Choosing a boat for an autonomous hike is always a compromise between strength and weight, and on the one hand, you want to take a reliable design that will withstand contact with rocks and driftwood, and on the other hand, you don't want to carry extra pounds on your shoulders. campboat It becomes the central element of equipment, which determines the success of the whole event.
The modern market offers many solutions, from classic inflatable PVC models to ultra-lightweight frame options. Hydrodynamics and loading capacity It's as much a part of the weight of the piece as the packaged piece, and a boat that's not properly selected can turn the alloy into torture, especially if the route involves frequent drag and drop.
In this article, we'll take a look at what you want to look at first, and you'll learn about the differences in materials, the designs, and the hidden nuances that are not talked about in stores, and a smart approach to choosing will save you energy and nerves on the water.
Criteria of choice: weight vs reliability
The first thing that a tourist encounters when looking at the catalogue is numbers: the weight of the boat in the package can range from 3 kg in ultralight models to 25 kg in full-fledged two-seater PVC boats. weightWhich you will have to carry with the boat.
If you're on a rugged river with many rapids, the ultralight fabric may not be able to withstand the stresses, and in these cases, the priority shifts to the density of the material and the presence of the material. floor-floor For calm lakes and quiet rivers, weight becomes the main criterion.
⚠️ Warning: Do not chase the minimum weight if you plan to raft on rocky rivers. Thin fabric 640 g/m2 can be pierced by a sharp stone when pulling a boat ashore, which will lead to an emergency away from civilization.
It is also important to understand the difference between the weight of a boat and the weight it can hold. Load capacity The weight of the crew plus the weight of the backpacks, plus the weight of the boat and the engine (if planned), the overloaded boat loses its ability and becomes dangerous.
Materials: PVC, TPU or rubberized fabric
The main battle is between polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and more modern composites. reinforced PVC It's still the gold standard because it's affordable and maintainable, and it's heavier, but it's perfectly shaped and it's resistant to abrasion.
For those who count every gram, there are boats from the TPU (thermopolyurethane)This material is 20-30% lighter than PVC and has better elasticity at low temperatures, but the cost of such models is much higher, and field repairs may require special glue.
Ultralight variants are often made from aircraft fabrics with impregnation resembling balloon material, they are incredibly lightweight, but require extremely careful treatment, and any spark from a fire or sharp branch can be fatal to such a design.
Secrets of the care of boat materials
PVC is afraid of ultraviolet radiation when stored for long periods, so after the season it is better to treat it with a protective spray. TPU, in turn, is sensitive to petroleum products - do not put the boat on asphalt or gasoline ground. Rubber fabrics (like the old Ufimka boats) are afraid of drying up and require storage in a moistened state or with talc.
When choosing a material, you should also consider its density. For a lightweight hiking boat, the optimal range is from 750 to 900 g / m2. Less density will save weight, but dramatically reduce the product’s life.
Design features: inflatable vs frame
There are two main camps of tourists-watermen: fans of fully inflatable designs and adherents of frames. Inflatable boat It's a great advantage in assembly speed and compactness, and you can inflate it without a pump, just by breathing, although it takes time.
Frame boats, such as popular nerl or solarisThey have a hard set that gives the body an excellent seaworthinessThey're better at steering, they're less sailing, they dry out faster, but it takes 20 to 40 minutes to assemble a vessel like this, which can be a critical factor at night.
The low-pressure inflatable floor (LDPB) provides excellent comfort and cross-country performance, but adds weight. Removable plywood or aluminum floorboard makes the boat stiffer, but increases the volume of the backpack and the risk of wetting wood.
☑️ Checking the boat before buying
An important element of the design is flat-barLight boats are often absent to save weight, but they protect the cylinders when in contact with the shore.
