The choice of boat for a hunter is not just about buying inventory, but about the strategic decision that determines the success of the whole season. Unlike fishermen, who care about anchoring accuracy and silence, the hunter needs increased anchoring and silence. loading capacity And standing resistance, reeds, swampy shores, dragging through shallow water, all impose stringent hull design requirements.
The modern market offers many options, but two types remain key: PVC boats The first one is better in weight and compactness, the second one is better in durability and cross-countryness, and a properly selected boat will allow you to get close to the game silently and comfortably on the water for several hours while waiting for the duck to take off.
In this article, we will discuss the technical details, compare materials and help you determine the configuration that is ideal for your hunting style.
Selection criteria: dimensions and load capacity
The first thing to pay attention to is loading capacityA water hunter is not just a human, but a backpack with ammunition, a thermos, a sonar, an anchor and possibly prey. The buoyancy reserve must be substantial so that the boards do not "land" in the water, creating a danger of flooding with the wave.
The optimal length of the boat for a single hunter is 320-340 cm If you plan to take a dog or partner with you, it is worth considering models ranging from 360 cm to 390 cm.
Pay attention to the diameter of the cylinders. For hunting, cylinders with a diameter of 45-50 cm are preferred, they provide better protection from splash and cold, and also create a higher board, which is convenient to hold when landing in swamp boots.
When calculating your load capacity, always add a minimum of 50 kg of gear and trophies to your weight, which will provide a range and dry legs.
Bottom design: NDND vs. floorboard
The question of choosing the type of bottom is one of the most discussed in the environment of water engines. Low-pressure inflatable floor boats (LDPB) They're considered the most comfortable for hunting, and they provide excellent wave germination and softness, which is important for prolonged sitting.
Pied-off boats (with a hard aluminum or plywood bottom) benefit in speed and the ability to install a full-fledged tank. transom-wheelHowever, in shallow water overgrown with grass, the hard bottom gets scratched faster, and the assembly of such a boat takes more time and effort.
For hunting in reeds and shallow waters, NDNDs are often more practical: they are easier to drag through slops, less prone to getting stuck, and their cylinders serve as additional protection against impacts to the bottom.
The secret to fast drying of NDNDM
After hunting in the rain, be sure to lift the inflatable floor valve (if the design permits) or simply open the nose valve to circulate air. The moisture left between the PVC layers can lead to mold during storage.
Materials: PVC density and protection
The main material is reinforced PVCFor hunting purposes, the minimum density of fabric should be 750 g / sq.m., and better - 900-1100 g / sq.m. Thin material will quickly become unusable from contact with reeds and branches.
Pay special attention to reinforcements. The hunting boat should have flat-bar All around the perimeter, the keel, the reinforced heel for an outboard motor, and these elements take the brunt of the wear and tear when mooring and pulling ashore.
Color matters not only for disguise, but also for heating. Dark colors (khaki, camouflage) better hide the boat in the thickets, but warm up more in the sun. Light colors (gray, light green) are more practical in hot weather, as the inside of the boat will be cooler.
Look for models with a protective layer against ultraviolet light – this will prolong the life of the material if the boat often stays in the open sun on shore.
Tran and engine installation
The trans is the back of your boat. The motors used for hunting are usually 5 to 15 hp. It is important that the trans be reinforced with an additional layer of moisture-resistant plywood or composite. The standard thickness of the transan for such motors is 50 mm.
When choosing a boat, check the availability cross-plate This is where the most common breaks occur when you install a powerful motor or when you hit a wave at full speed.
It is also necessary to provide the possibility of installing an electric motor. Electric motors Ideal for a silent approach to prey, and many hunters use a bundle: a basic gasoline engine for distillation and an electric one for maneuvering at a point.
☑️ Testing transence readiness
Comparison of popular models for hunting
There are many brands on the market, but those who specialize in hunting are the leading ones. Below is a table comparing the specifications of popular models that have proven themselves in the field.
| Model | Length (cm) | Width (cm) | Load capacity (kg) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Badger 340 Classic | 340 | 160 | 520 | 42 |
| The frigate M-350 | 350 | 165 | 600 | 48 |
| Hunter 320 | 320 | 155 | 450 | 38 |
| Riviera 3200 | 320 | 150 | 480 | 40 |
Model Badger 340 Classic It is often chosen for its versatility and proven design over the years. frigate It is famous for its stability and wide cockpit, which is convenient for placing equipment. hunter - an excellent budget option for solo hunting in small water bodies.
When choosing a particular model, be sure to check the availability of warranty and the availability of the refits. In hunting conditions, repairs may be required at the most inopportune time, and the ability to quickly replace the valve or patch is critical.
Why is width important?
Increasing the width of the boat by only 5 cm significantly increases the stability when shooting standing, but can reduce the speed of the course by 1-2 km / h.
Equipment and tuning required
Basic equipment of the boat is rarely sufficient for a full-fledged hunt. First of all, you need to take care of the anchor system. For inflatable boats weighing up to 50 kg, an anchor weighing 3-4 kg (such as a cat) or anchorThe use of an anchor that is too heavy may cause damage to the cylinder during the sampling.
The second important element is the sounder, and even if you're not fishing, knowing the bottom relief can help you find the brows where the duck feeds, or avoid stranding in the fog. Modern compact models are easily attached to the board.
- 🎣 Anchor falla It should be bright in color (orange, yellow) so that it is visible in the water and does not get confused in the grass.
- 🔦 Affixing equipment: holders for rods, bags for cartridges and fasteners for sonar are better to choose removable, so as not to weigh the boat during transportation.
- ⚓ Lear system: stretched over the sides of the leers allow you to secure the backpack or prey so that they do not roll into the water when rolling.
Keep in mind safety. A life jacket is a must-have, even if you're a great swimmer, and in cold water and heavy clothing, the chances of getting out on your own are minimal.
Use an anchor bolt with a carabiner to quickly return the anchor in an emergency, for example, in high winds or currents.
Care and storage in the off-season
Proper storage extends the life of the boat for years. After every trip, especially on salt water or in hot weather, the boat needs to be washed with fresh water and dried. Mud and sand, stuck in folds, work like an abrasive.
Keep the boat straight at room temperature, if you can't, keep it tight, avoiding sharp creases on the bends, and check the cylinder pressure and seams regularly (once a season).
⚠️ Attention: Never keep a PVC boat deflated under heavy objects or in conditions where it can be stepped on, and prolonged pressure at one point leads to irreversible deformation of the reinforcing layer.
For repairs of small punctures, always carry a tube of special glue and a piece of material. Minor repairs done immediately will prevent the damage from growing during the next hunt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a boat to hunt in the winter?
PVC boats can be used at low temperatures, but with caution. The material in the cold blubbers and becomes brittle. You need to use special frost-resistant PVC (marking often contains the letter "M" or an indication of the temperature regime to -30 ° C). Sharp impacts and bending in the cold are prohibited.
Which motor to choose: 2 or 4 stroke?
For hunting, more often choose two-stroke engines because of their ease, ease of transportation and the possibility of transportation in any position. four-stroke quieter and more economical, but heavier and require strictly vertical transportation, which is not always convenient in a cramped trunk of an SUV.
Do I need to register a boat with GIMS?
Boats weighing more than 200 kg (in running order with an engine) or with an engine power of more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp) are subject to registration. However, the rules may change, and the availability of documents (checks, product passports) will always make it easier to communicate with inspectors on the water.
How to clean the boat from oil or oil?
Use special PVC cleaners or regular Kalosha gasoline (with subsequent washing with soap solution) to cleanse petroleum products. You can not use acetone or aggressive solvents that can damage the plastic layer of the material.