Choosing the first vessel is always a search for a balance between cost, reliability and functionality. The Penguin plastic boat, which became popular because of its affordable price and maintainability, unlike the inflatable counterparts, the fiberglass body provides puncture resistance and durability when properly maintained.
These vessels are made of high-strength fiberglass, making them ideal for fishing in calm waters, hunting or just a family holiday on the water. penguin It does well on the wave with its contours designed to cut ripples, but before buying it, it is important to understand that, like any technology, it requires a competent approach to operation and modernization.
In this article, we will analyze in detail the technical specifications of various modifications, discuss the nuances of installing an outboard motor and consider popular tuning options. 5 mm thickness This is the standard for this series, and how it affects the overall rigidity of the structure when hitting a pier or shore.
Technical specifications and dimensions of the shell
The backbone of any boat is its hull, and in the case of the Penguin, it's made by fiberglass contact molding, which provides high mechanical strength and resistance to ultraviolet and salt water, and the standard length of the hull is about 3.5 meters, which allows you to comfortably accommodate two or three passengers with a full set of equipment.
The width of the midfield usually varies depending on the specific modification, but most often it is 1.4-1.5 meters. Such dimensions provide sufficient stability, allowing fishermen to stand up full height for throwing gear or working with a sonar. The load capacity is limited not only by the volume of water displaced, but also by the structural strength of the transom and deck.
An empty boat weighs about 90 to 100 kg. That's enough for hand-carrying, so it almost always requires a trailer or a wheel carriage to transport over land. The interior space is ergonomically organized, with knobs for storing things that also serve as jars.
⚠️ Note: Despite the high strength of fiberglass, do not exceed the maximum recommended load specified in the product passport, as this can lead to deformation of the bottom and reduce water safety.
For a more accurate understanding of the parameters of the different versions, we turn to the comparative table:
| Parameter | Penguin-2 (Basic) | Penguin-3 (Reinforced) | Penguin-M (Motor) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length, m | 3.50 | 3.60 | 3.55 |
| Width, m. | 1.40 | 1.45 | 1.42 |
| Height of the board, m | 0.45 | 0.50 | 0.48 |
| Load capacity, kg | 350 | 400 | 380 |
| Body weight, kg | 90 | 105 | 95 |
Motorization and installation of attachments
One of the main advantages of fiberglass housings is the ability to install an outboard motor. The Penguin boat's traverse was originally designed to hold the engine. The standard transom height allows for the installation of standard-length (S) lower unit engines, which opens up a wide range of domestic and imported brands.
The maximum recommended power of the engine is usually limited to 5-8 horsepower for the base models. Installation of a more powerful unit is possible, but it requires caution: the load on the transom increases and the centering of the vessel changes. If the weight is not distributed correctly, the boat can become squirmish or, conversely, burrow nose into the wave.
The engine is often controlled by a rampel control that is mounted directly on the engine's tiller, but for comfortable fishing, many owners prefer remote-rotating tubes or even a rotary-control remote control (RU) that allows the motor to be fixed tighter and improve visibility.
When installing the motor, be sure to use the safety cable (falin), run through the rim bolts on the transom, so that in case of vibration or breakage of the fasteners, the engine does not go to the bottom.
Besides the motor, the boat is often equipped with sonars, navigators and rod holders. The plastic glass is easy to drill, but the electrical inputs must be carefully sealed. Use special polyurethane-based marine sealants that remain elastic after drying.
Comparison with analogues: PVC and aluminum
When choosing between plastic, PVC and aluminum, many buyers face a dilemma: Aluminum boats such as the one that is the most expensive to buy. Kazanka or ObPVC boats are known for their lightness and "unkillability," but they are noisy and cold. PVC boats are compact in transport, but vulnerable to punctures and require constant monitoring of cylinder pressure.
The Penguin plastic boat occupies an intermediate niche, it's quieter than aluminum on the go, because fiberglass is better at quenching vibration and water noise. Unlike PVC, it's not afraid of sparks from a fire or hooks for sharp branches in the coastal zone, but it loses weight to both competitors when considering options without a trailer.
In terms of durability, high-quality fiberglass can last for decades without mechanical damage, and UV light is almost undaunted if the appropriate stabilizers are added to the gelcoat, while aluminum can corrosion over time, especially in salt water, and PVC ages and loses its elasticity.
⚠️ Warning: When storing a fiberglass boat in the open air without an awning, the upper layer (gelcoat) may fade, so it is recommended to use protective covers or put the vessel in the shade.
Plastics are also more refurbishable than aluminum at home, and fissures in fiberglass can be sealed with epoxy resin and fiberglass right on the shore, whereas aluminum welding requires special equipment and skills.
Tuning and improvement DIY
The basic equipment of the Penguin boat is often minimalist, which opens up wide opportunities for tuning. Owners often seek to improve the comfort and functionality of the vessel. One of the first steps is to improve the seats. Staff cans can be rigid, so they are sheathed with foam and moisture resistant fabric or replaced with folding seats.
The second popular development is the anchoring, which is often anchored on the nose with roller supports and a bolt, which allows you to anchor quickly and silently, which is critical when fishing in windy weather, and it is also useful to install an anchor box in the bow for storing anchor and falt.
