The decision to buy an inflatable boat marks the fisherman's transition to a new level, opening up the most promising areas of the reservoir that are not accessible from shore. Fishing from a swimming facility radically changes the tactics of catching predators and peaceful fish, allowing him to sneak up silently to the parks of perch or to put tackle on deep-sea brows. However, the market is oversaturated with hundreds of models, and it can be difficult for a beginner to understand the technical nuances.
Modern materials, in particular reinforced PVCThey've made boats incredibly durable and durable, but light and transportable. Unlike older rubber-based boats, modern boats can withstand contact with snags, rocks and a sharp shell without requiring constant repair. The right model depends on many factors: the number of people in the crew, the type of reservoir, the way they catch and the budget.
In this article, we will take a look at all the aspects to consider before buying, compare the different types of bottom, discuss the density of fabric, types of seams and features of the equipment, understand why price is not always the main criterion, and learn how to distinguish a quality product from a cheap consumer product that can fail at the most inopportune moment.
Materials and tissue density: the basis of durability
The first thing to look at is the material that cylinders are made of. The vast majority of modern boats are made from cylinders. reinforced polyvinyl chloride (PVC) This is a multilayer composite material where a strong synthetic base (usually lausan or capron) is enclosed between the layers of the polymer, and it is the presence of a reinforcement layer that provides high tensile strength and puncture resistance.
The key parameter here is the density of fabric, which is measured in grams per square meter (g / m2). For small single boats used in calm water, often a density of 750 g / m2 is enough. However, if you plan to actively fish, drag the boat on rocks or use a powerful motor, it is worth considering options with a density of 850 to 1100 g / m2. The denser fabric is heavier, but significantly more resistant to mechanical damage and abrasion.
- 🛡️ Five-chamber structure - cylinders consist of five layers: two external protective, two internal and central reinforcing layer, which guarantees unsinkability.
- ☀️ UV protection - quality materials contain additives that protect PVC from burnout and destruction under the influence of sunlight.
- ❄️ Frost resistance Special plasticizers allow the material to maintain elasticity at low temperatures, without cracking in the cold.
⚠️ Warning: Buying a boat made of low density fabric (less than 750 g/m2) for motor operation is a risk. Vibration and hydrodynamic load can lead to tissue stratification and seam rupture.
It is also important to consider the fabric manufacturer, and the market leaders are materials from Germany (for example, the manufacturer of the fabric). Heytex) and Koreas: they are of stable quality, exact adherence to the declared density and excellent weldability; Chinese counterparts may be cheaper, but often have a variety of thicknesses and properties in different lots, which affects the reliability of the seams.
Underfloor types: plywood to BND
Bottom design is what determines the ride, comfort and weight of a boat assembled. For fishing, this is critical because it determines whether you can stand confidently while fishing and how the boat behaves on the wave. There are three main types of bottom, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
The simplest and most budgetary option is plywood These boats are lightweight and compact when folded, but they take longer to assemble, and the underside is less rigid than inflatable plywood, and they are uncomfortable to stand on because the surface is uneven and the back is a "dolphinja" (bending of the nose and aft), which reduces speed.
A more advanced option is a low-pressure inflatable floor (NDMAIt's a revolutionary solution where the bottom is a separate cylinder with rigid bulkheads inside, and when pumped, it becomes hard as a board, providing excellent stability and the ability to stand confidently in full growth, boats with NDND are assembled faster, have better seaworthiness and softer wave travel, but they are heavier and bulkier in transportation.
Type three: NDVD It's pumped up to 250-300 mbar, becoming rigid. It's a compromise: the boat is lighter than the BNDB, but tougher than the sleigh, but it's harder to navigate because the bottom is round in section, and it gets very hot in the sun, transferring heat into the cockpit.
Dimensions and load capacity: choice for tasks
The size of the boat depends on the number of people, the number of equipment and the power of the planned engine. You should not chase the maximum length if you are fishing alone in small bodies of water - a larger boat is heavier, sailing and requires a more powerful (and expensive) engine.
For one fisherman with a minimum set of gear and an outboard motor up to 5 hp, the optimal length is 280-320 cm Such a boat is easy to control, quickly goes to planing even with a small engine and takes up a minimum of space in the trunk. If you plan to fish together or use a sonar, anchor, tent and fuel reserve, you should look at models with a length of 330 to 360 cm.
| Boat length (cm) | Capacity (person) | River power of the motor (hp) | Kit weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 280 - 290 | 1 - 2 | 2 - 5 | 18 - 24 |
| 300 - 320 | 1 - 2 | 5 - 9.9 | 25 - 35 |
| 330 - 350 | 2 - 3 | 9.9 - 15 | 36 - 48 |
| 360 - 380 | 2 - 4 | 15 - 20 | 50 - 65 |
Pay attention to loading capacityYou have to subtract the weight of the boat, the engine, the fuel and the equipment, the remaining resource is the weight of the people, always keep a 15-20% margin for safety, especially if you plan to go out into large waters where there is a wave.
Design features and elements of comfort
The modern inflatable boat is a complex engineering product, equipped with many elements to improve comfort and safety. quilt The Kielson gives the boat shape, improves its course stability, and protects the bottom from abrasion on the ground when pulled ashore.
An important element is the availability timber This thickening protects the sides from impacts on the berth, shore or side of another boat. For fishing, it is critical to have rings and anchorages for the installation of additional equipment: spinning holders, tables, sonars and anchor ducks.
- 🪝 Anchor rum - should be reinforced and located not only on the nose, but also on the stern for convenient anchoring.
