Boat "Penguin 390": honest reviews of owners of PVC-boat for fishing and tourism

Boat. Penguin 390 It's one of the most popular models among the domestic PVC boats of the middle class, and it's often chosen for fishing, hunting and family recreation on the water due to the optimal ratio of price, quality and load capacity. But how justified are expectations from this model? Real-life owner reviewsAnalyze the typical problems and benefits, and compare Penguin 390 with the main competitors. Flagship 380, Flying wing 370 and Bark 390.

The peculiarity of this boat is 0.9 mm thick reinforced PVC material But in practice, owners have noted both the pros and the hidden disadvantages that are not mentioned in the advertising booklets. lack of resistance in the waveAnd some of them are about transportation problems because they're 45 kg, and we're going to look at what you should look for before you buy it, and what you should look for before you buy it. non-obvious nuances of exploitation They are only detected after several seasons of use.

This article will be useful to those who:

• 🔍 Selects the first boat and compares models up to 4 meters;
• 🎣 Plans to use a boat for fishing on lakes and rivers;
• 🚤 Looking for a reliable PVC boat for an outboard motor up to 15 hp;
• 💰 Limited on budget, but not ready to sacrifice quality.

Technical specifications Penguin 390What the manufacturer promises

According to the official website, the boat Penguin 390 has the following parameters:

Characterization	Meaning
Length	3.9 m
Width	1.65 m m m m
Height of board	0.55 m m
Thickness of PVC	0.9 mm (body) / 1.2 mm (kiel)
Max, engine power.	15 hp.
Load capacity	600 kg
Boat weight	45 kg
Completement	Oars, pump, bag for transportation, repair kit

On paper, the features look solid, but Real tests show discrepanciesFor example, owners note that when loading more than 400 kg, the boat begins to "land" in the water, and handling deteriorates. bottom-stiffness When a wave or sharp turns, a “deflection” is felt, which can be dangerous at high speed.

One more thing. PVC thicknessSome owners measured the material after buying it and found that the actual thickness of the case was closer to that of the hull. 0.7-0.8 mmnot to the stated 0.9 mmIt's not critical for calm water, but when you use rocks or snags, you're more likely to get puncture.

Boat pros Penguin 390What the owners like

Despite the criticism, this model has many advantages that even experienced water engines highlight:

• 💰 Price/quality: one of the most affordable boats in its class (from 80 000 rubles. in the basic configuration). Flagship or Finger are 15-20% more expensive;
• 🛠️ Repairability: PVC is easily repaired with a standard repair kit, many owners self-repair punctures in 10-15 minutes;
• 🚗 Transportation: folded takes up little space (you can even carry in the trunk of the sedan, if you remove the back seat);
• 🎯 Universality: suitable for fishing, for family trips, for hunting, some even use it for diving.
• 🔧 Ease of assemblyInflate and prepare the boat for launching in 15-20 minutes (if there is a pump).

Separately, owners praise seat-ability They're arranged so that even with long fishing, your back doesn't get tired. good stability in quiet water: the boat does not swing when moving passengers, which is important for family holidays.

Another plus. keelinessThanks to him. Penguin 390 better holds the course and easier goes to planing with an engine from 8 hp According to reviews, with 15-horsepower engine boat accelerates to 30–35 km/hThat is enough for most tasks.

Cons and typical problems: what owners are afraid of

And it's not without its drawbacks, but here are the most common complaints from owners:

• ⚠️ Weak welds: Some boats start to have seams at the anchorages of the transom or seats after 2 to 3 seasons, especially when operating on salt water.
• ⚠️ An uncomfortable transom: standard transom is not always suitable for high-powered motors, many owners customize it themselves or order reinforced ones;
• ⚠️ Valve problemsSometimes the valves start to leak air, which leads to slow deflation of the boat, it is recommended to check them before each outing;
• ⚠️ Weight 45 kgIt's hard for one person to carry a boat long distance, you have to use a cart or ask for help.
• ⚠️ Slippery bottom: without additional mat or rubber coating, the legs slip off, especially when the boat is wet.

Some owners also complain about it. chamber-blowingFor example, one side can lose pressure faster than the other, causing the boat to start to "slope" -- not a critical problem, but it requires regular monitoring.

⚠️ Note: If you are planning to use Penguin 390 On the sea or a large lake with waves, note that due to the low side (55 cm) there is a risk of splashing. In such conditions, it is better to choose a model with a board from 60 cm.

Comparison with competitors: Penguin 390 vs Flagship 380, Flying wing 370, Bark 390

To understand how Penguin 390 It differs favorably from its analogues, compared with its main competitors in the same price range:

Parameter	Penguin 390	Flagship 380	Flying wing 370	Bark 390
Length, m	3,9	3,8	3,7	3,9
Width, m.	1,65	1,6	1,55	1,7
Max. Engine, hp.	15	15	10	20
Weight, kg	45	42	38	50
Price, rub.	80,000	from 95,000	from 75,000	110,000

The table shows that Penguin 390 — middle-of-the-road in terms of size, load capacity and price. Flying wing 370 It is cheaper, but less stable, and Bark 390Despite the high power of the engine, it is much more expensive and heavier.

Main advantages Penguin 390 To the competition:

• 💵 Lower price with comparable specifications;
• 🛟️ The ability to install the engine up to 15 hp (y) Wings 370 only up to 10 hp;
• 📏 Wideer than Flagship 380, which increases sustainability;
• 🔧 It's easier to repair than Bark 390 (It uses more complex PVC.)

If you need a boat for an outboard motor 20 hp Or you often walk on large bodies of water, it is better to consider Bark 390 Despite the high price, it is more adapted to such conditions.

