Making the decision to buy a small fishing boat is the first step to complete freedom on the pond. Mobility, access to cherished eyebrows and trolling opens up horizons for the fisherman, inaccessible from the shore. But the market is full of offers from cheap inflatable models to serious aluminum boats, and it is easy for the beginner to get confused about the specifications.
Many people mistakenly believe that compactness It's not. Modern materials and engineering solutions allow you to build vessels up to 3 meters long that can confidently hold their impact even in the wind, and the main thing is to clearly understand where you plan to fish: on a calm lake, fast river or in the surf.
In this article, we will take a look at the nuances of your choices so that your purchase becomes a successful hobby investment, not a disappointment. You will learn about the types of bottom, cylinder materials, legal intricacies and hidden costs that are kept quiet by sellers.
Determine your goals: where and how you will fish
Before looking for a sale announcement, you need to honestly answer the question of geography A small standing water boat is very different from a boat destined for Ladoga or Onega, and if you plan to go only to quiet backwaters, quarries and small streams, you don't need a storm safety margin, and then you prioritize the minimum weight and compactness as assembled.
That's different if you have a major pond, and that's where safety and the body's ability to cut the wave come in. Inflatable boat In these conditions, the inflatable floor (NDB) can behave in an unpredictable way, creating a floating effect on the wave. Aluminum models or hard bottom PVC (NSVD) will show much more confidence, although they will require more effort in transportation.
You also need to consider the number of passengers, and even if you're fishing alone, you often want to bring a friend or a child with you. Load capacity It's not just the weight of the people, but the mass of the motor, the battery, the gear and the possible catch, and the overloaded boat loses its driving performance and becomes dangerous.
PVC or Aluminum: The Fisherman's Eternal Dilemma
The choice of the material of the body is perhaps the most important stage. PVC Boats They dominate the market because of their versatility: they are not afraid of the sun (when properly maintained), are easily repaired in the field and take up minimal space in the trunk of a passenger car. Oxford or NyctoflexThey have a high density and resistance to punctures.
But inflatable elements have enemies, fire sparks, dog claws, and spruce branches, and PVC is subject to temperature expansion, and balloon pressure rises in summer, and drops in winter, requiring constant monitoring. Aluminum boats They're not killing, they're almost impossible to damage against rocks or driftwood, and they last for decades.
The main disadvantage of aluminum is noise and the need for a trader to transport. Rowing in an aluminum boat without a motor is difficult due to the shifted center of gravity, and dragging a heavy backpack with parts to water is questionable pleasure. PVC wins in comfort when carrying, but loses in durability in extreme use.
⚠️ Warning: Aluminum tends to oxidize in salt water. If you plan to fish on the sea coast, be sure to choose models of sea aluminum with additional anti-corrosion treatment, otherwise the case will quickly lose its appearance.
It is also important to consider seasonality: an inflatable boat left in the cold becomes stiff and can crack when assembled sloppy, while aluminum is indifferent to temperature, making it an ideal choice for spring ice-water fishing or autumn storms.
Hidden properties of materials
PVC, when stored in compressed conditions for long periods (especially in cold), can "remember" folds that then turn into microcracks. Aluminum, by contrast, has no "shape memory," but is prone to galvanic corrosion when in contact with other metals in water.
Bottom design and impact on driving performance
The type of bottom directly affects how the boat behaves on the water. sleazy They're lightweight and cheap, but they have a flat bottom that starts knocking hard at speed and doesn't hold its course well.
A more advanced version. NDMA This solution provides excellent wave germination and a comfortable landing, because the bottom acts as a shock absorber. However, at high speeds, such a bottom can bend, creating sailing, and when punctured, the boat turns into a trough, losing stability.
For those who want to buy a small fishing boat with an eye on active trolling or high-speed crossings, the ideal choice is to use the boat. NSAID It's a rigid plate that can be pumped up to 0.6-1 atmosphere, and it doesn't deform, it allows you to achieve high speeds and save fuel, but it adds a lot of weight to the structure.
When choosing a boat with a hard deck, look for a stringer attachment system (side profiles). Aluminum stringers are stronger and more durable than plastic ones, which can crack on a bend over time.
And we also have to keep in mind the hydrodynamic specifications. quilt (Longitudinal Redane at the bottom) is a must for a confident plane, and without it, the boat will scour the course, and it will be difficult to operate, especially in the lateral wind.
Train and motor: power calculation
Motor choice is a science based on mathematics. The transom of any boat has the maximum engine power that you can set. Exceeding this limit is dangerous: a boat can scoop up water overboard or flip over on a turn. Small boats (up to 3 meters) usually have enough engines with a power of 2 to 5 hp.
