Small-sized PVC inflatable boats are a sustainable niche in the water transport segment for anglers and water lovers, and among the many models on the market, products based on time-tested designs occupy a special place. Pelican 268 This is the case when the classical Soviet or post-Soviet base finds a second life thanks to high-quality modern materials and a competent approach to assembly.
Owners of such boats often seek a balance between price, reliability and comfort. The boat in question fits perfectly into the concept of a “people’s boat” for one or two people. It does not require registration with a GIMS (when installing a motor up to 5 hp or rowing option), is easily transported in the trunk of a passenger car and has sufficient carrying capacity for full fishing.
In this article, we will discuss all aspects of ownership. Pelican 268From technical design nuances to tuning secrets that turn a normal inflater into a comfortable fishing projectile, you will learn how to properly prepare the boat for the season, what materials to use for repairs and whether to install transom wheels.
Technical specifications and construction of the body
The basis of any inflatable boat is the quality of the material used and the thoughtfulness of the geometry. Pelican 268 Traditionally made of five-layer reinforced PVC, which is resistant to fuel, ultraviolet radiation and mechanical damage. the density of the fabric is usually from 750 to 900 g / sq.m., which provides the necessary margin of safety in contact with rocky bottom or snags.
The dimensions of this model make it possible to feel confident on the water even at a small wave. The length of 268 cm is the "golden mean": the boat is no longer too cramped for one fisherman with a lot of equipment, but still compact enough to quickly assemble alone. The width of the cylinders and the shape of the bottom affect stability, which is critical when fishing standing or throwing.
⚠️ Warning: When buying a used version or self-assembly, always check the tightness of the valves. Older models could be equipped with valves that require replacement with modern "latex" or petal counterparts for ease of pumping.
So bottom design is a separate topic to discuss, depending on the year of production and configuration. Pelican 268 It can be equipped with a low pressure inflatable floor (LDPB) or slate deck made of moisture-resistant plywood. NDPD provides better hydrodynamics and comfort, whereas slate is cheaper and easier to repair, but requires more time to assemble.
Equipment and ergonomics of internal space
The interior of the boat should be organized so that the angler does not feel cramped. Standard equipment often includes two inflatable seats (banks) that are fixed in special holders, these holders, or liktros, allow you to move the seats along the side, choosing the optimal position for rowing or motor control.
An important element of ergonomics is the presence of kielson - longitudinal reinforced strips at the bottom, which protect the cylinders from rubbing and improve the stability of the course. The Pelican 268 is often a reinforced overhead pocket for storing small items or anchor end, eliminating the need to use additional bags that can catch on to tackles.
- 🎣 Holders of rods: Possibility of installing additional glasses for spinning directly on board.
- 🔒 The liner cable: There is a safety cable along the perimeter of the cylinders, protecting the boat when hitting the pier.
- ⚓ Rhyme bolts: They are used to fasten the anchor, the safety end or the transom wheels.
- 🛡️ Canister linings: rubber treads in places of contact with oars or motor.
Special attention should be paid to fun keys. In quality versions, they are made of stainless steel or durable plastic with rubber seals, so as not to scratch the oars or create unnecessary noise. The rowing oars that come with the kit usually have an aluminum base and plastic blades, which makes them lightweight, but sometimes not rigid enough to row against strong winds.
Preparation for operation and assembly
Properly assembling a boat is a key to safe and comfortable operation. The process does not require special skills, but following the sequence of actions will help to avoid common mistakes, such as skewed bottoms or uneven tension of floorboards. Before the first operation, it is recommended to fully pump the boat and leave for several hours to check the pressure and tightness of the seams.
The pumping must be carried out using a pump with a pressure gauge. The pressure in the cylinders should usually not exceed 0.2-0.25 atm (depending on the air temperature), and in the keel - up to 0.3 atm. Pumping in hot weather is dangerous to rupture seams due to air expansion, and failure to pump into cold water will lead to loss of structural rigidity and deterioration of driving performance.
☑️ Checklist for boat assembly
When you install sleighs (plywood floors), it's important to properly position stringers, aluminum profiles, which are inserted into special pockets at the joints of plywood sheets, which give the bottom the necessary stiffness to bend, and if you skip this stage or insert stringers curve, the boat will "play" on the wave, and the plywood can quickly become useless.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight unattended. The pressure inside the cylinders increases proportionally to the temperature, which can lead to emergency air venting through the valves or rupture of the seams.
Engine installation: motor or paddles?
