Fishers and water-engineers often face the dilemma of whether to carry easily or to be sustainable on the water. PVC VikingThe products of the Novosibirsk company Viking have been firmly established in the market for more than two decades, offering solutions for various tasks.
Unlike many competitors, the manufacturer relies on time-tested technologies of reinforcing and gluing seams. Viking inflatable boats They are designed to meet the harsh realities of the Russian climate, which allows them to be used both in hot weather and at the first frost. The density of the fabric and the quality of the glue here play a crucial role in the durability of the product.
If you are planning to buy a first boat or looking for a replacement for an old model, it is important to understand the differences in the model range. The variety of modifications can confuse an unprepared buyer, but it is a wide range that allows you to choose the ideal option for a particular engine and fishing style. Below we will discuss all the nuances in detail.
Review of model range and design features
The basis of any high-quality inflatable boat is the material. PVC, which provides high tensile strength and abrasion resistance. Viking often have a reinforced bottom, which is critical when landing on a rocky shore or moving through shallow water.
The design of the cylinders provides for independent compartments, which ensures buoyancy even if one of them is damaged, and the engineers paid special attention to the shape of the nose, which in most models has a pronounced keel. Viking boat confidently keep the course and easily get on plane even with the most powerful engines.
⚠️ Warning! When buying, be sure to check the integrity of the valves, even a microscopic defect can cause pressure loss during prolonged sun exposure.
It is worth noting the variety in the attachment of cans (seats), depending on the series, it can be a system. Slide, Lik classic FixEach has its own advantages: fixed seats are stiffer, and movable ones allow you to shift the center of gravity for better balancing the boat at different loads.
VX Series: Speed and Manoeuvrability for Two
Series VX It's designed specifically for those who appreciate dynamics and speed, and it's a more narrow cockpit geometry and optimized contours that reduce water resistance. PVC boat Viking The VX is ideal for tandem fishing, where two people must comfortably accommodate without losing their driving qualities.
Many models in this series are equipped with a reinforced inflatable keel that runs along the entire length of the bottom, which not only improves the stability of the course, but also serves as a kind of “ski”, making it easier to enter the plane. For fans of active fishing with wiring at high speeds, this is a key factor.
It is important to consider that a narrow hull may be less stable when moving inside the boat while standing. Viking VX It's a choice of pragmatic anglers who rarely anchor but prefer to find active fish.
For the VX series, it is recommended to use transom wheels, since a narrow case with a heavy motor is more difficult to roll by hand.
VC Series: Comfort and Space for Trophy Fishing
If the priority is maximum internal volume and sustainability, then the series VC It's the best choice. It's the classics. keelboats With a wide nose, which gives you a great germination on the wave, the spacious cockpit allows you to accommodate trophy fish, tackles and even overnight gear for two people.
A wide nose is also a good thing for spray protection, and when you're driving against the wind or on the opposite wave, the water is effectively thrown to the sides without flooding passengers. Viking VC It's gonna be a safe haven.
This series often uses a reinforced transom, designed for higher power engines, a wide cockpit that allows you to install harunduks and additional gearboxes on the sides without restricting movement, which turns the boat into a full-fledged floating house for a weekend tour.
⚠️ Attention! The wide body of the VC series creates more sailing. In strong side winds, the control may require more active actions of the steering officer.
Many fishermen have noted that viking The VC series is a great troller, with its wide-range feed allowing downriggers and outriggers to be used without fear of catching gear on board, and the stability of the platform allows the sonars and navigators to be installed without fear of falling in the face of sudden maneuvers.
