Choosing a swimming aid for fishing or a family holiday on the water is always a search for a compromise between the carrying capacity, dimensions in the assembled form and price. Penguin 390The silk car, which has been in stable demand among domestic water engines for several years, attracts attention not only with its affordable cost, but also with its quite serious size, which allows you to comfortably fit on board even a large company.
Many users see this model as an alternative to more expensive brands, expecting it to maximize functionality for a reasonable amount of money. PVC transport This size requires special attention to the details of the design, because the load on the body when moving along the wave increases significantly, and in this article we will discuss all the technical details so that you can make an informed decision.
It should be noted that the parameters declared by the manufacturer do not always coincide with the sensations on the water, so we will rely on facts and design features. boat-engineSo let's dive into what this popular model is.
General concept and purpose of the model
The Penguin range has long been known in the inflatable boat market, and the 390 centimeter long version is one of the most popular. gliderThe main purpose of the boat is fishing in large bodies of water, hunting, tourism and just outdoor activities with family or friends.
The design is made according to the classical scheme with inflatable tubes, which ensures excellent unsinkability and buoyancy. floor High Pressure, which forms a hard bottom, allows you to go smoothly and pass small obstacles, such as reeds or small snags, without the risk of damaging the body.
⚠️ Warning: Despite the durable materials, the inflatable floor is not designed to move on rocky rolls or drag on concrete. Use protective sleds or lay mats when descending on unequipped banks.
It's important to understand that 3.9 meters of dimensions dictates the operating conditions, and it's not a baby that can be pumped and run quickly in 15 minutes, and it takes time and physical effort to prepare for the exit, build and pack, especially if you're using a powerful motor that also needs to be delivered to the water.
Design features and materials
The basis of durability of any PVC boats The Penguin 390 uses high-density reinforced polyvinyl chloride, which is made up of several layers, which gives it resistance to abrasion, ultraviolet radiation and temperature changes, and the density of the fabric is usually about 750-850 g/sq.m., which is the standard for tourist models.
Special attention should be paid to the system of strengthening of joints and joints. In places of greatest stress, such as the beam and the trawler, often additional protection is applied. transom board It's made of moisture-resistant plywood and it's covered with non-slip material, which prevents the legs from slipping when you're moving abruptly or entering a boat, and it's mounted on top of the transom with carbine belts that are easily adjustable.
- 🛡️ The reinforced keelson, passing along the entire bottom, takes on the main impact load in choppy conditions.
- 💨 High pressure valves have protection against sand and dust, which is critical for long-term service of the inflatable floor.
- 🪢 Linear cable stretched around the perimeter of the balloon serves for insurance and convenience of mooring near the shore.
It is worth mentioning the inflating system. The use of a high pressure pump is a prerequisite for achieving the design rigidity of the bottom. Inflated floor will lead to loss of driving performance and increased water resistance. To control pressure, it is recommended to use a pressure gauge, since it is difficult to determine the desired 0.2-0.25 atmospheres in the floor by eye.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight unattended. The air inside the cylinders expands when heated, which can cause seams to rupture or deform the structure.
Overall dimensions and weight parameters
One of the key factors in choosing is the ratio of length, width and weight. For the Penguin 390, these parameters are critical, as they determine transportability and capacity. The length of 390 cm allows you to comfortably accommodate 3-4 people, and the width provides the necessary stability.
The weight of the kit is a parameter that is often overlooked when buying: the total weight in packaged form can reach 50-60 kilograms depending on the equipment and thickness of the material, which means that transporting alone will be difficult, especially when you consider the weight of the engine and fuel.
Below is a table with the main technical specifications that will help you navigate:
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Total length | 390 cm | Maximum dimensions |
| general width | 165 cm | Working width for cylinders |
| Load capacity | 650-700 kg | Including crew weight and equipment |
| Mass of kit | ~52 kg | Depends on the density of PVC |
| Passenger capacity | 4 people. | It is recommended for comfort of 2-3 people. |
When planning a purchase, be sure to consider that the real payload will be less than the rated carrying capacity if you plan to actively planing. The overloaded boat loses driving qualities, becomes rolling and dangerous on the wave. Optimal loading For this model, two adults plus equipment.
