Often referred to as “rubber” by the public, inflatable watercraft remain one of the most affordable ways to get out, and the ease of transport in the trunk of a passenger car and the ease of assembly make this type of leisure a popular choice among fishermen, tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, but despite its apparent simplicity, operating such a vessel requires strict safety rules.
Many newcomers mistakenly believe that flyboat They're absolutely unsinkable and don't require much skill, and this misconception can lead to unpleasant situations on the water. Proper operation, knowledge of the hydrodynamics of a small vessel and the ability to act in an emergency are the key factors for a successful walk. In this article, we'll look at all the nuances, from the choice of descent to the subtleties of motor control.
Modern models from PVC materials They're much stronger than their traditional rubber predecessors, but they're also vulnerable to sharp rock or snags when you don't approach the shore properly. Skating is not just about paddlework or motor thrust, it's also about keeping a constant eye on the condition of the vessel and the environment. Ready to swim begins long before your feet touch the water.
⚠️ Attention: Before each outing, be sure to check the availability and serviceability of life jackets for all passengers. The absence of a vest when overturning a boat can be fatal, even if you swim well, as it is extremely difficult to stay on the surface without support in clothes and shoes.
Preparation of the craft for the water
The preparation process begins at home or in the parking lot. cylinders And so, if you look at the cuts, the punctures, the scuffs, the first thing you need to do is focus on the gluing points of the sutures and the transitions between the cylinders and the bottom, and even a microscopic defect under water pressure can turn into a serious leak.
Inflating the boat should be carried out before the working pressure specified in the product passport is reached.PVC The material in the sun gets hot and the pressure inside rises, can cause the structure to deform, and the excess can cause the seams to rupture. Use a pressure gauge for control, especially if the pump is done by a compressor.
- 🛶 Check integrity transom (sternboard), if you plan to install the engine: it should be rigidly fixed.
- ⚓ Make sure that pyre (the rings for anchoring or mooring) are securely glued and do not hang.
- 🎒 Spread the load in the boat evenly to avoid rolling on one side, which is especially dangerous when you are excited.
It's important to fix it properly. sling And if you're moving through the water, you can have extra hanging elements that can get caught or interfere with the steering, and if you're inflating the bottom, you also need to pump it up to a state of elasticity to allow you to have normal fluid dynamics and to keep you safe from the cold.
☑️ Preliminary check before descent
Planting rules and weight distribution
The most critical moment for a beginner is to enter the boat from the water or from the shore. Rubber boards do not have the hardness of metal, so a sudden movement or attempt to get on board can lead to a sharp increase in the number of passengers. tippingEnter the boat should be in the center, with your feet on the bottom and sticking overboard or with the help of a partner.
Weight distribution is the foundation of sustainability. Passengers must board bank (seats) strictly following manufacturer's instructions, one side of the weight reduces the buoyancy on that side and makes the boat roll.
| Type of boat | Load capacity (kg) | Recommended number of persons | Features of landing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single rowing | 100-150 | 1 | Sit strictly in the center, do not get up |
| Double universal | 250-300 | 2 | Equal distribution of the goods |
| Three-seater with motor | 400-500 | 2-3 | Driver in the back, passengers in the center |
| Four-seater (flat bottom) | 600+ | 3-4 | It is important not to exceed the limit of the MMM |
When landing from shore in shallow water, load your belongings first, then sit yourself, pushing off the ground with a paddle or a bulge. Never jump into a boat from a run-off - this is a guaranteed way to roll over or damage. bottom sharp stones.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to stand on board an inflatable boat while driving or parking, this action instantly disrupts the centering and can lead to a person being thrown overboard or a complete coup of the boat.
Paddle-driving technique
Paddle riding requires coordination, especially if there are two rowers in the boat. The main mistake of beginners is porridge of strokes, when the oars interfere with each other. To move effectively, you need to develop a rhythm. Rowing is not only the work of the hands, but also the use of the body.
The right stroke starts with dipping the paddle blade into the water at the very nose of the boat (foreshoot), and the movement should be smooth but powerful, carrying the blade along the side as close as possible to it, but without touching it. balloonAt the end of the stroke, the paddle is removed from the water and returned to its original position.
- 🔄 For a turn on the spot, one rower works "forward", and the second "backward" (heats backwards).
- 🛑 To stop, oars are placed on the water across the boat or held vertically, creating resistance.
- 🌊 in choppy conditions, the scalp should be shorter and more frequent in order to have time to parry the swing.
