Choosing a swimming aid for fishing or hunting is always a search for a compromise between the carrying capacity, weight in the collection and dimensions in the packaged form. Urex 17 PVC boat It is a niche in the low-cost but reliable inflatables segment, which is aimed at one or two people, and is often the first major acquisition for beginners who are not willing to pay for premium brands, but require real functionality on the water.
The design of this model is based on time-tested solutions, where the priority is given to ease of maintenance and maintainability. Unlike complex inflatable keels, it uses rigid floorboard, which ensures excellent performance when using low-power engines. Urex 17 It is designed to withstand stress in turbulent water conditions on small water bodies, moderate rivers and lakes.
It is important to understand that this modification is a class. rowboat This puts some limits on engine power, but for quiet fishing in quiet weather, this is enough power, and the material of the cylinders — reinforced PVC — guarantees resistance to puncture and ultraviolet light, which is critical when you are in the open sun for a long time.
Structural features and materials of the body
The basis of durability of any inflatable vessel is the quality of the polyvinyl chloride used. Urex 17 It uses a five-layer reinforced material that combines elasticity and high tensile strength, and the density of the fabric allows you to withstand the pressure necessary to maintain the shape, even at temperature changes, which often occur in the early morning or late autumn.
The seams are designed to be glued on top, which is the standard for this price segment, and this technology ensures tightness, but requires careful handling during storage to prevent stratification at joints in prolonged deflated downtime. Leakability of compartments The Urex 17 is a key safety parameter, and it shows itself here with independent inflatable tubes.
The bottom of the boat is made of separate sheets of plywood (floorboard), which are connected to each other and inserted into the cylinders. slat-floor Or a set floorboard, which allows you to fold the boat compactly, but unlike whole-cut aluminum floors, there is a risk of shifting the sheets at a high wave if the assembly is done carelessly.
⚠️ Warning: When assembling paiola, be sure to check the density of all sheets adjacent to each other. Incomplete insertion of elements can lead to deformation of the bottom and loss of rigidity of the structure on the water.
To protect the bottom from the abrasive effects of sand and stones is provided floppy-ribbon It also acts as a breaker, taking on the impacts when mooring, and the bottom of the cylinders is often reinforced by an additional layer of material, which significantly prolongs the life of the product when pulled ashore.
Technical specifications and configuration
Dimensions and weight parameters are crucial when choosing a transport for the delivery of a boat to the water. Urex 17 It is a small model, which makes it convenient for transport in the trunk of a passenger car even without a special trailer. Below is a table with basic technical data.
| Parameter | Meaning | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Total length | 170 cm | Optimal for 1 person |
| Width | 90-95 cm | Depends on the pressure in the cylinders |
| Load capacity | 150 kg | Including boat and motor weight |
| Packaging weight | ~14-16 kg | Without motor and accessories |
| Max, engine power. | up to 2.5 hp | Electric or two-stroke is recommended. |
The package is standard for this class: two inflatable tubes, a dialing bottom, two inflatable seats (banks), a bag-package, a remake and paddles. Banks. usually made in the form of inflatable cushions, which increases comfort, but reduces the rigidity of the landing compared to plywood seats on brackets.
The motor tray is a rigid plate attached to the stern. Maximum recommended engine power is 2.5 horsepowerThis is a strict limitation related to the transom design and the overall load capacity, and exceeding this value can lead to the breakage of the transom board or loss of handling.
Aluminum blades are often included in the package, lightweight and non-rusting, but may not be tough enough to row against strong currents or winds. For serious walks, experienced users recommend buying better-quality paddles with a telescopic handle immediately.
Operation: Assembly and preparation for descent
Preparation process Urex 17 When you go out, you don't need any special skills, but you have some nuances that you ignore, which reduces the life of the product, and the first step is always to lay the boat on a flat surface, cleared of sharp objects, branches and stones.
☑️ Checklist of Urex 17 preparations
The pumping of cylinders should be done to the working pressure, usually 0.2 atm. Using a pressure gauge at the pump is mandatory, because it is difficult to determine the correct pressure by the eye. An under-pumped boat will have poor swelling and worse to keep its course, and a pumped in hot weather risks bursting in the sun due to air expansion.
Paiola is the most time-consuming process, and you have to put the sheets in sequence, starting at the nose, and you have to straighten each piece carefully, and after you've laid all the sheets, you have to walk through the joints to make sure they fit tightly, and then you can pump the cylinders completely, which will finally fix the bottom.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight unattended, with the pressure inside the cylinders increasing proportionally to the temperature, which can cause the seams to rupture.
Seat anchorages are done by slings or fixtures, depending on the year of manufacture, and it is important to position them symmetrically relative to the diametric axis to ensure that the vessel is properly centered and stable, and shifting the center of gravity can make the boat rolling and dangerous.
