Choosing a swimming aid for fishing or a family holiday on the water always involves finding a compromise between cost, reliability and comfort. In recent years, low-pressure polyethylene boats have taken a confident niche in the Russian market, and one of the most popular models is the low-pressure polyethylene boats. PHD North 420This domestically produced product combines simplicity of design, affordable price and high resistance to mechanical damage, making it attractive to a wide range of users.
Many anglers, tired of punctures and the complex maintenance of inflatable counterparts, pay attention to rigid models. North 420It offers a robust design that requires no pumping and no preparation for launch, and understanding the nuances of operation and the technical features of this model will help a potential buyer make an informed decision that will last for many years.
In this article, we will discuss in detail why. low-pressure polyethylene It's becoming a choice for many people about the real benefits of 4.2 meters and what's hidden inside the case, and we'll look at the specifications, transportation and engine installation, so you have a complete picture before you buy.
Features of the PHD material in shipbuilding
The basis of boat durability North 420 It's a material that's made of -- low-pressure food polyethylene -- unlike aluminum or fiberglass, HDPE has a unique molecular structure that provides high elasticity and toughness, and when it hits a rock or a berth, it doesn't crack or chip, it just cushions back to its original shape.
It is important to note that polymeric It's completely free from corrosion, rotting, and UV rays, and it solves the perennial problem of metal boat owners who have to fight rust all the time, and it eliminates the need for annual paint, and it's inert to petroleum products, gasoline, and oils, so that fuel and lubricants can be safely stored inside the cockpit without the risk of damaging the surface.
⚠️ Warning: Despite its high strength, the HDPE material becomes more fragile when operating in winter at temperatures below -20 C. It is not recommended to apply heavy mechanical shocks to the body in extreme frost.
Rotary molding technology used in the creation North 420It allows you to produce monolithic products without seams and joints, which guarantees 100% sealability of the body, because there is nothing to leak. The internal structure of the material provides excellent noise insulation: wave splashing and water impacts are much less heard than in aluminum analogues, which is especially valuable for anglers.
Comparison of HDPE and fiberglass
Although fiberglass looks more aesthetic, PHD benefits in maintainability. scratches on HPD can be easily sealed with a building hairdryer, whereas fiberglass repair requires chemical reagents, grinding and long drying.
Design features of the North 420 model
Boat dimensions North 420 The body is designed to accommodate two or three people with a full set of equipment, 4.2 meters long and about 1.6 meters wide, and it provides a sufficient amount of interior space, while ensuring good stability on the water, and the shape of the body is designed to minimize yaw when moving and provide a soft input to the wave.
The unsinkability system that this model has implemented deserves special attention. polyurethaneThis makes the boat absolutely unsinkable even when fully filled with water, and it's a critical safety parameter that allows the crew to stay afloat in an emergency and wait for help.
- 🚣♂️ Spacious cockpit with a flat floor, convenient for moving and installing additional equipment.
- 🎣 Built-in switches and the possibility of installing transom plates for fastening the engine.
- 🛡️ Reinforced keelson, increasing the longitudinal rigidity of the body and protecting the bottom when mooring.
Transportation PDN It's possible on the roof of a passenger car because it's lightweight, unlike heavy metal. North 420 You can easily remove and install one person using special soft handles located on the sides, which greatly simplifies the process of preparing for the exit to the reservoir.
The seamless monolithic design and polyurethane foam filling make the North 420 one of the safest and most reliable options in its class.
Technical specifications and load capacity
When choosing a boat, the key parameters are its weight and permissible load. North 420 These parameters are balanced in such a way as to ensure maximum functionality while maintaining mobility. The empty weight of the boat is in the order of 60-70 kg, which is an excellent indicator for a rigid hull of this size.
The model’s load capacity allows up to 400 kg of payload, including passenger weight, motor, fuel and fishing equipment, to be carried in accordance with safety standards for boats longer than 4 meters and allows two full-equipment adult fishermen to comfortably accommodate. transom plate designed to install a motor with a capacity of up to 10-12 hp
| Parameter | Meaning | Unit of measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Full length | 420 | centimeter |
| maximum width | 160 | centimeter |
| Height of board | 50 | centimeter |
| Load capacity | 400 | kilogram |
| Recommended engine power | 5-10 | hp |
It's worth noting that the actual speed depends not only on the power of the engine, but also on the loading of the boat. PHD North 420 It is capable of speeds up to 20-25 km / h with one passenger, which is enough to overcome large water areas or go to sea in calm weather.
Installation and equipment options
Basic equipment of the boat North 420 It usually includes the body itself, removable cans (seats) and the product passport. However, modern manufacturers often offer extended versions, complete with everything necessary for immediate access to water.
The extended configuration often includes handdukes for storing things that simultaneously perform the function of additional seats. fishing-box In the design of the boat, you can keep the gear at hand without cluttering the passageway, and an important element is the ability to install a running awning that protects you from the sun and rain.
