Fishing and water tourism require a reliable watercraft that can withstand the vagaries of the weather and intense loads. PredatorThe PVC inflatable boats are popular because of their optimal ratio of price, quality of materials and thoughtful design.
Choosing a specific model can be a difficult task for a beginner, since the range includes options for quiet water, motor flat-bottoms and full-fledged keel boats for large reservoirs. The right selection The size and type of bottom directly affects safety and comfort during the water, and in this article we will discuss all the nuances in detail to help you make an informed decision.
It's worth noting that the Predator inflatable boat is not just cylinders glued together, but a complex engineering product. Modern seam welding technologies and the use of multi-layer reinforced polyvinyl chloride allow you to create vessels that are resistant to puncture and ultraviolet. Next, we will look at the key aspects that you should pay attention to when buying.
Key features of the design of the boats Predator
The basis of any model is reinforced PVCIt's made up of several layers of polyvinyl chloride, and it's a reinforcement grid of synthetic threads that provides high tensile strength, so that the boat can't deform under water pressure or when it hits an obstacle.
Design of cylinders by boats Predator often includes special air-valves It's a critical safety feature, especially in hot weather, when the air inside expands, and high-quality valves allow you to quickly fire excess pressure, preventing the seams from rupturing.
Welding technology
Why does it matter?: The seams in the Predator boats are done by hot vulcanization or high-temperature welding, which creates a monolithic bond. Unlike gluing, the weld is not afraid of water and temperature changes, becoming stronger than the material itself at the joint.
The cylinder protection system deserves special attention. rubber-plated In the most friction areas, the bottom and sides, which extends the life of the product when pulling a boat onto a rocky shore or when mooring at concrete berths.
- 🛡️ Multilayer reinforced material of high density provides resistance to punctures.
- 🔥 Welded seams of increased strength exclude stratification in extreme conditions.
- 💨 Reliable valves such as "frog" or petal prevent etching of air.
Types of bottom: Inflatable, Plywood or Aluminum?
One of the most important questions when choosing a floor type is the Predator inflatable boat can be equipped with various options for the bottom, each of which has its own advantages. inflatable floor Air Deck makes the boat as light and compact as possible when assembled, which is ideal for hiking to the water.
However, for fishing with a standing position or using a powerful motor, it is better to choose a hard bottom. Slate floor The aluminium profiles in the floor structure add stiffness and distribute the load, allowing the boat to keep in shape even when it's turbulent.
There is also a compromise, a high-pressure inflatable floor (HPDB), which combines the advantages of both types: the boat remains relatively light, but has a rigid profile that resembles a keel. seaworthiness It allows you to develop a higher speed.
- 🪵 Slate bottom: budget, easy to repair, but heavier than inflatable.
- 🎈 inflatable floor: Minimum weight, but less stiffness and speed.
- ⚓ NDND: excellent hydrodynamics, but higher price and weight in the package.
Comparison of popular models: Predator 280, 320, 360
The brand's lineup covers the needs of different users. To understand the differences, consider the technical specifications of popular modifications. The numbers in the name usually indicate the length of the boat in centimeters, which directly affects the size of the boat. loading capacity and the power of the motor.
Model Predator 280 It's a classic one-man fisherman lodnostka, it's lightweight, it's maneuverable, it's perfect for small lakes or overgrown rivers, it's going to be a little cramped for two people, especially with the equipment in mind, and it's important not to overload the boat, because you're in passport control.
Middle class boats, such as Predator 320 or 360They are already in the category of full-fledged double-seat vessels, they allow you to feel confidently on the wave and carry a full set of gear and sonar. The recommended engine power here can already reach 5-8 hp, which allows glides even with two passengers.
| Model | Length, cm | Width, cm | Load capacity, kg | Engine power, hp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Predator 280 | 280 | 130 | 250 | up to 3.5 |
| Predator 320 | 320 | 140 | 400 | 5.0 |
| Predator 360 | 360 | 150 | 550 | till 9. 9. |
| Predator 400 | 400 | 160 | 700 | 15.0 |
When choosing a boat size, always take the stock by length. The boat is 320cm more versatile than 280cm and will last longer if your needs grow.
