Choosing a reliable boat for fishing or family vacation on the water often leads to a comparison of different models of PVC. boat Afalun 255It's a model that's proven to be a versatile option for all types of water, and it's a model that's not only very affordable, but also very thoughtful, that makes you feel safe in both calm and turbulent water.
In this review, we will take a look at all aspects of the operation of this boat, from materials to upgrade capabilities. bottlenose 255 It has been popular in the market for many years, despite the emergence of new competitors, and understanding the technical nuances will help you make an informed decision about buying or competently service an existing vessel.
It is important to note that proper use and timely maintenance significantly extend the life of the product. The operating pressure in the cylinders of the model is 0.25 atm, which is the standard for inflatable boats of this class.Exceeding this value can lead to deformation of the seams, and underestimation - to loss of stiffness and driving qualities.
Technical specifications and construction of the body
The basis of reliability of any inflatable boat is the quality of materials and the thoughtfulness of engineering solutions. bottlenose bottlenose 255 It's made of a dense, five-layer reinforced PVC that's resistant to ultraviolet, gasoline, oils and mechanical damage, and this material structure is durable even when it's in heavy use under difficult conditions.
The cylinder design includes hinge bars around the perimeter, not just a decorative element, but an important detail that protects the sides from abrasion against the pier or stones, and the hinge bar serves as a convenient point when going ashore, allowing you to avoid dirty clothes and maintain balance.
The system deserves special attention. bottom (NDN) Unlike the pile-up designs, it doesn't require complex flooring assembly, which greatly speeds up the descent preparations, and the inflated bottom creates an air cushion that extinguishes the shocks to the waves and provides excellent germination even with low-power engines.
- 🚤 Dimensions: Length 255 cm, width 125 cm, internal size of the cockpit 185x55 cm.
- ⚖️ Weight: The total weight of the kit is about 28-30 kg, which allows you to transport the boat in the trunk of a passenger car.
- 👥 Capacity: Designed for 2-3 people, load capacity up to 220 kg.
⚠️ Attention: When pumping cylinders in hot weather in the sun, monitor the pressure. The air tends to expand when heated, which can lead to rupture of the seams if you initially pump the boat "to the point" in a cool room.
Features of the inflatable floor (NDN) and rigidity
Use of technology High Pressure Air Floor In the 255, you can achieve stiffness comparable to plywood floorboard, but with weight gain and build speed, and the bottom is made up of many vertical threads that keep the cylinders from swelling to the sides under pressure, keeping them flat.
The rigidity of the structure is also ensured by the presence of two inflatable seats-cans and a tanning board. The transom is made of moisture-resistant plywood, lined with plastic, and has a rigid fixation in the aft, which allows you to install motors with a capacity of up to 5 hp without the risk of deformation of the mounting.
However, it is worth considering that the inflatable floor is more sensitive to sharp objects at the bottom of the reservoir than aluminum or plywood floorboard. Puncture can be obtained by abruptly pulling the boat onto a rocky shore or stumbling into a snag, so it is recommended to use protective linings or carefully choose a parking place.
The secret to NDN rigidity
Inside the bottom cylinder are thousands of reinforcing threads connecting the top and bottom walls, and when pumped, they are pulled together to create a "string" effect, which ensures that the floor is flat without deflection under the weight of passengers.
Package and ergonomics of the cockpit
Interior space bottlenose bottlenose 255 It's organized as efficiently as possible for its size, with two inflatable seats that allow passengers to be comfortably seated without having to rely on the sides, and the seats are attached to special liners, which prevents them from moving while driving.
There are pockets on the inside of the cylinders to store gear and personal effects, although small, there is plenty of room for a phone, keys or a small box of baits, and there is often a carry handle and air venting valve in the nose.
The ergonomics of the motor control are also well thought out: the tiller thrust does not affect the cylinders due to the optimal height of the transom (38 cm or 50 cm depending on the modification), which allows the use of both standard two-stroke and four-stroke engines of low power.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Full length | 255 cm | With the inflated nose in mind. |
| Full width | 125 cm | Maximum cylinder width |
| Diameter of the cylinder | 32 cm | Provides good stability |
| Boat weight | 28 kg | No motor or gear. |
Motor installation and driving performance
Boat. bottlenose 255 It's perfectly combined with 2 to 5 hp petrol engines or electric traction engines. With a 3.5 hp engine, the boat is confidently glides with one passenger, reaching speeds of up to 20-22 km/h.
