Small-scale fishing vessels are in a real renaissance, and among the many proposals stands out the 3 Sharks, which is not just another inflatable PVC model, but a specific tool designed for those who value maneuverability and compactness. Fishermen often argue about the justification for using such miniature vessels in real-world water conditions.
Many people believe that inflatable This size is suitable only for calm lakes or ponds, but it's been shown that when properly operated and safely maintained, it can work wonders even on the current, and it's important to understand that this craft has its own unique features that are very different from the classic two-seater boats.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects of owning such a vessel, from the technical specifications to the nuances of transportation. compactness It can be the main trump card in the arsenal of a lone fisherman, and what hidden risks exist during operation.
Design features and materials
The basis of durability of any boat is in the materials. The boat 3 Sharks is traditionally made of reinforced water. PVC It's not the thin material that's used in children's pools, but a serious layered fabric that's resistant to puncture and ultraviolet, and manufacturers often use a five- or seven-layer material to provide a safety margin.
The design of the bottom deserves special attention. Depending on the modification, you can use a low-pressure inflatable floor (LDPB) or plywood plywood plywood. The first option gives incredible comfort when rowing, because you are actually sitting on the water, but loses in hardness for an outboard motor. hydrodynamicsBut it adds weight to the assembly.
⚠️ Warning: When choosing a plywood-bottomed model, be sure to check the quality of moisture-resistant plywood. Cheap varieties can dissipate after the first season of active use on the water.
Seams in high-quality products are made by hot gluing, which makes them sealed and durable. Cold gluing Cylinders are often divided into several independent compartments, which is a critical safety element.
Before the first assembly, be sure to treat the seams with a special formulation to protect against drying out, even if the manufacturer claims that this is not necessary.
Dimensions, load capacity and capacity
The main question that interests the potential owner is: how many people and cargo will the boat 3 Sharks withstand? Formally, it is classified as a single, but in practice, it often tries to fit two. loading capacity It usually ranges from 150 to 180 kg, including the weight of the boat, engine, fuel and fisherman.
The actual payload is much smaller than the passport, and if you subtract the weight of the boat (about 20-25 kg) and the engine (10-15 kg), then the share of the fisherman and equipment is not much. Overloading This leads to a decrease in the height of the board above the water, which makes the boat vulnerable to flooding by a wave.
For clarity, compare the parameters of different modifications in the table:
| Model | Length (cm) | Width (cm) | Load capacity (kg) | Boat weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Mini Sharks | 185 | 95 | 150 | 14 |
| 3 Sharks Standard | 210 | 105 | 180 | 19 |
| 3 Sharks Suite | 230 | 110 | 220 | 24 |
| 3 Tandem Sharks | 260 | 115 | 280 | 29 |
As the data shows, even the largest version will have a hard time pulling two adult men with a full set of gear, and the best use case is one fisherman with a minimum set of gear. Security It should always be a priority to want more things.
Compatibility with motors and attachments
The issue of motorization is especially acute for such compact vessels. The boat 3 Sharks is usually equipped with a transcension designed for motors with a capacity of up to 3.5-5 hp Installation of a more powerful unit does not make sense due to restrictions on the use of the engine. load capacity and manageability.
The best choice will be lightweight two-stroke models weighing up to 10 kg. They allow you to reach a speed of about 10-15 km / h, which is quite enough to move between fishing points. troll-engine They are also a great option, especially for quiet hunting for pike or perch.
The attachments are mounted on special liner cables or hinged bars, where you can attach the sonar, rod holders and anchor system, but it is worth remembering that every extra kilogram on board reduces the buoyancy reserve.
☑️ Check before installing the engine
Assembly, transport and storage
One of the main advantages of the model is its portability: when deflated, it can easily fit into a backpack or a small bag, which allows it to be transported in the trunk of a passenger car or even on public transport. Assembly It takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on the owner’s experience.
The pumping process is best done with a foot or electric pump, controlling pressure with a pressure gauge. Pumped cylinders in the sun can burst, and under-pumped cylinders can deform under load. Store the product in an unstretched form or in a free roll, avoiding clamps.
Winter storage requires special attention. PVC material does not like extremely low temperatures, becoming brittle. It is best to leave the boat in a heated room or garage. If this is not possible, use it. heat-skin or insulation.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a pumped boat in direct sunlight for long periods of time, and the air pressure inside the cylinders increases, which can cause the seams to rupture.
Secrets of compact packaging
To keep the boat as small as possible, pump out the air in stages, first release 70 percent of the air, fold the sides, then remove the air residue, and avoid pocketing air.
Water behaviour and management
The handling of boat 3 Sharks depends on the load and condition of the water surface, it behaves predictably and steadily in calm water, but with winds of more than 5 m / s, the sailing of inflatable tubes becomes a serious problem. drift It can be so strong that it is impossible to row against the wind.
for an outboard motor, the boat requires careful handling. Sharp turns at high speed can lead to overkill, especially if the fisherman shifts the center of gravity. Low side means that any wave from the passing boat must meet with the nose or at an angle, but not on board.
To improve performance, many owners install keels or inflatable keels, which gives the bottom a stability profile that allows the boat to scour side to side without the keel, especially when it's going against the wave.
Boat 3 Sharks are ideal for solo fishing up to 300 meters from the shore, and access to open water on such a vessel is strictly not recommended without a life jacket and experience.
Frequent breakdowns and ways to eliminate them
Like any technique, the 3 Sharks are subject to wear and tear, and the most common problem is the etching of air through the valves, which can be easily solved by replacing the sealing rings or cleaning the valve group from sand and dirt. lantern.
Punctures and cuts are inevitable evils. To fix them, usually a remix is included. It is important to use glue compatible with PVC material (most often two-component polyurethane), the gluing places should be defatted and cleaned.
Seed failure is a more serious problem, often due to a breakdown in production or storage technology, and if the seam starts to diverge, self-repair may not have a long-term effect and professional gluing in the workshop is required.
Always take a piece of cloth and glue with you on a fishing trip, and even a microscopic puncture left unattended can turn a pleasant walk into an emergency in the middle of a body of water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I put on a boat 3 Sharks engine more powerful than 5 hp?
Technically, it's possible, but it's extremely dangerous. Increased power will lead to overloading of the transom, loss of handling and a high risk of rollover. Passport speeds rarely exceed 15 km/h, and more power is simply not needed.
Can the boat hold two adult men?
In statics, maybe if both passengers are lightweight, but dynamically, when moving or excited, the buoyancy will be exhausted, the sides will fall on the water, and the risk of sinking will become critical. This is a vessel for one.
Which pump is best used for pumping?
The best option is a two-stage frog-type foot pump or a battery-powered compact electric pump, and it is important to be able to control pressure so that the cylinders are not damaged.
Do I need to register such a boat in the GIMS?
According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, boats with a curbed hull weight of more than 200 kg or with an engine capacity of more than 8 hp (15 hp in some interpretations, but a reference point of 8 hp for engines) are subject to registration. Since the weight of the boat 3 Sharks is much less than 200 kg, and the engines are set weak, registration is usually not required, but the rules may change.