Operation and care of PVC boat
For the inflatable boat Predator to last for many years, you must follow the rules of operation. PVC is a material that is durable, but it is afraid of open fire, sharp objects and prolonged exposure to the scorching sun in a pumped state. boat-wash fresh water, especially if you have swam on a salty pond or in a place with abundant vegetation.
Storage should be clean and dry. If you fold a wet boat, after a few months you can find unpleasant odors and molds that destroy the reinforcing layer. The optimal storage temperature is room temperature, although short-term frosts are not terrible for the material, if you do not bend it at this point.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a pumped boat in direct sunlight for long periods of time unattended, and the air pressure inside may exceed the permissible limits, causing the seams to rupture or deformation of the cylinders.
Regularly check the condition of the valves and the presence of sand between the valve and the cylinder. Small grains of sand can interfere with the tightness of the closure. Use a soft sponge and special PVC products to clean, avoiding aggressive chlorine-based chemicals or solvents.
☑️ Seasonal preparation of the boat for winter
Safety at sea: GIMS and rules
According to the rules of GIMS, registration in the register of small craft is mandatory if the mass of the equipped boat with the engine exceeds 200 kg. Predator It does not require registration, the presence of life jackets for each passenger is a law and a necessity.
It's important to keep an eye on the weather. Inflatable boats have sailing speed, and a sudden gust of wind can quickly carry an inexperienced boater to the middle of a body of water. Always carry an anchor with sufficient supply of line. Anchor falla It should be fixed strictly in the bow so that when jerking the boat does not turn the side to the wave.
⚠️ Warning: It is illegal to go out into the water while drunk, and not only does it violate the law, it also poses a mortal danger to you and others, as the reaction rate on the water is critically reduced.
Don't neglect to check your gear before you leave. Having a scoop, a repair kit and a running pump is the minimum that every boat should have, and if it punctures, it's these items that will help you get to shore safely.
Accessories and tuning to improve comfort
The basic equipment of the boat is often minimalistic, but the market for accessories allows you to turn it into a full-fledged comfortable boat. quiltIt allows one person to easily move a motorboat along the shore, which is especially true for models with lengths of 320 cm and above.
For avid fishermen, an indispensable element will be the installation rod-holder Predator boats often have comfortable liner cables that can be attached to additional bags or boxes, and soft seats with backrests are also popular, which reduce back fatigue during long fishing.
Use silicone lubricant to treat lightning on the boat's bags and valves, and this will prevent the machinery from getting jammed and moisture from entering the joints.
Tuning can also affect the protection of the bottom, and installing additional PVC shield belts on cylinders will significantly improve the survivability of the boat when pulling to the pebble shore, a low-cost upgrade that will save you money on repairs in the future.
- 🚣 transom wheels: facilitate the transport of heavy boats to the water.
- 🎣 Fastenings for fishing rods: free up the hands and prevent the loss of tackles.
- 🔋 Battery boxes: provide safety and protection against splashes.
How to properly seal a puncture in the boat Predator?
Repairs will require a piece of PVC fabric, a glue (like a two-part polyurethane) and a degreaser, and the puncture site is sandpapered, degreased, glued on both surfaces, dried, then heated with a hair dryer and pressed heavily on the patch, and it's important to let the glue polymerize for at least 24 hours before pumping.
Is it possible to use a boat in winter?
You can use PVC inflatable boats at low temperatures, but with caution. The material in the cold swells and becomes more vulnerable to mechanical damage. You only need to pump it in the cold, because when you skip into the heat, the pressure will increase dramatically. You should keep the boat warm in the winter.
Which pump is better for a boat?
For boats up to 200 liters, a high-quality foot pump is suitable. For models of the 320 series and above, especially with NDND, it is recommended to use an electric pump that runs on the battery, which will save time and effort, allowing you to pump the cylinders to the desired pressure (usually 0.2-0.25 atm) without shortness of breath.