Choosing a water-based outdoor swimmer often comes down to finding a trade-off between mobility, cost and comfort. The motor inflatable boat is a versatile solution that not only allows you to reach the cherished fishing point against the current, but also take long walks with your family. Unlike rowing models, motorized options require a more serious approach to construction and materials, as they experience significantly greater loads.
The modern market offers many options, from compact single models to full-fledged keel catamarans, capable of speeds over 30 km / h However, to make your swimming safe and comfortable, you need to understand the technical nuances. Load capacitytype bottom quality PVCThe fabrics are the three whales that are the foundations of the entire structure, and ignoring these parameters can lead to serious problems in the first season of operation.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to choose the best boat for your existing engine or, conversely, choose the engine for an existing boat. We will touch on the installation of transponders, balancing and maintenance of material, so that your boat will last for many years.
Design features of inflatable boats for an outboard motor
The main difference between an inflatable boat designed to install the engine is the presence of a reinforced transom, which is a rigid plate embedded in the aft part, which takes over the main propeller traction and the vibration of the running engine. The truncheon can be removable or glued. Pluted transmolant It is considered a more reliable option for powerful engines, since it forms a single design with the sides, eliminating the risk of backlash or deformation under load.
The second important element is the type of bottom, which is a low-pressure inflatable floor (LDPB) for quiet fishing in small water bodies. However, planing and entering large waters requires a hard bottom. Most often, a floorboard made of moisture-resistant plywood or aluminum that fits on inflatable tubes. keelinessThis is critical for course stability and safety in chop.
⚠️ Warning: Never use a boat with an inflatable floor (without hard floorboard) under an engine of more than 5 hp The absence of a hard keel will lead to yawing of the vessel, loss of control and possible rollover.
The material of the cylinders is also key. Reinforced boats have become the standard. PVC fabric The density of at least 750 g/sq.m. Thinner materials may not withstand high-speed water pressure or mechanical impact when mooring. bonding hot way, not stitching with threads, which can become a place of leakage under the influence of constant vibration.
- 🚤 Tranza must be made of moisture-resistant plywood (FSF brand) with a thickness of at least 25 mm for motors up to 10 hp.
- 🛡️ Reinforced PVC provides protection from punctures and resistance to ultraviolet light.
- ⚓ Presence quilt (Longitudinal beam) strengthens the rigidity of the structure and protects the bottom.
Classification by bottom type and driving performance
The boat's performance depends on the shape of the underwater part, and the flat bottom is ideal for calm water bodies, shallow waters and fishing in overgrown areas, and they have maximum stability in statics, which is convenient for catching in standing water, but in the wave the flat bottoms start to pound hard on the water, which quickly tires passengers and creates discomfort.
For more dynamic use and outdoor water, boats with a V-shaped or keeled bottom are needed. The keel cuts the wave, ensuring smooth running and stability of the course. Inflatable boats with a rigid floorboard bottom (NP) or low-pressure inflatable floor (LDPB) with pronounced keeliness allow you to enter the mode. planingIn this mode, the boat slides on the surface of the water, which significantly reduces drag and fuel consumption.
It is worth noting that the NDND boats (with high-pressure inflatable bottoms) combine the advantages of both types: they are compact in assembly, like flat-bottoms, but thanks to the stringer system and high floor pressure (up to 1 PSI) keep shape and have keeled contours, which makes them an excellent choice for those who appreciate the idea of the scaling of the boats. mobility And I'm willing to sacrifice the maximum speed for the convenience of transportation.
| Type of bottom | Speed (planing) | Resilience on the wave | Weight gathered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat (plywood) | Low/Medium | Low. | Medium. |
| Keel (plywood) | High. | High. | Highly |
| NDND (inflatable) | Medium | Medium | Low. |
| Aluminum | Maximum | Maximum | Very tall. |
Calculation of load capacity and choice of engine power
One of the most common mistakes of beginners is to miscalculate the power ratio of the motor to the size of the boat. Passport load capacity is not only the weight of people, but also the weight of the engine, fuel, battery, equipment and equipment. If you ignore this balance, the boat will sit too deep in the water, which will lead to a flood of spray through the side and loss of handling.
There is a simple formula for an approximate calculation: for every 30 kg of total load, 1 hp of engine power is required to go to the planing. For example, if a boat weighs 40 kg, it has two people (160 kg) and 20 kg of equipment, the total weight will be 220 kg. To planing, you will need a motor with a capacity of about 7-8 hp. However, you always need to look at the manufacturer's recommendations specified in the vein. passport products.
The standard for small motors is 381 mm (15 inches), for more powerful motors, 508 mm (20 inches), and if you put a short leg motor on a high transom boat, you will cavitate and overheat the engine, and if you have a too long leg, you will create excess water resistance.
