The modern market of small craft offers a huge variety of options, however, Voyager For many years, it has been a strong position in the segment of affordable and reliable craft. PVC Fishermen and tourists love it for its combination of price, strength and functionality, and choosing a specific modification can be a daunting task, as the range is constantly updated with new options and design improvements.
Purchased VoyagerYou get a versatile tool for getting out onto the water, whether it is a calm lake or a river with a moderate current. Assemblance quality And the materials that are used allow these boats to withstand heavy loads while still being light enough to be transported in the trunk of a passenger car, and in this article we will go through all the aspects that will help you decide on your choice.
Structural features and materials of the body
The basis of durability of any PVC It's the quality of the fabric it's made of. Voyager. The fabric density often varies from 750 to 1100 g/sq.m., which provides an optimal balance between the weight of the product and its strength.
An important element of the design is bottom (HPD) or hard floorboard: Low Pressure High Tensile models are characterized by excellent wave germination and smoothness, as the bottom works like skiing. Hard floorboards, in turn, provide a more stable platform for fishing, allowing you to stand on your feet even when fishing actively.
When choosing between NDND and floorboard bottom, keep in mind that the inflatable floor is harder to damage against stones in shallow water, but it is less resistant to punctures with sharp objects like hooks or fishing gear.
Particular attention should be paid to the system. stringer Quality models use robust aluminum profiles that are inserted into special pockets on the sides, giving the structure a rigidity, allowing the boat to keep its shape even in high winds or when installing a powerful engine.
Overview of popular models and modifications
Lineage Voyager. There are many different versions, each tailored to a specific task, the most popular are the two-seater and three-seater options, which are most popular among fishing enthusiasts, and the differences are not only in size, but also in the availability of options such as: cross-platereinforced cylinders and additional linings.
- 🚤 Voyager-2 A compact model for one or two people, ideal for small bodies of water and easy transportation.
- 🎣 Voyager-3 - a golden mean, allowing you to accommodate two fishermen with a full set of gear and a small motor.
- 🌊 Voyager-4 - a larger vessel with increased load capacity, suitable for long walks and access to large water areas.
There are also specialised versions, such as keel-strengthened Some modifications are equipped with a perimeter timber, which protects the cylinders from impacts on the berths and on the sides of other vessels. When choosing a particular model, it is important to pay attention to the internal volume of the cockpit, since this depends on the comfort of the placement.
Special attention should be paid to the models with modularThis affects the weight of the boat assembled and the ease of packaging, and some versions have special attachments for sonars, spinning holders and navigation devices, making them ready for active use immediately after purchase.
Technical specifications and load capacity
When choosing a boat, the key parameters are the dimensions, weight and maximum permissible power of the engine. Load capacity It is recommended to be specified by the manufacturer with a margin, but for comfortable operation it is recommended not to exceed 80% of the limit values, this will ensure better handling and safety on the water.
| Model | Length (cm) | Width (cm) | Load capacity (kg) | Max engine power (hp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voyager-2 | 220 | 115 | 220 | 5 |
| Voyager-3 | 290 | 130 | 400 | 10 |
| Voyager-4 | 340 | 145 | 550 | 15 |
| Voyager-5 | 390 | 160 | 750 | 25 |
The weight of the boat itself, when packaged, is also critical, especially if you plan to carry it alone. NDMA It's usually heavier than the same length of pyeols because of the weight of the very bottom of the high pressure, but this weight is offset by the fact that you don't have to assemble and disassemble the floor before every fishing trip.
Effect of weight on driving performance
The heavier boat with HND has less sailing and better course, but requires more time and effort to pump. Lighter plyol models are faster to assemble, but can sail more strongly in lateral winds.
It is important to consider cylinder-diameterThe high side provides additional safety and protection against splashes, but increases the sailing capacity of the vessel. For fishing in windy weather, balance is considered optimal when the side rises above the water by 30-40 cm.
