Choosing an inflatable fishing boat or outdoor water recreation is often a daunting task, especially when it comes to reliable brands. Mercury's PVC boat It is well-deservedly popular among water-engineers due to its combination of proven technology, quality materials and functionality, and owners of such vessels note their excellent handling and ability to withstand serious loads even in turbulent water conditions.
Many people mistakenly believe that this brand is engaged exclusively in production. outboard motorsBut their inflatable range demonstrates a deep engineering approach to crafting, and a well-chosen model will be a reliable base for engine installation or fun ride, ensuring the safety of the crew. Below we will discuss in detail the design features, technical nuances and criteria for choosing the ideal vessel for your tasks.
It is important to understand that polyvinyl chlorideThe silk that we use in manufacturing undergoes multi-stage testing for UV resistance, abrasion and puncture. It is the quality of the fabric and the technology of gluing the seams that determines the durability of the entire product in an aggressive aquatic environment. Proper operation will allow the vessel to serve for decades, maintaining its driving qualities.
Production technologies and body materials
The basis of any high-quality inflatable boat is the material from which its cylinder is made. reinforced PVCIt's a fabric that looks like automobile rubber, but it's a much smaller weight, and it's made up of several layers: a polyester base that provides tensile strength, and an external coating that protects against external influences.
⚠️ Note: When buying, pay attention to the density of fabric specified in the specification. For fishing with a motor, the optimal indicator is a density of at least 1100 g / sq.m., since the lighter options may not withstand the vibrations and loads from the outboard motor.
So the engineers focused on the technology of connecting the seams, and instead of traditional gluing, which can dry out over time, we use this method. hot air welding This process turns the interconnecting seams into a monolith, eliminating the possibility of leakage even when the side is bent, and the seam becomes stronger than the fabric itself, which is a critical safety parameter.
The bottom of the boats is also made with advanced solutions, most often using inflatable bottoms. High Pressure (high pressure) or floorboards of water-resistant plywood coated with laminate. Inflatable bottoms reduce the overall weight of the equipment, which is convenient for transportation, while rigid floorboards provide better hydrodynamics and stability in planing.
To extend the life of the fabric, treat it regularly with special UV filters, especially if the boat is often under direct sunlight in a pumped state.
Overview of popular models and their specifications
The range of Mercury-branded vessels ranges from compact rowing models to serious engine systems, each designed for specific operating conditions, whether it be quiet lakes, rough rivers or sea trips in the coastal area, and understanding the differences between series will help you not overpay for unnecessary functions or, conversely, save on safety.
One of the most popular series is the lineup. Mercury Air DeckThese models are characterized by an inflatable floor, which makes them incredibly lightweight and compact when assembled, and are ideal for single anglers or couples who value mobility and speed of assembly on shore. Aluminum (although made of metal, but often seen in the same row) or heavy PVC models with a hard bottom are focused on the installation of powerful motors.
For those who plan serious outings with a lot of equipment, these are reinforced keels and larger cylinder diameters, which have excellent wave swelling and stability on the course. Below is a comparative table of the main specifications of popular modifications so you can visually assess the difference.
| Model | Length (cm) | Width (cm) | Load capacity (kg) | Type of bottom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Deck 240 | 240 | 120 | 280 | Inflatable HP |
| Pro 320 | 320 | 150 | 550 | aluminum |
| Classic 290 | 290 | 135 | 400 | Plywood plywood |
| Sea Pro 360 | 360 | 160 | 650 | aluminum |
Compatibility with outboard motors
As the Mercury brand is one of the world leaders in production outboardIt's logical that their boats are designed with this particular technology in mind, and the transom junction is reinforced to handle the vibrational loads of two-stroke and four-stroke engines, but it's important to consider not only the brand, but also the power relative to the boat's data-sheet figures when choosing the engine.
Exceeding the recommended engine power can lead to dangerous situations, such as loss of stability or damage to the transom. On the other hand, too weak engine will not allow you to enter the planing mode, which will dramatically increase fuel consumption and reduce maneuverability.
When installing the motor, it should be used door-wheelIf the boat doesn't have its own folding mechanism, it makes it much easier to get on and off the water, especially if you're fishing alone, and it's also important to set the angle of the lower unit right to make sure the propeller works efficiently.
⚠️ Warning: Never run the motor out of water without a special intake nozzle, even for a few seconds, which will cause instant overheating and failure of the water cooling pump, which is not a warranty.
☑️ Check before starting the engine
Operation and care of PVC products
The durability of your boat depends on how you store and maintain it between seasons. Polyvinyl chloride is durable, but it is afraid of certain effects that can be easily neutralized with proper care. Regular fresh water washing after each exit, especially if you have been swimming in salt water, is a must for removing salt and sand.
Keep the vessel clean and, most importantly, completely dry. The moisture residue inside the case or bag can cause mold to develop, which destroys the tissue structure and glue seams. If you can not dry the boat immediately, do it at the earliest opportunity, straightening all the folds.
For lubrication of valves and care for plastic elements, use special formulations on a silicone basis. Petroleum productsPVC cleaning, such as gasoline or kerosene, is strictly prohibited because it corrodes the material and should avoid contact with sparks from a fire or cigarette ash.
What to do when microcracks appear?
If you notice microcracks on the folds, do not rush to glue them with ordinary glue. Use a special liquid PVC (liquid PVC), which penetrates the tissue structure and restores its elasticity, preventing further growth of the defect.
Transportation and storage in the off-season
Proper preparation of the boat for winter storage is the guarantee that in the spring it will be ready for battle again. Before packing in the case, you need to make sure that all the valves are open and air has come out of the cylinders to avoid condensation. The storage temperature should not fall below minus 20 degrees, although short-term frosts of high-quality PVC withstands.
Stacking the boat carefully, avoiding permanent clamping in the same places, changing the fold line periodically when packing, and keeping the rolled boat in suspension or on a shelf to keep rodents from reaching it, as they often gnaw PVC for heat or food.
If the boat is stored in a garage, make sure it is not dripping oil or other aggressive liquids from the vehicle or tools. The optimal storage temperature for PVC products is from +5 to +25 degrees CelsiusThis allows you to maintain the elasticity of the material for many years.
The main enemy of PVC during storage is not cold, but dampness and rodents, so a dry and clean room is more important than a heated garage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you use Mercury's PVC boat in seawater?
Yes, most models are made of materials that are resistant to salt water, but after each outing, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water so that the salt crystals do not damage the fabric and metal components of the fittings.
Which glue is best for puncture repair?
For repair, only two-component polyurethane adhesive, specially designed for PVC, should be used. Conventional household adhesives will not provide the necessary elasticity of the seam and can detach when loaded or temperature changes.
How long does the glue dry during repair?
The polymerization time depends on ambient temperature and humidity, and on average, it takes 12 to 24 hours to gain primary strength at about 20 degrees, and complete operational strength is achieved after 48 to 72 hours.
Do I need to register a boat with GIMS?
According to Russian legislation, boats weighing more than 200 kg (in running order) or with an engine power of more than 8 hp (5.88 kW) are subject to registration. If your boat is lighter and the engine is weaker, registration is not required, but it is desirable to have documents for the boat and the engine with you.
Can I pump a boat with a compressor?
You can use car or electric compressors, but with caution. It's important to control the pressure so that you don't pump the cylinders, especially in hot weather when the air inside expands, and you better finish the pressure with a foot pump manually for accurate control.