Although The Pelican 268 is often positioned as a rowing boat, most owners are considering installing an outboard motor. Transssing can fasten the engine with a capacity of up to 3.5-5 hp This is enough to go into open water, overcome currents and quickly deliver the fisherman to the fishing point.
When choosing an engine, you should take into account the total weight. For a boat with a length of 2.68 meters, a light two-stroke unit weighing up to 10-12 kg will be optimal. More powerful engines will create an excess load on the transom and can disrupt the balancing, making the boat squirmishy. It is also important to remember the requirements of the law: engines up to 5 hp (inclusive) do not require registration with GIMS if the total weight of the curb vessel does not exceed 200 kg.
The boat's transom should be rigid and securely fixed. In some budget trim levels, the transom can be removable or soft (inflatable with a rigid insert). For confident planing or even confident displacement, it is recommended to use a rigid plywood transmuter reinforced with fiberglass or aluminum profiles.
Use a safety cable for the motor, run it through the normal hole in the lower unit of the motor, and fasten it to the framing bolt of the boat, which will save the engine if the transom rods are torn off.
Tuning and modernization: from fishing to comfort
The factory equipment is just a base. Pelican 268 They know that comfort is handmade, and one of the most popular improvements is the installation of transom wheels, which allow one person to easily move a motorized boat and equipment along the shore without loading his back.
Another important element of tuning is bottom protection, and installing an additional tread layer made of rubber or a special PVC mat will significantly extend the life of the boat when pulling on the pebble shore, and many fishermen install soft inflatable seats with backrests, as standard rigid cans quickly tire the lower back.
| Tuning element | Complexity of installation | Impact on comfort | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| transom wheels | Low. | High (mobility) | Medium |
| Soft seats | Low. | Very high. | Low. |
| Bottom protection (tread) | Medium (stick) | Medium (durability) | Low. |
| Echo sounder + holder | Medium | High (efficiency) | High. |
And the space is organized, and the installation of pocket bags on board, anchors and spinning holders turns the boat into a full-fledged fishing headquarters, and the main thing in the modernization is not to overload the structure with excess weight and watch the centering.
The secret to quiet rowing
So to keep the oars from creaking in the keys, use silicone lubricant or wrap the contact area with tape. It's a trifle, but it greatly improves comfort on the water.
Repair, maintenance and storage
Like any technically complex item, Pelican 268 The main enemy of PVC is dirt, sand and mold. After each fishing, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, especially if it was used in salt water or in mud-covered water bodies. The sand, when it gets into folds, acts as an abrasive and rubs the material.
Keep the boat in a dry, cool place, in straightened or slightly deflated form. It is not recommended to store it in a highly compressed state at low temperatures, as this can lead to a "chamber" of material and microcracks in the places of folds. Periodically (once a season) check the condition of the seams and if necessary treat them with special means to restore the elasticity of PVC.
In the case of a puncture or cut, you can do the repair yourself using a remix, the damage site is degreased, cleaned and sealed with a patch of the same material using polyurethane glue, it is important to ensure tight pressing of the patch and to withstand the time of polymerization of the glue before pumping.
⚠️ Note: Do not use Moment PVC or other chloroprene-based adhesives for repair unless specifically designed for PVC materials. They may destroy the fabric structure or not provide pressure-tightness.
Timely drying and proper storage double the life of the PVC boat, and don't be lazy to wash and dry the boat after every departure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the maximum number of people can carry a Pelican 268?
The boat is officially certified for 2 people, but it's the most comfortable one with a full set of gear, two adult men can fit, but space is limited and the carrying capacity can be close to the limit, which will reduce safety and driving performance.
Is it possible to use a boat in winter?
Using PVC boats in winter is possible, but requires extreme caution: material in the cold loses elasticity and becomes brittle. Any sudden movement or impact on the ice can lead to cracks. If use is necessary, keep the boat warm until the very descent and avoid contact with sharp edges of ice.
Do I need to register the Pelican 268?
By itself, a boat without an engine with a capacity of more than 5 hp and a weight of less than 200 kg (in running order) is not subject to registration in GIMS. If you plan to put the engine more powerful than 5 hp, or the total weight of the boat with the engine and equipment will exceed 200 kg, registration is required.
How to fix punctures in the field?
For emergency repairs, it is best to carry self-adhesive patches made of remixes. They do not take time to dry the glue. For major repairs at home, use two-component polyurethane adhesives and patches made of reinforced PVC, ensuring warming and rolling.