Buying a swimmer through the network has long ceased to be a lottery and has become a rational way to save time and money. Buy a PVC boat In a specialized online store, it is often more profitable than looking for options in spontaneous markets or in crowded hypermarkets, where the range is limited by seasonal receipts. Virtual shelves offer detailed specifications, real owner reviews and the ability to compare dozens of models without getting up from the sofa.
However, the lack of ability to touch the material with your hands and assess the quality of the assembly visually imposes certain obligations on the buyer: you will have to independently study the technical nuances, such as the density of the fabric, the type of gluing of the seams and the configuration of the bottom, so as not to be disappointed in the new product after the first fishing.
In this article, we will discuss the key aspects to look out for when ordering a boat online so that your purchase becomes a source of pleasant emotions, rather than a headache when returning.
Benefits of Buying Floating Online
The first and most obvious advantage is the pricing policy: online stores do not incur the cost of renting large retail space in the city center and maintaining a staff of sales consultants, which allows them to keep the store. lower In addition, online marketplaces are more likely to sell last year's collections, allowing you to buy a quality model at a discount of up to 30%.
The second important factor is the breadth of the range. While the regular store will offer you 3-4 running models, the catalog of the specialized site shows boats of various dimensions, from single compact variants to serious three- or four-seater keel vessels. NDMA (high pressure inflatable floor), which are extremely rare in retail.
⚠️ Warning: When ordering a boat online, always check the dimensions of the packaged product. Some models may not fit in the trunk of a passenger car and require a truck taxi or delivery to the point of issue.
And transparency is also something you can safely explore the product's passport, look at the certificates of conformity, and read the actual reviews, filtering out emotional reactions from constructive criticism, which gives you a much more complete picture of the product than a brief story from a seller who just needs to make a sale.
Selection criteria: tissue and density
The basis of any inflatable boat is reinforced polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is the quality of this material that determines the durability of your vessel and its resistance to puncture. When choosing from the online store, be sure to pay attention to the specified parameters of tissue density, which usually ranges from 750 to 1100 g / sq.m.
For light cruising models or boats that will be operated on calm water bodies without rocky shores, it is quite suitable fabric density of 750-850 g / sq.m. It is lighter, which simplifies transportation, but requires a more careful attitude. buy It is made of a denser material (900-1100 g/sq.m.), which is more difficult to damage with branches or sharp stones.
Also worth paying attention to the number of layers and the presence of reinforcing mesh inside the material. Quality PVC has a characteristic texture and should not have a sharp chemical odor, which often indicates the use of cheap raw materials. Ocimer or PVC 850), which is a good sign of quality.
Pay attention to the color of the boat: Light colors (gray, light green) heat up less in the sun, keeping air pressure stable, whereas dark green and black boats can overheat in the heat.
Bottom design: inflatable or plywood
The type of bottom is perhaps the most important structural element affecting performance and comfort. Online stores most often offer two main options: low-pressure inflatable floor (LDP) and hard bottom of plywood or aluminum (HDP), depending on your priorities: speed and comfort or compactness and weight.
Boats from NDMA The High Pressure Floor is very keely, glides quickly and smoothly, even on a small wavelength. They assemble faster because they don't require floorboards, but they're more expensive and heavier to transport. On the contrary, plywood floors are more compact when folded, but they take longer to assemble and the floor stiffness is inferior to the inflatable counterpart.
| Characterization | NDND (inflatable floor) | NDP (Plywood bottom) |
|---|---|---|
| Assembly speed | High (10-15 min) | Average (20-30 min) |
| Comfort on the move | High (depreciation) | Medium (rigid construction) |
| Packaging weight | Higher. | Below. |
| Price. | Higher. | Affordable. |
When ordering a plywood-bottomed model, specify the quality of the plywood end treatment and the type of coating. Good plywood should be soaked in moisture-retardant composition and covered with a non-slip material, for example, linoleum Cheap ones can swell after season one, losing their geometry.
Seams and tightness: what to look at
The weak point of any inflatable design is the seams. In the description of the product in the online store, be sure to look for information about the method of combining the elements. There are two main ways: gluing the overlap and welding with hot air. For PVC boats, especially those that are planned to be used for motor use, it is preferable to use them. trilayer using a special glue.
Welds, although aesthetically pleasing and faster, can be less elastic and can burst when they are hit by a high temperature or obstacle. Quality gluing ensures a monolithic structure where tissue rupture is more likely than seam divergence. Manufacturers often specify the type of adhesive used (usually two-component polyurethane), which suggests a serious approach to production.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid boats that say "bump-up" without mentioning reinforcement tapes, which are short-lived and can disperse under load.
It's also worth checking for additional reinforcement tapes on critical nodes: in the mounting areas of cans, stringers and cylinders, this is the "armor" of your boat, which takes the main loads during operation, visually in photos these elements should look neat, without glue bubbles and sticking out threads.
Package and additional options
Buying a boat online is easy to get confused as the same hull can be sold in the economy, standard and luxury versions. In the basic version, you often get only cylinders and bottom, and oars, pump and bag can go as an option.
Be sure to check availability transom-ring For motorboats, the type of transom is critical: it must be reinforced with plywood inserts and covered with a moisture shield that can withstand the vibration of the motor. A weak transom will quickly become unusable, leading to costly repairs.
☑️ Checking of completeness before payment
Not superfluous will be such options as holders for rods, anchor rhyme and the ability to install sonar Many modern models have universal mounting sites, which eliminates the need to drill cylinders yourself.
Delivery, guarantee and inspection of goods
The final stage of the purchase is logistics. Since the boat in the package can weigh from 15 to 50 kg, it is important to choose a reliable carrier. Online stores often offer delivery by transport companies, mail or courier services.
Warranty obligations are what distinguishes the seller from the dealer: Official dealers provide a warranty of 12 to 24 months for seams and material. Keep a check and a completed warranty card. In case of a defect (for example, an etching valve or an unstitched seam), you can use the service center.
What if the boat came in marriage?
Don't inflate the boat completely or use glue yourself. Take photos and videos of the defect, contact the store manager within 3 days (terms may vary) for a return or replacement. Self-repair can cause a warranty denial.
When you receive the goods, be sure to open the package in the presence of the courier or take a video of the unpacking, check the integrity of the fabric, the operation of the valves and the equipment, this will help avoid disputes if the goods were damaged during transportation.
A boat that is properly selected and tested when it is received is a guarantee of safe operation. Do not ignore visual inspection even when in a hurry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to use a PVC boat in winter?
You can use a PVC boat at low temperatures, but with caution. The material becomes tough and brittle in the cold. You need to use special frost-resistant models (often labeled "winter") and avoid hitting the ice. The pressure in the cylinders in the cold drops, so you need to pump them already on the water.
What power engine to choose for a boat 3 meters?
For a boat with a length of 3 meters with NDND, the optimal engine will be 5-9.9 hp This will allow you to go to the planing with one or two passengers. For models with plywood bottom, the power may be less, because the hydrodynamics are worse. Always focus on the maximum power specified in the data sheet of a particular model.
How to store a PVC boat in the off-season?
The boat should be thoroughly washed, dried and folded in a free state (not strained) in a dark, dry place at room temperature. It is not recommended to keep it in a rolled-up state under heavy loads or near heating appliances.
Do I need to register a boat with GIMS?
Boats weighing more than 200 kg (in running order) or with an engine of more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp) are subject to registration. If your boat is lighter and the engine is weaker, registration is not required. However, the rules may change, so it is better to check the relevant information at the local GIMS office.