For ease of control in the bow can be provided a place for installation electric motor Some versions have already pasted paddle-locks, making the boat versatile: if you don't have the motor or fail it, you can always row. Oars are usually purchased separately, but they don't require further adjustments.
- 🔧 Possibility of installation of attachments (echo sounders, fishing rod holders).
- ⚓ The presence of reinforced rim bolts for anchoring and mooring.
- 💺 Removable soft seats that increase comfort during long fishing.
Comparison with competitors: HDPE vs PVC and Aluminium
The small boat market is full of offers, and the choice between different materials often leaves the buyer at a dead end. PHD North 420 boats In this hierarchy, you have to make an honest comparison with the main competitors: PVC inflatable boats and classic aluminum Kazankas, each type has its own strengths and weaknesses.
Unlike in the past. PVC boatsThe plastic case doesn't require drying after every fishing. You don't have to wait until the cloth dries, you don't have to be afraid of punctures on thorns or sharp stones on the shore. Aluminum boats, in turn, are stronger to puncture, but they are much heavier, louder on the go and are susceptible to electrochemical corrosion, especially when used with powerful motors.
⚠️ Warning: Aluminum boats require the installation of zinc treads when operating in salt water or when using powerful motors, otherwise the transom plate will quickly collapse.
Comfort level. North 420 It's a great advantage to aluminium because of better insulation and noise absorption. It's not pleasant to sit on cold metal in windy weather, whereas plastic keeps the ambient temperature and doesn't ring when the waves hit the side. polyethylene They are often in the middle between cheap inflatable models and expensive aluminum boats, offering the best balance of price and quality.
When comparing prices, consider the cost of refitting. HDPT boats often already have built-in knuckles and mounts, which on aluminum boats have to be bought and installed separately.
Rules of operation and maintenance of the boat
Despite the high strength of the material, proper operation will extend the life of your boat for decades. MHP boat It doesn't require any complicated maintenance, but simple hygiene and storage practices will keep it presentable and functional, and the main advantage of the material is that it's "indestructible" doesn't mean that it's completely permissive.
After each outing, especially if you've been swimming in overgrown algae or salt water, it's recommended that you rinse the body with fresh water, which will remove salt, sand and organic residues that can eventually get into the plastic structure or create a favorable environment for bacteria.
☑️ Seasonal preparation of the boat
Store North 420 Best of all, in an upside down position under a canopy or in a garage to avoid direct sunlight for a long time, although the material is stabilized from UV radiation. Winter outdoors is acceptable, but it is better to cover the boat with an awning or to remove it into the room so that snow does not get stuffed inside, which in the spring will turn into an ice block.
- 🧼 Use soft wash sponges to avoid leaving micro scratches on the gloss.
- 🛑 Do not place hot objects (bonfire pots) directly on the bottom of the boat without lining.
- 🔩 Periodically check the tightening of the bolts of the mounting of cans and switches.
Where to buy and what to pay attention to when choosing
Purchase boats North 420 It's an investment in long-term vacation, so it's important to choose a reliable seller. There are many offers on the market, including private ads and large stores. When buying a new boat, be sure to require a product passport and a warranty card from the manufacturer, this guarantees the quality of the material and assembly.
When inspecting the boat, note the uniformity of the wall thickness, the absence of swelling or dents that may have occurred during transportation. The color should be uniform, without whitish spots, which may indicate a violation of production technology. Quality MHP It has a characteristic half-matted shine and a pleasant surface to the touch.
The price PNV It can vary by region, configuration and markups of intermediaries. You should not chase the lowest price if the seller cannot provide documents for the goods. Cheap analogues of unknown brands can be made from secondary raw materials, which dramatically reduces their strength and frost resistance.
Buying from an authorized dealer guarantees that the boat is made from primary food polyethylene, not recycled canisters.
Can I use the North 420 boat at sea?
Yes, boat. North 420 It's suitable for marine applications because the PHD material is salt-resistant and not corrosive, but it's a design feature that you have to consider: it's a flat-bottomed or low-keel boat, so you can only go out in calm weather and a small wave, and it's not designed for high-wave seas.
What is the maximum weight of the engine?
Boat's trans-shipment plate North 420 It is designed to be able to install a motor with a capacity of up to 10-12 hp (weighing about 30-35 kg), installing a more powerful and heavier motor can lead to transom overload, deterioration of driving performance and reduced safety. The optimal choice is a 9.9 hp engine.
Do I need to register a boat with GIMS?
Under current Russian legislation, small vessels weighing up to 200 kg and with an engine up to 8 kW (about 10.8 hp) are not subject to registration. North 420 It's about 60 to 70 kg, you can have it up to 10 hp and not register it, and you have to register it when you have a motor that's more powerful than 10.8 hp.
How to repair the boat if it is damaged?
Boats' HDPE repairs are very simple: They use a building hair dryer and strips of the same material (HDP) to fix cracks or holes, and the edges of the damage are heated and fused with a patch, forming a monolithic compound that is as strong as a single body, and chemical adhesives are usually not required.