Choosing the first swimmer is always a compromise between wanting a full-boat and the reality of the budget, and it is at this point that many aquatic motorists pay attention to the available PVC models, among which stands out. boat Pelican 270This domestically produced product has become a kind of "people's boat", gaining popularity due to its low price and simplicity of design.
However, low cost often raises doubts about reliability and safety. Pelican 270 It is no exception, and it is important for potential buyers to understand what they are buying: a lightweight inflatable flatbed or a full-fledged transport for fishing. In this article, we will discuss all the technical parameters in detail so that you can make an informed decision.
It should be noted that this model is positioned as a rowing vessel for calm water, which means that it is not expected to be seaworthy or the ability to install a powerful engine. The maximum allowable engine power for this model is only 2 hp.This imposes serious restrictions on its use in windy weather or on the current.
Main technical specifications and dimensions
The size of the vessel determines its capacity and transportability: a length of 270 centimeters is the minimum comfortable size for one person with things, but already cramped for two adult fishermen. A width of 130 centimeters provides basic stability, but with sharp movements, the roll can be felt more noticeable than on wider models.
The material of manufacture is reinforced PVCThe density of the fabric usually varies between 750-850 g/sq.m., which is standard for the budget segment, and is resistant to abrasion and ultraviolet light, but requires careful handling when mooring on the rocky shore.
An important parameter is the load capacity, which in the 270 model is 220 kg. This value is formally enough for two people of average weight, but taking into account the weight of the boat itself (about 20 kg) and the equipment, the buoyancy margin becomes minimal.
The following is a summary table showing the main parameters:
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Total length | 270 cm |
| general width | 130 cm |
| Load capacity | 220 kg |
| Number of compartments | 2 + 1 (Kilson) |
| Boat weight | 19-21 kg |
Design of cylinders and bottoms
The boat is structurally composed of two main inflatable tubes, separated by the bow and aft, which ensures emergency buoyancy: if one side is punctured, the other side will allow it to stay afloat, but the volume of cylinders is small, so the height of the side above the water when fully loaded will be small.
The bottom is made of a dense waterproof material, often called a "floorboard" or simply an inflatable floor. Unlike models with a rigid aluminum or plywood floor, it uses an inflatable structure that significantly reduces weight and simplifies assembly, but deprives the vessel of the stiffness necessary for planing.
The seams are made in adhesive fashion, which is the standard for budget products, and the quality of gluing depends on the compliance of the technology in the factory. pelican In this regard, shows average results: sometimes there are small flaws, which, however, are easily eliminated at home.
⚠️ Attention: The inflatable floor is extremely sensitive to punctures. Before each fishing, carefully clean the bottom of small debris, branches and shells so that it does not damage when descent into the water.
Some modifications use a glued transom to reinforce the design, but the base version of the "270" often has a hinged version or its complete absence, since the model is primarily focused on rowing. If you plan to install the motor, look for modifications with a reinforced transom.
Set and ergonomics of seats
The kit often varies depending on the batch and the specific seller. The base kit usually includes the boat itself, two oars, a carry bag and a remix. Sometimes a pump is added to the kit, but its performance may not be sufficient to quickly pump the cylinders.
Seats (banks) are plywood boards, covered with material or simply varnish, attached to liktros (stretching rope) or special stops, the main disadvantage is that it is difficult to rigidly fix them in the right position, and when rowing they can shift, disrupting the balance.
Ergonomics of rowing on Pelican 270 The oars that come with the package are often made of aluminum or fiberglass, lightweight, but can bend when you work hard, and for comfortable use, they are better replaced with better-quality analogues with wooden or composite blades.
☑️ What to check for buying a used Pelican 270
It is important to note that the bag in this model is often made of thin fabric. When used regularly and fully loaded with a boat (which still takes up volume when deflated), the handles of the bag may not be able to withstand weight.
Water operation and manoeuvrability
On the water, the boat behaves predictably for its class, because of the flat bottom, it has excellent stability on standing water, which allows you to sit confidently and even move slightly inside the cockpit, but any wave height of more than 20-30 centimeters begins to cause discomfort.
The maneuverability of the rowing is mediocre. The narrow hull is not well-couraged in the side wind, the boat is constantly blowing down. This requires the rower to constantly adjust his course. For fishing in windy weather, this can be a serious problem, because it will be difficult to hold the catch point.
