Decision buy a fishing boat The two-seater model is the golden mean of the boat line: it is already stable enough to confidently catch a trophy, but still transportable by car or even public transport. Unlike single mattresses, there is room for a second person, sonar, anchor box and a stock of gear.
However, the market is oversaturated with offers, and it is easy for an inexperienced boater to get confused in the specifications. Load capacityThe bottom type, the density of the fabric and the configuration of the cylinders are just the tip of the iceberg of technical nuances. Mistakes in choosing can cost not only money, but also safety on the water, so the process of buying must be approached with a cool head and a full understanding of your needs.
In this article, we will discuss all aspects of choosing the perfect boat for two. a height of less than 36 cm is undesirable for fishing with spinning castAnd the question is, what's the difference between a plywood transmuter and an aluminum transmuter, and whether you should pay too much for an inflatable floor, and the answers to those questions will help you make a smart decision.
Materials and construction: the basis of durability
The first thing that customers face is the choice of material. The vast majority of quality boats today are made from the material. reinforced polyvinyl chloride (PVC)It's not a conventional film, but a complex composite material that consists of multiple layers of polymer-coated fabric, and it's reinforcement that gives it tensile strength and puncture resistance, which is critical when it comes into contact with rocky bottoms or snags.
The most important parameter is the density of the fabric, which usually varies from 750 to 1100 g / sq.m. For quiet fishing on small ponds, a material with a density of 750-850 g / sq.m. is quite suitable, however, if you plan to go out to large water with a wind wave or use a boat as a working one where cargo transportation is possible, it is better to focus on the indicator in the water. 1100 g/sqmThe denser fabric is heavier, but it is much better at resisting abrasion and mechanical damage.
Welding technology
Which is better?: Seams can be glued or welded. Hot-air welding is considered more reliable and durable, because the material of the cylinders is fused together, eliminating layering over time.
The design of the cylinders also plays a role, preferring models with independent compartments (usually two or three). floatability Note the presence of piers around the perimeter - they protect the sides from impacts on the berth or the sides of other vessels.
Bottom types: comfort vs. weight
The choice of bottom type is always a compromise between comfort, speed and weight. In two-seater fishing boats, the three most common options are: inflatable floor (NDB), hard plyol bottom and slate bottom, each with its own advantages for different use cases.
Low-pressure inflatable floors (LDPBs) are becoming the standard for anglers. These boats are going the fastest: just pump the cylinders and the bottom, they provide excellent keeliness and driving performance, and a high level of comfort — you can sit right on the floor, because it is soft and warm. However, NDNDB requires a special high-pressure pump and is afraid of sharp objects (hooks, knife) more than a hard bottom.
When buying a boat with NDNDM, be sure to purchase a pressure gauge for the pump. The pumped bottom can deform the sides, and the under-pumped one can create a banana effect on the go, reducing handling.
The hard-boiled plywood or aluminum floor is assembled from separate sheets connected by stringers, which adds stiffness and allows you to develop higher speeds with the engine. Aluminum floorboards are lighter and eternal, but more expensive. Plywood is cheaper, but can eventually dissipate if not handled.
The slate bottom (set boards inserted into pockets) is the most budgetary and easy option. However, for active fishing with a motor, it is not suitable: the flat bottom is very prowling on the wave, and cruising on it in shoes is inconvenient. For a two-seater boat, where active movement and fishing are expected, slate can be considered an outdated option.
Tran and possibility of engine installation
Even if you plan to fish exclusively on oars, the presence of a transl (stern board for mounting the engine) greatly expands the boat's capabilities. Tranza allows you to install a low-power motor at any time for quickly overcoming distances to the fishing point or returning against the wind.
The trunks are built-in (pasted into the cylinder) and removable. The glued transom is stiffer and more reliable, it is part of the power structure of the stern. The removable transom is convenient in that it can be removed so that it does not take up space during transportation, but it requires the correct installation every time. For a two-seater boat under a motor up to 5 hp (3.7 kW), a transm 12-18 mm thick is usually enough.
It's important to consider that the transom is under tremendous stress, especially when traveling along the wave. The attachment of the transmuner to the cylinder should be reinforced by additional tapes and abrasion protection. If you plan to use a motor more powerful than 5 hp, note the presence of a motor that is not very powerful. rym for fastening of safety cables, preventing the tearing of the transom at sharp gas.
Ergonomics and fishing equipment
Fishing is a long process, so water comfort comes to the fore. A two-seater boat should have enough space in the cockpite so that anglers do not sit shoulder to shoulder, preventing each other from making throws. bank They can be inflatable, rigid or combined.
Inflatable seats are lightweight and compact, but they are hot in summer and cold in spring. Hard seats on rotary brackets allow you to change the position of the body, which reduces back fatigue. rod-holder They are not allowed to keep the gear in hand or to put the fishing rod on board, which can lead to the loss of the trophy when biting.
