The modern market of inflatable watercrafts offers a wide range, but among many manufacturers stand out Kitt BoatsThese boats have earned a reputation for being reliable and functional, ideal for both fishing and family water recreation, and unlike many budget-friendly boats, they use multi-layer reinforced PVC, which provides exceptional strength and puncture resistance.
The choice of a particular boat is always a compromise between the carrying capacity, weight in assembled form and cost. Kitt Boats We offer thoughtful design solutions that minimize weight without compromising safety, and it's important to understand that seam quality and material density directly affect the life of the product in an aggressive aqueous environment.
In this article, we will discuss the technical features of various modifications, consider the nuances of installing attachments and give recommendations for the care of polymeric materials. You will learn why this brand is often the choice of professional water engines and how to properly operate a vessel so that it will serve for decades.
Structural features and materials of the body
The basis of any boat Kitt Boats is a high-quality five-layer material, often referred to as a "five-layer" structure consisting of two outer layers of PVC and three inner layers of reinforcement mesh, giving the body high resistance to tearing and mechanical damage. Special impregnation of the surface protects the material from burning under ultraviolet light and the formation of mold during prolonged storage in wet conditions.
The engineers have focused on the inflatable cylinder system, which is divided into independent compartments, which ensures buoyancy even if one of them is damaged. The valves are petal-type, which provide rapid pumping and reliable air retention without etching. The seams are tightly sealed by adhesive gluing technology using two-component polyurethane adhesive.
For rigidity of the structure and protection of the bottom, an inflatable keel or rigid flooring is used, depending on the model. In the inflatable keel series (NK), excellent seaworthiness and course stability on the wave. Hard decking made of moisture-resistant plywood or aluminum alloy allows you to stand confidently on your feet and move along the cockpit during active fishing.
Each element of the structure undergoes strict quality control, the seams are glued with a margin of safety, and the docking places of the cylinders with the transom are further reinforced by a timber, which allows you to install powerful outboard motors without the risk of deformation of the aft part of the shell.
Overview of popular models and their specifications
Lineage Kitt Boats includes models of different dimensions, from compact single-seat to full-fledged three-seat vessels. Each modification has its own unique features, focused on specific tasks of the boating.
| Model | Length (cm) | Width (cm) | Load capacity (kg) | Kit weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kitt 280 | 280 | 136 | 350 | 24 |
| Kitt 320 | 320 | 146 | 450 | 32 |
| Kitt 360 | 360 | 166 | 600 | 45 |
| Kitt 400 | 400 | 180 | 800 | 58 |
Model Kitt 280 The compactness of the boat allows you to easily transport a boat in the trunk of a passenger car. Larger versions, such as the 360 and 400, are already categorized as full-fledged motorboats, capable of withstanding considerable excitement and carrying several people with a full set of equipment.
It is important to note that as the size increases, the bottom area increases, allowing for more powerful engines, but with this, the sailing of the vessel increases, so for larger models, wind protection or the use of a boat in appropriate weather conditions is recommended.
Floor systems: inflatable keel against rigid flooring
One of the key questions when choosing is the type of floor. Kitt Boats comes in two main versions: an inflatable keel (NK) and a removable hard floorboard, depending on where and how you plan to use the craft.
The inflatable keel gives the boat excellent running performance. When going to planing, it behaves predictably, easily rises on the wave and softly performs blows. However, preparation for launching takes longer, since it requires pumping not only cylinders, but also keel sleep, which requires the use of a high-pressure foot pump.
Hard floorboard, made of laminated plywood or profiled aluminum, provides a perfectly flat surface, which is convenient for placing gear and staying comfortable in the boat for a long time. Build this design requires more physical effort, but it provides maximum rigidity of the hull on the water.
Effect of sex type on speed
Boats with inflatable keel often show better hydrodynamics at low and medium speeds due to the streamlined shape of the bottom, while hard floorboard can create additional resistance if it does not have longitudinal redanes.
For those who appreciate mobility and speed of assembly, the best choice will be models with a system. Fast Inflatable FloorThey combine the advantages of hard flooring and the speed of assembly of inflatable structures, while the rigidity of the structure remains at a high level, sufficient for confident fishing.
