The modern small-size boat market is oversupplied, but low-pressure polyethylene (LDP) boats are consistently occupying a niche due to their unique combination of strength and affordability. Among the many brands that produce hulls by rotational molding, the model is the most popular model. Swimmer It's a boat that's designed not just to be a means of getting around on the water, but to be a platform for fishing, hunting and family activities.
Unlike traditional fiberglass or aluminum boats, the polyethylene hull has a high impact toughness, which makes it almost immune to chips and dents when hitting the side or pier. MHP material It does not require painting, does not corrosion and is completely inert to the effects of fuel and salt water, and these specifications attract the attention of experienced water engines looking for “unkillable” equipment for severe operation.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the design features of the model SwimmerWe'll look at its behavior on the wave, and we'll look at the economic viability of the purchase, and we'll see why the geometry of the case is considered one of the best in its class, and what the hidden benefits of using this model in real water bodies are.
Production technology and quality of the body
The basis of durability of any boat is the technology of its manufacture. Swimmer This process involves loading the polymer powder into a heated mold that rotates in two planes, creating a monolithic piece without seams or joints. Wall thickness The body varies depending on the zone: in the most loaded places it reaches maximum values, providing a margin of safety, and in less critical areas the optimal weight is maintained.
Using high-quality primary polyethylene ensures that the material is not brittle in the cold or too soft in the heat. Unlike secondary raw materials that are often used by unscrupulous manufacturers to reduce the cost of production, high-quality HDPE retains its properties for decades. When hit by an obstacle at speed, such material will not crack, but only deform, returning to its original form.
⚠️ Warning: When buying, pay attention to the smell of the product. A sharp, unpleasant chemical odor may indicate the use of secondary raw materials or a violation of technology, which will negatively affect the strength of the case in the future.
Body geometry of the model Swimmer It's designed with hydrodynamics in mind. V-keel It allows you to break the wave effectively, providing a soft ride even in noticeable excitement, which distinguishes the model from flat-bottomed counterparts, which at speed begin to "scour" and hard hit the water, the sides of the boats have a specific collapse, which increases stability in the parking lot and prevents splashing of the cockpit.
The secret of the MHP
Low-pressure polyethylene has a unique molecular structure that allows the material to "remember" the shape. When small damage (punctures, scratches) the material tends to return to its original state, which prevents cracks from growing.
Ergonomics of the cockpit and the interior space
The interior of the boat Swimmer The floor of the cockpit is designed with a non-slip riffle, which allows you to confidently navigate the boat even in wet shoes or in the rain. fishery on the sides allows you to store gear, anchor or personal belongings in the immediate vicinity, without cluttering the usable area.
The design includes several options for the layout of the seats: you can choose a configuration with two cans for paddle rowing or install rotary seats on pedestal bases for comfortable fishing with a motor. Seat mounts are made of stainless steel or high-strength plastic, resistant to ultraviolet and salt mist.
- 🎣 Convenient niches for storing gear in the nose.
- 🛡️ Reinforced transom with the possibility of installing a motor with a capacity of up to 15 hp.
- 🪜 Integrated handles for carrying and mooring around the perimeter.
- ⚓ Strong ducks to anchor the tile.
The nose locker deserves special attention. Swimmer It is often airtight or semi-sealed, allowing dry clothing, fuel or electronics to be stored there without fear of splashing, accessed through a hatch that is securely fixed in the open position.
Driving and handling
Dynamic specifications of the boat directly depend on the geometry of contours. Swimmer It shows a steady plane with even one passenger and a medium-powered engine, and with the optimized bottom shape, the boat can easily ride a wave and keep its course steady, requiring minimal tiller adjustments, which reduces operator fatigue during long transitions.
At low speeds, the boat behaves predictably and steadily, which is critical when fishing in a throw or on the track. Resilience It allows you to stand up safely to the full height to throw the net or change gear, but it is worth remembering that the center of gravity is shifted to the stern when you install a heavy motor, so the weight distribution of passengers and cargo should be even.
When moving against the wave, the boat's nose does not burrow, but gently rises, cutting the ridges, this is achieved by correctly distributing the buoyancy along the length of the hull, while at turns with a sharp shift of the rummel, the stern can be demolished, which is a normal reaction for light boats with a V-shaped bottom and requires addiction.