Technical specifications of popular models
To make a clear comparison of the different modifications, look at the numbers, and here is a table showing the differences in size and load capacity that directly affect engine choice and passenger numbers.
| Model | Length (cm) | Width (cm) | Load capacity (kg) | Boat weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VK-280 | 280 | 130 | 350 | 28 |
| VX-300 | 300 | 135 | 450 | 34 |
| VC-330 | 330 | 150 | 550 | 42 |
| VX-360 | 360 | 145 | 650 | 48 |
As you can see from the data, the difference in weight between the compact Viking 280 larger Viking 360 It's very important. It has a direct impact on mobility: if you don't have a trailer and you're carrying a boat alone, every kilogram counts, but as you grow in size, so does the buoyancy, which is critical for safety.
When you choose a size, consider not only the number of people, but also the amount of equipment. For long expeditions, it is better to take a model with a margin for carrying capacity. PVC boat, loaded to the tie, loses its driving qualities and becomes more vulnerable to damage from underwater obstacles.
Effects of Temperature on Pressure
When the temperature rises, the pressure in the cylinders increases. In the sun, it can increase by 15-20%, so do not pump the boat to the maximum before going out on a hot day.
Features of operation and care of PVC
Your durability Viking boats Despite the high resistance of the material to ultraviolet light and aggressive environments, regular washing and drying is mandatory. After every fishing, especially in salt water or muddy rivers, you need to wash the dirt with fresh water.
Store the product should be spread out or in a free state, avoiding cloth cloth cloth cloth. The optimal storage temperature is roomy, but short-term frosts of quality. PVC The key is not to fold or deploy the boat in the extreme cold when the material becomes fragile.
Regularly check the condition of the sutures and valves. Use PVC or a conventional soap solution to clean the surface. Abrasive powders and solvents are strictly prohibited, as they destroy the protective layer of tissue.
☑️ Seasonal boat preparation
Repair and maintenance DIY
Even the most reliable boat can require repairs. Viking boats They often have to stick the valve or cut it out, and they use a special two-part polyurethane glue that creates a seam that's as strong as the factory.
The repair process requires cleanliness and degreasing of the surface, the damage site is cleaned, treated with a primer (if provided by the glue instructions), and rolled with a roller, and it is important to give the glue to gain strength during the day before pumping the boat.
If you're not sure about your abilities, you should go to a specialized service, but you can fix small punctures yourself using a remix that comes as standard, and having spare material in your bag is not just a formality, it's a necessity.
⚠️ Attention! Never use Moment glue or other chloroprene-based household adhesives to seriously repair running seams. They won't withstand the tear load when driving on water.
Tips for choosing a motor and tuning
The right engine is the key to fishing pleasure. For models up to 3 meters long, an electric motor or a gasoline engine with a capacity of 2-5 hp is often enough. Viking PVC boats require power from 9.8 hp for confident glides with two passengers.
When choosing a motor, consider not only power, but also weight. The excess in the stern can lead to "growth" - when the bow of the boat is upwards and the transom goes underwater, this not only reduces speed, but also dangerous for stability.
From a useful tuning, it is worth highlighting the installation of a sonar, spinning holders and an anchor system. VX and VC The popular transom plates are those that help correct the differential when loaded unevenly, and many people also install soft jars for comfort during long fishing.
The optimal loading of the boat is when the transom is submerged in water no more than 1/3 of the height of the lower unit engine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the warranty period for Viking boats?
Usually, the manufacturer provides a 2-year warranty for the material and seams, but conditions may change. It is important to keep the check and the product passport, as well as comply with the operating rules prescribed in the instructions.
Is it possible to use a PVC boat in winter?
Yes, at temperatures up to -20...-30°C, the material retains elasticity, but avoid impacts on ice and extreme bends in the cold, and inflate the boat with warm air to compensate for the pressure drop.
What is the difference between VB and VX series?
The VB series (Viking Budget) often features a simplified package or design without an inflatable keel, which reduces the price. The VX series is focused on speed and driving performance, featuring more complex cylinder geometry.
How to wash the boat after salt water?
All surfaces, including seams and valves, must be thoroughly washed with fresh water. Salt cries and can damage the fabric during storage. Drying is mandatory before packaging.