The use of an electric motor or a low-power gasoline engine (up to 2 hp) is possible, but with reservations: transom, if any, is not designed for high loads. The speed with such a motor will be about 5-7 km / h, which is comparable to fast rowing, but saves energy.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to exceed the recommended engine power. Installation of the engine more powerful than 2 hp can lead to the destruction of the transom and flooding the boat at full speed.
In general, Pelican 270 It is best suited to travel between close points on lakes, ponds and quiet river backwaters, and it is dangerous to go out into the open waters of large reservoirs in such a boat.
Comparison with competitors and alternatives
There are many other boats on the market, like the Flagship, the Hunter, or the Master. Pelican 270 It wins in price, but often loses out as PVC and fittings used. Competitors for similar money can offer a denser material or better equipment.
If you look at more expensive models, the difference in comfort is huge: boats with a 300-320 cm inflatable keel and a hard slate bottom provide a completely different level of safety and comfort, but their weight and dimensions when assembled can be unacceptable for owners of small cars.
The key advantage of the Pelican is its accessibility, a workhorse for the summer cottage, which is not a pity to leave under the canopy or take with you on a hike, where there is a risk of damage to the sides on thorns or stones.
Secrets of PVC durability
Use UV filter sprays to extend the life of the boat, store the product only in a dry and cool place, avoiding folds in the same places, and periodically pump the cylinders, as temperature changes affect internal pressure.
When choosing between a new budget boat and a used mid-range model, it is often wiser to consider the latter: a higher-quality second-hand boat will last longer and provide greater safety on the water.
Care, storage and repair
Boat care Pelican 270 After each operation, you need to thoroughly wash the case with fresh water, removing sand, silt and fish mucus, and wet storage leads to mold and the destruction of glue sutures.
Drying the boat is done in the shade, straight sunlight on the pumped boat is destructive: the pressure inside increases, and the material overheats, 1-2 hours in the air to completely get rid of moisture.
In the case of a puncture, the repair is done with a remix, the surface is cleaned, degreased and patched, and it is important to use a glue designed specifically for PVC, because universal adhesives may not provide an elastic seam.
Store the product at temperatures above -10°C (although modern materials keep the cold, it is better not to risk it), the optimal storage temperature is room temperature, and you need to turn the boat carefully, trying not to create sharp cavities on the materials.
Lubricate the valves with silicone lubrication before long-term storage, which will prevent the moving parts from clinging to the ground and ensure leakproofness in the next season.
Regular inspection of the seams and the sticking points of the handles will help to identify the incipient stratifications at an early stage, and timely repair of a small problem will prevent a major accident on the water.
Summary: Pros and cons of the model
To summarize the review, we can say that the boat Pelican 270 It's a budget solution for people who don't go out on the water very often and don't want to spend a lot of money on equipment, and it does its job, but it requires a lot of attention.
The main advantages include low cost, low weight, and simplicity of construction, which means that there is little to break down here, making it attractive for beginners and summer residents.
But the downsides are also significant: low load capacity, no hard flooring, minimal wave protection, and limited motorization capabilities. For serious fishing or frequent walks, more serious models are better considered.
The Pelican 270 is ideal for quiet fishing in small waters, but it is not designed for extreme conditions and long-distance crossings.
If your plans for a boating are limited to a summer weekend on the nearest lake, the Pelican will do the job, otherwise you should consider buying a more productive and safer boat.
Can I put a motor on the Pelican 270?
It is technically possible to install a motor of up to 2 hp on a hinged transom, if the model provides for it. However, the design of the boat is not designed for planing, and the movement will occur in displacement mode. When installing a more powerful motor, there is a high risk of damage to the transom or flip.
What is the actual loading capacity of the boat?
The declared load capacity is 220 kg. However, this includes the weight of passengers, equipment, the engine itself (if any) and the weight of the boat itself. A realistically comfortable load for two people with fishing rods and anchor will be about 140-150 kg of total weight of people.
Do I need to register the boat Pelican 270 in GIMS?
According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, registration is subject to small vessels weighing more than 200 kg. Since the weight of the Pelican 270 is about 20 kg, even with an installed engine (up to 10 kg) and equipment, it is likely not to reach the threshold of 200 kg.
How to properly pump cylinders?
Use a foot or hand pump. The pressure in the cylinders should be 0.2-0.25 atmosphere (checked by pressing a finger - the surface should be elastic, but slightly wobbled); Pumping in hot weather is dangerous to rupture seams due to air expansion.