Choosing a boat for fishing or family vacations on the water is always a search for a balance between price, reliability and functionality. In the segment of budget and medium-price inflatable boats in the Russian market, Prima products confidently hold the position. rowing-boat They have established themselves as an affordable solution for lovers of quiet hunting on the waters of the middle lane.
The popularity of the brand is due not only to the democratic cost, but also to the use of proven materials such as reinforced polyvinyl chloride. However, a wide range of models can confuse an unprepared buyer, because the lineup is not a good choice. Light, Lux and Ultra They have significant design differences, and in this article, we'll take a closer look at what's behind the labels and help you understand what it is. PVC Prima It will be the perfect choice for your tasks.
It's worth noting that the build quality and durability of the seams have a direct impact on water safety, which is why it's important to look not only at the external parameters, but also at the technology of materials joining. A critical factor is the type of gluing of the seams: for models of the Lux and Ultra series, double gluing is used, which significantly increases the tightness compared to the single seam of budget versions.
Design features and materials used
The basis of any inflatable boat is the material from which its balloon is made. Prima It uses a multilayer reinforced PVC, which consists of several layers of polymer and a synthetic mesh. tensile and the resistance to abrasion on a rocky bottom or shell.
The boats' cylinders are divided into independent compartments, which is the safety standard, and if one of the compartments is punctured, the rest will keep the boat buoyant, allowing the crew to safely reach the shore. timber All around the perimeter.
- 🛡️ PVC reinforced: The main material resistant to fuel, ultraviolet and temperature changes.
- 🧵 Synthetic base: Capron thread, providing stability of geometry during pumping.
- 🔒 Furniture: Injection valves and reliable grippers integrated into the design.
Budget models can have a density of about 750 g/sq.m., whereas reinforced versions for trolling or hiking use fabric density up to 900-1100 g/sq.m. The choice of material density directly affects the weight of the boat in the assembled form and its loading capacity.
Review of model series: from Light to Ultra
The manufacturer segments its products clearly to meet the needs of different groups of customers, understanding the difference between the series will help to avoid disappointment after the purchase. design and purpose.
Series Light These are classic inflatable floor rowing boats, which are as light and compact as possible, but not designed to be powered by powerful motors, and are the choice for quiet fishing in small water bodies or for rescue posts.
⚠️ Attention: Light series boats do not have a transom for the installation of the engine or have a low-power suspended transom. Using a motor above the recommended power (usually 2-3 hp) can lead to mount failure and an emergency on the water.
Series Lux This is a fully-fledged propeller boat, and it uses a glue transomb that can withstand the load of a motor up to 5-8 hp (depending on the length). keel-pocket and a more rigid design of cylinders.
Versions Ultra and Pro equipped with a reinforced bottom, often with protection from rubbing, and are designed to install motors up to 10-15 hp In these models, it is often used double-layer in the most loaded places, as well as reinforced timbers.
What is the difference between a glued and hinged transom?
The adhesive transom is part of the boat's power structure, and it's glued between the cylinder layers, which ensures maximum rigidity. The hinged transmolina is attached with belts or Velcro straps to the cylinder and is only for light motors that create minimal traction.
Types of bottom: influence on driving performance
The type of floor is one of the main parameters that determine the behavior of the boat on the water and the comfort of movement inside the cockpit. Prima You can find several options for the execution of the bottom, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages.
inflatable floor (ND) is characteristic of lightweight rowing models, it provides excellent buoyancy and softness, but does not give a hard surface to stand. A boat with ND is lightweight, but on water it is more susceptible to wind demolition and has a lower speed for an outboard motor due to the flexibility of the design.
Plywood or aluminum plywood floors are standard for motor versions. A prefabricated structure of multiple slabs connected by profiles creates a rigid frame, which allows the boat to keep its course better, to go sleeve more easily, and to provide a sustainable platform for fishing.
- 🪵 Plywood plywood: A classic solution that requires drying after operation to avoid rotting.
