Choosing a swimming aid for fishing or family vacations on the water always involves finding a balance between cost, reliability and ease of operation. hummingbirdThe PVC inflatable boats and heavy metal Kazankas are an excellent alternative to traditional PVC inflatable vessels, and this type of boat attracts attention for its unpretentiousness and durability, which is especially true for the conditions of Russian nature.
The main material of manufacture is low-pressure polyethylene obtained by the method of rotational molding, which allows you to create a monolithic housing without seams, which eliminates the risk of leakage at the joints. hummingbird It becomes the first step from an inflatable boat to a full-fledged rigid hull, opening up new opportunities for the installation of equipment and mounted motors.
You don't need to have a shipbuilding skill or a garage with perfect conditions to use this vessel, and the simplicity of construction and ease of maintenance make these boats popular among waterfront owners and avid fishermen. Let's take a look at what this class of boats is and whether it's worth your attention.
Production technology and material features
The basis of boat production hummingbird It's a rotational molding method that's very different from the classical injection molding, and the plastic powder is put into a mold that then rotates in the furnace at high temperatures, and it spreads out evenly across the walls, creating a product with the same thickness over the entire area. impact-resistance and resistance to mechanical damage.
The food polyethylene used is not susceptible to corrosion, rotting or ultraviolet radiation. Unlike aluminum, plastic does not heat up in the sun to a state in which it is impossible to touch the board, and does not require painting or regular corrosion treatment. The material is inert to most chemicals, including gasoline, oil and fish oil, which makes it easier to care for the boat.
⚠️ Attention: Despite its high strength, polyethylene has the property of "shape memory." Do not leave the boat upside down for a long time in the direct sun in the summer heat, as under its own weight, the heated material can deform.
It is important to note that plastic used in manufacturing hummingbirdWhen hitting a rock or a log at high speed, the body can cushion rather than crack, as would happen with fiberglass or thin aluminum. But that doesn't mean permissiveness: serious collisions at speed can damage the structure.
Comparison with aluminum
Aluminum boats are easier to repair in the field (cold welding, rivets), but they are noisier, colder to the touch and prone to electrochemical corrosion when in contact with other metals. Plastics are quieter and warmer, but require special equipment to seriously repair the breakdowns.
Key Advantages Over Competitors
Why do water motors choose plastic? longevityA quality plastic vessel can last 20 to 30 years if operated carefully, and the lack of inflatable tubes removes the fishermen's eternal problem of punctures on thorns, snags or sharp stones on shore.
The second important factor is the cost of ownership. You don't have to buy expensive tanner wheels unless you plan to haul the boat around on asphalt often, as many models do. hummingbird They have built-in reinforced keels or flat bottoms that allow the wool to drag the vessel through the sand or grass, and the plastic boat doesn't require drying after every fishing trip like an inflatable boat, and it doesn't fear negative storage temperatures.
- 🛡️ Anti-corrosion resistance: The polymer does not rust even in salt water, making the boat ideal for use in river estuaries and sea coasts.
- 🔇 Acoustic comfort: Plastic extinguishes the vibration of the motor and the noise of the waves better than thin metal, which is important for trophy fishing.
- ❄️ Thermal stability: The material does not become brittle in the cold and does not heat up in the sun, maintaining a comfortable surface temperature.
But we also have to mention weight, because plastic boats tend to be heavier than inflatable boats of similar size, and if you're critical of every kilogram you carry by hand, that can be a big factor, but if you can get the vehicle to the water or use a trailer, that disadvantage is eliminated.
To facilitate transportation alone, use special transport trolleys that can be made independently from a profile pipe or purchase ready-made solutions suitable for the geometry of the bottom of Hummingbird boats.
Popular models and their specifications
Boat line hummingbird It's broad enough to cover a wide range of user needs, from compact solo fishing models to spacious family boats, and is usually labeled with numbers indicating the length of the hull in centimeters or decimeters, and the most popular are sizes between 280 and 420 cm.
Smaller models such as Hummingbird-280 or Hummingbird-300These are lightweight rowing vessels with the possibility of installing a low-power electric motor or gasoline engine up to 5 hp They have a simple design, often flat bottom and minimal weight, which allows you to load them in the trunk of a station wagon or small minibus.
Medium and large models (360, 380, 420) already have a full-fledged keel-strengthened transom and often have gear storage knobs, some with soft seats and the ability to install windshields, which are characterized by a large load capacity and the ability to install motors up to 15-20 hp.
| Model | Length (cm) | Width (cm) | Load capacity (kg) | River motor (L. S.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hummingbird-280 | 280 | 110 | 250 | 2.5 - 5 |
| Hummingbird-320 | 320 | 125 | 350 | 5 - 9.9 |
| Hummingbird-360 | 360 | 140 | 450 | 9.9 - 15 |
| Hummingbird-420 | 420 | 150 | 600 | 15 - 20 |
When choosing a particular model, be sure to pay attention to the height of the board. For calm water and small rivers, a standard board is enough, but if you plan to go to large reservoirs where high wave is possible, it is better to choose a model with a high wave. high-height for safety.
