The decision to buy a small boat is often a turning point for waterwalkers, fishermen and hunters. A compact vessel offers access to overgrown reeds, shallow ducts and hard-to-reach places where a large boat can not get. However, the market is oversaturated with offers, and it is easy for a beginner to get confused about the specifications, materials and price categories.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what to pay attention to when choosing whether to save on the engine and how to properly store the boat in a city apartment. The right choice This will save you money and nerves in the future.
Many people mistakenly believe that a small boat is just a toy that doesn't require serious approach, and in fact, compact boats are the ones that have high demands on weight distribution and balancing. A little skewed. On a boat less than 3 meters long, it can lead to a critical roll, so you need to approach the purchase consciously.
Selection criteria: size and load capacity
The first thing to decide on is the dimensions: small boats are usually divided into single (up to 2 meters) and double (2.2-2.8 meters). For single fishing from the shore or from a small pier, a single model is ideal. It is lightweight, quickly assembled and takes up minimum space in the trunk of a car.
However, if you plan to bring equipment, sonar or spare fuel, it is better to consider the option with a margin in length. Load capacity data-sheet figures indicates the maximum load, but for comfortable and safe operation it is recommended to use only 70-80% of this value.
Pay attention to the height of the board. In a small boat, a low side can be a problem when you are excited or in a sharp movement. Water flowA squirting through a low side can quickly turn a walk into a struggle for survival, and the optimal height for small inflatable vessels is 35-40 cm.
- 🛶 Single models (up to 200 cm) - ideal for cruising in calm water and fishing "light".
- 🎣 Double options (220-280 cm) – a universal choice for a fisherman with a full set of equipment.
- ⚓ Height of cylinders A critical safety parameter that affects the stability and dryness inside.
Do not forget that the total load capacity includes the weight of not only passengers, but also the engine, battery, anchor and fuel. Real useful weight Often it is much less than the manufacturer declared, if you do not take into account the mass of attachments.
⚠️ Warning: Never exceed the manufacturer's stated passenger capacity, even if the boat seems stable on shore. In the water, the overloaded vessel loses its driving performance and becomes unmanageable.
Materials: PVC vs. Aluminium
When it comes to buying a small boat, the choice is between two basic materials: polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and aluminum alloys, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, which are especially noticeable when using small models.
Boats from PVC They're lightweight, they're not afraid of hitting rocky shores (within reasonable limits), and they're easily transported when folded. Oxford or HypalonThey are highly dense and resistant to UV light, but they require careful drying before packaging, or they may develop mold or unpleasant odor.
Aluminum boats (the Kazankas, the Ob) don't need to be pumped, they don't fear punctures, and they last for decades. But they have a serious disadvantage for small sizes: weight. A small aluminum boat can weigh more than an inflatable boat of similar size, making it difficult to carry and launch it alone.
An important aspect is repairability. PVC It's easy to seal in the field with a special remix that comes with it. Aluminum requires welding or special sealants, which is harder to do at home. For a beginner who is just learning to service his boat, an inflatable boat will be less of a problem in terms of minor repairs.
- 🔧 Repair of PVC Available at home with glue and patch.
- 🛡️ Resistance of aluminum High mechanical strength, but susceptibility to corrosion when improper care.
- 📦 Transportation PVC takes the place of a suitcase, aluminum requires a trailer or trunk on the roof.
It is also worth mentioning the operating temperature.below 10°CPVC becomes tougher and easier to damage when assembled, while aluminum retains its properties, but it is unpleasant to touch it without gloves in the cold.
Bottom design: slate, inflatable or Rib
The type of bottom directly affects the driving performance and comfort. In small boats, three options are most often found: soft inflatable floor, hard slate (plywood/aluminum) and high-pressure inflatable floor (HPD).
Soft bottoms are the lot of the most budget and lightweight models, and it's uncomfortable to sit on, it's hard to row, because some of the energy goes into deforming the body. Hard slate. It's a waterproof plywood or aluminum profile that makes it a lot more fluid-friendly, and it's a lot better course, it's a lot easier to accelerate, and you can fit a full seat.
The most advanced solution is the boats with NDMAThe bottom here is a high-pressure cylinder that is as rigid as plywood, but the boat remains fully inflatable, ideal for those who want comfort but don't want to carry heavy sheets of plywood, but these models are more expensive and take longer to assemble.
What is a kielson and why is it needed?
The keelson is a rigid beam that runs along the bottom of the boat, and it gives the hull a longitudinal rigidity, preventing the bottom from being deflected under the weight of passengers and the engine, and without the keelson, a hard-bottom boat can play on the wave, which reduces speed and comfort.
When choosing, consider how to attach the sleigh. Small boats often use a groove-comb system or simply stacking the sheets in their pockets. Aluminum profile It is more reliable and durable, but plywood is warmer and cheaper to replace when broken.
- 🌊 Soft bottom Minimum weight, but low comfort and poor handling.
- 🪵 Slate (plywood/aluminum) - the best coasting, the ability to install full seats.
- 💨 NDMA - a combination of rigidity and full inflatability, high comfort, but a high price.
⚠️ Attention: If you choose a boat with plywood bottom, be sure to specify the brand of plywood. For a water environment, only moisture-resistant plywood (FC or FSF) is suitable, the usual construction will quickly dissect.
Motor question: which engine to choose
Buying a small boat almost always involves the desire to install the engine. It is important to balance power and weight. For boats up to 2.5 meters long, the optimal motors are 2-3.5 hp. They are lightweight (less than 10 kg) and allow you to reach a speed of 8-12 km / h, which is enough to move.
