Buying a first boat is always a balance between what is desired and what is possible, especially when it comes to inflatable models with the ability to install the engine. The market is full of offers from budget Chinese brands to eminent Russian and European manufacturers, which often puts the newcomer at a standstill. Inflatable boat for an outboard motor should not only be durable, but also perfectly meet your tasks: whether it is high-speed access to the water, quiet fishing in reeds or family walks.
It's easy to make a mistake at the start, because many people forget that the boat itself is only half the equation. outboardThe scalables you plan to use and operating conditions that can range from a calm reservoir to a turbulent river, in this article we will discuss the key aspects that will help you not overpay for unnecessary features, but also not get a “trough” that is unsuitable for slicing.
It is the right combination of engine length, width and power that determines whether you will enjoy driving or struggle with sluggish inertia and poor handling. Let's determine which parameters are critical to your future purchase.
⚠️ Attention: Never install a motor above the manufacturer's recommended boat, which can cause the transom to collapse and the boat to tip over at high speed.
Determine the purpose: fishing, rest or walks
The first thing you need to decide on before you go to the store is the use case. boat-fishing Solo or two on small bodies of water, you don't need a huge five-meter "liner." For such purposes, compact models with a length of 280-320 cm, which are easily assembled and transported in the trunk of a passenger car.
So, the requirements are very different if you're planning a family vacation or going out into the big waters where the wave can rise, and that's where capacity and safety come in. A wider, longer boat will provide a better life. seaworthiness And stability, so you can fit comfortably with things, gear and passengers, and a narrow model will scour the course and punch the wave hard, making the walk a challenge.
Also, seasonality of use is important, and for cold water and early spring, the thickness of the bottom and the availability of a full-fledged water supply are critical. bottom (DDD), which provides thermal insulation and structural rigidity, and summer walks allow for simpler slate floor options, but they will be less comfortable.
Dimensions: length, width and load capacity
The dimensions of the craft directly affect its driving performance and capacity. gelling With one person, a boat with a length of 300-320 cm and a motor with a capacity of 5 hp is enough, however, if you plan to take a passenger or a large supply of equipment with you, the length should be increased to 340-360 cm.
The width of the balloon is a parameter that is often ignored, and in vain. Narrow models (less than 130 cm) are faster and easier to manage, but less stable in the parking lot. Wide boats (145-150 cm and above) create more resistance to water, but provide excellent stiffness, which is especially important when fishing standing or when moving around the cabin.
Note the passport load capacity, which is calculated based on the weight of the passengers, the equipment and the engine itself. The actual payload should always be 20-30% less than the stated maximum.so that the sides remain high enough above the water and do not choke on the wave.
The table below shows the approximate dependence of the length of the boat on the number of people and the estimated power of the engine:
| Boat length (cm) | Number of people | Optimum power (hp) | Type of bottom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 280 - 300 | 1 | 3.5 - 5 | Slan/NDM |
| 320 - 340 | 1-2 | 5 - 9.9 | NDMA |
| 360 - 380 | 2-3 | 9.9 - 15 | NDMA |
| 400 - 450 | 3-4 | 15 - 20+ | NDNDM/Riflenoye |
Materials and construction: PVC density and bottom types
The basis of the durability of your purchase is the material. The vast majority of modern boats are made of reinforced polyvinyl chloride The density of the fabric is measured in g/m2 and usually varies from 750 to 1100 g/m2. For small rowing or propeller models, 750-850 g/m2 is sufficient, whereas for serious motorboats experiencing shocks to the wave, it is better to choose fabric density of 900-1,100 g/m2.
The bottom design divides the boats into two main camps: removable plywood sludge and low-pressure inflatable floor (LDPB). Sludge models are cheaper, easier to repair, but assemble longer and have a less comfortable hard bottom. Boats with NDM They are assembled in 5-10 minutes, have excellent driving specifications and do not require drying the floor after each fishing, which makes them a favorite among the motor options.
An important element is the availability quilt It's a longitudinal stiffness element that runs down the center of the inflatable floor, and it forms the right bottom profile, improving germination on the wave and stability, and without the keelson, the boat can behave like a trough, especially when it's full speed.
