Choosing a fishing boat is always a compromise between carrying capacity, maneuverability and ease of transportation. flyboat It's probably the most popular solution for quiet water hunting of any size, and it allows you to reach the most remote brows and pits, which you can't get to on a heavy metal boat because you don't have the infrastructure to launch.
Modern models from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is often as good as classic keel vessels, and sometimes even better, because it's lightweight. However, the market is oversupplied, and it's extremely easy for a beginner to get confused about the specifications, types of bottom and density of materials. In this article, we'll take a look at all the nuances so you can make an informed choice.
Your safety and comfort on the water depends on how well the boat is chosen for specific tasks. You should not chase record sizes if you plan to fish alone in small lakes. Conversely, trophy fishing in large reservoirs with a powerful engine will require a serious design with a large scale of water. keel And reinforced cylinders.
Materials and Construction: What to Look at First
The basis of any inflatable boat is the material, 99% of the time it's multi-layered. PVC It's not just rubber, it's a complex fabric reinforced with synthetic threads that is coated with layers of polymer, and it's the density of this material that determines how many seasons your boat will last. For fishing, the minimum density is 750 g/sq. m, but it's better to focus on 900-1,150 g/sq. m.
The bottom design is the second critical element, and there are three main types: NDMA (low pressure inflatable floor), NDMA with an inflatable keel and a solder bottom (plywood or aluminum). For fishing, often choose the option with a keelAs it provides excellent swelling and stable course when driving with the motor.
The quality of the seams is something that you look at when you look at them, and they can be glued or welded. weld It's more reliable because it fuses into a monolith, without layering, but it takes decades to glue together with two-component polyurethane adhesives, if the technology is followed.
⚠️ Warning: Never use a boat with a damaged valve or visible stratification of the seams, even if the damage seems minor. On water under load, a microcrack can instantly turn into a rupture, resulting in loss of buoyancy.
Don't forget the hardware. The anchor ears, the liner rings, the rod holders, all of these have to be made of durable plastic or stainless steel. The cheap metal will rust after the first season, and the brittle plastic will burst when you jerk.
Dimensions and capacity: how not to make a mistake with the size
Boat size is not only a matter of comfort, it is also a matter of safety. Too small a boat on big water can be dangerous, and too big will create problems with transportation and pumping. The length of the vessel usually varies from 2.2 to 4.5 meters. For single-seat fishing with oars, the best models are 2.8-3.2 meters long.
If you are planning an installation boat-engineThe minimum recommended length is 3.2 meters. The smaller sizes with the motor become unstable and can burrow nose-in-the-wave even with a little excitement.less than 120 cm) faster but less stable when catching standing or catching large fish.
Load capacity is a parameter that is often specified with a margin, but you should not rely on it completely. In the calculation, you need to take into account the weight of the fisherman, the weight of the engine, the battery, anchor, tackle and fuel. Residual buoyancy It should be sufficient to keep the boat from sitting too low in the water.
| Type of boat size | Length (cm) | Width (cm) | Recommended motor (hp) | Crew (man) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little (Fun) | 220 - 280 | 110 - 120 | Not recommended / up to 2.5 | 1 |
| Medium (Universal) | 290 - 330 | 130 - 140 | 2.5 - 5.0 | 1-2 |
| Big (Motor) | 340 - 380 | 145 - 160 | 5.0 - 9.9 | 2-3 |
| Big (For the Trophy) | 390 - 450 | 165 - 190 | 15.0 - 25.0 | 3-4 |
When choosing a size, consider the dimensions of the packaged form. If you have a small car, a boat 4 meters long in a package can be a problem for transportation.
Boat bottom: NDND, floorboard or slate
The type of floor determines the rigidity of the boat and its driving qualities. plywoodIt's a set of individual boards that are laid on the bottom of cylinders, and it takes longer to build, and the bottom is not perfectly flat, but it's inexpensive and easy to repair.
A more advanced version. aluminum-pyeolIt's a solid metal, or a few large sheets of metal, and it's very rigid, and it's very comfortable to walk on the bottom in boots, and it's much better at keeping its shape on the go, but it's much heavier.
The most modern solution is considered NDMA (Low Pressure inflatable floor) In this case, the floor is a separate inflatable balloon with internal stretch marks, the benefits are obvious: the boat assembles in 5 minutes, has excellent seaworthiness and soft floor, but there is a disadvantage: it is easier to pierce the bottom against a sharp stone or a snag when pulling ashore.