- 👜 Bags. The presence of bags for trifles built into cylinders, frees up space in the cockpit and protects things from water.
- 🚣 The exceptions. - for rowing versions, rotary or removable exceptions are important, allowing you to row in a storm strike or if the engine fails.
⚠️ Attention: Check the valves. They must be protected from water and dirt, and have reliable caps. a cap on the water can make it impossible to pump the balloon.
Particular attention should be paid to the models with cylinder protection These are extra strips of fabric pasted onto the most vulnerable areas: the bottom of the cylinders, the nose and the mounting points of the cans, which significantly extends the life of the boat when it is actively used.
Motor compatibility and transom
If you're planning to use a motor, the key is a transom, which is a rigid plate in the aft to which the engine is attached, the trunk can be glued (compound with a balloon) or hinged, the glued transmolina is stiffer, more reliable and allows you to reach higher speeds, but increases the weight and dimensions of the boat when packaged.
The transom material also matters. It's usually a multi-layered plywood coated with waterproof paint or laminate, and it's important that the plywood ends are well protected, because getting water inside will swell and break the transom. Some manufacturers use composite materials or aluminum, which makes the transom lighter and more durable.
When you're choosing a motor boat, always look at the transom angle. Standard is 15 degrees. If the angle is different, the boat can either burrow its nose or snag it, losing speed and handling.
The maximum power of the motor that can be installed on a boat is strictly regulated by the manufacturer. Exceeding this limit is dangerous: the boat can lose stability, turn over or get damaged transom. For fishing, often optimal motors with a capacity of 5-9.9 hp, which allow you to confidently plane together with the load and cost fuel.
Security, GIMS and Registration
Buying a boat is not only a joy of new opportunities, but also a responsibility. In Russia, small vessels are subject to registration in the SHIMS of the Ministry of Emergency Situations if their weight in running order (with an engine) exceeds 200 kg, or if the power of the installed engine exceeds 8 kW (about 10.9 hp).
For registration of the boat must be boat registration certificateThe boat is issued on the basis of a factory passport and a purchase check, so you should buy a boat only from official dealers who provide a full package of documents. "Gray" boats without documents can not be registered, and their operation without registration threatens with a fine and placing the boat in a parking lot.
Remember personal protective equipment. Having life jackets by the number of people on the boat is not just a rule, it's a necessity. The water counts for minutes, and in an emergency (sharp roll, hit on a snag, loss of consciousness) it is the vest that will save lives. It is also mandatory to have an anchor, an ending (fala) and a scoop.
☑️ Pre-purchase check
Care, storage and extension of service life
A PVC inflatable boat, when properly maintained, lasts 10 to 15 years or more. PVC's main enemy is dirt, sand and ultraviolet. After every fishing trip, especially if you've been out on the ground or in overgrown bays, it's advisable to rinse the boat with fresh water. The sand, when it gets into folds, acts as an abrasive when folded, rubbing the protective layer.
Keep the boat in a dry, ventilated room, away from the heating appliances. It is not recommended to keep the boat in a completely inflated state for a long time (more than a month), as this creates constant stress in the seams. The optimal is to store it in a half-flattered state or periodically (once a season) pump it to straighten the folds.
How to wash the boat properly?
Use warm water and a soft sponge. To remove complex contaminants (oil, gasoline, fish mucus), you can use special PVC cleaners or a weak soap solution. It is strictly forbidden to use solvents (acetone, gasoline), hard brushes and abrasive powders - they will destroy the upper protective layer of the polymer.
Check the pressure in the cylinders regularly. A pumped boat in the sun is a risk of rupturing the seams due to air expansion. An under-pumped boat is a risk of damage to the bottom and loss of driving performance. Use a pressure gauge to fine-tune it, especially when changing air and water temperatures.
Proper drying and storage in the shade is a guarantee that your boat will last decades, maintaining its tightness and appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which pump is better to choose for an inflatable boat?
For boats up to 3 meters long, a bipedal foot pump is enough, included in the kit. For boats with NDND and lengths from 320 cm, it is highly recommended to purchase an electric pump (12V from the battery), since it is long and hard to pump high pressure with a foot pump. Use the electric to set volume (80-90%), and make the final fine-tuning with a foot pump so as not to damage the valves.
Can I seal the PVC boat myself?
Yes, small punctures and cuts (up to 3-5 cm) can be sealed yourself using the remix kit that comes with the kit. It is important to degrease the surface and use a special glue for PVC (polyurethane), not "Moment" or superglue. For large damage or joints, it is better to contact a specialized workshop.
How long does the boat dry before packing?
The boat should be completely dry before packing. In sunny windy weather, it takes 30 to 60 minutes. If you pack a wet boat, the molding process begins inside, the fabric will stain, and the glue seams may weaken. At home, dry the boat in its unfolded form for at least a day.
Does the color of the boat affect the fish?
There is a perception that bright colors (orange, yellow) are frightening to fish, especially in shallow water and clear water. However, at depths of more than 1 meter or in murky water, the difference is not noticeable. For fishing, the optimal camouflage colors are olive, khaki, dark gray, camouflage. In addition, dark boats are less noticeable in the water and not so much glow in the sun.
Do I need to register a boat without a motor?
According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, small vessels weighing more than 200 kg (in running order) OR with an engine power of more than 8 kW are subject to registration. If your boat weighs less than 200 kg and you use it without a motor or with an engine up to 10 hp (formally up to 8 kW, but in practice they often look at the hp), registration is not required.