The Myth of PVC's "Permeability"
Many people think that the thicker the PVC, the better. In fact, it's not just the density that matters, but the quality of the reinforcement mesh inside. Cheap thick PVC can dissipate at temperature extremes, whereas a quality 850 carpenter lasts for decades.
Tranza and its influence on the choice of motor
The trawler is your boat's back, taking over all the thrust of the engine. It can be removable or built-in. The removable trawler is convenient for transportation, but the built-in, which is an extension of the inflatable cylinder, provides better rigidity and reliability of mounting. transmutant with amplification.
When choosing, consider the height of the transom. The standard height for the short leg (S) is 381 mm (15 inches). If the transom is too low, the motor's diewhin can graze water, creating resistance. If it is too high, there is a risk of a screw sucking air, which will cause the engine to overheat and lose speed.
The angle of the differential is also critical, and the motor must be properly installed to allow the boat to adjust its angle of inclination so that it runs smoothly, without burrowing its nose into the water or excessive nose-scratching. pockets Or anchor systems, which should be foreseen in advance.
⚠️ Attention: When installing the motor, always use a safety cable. If the mounting of the transom weakens, the cable will not allow the engine to sink or damage the cylinder with a screw.
Power Calculation: How many “horses” are needed?
The question of which engine to choose is as important as the choice of the boat itself. There is a common misconception that the more powerful the engine, the better. This is not always the case. to plane one person weighing 80 kg on a boat with a length of 320 cm, 5 hp is quite enough. Installation 9.9 hp will increase speed, but will increase fuel consumption and noise.
If you plan to get on the water with a full crew (2-3 people) and a load, the minimum power to go to the planing will be 9.9-15 hp Here comes into force physics: to lift a heavy boat on the “ski”, you need sufficient traction. A weak motor will just push water, consuming fuel, but not giving speed.
Large boats (380-420 cm) with crew often require engines of 18-20 hp and above, in which case it is important to consider not only the maximum allowed power of the boat, but also the weight of the engine. Heavy two-stroke motor can upset the balance, shifting the center of gravity on the stern.
☑️ Check before buying the engine
Operation and care of the inflatable boat
Proper care can extend the life of your boat for many years, and after every fishing trip, especially in salt water or dirty ponds, the boat should be rinsed with fresh water. Ultraviolet PVC is the main enemy, so long-term storage in direct sunlight without protection is strongly discouraged.
Inflate the boat to a state of elasticity, but not pumped in the hot sun. When heated, the air inside the cylinders expands, and excessive internal pressure can lead to a divergence of seams. On the contrary, in cold water, the pressure drops, and it may require pumping.
Regularly check the condition of the valves and the place of gluing of the seams. Small damage with the remplekt is easily eliminated if noticed in time. It is better to keep the boat in a straightened form or in a free twist, avoiding sharp cloth cloth cloth.
Use silicone lubricant to treat lightning on transport cases and bags so that they do not get stuck at the most inopportune moment.
The main secret of PVC boat longevity is storage in a dry, dark place and no constant stress in the seams (don’t keep the boat pumped for months without need).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to use a PVC boat in winter?
Yes, but with limitations. PVC becomes tough in the cold and more vulnerable to impacts, you need to use special frost-resistant lubricants and be extremely careful when in contact with ice. Conventional boats can withstand temperatures up to -20 ° C, but operation requires care.
Which is better: a two-stroke or four-stroke motor for a small boat?
For boats up to 320 cm and up to 5-6 hp, 2-strokes are often chosen because of their ease and ability to carry in any position. For power of 9.9 hp and above, especially if efficiency and silence are important, a four-stroke engine will be preferred, despite the greater weight.
How to choose between a motor and a motor boat?
If you plan to use the motor at least 50 percent of the time, you can use the motor version right away. Installing a hinged transom on a rowing boat is a compromise that will not withstand a powerful engine and create unnecessary stress points in the design.
Do I need to register a boat with GIMS?
According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, boats weighing more than 200 kg (in running order) OR with an engine of more than 8 kW (about 10.88 hp) are subject to registration. However, the rules may change, and it is always worthwhile to clarify the current requirements in the local branch of GIMS, since the total weight of the boat and engine plays a key role.