Comfort and ergonomics of the cockpit
The interior of the boat is designed to fit the needs of anglers. Comfortable seats (cans) are an important element. Penguin 390 usually uses swivel or removable cans that can be moved along the sides or removed altogether to increase space, especially when sleeping on the water or placing a large load.
Special equipment is provided for installation plastic-holder And the rings are often marked or mounted on cylinders for sonars, fishing rods and anchors, all of which make it much easier to use in real-world conditions.
The secrets of comfort in a PVC boat
To increase comfort on long hikes, many owners install additional soft linings on cans or use inflatable cushions. It is also useful to have a remix and a spare valve with you, as losing leakage away from shore can be a serious problem.
The ergonomics of the cockpit also depend on proper weight distribution: the center of gravity should be closer to the transom when driving on the motor to ensure optimal differentiation. Shifting the load in the nose can lead to yaw and slowing down.
Power specifications and choice of motor
The choice of engine for a boat with a length of 3.9 meters is especially acute. the manufacturer usually recommends engines with a capacity of 9.9 to 15 horsepower. Installation of a more powerful unit, for example, 18-20 hp, is possible, but requires caution and experience in driving, as the boat becomes very sharp and sensitive to the movement of passengers.
With a 9.9 hp engine. PVC transport It's a very confident plane with two passengers on board, and it's the most economical and popular fishing option, but if you're looking at high-speed walks or towing water skis, it makes sense to look at 15-horsepower models.
- 🚣♂️ For quiet fishing and trolling, a motor with a capacity of 5-8 hp is enough.
- 🚀 A minimum of 9.9 hp is required to go full load planing.
- ⚓ When using an electric motor, the speed will be limited to 5-7 km / h, which is ideal for silent fishing.
It's important to remember the length of the lower unit. This model is optimal for a short leg (S), because the height of the transom is standard. Installing a long leg motor will lead to excessive immersion of the screw and loss of speed, or require a sling on the transom, which is not always safe.
When installing the motor, always use a safety cable. Run it through the ring on the tiller and attach it to the hull of the boat. This will save you from losing the engine in the event of a rod failure or accidental impact on an obstacle.
Operation, storage and care
The longevity of your boat depends on how you care for it, and after every trip, especially if it was salt water or a body of water with blooming water, it's a very long time. PVC product It needs to be thoroughly washed with fresh water and dried, and the moisture left behind promotes mold development and breaks down the adhesive sutures.
Keep the boat in a cover, in a dry room at temperatures from -30 to +50 degrees Celsius. Although modern materials are frost resistant, it is not recommended to store a pumped boat in the winter in the cold because of the risk of condensation inside the cylinders during temperature changes.
☑️ Checklist of preparation for winter storage
Regular inspection for scuffs and microcracks will help avoid water problems. Pay special attention to the keel part and the attachment points. If you find damage, do not delay repairs - use high-quality glue and patches of the same material.
Proper drying and storage in the spread form is the main secret of long service of PVC boats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use the Penguin 390 to go out to sea?
Use in marine conditions is possible only in calm weather and near the shore. the high seas with a turbulence of more than 0.5-0.7 meters poses a danger to inflatable vessels of this class due to the risk of capsizing or damage to the hull.
Which glue is best for puncture repair?
For repair of PVC products, it is best to use two-component polyurethane adhesives or special adhesives based on polychloroprene, designed specifically for PVC materials. rubber adhesives may not provide a reliable connection.
How long does it take to assemble and disassemble a boat?
With experience and an electric pump, assembly takes about 15-20 minutes, and disassembly and packaging can take 25-30 minutes, as it takes time to eject air and fold carefully.
Do I need to register with the GIMS for this boat?
Registration is required if the weight of the curbed boat (including the engine) exceeds 200 kg, or if the power of the installed engine exceeds 8 kW (about 10.88 hp).