Operation and care of plastic case
Caring for a boat made of rotary polyethylene is minimal, but it still requires compliance with certain rules. After each trip to the water, especially if you have been fishing in overgrown water or brackish water, it is advisable to rinse the body with fresh water, this will wash away the sand, silt and organic residues, which, when drying, can leave hard-to-remove traces.
To clean the surface from persistent contaminants such as gasoline, oil or fish mucus, use regular warm water with the addition of a mild detergent. It is strictly forbidden to use aggressive solvents (acetone, gasoline "Kalosha") for washing the case.They can damage the structure of the polymer and make it matte or sticky.
In winter, the boat can be stored directly outside without cleaning it in a warm room. Plastic can tolerate temperature changes from -50 ° C to +60 ° C. However, before setting for wintering, make sure that there is no water inside the hull, which, freezing, could create unnecessary stress, although for a whole-cast body this is less critical than for adhesive seams.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use abrasive sponges or metal brushes to clean the bottom of the algae. You will scratch a smooth surface, and dirt will clog into the grooves, which will then be very difficult to wash.
If you get scratches on the surface, don't panic, you don't have to panic, you can fix them with a special polyethylene remix or even a regular construction hair dryer, and you can gently melt the edges of the damage (it requires skill). Small scratches are often tightened by the sun.
Tuning and redesign of the Hummingbird boat
Owners often seek to improve the standard equipment, adding comfort and functionality. transom-wheelBecause plastic is easy to drill, it's easy to install wheel brackets, and the key is to use larger washers when you tighten the bolts so you don't push the body through.
Another common upgrade is the installation of anchor systems and sonar mounts, and plastic slats with a flip-tail can be attached to the sides (for example, a system for the sonar). Railblaza or analogues) that will allow you to quickly change the position of the holders of fishing rods, downriggers or navigators without drilling new holes.
- 🪑 Comfortable seats: Staff rigid cans can be replaced with soft seats with plywood base or hanging seats on racks.
- 💡 Lighting: Installation of LED tape around the perimeter of the cockpit on the battery will allow you to fish comfortably in the dark.
- 🎣 Defense: Installation of PVC-protective tape along the side (kilson) will protect the plastic from abrasion on concrete slips or rocky banks.
And many anglers also have tables or platforms to support the stern, and the plastic hull can handle these loads without any problems if the mounting is done properly, and it's important not to overload one side so that the vessel doesn't differentiate.
☑️ Minimum tuning plan
Water safety and restrictions
Despite the apparent unsinkability, the plastic boat hummingbirdAnd plastic doesn't sink on its own, but if the boat flips over, it won't sink, but it can be difficult to get out of an overturned boat in full gear and a life jacket. lifejackets Every person on the boat is a requirement.
Plastic boats often have flat or slightly keely bottoms, making them sensitive to shifting of the center of gravity. Sharply moving all passengers on one side can lead to dangerous rolling and even tipping, especially in wave.
When installing the engine, strictly follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding maximum power. Exceeding the permissible power of the engine can lead to the fact that the transom will not withstand the load, or the boat will begin to "scour" and burrow its nose in the wave, which is fraught with water.
⚠️ Warning: Always use a safety tether for the motor, tying lower unit to a transom. If you hit an underwater obstacle, the motor can recline or jump, and without insurance, you risk losing it forever.
Keep in mind that plastic is slippery. The bottom of the cockpit is best equipped with an anti-slip coating (EVA mats or corrugated plywood), especially if you plan to take children with you or actively move around while fishing.
Safety on the water depends not only on the strength of the boat, but also on the proper loading, the presence of life jackets and sobriety of the crew. Plastic forgives mistakes, but not carelessness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you use Hummingbird boats in sub-zero temperatures?
Yes, polyethylene retains its properties at low temperatures, can be used for winter fishing, breaking holes and moving through the water, and the main thing is to avoid sharp impacts on ice or rocks when the material is in a highly cooled state, although its fragility is much lower than that of other plastics.
How to keep a boat in the winter?
No special conditions are required. You can leave the boat outside in the snow or in an unheated garage, and it is recommended to turn it upside down so that there is no rainwater or snow inside, although this is not critical for the material itself. Before storing, make sure that the boat is clean and dry.
What to do if a crack is formed?
Small damage can be sealed with two-component polyethylene adhesives (such as Loctite 4090 with a primer) or sealed with hot air using a filler rod of the same material. For serious repairs, it is better to contact specialized workshops where there is equipment for welding plastic.
Do I need to register a Hummingbird boat in GIMS?
Registration depends on the weight of the boat in running order and engine power. If the boat weight is less than 200 kg and the engine power does not exceed 8 kW (about 10.8 hp), registration is not required. hummingbird Low-power motors fall into this category, but the exact weight of your model is better specified in the product passport.
Does plastic fade in the sun?
The material is added with UV stabilizers that protect against burnout, but with years of use in direct sunlight, the surface layer can slightly change the hue (become matte or slightly lighter/darker).