Comparison of popular models for hiking
To make it easier to choose, we compared some popular models that have proven themselves in real-world conditions, and the data in the table is relevant for basic trim levels without attachments.
| Model | Weight (kg) | Length (cm) | Load capacity (kg) | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frigate M-2 | 16.5 | 240 | 220 | PVC 900 g/m2 |
| Hunter 240 | 19.0 | 240 | 250 | PVC 900 g/m2 |
| Solaris K-2 (framework) | 14.0 | 320 | 200 | TPU/Aluminum |
| WinBoat 240R | 13.5 | 240 | 200 | PVC 750 g/m2 |
| Aqua 190 | 9.5 | 190 | 150 | PVC 650 g/m2 |
As you can see from the table, frame models can be lighter than their PVC counterparts at longer length. packaging The frames are always bigger because of the rigid elements. For cruising with a car drop, this is not critical, but for a long cruising and water tour group, this can be a problem.
Model series Aqua or WinBoat They're very compact, but their short length makes them vulnerable to wavelengths. frigate They are universal, but require two for comfortable carrying along the shore.
When buying a used boat, be sure to check the state of the seams for bursting load. Old glue could lose its properties, and the balloon can disperse under water pressure, even if there are no visual holes.
Equipment and accessories for light boat
The boat itself is only half the success, and a full hike requires a set of accessories that are often overlooked in terms of weight. Anchor rum And a strong phalanx is a must, even if you don't plan to fish from the anchor, and stopping at the current without anchor is a challenge.
The pump is another critical element. For light boats with small cylinders, a frog or even a hand-held foot pump is often enough. double-pump Or electric, which requires a power bank.
Don't forget about protection. transom wheels Hiking is not necessary, it only makes the structure heavier, but the repair kit, the perimeter liner rope and the safety ends should always be at hand.
⚠️ Warning: Never use household adhesives (such as Moment or superglue) to repair PVC in water; they are not elastic and will detach when the cylinder is deformed first; use only two-component polyurethane adhesives designed for PVC.
Heavy items (water supplies, canned food) should be placed closer to the center and lower to the bottom to reduce the center of gravity and increase the stability of the vessel.
Transportation and storage on the hike
The logistics of moving a boat over land is often underestimated. Unless you have special backpack straps, carrying an inflated vessel on your shoulder is extremely inconvenient - it sails and disrupts the rhythm of cruising. The optimal strategy for a drag is to carry the boat packed, not inflated.
In hot climates, you have to be careful with the pressure in the cylinders. In the sun, the air expands. pressure This can lead to the rupture of the seams, in which case it is recommended to blow some air or cover the boat with an awning.
Overnight, it requires proper drying. Even if the boat seems dry, there is moisture between the layers of fabric and the floorboard, drying and airing is a mandatory procedure to prevent mold and unpleasant odors from appearing, which are difficult to get rid of.
Proper drying and packaging of the boat during the hike increases its service life by 2-3 times and prevents decay of the fabric in conditions of high humidity.
Use seals to store things inside the boat. Even in the best boat, there is always a risk of splashing or scooping up a wave. Dry things and sleeping bags should be protected.
Can I use a light boat with an engine?
You can use the engine, but with limitations. Light boats are usually designed for engines up to 3-5 hp. Installing a more powerful engine will create an excess load on the transom and stern, which can lead to breakdown. In addition, the weight of the engine and gasoline will significantly reduce the payload.
What kind of boat repairs can you really do on the trip?
In the field, it is possible to glue a small cut or puncture, for this purpose, the remix should include: a piece of PVC fabric, a degreaser and two-component glue, large tears or valve damage during the hike is almost impossible to eliminate without special equipment and time for polymerization of the glue (at least 24 hours).
How long does a lightweight boat last?
The service life depends on the intensity of operation and maintenance. When used carefully and stored in the shade, a quality PVC boat lasts 7-10 years. Frame models can last for decades, since only the shell can be replaced, and the frame (aluminum, titanium) is almost eternal.
Do I need to register a light boat in GIMS?
According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, registration is subject to small vessels weighing more than 200 kg (in running order) or with an engine capacity of more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp). Light cruise boats weighing up to 15-20 kg with low-power engines or without them do not require registration, but to have documents confirming the purchase, it is recommended.