The secret to the stringency of NDNDM
Inside the inflatable floor are thousands of stretching threads that connect the upper and lower walls. When pumped to a pressure of 0.2-0.25 atm, the floor becomes hard as plywood, but retains cushioning properties.
For echo sounder fishing, a hard bottom (floorboard or NDNDM) is preferable, since the sonar sensor works more stable when there is no air cushion underfoot below it, and the soft bottom can distort the instrument readings.
Operation and preparation for the season
Proper preparation of the boat for the first launch and each season is the key to long service. PVC It may have a specific odor and be slightly stretched, and it is recommended to pump the boat and leave it in the sun (not in direct rays during the heat) for several hours to shrink the seams and material.
The pressure in the cylinders is critical. A boat that is under-pumped loses its driving performance and wears out faster on the bends. A boat that is pumped in the sun can burst. Always check the pressure with a pressure gauge, especially if the temperature changes during the day.
☑️ Checklist before getting on the water
Transportation and storage also require attention, and you need to fold the boat carefully, trying not to create sharp rims in the same place, but it is better to store it in an unswerving form or in a free bag at room temperature, away from the heating appliances.
⚠️ Warning: Do not keep the boat compressed in a cold garage or in the cold. PVC bluffs in the cold, and if you carelessly move or try to straighten it, microcracks can form that will only appear on the water.
Accessories for comfortable fishing
The basic equipment of the boat is often minimal, so for a full fishing will require additional equipment. anchorageThe anchor shaft should be fixed strictly to the nose, not on board, so that the boat does not turn lag to the wave.
For the fisherman, rod holders are indispensable, they can be pasted or removable, removable options are more convenient, because they do not interfere with transportation. safety-line (the cable around the perimeter of the boat), which can be held in case of falling overboard.
The protection of cylinders is another important aspect: you can put rubber rubber piers on board, or you can use special linings, which will protect the boat from impacts on the pier, rocks and hooks of tackles, and you should provide a rigid mount for the sonar and the navigator, because it is inconvenient to hold them in your hands on the wave.
Don't forget the bags. Seats are often packed with bags, but for long rods it's better to have a separate tube or mount on board so that the gear doesn't lie on the floor and get confused.
Security and GIM regulations
Boats less than 3 meters long and weighing less than 200 kg (along with the engine) do not require registration with the GIMS if the engine power does not exceed 8 kW (about 10 hp).
Life jackets It's not just a formality, it's a necessity. A person in heavy clothes and boots drowns instantly, and the vest gives a critical time to escape, and a scoop, anchor and repair kit are also required.
When operating with the motor, you must observe the speed limit near the shore and bathing areas. Remember that the inflatable boat is less noticeable to other boats, especially in the evening, so the presence of a bright element or running lights (if you go out in the dark) is mandatory.
⚠️ Warning: It is forbidden to get on the water in stormy weather and in high winds exceeding the permissible limits for your type of vessel. Inflatable boat with a high profile of cylinders has a large sailing capacity and can be overturned by a gust of wind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many seasons does a PVC inflatable boat serve?
When operated carefully and properly stored, a quality boat lasts from 7 to 15 years, depending on the frequency of use, storage conditions (UV ray protection) and the density of the material. 1100 g/sqm PVC serve longer than analogues of 750 g / sq.m.
Can I leave the boat pumped in the sun?
Short term, yes, but keeping her in the direct sunlight for long periods of time is not recommended, because the air inside is heated and expanding, the pressure is increasing, which can cause seams to rupture or deformity, and if you want to leave the boat, you should lightly blow the air or put an awning.
How to fix a puncture in the field?
For emergency repairs, use self-adhesive remix patches, degrease the surface (at least saliva or alcohol), stick a patch and press hard. Major repairs require two-part glue and time for polymerization.
What engine to choose for a boat 3.2 meters?
For a boat with a length of 3.2 meters, the optimal choice will be a motor with a capacity of 5-6 hp This will allow you to reach a speed of about 20-25 km / h with one fisherman and cargo. More powerful engines (9.9 hp) will require registration of the vessel, which may be redundant for quiet fishing.
Do I need to register a PVC boat?
Registration is not required if the length of the vessel is less than 3 meters and the weight of the equipped vessel (hull + engine + equipment) does not exceed 200 kg. If at least one of the parameters is exceeded, or the engine power is more than 8 kW (10 hp), registration is mandatory.