In the world of small-sized water transport for fishing and hunting, a design that has received the popularly affectionate, if slightly ironic, nickname “louse” stands out: it is not just another inflatable boat, but a specific type of flat-bottomed boat, often made by enthusiasts themselves. Unique geometry The hull allows such boats to feel confident in shallow waters and in overgrown algae bays, where kielson models would inevitably get stuck.
Many users, searching for information on the "boat loaver Wikipedia" question, are surprised that there is no separate article in the popular encyclopedic resource. collectivism A design that is popular with amateur anglers and garage shipbuilders, and is valued for its simplicity, maintainability and ability to tailor itself from available materials.
In this article, we'll look at what's behind the name, what the blueprints are, how to choose the right material and build a reliable boat that will last for years, and you'll learn about the nuances that aren't written in the instructions, but are critical to safety on the water.
Origin of the name and design features
The name "shoot" is not a coincidence, but it comes from the characteristic shape of inflatable tubes, which often resemble a ball or have a pronounced roundness in cross section, especially in the bow and aft parts. Unlike the classic "cans" or "crocodile", where the cylinders are stretched along the side, it is often used here. combination The idea is to create the most sustainable platform with the least weight.
These boats are structurally classed flat-bottomedThe bottoms are usually rigid, made of plywood or aluminum, which allows you to stand upright, which owners of fully inflatable models cannot afford. persistence The shape of the bow is often blunt or slightly rounded, making it easier to get to the gentle shore.
⚠️ Note: Despite the apparent simplicity, the shape of the cylinders must strictly correspond to the design drawings. Unauthorized change in geometry can lead to instability of the boat on the wave and even to its tipping.
And the design is also a way of attaching the cans, and in the loafers, they're often part of the power kit, cutting the sides and giving the whole structure a stiffness. reinforcedIt is capable of withstanding the stress of breaking.
Selection of materials: PVC against rubberized fabric
When you make your own tailoring or order a losharik, it's a perpetual question of what material you choose. reinforced polyvinyl chloride (PVC)It's a five-layer material, where a polyester-stranded mesh is laid between the layers of the polymer, and it's this mesh that's responsible for breaking strength, while PVC is protective against water and ultraviolet light.
Traditional rubberized fabric, often used in older army boats, also has the right to life: it is cheaper, easier to repair on the knee and better tolerates extremely low temperatures. However, it is much heavier than PVC and is prone to rot if stored improperly. rubberBut for universal use, it is better to use modern PVC with a density of 750 to 1100 g / m2.
- 🎣 Tissue density: For boats up to 3 meters in length, 750-850 g / m2 is enough, for larger models, 900-1100 g / m2 is needed.
- ☀️ UV stability: High-quality PVC contains additives that protect against burnout, which is critical for boats often left under the sun.
- 🧊 Temperature: Special frost-resistant plasticizers allow the material to not crack at temperatures up to -40°C.
When choosing a material, look at the manufacturer. Valmex (Germany) and PVC 1100T (South Korea) Using cheap Chinese products could lead to seam layering after the first active season.
When buying fabric for sewing a boat, always take a margin of 10-15%, which will correct possible errors in cutting and manufacturing patterns.
Drawings and diagrams: where to find and how to read
Searching for accurate drawings for "boat jackass Wikipedia" often leads anglers to specialized forums and archives of magazines like KIA or Model Designer. There are no ready-made standardized drawings, because each master makes his own adjustments. basics The construction of patterns that must be adhered to.
The boat's drawing consists of several projections: a top view (plan), a side view (profile) and a front view (spangouts). For a "shoot" the shim is the calculation of the diameter of the cylinders. It usually varies from 30 to 45 cm depending on the carrying capacity. optimum length of the inflated part of the cylinder It should be 10-15% longer than the length of the hard bottom to provide tension.
When working with drawings, pay attention to seam tolerances. For a two-seam connection (to the lock), the intake is about 20 mm on each side, for a three-seam connection - up to 30-40 mm. Ignoring these values will lead to the fact that the assembled boat will be smaller than the planned size, and the cylinders will be skewed.
| Parameter | Minimum value | Optimal value | Maximum value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length of cylinder (m) | 2.5 | 3.2 | 4.5 |
| Diameter of the cylinder (cm) | 30 | 38 | 45 |
| Cockpit width (m) | 1.1 | 1.35 | 1.6 |
| Load capacity (kg) | 200 | 350 | 600 |
Where to download the current drawings?
The most complete databases of drawings are found on the forums “Where Ugod” and “Watermotornik”, and it is worth paying attention to the archives of Soviet magazines for fishermen, where time-tested schemes of homemade boats were published.
Assembly technology: cutting and gluing
The process of creating a boat yourself requires not only materials, but also special tools. You will need: a temperature-adjusted construction dryer, a rolling roller (preferably Teflon), scissors, a ruler and a marker. PVC gluingNitroclei and other household options for the boat are not suitable.