Package and additional accessories
Standard equipment boats Voyager This usually includes the vessel itself, removable seats (banks), a pump, remix and a bag for transportation, but for full operation often requires additional items. Tranza It can be made of different types of wood or composite materials, and its quality directly affects the vibration and reliability of the motor attachment.
- ⚓ Anchor rum - necessary for safe anchoring without risk of damage to the balloon.
- 🛡️ Protective tapes - glued to the most vulnerable places (nose, keel) to prevent punctures.
- 🔧 The rod-holders - allow you to free your hands during movement or echoloting.
Many owners immediately acquire jack-bagThey're attached to the bow or sides of the boat, and they keep gear, documents and personal items dry and handy, and they also have a safety end attached to the transom, which is useful for mooring or rescue operations.
☑️ Basic equipment for access to water
Don't save on the money. pumpGeneral foot pumps are often of poor quality and fail quickly, and it is better to purchase a reliable two-way pump or an electric compressor with battery power, which will greatly simplify the preparation for alloying.
Rules of operation and maintenance of PVC
And flyboat It's been in the sun for years, and you have to follow a number of operating rules, and the main enemy of PVC is long-term exposure to direct sunlight and overheating, and it's not recommended to leave a fully pumped boat unattended, because the pressure inside the cylinders can exceed the permissible limits and cause the seams to rupture.
⚠️ Warning: Never wash the boat with aggressive chemical solvents or gasoline. Use only warm water with soap solution or special PVC care products.
After each operation, especially in salt water or muddy rivers, the vessel must be thoroughly washed with fresh water and dried. Wet packaging is a direct route to mold and break the adhesive layer. It is better to dry the boat in the shade, turning it upside down so that glass water from all hard-to-reach places.
Store Voyager. It should be in a straightened or semi-folded state, avoiding sharp cloth cloth cloth cloths, the optimal storage temperature is from -10 to +30 degrees Celsius, regular checking of pressure in the compartments before getting on the water will help avoid unpleasant situations on the water and prolong the life of the material.
Comparison with competitors and final conclusions
In its price segment boat It competes with brands such as Flagship, hunter and Master.Voyager's main advantage is often described as the availability of spare parts and ease of repair in the field. Competitors may offer more modern designs or slightly denser fabric, but the difference in driving performance at the same dimensions is often minimal.
The main criterion of choice is not only the price, but also the availability of service support and spare parts in your region, which is implemented very well in the Voyager model.
When choosing between a new model and a used version, it is worth carefully examining the condition of the seams and valves. Used formerly A boat can have micro-cracks that are invisible to the eye, which will manifest under load, and if the budget is limited, it is better to take a new entry-level model than the risky purchase of an old top.
In summary, it can be said that Voyager It's a smart choice for those looking for a balance between cost and quality, and it's not without the disadvantages of the budget segment, but with the right care, it can go many seasons, and the right choice of model for your specific tasks will be the key to successful fishing and enjoyable walks.
What glue is best for repairing Voyager's boat?
For PVC repair, two-component polyurethane adhesives (such as Kleyberg or PVC Fluid Glue) are best used, providing a flexible and water-resistant seam that can withstand strain. Single-component adhesives are less reliable for loaded spaces.
Can I use the Voyager boat in winter?
PVC boats can be used in winter, but with caution: at temperatures below -10°C, the material becomes rigid and brittle, the risk of damage on ice or rocks increases many times, it is recommended to use special winter modifications or carefully warm the material before pumping.
How often should I pump a boat in hot weather?
In hot weather, the pressure in the cylinders increases. If the boat is in the sun, you may need to blow a little air to not exceed the working pressure. Check the pressure every 1-2 hours of active operation, especially if the temperature is above + 25 ° C.
How long does a PVC boat last with proper care?
The average life of a quality PVC boat with regular operation and proper storage is 7-10 years. The key factor is the condition of the adhesive seams, which may require prevention or re-adhesive after 5-6 years of active use.