Selection of the optimal outboard motor
Choosing the right engine is the key to safe and comfortable operation. Kitt Boats is important to consider not only the power, but also the weight of the engine, as well as the height of the transom. Exceeding the recommended power can lead to the destruction of the transmutation board and loss of control.
For compact models up to 3 meters, a 2-3.5 hp motor is usually enough to move one person with minimal load. Larger models, such as the 360 and 400 sizes, require engines ranging from 5 to 15 hp to get on plane with payload.
- ⚓ 2-3.5 hp - Ideal for quiet movement, fishing in prohibited areas for motors (electric motors) or as a backup option.
- ⚓ 5-8 hp. - "Golden mean" for boats with a length of 3.0-3.5 meters, allowing you to plane with one or two passengers.
- ⚓ 9.9-15 hp - necessary for heavy boats with hard floorboard, full load and to overcome the oncoming wave.
When installing the motor, be sure to use transom plates or suspension to adjust the angle of the trim, which will help compensate for the shift in the center of gravity and improve the exit to planing mode, and also remember the anti-cavitation plate, which should be located on the same level with the bottom of the boat.
Installation and additional equipment
Basic equipment Kitt Boats usually include cylinders, flooring (if any), a pump, remix and a packing bag, but often require accessories to fully utilize the pond.
First of all, you should take care of the anchor system. For inflatable boats weighing up to 300 kg, an anchor weighing 1.5-2 kg is enough. It is important to use an anchor end with a quick-removal unit so that in the case of a hook, you can free the boat with a jerk for the falin attached to the ring on the nose.
The following additions are also popular:
- 🎣 The rod-holders - are installed on cylinders or boards, free the hands of the fisherman.
- 🪑 Back seats - provide comfort with a long wait for cool, attached to the banks.
- 🛡️ Protective linings - protect the cylinders from abrasion on a rocky shore or shell.
It is not superfluous to purchase a special oil for two-stroke engines and a set of spare candles if you use a gasoline engine. All equipment must be securely secured so as not to damage the delicate surface of PVC when pitching.
☑️ Checking before getting on the water
Rules of operation and care of PVC
Durability of the boat Kitt Boats is dependent on compliance with the rules of operation. Despite the high strength of the material, PVC is afraid of open fire, sparks and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight in a pumped state.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave a fully pumped boat under the scorching sun without an awning or canopy. The air pressure inside the cylinders rises, which can cause the seams to rupture or deform the structure.
After each operation, especially in salt water, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water. Salt is an aggressive agent that over time destroys the structure of the polymer and causes corrosion of metal fittings. Dry the boat should be in the shade, in straightened form, to prevent the formation of folds and crevices.
When stored in winter, it is recommended to slightly lower the cylinders to compensate for temperature changes, but not to blow them away completely. This will preserve the geometry of the product and prevent the internal layers of the material from sticking together.
Check the valves and the presence of micropunctures regularly, and use a soap solution to do this: apply it to the surface and watch for bubbles to appear, and minor damage is easily repaired with a remix that is part of the standard delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the optimal pressure in the cylinders of the Kitt Boats boat?
The optimum operating pressure for most cylinders is the range of 0.2 to 0.25 atmospheres (approximately 250-300 mBar), which can cause balloons to inflate and suture stress, especially in hot weather, and the pressure should be checked with the pressure gauge included in the pump kit.
Can I repair the PVC boat on my own?
Yes, small punctures and cuts up to 3-5 cm long can be self-glashed using the remixes, which requires degreasing the surface, applying glue to both surfaces, drying and pressing tightly. Large damage requires professional repair in the workshop.
How to keep a boat in winter so that the material does not crack?
Store the boat should be clean and dry, at a temperature not lower than -20 ° C and not higher than +40 ° C. It is recommended to fold it not too tight, avoiding sharp crumblings in the same places. Once a season, it is advisable to lay the boat and check its condition.
Will the Kitt Boats boat survive the encounter with the snags?
The material is highly resistant to tears, but sharp bundles and snags underwater are dangerous, avoiding these places or using protective linings on cylinders is recommended, and when driving in shallow water, the motor should be lifted, and paddle.