Inflatable swimming aids have long since ceased to be a toy for children and have become a serious tool for fishermen and hunters. Pelican 300It's a very sophisticated design that's been leading the budget for many years, and it's not just a inflatable boat, it's a very sophisticated design that allows you to feel safe on the water, even when you're in a little bit of excitement.
Why is this model so controversial and interesting? It's all about the unique combination of low cost and high payload. Pelican 300 It's the first step in the world of big fishing, but like any technology, it has its own nuances that you need to know before you buy.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects of operation, from the quality of seams to the possibility of installation. electric-motorYou will learn why this boat is so popular in harsh climates and how to properly prepare it for its first launch. If you are looking for reliable transport for small rivers and lakes, this review will be a useful guide for you.
Structural features and materials of the body
The basis of durability of any inflatable boat is the material. Pelican 300 reinforced PVC It's not just a rubber that's easy to puncture with a branch, but a complex composite material that's made up of multiple layers of fabric and a polymer coating, and that's what allows it to withstand a lot of mechanical stress.
The design of the bottom deserves special attention, and it uses an inflatable keel system, which gives the body a great look. seaworthinessThe boat doesn't just float on the surface, it cuts the wave, providing stability on the course, which is critical if you're planning to use the motor, because a flat bottom often leads to yaws and impacts on the water.
The sides are high enough to provide a good margin of buoyancy, and even when fully loaded with two passengers and a load of spray is left overboard. gluedUnlike welds, adhesives are more elastic and better able to tolerate temperature changes without cracking in the cold.
- 🛶 Material: Reinforced PVC density of 750-850 g / m2, resistant to ultraviolet and fuel.
- ⚓ Bottom: Inflatable with Air Deck system or slate made of water-resistant plywood (depending on the modification).
- 🛡️ Defense: Reinforced linings on cylinders in places of contact with water and bottom soil.
⚠️ Warning: Despite the high strength of PVC, avoid contact with sharp stones and prickly shrubs on the shore. Repair in the field can take a long time and spoil fishing.
The secret to stitching
The seams on the Pelican 300 are glued with a two-part polyurethane glue that, after polymerization, becomes stronger than the material itself, which is why it is recommended to let the boat stand after buying a minimum of 24 hours before first use.
Technical specifications and load capacity
When choosing a boat, the numbers are crucial. Boat Pelican 300 It has an overall length of 300 cm and a width of 136 cm, which allows two adults of average build to comfortably fit in it, but the actual operating load often differs from the data-sheet figures specified by the manufacturer.
The model has a load capacity of 400 kg, which includes the weight of passengers, motor, battery, gear and the hull itself, which means that two fishermen weighing 90 kg can carry about 100 kg of cargo with them, which is quite enough for a full night fishing, but it is worth considering that the main thing is that the fisherman can take a load of water. passport capacity This is the limit at which the boat is still afloat, and not comfortable sailing.
An important parameter is the pressure in the cylinders. To ensure the rigidity of the structure and the correct geometry of the bottom, you need to pump the cylinders to 0.2 atm, and the keel to 0.15-0.18 atm. The use of a pressure gauge is mandatory, since it is easy to pump the boat in the heat or underpump into the cold, which will affect the driving performance.
The table below shows a comparison of the main specifications of the Pelican 300 with competitors in this class:
| Parameter | Pelican 300 | Market average | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full length | 300 | 290-310 | centimeter |
| Full width | 136 | 130-140 | centimeter |
| Load capacity | 400 | 350-450 | kilogram |
| Weight of kit | 26 | 24-30 | kilogram |
Installation and operation of the outboard motor
One of the main issues that concern buyers is the possibility of installing boat-engineThe transom hinge on the Pelican 300 is made of reinforced moisture-resistant plywood and is mounted on special pockets. The design can withstand motors up to 5 hp, but the optimal traction is considered to be a range of 2-3.5 hp.
When installing the engine, it is important to balance. If the motor is too heavy for the transom, the boat's nose will rise, and it will get on plane mode with difficulty, consuming more fuel. For two-stroke engines, it is recommended to use a remote tank to avoid cluttering the cockpit and reduce the risk of gasoline vapor entering the inside.