It is important to consider not only the power, but also engineweightTwo-stroke models are easier and easier to maintain, but require mixing gasoline with oil. Four-stroke engines are more economical, quieter and more environmentally friendly, but they are significantly heavier, which is critical for small craft. Incorrect weight calculation can lead to differentiation on the stern when the boat's nose is up and it stops planing.
Transportation of the engine also requires attention, gasoline and oil must be transported in special canisters that exclude leaks. In small boats, space for the fuel tank is often limited, so the compactness of the power plant comes to the fore.
| Motor type | Weight (roughly) | Fuel consumption | Noise |
|---|---|---|---|
| two-stroke 2.5 hp | 9-10 kg | Highly | High. |
| two-stroke 5bhp. | 19-21 kg | Medium. | Medium |
| four-stroke 2.5bhp | 13-15 kg | Low. | Low. |
| four-stroke 5bhp. | 24-27 kg | Low. | Low. |
Legal aspects: registration and rights
Many fishermen want to buy a small boat to avoid bureaucracy, and that is possible! According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation (Government Decree No. 834), registration in the GIMS is subject to small vessels weighing more than 200 kg (in running order) or with an engine capacity of more than 8 kW (about 10.88 hp).
This means that a bundle of boats up to 200 kg + motor up to 10 hp allows you to legally dispense with licenses, numbers and annual fees. However, this does not remove the responsibility for safety. You still have to have life jackets by number of people, a scoop and an anchor flounder.
It is worth remembering that the weight of the boat is considered to be in full running order: with the engine, battery, fuel tank and standard equipment installed. If you buy a heavy aluminum boat and a powerful engine, the amount can exceed the 200 kg threshold, and then registration will become mandatory.
The golden rule of legal fishing: choose a kit where the total weight of the boat, engine and batteries does not exceed 200 kg, and the engine power - 10 hp This will save you from annual trips to GIMS.
⚠️ Note: Even if your boat does not require registration, it is highly desirable to have on board documents proving ownership (checks, contracts), which will help to avoid problems when checking documents by the inspector on the water.
Checklist before purchase and completeness
Buying a boat is only half the battle, and you'll need a whole suite of extra equipment to go out on the water, and often the starter kits from the manufacturers are cut down, they may not have a pump, a remix, or a quality oar, so you have to be picky about the equipment.
Be sure to check availability cross-plate (if you plan to install a sonar or GPS sensor), the adhesive quality of the seams (they should be free of bubbles and glue leaks), and the reliability of the accessories. Cheap plastic holders for oars can burst at the first jerk.
☑️ What to check before paying
Don't forget to have accessories that make fishing comfortable, a proper design anchor (such as a cat or admiralty) weighing at least 1/10th of the displacement of the boat, a reliable anchor flounder and, of course, safety equipment. kit with adhesive that is relevant to the material of your boat (polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride).
Budget: Hidden expenses
The price tag in the store is not the total amount. When you buy a small boat, you have to budget for the necessary elements. Motor, battery, oil, gasoline, life jackets, anchor, pump, sonar - all this can increase the initial cost by 2-3 times.
The cost of service should also be considered. PVC boats They require periodic pumping, algae cleaning and proper storage (spread or semi-assembled). Aluminum models require anti-corrosion treatment and weld inspection. Consumables such as engine candles and fuel mixture are a constant expense item.
Savings on accessories
Trying to save on a pump and buy a cheap foot can result in you spending 40 minutes pumping the boat and getting tired even before you start fishing.
In the long run, a more expensive but quality boat from a proven brand (e.g., a boat with a high quality). Flagship, Poseidon, Badger) will be more advantageous than the cheap “nouneim”, which in two seasons will require replacement of fabric or repair of current seams.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How long should I choose a boat for two?
For comfortable fishing together, the optimal length is from 320 to 360 cm Smaller dimensions (280-300 cm) will be too close, and large (more than 380 cm) is already difficult to transport in the trunk of the sedan without removing seats.
Can I keep a boat in my garage in winter?
Yes, you can, but only in a heated room or at a temperature not lower than -5 ° C. In severe frost, PVC becomes fragile. In an unheated garage, it is better to keep the boat in a warm case or bring it home.
Do I need to let the air out of the boat into the sun?
When heated in the sun, the air in the cylinders expands, and the pressure can grow so much that it will tear the seams, and in hot weather, it is recommended to even blow the air a little before heading out on the water.
Which motor is better for trolling?
For trolling, four-stroke motors with a capacity of 5-9.9 hp are preferred. They provide stable traction at low revs, work quietly and do not require constant adjustment of the gas, unlike two-stroke analogues.