The decision to buy a swimmer on the secondary market is often dictated by the desire to save money or find a model discontinued. flyboat But buying used equipment is always a lottery, where the winning is the quality product, and the losing is a leaky cylinder that requires expensive repairs.
Unlike rigid housing, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) has the property of aging, and even with careful storage, the material may lose its physical properties. buy a booboatIt is important to understand what to look for, so as not to turn fishing into a fight against leaks, and in this article we will discuss the technical nuances, hidden defects and the real reasons why owners part with their property.
Many beginners make the mistake of relying solely on the appearance of cylinders, forgetting about the squirt It's 15 to 20 minutes, but it's going to save your budget from the unexpected, and let's look at how to tell a really good deal from a cat in a bag.
The benefits and risks of buying a used boat
The main motivation for finding used options is price. Often you can find offers where boat It's sold at a price of a Chinese equivalent in the budget segment, and it allows you to access quality materials, such as reinforced materials. PVC density of 1100-1200 g / m2, which in the new state is much more expensive.
But the risks are substantial: Hidden microcracks, weary glue at the seams, or deformed transoms can become fatal far from shore. The service life of high-quality PVC is 10-15 years, but only if properly stored. If the boat lay in the sun for years or in an unheated garage with temperature changes, its life could be exhausted long before the sale.
Another important aspect is the equipment: when you buy a new product, you get a warranty and a full set of accessories. In the case of a used market, you depend on the honesty of the seller. Often, along with the boat, you pass repaired sections that can be performed poorly, and it is important to be able to distinguish between professional repairs in the workshop and artisanal patches made on the knee.
Critical points of inspection: seams and valves
The first thing to look at when you look at the seams is the state of the seams, which are the most vulnerable places in any inflatable structure, and visually assess whether there is any tissue detachment, glue bloating, or color change at the joints, and if you see the seam floating or emitting a strong chemical smell, that's a sure sign of a violation of glue technology or the use of poor-quality glue.
Pay special attention They should sit tightly, without skewing. Try to push them with your hand — if the valve walks or is sliding into the cylinder, then the seat is deformed or the glue around it has dried up. Valve replacement is a responsible procedure that requires special equipment and skills, so defects in this area can be a reason for refusing to buy.
Be sure to check the boat inflated, leave it for a few hours (ideally for a day) at room temperature, if during this time the pressure has dropped significantly and there are no external punctures, then the problem is the micropores of the material or leaky valves, inflated to the operating pressure specified in the data sheet, but not pumped, so as not to cause the old seams to rupture during the inspection.
⚠️ Warning: If you hear the characteristic crackling of the glue when inflating, or if you see the reinforcement threads diverge at the folding points, you should not buy, this indicates a critical wear of the material that cannot be repaired.
Diagnosis of the bottom and transtop plate
Bottom condition is the second most important parameter after the tightness of cylinders: In boats with low pressure inflatable floor (LDP) or high pressure (HDPD), there are often problems with hershels (internal partitions). If the boat was long folded, the folds could form crevices, which eventually turn into cracks.
The trayboard (trans) carries the main load from the outboard motor. In used boats, it often dissects, especially if the plywood was not properly protected or the boat was used in salt water. Check the edges of the transom: if the plywood is blackened or soft to the touch, such a plywood is a silk. graffiti It can not withstand a powerful engine and can burst at full speed.
☑️ Bottom and transom test
If you're looking at a model with a hard deck (floorboard), check each section. Aluminum profiles should not have strong dents, and plywood sheets should have layering. The violin floor is not just discomfort, it's a sign that the locking joint is worn out, and the tightness of the cylinders in the areas of contact with the decking may be compromised.
Table: Comparison of materials and their wear resistance
Understanding the differences in materials will help you assess the status of the boat faster, and different types of fabrics behave differently in operation and aging.
| Type of material | Average service life | Vulnerability | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC reinforced (1100 g/m2) | 10-15 years | UV radiation, punctures | Low. |
| PVC reinforced (800-900 g/m2) | 5-8 years | Erasure, stretching | Low. |
| Hypalon (Hypalon) | 20+ years | Oils, fuels. | High (needs special glue) |
| Tent fabric (PVC coating) | 3-5 years | The rotting of threads, the sun | Medium |
As you can see from the table, the most common reinforced PVC It has a good balance of price and durability, but cheap models of awning fabric, even in good appearance, may no longer be suitable for active use due to rotting of the reinforcement mesh inside.
