Finding a reliable and spacious boat for fishing or family vacations on the water often leads to a model that has been leading the budget segment for many years. Penguin boat 390 to buySo you need a balance between load capacity, sustainability and affordable cost, and this model from St. Petersburg-based manufacturer Finkord has proven to be a workhorse for Russian water bodies that can withstand harsh operating conditions.
Many aqueous motorists choose the 390 because of its versatility: it is large enough to fit comfortably together or three with a load, but still amenable to transportation in the trunk of the crossover. Unlike more compact counterparts, it already feels real space, and high cylinders provide excellent protection against splashes even on the wave. However, before placing an order, it is important to understand the technical nuances, so as not to overpay for unnecessary options or, on the contrary, not to face a shortage of power.
Structural features and materials of the body
The basis of reliability Penguin 390 It is the use of high-strength five-layer reinforced PVC fabric with a density of 750 g / sq.m. This material does not just "hold air", it provides rigidity of the structure, allowing the boat to maintain its shape even when fully loaded. PVC reinforced resistant to gasoline, oils, ultraviolet radiation and mechanical damage, which is critical when mooring to rocky shores or overgrown areas.
One of the key design features is the high-pressure inflatable keel (HPD). Unlike plywood-floored solder boats, the bottom is assembled from stringers and an inflatable keel, which greatly speeds up the assembly process. You don't have to spend time laying heavy slabs and fixing them -- just pump the cylinders and keel, and the boat is ready to go down, and this is especially valuable when you need to quickly organize a camp or quickly change the fishing site.
- 🛡️ Five-layer fabric ensures tightness and durability of seams even under extreme loads.
- 🌊 Inflatable keel gives the body excellent driving qualities, allowing you to easily get on plane.
- 🧱 Pluted transmolant reinforced fiberglass, which increases the stiffness of the feed and the reliability of the engine fastening.
It's important to note the quality of the seams, which are made using hot glue technology, which means that the material is melted and joined into a monolithic structure, eliminating the stratification over time. When you buy it, you should carefully inspect the joints of the cylinders: a quality product should not have glue bloating or sticking out reinforcement threads. penguin under active operation.
⚠️ Attention: Despite the high density of the fabric, avoid contact with PVC with charcoal, sparks from the engine or sharp metal objects in the trunk. Repair is possible, but it is easier to prevent damage.
Dimensions, load capacity and capacity
When you decide Penguin boat 390 to buyThe 3.90-meter-long and 1.64-meter-wide interior space is a comfort comparable to small aluminum boats, with three adults with minimal gear and a fourth passenger, if necessary, which will already affect the performance of the boat.
The model has a load capacity of 650 kg, which is an excellent indicator for the PVC class. This allows you to take on board not only passengers, but also heavy equipment: sonars, anchor systems, fuel reserve and catch. High sides (46 cm) create a sense of safety, especially for children or animals, and effectively protect against flooding with a wave.
We should mention the inflatable seat system, which comes with the same material as the cylinders, and is mounted in a system. liquid Or they're on special holders, which allows you to change their position or remove them altogether, freeing up space, and unlike rigid plywood seats, inflatable cans are more comfortable and do not absorb water, which reduces the overall weight of the equipment.
| Parameter | Meaning | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Full length | 390 cm | Optimal for planing |
| Full width | 164 cm | Resilience on water |
| Load capacity | 650 kg | Including boat and motor weight |
| Boat weight | ~58 kg | Without motor and equipment |
| Passenger capacity | 3 people. | Comfortable for three. |
Engine installation: choice of motor
The power plant is critical for owners Penguin 390The manufacturer recommends using engines with a capacity of 9.9 to 15 hp to go to the planing with full load. The boat's tracker is designed to fit the engine to 20-25 hp, but it makes sense to put a more powerful unit only when it is used frequently with 2-3 passengers and a large range.
For a solo fishing or walk together is enough. 9.9 hpThis is the middle ground, which allows you to accelerate to 30-35 km / h and save fuel, but if you plan to use a boat for water skiing or fast crossings over a large reservoir, then the choice is: 15-horsepower engine It will be the most rational solution, providing a speed of about 40 km / h.
Can I put an electric motor on the Penguin 390?
Yes, there are places on the transom for mounting electric traction. However, note that due to the weight of the batteries (about 20-30 kg) and the engine itself, the payload will decrease, and the speed will be limited to 5-7 km / h. The electric motor is good for quiet spinning wiring, but not for long-distance transitions.