- 🛡️ Aluminum leaf: More durable, not afraid of moisture, but can be colder to the touch.
- 🧩 Stringer system: Metal or PVC profiles, giving the rigidity of the entire floor structure.
Longer models (over 3 meters) often use low-pressure inflatable floors (LDPBs), which produce a hard bottom that doesn’t need to be harvested but still has a high payload capacity, but are heavier to assemble and take longer to prepare for launch.
☑️ Checking the condition of the sex before the season
Technical specifications of popular models
For a visual comparison of different modifications, it is convenient to use a summary table, which will help you quickly navigate in dimensions and weight parameters, which is especially important when planning transportation on the trunk of a passenger car.
| Model | Length (cm) | Width (cm) | Load capacity (kg) | Engine power (hp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prima 220 Light. | 220 | 116 | 220 | No motor / 2 |
| Prima 280 Luxury | 280 | 130 | 350 | 5 |
| Prima 320 Luxury | 320 | 140 | 450 | 8 |
| Prima 360 Ultra | 360 | 150 | 600 | 15 |
Note that the declared load capacity includes the weight of all passengers, equipment, engine and battery, and it is recommended to keep a margin of 15-20% of the maximum for high-side and safety.
The weight of the boat when assembled also plays a role. If you plan to carry the boat alone often, models longer than 3.2 meters with plywood bottoms may be too heavy. aluminum-floor or separate carrying of components.
Operation and care of PVC products
Your durability boats It depends on proper care. PVC is a persistent material, but it's not negligible. The main enemy of the material is dirt, sand and ultraviolet light when stored inflated for long periods.
After every fishing trip, especially in salt water or overgrown water, the boat must be rinsed with fresh water. Sand clogged under valves or into folds works like an abrasive, rubbing the fabric when blown away. Drying before packaging is a prerequisite to prevent mold and unpleasant odor.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight for long periods of time unattended, and the air pressure inside the cylinders rises when heated, which can cause the seams to deform or even rupture the valves.
Store the product should be in a dry, cool place, preferably in straightened form or freely rolled up. Sharp temperature changes during storage (for example, in an unheated garage in winter) can make PVC more brittle, so it is better to warm the boat before pumping in the cold.
Frequent questions and answers from owners
Analysis of forums and user reviews allows us to highlight a number of typical questions that arise from potential and current owners of boats. PrimaAnswering them will help you make an informed decision.
Many people are interested in repairability, small punctures are easily repaired with the help of a remix, which usually comes in the supply. For more serious damage, such as cuts in the cylinder, there are specialized services that perform the work of the repair kit. vulcanization or replacement sections.
Also often asked about compatibility with electric motors. The Lux and Ultra series boats are great friends with electric traction. This is a quiet and environmentally friendly option that does not require registration with GIMS (at a power up to 5 hp and up to 20 meters in length, if the boat is not registered as a small boat with an engine, but the rules may change, please specify the current regulations).
Can I use Prima's boat in winter for fishing?
You can use PVC boats in winter, but with caution. At temperatures below -10°C, the material becomes stiff and brittle. You only need to pump the cylinders with warm air and not to full pressure, leaving room for expansion in the sun, and you also need to avoid contact with sharp edges of ice.
Which glue is best for PVC repair?
For repairs of PVC-reinforced boats, two-component polyurethane adhesives (e.g. Texacol, Kleyberg or specialized adhesives for PVC boats) are best used. Conventional household adhesives such as "Moment" may not provide the proper elasticity and water resistance of the seam.
Do I need to register Prima's boat in GIMS?
Registration depends on the weight of the boat in gear and the engine power: If the boat with the engine and equipment exceeds 200 kg, or the engine power exceeds 8 hp (10.88 hp according to the new classification), registration is mandatory.
Prima boats are the best choice for beginners and anglers looking for a balance between price and quality, and when properly maintained, they last for years, providing a safe rest on the water.