Water behaviour and driving performance
On the water. Urex 17 PVC It's predictable and stable for its size, and because of its narrow body, it has a good germination on a small wave, but the sailing is a bit high because there's no keel, and in the side wind, you have to work actively with oars or adjust your course with the engine.
With a 2-2.5 hp engine, the boat is glides with only one person of minimum weight. As standard (fisher + gear + motor), the movement takes place in displacement mode at a speed of about 5-7 km / h. This is enough for moving between fishing points, but not for high-speed walks.
The paddles are very manageable, and they have a lot of pull, which allows even people of average height to row effectively, but because of the short length of the hull (the oars are very short).170 cm) the amplitude of the rowing is limited and long strokes may cause the oars to touch the sides or water at an uncomfortable angle.
Stability is an important parameter, especially for beginners. The Urex 17 has wide enough cylinders relative to length, which gives good initial stability. You can't stand in it at full height, but you can sit confidently and even move slightly to throw the gear without the risk of tipping over, if you don't make sudden movements.
Care, storage and repair
The durability of PVC materials depends on storage conditions. After each fishing, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, especially if it was used in salt water or in bodies of water with blooming water. The remaining dirt and moisture can be preserved in folds and lead to mold or destruction of the glue layer.
Drying is a mandatory step before packaging, even the minimum amount of moisture inside the bag can cause unpleasant odor and fungal formations, and dry the boat should be in the shade, in the straightened form, avoiding direct sunlight on the wet material. Storage is carried out in a rolled-up form at a temperature not lower than -10 ° C, although room temperature is considered optimal.
How to seal a puncture in the field?
For field repairs, use the in-box strap. Clean the puncture site with alcohol or solvent, apply a thin layer of glue to both surfaces, let it dry for 10-15 minutes, then press hard and warm up with a hairdryer or warm water. Full polymerization takes 24 hours.
If you get a small cut or puncture, you can repair it easily, and you can use a quality PVC glue (like polyurethane) to restore the tightness forever, and you can get the surface ready properly, clean it, degrease it, and activate it before you apply the glue.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use Moment glue or other cyanacrylate-based household adhesives to repair the boat, making the material tough and brittle, which will cause it to rupture again in the same place under load.
Regularly checking the valves for leakage will help to avoid unpleasant situations on the water. If the valve starts to poison, it can be tightened with a special key (often included) or replaced with a sealing gum.
Comparison with analogues and final conclusions
There are many analogues in this price range on the market, such as boats from Flagship, Hunter or Master. Urex 17 It is often more dense than the conventional cylinder material and a well-designed nose shape that better dissects the wave, but competitors may offer richer options such as an inflatable keel or stiffer seats.
The main advantage of the model is its compactness and low price, ideal for summer residents, duck hunters or fishermen who go to the pond infrequently and do not want to spend money on expensive equipment. For professional use or frequent exits in stormy weather, it is better to consider larger models with low pressure inflatable floor (LDP).
When buying a used Urex 17, be sure to pump it up at home and leave it for a day, the only way to ensure that you have no micropunctures and seam quality before paying.
In summary, it can be said that Urex 17 PVC It's not surprising to see the speed or comfort of the yacht, but its primary function, to get the fisherman safely to and from the fishing point, is to do it honestly and reliably, and with care, it can last the owner for 5-7 or more seasons.
Urex 17 is the best choice for solo fishing in small water bodies, where the priority is compactness in transportation and budget cost, not speed specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install a Urex 17 engine more powerful than 2.5 hp?
Technically, you can install, but manufacturers strongly recommend not to exceed the power of 2.5 hp transom board can not withstand the load, and the boat itself will become unstable and dangerous in management due to the small length of the hull.
How long does the boat dry after fishing?
In dry and windy weather at a temperature of +20 ° C, 30-40 minutes in straightened form is enough for a boat. In cloudy weather or high humidity, it is better to leave it to dry for 2-3 hours, paying special attention to the folds of floorboard.
Will the Urex 17 fit in the standard boot of the sedan?
Yes, in packaged form, the dimensions of the bag are usually about 90x40x25 cm This allows you to place the boat in the trunk of most sedans, especially if you fold the rear seats or use diagonal stowage.
Which glue is best used for PVC repair?
Two-component polyurethane adhesives (such as for boats or shoes) are best used, and they create a flexible and water-resistant seam, and single-component adhesives are less reliable in prolonged contact with water and temperature changes.
Do I need to lubricate the seams of the boat before winter storage?
It is not necessary to lubricate the seams if the boat is clean and dry, but it is recommended to treat the PVC material with a special protective compound (UV spray) to prevent drying out and cracking of the material during the heating season.