When installing the motor, it is important to choose the right length of the lower unit. For this model, the standard lower unit (S) is optimal, since a high transom can lead to cavitation, and too low can lead to increased water resistance. Also, remember to install an anti-cavitation stove if the motor does not have built-in protection to improve the output to the plane.
Package and additional accessories
Standard equipment Penguin 390 It usually includes the boat itself, the bag, the refit, the pump (often foot or electric depending on the dealer) and the instructions. However, for full operation of this kit is not enough.
First of all, you should pay attention to the anchor system. For a boat of this size, you need an anchor weighing 3-5 kg (for example, a cat or a plow anchor) and a phalange at least 10-15 meters long. It is also highly desirable to purchase a safety line for the engine, which will prevent its loss in the event of a cut of the transom or breakage of the rods.
- ⚓ Anchor rum - facilitates anchoring and prevents entanglement of the rope in the cylinders.
- 🔦 The hinged holder - is necessary for fixing the sonar or navigator in the area of sight of the helmsman.
- 🛡️ Protective tape. - additional linings on the bottom will prolong the life of PVC with frequent pulling on the ground.
When buying a boat, immediately order a remake with valves assembled. Native valves can eventually start poisoning, and the availability of spares will eliminate the problem directly on the pond in 5 minutes.
It is not superfluous to purchase a special cover for transportation if the regular bag seems too bulky or not sufficiently protected. Some owners also install awning shelters from the sun and rain, which turns the boat into a full-fledged mobile camp for recreation.
Assembly, pumping and preparation for water
Preparation process penguin boats 390 It takes an average of 15 to 20 minutes to go out, with a good pump, and the key here is to keep the pumping sequence going, always pumping the keel first, then the bow and aft, and only last but not least the sides, so you can get the right bottom geometry and avoid distortion.
The pressure in the cylinders should be 0.25-0.3 atmosphere (about 250-300 mbar). Exceeding this value in hot weather can lead to rupture of the seams due to air expansion, so it is recommended to slightly eject pressure in the sun. Using a pressure gauge is mandatory: pumping "peephole" often leads to either soft sides or to overstretched cylinders.
☑️ Checklist before getting on the water
After launching, take your time to give full gas. Let the boat stand for 5-10 minutes so that the material stretches and takes a working form. At this time, you can check the sealability of the valves with soap solution. If there are no bubbles, you can safely go sailing, gradually increasing the engine speed.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight unattended for long periods of time, and the pressure inside can rise to critical levels, causing the seams to deform.
Where to buy and what to pay attention to when ordering
Decision Penguin boat 390 to buy The model is now available in most specialty water appliance stores as well as in major online marketplaces. However, the terms of purchase can vary significantly. Official dealers often offer extended warranty and pre-sale preparation, while marketplaces can dump the price but not be held responsible for the quality of the seams.
When ordering, pay attention to the date of production. PVC materials have the tendency to "age" even in warehouses, so a boat that has been in a package for 3-4 years may require more thorough inspection before the first pumping.
It's also worth comparing the kits of different vendors. Sometimes the higher price is justified by the presence of a quality pump, reinforced stringers or an extended remix, and feel free to ask the seller for a photo of a particular boat or a video of the assembly process to make sure that there is no factory defect.
Purchase from an official dealer with the possibility of pre-sales inspection (pumping) reduces the risk of purchasing a defective product by 90%.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to assemble and disassemble the Penguin 390?
With experience and an electric pump, assembly takes about 15 minutes, disassembly and drying can take 20-30 minutes, and the first time the process can take up to 40-50 minutes.
Can I use the boat in the sea?
Yes, construction. Penguin 390 It is allowed to use in the coastal zone of the sea (no more than 3 miles from the shore) for turbulence up to 2 points, however, after each exit into the salt water, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water.
What is the maximum weight of the motor that the transom can withstand?
Tran is designed for motors weighing up to 50-55 kg. Exceeding this weight can lead to deformation of the aft part and violation of the geometry of the body, especially when driving at high speeds.
Do I need to register a boat with GIMS?
Yes, the boat Penguin 390 has a weight of more than 200 kg (in running order with an engine), so it is subject to mandatory registration in the GIMS, regardless of the power of the installed engine.
How to keep a boat in the winter?
The boat must be thoroughly washed, dried and stored in straightened or slightly rolled up at a temperature not lower than -20 ° C and not higher than +30 ° C. It is not recommended to store it in a compressed state under heavy objects.