With the onset of the first warm days and melting ice, each owner small-boat I'm looking forward to the time when I can get my boat out on the water, but for the owners, motorboat This is often shrouded in legal and natural nuances, which can lead to severe fines, and when the exit is allowed depends not only on the owner’s will, but also on the strict regulations of the GIMS, which vary depending on the region and type of reservoir.
It is important to understand that navigational period It doesn't occur everywhere on the same date, and as long as there's ice on the rivers or there's an active icebreaker, any exits to the rivers are not always the same. inflatable Even if the ice has technically fallen, there are temporary restrictions related to spawning fish, which apply to many reservoirs in Russia and CIS countries. In this article, we will discuss all aspects of the beginning of navigation in detail, so that your first exit this season was without problems with the law.
Official opening of navigation and regional features
Formally, the navigation period for small craft, which include PVCThis period usually occurs after the complete release of the water bodies from ice and the establishment of a safe ice environment, which in most central regions of Russia traditionally begins in late April or early May, but in the northern latitudes the water can open much later.
Each subject of the federation issues its own decree, which determines the exact dates, for example, in the Moscow region, the deadlines may differ from the dates set for the Astrakhan region or Karelia. Regional regulations They are published on official websites of administrations and in local media, and they are the main legal document for a boating, and ignoring these dates amounts to violating the rules for the use of small craft.
Owners. motorboat Please note that even after the official opening of navigation, local restrictions may apply, they often apply to specific sections of rivers, especially near hydraulic structures, bridges or places of mass recreation. Be sure to check the current information in the local GIMS office or in specialized forums in your region before the first start of the engine.
⚠️ Warning: Before the official opening of navigation in your area, the boat is subject to an administrative fine, and the inspectors of the GIMS have the right to check the documents and technical condition of the vessel at any time as soon as the access to the shore is allowed.
Temporary ban during the period of fish spawning
One of the most important constraints that is often overlooked is the spawning ban, which is a biological measure that is designed to preserve fish populations, and it runs parallel to or overlaps the navigation period. motorization In many water bodies, navigation is completely prohibited even if the navigation itself is already open, and only paddles or low-power electric motors are allowed, if allowed by the rules of the particular water body.
The duration of spawning ban varies depending on the type of fish that spawns in the body of water. The restrictions usually last from two weeks to a month, but in some cases, for example, with spawning sturgeon, the time limits can be much longer. PVC This means that the presence of a gasoline engine does not guarantee the possibility of its use immediately after the ice has gone.
- 🐟 Total ban: On many rivers during spawning, any movement on motor boats, including idling, is prohibited.
- 🚣 Power limitation: Often it is allowed to use motors with a capacity of no more than 10 hp. or only electric traction motors.
- 📍 Local prohibitions: The ban can only be applied on certain sections of the river, marked by information boards on the shore.
Violation of fishing rules during spawning entails not only fines from the GIMS, but also sanctions from the fish protection, which can be significantly higher. floatboatBe sure to check the spawning ban schedule for your region, which will avoid unpleasant situations and contribute to the conservation of nature.
Technical preparation of the PVC boat for the first launch
Before you ask about the legal deadlines, you need to make sure that your technical readiness is correct. PVC boats, like any equipment, require careful inspection before the first season, and prolonged storage can lead to changes in the properties of materials, oxidation of contacts and loss of leakage of compounds.
Start by visually inspecting the cylinders and bottom, check for microcracks, scuffs, or traces of rodents that may have damaged the material during the winter. squirt-board If the boat was kept deflated, inflate it the day before the water and leave it in the sun (not in direct scorching rays) so that the material will spread and reveal possible hidden defects.
☑️ Boat check before season
Next, you need to check the attachments. anchor-false It's not scuffed, and the anchor system is working properly. seating (can) If your boat is equipped with a control console, check the electrical circuits, the state of the steering and the cables. All metal elements that are prone to corrosion should be treated with protective compounds.
Checking and Conservation of outboard motor
The outboard motor is your heart. PVC boats, and its health directly affects the safety of navigation, and after winter storage, the engine requires a mandatory preventive inspection, and even if you preserved it according to the rules, during the downtime, there could be changes that require intervention.
First, check the status. spark plugIf they've been twisted into storage, install them and check the gap. If the candles are still in the engine, check them for soak and replace them if necessary. Be sure to check the level and condition of the oil in the gearbox: if it has acquired a milky shade, then water has entered the gearbox, and you need to replace the coils.
| Engine element | What to check | Action when detecting problems |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel system | The presence of water in the sediment, the state of the hoses | Remove water, replace cracked hoses |
| Cooling system | Clean control hole, pump operation | Clean the hole, replace the impeller pump |
| The propeller | Presence of damage, coiled fishing line | Remove the screw, clean the shaft, lubricate with solidol |
| Electrical equipment | Oxidation of contacts, condition of wires | Clean the contacts, replace the damaged wires |
After visual inspection and replacement of consumables (candles, filters, if necessary), try to start the engine. Make sure that the control hole is a smooth stream of water, which indicates that the water pump is working normally, and that no jet or intermittent flow is a signal of a malfunction, which is prohibited from entering water.
