Boat. Badger 390 from a Russian manufacturer Bajer-Marin It has long been one of the most popular models among outdoor water enthusiasts, and this versatile PVC boat, 3.9 meters long, is ideal for fishing and family trips, combining strength, maneuverability and affordable price. Badger 390 It is developed taking into account the Russian realities: it withstands sharp temperature changes, is not afraid of shallow water and is easily transported on the roof of a passenger car.

What makes this boat so popular? First, the optimal ratio. size and load capacity At a length of 3.9 m, it is able to take on board up to 550 kg (depending on the modification). Badger 390 complete plywoodAnd the third thing is that it's adapted to motors with a power up to the top. 20-30 hpThis allows you to develop speed up to 40-50 km/h It's good enough for most tasks, but there are some nuances to be aware of before you buy, and then we'll go through all the key aspects, from the specifications to the actual feedback from the owners.

Technical specifications Badger 390What you need to know before buying

Basic parameters of the boat Badger 390 Depends on the modification (standard, Luxury., turbo or Profi.The following is a summary table for the basic version, which is most common:

Parameter Meaning
Length, mm 3900
Width, mm 1650
Height of the side, mm 550
Mass (without motor), kg 55–65 (depending on the configuration)
Max, engine power, hp. 20–30 (Recommended up to 25 hp)
Load capacity, kg 500–550
Number of cans 3 or 4 (option)

Particular attention is paid to the material of the body. Badger 390 made PVC tissue density of 750–900 g/m2 For comparison, most budget Chinese boats rarely exceed this figure. 650 g/m2The denser tissue provides:

  • 🛡️ Increased resistance to puncture (for example, from branches or sharp stones).
  • 🔥 Resistance to UV radiation - the boat burns less in the sun.
  • ❄️ Frost resistance before -30°CThis is important for winter fishing.

However, there is also the downside: due to the high density of the tissue. Badger 390 weight 5-10 kg This is a good idea when transporting, especially if you plan to often carry a boat alone.

📊 What engine do you use with the Badger 390?
Up to 10 hp.
10 to 20 hp.
20-30 hp
Electric motor
No motor yet.

Components and modifications: which one to choose?

The manufacturer offers several options Badger 390We're going to look at the basics, the different equipment and the price.

  1. Badger 390 Standard - basic version with a minimum set of accessories.
    • 🛶 Tent shelter (option).
    • 🪑 Two plywood seats.
    • 🔧 Remake and pump complete.

    Suitable for those who want to save money and are ready to buy accessories separately.

  2. Badger 390 Luxury - Improved version c:
    • 🪑 Aluminum cans (stronger and more durable than plywood).
    • 🛠️ Reinforced motor-mounted transom to 30 hp.
    • 🎣 Holders for rods and a box for gear.

The best choice for fishermen who appreciate comfort.

  • Badger 390 Turbo/Profi - top modifications with:
    • 🚤 Reinforced keel for better handling on the wave.
    • 🔋 Electrical wiring for lighting and sonar.
    • 🛡️ Additional layers of PVC at the bottom (protection against abrasive).

      • Ideal for extreme conditions or professional use.

    It is worth noting that in 2023, the manufacturer updated the lineup, adding a modification Badger 390 Profi+ with integrated cup holders and USB ports for charging gadgetsThis version is especially popular among young owners who like to combine fishing with outdoor recreation.

    ⚠️ Attention! When choosing a modification, pay attention to transnecularIn the basic version, it is 25 mmeh Luxury/Turbo — 32-38 mmThis is critical if you're planning on installing a more powerful engine. 20 hp The thin transom can deform over time.

    Pros and cons Badger 390: fair-mindedness

    Like any boat, Badger 390 We analyzed the owner feedback (more than 200 posts on forums and social networks) and identified key points.

    Advantages:

    • 💪 Strength - withstands collisions with heaters and small punctures without critical damage.
    • 🚗 Convenience of transportation - folded is placed in the trunk of the station wagon or on the roof of the sedan.
    • 💰 Price/quality cheaper than analogues from Flagship or corvette with comparable specifications.
    • 🔧 Repairability - patches and glue for PVC are easy to find in any store.
    • 🌊 Good seaworthiness For its class, it is stable on the wave to 0.5 m.

    Disadvantages:

    • ⚖️ Weight. It is heavier than Chinese analogues. 5-10 kgThis makes it difficult to carry alone.
    • 🔊 Noise - above speed 30 km/h The bottom begins to "slap" on the water (solved by installing an additional keel).
    • 🛠️ Weak transom in the basic version It can be under the motors from 25 hp.
    • 🎨 Scarce colour scheme - mostly gray and green, unlike the bright colors of competitors.

