Going out to the open sea on an inflatable boat is always a challenge of the elements, requiring maximum preparation and the right equipment. Unlike calm river fishing or cruising on the lake, the sea element dictates its harsh conditions, where the error in the choice of the sea is not the only one. material Or design can be too expensive, which is why it's a question of choosing a boat. PVC Polyvinyl chloride, which can withstand the shocks of waves and an aggressive salty environment, is in the first place for any water motor.
Many newcomers mistakenly believe that any inflatable boat is suitable for sea trips, if not to the shore. strength The bottom, the full transom to install the motor and the right geometry of the body to ensure germination on the wave, a poor product can not withstand the load even in a moderate storm.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what distinguishes marine modification from river modification, what technical specifications to look at first and how to avoid fatal mistakes when buying. boat It will become your reliable partner in fishing and recreation, not a source of constant danger.
Criteria for the choice of material and construction of the body
The basis of safety on the water is the material from which the cylinder and the bottom are made. For marine conditions, a standard "tent" PVC with a thickness of 750 g / sq. m is categorically not suitable. five-layer or even seven-layer reinforced material with a density of at least 1100 g / sq.m. Valmex or PVC 1100They have high resistance to ultraviolet light, punctures and stretching under pressure.
Special attention should be paid to the design of the bottom. For the sea, the ideal solution is considered to be an inflatable floor. NDMA Unlike the plywood floor (aluminum or plywood), the NDNDM provides better germination per wave, because the soft bottom extinguishes the impacts. The hard floor on the wave can deform or even fold in half when hit hard.
In addition, marine models often have a pier around the perimeter, which is not just a decorative element, but an important protection against abrasion on the berths, stones and sides of other boats, and the absence of such a component on a sea boat is a risk of damaging the cylinder at the most inopportune time.
⚠️ Warning: Never use high-pressure inflatable floor boats (HBP) as the main offshore vessel for long-distance exits. Despite their rigidity, they are worse at quenching the shock wave and less resistant to puncture with sharp rosehips or shells in shallow water.
It's also important to consider the number of independent compartments when choosing. three-way This ensures that if one cylinder is damaged, the boat will stay afloat, and you will have time to get to shore or to help, and two-way models are considered the minimum acceptable for calm water, but not for the high seas.
Tran and outboard motor requirements
The key to turning an inflatable boat into a full-fledged seagoing vessel is a trawler. The engine requires a rigid, vertical slab built into the stern design. In marine models, the transom is made from a stern. plywood high moisture resistance (often marine) and is enhanced by fiberglass or aluminum profile.
The most important parameter is the height of the transom, the standard height is 381 mm (15 inches) or 508 mm (20 inches) for long leg motors. long-leggedAs they allow to raise the lower unit higher, which reduces the resistance of water and the risk of screwing the wave when rolling.
The engine power must be strictly in line with the manufacturer's recommendations, exceeding the permissible power will lead to the destruction of the transom or loss of controllability on the wave, and the lack of power will not allow you to go to the plane with full load, which in marine conditions means constant struggle with the flooding of the wave.
- 🌊 Be sure to check for drainage holes in the transom for the water drain that got inside the cockpit.
- ⚓ Make sure that the motor mounts allow you to adjust its slope (differentiation) to optimize the stroke.
- 🔩 Use only stainless bolts and nuts to fasten the motor, as salt water instantly corrodes the regular metal.
When installing the motor on a transom, use additional safety cables thrown through the cylinders, which will save the engine from loss in the case of vibrating unscrewing of the fasteners on a strong wave.
Effects of marine conditions on exploitation
Sea water is radically different from river water not only salinity, but also temperature and the presence of aggressive microorganisms. Salt mist It can penetrate the smallest gaps and corrosive metal parts of the fittings, even if they are painted. Therefore, all metal parts, including D-rings and liner arcs, must be made of stainless steel AISI 316 or have a high-quality polymer coating.
UV radiation in open water is much more intense than on land because of reflection from the surface of the water. Long exposure to direct sunlight without protection leads to "aging" PVC: the material becomes rigid, loses elasticity and can crack on the folds. The use of protective sprays and awnings is not a whim, but a necessity.
Temperature changes also play a role, and when you go out of warm water to cold winds or vice versa, you can see the pressure changes in the cylinders. It's a physical law that you can't ignore. A sun-pumped boat can burst at the seams, and a cold-pumped boat can lose its stiffness and become unmanageable.
Effect of salt on valves
Salt water, when it dries in the valves, forms a crystalline crust that can break the tightness, and after each outing, you have to wash the valves with fresh water and blow them out.
