seats, transom wheels for ease of movement along the shore and a bag-munk for tackle.
For PVC boats are extremely useful bottom-treadThese are special tapes made of dense rubber or PVC, which are glued to the most vulnerable places (keel, stain of contact with the engine), they significantly prolong the life of the boat when pulling on the pebble shore. For aluminum boats, floor mats (EVA mats) are relevant, which extinguish noise and heat, and also prevent slipping.
The GIMS rules require that a small vessel used for commercial purposes or in certain areas be registered. anchor-fail A sufficient length and bright anchor light for night parking is a matter of your safety and respect for other participants in the movement on the water.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use regular stationery tape or tape for long periods of time to fasten equipment (echo sounders, holders); when exposed to the sun and water, the glue loses its properties, and expensive equipment can fly overboard; use only specialized fasteners and sealants.
Competently selected additional equipment turns a simple boat into a full-fledged fishing boat, increasing safety and catchability, but requires a balanced approach to installation.
Summary comparison and recommendations
So to sum up, there's no universal answer to the question, "What kind of boat do you buy?" If your priority is mobility, being able to put the boat in the trunk and quickly float it alone, then you can get it out of the water. PVC boat with NDNDM She's forgiving, quiet and comfortable.
If you live near the water, you have a trailer and a garage, and fishing takes place in difficult conditions with stones and snags, then aluminum-boat It's going to last for decades and be a reliable partner, and it depends on your lifestyle and operating conditions, and in any case, saving on safety and quality of materials when you buy a boat is the biggest mistake.
Remember that a boat is not just a transport, it is your home on the water while fishing. Take your choice responsibly, study reviews, consult with experienced boaters and be sure to try out your favorite model on the water if you have the opportunity, only in this way you will understand how sustainable and convenient it is for you.
Where to keep the boat in winter?
The ideal place to store PVC boats in winter is a dry, heated space, and if you can't, you can store it in a garage or shed, but you can always keep it in a deflated or half-blown state, with talcum slurry so that the layers don't stick together. Metal boats are better kept upside down under a canopy so that water and snow don't accumulate inside.
Do I need to register a boat with GIMS?
Registration is subject to boats weighing more than 200 kg (in running order) or with an engine power of more than 8 kW (about 10.88 hp). However, the rules may change, and having a motor powering more than 5 hp often requires the right to operate a small vessel.
Which motor to choose: 2 or 4 stroke?
For fishing, four-stroke engines are preferable: they are quieter, more economical and more environmentally friendly. two-stroke lighter and cheaper, but require a mixture of gasoline and oil and work noisier. For trolling and long transitions, four-stroke is the unambiguous leader.
How to wash the boat after fishing?
After every fishing trip, especially in salt water or in a flowering pond, the boat should be rinsed with fresh water, which will wash away salt, silt and organics that can destroy the material of cylinders or cause corrosion of metal.
Is it possible to use a PVC boat in winter?
Modern materials can withstand frosts up to -30°C and below, but in the cold, PVC becomes tougher and more vulnerable to impacts. You can use it, but with extreme caution: avoid sudden movements, avoid throwing heavy objects on board, and avoid contact with sharp edges of ice without protection.