Choosing a swimming vehicle for fishing or resting on the water is always a search for a balance between cost, reliability and functionality. In the segment of budget inflatable PVC boats, a special place is occupied by a model known as the "Special Boat". Reef SkatThis vessel often attracts the attention of beginners and experienced water-engineers with its affordable price and versatility of design, allowing it to be used both under the paddle and for an outboard motor.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all aspects of this model, learn about the design features, the real performance indicators, and what nuances to consider when buying, and understand these details will help you avoid common mistakes and find the best equipment for your tasks.
It should be noted immediately that Reef Skat It's a classic rowing boat, and its hull geometry is designed to be calm, without the need to overcome a major wave, but it's shown that when it's properly operated and properly prepared for launch, it's a vessel that's amazingly resilient in its class.
Design features and geometry of the body
The basis of any inflatable boat is its balloon system. Reef Skat This arrangement provides additional safety: in the event of a puncture of one of the compartments, the boat will maintain buoyancy and allow the crew to safely reach the shore. The diameter of the cylinders is usually about 36 cm, which is the standard for boats of this size range.
The most important element of the design is kielsonIt's a longitudinal stiffness element that runs along the entire bottom length from the transom to the nose, and it's the quilson that takes the main load when driving for an outboard motor, preventing the transom assembly from deforming. Without a quality quilson, a boat for an outboard motor may have problems with course stability, especially planing.
The bottom of the boat is made by technology NDS (Low Pressure inflatable floor) This means that the floor is an inflatable structure that becomes a rigid stove after pumping. Unlike the solder floors (plywood or aluminum), NDS makes it faster to assemble the boat and makes it easier to transport, although it is inferior in rigidity at high speeds.
The trawl to which the motor is attached is made of moisture-resistant plywood and reinforced with metal or plastic linings. It is important to monitor the condition of the transom coating, since this is where chipping and damage from careless handling of the engine's lower unit most often occurs, and a regular inspection of this unit will prolong the life of the entire product.
⚠️ Warning: Never exceed the engine power specified by the manufacturer for a particular model. Installing an engine that is too powerful can cause the transom to collapse and the boat to tip over at full speed, which is deadly for people in the water.
Technical specifications and configuration
When choosing a boat, a potential buyer is primarily interested in the numbers. Reef Skat The most popular version is the 2.9-3.2-meter version, which allows two adult fishermen to comfortably accommodate with all the necessary equipment.
The standard standard standard equipment usually includes the cylinders with glued transmesse, inflatable floor, two inflatable seats (banks), bag-packaging, remix and paddles. However, the equipment may vary depending on the seller and year of manufacture. stringer - rigid profiles, which are inserted into special pockets on the sides and give additional rigidity to the design.
For a more visual representation of the specifications, consider the summary table of parameters (the data may vary slightly depending on the specific modification and the year of release):
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Full length | 290 - 320 cm | Depends on the modification. |
| Full width | 135 - 145 cm | Comfortable landing |
| Load capacity | 400 kg | Including boat weight |
| Weight of kit | 28 - 35 kg | No motor or attachment. |
| Max, engine power. | up to 5 hp | 2.5-3.5 hp is recommended. |
Special attention should be paid to the weight of the boat in its assembled form, given the inflated floor and the seats installed, Reef Skat It is easy enough to carry by one person, although for long transitions with full load it is better to use a trolley or a partner. The density of PVC fabric used in production is usually 750-850 g / m2, which provides a good margin of safety at moderate weight.
Operation for an outboard motor: driving performance
Use of use Reef Skat for an outboard motor is the main scenario for most owners. The boat confidently goes on plane with one adult on board using a motor from 2.5 hp With two passengers, access to the plane can be difficult due to the geometry of the bottom and limited power recommended engines.
The boat behaves predictably on the water, and the flat bottom is very stable in the parking lot, which is important for fishing in the cast, but when you're going against the wave or in the side wind, the flat bottom can give you a lot of punches, known as "slapping," which is a cost for simplicity of design and low cost.
To improve the performance of many owners set hydrofoil This little device allows you to stabilize your speed at low speeds and slightly improve your plane output, and it's also worth experimenting with the tilt angle of the lower unit to find the optimal position for your weight and load.
The maximum speed with one passenger and an engine of 3.5 hp can reach 12-14 km / h. This is not a racing performance, but it is quite sufficient to move between fishing points on the lake or in the bay.
