Choosing a boat to go to the open sea is always a compromise between seaworthiness, carrying capacity and practical storage. Unlike calm river waters, a sea storm can overtake at any time, so the requirements for a sea storm can be very high. case A lot of aspiring anglers mistakenly think that any inflatable boat can handle the excitement, but reality makes its own adjustments.
The sea forces dictate harsh operating conditions, where every element of the structure is aggressively exposed to salt water and ultraviolet light. sea-fishing-boat Not only can we make fishing comfortable, but we can also save the lives of our crew in a critical situation, and that's why we need to be very careful about the packaging and the selection of materials.
In this article, we will discuss the key aspects that will help you make an informed decision, and we will look at the types of hulls, the features of the installation of engines and the nuances of equipment that are often overlooked when buying the first sea vessel.
Types of housing: inflatable against rigid
The first thing a buyer faces is a dilemma: whether to take a proven PVC boat or invest in a rigid aluminum or fiberglass case. NDMA They have great wave swelling because of soft sides that quench impacts, but their sailing and lower speed often become limiting factors for long-distance transitions.
Rigid housings, especially keel, provide better course stability and allow higher speeds. Cossacks And magnesium-aluminum alloy boats are easy to repair, but they require protection from electrochemical corrosion. Fiberglass is ideal for the sea, because it doesn't rust, but it's virtually impossible to repair in the field.
⚠️ Note: When using aluminum boats in sea water, it is strictly forbidden to use transom plates or anodes made of zinc in combination with stainless steel bolts without insulation - this will accelerate galvanic corrosion of the hull at times.
For serious sea fishing, where it is planned to go beyond the limits of sight of the shore, the preference is often given to rigid hulls with high sides, they are better on course in lateral turbulence and allow you to navigate safely through the cockpit, while inflatable options remain the kings of shallow waters and hard-to-reach bays, where a large vessel will not pass.
Size and loading criteria
The size of the vessel directly affects its behavior in the water. A small boat up to 3 meters long will constantly burrow its nose in the wave, making fishing impossible and dangerous. 3.5–4 metersThis provides the necessary buoyancy reserve.
The load capacity should be calculated not only by weight of people, but also by fuel, gear, anchor equipment and possible catch. An overloaded boat loses stability, which is critical when catching large fish. Always keep a stock of 20-30% of the rated carrying capacity.
- 🌊 To go to sea together, the minimum length should be 3.2 meters, preferably 3.8 meters.
- ⚓ The height of the transom should allow the installation of a motor with a long leg (L) for effective planing.
- 🎣 The presence of full-fledged cockpit flippers (fishing stops) is mandatory for sea fishing in plumb.
It is also important to consider the height of the board: for the sea, it should not be less than 45-50 cm from the water when fully loaded, and low sides are a direct risk of flooding with off-shore water even in moderate waves.
Choosing a suspension motor for salt water
The engine is the heart of your craft, and only corrosion-proof motors are suitable for marine conditions. Salt Water Series Or similar designations: conventional motors without special treatment will rot in one or two seasons of active use.
The engine power must comply with the recommendations of the boat manufacturer as specified in the User manualExcess power can lead to the destruction of the transom, and the disadvantage is the inability to go to the planing fully loaded. For a 4-meter boat with two fishermen, the optimal range is 30-50 hp.
Special attention should be paid to the cooling system. In seawater, sand and suspensions are often present, which can clog the thermostat or pump impeller. Regular flushing of the system with fresh water after each exit is a mandatory procedure for prolonging life. engine.
Equipment and navigation required
Sea fishing is impossible without reliable navigation. There are no landmarks on the high seas, and electronic failure can be fatal. The basic set includes a GPS navigator, a sonar with a mapplotter function and a compass. The sonar helps not only to search for fish, but also to control the depth under the keel, avoiding reefs.
The crew must be safe with a fixed marine radio station (VHF), mobile communication is often not catching, and call for help on channel 16 may be required at any minute, and the anchor system should be kept in mind: the weight of the anchor must be sufficient to keep the boat on the current and wind.