When installing the engine, it is important to choose the right daywheel. Too deep fitting the screw will create excessive resistance, and too high will lead to air capture and cavitation. The optimal depth of immersion of the anti-cavitation plate is 1-2 cm below the bottom level when driving.
The wave is judged by the owners to be good for this class, and the wide cylinders effectively extinguish the spray, and the soft inflatable floor smooths the impacts, but remember that this is not a keel boat, but a flat-bottom, so the stability of the course can decrease in the high wave.
- 🚀 planing: It comes quickly, with a minimum of thrust.
- 🌊 Sustainability: High due to its width and low center of gravity.
- 🔄 Maneuverability: Excellent at low speeds, planing requires getting used to the turning radius.
⚠️ Warning: Never exceed the maximum recommended engine power specified in the data sheet. Installation of the engine 6 hp and above on the transatlan 255th model can lead to breakage of the transom board and loss of control.
Tuning and refinement for fishing
Many owners do not stop at the factory configuration and carry out tuning One of the most popular improvements is to install additional straps to hold the sonar or spinning holders, which allows you to free your hands and focus on the fishing process.
Storage is also often upgraded, and installing a sealed seat box in the nose instead of an inflatable can can can can can increase the load capacity and protect things from water, and some craftsmen attach PVC-based packs to the timber.
To protect the bottom from punctures during frequent landings on unknown shores, many people buy or sew a protective skirt of denser material on their own, which is especially true if you plan to use the boat not only on clean reservoirs, but also on wild rivers with rocky bottoms.
When you install the sonar, use a flexible mount on a suction cup or suction tube that can be quickly removed. The rigid fixation of the sensor on the transom can transmit the vibration of the motor to the screen, distorting the readings.
Care, storage and repair DIY
Durability bottlenose bottlenose 255 After each operation, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, removing sand, silt and fish mucus residues, and drying must be done in the shade, in a straightened state, to prevent mold from forming inside the valves.
Keeping the boat folded up, but not overstretched, at room temperature, and the extreme temperature and freezing temperatures make the PVC fragile, and if the boat is stored in the garage in winter, let it warm up before pumping.
In the case of a puncture, repairs don't require complex equipment, but a remix with a piece of PVC fabric and glue, the surface is cleaned, degreased and glued under the load, and it's important to use a special glue for PVC, not universal compounds that can eat the material.
☑️ Seasonal boat preparation
Comparison with competitors and final conclusions
In the face of competitors such as Flagship or hunterThe A bottlenose 255 is a win-win model, lighter than many plywood floors and easier to build, but smaller than the larger ones (320, 360), it is limited in terms of load capacity and passenger numbers.
This boat is the perfect choice for solo fishing, dog walks or water safety education for children, and it doesn't require a powerful vehicle to transport or large storage spaces in an apartment.
In summary, it can be said that bottlenose 255 It's a time-tested workhorse for small bodies of water, and it lasts for years, giving owners the positive emotions of water.
Can I use the boat Afalina 255 in the sea?
Use in marine conditions is possible only in calm weather and near the shore. Salt water is aggressive to metal fittings and glue, so after the sea the boat needs to be washed especially carefully. For the open sea, this model is not designed due to the low height of the board and the lack of a full-fledged keel.
Which glue is best for repair?
Two-component polyurethane adhesives (such as Kleyberg or specialty adhesives from boat manufacturers) are the best choice, creating an elastic seam that withstands pumping strains and temperature changes, and cyanacrylate-based adhesives ("superglue") cannot be used, making the seam stiff and brittle.
How long does the glue dry during repair?
The polymerization time depends on the air temperature. At +20°C, the initial grip takes about 20-30 minutes, but the seam is fully strong after 24 hours. It is not recommended to pump the boat immediately after repair, it is better to let it stand for a day.
Boat A bottlenose 255 is the optimal balance between mobility, cost and functionality for 1-2 people, ideal for beginners and single fishermen.