Choosing a reliable fishing boat or a family holiday on the water always involves finding a balance between cost, quality of materials and functionality. PVCThe silk-welding vessel, which has proven to be a practical option for water tourism enthusiasts and anglers, is manufactured using modern seam welding technologies and durable materials, making it competitive even against the backdrop of more expensive brands.
The basis of the durability of such structures is a multilayered reinforced PVCIt's resistant to abrasion, ultraviolet light and temperature extremes. Many models come with inflatable elements that provide extra stiffness and unsinkability, which is critical when you go out into open water. Understanding the technical nuances will help you avoid mistakes when you buy and use.
In this article, we will discuss the design features, the advantages of various modifications and give practical recommendations for the care of your vessel. Competent approach to the choice will allow you to enjoy fishing for years without worrying about the technical condition of the boat. Let's look at what lies behind the markings and how to choose exactly what you need for your conditions.
Structural features and materials of the body
The foundation of any high-quality inflatable boat is the material from which it is made. compass It uses five-layer reinforced polyvinyl chloride, and it's not just tensile, it's also highly elastic, so it can withstand impacts on rocks or driftwood without forming microcracks. Technology of hot vulcanization seams ensure complete tightness of the joints, eliminating the risk of stratification even under high pressure.
The bottom of the boat is often executed in a format. NDMA (high pressure inflatable floor) or with rigid water-resistant plywood floorboards. The first option provides excellent cross-country and shallow-water mounting, as it slides across the surface without clinging to obstacles. The second option is preferred for those who value a hard floor, allowing you to stand confidently while actively fishing or setting foot stops.
⚠️ Warning: When operating plywood-bottomed boats, avoid long-term storage in assembled form in wet conditions, as this can lead to deformation of the floorboards, despite their protective coating.
The boats' sides are reinforced by a beam that protects them from being rubbed against the berth or the side of other boats. stringer (in models with NDND), which run along the entire bottom and give the body the necessary rigidity, allowing you to develop high speeds with an outboard motor. The quality of fittings, including valves and liner rings, also plays an important role in the overall reliability of the structure.
Before the first pump, leave the boat in a warm room for a few hours to warm up the material – this will reduce the load on the seams and allow you to reach the correct pressure faster.
Overview of popular models and their modifications
The range of products covers a wide range of needs, from compact rowing models to serious motor catamarans. Compass-MFor single anglers, models up to 2.8 meters long and easily transportable in the trunk of a passenger car are ideal.
Larger modifications, such as Compass-320 or Compass-360These are equipped with a reinforced transcension capable of withstanding motors up to 10-15 hp These models often use a combined bottom design, where inflatable tubes are combined with rigid inserts, ensuring the stability of the ride on the wave. Load capacity Such vessels allow you to take on board several people and a significant supply of equipment.
Special attention should be paid to models with elevated sides, which are often used for trolling or fishing in windy weather. The high side protects against splashes and provides additional safety. germ-block in the bow and aft parts, which is a mandatory requirement for access to large reservoirs in accordance with safety rules.
When choosing a particular model, it is important to consider not only the number of passengers, but also the operating conditions. For high-flowing rivers, models with a fully inflatable floor are better suited, and for calm reservoirs and lakes, options with a hard floor for greater comfort.
Assembly and preparation for launching
Properly assembling a boat is a guarantee of your safety and long service, and it starts with laying the boat on a flat surface clear of sharp objects. If you use a model with a high-pressure inflatable floor, the first step is always to pump the bottom part, which allows you to straighten the folds of the material and prepare the frame for the installation of the sides.
Pressure control is critical: a sun-pumped vessel may burst, and a sub-pumped vessel will have poor driving performance. Standard operating pressure for cylinders is about 0.2 atm, and for the bottom of BNDN it is up to 0.6-0.8 atm, but the exact values are always given in passport.
☑️ Checklist for boat preparation
After pumping the bottom, stringers are installed (if designed) that are inserted into special pockets on the sides, then the main cylinders are pumped. It is important to follow the sequence specified by the manufacturer to ensure that the load is evenly distributed. The final step is installation. coatboardSeats and attachments.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight unattended - the pressure inside the cylinders can rise to critical values due to thermal expansion of air.
Operation and performance
On the water, boats of this brand demonstrate good stability and controllability. Thanks to the thoughtful geometry of the cylinders, the vessel holds a course well and easily enters corners. Models with the keel bottom have better germination per wave, making them preferable for large bodies of water, where there are often ripples or wind. Aerodynamics The nose allows you to effectively dissect water, minimizing resistance.
