Choosing a boat for fishing or resting on the water often comes down to finding a balance between cost, reliability and functionality. polyvinyl chloride Known as the "Autobot", the model is a sustainable model due to its accessibility and simplicity of design, and is a classic flat-bottom boat that is ideal for calm bodies of water, such as lakes, small rivers and ponds.
The main attraction of this model lies in its versatility, which, despite its compact size in its folded form, is capable of holding two people with the necessary equipment. outboardIt's important for owners to understand that technical parameters directly affect safety and comfort on the water.
In this review, we will take a detailed look at all the specifications of the Autobot boat so that you can make an informed decision about buying or properly operate an existing boat. We will touch on the issues of materials, dimensions, load capacity and nuances of engine installation. A correct understanding of these parameters will help to avoid overloads and prolong the service life of the product.
Materials and construction of the shell
The basis of reliability of any inflatable boat is the material from which its cylinder is made. reinforced PVCThis material is a polyvinyl chloride backbone reinforced with a capron net, which provides high tensile strength and resistance to puncture. The thickness of the fabric usually varies between 640-850 g/sq.m., which is the standard for light tourist models.
The craft is structurally composed of two inflatable tubes on the sides and an inflatable floor, which gives the body the necessary rigidity and buoyancy. Stitches They are cold or hot glued, which ensures that the joints are tight. It is important to note that the quality of the glue and surface preparation play a crucial role in the durability of the seams, so it is worthwhile to visually inspect the joints for bloating or non-proglysis when buying.
⚠️ Warning: Do not leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight for long periods of time. The air pressure inside the cylinders rises when heated, which can lead to seam strain or tissue rupture.
The bow of the boat is often equipped quilt Or it's just a narrowed shape for better water entry, and the stern board that the motor is attached to can be glued or removable, and most budget versions of the Autobot use a removable plywood transom that fits into special pockets on cylinders, which makes transportation easier, but requires careful assembly before going out to water.
To protect the bottom from abrasion on sand, pebbles or grass, manufacturers often use overheads. protector-beltThey are made of a denser material and take on the main wear when pulling the boat ashore. The absence of such elements will require the owner to be more careful or buy a separate protective mat.
Overall dimensions and weight
One of the key parameters when choosing a boat is its physical dimensions. The range of Autobots usually includes options ranging in length from 2.2 to 3.2 meters. The most popular is a modification of about 2.8-2.9 meters in length, since it is optimal for transport in the trunk of a passenger car. The width of cylinders is usually 1.2-1.4 meters, which provides sufficient stability for two people.
The height of the board is another important characteristic that affects comfort. In boats Autobot this parameter rarely exceeds 35-40 cm On the one hand, low board reduces sailing and weight, but on the other hand, increases the risk of splashing in in choppy conditions. Therefore, the use of such a boat is recommended on calm water. The weight of the boat itself in the assembly (without motor and equipment) usually does not exceed 25-30 kg, which allows you to transport it to one person in disassembled form.
The table below shows the averaged specifications for a typical 2.9-meter model:
| Parameter | Meaning | Unit of measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Full length | 290 | centimeter |
| Full width | 135 | centimeter |
| Height of board | 36 | centimeter |
| Boat weight (with bag) | 26 | kilogram |
| Load capacity | 250 | kilogram |
It should be borne in mind that the dimensions in an inflated state may differ slightly from those declared depending on the air temperature and the degree of pumping. Strength of construction It depends on the pressure in the cylinders, so it is recommended to use a pressure gauge for monitoring.
The compactness of the package is another plus: when deflated, the boat fits into a bag about 100×40×30 cm in size, this allows you to store it at home in a closet or garage without taking up much space. However, the volume of the bag can be larger if the package includes rigid elements such as floorboard (floor) or cans (seats).
Capacity and passenger capacity
The passenger load capacity of the Avtobot boats is usually 200-250 kg. This includes the weight of all passengers, the weight of the engine, fuel, anchor, gear and clothing. It is important to understand the difference between theoretical buoyancy (when the boat is still on the water) and safe carrying capacity.
The recommended passenger capacity is two medium sized people, but if you plan to fish actively with a lot of equipment, it is better to consider the model as a single or strictly monitor the total weight. Overload leads to a decrease in the height of the board above the water, which makes the boat vulnerable to flooding with a wave.
- 🎣 Fishermen: Consider the weight of the catch boxes and icebreak in winter.
- ⚓ Anchor systemThe weight of the anchor and chain must also be included in the calculations.
- ⛽ Fuel.A full tank of gasoline weighs about 5-6 kg, which is essential for small boats.
The distribution of the load inside the cockpit should be uniform, and shifting the center of gravity to one side or to the nose / stern can lead to a dangerous roll. Banks (seats) In boats, the Autobot is often removable and installed in lyctroses Or they're on special stops, and if you position them properly, you can balance the boat.
⚠️ Warning: Exceeding the maximum load capacity specified in the product passport is strictly prohibited and can lead to the overturning of the boat even on calm water.
If you plan to use a boat for overnight stays or long crossings with a large supply of food, the buoyancy reserve should be increased artificially - for example, by using sealers, which also serve as floats.