To protect against the sun and rain, many people make transformer awnings, the frame is made from aluminum pipes 20 mm in diameter, and the awning is sewn from Oxford or tarpaulin with water repellent impregnation, a design that is easily assembled and hidden in a harunduk when it is not needed.
☑️ Checklist of minimum tuning
And safety is also a must: Installing reflectors or LED lights on the sides will make the boat visible at night, a requirement not only of common sense, but also of inland waterways.
boat transport and storage
The Penguin boat is a big deal because of its size and weight, and the ideal solution is a car trailer, and you can flip it upside down and fasten it to a pad, which protects the interior from dirt and rain during transportation.
If there is no trailer, many people use the method of red tape or transport a boat in the back of a pickup truck or on the roof of a car. The latter option requires powerful arcs and reliable fastenings, since the sailing of the inverted boat is high, speed with such a cargo should be limited to 60-70 km / h.
Keeping a boat in the winter requires simple rules. Fiberglass is not afraid of frost, but water caught in microcracks can expand them when frozen, so before storing the boat, you need to thoroughly wash, dry and turn it upside down or install it on the kilblocks.
Can I keep a Penguin boat under the snow?
Fiberglass is inert to low temperatures, but heavy snow cover creates an additional static load on the hull. If the boat is upside down on a flat surface, snow is not terrible. If the boat is on a keel without supports, the weight of the snow can lead to deformation of the sides. It is better to use a protective case or store in a garage / shed.
With prolonged sun storage, it is recommended to periodically inspect the surface for a “web” of small cracks in the gelcoat. This is a cosmetic defect that is easily eliminated by polishing, but if ignored, moisture can get to the fiberglass.
Fiberglass maintenance and repair
The care of the Penguin boat is minimal, but necessary. After each application, especially in salty or polluted water, the hull should be rinsed with fresh water, which will prevent the deposition of salts and the development of microorganisms that can destroy the binder fiberglass.
Small scratches and chips of the gelcoat must be fixed promptly, using a repair kit consisting of epoxy, hardener and fiberglass, the damage is cleaned with sandpaper, degreased with acetone and filled with a compound, after drying, the surface is polished and polished.
Once a season, check the condition of fasteners, hinges and ducks. Vibration when the motor is running can weaken the threaded joints. Using a thread fixer (anaerobic sealant) when assembling equipment will save you from losing bolts and nuts at the most inopportune time.
⚠️ Warning: Never use aggressive solvents (acetone, gasoline) in large quantities for washing a boat, as they can soften the polyester resin and disrupt the structure of the fiberglass.
If you are planning to paint a boat, use only specialized paints for fiberglass and boats. Conventional car enamels may not have enough adhesion and elasticity, which will lead to rapid peeling of the coating.
Legal aspects and registration in GIMS
According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, small vessels weighing up to 200 kg inclusive are subject to registration if they are equipped with an engine with a capacity of more than 8 kW (about 10.88 hp).
The Penguin boat as standard weighs less than 200 kg. However, if you install a motor more powerful than 10 hp. or add heavy stationary equipment (batteries, tanks, runduks), the total weight may exceed the threshold value. In this case, registration is mandatory, even if the engine power is less than 10 hp, but the weight with equipment is above 200 kg.
To pass the survey, you must have documents confirming the purchase of the boat and engine (purchase agreement, cashier's check), as well as a product passport. The boat must be equipped with life jackets according to the number of people, a scoop, anchor and line, as well as a life end.
Registration of the Penguin boat is mandatory if the weight of the equipped vessel with an engine exceeds 200 kg OR the engine power exceeds 10.88 hp (8 kW).
Remember that operating an unregistered vessel subject to registration carries administrative responsibility, so make sure that your documents and equipment meet GIMS requirements before you first get on the water.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I put a 15 hp engine on a Penguin boat?
Technically, the transom will withstand a short-term load, but the manufacturer usually recommends motors up to 5-8 hp Installation 15 hp can lead to the budding transmuter, loss of handling at high speed and increased fuel consumption.
How to wash a plastic boat properly?
Use a soft sponge and regular household soap or special auto shampoos. Do not rub with hard brushes to avoid damaging the gelcoat. After washing, be sure to rinse with clean water and wipe dry with soft rags to avoid lime plaque formation.
Should I paint the bottom of the Penguin boat?
Plastic glass itself does not require painting to protect against water, usually for aesthetic purposes or for application of antifouling compounds, if the boat is standing on the water for a long time in warm seas, where there is a high probability of fouling with shells and algae.
What is the maximum wave size for this boat?
The Penguin is a small pleasure boat, and safe operation is possible at a wave height of 0.5-0.75 meters. The larger wave is dangerous due to the low height of the side and the risk of overflowing, as well as low stability in lateral waves.
How long does a fiberglass boat last?
With careful operation and the absence of serious mechanical damage (holes, deep chips to the reinforcement layer), the life of a fiberglass boat can be 20-30 years or more. The material does not rot or rust, which makes it one of the most durable in shipbuilding.