PVC thickness (measure yourself)

Quality of welds (especially in places of fastening of the transom)

Valve operation (inflate and leave for 12 hours)

Package (oars, pump, bag must be available)

Guarantee (official dealers - 2 years)

Reviews of owners: real experience of operation

We have reviewed more than 50 reviews on the forums.Water motor.ru, FishHunting, Drive2) and highlighted the most frequent views:

✅ Igor, Moscow, owns 3 years:

"I bought it in 2021, and I didn't puncture a single thing in that time! I use it with a motor. Yamaha 9.9 The only downside is that it's a bit heavy for one, but it's bearable. I go fishing with each other, so we help each other carry.

❌ Alexey, St. Petersburg, owns 1 year:

"Disappointed with the quality of the seams, after the first season, one of them got cracked, had to be taken to the service, otherwise the boat was fine, but at that price I expected more."

✅ Dmitry, Krasnoyarsk owns 2 years:

"A great boat for the Siberian rivers! light, maneuverable, motorized. Tohatsu 15 I kept it in an unheated garage in the winter, no problem. I recommend it for those who like extreme fishing.

Common satisfaction-ratio among the owners, 4.2 out of 5The main claims relate to buildability (sews, valves), but most agree that for this money it is the best option.

The most frequent question

"How long does a 390 Penguin last?"

The average lifespan when used carefully is 5-7 years, but if you operate a boat on rocks or do not monitor the pressure in the chambers, PVC can wear out in 2-3 seasons.

- Store in a case, protecting against UV rays;

After each exit, wash with fresh water (especially if used at sea);

- Once a season, check the valves and seams for leakage.

Tuning and improvements: how to improve Penguin 390

Many owners upgrade the boat to improve comfort and safety, and here are the most popular modifications:

• 🔧 Tranx reinforcement: the standard transom is replaced with aluminum or plywood with additional stiff ribs, which allows you to install a more powerful motor;
• 🧲 Magnetic tackle holders: convenient for fishermen - no need to drill holes in the sides;
• 🪑 Additional seatsSome install a third seat in the middle to increase passenger capacity.
• 🛡️ Bottom protection: a special anti-abrasive material is pasted (for example, Hypalon) to reduce the risk of puncture;
• 🔦 Illumination: LED strips on the sides for night fishing.

Also popular is installation. sonar and rod-holderIt doesn't require much improvement -- just stick the mounts on double-sided tape or sew Velcro.

⚠️ Note: When installing additional equipment (for example, a sonar battery), watch for boat-balancingOverloading the nose or feed can lead to loss of stability on the wave.

If you plan to use the boat in winter, you can modify it to ice-fishing:

• Install floor-stained (e.g. polystyrene foam);
• Add tent for protection from the wind;
• Use it. hand-warmer (fasten on board)

Where to buy and what to pay attention to when choosing

Boat. Penguin 390 can be purchased:

• 🏬 In the official stores of the manufacturer (guarantee 2 years);
• 🛒 On marketplaces (Wildberries, Ozon, Yandex Market - but the guarantee may be less;
• 🤝 used. Avito, jule It is cheaper, but the risk of running into a worn-out boat.

When buying, be sure to check:

1. Documents: the boat must have a passport with the serial number;
2. Status of PVC: whether there are microcracks, scuffs, traces of repair;
3. Valve operationInflate the boat and leave for 10-12 hours - the pressure should not fall;
4. Complementation: oars, pump, bag, repair kit should be available.

The average price of a new boat is 80,000-100,000 rubles. In the secondary market, you can find options for 50 000-70,000 rubles.Be prepared for additional costs for repairs or improvements.

💡

Before buying from hand, ask the seller to provide a photo of the boat inflated condition, which will help to assess its real condition - often in photos folded defects are not visible.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Penguin 390

❓ Can I use it? Penguin 390 20 hp?

The manufacturer is allowed to use the engine until 15 hpInstallation of a more powerful engine is possible, but requires transaxialization and may lead to:

• Loss of warranty;
• Deterioration of controllability;
• Rapid wear of PVC due to increased loads.

If you need a motor 20 hpIt is better to consider models with a margin of safety, for example, Bark 390 or Flagship 420.

❓ Which pump is best used for pumping?

The manufacturer completes the boat with a standard foot pump, but many owners recommend:

• Electric pump (for example, Bravigo 12V) - inflates the boat in 5-7 minutes;
• Leather pump with gauge (for example, Sevylor) allows pressure to be controlled;
• High-pressure hand-held pump - for a precise pump.

Optimum pressure in the cells. 0.2–0.25 kg/cm2Excessiveness can cause the stitches to rupture!

❓ How many people can fit in a boat?

Officially, until 4 peoplebut with the loading capacity 600 kg The actual number depends on the weight of passengers and equipment:

• 2 adults + 2 children + equipment - comfortable;
• 3 adults + equipment - permissible, but tight;
• 4 adults – short distances and no motor.

It's optimal for fishing. 2 people with a full set of gear.

❓ How to keep a boat in winter?

Proper storage extends the life of PVC. Recommendations:

• Keep it in. dry-place (temperature from +5°C before +20°C);
• Use it. case to protect against dust and rodents;
• Don't fold the boat. compressed - it deforms PVC;
• Check once a month. lack of condensation (when stored in a garage).

If you keep a boat on the balcony, make sure it doesn't get hit. direct sunlight - they destroy PVC.

❓ What accessories should I buy immediately?

Minimum set for comfortable operation:

• Anchor (3-5 kg) + rope;
• Life jackets (required!)
• pumping-pump (in case of breakdown);
• Bottom mat. (so that the legs do not slip);
• Bag for tackle (Fishing comfortably).

It's also helpful to have spare-kit and glue (for example, Uranus or Crystal moment).