When calculating the load capacity, always leave a margin of 15-20% of the maximum passport load, which will provide a margin of buoyancy in an emergency situation and increase comfort on the water.
Installation and fastening of the hinged motor
The proper installation of the motor is the key to the safety and durability of the boat. The first step is to securely fix the engine on the transom. This uses rods that must be tightened with sufficient force to prevent displacement, but without damaging the wooden board of the transom. transomTo avoid breaking the tree.
The second critical point is the depth of the anti-cavitational plate, which is parallel to the bottom of the boat and is 10 to 20 mm below the water level. If the plate is higher, the screw will grab air, the engine will run with overload, and the speed of the boat will fall. If too deep, the water resistance will increase.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting the engine, be sure to check whether the water intake of the cooling system is blocked. Dry operation of the engine even for 30 seconds can lead to deformation of the cylinder head.
Electric motors are easier to use but require charge control batteryDeep-discharge traction batteries are preferable to starter batteries because they are better at keeping the load for a long time. The electric motor is often mounted through a special hole in the floorboard or on a separate platform, which requires careful sealing of the passage points of the mounts.
☑️ Checking before getting on the water
Materials and Durability: PVC vs. Haipalon
Inflatable boats are dominated by two types of materials: polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and hypalon (CSM/CSPE). PVC It's the most common material, which is polyester fabric, coated with layers of polyvinyl chloride, and it's very tensile, very tight, and it's very affordable, and modern PVC boat fabrics are resistant to gasoline, oil and ultraviolet.
Hypalon (synthetic rubber) is considered a more premium material, with outstanding resistance to abrasion, extreme temperatures and chemical stresses, and is often used in rafting and rescue operations, but the cost is much higher, and the repair process requires special skills and conditions, unlike PVC, which can be glued even in the field.
The Secret to PVC Durability
The life of a PVC boat can be extended by half if, after each release, especially on a rocky bottom, it is washed with fresh water and dried in the shade, UV radiation and salt are the main enemies of polymers, causing them to age and lose elasticity.
When choosing, pay attention to the density of fabric. For boats up to 3 meters long and up to 5 hp, a density of 750 g / sq.m. is sufficient for more serious tasks, where the presence of passengers and cargo is assumed, as well as movement at high speeds, the optimal choice will be a fabric density of 850-1100 g / sq.m. A denser material better holds the shape of a cylinder under the load of water.
Safety and operating rules in water
Operating an inflatable boat under an engine requires strict safety regulations. Having life jackets for every passenger is not a formality, but a necessity. Inflatable boards, although they seem soft, can cause injury when hit at speed, and falling overboard without a vest in cold water can end tragically.
The necessary element of the tooling is the anchor and anchor phalt (rope). Even on a calm lake, a sudden rise in the wind can quickly carry a light boat to the depth. The anchor must be matched by weight: about 1 kg per 1 meter of boat length. Also, remember the safety tack for the engine, which will prevent the loss of the engine in the event of its falling overboard.
- 🆘 Always keep it with you. scoop to remove water from the cockpit.
- 🔦 Navigation lights are mandatory when going out on the water in the dark.
- 🔧 Kit for repair (glue, patches, pump) must be in a sealant on board.
Check the pressure in the cylinders regularly. Sun-pumped balloon can burst as air expands when heated. Underpumped balloon (less than 0.2 atm) makes the boat sluggish, reduces speed and increases the risk of damage to the bottom of the stones. The optimal working pressure is usually 0.2-0.25 atm, which is checked by pressing a finger - the deflection should be about 1-1.5 cm.
Safety on the water depends not so much on the price of the boat, but on the proper training of the crew, the availability of life jackets and the serviceability of equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I put the engine on a boat that was originally a rowing boat?
Technically, you can, if you can fix the transom, but rowing boats don't have a reinforced bottom and keel, and if you put a motor with even a small power (2-3 hp) on it, it's going to be unstable and dangerous, and if you want to use it properly, you're going to have to buy a specialized model.
How often do you need to pump the boat during the season?
It is recommended to check the pressure before each step on the water. In hot weather, the pressure can rise and he is fired, in cold weather - to fall, and then you need to pump. Full pumping (blowing and inflating again) is recommended to do 1-2 times a season for prevention.
What kind of gasoline should I use for a two-stroke engine on a boat?
Two-stroke engines use a mixture of AI-92 or AI-95 gasoline with a special engine oil for water engineering (marked TC-W3). The mixing proportion (usually 1:25 or 1:50) is indicated in the engine instructions.
What if the boat starts poisoning the air?
You have to find the leakage site. You can hear it's hard to do, so you use a soap solution to put it on the surface, you get bubbles at the site of the damage, you get small punctures taped with a kit that comes with a remix or with special patches for PVC.