⚠️ Warning: Never start a motor without water or with the water intake hole closed, which will cause instant overheating and impeller collapse of the pump, which will entail costly repairs.
Mandatory equipment and documents on board
Getting out on the water motorboat The absence of even one element can be grounds for prohibiting the operation of the vessel by the GIMS inspector. The rules of equipment depend on the type of vessel and the area of navigation, but the basic set is the same for all.
First of all, you must have documents proving ownership and management. For boats weighing more than 200 kg (with an engine) or motor power exceeding 8 kW (about 10.8 hp) it is required. registration The driver must also have a certificate of the right to drive a small vessel of the appropriate category, and if the boat does not require registration, it is recommended to carry checks or passports to the boat and engine to confirm their specifications.
- 🛟 Life jackets: They must be in the right size, sized and available place, not in sealed packaging.
- ⚓ Anchoring device: anchor or cargo weighing at least 4-5 kg with a phalt length of at least 15 meters.
- 🪣 The snail and lifeline: water pumping scoop and tenches 15 meters long with a loop to save a person overboard.
In addition to the mandatory minimum, experienced boaters recommend to have with you kit, a repair kit for the boat (glues, patches), a spare candle, tools and means of communication protected from moisture. motor Or puncture the balloon these items will help you safely return to the shore.
Do I need to register a PVC boat with a 5 hp engine?
According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, the registration subject to boats weighing up to 200 kg inclusive (with an installed engine) OR with an engine of more than 8 kW (10.8 hp). Boat with an engine of 5 hp (about 3.6 kW) is likely not to require registration, if the total weight of the kit (boat + motor + hinged) does not exceed 200 kg. However, it is better to accurately calculate the weight taking into account all the hung elements.
Safety rules on the water at the beginning of the season
The water is still cold, the weather is changeable, and many water motors may have a break in driving after winter, and safety during this period is critical to preserving life and health.
The main rule is not to neglect lifejacketsEven if you feel confident in the water and can swim, the cold shock of getting into the water in early spring can paralyze muscles in seconds. PVC They have less sailing and inertia compared to metal vessels, but they are more vulnerable to sharp objects and difficult conditions.
Plan your route with weather in mind. Early in the season, there are often strong gusty winds that can quickly create dangerous excitement. Don't go out into the open unless you're sure of the forecast. Always tell your loved ones about your route and approximate return time. navigational (GPS-navigator, sonar with a map) will help you not get lost in fog or poor visibility.
Pay special attention to fueling. Fill the tank only on the shore using a funnel with a mesh filter, and never fill the tank completely, leaving room for fuel expansion. Gasoline vapors are heavier than air and can accumulate in the hold or under the sleigh. PVCBefore starting the engine, be sure to ventilate the room or compartment where the fuel tank is located.
Typical Beginner Mistakes on First Outing
Experienced water-engineers know that the first outing of a season rarely goes perfectly smoothly, but many problems can be predicted and avoided by knowing the typical mistakes that beginners make, and analyzing these mistakes will help you spend time on the water comfortably and without unnecessary nervous costs.
One of the most common mistakes is misloading. Newcomers often overload the stern by placing heavy gear boxes just behind the engine, or conversely shift the center of gravity too far onto the nose, leading to improper differentiation, which impairs driving performance, increases fuel consumption, and can lead to a wave of boats. Spread the load evenly, and place heavy objects closer to the center. boat.
Another common mistake is to ignore the check. motor-mounting During transportation on a trailer or roof, the screws may weaken. Always check the tightening of the screws or mount bolts before giving full gas. Losing the motor in the water is not only a financial loss, but also a safety risk, as the boat without the motor becomes unmanageable in the current or wind.
The main guarantee of a successful start to the season is not the speed of the engine, but careful preliminary preparation and inspection of all systems of the boat and equipment before getting on the water.
Do not forget to check the checks either. navigation lightsIf you plan to go out at dusk or early in the morning, often during the winter, contacts oxidize, or light bulbs burn, and checking light signals should be a mandatory part of the pre-season checklist.
What to do if the motor stalls in the middle of the reservoir?
First of all, don't panic. If there's a current or a wind, drop anchor immediately so you don't get carried off into the fairway or into a danger zone. Try to diagnose the problem: check for fuel, candle condition, cooling system. If you can't fix the problem on the spot, use paddles to move to shore or give a distress signal (whistle, bright fabric, phone). Always carry a fully charged phone in an airtight bag.
Is it possible to go on a PVC boat on a storm warning?
Not at all, not on a small boat, especially on a small boat. PVCWhen a storm warning is declared or a strong wind (usually more than 10-12 m/s) is prohibited by safety regulations. PVC boat has high sailing and low inertia, making it extremely vulnerable to wave, the risk of tipping over or loss of control in such conditions is maximum.
Do I need to have a boat inspection every year?
Under current regulations, for unregistered small vessels (weight up to 200 kg, engine up to 10 hp) annual technical inspection is not required at the GIMS. However, for registered vessels, inspection is mandatory once in a certain period (usually once every 5 years for new boats, then more often), but the inspector can initiate an unscheduled inspection if the rules are violated.