If you are sailing against the current or wind, keep your course at an angle (halfwind) by periodically shifting course. Direct movement against strong wind in a lightweight inflatable boat may not be possible due to the high altitude of the boat. sailing inflated cylinders.
To reduce sailing and increase speed when rowing, try to sit as low as possible, and put things on the bottom, not on board, this will reduce the center of gravity and improve handling.
outboard motor control
The switch to motor thrust changes the way the boat is steered, and the inflatable boat is much faster, but it also has higher braking inertia than a heavy metal boat. granule must be checked before launch: the strubkins are tightened with a key, the safety rope (fal) is mandatory.
Starting the engine is done on or near water to avoid overheating the pump. After starting, allow the engine to warm up at idle speeds. The movement from the place should be smooth, without a sharp opening of the throttle, so as not to throw water into the boat and not lose control.
Starting order:1. Open the fuel crane (if any).
2. Blow the system (pear).
3. Transfer the gas handle to the 'Start' position.
4. Pull the starter.
5. Warm up for 2-3 minutes.
Watch your traffic. differentiator If the nose is too upside down, the boat goes candle, which is dangerous and uneconomical. Adjust the angle of the engine (trim) to go to the planing. Sharp turns at high speed on soft-bottomed inflatable boats can lead to passengers slipping.
What to do if the engine is dead at a depth?
If the engine is dead far from the shore, don't panic. Try to start it again first. If you can't, anchor it so the boat doesn't blow away by the current or the wind, check for fuel and sparks. If repairs are not possible, use oars or give distress signals.
Navigation and Wave Behavior
The inflatable boat has a great germination on the wave due to the soft sides that extinguish the impacts. However, this does not mean permissiveness. When you go to the wave (forehead), you need to slow down before the ridge and add gas on the slope so as not to draw nose. tipping.
Wind is the main enemy of light inflatable construction, because of the large area of sailing boat can quickly be demolished on the fairway or in a danger zone. Always plan the route with (wind direction) in mind to return on the wind, not against it when the forces are running out.
When you approach the shore on the wave, it's important to choose the right moment: you need to approach perpendicular to the water cut; you add gas to the gently wave in front of the shore to throw the boat onto the sand; on a steep wave, you approach with the ridge so that the wave will carry the boat.
- 🌊 Keep the course perpendicular to the wave to avoid side-rolling.
- 🏁 When approaching the unequipped shore, remove your feet from the cans to lean on the bottom.
- ⚓ In calm, consider the presence of hidden currents that can carry the boat.
⚠️ Attention: Never attempt to cross the fairway of major rivers or the shipping lanes in a inflatable boat in fog or at night. You may not be noticed from a large vessel, and the wave they create can turn a small-boat.
Action in emergency situations
Even the most reliable PVC If you hear a hiss or feel a pressure drop, don't make sudden movements. Try to get to the shore or anchor. If you puncture in the balloon, use a remix: clean the surface, degrease and put a patch (in an emergency, you can use a tourniquet or even a finger to plug the hole while others row).
When you overturn, the key is to keep the boat going. Inflatable boards provide excellent buoyancy, and an inverted boat is your life raft. Climb on an inverted hull to reduce heat output and make it more visible to rescuers. Trying to swim to shore, pushing the boat in front of you, is only worth it if it is very close.
It is important to always carry a knife attached to your belt or life jacket, which may be used to cut entangled algae, free yourself from tackles, or even puncture a balloon (at a pinch) to let out air if the boat begins to drag under ice or into a dangerous whirlpool.
The basic principle of survival on the water is to stay cool, panic consumes energy and oxygen faster than physical work, assess the situation, put on a vest and act on the plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I ride a inflatable boat in a storm?
Not recommended. Even seaworthy models with inflatable keel are not designed for open water with winds above 10-12 m / s and wave heights above 0.5-0.7 meters. The risk of tipping over and loss of control is too great.
What pressure should be in the cylinders in the summer?
In hot weather, the pressure in the cylinders increases. It is recommended to pump the boat to 0.2 bar if heavy heating is expected in the sun, or to blow a little air before getting on the water to avoid rupturing the seams. The working pressure is usually 0.25-0.3 bar.
How many people can be safely on the boat?
The number of passengers should not exceed the number of seats indicated in the manufacturer's marking. Excessing the carrying capacity reduces the height of the board above the water, making the boat vulnerable to flooding by the wave.
Do I need to register an inflatable boat?
Registration in GIMS is required if the weight of the equipped boat with the installed engine exceeds 200 kg. If you have a light rowing boat or a low-power engine, registration may not be required, but the availability of rights and documents for the boat is desirable to clarify at the local office.