Choosing a swimming vehicle for serious fishing or water tourism always involves finding a compromise between the carrying capacity, weight in the assembled form and price. PVC Reef Scat 370The model attracts attention not only for its affordable cost, but also for its well-thought-out design, which allows you to feel comfortable on the water even in high winds or excitement.
Owners of this boat often note its excellent stability and ability to carry powerful engines, which is a critical parameter for a length of 370 cm. However, like any equipment, it has its own features of operation that must be considered when buying. In this article, we will discuss in detail the design, materials and nuances of use so that you can make an informed decision.
It is worth noting that Reef Skat 370 It's not just an inflatable boat, it's a full-fledged, rigid-floored, small vessel that requires proper assembly and maintenance, and ignoring the rules of operation can cause rapid wear and tear or damage to the seams, so it's important to study the design of this model thoroughly.
Structural features and materials of the body
The basis of durability of any inflatable boat is the quality of the fabric used. Reef Skat 370 The manufacturer uses five-layer reinforced high-density PVC, usually in the range of 900 to 1100 g / sq.m. This material has a high resistance to abrasion, which is especially important for frequent landings on the shore or dragging on the sand. Reinforcing netThe PVC, laid between the layers of polyvinyl chloride, prevents the balloons from inflating under pressure and ensures the rigidity of the structure.
Welds are particularly important to consider when inspecting, and unlike adhesives, welding creates a monolithic structure that is virtually undetachable when temperatures vary. heat-treatment The seams must be made qualitatively, without bubbles and gaps. In places of high load, such as a beam and a transom plate, additional reinforcing tapes are often installed.
⚠️ Warning: When buying, be sure to check the joints of cylinders with the transom for the presence of microcracks. Even high-quality PVC can have a production defect that will manifest only under load.
The design of cylinders provides for the presence of separation valve And if one of the cylinders is punctured, the other ones will remain buoyant, allowing them to reach the shore safely, and the overpressure venting system, which is activated when the air is heated in the sun, prevents the shell from rupturing, is also important.
When pumping the boat in the sun, don't push the pressure to maximum right away. Leave a small margin, as when heated, the air will expand and the pressure in the cylinders will increase, which can lead to deformation of the seams.
Sex Anatomy: Paioles and Stringers
The hardness of the bottom is what distinguishes Reef Skat 370 It uses a system of aluminum floorboards that are connected to each other and the sides by stringers, and this design, often called a book or a set floor, provides excellent hydrodynamics and allows you to achieve high speed. Aluminum sheets are coated with a special coating that prevents the legs from slipping even in wet shoes.
The process of assembling the floor may seem complicated to a beginner, but it is strictly regulated: Stringers pass through special pockets in floorboards and are fixed in locks on boards. Straining of the floor This is due to the difference in pressure in the cylinders and the stiffness of the stringers, and it is important to make sure that all the locks are snapped to the characteristic click, otherwise the floor can "walk" under your feet while moving.
☑️ Hard floor assembly
It is worth noting that aluminum floorboards are susceptible to corrosion when in contact with salt water if their protective coating is damaged. Therefore, after every fishing at sea or in salt water bodies, it is recommended to wash the floor with fresh water. plywoodIt is lighter than aluminum, but requires a more careful attitude to storage in order to avoid stratification.
Why is the floor creaking?
The aluminium floor screeching occurs due to metal friction against metal in the junction of stringers and floorboards. To eliminate rubbing surfaces, lubricate with silicone lubrication or use special fabric pads.
Tran and possibility of engine installation
One of the key advantages of the model Reef Skat 370 It is possible to install an outboard motor with a capacity of up to 15-18 hp Tranets is made of moisture-resistant plywood and reinforced with metal linings, which allows you to withstand significant loads. The attachment of the transom to the cylinder is carried out through a system of tapes and rigid inserts that distribute the force over a large area.
When choosing a motor, it is important to consider not only power, but also weight. For a given length, a motor weighing up to 45 kg is considered optimal. Installing a heavier unit will shift the center of gravity to the stern, which will lead to strong differentiation and reduced speed. transom plate It must be set strictly perpendicular to the bottom to ensure the correct exit angle of the lower unit.