It's important to remember biological fouling, because the bottom of the boat, which is always in the water, is quickly covered with algae and seashells, and not only does this increase weight, but it also creates additional resistance, reducing speed and increasing fuel consumption, and regular bottom washing is mandatory.
Model comparison: specifications table
To make the choice easier, we have compiled a comparative table of popular types of designs suitable for marine conditions. Please note that specific models may vary depending on the year of manufacture and configuration.
| Parameter | Boat with NDNDM (Naval) | A boat with a floorboard bottom | Boat RIB (Rigid hull) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rising on the wave | Nice (soft bottom) | Medium (hard hit) | Maximum (V-shaped body) |
| Weight gathered | Medium. | High (metal/plywood) | Very tall. |
| Assembly/disassembly | Fast (no need to collect the floor) | Long-term | Not required (ready to swim) |
| Price. | Medium/High | Low/Medium | High. |
As you can see from the table, the boats NDMA They're the ones that benefit from comfort and build speed, which is critical for the sea, where you have to react quickly to changing weather. RIBs (boats with rigid hulls and inflatable tubes) offer better seaworthiness, but they require a trailer and a powerful motor, which is not always convenient.
For frequent sea exits from different descents (beach, unequipped shore), the best choice is a PVC boat with a low-pressure inflatable floor (LDP) and a reinforced keel.
Equipment and accessories required
Buying the boat itself is only half the battle, and you'll need a whole range of accessories to navigate safely for an outboard motor, primarily the anchor system, and at sea, you won't be able to get a regular cargo, you need an anchor type. denforth or Halla.It is able to catch the ground even in strong currents and winds.
And you also have to keep the spray protection in mind. transom-wheel It will make it easier to move the boat on the beach, but for the motor to go, it is better to remove or lift them, so as not to create unnecessary resistance and noise.
- 🛟 Life jackets should be at every passenger, and not just lie in a konduka, but be worn or be in close proximity.
- 🔦 Navigation lights are a must to exit in dusk or fog, even if you plan to return before sunset.
- 📦 A sealer for documents, phone and first aid kit is a must, as splashes of salt water can spoil electronics in seconds.
And the thing to mention is that you can't just fasten a hole in the sea, and you have to have patches of the same material as the boat. two-componentIt is a stainless water that is better than a dry surface.
Safety rules and boat care
Operating an inflatable boat in a marine environment requires discipline, visual inspection of cylinders for cuts and scuffs before each exit, special attention to the docking places of cylinders with the bottom and transom. microcrack Under pressure, it can cause an emergency.
After returning from the raid, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water. salt left on the surface begins to crystallize and break down the structure of PVC. Use a soft sponge and special PVC cleaners, avoiding aggressive chemicals and solvents.
⚠️ Warning: Do not dry the boat in the hot sun immediately after leaving the water. Dramatic heating of the wet surface can lead to uneven expansion of the material and deformation of the seams. Let it dry in the shade.
☑️ Daily checklist after the sea
And it's also very special to keep the boat inflated, so you don't have to keep it on sharp objects and keep it protected from rodents, and if it's folded, make sure you dry it completely before you pack it, otherwise the mold will destroy the fabric from inside in one season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you use a regular PVC river boat to go to sea?
The river models have a lower material density, a less solid bottom and often (do not have) a full transom for a powerful engine, and the only way to get out in the sea is in complete calm and in close proximity to the shore (50-100 meters), which is actually a walk, not a sea voyage.
What is the maximum wave score for a PVC boat?
For most high-quality marine models of PVC, waves up to 3 points (wave height up to 0.75 meters) are considered safe. At 4 points and above (wave height over 1.25 meters), the operation of inflatable boats becomes extremely dangerous and is not recommended even by experienced boatmasters.
How often should I check the pressure in the cylinders at sea?
During the day, the pressure will vary due to sun heating and cooling by water, and it is recommended to check it before each step on the water and after returning to shore. Normal is the working pressure specified by the manufacturer (usually 0.25-0.3 atm for cylinders and 0.4-0.6 atm for NDNDM). Critical is the excess of pressure by more than 15-20% of the norm, which can lead to rupture of the sutures.
Do I need to register a PVC boat for the sea in GIMS?
Registration is mandatory if the weight of the boat in service (boat + motor + attachments) exceeds 200 kg, or if the engine power exceeds 8 kW (about 10.88 hp). Since seagoing boats are often equipped with powerful engines, registration and ownership of small craft are required in most cases.