    Interesting fact: many owners note that after Seasons 2-3 The PVC fabric becomes more elastic, and the boat gets used to the owner, which reduces noise and improves handling, and this is because the material is "shortened" under loads.

    💡

    The Badger 390 is the best choice for beginners due to the balance of price, strength and maintainability. However, for high-speed trips or engines over 25 hp, it is better to consider the modifications of the Luxor Turbo.

    Comparison with competitors: Badger 390 vs Flagship 380 vs Corvette 390

    To assess objectively Badger 390Compare it to the two main competitors in the long boat segment. 3.8–4.0 m:

    Parameter Badger 390 Flagship 380 Corvette 390
    Density of PVC, g/m2 750–900 850 700
    Max, engine power, hp. 30 (Lux) 25 20
    Weight, kg 55–65 50–58 48–55
    Price (base), thousand rubles. 120–150 140–170 100–130
    Features Reinforced keel in Turbo, aluminum cans in Suite Easy on me. 5-10 kgbut less durable transmolant The lightest and cheapest, but PVC is thinner

    The table shows that Badger 390 It is in an intermediate position: it is stronger. corvetteheavier Flagship.The main advantage is that possibility of installing the motor up to 30 hp (in the Luxury version, while competitors are limited) 20-25 hpThis makes it more versatile for everything from quiet fishing to active cruising.

    However, if it is critical to you weight (For example, you often carry a boat alone), it is worth looking at the Corvette 390And if you want maximum strength and you don't mind overpaying. Flagship 380 PVC 850 g/m2 It will be safer on difficult routes.

    Which brand to choose for extreme conditions?

    If you plan to operate a boat on rivers with rapids or in coastal areas with a wave of more than 0.5 m, it is better to consider the boat. Flagship 380 or Badger 390 TurboThe latter has a reinforced keel and additional protection of the bottom, which reduces the risk of punctures. Corvette 390 In such conditions, it will last less because of the thinner PVC.

    Operation and maintenance: how to extend the life of the boat

    Term of service Badger 390 It depends on proper care, and here are the key recommendations from experienced owners:

    Wash with fresh water after each exit on salt water | Store in decomposed form or on a special rack | Check the pressure in the cylinders before each trip (norm: 250-300 mbar) | Apply PVC protective spray 2 times a season | Avoid prolonged storage under direct sunlight->

    Pay special attention winter-storageMany people make the critical mistake of stowing the boat for a long time in a folded form, which leads to:

    • 🔹 Deformation of the seams (due to constant pressure at the places of folding).
    • 🔹 Loss of PVC elasticity (material "remembers" folds).
    • 🔹 The risk of microcracks on the bottom.

    The best option is to keep the boat in half-inflated (pressure) 50–100 mbar) on a flat surface, having previously cleaned it of sand and dirt. If there is not enough space, use special PVC-board (You can make them from the wood itself.)

    ⚠️ Attention! Never use a boat to wash a boat. solvent-based detergents They destroy the protective layer of PVC, which causes burnout and cracking of the fabric, and for cleaning, a conventional soap solution or special PVC products will do. Star brite PVC Cleaner).

    Another important point. puncture-breakerThe boat is complete with a remake, but many owners recommend buying more:

    • 🩹 Clay. Bostik 2402 or PVC Master – they hold patches better than standard glue from the kit.
    • 🧵 Reinforced patches (with a grid inside) - to repair major damage.
    • 🔥 Hair dryer - for warming up the seams before gluing (improves adhesion).
    💡

    Before you stick the patch, make sure to clean and degrease the puncture site with alcohol. 60–70°C This will increase the strength of the connection by 2 times.

    Tuning and improvements: how to improve Badger 390

    Even the basic version. Badger 390 This leaves room for modernization, and here are the most popular improvements among owners:

    Improvement of driving performance

    • 🚤 Installation of an additional keel (for example, keel-stringer) - reduces the "yaw" on the wave and increases the speed by 5–10%.
    • ⚡ Trim plates. On the transom - help "push" the nose of the boat on the crest of the wave.
    • 🔧 Replacement of plywood cans with aluminum - reduces weight and increases strength.

    2. Enhancing comfort

    • 🪑 Installation of swivel seats (e.g. from Swivel EVA) more convenient for long journeys.
    • 🏕️ Tent shelter with mosquito net - saves from the sun and insects.
    • 🔋 12V socket with USB - to charge phones and power the sonar.