☑️ Basic equipment for going to sea
Comfort fishing increases downriggers for trolling and special holders of rods fixed on the railThey allow you to free up your arms and control multiple tackles at once, but remember that any extra gear increases your weight and sailing.
Security: GIMS Rules and Recommendations
Going to sea requires strict compliance with the rules, which require that there be life jackets, a scoop and a lifesaving end on board, and that not only imposes fines, but also puts lives at risk.
Weather is the main enemy of a small craft. Always check the weather forecast before leaving, paying attention not only to the strength of the wind, but also to the direction of the excitement. Storm warning is an absolute ban on getting on the water, regardless of the experience of the captain.
⚠️ Warning: Never go to sea alone without the route coordinates and the time of return to shore to any of the loved ones or to the rescue service.
It is important to have on board visual alarms, such as smoke bombs and false fires, which are the only way to tell rescuers where you are in poor visibility or at night, and it is also recommended to have a whistle that is heard farther than a person's scream.
Post-season care and maintenance
An aggressive salt environment does not forgive neglect of care. After each exit, the boat and engine must be thoroughly washed with fresh water. Pay special attention to the places where the fittings are attached, the zipper locks on the tents and open metal parts.
PVC materials also suffer from salt and sun, salt crystals left over from drying water act as an abrasive and can damage the protective lacquer layer of fabric, and regular treatment with special compounds (protectors) will prolong the life of the material and maintain its elasticity.
How to keep a boat in winter?
Store the boat should be inflated (at half pressure) or in a freely rolled form, but not in a tight roll. The optimal storage temperature is from -20 to +30 degrees. Before storage, be sure to clean and dry all surfaces.
For metal boats, the condition of the corrosion-resistant coating is critical, and even small chips of paint require immediate paint-over, otherwise the oxidation process will go deep into the metal, especially in the welds.
Comparative table of materials of shells
To make a final decision, let's compare the basic specifications of materials used in the production of seaboats, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, which become noticeable in real-world operating conditions.
| Parameter | PVC (Tissue) | Aluminum (Alloy) | Glass-plastic (Fiberglass) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight. | Light. | Medium. | Heavy. |
| Repairability | High (re-set) | Medium (welding/rivet) | Low (requires skills) |
| Resistance to corrosion | High. | Requires protection. | Absolute. |
| Price. | Affordable | Medium/High | High. |
As you can see from the table, there is no universal solution. For fishing in the surf and on rocky beaches, the best choice is often an aluminum case.For those who appreciate comfort and speed, fiberglass is ideal, and for mobility and transportation on the roof of the car, high-quality PVC.
Use silicone lubricant to treat lightning on tents and covers - this will prevent them from catching due to salt and sand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a river boat be used to go to sea?
The river models can only be used in the sea in calm weather and in close proximity to the shore (within sight), they are not designed for high wavelength, and low sides are dangerous for scooping water.
Which anchor is best for a sea boat?
For the sea, the most effective anchors are Denforth or Plow (CQR), which are well buried in the ground. The anchor should weigh about 1/10 of the displacement of the boat. Be sure to use the anchor line with a chain insert at the anchor to extinguish the jerks.
Do I need to register a motorized boat up to 10 hp?
Registration with GIMS is mandatory if the weight of the curbed vessel exceeds 200 kg or the engine power exceeds 8 kW (about 10.8 hp). However, the rules may change, and the availability of rights to operate a small vessel of category "m" (motor boat) is required when the engine power exceeds 8 kW. Always check the current requirements at the local branch of GIMS.
How often should I change the anodic protection on the motor?
Anodes (zinc or aluminum plates) are checked after each exit, if they are broken by more than 50-60%, they must be replaced, in very salt water or frequent use, replacement may be required every 50-70 hours.
Choosing a boat for sea fishing is an investment in safety and emotion. A well-chosen boat will open up new horizons and trophies that are only available on the high seas. Don't skimp on quality and equipment, because the sea does not forgive mistakes.
The main criterion for choosing a sea boat is not the price or brand, but the conformity of the design of the vessel to the expected conditions of excitement and distance from the shore.