Engine engine engine engine engine and installation
Although the Autobot was originally designed as a propeller boat, the possibility of installing the engine greatly expands its horizons, for this purpose there is a transom in the aft part. Depending on the modification, it can be rigidly glued into cylinders or be removable. Removable version is more convenient for storage, but requires careful fixation before installing the engine.
The maximum power of the recommended motor for models with a length of 2.8-2.9 meters is usually 3-5 hp Installation of a more powerful engine does not make sense due to the short length of the hull and flat bottom - the boat will not be able to go to the planing and will simply dig a wave with its nose. two-stroke power of 3.5 hp, which provides a speed of about 10-12 km / h.
Why not put a powerful engine?
Installing a motor of more than 5 hp on a boat less than 3 meters long is dangerous, the center of gravity shifts, which can lead to a rollover, and the transom may not withstand the vibrations and weight of the heavy engine.
When you install the motor, you need to keep an eye on the didwut angle, because the bottom of the Autobot is flat, you can get maximum efficiency from the right datawut, and it's also important to secure the engine with rods, because the vibrations on small boats are felt more strongly.
Electric motors are also possible, but the weight of the batteries should be considered. Lithium batteries are preferred over lead-acid batteries because of their lower weight, which is critical for maintaining payload capacity. Traction batteries provide a quiet course, which is highly valued when fishing for spinning.
☑️ Check before installing the engine
Package and additional options
The basic kit of the Autobot boat can vary depending on the manufacturer and year of manufacture, but the standard kit usually includes the boat itself, the carry bag, the remake and the pump. The pumps often come with a kit, but their quality leaves much to be desired - they are either too small (legged) or do not provide the necessary pressure.
For comfortable operation, it is highly recommended to buy high-quality double-pump This will allow the boat to be quickly pumped to the working pressure (usually 0.2-0.25 atm) and monitored during operation. The pressure gauge is critical, because you can't tell the right pressure with your eye.
- 🪑 Siedenia: Staff plywood cans are often uncomfortable, it is better to purchase soft linings or adjustable seats.
- 🛡️ Protection: keel tape or protective mat to the bottom will prolong the life of PVC.
- 🧵 RemakeAlways be on the water, even for short trips.
As additional options, holders for rods, anchor rings and bags for trifles that are attached to the board are often offered. winch-ring The perimeter of the balloon allows you to attach additional equipment without damaging the fabric, and also useful acquisition will be the anchor-cat, which is compact and efficient for boats of this size.
Some versions of the boats can be equipped with rigid plywood or aluminum decking, which is laid on top of the inflatable floor, which creates a flat platform on which to walk, and increases the rigidity of the structure, but adds significantly weight.
⚠️ Warning: When using the remix, be sure to degrease the surface with alcohol or acetone before applying the glue, otherwise the patch may peel off at the most inopportune moment.
Rules of operation and storage
To keep the boat Avtobot in service for many years, you need to follow simple rules of operation. After every fishing, especially in salt water or in polluted water bodies, the boat must be rinsed with fresh water. Salt and dirt destroy the structure of PVC and contribute to the development of microorganisms.
Drying is a must before packaging, and even the minimum amount of moisture inside the bag can lead to mold and a bad smell that is very difficult to remove, dry the boat in the shade, straightened, and it is better to store the product in a straightened or semi-folded state at room temperature.
Lubricate the valves with silicone lubrication once a season - this will prevent them from drying out and ensure tightness.
Winter storage requires special attention. PVC becomes fragile in the cold, so you can't fold or transport a frozen boat, you'll see microcracks. Let it warm at room temperature for a few hours before inflating or folding.
Check the joints and valves regularly. You can use a soap solution to check the leakage: apply it to a suspicious area and watch for bubbles. Minor repairs will prevent serious damage in the future.
Proper drying and storage at room temperature increase the life of the PVC boat twice as compared to storage in the garage "in the cold".
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you use the boat Autobot on sea water?
It is possible to use it, but with restrictions. Salt water is aggressive to materials and metals. After going to sea, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, including all metal elements (rings, transom fastenings).
Which pump is best for this boat?
The best choice would be a two-chamber foot pump with a dial-up/high pressure switch and a built-in pressure gauge. Battery-powered electric pumps are convenient for primary pumping, but you still have to manually pressurize.
Will the transom boat Autobot motor 5 hp?
Most models with a length of 2.8 meters are designed for the engine up to 5 hp, however, it is important to clarify this in the passport of the specific modification. For the engine 5 hp, the transom must be reliably fixed, and the load on the stern is distributed evenly.
How to seal a puncture in the field?
The remix usually has patches and glue. For reliable repair in the field, the surface needs to be cleaned, degreased, glued on both surfaces, let dry to a stick, then pressed hard. Full polymerization takes 24 hours, but holds after an hour.
Do I need to register the boat Autobot in GIMS?
According to the legislation of the Russian Federation, registration is subject to small vessels weighing more than 200 kg (in running order) or with an engine capacity of more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp). Since the boats Avtobot is lighter than 200 kg and equipped with engines up to 5 hp, registration is usually not required, but the rules may change, so it is worth clarifying the current norms.