    Improvements for fishing

    • 🎣 Engagement holders (for example, Railblaza) are attached to the side without drilling.
    • 📡 Fixture for sonar - it is better to choose on suction cups, so as not to spoil PVC.
    • 🧺 A live fish box. with an aerator, it fits into a jar.

    One of the most effective upgrades. substituting the standard transone for the reinforced (thickness) 38-40 mmThis allows the engine to be installed up to 40 hp (Although the manufacturer does not recommend that the 30 hpOwners who have undergone this revision note:

    • ✅ Increase the maximum speed to 55-60 km/h.
    • ✅ Best handling on the wave.
    • ⚠️ But: the bottom is strengthened (an additional layer of PVC or aluminum sheet).
    ⚠️ Attention! When installing the motor more powerful 30 hp You automatically lose the manufacturer's warranty. re-registration in GIMSBecause the boat category changes, you could be fined if you don't. 1,000 to 2,000 rubles..

    Registration in GIMS: whether and how to issue

    Since 2021, the rules for registration of small craft in Russia have changed. Badger 390 The following rules apply:

    • 📋 Motor to 10.88 hp (8 kW) registration required (since 2022).
    • 📝 Motor from 10.88 to 30 hp - I need to get it done. boat registration certificate GIMS.
    • 🚨 Motor over 30 hp. required governance (category "motor boat").

    For registration of the boat registration certificate will be required:

    1. The owner's passport.
    2. Documents for the boat (checks, contract of sale).
    3. Documents for the engine (passport, certificate).
    4. Receipt for payment of the state duty (1,600 rubles. in 2026.

    The procedure takes 10–14 days And it involves a survey of the boat by a GIMS inspector. Badger 390 Make sure that the previous owner I took it off the books.Otherwise, you'll be denied registration and you'll have to find a seller to re-register.

    Is it worth registering a boat with an engine? 10 hpTechnically, it's not necessary, but there are pitfalls:

    • 🚓 The inspector of GIMS can require documents even for a low-power engine (in practice this is rare, but there is a risk).
    • 💸 Without registration, you will not be able to officially sell a boat with an engine - the owner will have to make everything from scratch.
    💡

    If you plan to use a motor that is more powerful than 10 hp, it is better to issue a boat registration certificate immediately, which will eliminate the problems during inspections and make it easier to sell the boat in the future.

    FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Badger 390

    ❓ How many people can fit in a boat?

    Officially, until 4 people (including cargo before 550 kgHowever, in practice, it is comfortable to place. 2-3 adult If you take four on board, you'd better limit yourself to the engine. 15 hpSo you don't overload the transom.

    ❓ Can we set it on Badger 390 electric motor?

    Yes, but with reservations, the electric motors are up to 1-2 kW (equivalent) 3-5 hp.) suitable for more powerful (e.g., for the use of Minn Kota 55 lb) will require:

    • Strengthen the transom (additional aluminum plate).
    • Install the battery with a capacity of at least 100 Ahh.
    • Think about balancing - electric motors are heavier than gasoline.

    The best option for fishing is a hybrid scheme: electric motor for quiet running + gasoline 5-10 hp. for long distance travel.

    ❓ Which pump is best used for pumping?

    The manufacturer recommends a pump with a pressure of up to 300 mbarBest options:

    • Hand pump Bravo BP-12 - reliable, but it takes effort.
    • Electrical. Sevylor 12V - pumps up the boat for 5-7 minutesBut it needs a power source.
    • Foot pump. Intex Gold standard for PVC boats (combines speed and mobility).

    Important: Do not exceed the pressure 300 mbar - it could cause the stitches to break!

    ❓ How to transport Badger 390 In a car?

    The boat in its folded form takes approximately 1.2×0.8×0.5 mTransportation options:

    • On the roof. - Suitable for sedans and hatchbacks. pads (e.g. from polyethylene foam) so as not to damage PVC.
    • In the trunk. - only if the vehicle has a large luggage compartment (for example, Lada Largus. or Kia Ceed SW).
    • On the trailer. - convenient if the boat is assembled with an engine. MISA 8105.

    Tip: Before the trip, fix the boat hook-sling (at least 4 mounting points) The speed of transportation on the roof is no more than 90 km/h.

    ❓ What accessories should I buy right away?

    Minimum set for comfortable operation:

    • 🔧 Reconstruction strengthened (with reinforced patches).
    • 🧴 PVC spray (for example, 303 Aerospace Protectant).
    • 🔌 Waterproof case for storage.
    • 📏 Manometer for cylinders (to control the pressure).
    • 🎽 Life jackets (Of course, if you go out into deep water.)

    It will be useful for fishing. cat anchor weighing 1.5-2 kg and rod-holder.