To reduce water resistance and improve glides, you can use a special transom wheel stroke, which also acts as a hydrowing, or install profiled linings on the junction of the balloon and the bottom.
Assembly, descent preparation and maintenance
Assembly process Reef Skat It doesn't require any special skills, but following a sequence of actions will save you time and effort. The first thing you need to do is spread the boat on a flat surface, remove sharp objects, then pump the cylinders to working pressure, and then install an inflatable floor.
The key is to install stringers, which you have to put into pockets on the sides to the end, which gives the boat its ultimate rigidity and shape, and if you skip this stage, the boat for an outboard motor can behave unpredictablely and the transom will experience excessive loads.
☑️ Checklist for the preparation of the boat for the season
After each operation, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, especially if you have been fishing in salt water or in a body of water with abundant vegetation. Mud and sand, getting into the folds of the material, act as an abrasive and gradually destroy PVC. Drying should take place in the shade, as direct sunlight can lead to uneven expansion of the air and deformation of the seams.
Store Reef Skat It is better to be partially deflated at room temperature, and it is not recommended to keep the boat in a highly compressed state for a long time, as this can lead to the appearance of crevices on the folds of the material, which subsequently turn into cracks.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use aggressive solvents, gasoline or acetone to clean the boat. These substances can dissolve the glue that connects the seams, which will depressurize the cylinders. Use only soap solution and a soft sponge.
Comparison with competitors and market niche
In the inflatable boat market Reef Skat It competes with brands such as Flagship, Pella The main advantage of the Reef Skat is the price, and for the cost of a basic set of competitors, you can often buy only a naked boat without seats and bags, whereas here you get a full set.
However, when comparing the quality of materials, more expensive brands may offer higher density PVC and more reliable fittings, such as Reef Skat’s plastic carry handles may need replacement or reinforcement over time, while on premium models they are made of more wear-resistant composites.
However, for seasonal use (20-30 exits per season), the resource of this boat is quite enough, and it is positioned as an affordable solution for an amateur fisherman who is not willing to pay for the brand, but wants to get a functional means of transportation by water.
The secret of valve durability
Over time, the rubber seals in the valves can sulphurize. To prolong their life, once a season, lubricate the inside of the valve with a special silicone PVC lubricant, which will prevent air etching and make it easier to twist the lid.
Typical problems and ways to solve them
Like any other technical product, Reef Skat One of the common problems owners have is uncoupling plastic elements (pens, stops for oars) at the junction with the balloon, due to dynamic loads and temperature changes, and solving the problem with neat glue using two-component polyurethane glue.
Users also note that regular oars that come with a set can be heavy and have a backlash in the keys. Many fishermen immediately purchase aluminum oars with plastic or wooden blades, which greatly facilitates rowing and reduces fatigue.
There are complaints about the quality of the bag-package. The fabric of the bag can be thin, and zippers - not the most reliable. For regular transportation in the trunk of the car, it is recommended to additionally protect the bag or use a case of denser material.
The main conclusion: Reef Skat is the best choice for starting in water tourism with a limited budget, requiring careful maintenance and moderate loads.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I install a 5 hp engine on Reef Skat?
Technically, it is possible to set it, but manufacturers often recommend limiting 3.5 hp for safety. A 5 hp motor can put an excessive load on the transom and bottom, especially when fully loaded, which increases the risk of damage to the boat. According to this engine, the boat can become less manageable.
Which glue is better to use for puncture repair?
For PVC repair, it is best to use specialized two-component polyurethane adhesives (such as Texacol or their analogues) that provide an elastic and water-resistant seam. Conventional household adhesives or "Moment" may not withstand water pressure and material deformation.
How long does the Reef Skat last when it is in active operation?
With careful use, proper storage and timely repair of minor damage, the life of the boat is 5-7 years or more. the main enemy of PVC is ultraviolet light and improper drying before packaging.
Do I need to register this boat with GIMS?
According to the current rules of the Russian Federation, boats with a mass of less than 200 kg and an engine power of more than 8 hp (or 10 hp depending on the interpretation and type of engine) are subject to registration. Reef Skat It is usually used with engines up to 5 hp and has a low weight, it usually does not require registration if the total weight of the curb vessel does not exceed 200 kg. However, the legislation may change, so the current information should be clarified in the local office of the GIMS.