It is important to remember the height of the transom. The standard height is 381 mm (15 inches), but when installing a motor with a short leg, you may need to use slots. Incorrectly installing the motor in height will lead to cavitation of the screw and loss of traction, as well as to flooding water into the cockpit.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Max, engine power. | 15-18 hp | Depends on the modification. |
| Transcent height | 381 mm | Standard S (15) |
| Transcent material | Plywood + PVC | Enhanced version |
| Load capacity | 600 kg | Including the crew |
The right choice of engine power and weight is the key to safety and comfortable operation of the boat Reef Skat 370.
Comfort and ergonomics of the cockpit
The interior of the boat is designed to meet the needs of fishermen and tourists, the width of the cockpit allows two or three adult passengers to freely accommodate. air-seat They're banks that can be moved along the sides, fixed in special holders, which allows you to vary the weight of the weight depending on the number of passengers and cargo.
The perimeter of the cockpit is often mounted linear cable, which serves to insure passengers and fasten equipment. carry-knobsIt is made of a durable material that does not rub the hand, and in the bow can be installed anchor rum, which facilitates anchoring without having to bend over the side.
For small items such as telephone, keys or gear, some trim levels have small pockets on the inside of the cylinders. However, it is worth considering that the amount of free space decreases with the increase in the number of passengers and cargo. Therefore, for multi-day expeditions, it is recommended to use sealers that can be compactly placed in the nose or stern.
Assembly, packaging and transportation
Assembly process Reef Skat 370 It takes an average of 15 to 20 minutes with experience. It takes about 30-40 minutes for beginners. The rule is to take your time and keep the sequence. First, the cylinders are pumped to the working pressure (usually 0.2 to 0.25 atm), then the floor is assembled, and only then the final pumping is performed.
Packing a boat requires care, and aluminum floorboards need to be folded in a certain order to fit in a transport bag with the cylinders. Transportation bag It usually has backpack straps, which is convenient for carrying, but the weight of the set with the engine and equipment can be significant (about 60-70 kg).
⚠️ Warning: Never keep the boat assembled in a hot room or in direct sunlight. Excess pressure can tear the seams, and ultraviolet light will destroy the structure of PVC.
To protect the bottom from punctures when pulling ashore, it is recommended to use special protective linings or choose gentle, stone-cleaned descents. In winter, the boat should be stored in straightened or semi-assembled form at plus temperature to avoid claws of material in the cold.
Use talc when packing a boat for long-term storage, it absorbs moisture and prevents PVC layers from sticking together, prolonging the life of the material.
Tuning and refinement for fishing
Basic equipment Reef Skat 370 It's good, but for serious fishing, it often requires some improvement. transom-wheelIt's a model that allows one person to easily move a boat with an engine along the shore, and it's especially true for models of this size where the weight is already noticeable.
Fishers also often install additional bands to attach sonars, GPS navigators and fishing rods. For night fishing, LED lighting is indispensable, which can be powered by the battery of the motor or a separate source, and it is important to maintain tight wiring and fastenings when installing any equipment.
Another useful improvement is the installation keel-proof This greatly extends the life of the bottom of the bed with frequent landings on rocky shores, and some owners change their standard seats to more rigid and comfortable platforms with soft pads, which is critical when waiting for hours for cool.
How to wash the boat after fishing?
Use warm water and a soft sponge with neutral soap solution. Avoid harsh chemicals, solvents and abrasive brushes. After washing, be sure to dry the boat before packing to avoid mold and smell.
Is it possible to use a boat in winter?
PVC boats can be operated at low temperatures, but it requires extreme caution. The material in the cold blubbers and becomes brittle. Any sudden movement or impact can lead to cracks. It is recommended to use the boat only at a temperature of not less than -5 ° C and avoid contact with sharp ice floes.
What glue should I use for repairs?
For repairs. Reef Skat 370 It is best to use a two-component polyurethane adhesive (e.g. Texacol or its analogues) that provides an elastic and durable seam that withstands strain. Chloroprene-based adhesives (contact) are also suitable, but require more thorough surface preparation.
How long does a PVC boat last?
When properly operated and stored, the life of a boat made of high-quality PVC is 7-10 years or more. The main enemy of the material is ultraviolet light and improper storage (crumbed in the heat), regular inspection and timely minor repairs prolong the life of the product.