First, you cut the tissue in patterns, and this is the critical stage where a couple of millimeters of error can break the symmetry, and then you cut the edges of the tissue in the seam, and you strip them off, if you want glue technology, and then you put the glue on, and the glue technology can vary depending on the brand of the glue, some require one-way application, some require two-way drying.
- 🔥 Gluing temperature: The optimal temperature of air and material is 20-25 ° C. In cold, the glue may not polymerize, and in the heat - grab too quickly.
- ⏳ Exposition time: After applying the glue, you need to wait the time specified in the instructions (usually 10-20 minutes) until the flick.
- 🔄 Ride: The seam must be carefully rolled roller from the center to the edges to remove air bubbles.
Pay special attention to the valve pastings. These are the places of greatest stress. reinforcement of the same fabric that is glued around the valve opening on the inside and outside of the cylinder.
☑️ Checklist before gluing
Furniture and equipment of the finished product
Building a skeleton boat is only half the battle, and turning a set of cylinders into a complete vessel requires high-quality fittings, which include inflatable valves, carry handles, liner rings and attachments for keys, cheap fittings made of silumin or soft plastic will quickly fail, so save money here. categorically.
There are many types of valves: petal, screw, bayonet. For boats like "lose" most often used valves like valves. Bravo Or their analogues, because they provide tightness and ease of pumping, it is important to stick the valve properly without overheating the fabric with a hair dryer, otherwise the material around the hole will become brittle.
⚠️ Warning: Never use a boat fittings designed for swimming pools or toys. The pressure in the cylinders of the boat (0.2-0.25 atm) is several times higher than in an inflatable mattress, and such fittings will simply vomit under load.
It is also necessary to provide for the installation of a transom board if you plan to use the motor. For "shoots" often make a removable transom, which is attached to cylinders or sides of the rigid bottom. The load capacity of such transom should not exceed 3-5 hp, since the design of the flatbed is not designed for powerful motors.
The quality of the fittings has a direct impact on safety, and cheap handles can come off in the water, and valves can start poisoning the air at the most inopportune time.
Operation and maintenance of the boat
A boat that is hand-built or bought as a "loss" requires careful treatment. PVC's main enemy is ultraviolet light and mechanical damage. After each fishing, it is advisable to rinse the boat with fresh water, especially if you have been swimming in a salty pond or standing in silt. Salt and organics can erode the glue seam with prolonged contact.
Keep the boat in a dry, cool place, preferably straightened or loosely rolled, without heavy objects on top. Sharp temperature changes are also undesirable. If the boat winters in a garage where there are frosts, make sure that the material is designed for low temperatures, otherwise when unfolding in the spring, the fabric can crack.
Check the pressure in the cylinders regularly. A boat pumped in the sun is a common cause of joints rupturing. Always leave a small margin to expand the air. An under-pumped boat loses its driving performance and wears out faster on the wave.
- 🧼 Wash: Use a soft sponge and soap solution. Abrasives are prohibited.
- 🛠️ Repair: Always carry a remix with you. A small cut is easier to seal on the shore than a large hole in the workshop.
- 🌡️ Temperature: Do not leave a pumped boat in direct sunlight unattended.
How to keep a boat in winter?
The ideal option is to hang the boat in straightened form or fold the “accordance” in a large bag, shifting the cloth so that the turns do not stick together.
Can I put the engine on a homemade boat "loaf"?
Yes, but with limitations. The design must have a rigid transom or reinforced inflatable transom. The recommended engine power is up to 3-5 hp. A more powerful motor can destroy the structure due to high speed and shocks to the wave, to which flat-bottles are less resistant than kielson boats.
What is the best glue for repairing PVC boats?
Two-component polyurethane adhesives (such as Kleyberg, Texacol or specialty PVC adhesives for boats) are best used, creating a flexible and water-resistant seam that is not afraid of dynamic loads. Single-component adhesives are often less reliable for power elements.
Why is the boat called a "loaf"?
The name derives from the shape of the inflatable tubes, which are rounded, almost spherical in cross section, especially in the bow and stern, which distinguishes them from the elongated cylinders of classic boats and gives the boat a distinctive appearance reminiscent of a popular children's toy.
Do I need to register a homemade boat in GIMS?
Under current Russian law, boats weighing more than 200 kg or with an engine of more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp) are subject to registration. If your homemade boat is lighter than 200 kg and the engine is weaker than 10 hp, registration is not required. However, the rules may change, so it is worth checking the current information at the local GIMS office.
How long does the glue dry when gluing a boat?
The primary polymerization time (low tide) is 10 to 30 minutes depending on temperature and humidity. Full operational readiness (set of maximum seam strength) occurs in 24-72 hours.