More powerful motors (5 hp and above) require a larger body and transom, able to withstand the vibration and weight of the engine. Installing too powerful motor on a small "horse" can lead to a tip over when a sharp start or turn. Tranza It must be fixed and have the correct angle of inclination.
Electric motors are also worth considering. For a small boat, this is often the best solution. They are silent, they don't require gasoline, they don't soil things, they don't require complicated maintenance. You can charge the battery at home from an outlet. For fishing, where silence is important, the electric motor is the leader.
When choosing a motor, consider not only its power, but also the length of the lower unit. Small boats with low transoms need a short lower unit (S), otherwise the screw will be too deep to create resistance, or the engine will be difficult to fix.
Gasoline two-stroke engines are easier to maintain and lighter than four-stroke engines. For seasonal use (only in summer), two-stroke engines are preferred because of their lower weight and price. Four-stroke engines are more economical and quieter, but heavier, and require only horizontal (or roll-based) carriage, which is not always convenient in a small boat.
| Motor type | Weight (roughly) | Noise | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| petrol 2t | Light (6-10 kg) | High. | Simple (mixture with butter) |
| petrol 4t | Medium (12-15 kg) | Medium | Oil, filter replacements |
| Electro | Depends on the AKB. | Missing. | Charging the battery |
Safety and completeness
The small boat is a high-risk boat, because of the low side and the proximity of the water, so the safety issue is more acute than on large boats. Life jacket It should always be worn, regardless of the ability to swim and the depth of the reservoir.
The mandatory GIMS package includes a life jacket, anchor with a line, a scoop (for pumping water) and a repair kit. For a small boat, it is also critical to have a safety end (fail) attached to a transom or a dime. If you fall overboard while driving, the untethered boat will leave you in seconds.
☑️ Safety check before getting on the water
The anchor should not be neglected. On a small boat, the sailing is high, and even a slight breeze can quickly blow you into the fairway or into a danger zone. The anchor should weigh about 10% of the displacement of the boat. For inflatable models, it is convenient to use cat anchors or Dunforth anchors, which take up little space.
- 🦺 Vests - mandatory for all persons on board, the size must be appropriate to the weight.
- ⚓ Anchor system - the molt should be attached to the nasal pome, and not wound on the hand.
- 🔧 Remake Always be at hand, not lying in the closet at home.
⚠️ Warning: When you go out alone in a small boat, always tell someone on shore about your route and approximate return time. This rule can save lives.
Legal aspects and registration
The issue of registration of small vessels in the GIMS is often controversial. According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, boats weighing more than 200 kg (in running order) OR with a motor of more than 8 kW (about 10.88 hp) are subject to registration.
This means that a small inflatable boat weighing 30-50 kg with a 5 hp engine is registered. don'tYou can safely ride with proof of purchase (checks, contracts) to prove the origin of the vessel and the engine in case of inspection.
However, if you decide to put the engine above 10 hp or your boat is very heavy (for example, metal), registration is mandatory, in which case you will need to pass the M category (small motor craft) test and pay annual transport tax (if the boat is registered).
For most small PVC boats with engines up to 5-6 hp registration in GIMS is not required, which greatly simplifies ownership and reduces costs.
And remember, even on a small boat, it's illegal to go behind the signs of the navigation, to go in close proximity to the swimmers, to maneuver in places of mass recreation, and the penalties for violating the rules of navigation can be substantial.
Care and storage in the off-season
For a boat to last, it needs to be properly cared for. After every operation, especially in salt water or dirty water, the boat needs to be washed with fresh water. Sand and dirt, when dried, act as an abrasive, damaging the protective layer of the material.
Keeping an inflatable boat is better in a straightened or semi-folded form at room temperature. Prolonged storage in a tightly folded state (especially in the cold) can lead to cloth cloth cloth cloth and damage to adhesive seams. Perfect. Hang the boat in the garage or store in a large box in a straightened form.
Metal boats require corrosion protection, after the season, the chips of paint must be cleaned and coated with anti-corrosion compounds, and aluminum also suffers from electrochemical corrosion, especially if a motor or anchor of another metal has been left in the water.
- 🧼 Washing Use soft sponges, avoid aggressive chemicals.
- 🌡️ Temperature. Store PVC at a temperature of +5 to +25 ° C.
- 🛡️ Protection Use sprays with a UV filter to extend the life of the tissue.
Check the pressure in the cylinders regularly. A sun-pumped boat can burst at the seams, and a under-pumped boat can lose its driving performance and wear out faster. Use a gauge rather than relying on eye sensation.
Do I need to register a boat with a 3 hp engine?
No, no. Under the law, boats with an engine of more than 8 kW (about 10.88 hp) are subject to registration. The 3 hp engine (about 2.2 kW) does not require registration, regardless of the weight of the boat itself, if it is less than 200 kg.
How long does a PVC inflatable boat last?
When properly operated and stored, high-quality PVC lasts 10-15 years or more, and the service life depends on the frequency of use, storage conditions (UV protection) and the accuracy of the owner.
Can I swim in a small boat at night?
According to the rules, sailing in the dark requires the presence of side lights (top white, side red and green). On a small boat without electricity, this is difficult to implement, so night exits are not recommended without special equipment.
How to dry a boat after fishing?
The boat needs to be rinsed with fresh water, wiped dry with a cloth and left straightened in the shade for several hours until it is completely dry, you can not dry in direct sunlight, this can damage the glue and fabric.