For safety and convenience, the following equipment elements will not be superfluous:
- 🎣 Two anchor rings (Neal and aft) for proper anchoring depending on wind and current.
- 🔦 Loops for attachment retroreflective Or the lights of the day, or the lights of the day.
- 🛡️ Reinforced linings on the bottom (treads) to protect against abrasion when pulling ashore.
- 🎒 A liner cable around the perimeter, which can be grasped in the event of falling overboard or for towing.
Comparison of popular models of two-seater boats
To structure the information, let's compare a few typical members of the double fishing boat class. The numbers may vary by year of manufacture and configuration, but the general trends remain.
| Characterization | Budget (Slane) | Medium (MND) | Premium (floorboard/Aluminum) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight gathered (kg) | 18–22 | 28–34 | 35–45 |
| Assembly time (min) | 10–15 | 15–20 | 25–30 |
| Comfort fishing | Low. | Highly | Medium/High |
| Driving performance | Flat bottom, yaw. | Kieled, steady. | Excellent seaworthiness |
| Price. | Low. | Medium | High. |
For fishing for two people, the best choice in terms of price / quality / comfort are low-pressure inflatable floor boats (LDPB).
Safety and operating rules
Buying a boat is also about taking responsibility for your safety. load capacityThe combined weight of two fishermen, motor, fuel, anchor and gear must not exceed the limits specified in the data sheet of the article, the overloaded boat becomes unstable and can suffocate the sides at the slightest wave.
⚠️ Attention: Never use a boat without life jackets, even if you are a great swimmer. A hit on the side when falling into the water can cause you to lose consciousness, and the vest will be the only chance to stay afloat.
It's also important to monitor the pressure in the cylinders. In the sun, the air expands and the pressure can rise to critical values, which will lead to rupture of the seams. In hot weather, it is recommended to put some air out before going to open water. Conversely, in cold water, the pressure drops, and pumping may be necessary already on the water.
☑️ Checking before getting on the water
Boats with a payload of less than 225 kg (including engine weight) and up to 8 kW (about 10 hp) do not require registration with the GIMS. However, if you buy a heavy two-seater boat and a powerful engine, registration and licenses are mandatory. Always carry the boat and engine documents.
Final selection recommendations
Choosing a two-seater inflatable fishing boat is a multifaceted task. If your priority is mobility and frequent trips by train or bus, look towards lightweight models with NDNDT and a fabric density of 750-900 g/sq.m. If you have a car and you are focused on trophy fishing in large reservoirs with wind, it is better to take a heavier but reliable model with a density of 1100 g/sq.m and a reinforced bottom.
Don't skimp on quality valves and fittings. Cheap plastic valves can poison the air or break in the cold. Brass valves like Swallow's tail or modern membrane systems (for example, the use of a single slug). Bravo or Airmat) serve for years without losing its tightness. Remember that a good boat, when properly maintained, lasts 10 years or more, becoming a faithful assistant in hundreds of fishing trips.
⚠️ Attention: Avoid buying no-name boats without certificates or passports. In the event of a seam rupture at depth, the lack of a remix with the right glue and fabric can turn fishing into a dangerous survival adventure.
To sum up, the best boat is the one that fits your specific operating conditions. Two-seat inflatable boat It's an investment in new emotions and new catches, and you weigh the pros and cons carefully, and you look at the feedback on specific models and manufacturers, and then you'll get all the joy out of the water.
How to keep a boat in winter?
The boat must be thoroughly washed, dried and folded in a free state (not under pressure), stored in a warm, dry room, away from heating appliances and direct sunlight, and the optimal storage temperature is from -20 to +30 °C.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I put a motor more powerful than 5 hp on a two-seater boat?
Technically yes, if the design of transoms and cylinders allows. However, for boats up to 3 meters long and up to 130 cm wide, motors larger than 5 hp are often redundant and can be dangerous because of the risk of tipping over in corners. Always check the passport information of the particular model, which indicates the maximum engine power.
Which pump is better: electric or foot pump?
The pumping of cylinders is more convenient than the electric pump from the car battery, which saves energy. However, the final pumping, especially the bottom of the NDND, often requires a foot pump ("frog") or a special high-pressure electric pump, since car compressors often cannot give the desired 0.2-0.25 atm.
Do I need to register a two-seater boat without a motor?
According to current Russian regulations, if the weight of the curbed boat (with mounted elements, but without engine and cargo) is less than 200 kg, registration with GIMS is not required, regardless of the presence of the engine.
How to seal the PVC boat in the field?
For urgent repairs, there are special self-adhesive fabric remakes on sale that work even on wet surfaces. For major home renovations, use two-component polyurethane glue and the same PVC fabric, pre-fatted and skinned.