The speed of driving for an outboard motor 2.5 hp with one person is about 10-12 km / h. This is not a racing car, but to move to the catch point or bypass pressed areas, this is quite enough. gelling The boat becomes stable, but sharp turns at high speed are not recommended due to the risk of overkill.
To save fuel and reduce noise, use an electric motor. On the Pelican 300, it stands perfectly and allows you to sneak up silently to the fish at a throwing distance.
The motor's attachment must be reliable. Use rubber-stick rods to keep the plywood from damaging the transom. Check the bolt tightening periodically, as engine vibration can weaken the connections. If you plan to remove and install the motor often, it makes sense to purchase quick-removal mounts.
Assembly, storage and care of PVC
Properly assembling a boat is a guarantee of its long service, it takes about 15-20 minutes for an experienced user, first the cylinders are inflated, then the keel, and only then the floorboard (bottom) is installed. If you use the inflatable floor, the process is even faster, but it takes longer to wait for the material to straighten.
After each fishing, the boat should be rinsed with fresh water, especially if you have been swimming in salt water or a body of water with blooming water. Salt and algae aggressively affect the adhesive seams and material. Drying should take place in the shade, direct sunlight when drying can lead to uneven heating and deformation.
- 🧼 Cleanup: Use a soft sponge and a soapy solution. Aggressive chemistry is prohibited.
- 🌡️ Temperature: Store the boat at a temperature of -30 to +50 degrees Celsius.
- 📦 Packaging: Wrap the boat freely without creating sharp creases on the bends.
⚠️ Warning: Never keep a wet boat rolled up in a bag for more than 2-3 days, guaranteed to cause mold to break down the reinforcing layer of fabric.
Tuning and improvement for comfort
Basic equipment Pelican 300 It's good, but fishermen often want to improve ergonomics, and the first thing many people do is they install extra perimeter ropes that you can hold onto or cling to, and that makes the boat a more functional tool.
The second popular tuning element is the installation of rod holders and anchor dips, which are attached to the nose and allows you to anchor from the nose, which is especially convenient when fishing in windy weather, and often change the regular seats to softer counterparts with the ability to adjust the distance between them.
Night fishing or fog fishing requires running lights, special magnetic mount kits that can be easily installed on cylinders, and bottom protection is also important, as a timber or additional linings will prolong the life of the hull when disembarking on unequipped shore.
☑️ Checklist before getting on the water
Real reviews and common problems
And if you look at the experience of the owners, you can see a few typical situations: the most positive feedback is about price-performance, the boat really allows you to go out on the water with minimal investment, and many people say that they are very stable even in strong side winds because of the wide cylinder.
But there are complaints, and most people complain about the quality of the bag, which wears out quickly, and there is also the problem of blowing up the balloons in the sun if you leave the boat on the shore, and this is not a marriage, but a physical feature of the gases, but inexperienced users sometimes get scared, thinking that the boat will "tear".
Repairability The material is very glued, and the punctures are eliminated with standard remixes in 15 minutes, the main thing is to degrease the surface and let the glue dry for the time being, and the only difficulties can arise with the replacement of valves, but this procedure is quite feasible at home.
The Pelican 300 is a workhorse for those who value practicality, and it's not without its drawbacks, but when handled carefully, it lasts 5-7 years or more, fully justifying its cost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to go to the Pelican 300 to large reservoirs such as Ladoga or Onega?
You can only go out in calm and close to the shore. The boat has wave height restrictions (up to 0.3-0.4 meters). On large bodies of water, the weather changes quickly, and an open boat without a cockpit can be dangerous.
Which anchor is best used for this boat?
The optimal weight of the anchor for the Pelican 300 is 3-4 kg. It is best to use Cat anchors or Denford folding anchors. They are compact and have a good hook. Heavy anchor can be dangerous if you jerk sharply.
Do I need to register a boat with GIMS?
According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, boats weighing more than 200 kg (in running order) or with an engine of more than 8 hp (5.8 kW) are subject to registration. The pelican 300 weighs about 26 kg, so with a motor up to 5 hp it is not subject to registration, but you need to observe the rules of navigation.
How to keep a boat in winter?
The boat needs to be thoroughly washed, dried and folded into a bag, best stored in a heated room or garage, suspended in an unstretched form, and if this is not possible, it is permissible to store it on a balcony in a cover, but not at extremely low temperatures, so that the PVC does not become brittle.