How to check the quality of glue on the seams?
Take a white napkin moistened with acetone or alcohol and wipe the seam lightly (in an inconspicuous place). If the napkin is left with sticky traces of glue or the fabric begins to stick, then the glue has lost its properties and the seam can disperse at any time.
Legal aspects and documents
Buying a boat from hand requires careful treatment of documents. In Russia, small craft are subject to registration in the GIMS if their weight of equipment exceeds 200 kg or engine power exceeds 8 kW (10.8 hp). If you buy a boat that has already been registered, the seller is obliged to provide you with a certificate-invoice or a contract of sale, as well as remove the vessel from the register.
Lack of documentation can create problems when registering in your name, especially if the boat has a factory number that does not match the data in the database, or if the previous owner did not pay transport tax. boat registration certificate or a technical data sheet for reconciliation of numbers.
If the boat is homemade or its documents are lost, it will be extremely difficult and expensive to register it, as it will require an examination in the shipping inspection, which is often economically impractical for a used product.
⚠️ Warning: Never buy a boat without a serial number (VIN) stamped on a transom or cylinder. The lack of marking makes it impossible to legally register and register, which threatens fines and confiscation of the vessel when inspected on water.
Pricing: Where is the margin of profit?
The market dictates its own rules, and the price of a used boat is usually 40-60% of the cost of a new similar model. If the seller asks for 70-80% of the store price for a three-year boat, this offer is meaningless, unless it is a rare collector's model or a boat in perfect condition with minimal coasting.
A price drop below 30 percent of the market price should be alarming, and the cheapness is often due to hidden defects: numerous repairs, burnt-out color, loss of balloon geometry. Repair of the cylinder In a specialized workshop, it can cost up to half the cost of the boat itself, so a “cheap” purchase can be expensive.
Use ad services wisely: filter offers by date. Boats put up for sale in early spring (March-April) are often sold by more adequate people planning upgrades. Autumn sales (October-November) are more often associated with the need to get rid of property, which can hide problems.
Trading is always appropriate, especially if you see scuffles on cylinders or the lack of attachments (seats, fishing rod holders, anchor rifts), an argumentative bargain based on real shortcomings helps bring down the price by 10-15%.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I restore the boat if it has been in the sun for a long time?
If the UV light has caused a change in color (whitening) and cracks on the surface of PVC, the material cannot be repaired. The polymers are destroyed irreversibly. If only the color has burned out, but the fabric structure is preserved, the boat can be used, but its strength is already reduced.
What is the best way to repair a used boat at home?
A two-part polyurethane adhesive is required for quality repairs. Single-part adhesives are only suitable for temporary leak removal. Before buying a boat, find out what glue it has been repaired with before, as different compositions may not be compatible.
Should I buy a boat without documents?
Buying a boat without documents is only possible if you plan to use it on water bodies that do not require registration (small ponds, private areas), or if you are ready for a complex legalization procedure through the court and examination.
How often should I change the valves on a used boat?
Valve life depends on the intensity of operation. On average, rubber valve seals require replacement every 5-7 years. If the valve poisons the air even after tight twisting, it is mandatory to replace it before going to water.
Does the color of the boat affect its durability?
Yes, dark colors (gray, green, camouflage) heat up more in the sun, which accelerates the degradation of glue in the seams. Light boats are less susceptible to thermal expansion, but they are more noticeable dirt. When buying used boats dark color inspection of the seams should be given special attention.
Buying a used boat is justified if you are willing to take the time to thoroughly diagnose, the main rule is that it is better to overpay 20% for a proven option than to save and get a leaky tank in the middle of a reservoir.
In conclusion, the used inflatable boat market is full of opportunities for resourceful anglers. Knowledge of technical features, ability to read “traces of exploitation” and understanding of legal nuances will help you to get a better understanding of the technical aspects of the game. buy a booboatIt's a system that will last for years to come, and you take your time, and you test every inch of the surface, and you demand a trial pump, and that's the only way you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe while you're on the water.