To improve the course stability at high speeds, it is recommended to install a transom plate or a hydrofoil on the engine's lower unit, which will also help to bring the boat to planing faster.
specifications comparison table
To better understand the place of the model Swimmer In the HPW segment, it is advisable to compare its technical parameters with the averages of competitors of similar size, and these parameters will help you make an informed choice based on specific numbers, not just on marketing promises.
| Parameter | Swimmer (Basic) | Competitor A (Ploscodon) | Competitor B (Plastic glass) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length, m | 3.60 | 3.50 | 3.65 |
| Width, m. | 1.45 | 1.50 | 1.40 |
| Load capacity, kg | 450 | 400 | 380 |
| Body weight, kg | 65 | 55 | 90 |
| Max. Power, hp. | 15 | 10 | 25 |
As you can see from the table, Swimmer It offers a great balance between weight and load capacity, it's heavier than flat-bottoms, but it's seaworthier, and it's almost a half times as much weight as fiberglass, making it easier to transport and launch.
☑️ Pre-purchase check
Operation, storage and maintenance
One of the main advantages of LDPT boats is the minimal maintenance requirement, and you don't have to repaint the sides every year, clean the oxides, or worry about galvanic corrosion, as is the case with aluminum boats. Polymer material It is self-sufficient and does not require additional protection.
However, there are nuances that need to be considered to extend the life of the boat. Despite the resistance to ultraviolet light, prolonged storage under the scorching sun without a tent can lead to color fading and microscopic changes in the structure of the surface layer, so it is recommended to use a case or keep the boat in a shady place, flipping the keel up.
Winter operation is also not a problem. HDPE maintains elasticity at temperatures up to -50°C. Ice frozen inside the case or on the transom can be easily removed by a light tapping without leaving damage. The main thing is to avoid hitting heavily frozen plastic with metal objects, since at extremely low temperatures the fragility of the material still increases.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use aggressive solvents (acetone, gasoline) to clean the interior surfaces of dirt or oil. This can lead to softening of the plastic and loss of presentation. Use only soap solution or specialized chemicals for HDPE.
Tuning and additional options
Basic equipment of the boat Swimmer It can often be expanded by a variety of tuning. Owners often install sonarThanks to the thickness of the side, the installation of additional equipment does not require complex attachments - many accessories can be fixed directly or use standard adapters.
A popular solution is to install soft linings on the cans and the board, which not only increases comfort, but also reduces the noise from moving equipment, and it is also worth considering installing an anchor leer with a bursting element, which will protect you when you hook the anchor for the drifts on a strong current.
For those who plan to spend the night on the water or long exits, the installation of a tent-transformer is relevant, it will protect from rain and sun, turning an open boat into a full-fledged micro-boat. The design of the awning is usually based on arcs inserted into the regular sockets, which allows you to quickly assemble or disassemble the shelter.
The Swimmer boat is a fisherman's "designer," and the rugged hull allows any equipment to be installed without the risk of damaging the structure of the vessel, making it an ideal base for customization.
Summary and conclusions
Boat. Swimmer
It has proven to be a reliable and practical solution for a wide range of applications, and the combination of a durable plastic case, thoughtful ergonomics and adequate pricing makes it one of the leaders in its segment, forgiving mistakes for beginners and satisfying the needs of professionals who need a workhorse.By choosing this model, you get a boat that will not fail at a critical moment and will serve faithfully for many years, and the absence of the need for complex maintenance frees up time for the main thing - rest on the water and favorite fishing.
Do I need to register a Swimmer boat with GIMS?
Registration depends on the total weight of the boat with the engine. If the weight of the curb vessel (hull + engine) exceeds 200 kg, registration is mandatory. The Swimmer boat weighs about 65 kg, so with a light engine (up to 10-15 hp, weight about 30-40 kg), you will most likely stay within 200 kg and registration is not required. However, always check the current rules and weight parameters of your particular equipment.
Can I use a boat in shallow water?
Yes, IHD boats are great for shallow waters, and the polyethylene bottom is resistant to impacts on rocks, sand and shells, and unlike fiberglass, which can crack, or aluminum, which can get dented, IHD, when hitting the bottom, is likely to spring back.
Which motor is better for Swimmer?
The optimal choice will be a two-stroke or four-stroke engine with a capacity of 5-9.9 hp This is enough for confident planing with two passengers. For captured fishing with a lot of cargo, you can consider a motor up to 15 hp, but no more, since the transom can not withstand the vibration load from a too powerful engine.
How do you fix a puncture in the HPD?
The HPD is soldered, using a building hair dryer and a special rod of the same material (HDP), which is cleaned, heated and sealed with a rod, creating a monolithic bond that is as strong as the whole body.