When using an outboard motor, it is important to choose the right power; a motor that is too weak will not allow you to plane with full load, and an overly powerful one can damage the transom; the optimal speed for most models is 20-30 km / h, which is quite enough for comfortable movement and economical fuel consumption. For fishing, trolling mode is often used, where the boat shows itself as a stable platform.
Driving a boat requires certain skills, especially in lateral winds. The large sailing of inflatable sides can blow the boat, so it is important to adjust the course in a timely manner. Using an anchor ditch located in the bow makes it easier to fix in place. NDMA characterized by the absence of the effect of "slapping" the bottom of the water, which is often found in boats with plywood floors at a strong wave.
Proper loading of the boat (weight distribution of passengers and cargo) directly affects its course stability and speed.
Maintenance and repair
And PVC After every fishing or walk, the vessel should be thoroughly washed with fresh water, especially if operated in salt water or in bodies of water with blooming water, this will prevent the destruction of the material and corrosion of metal fittings, drying should be done in the shade, in straightened form.
Periodically, you need to check the pressure in the cylinders and the condition of the valves. If you notice air poisoning, use a soap solution to find the leak site. Small punctures are easily repaired with a remix, which usually comes with a kit. For serious repairs, such as replacing the valve or sealing large cuts, it is better to contact a specialized service or use it. two-component And patches made of the same material.
Store the boat in a clean and dry form, folded at a temperature of not lower than -20 ° C and not higher than + 50 ° C. It is recommended to periodically (once a season) completely inflate the boat and leave for a day to spread the folds and check the leakage. This also helps the material to "remember" its shape and reduces the risk of creases on the folds.
| Parameter | Rowing model | Motor model (up to 3.2 m) | Motor model (3.6 m+) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Bottom material | Inflatable / Plywood | NDND / Plywood | NDND / Aluminum |
| Load capacity | up to 250 kg | up to 450 kg | up to 600 kg or more |
| Engine power | Not provided | up to 5-8 hp | up to 15-20 hp |
| Number of seats | 1-2 | 2-3 | 3-4 or more |
How to properly seal a puncture in the field?
Clean the area around the puncture with alcohol or gasoline (degreasing). Apply a thin layer of glue on the weave and on the boat itself. Let it dry for 5-10 minutes until it's sticky. Press the weave hard and roll roll. Don't pump the boat for at least 2-4 hours.
Advantages and possible disadvantages
And by analyzing the experience of the owners, there are a number of undeniable advantages. price Boats are easily assembled by one person (except for the largest models), and their weight allows them to be carried without using a trolley. Repairability is also high: parts and repair materials are available in most fishing shops.
There are some nuances to be aware of, though, as some users note that basic packages may not be the best quality bags that quickly become unusable, and plywood-bottomed models require more time to assemble and dry before packing, which can be uncomfortable when traveling frequently in rainy weather.
Overall, the value for money ratio makes these boats an excellent choice for beginners and avid fishermen who are not willing to overpay for famous brands. When used carefully, they can last 5-7 years or more, fully paying back their investment.
⚠️ Attention: When buying used boats, be sure to check the state of the seams for rupture and the absence of "oakiness" of the material, which may indicate the aging of PVC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the optimal pressure in the cylinders of the boat?
The optimum working pressure for cylinders is usually 0.2 atm (about 200 mbar). For the bottom of the NDNDM, the pressure is much higher - from 0.6 to 0.8 atm. Always check the manufacturer's instructions, as excess pressure can lead to rupture of the seams, especially in the sun.
Is it possible to use a PVC boat in winter?
Use is possible at temperatures as low as -10...-15°C, but the material becomes less elastic and more susceptible to mechanical damage, requires special training and extremely careful handling, you can not keep the boat in the cold.
What is the difference between a boat with NDND from a boat with plywood bottom?
NDND (high pressure inflatable floor) provides better throughput, less weight and is faster to assemble, but costs more. The plywood floor is tougher, cheaper but heavier, dries and collects longer, and can also deform when wet.
How to properly store a boat in the off-season?
The boat should be washed, completely dried (especially inside cylinders and under floorboards), folded in a free loop (not in the same twist as during operation) and stored in a warm, dry room, away from heating devices.
Which motor is better for the Compass 320?
For a model with a length of 3.2 meters, the optimal choice will be a motor with a capacity of 5-8 hp. This will allow you to go on planing with one or two passengers. If you plan to fish with a full load, you can consider engines up to 10 hp, if the transom allows.