Choosing a boat for fishing or outdoor activities on the water always involves a compromise between load capacity, stability and portability. In recent years, Russian manufacturers have been actively developing the direction of inflatable boats with a hard bottom, and the lineup is not limited to the size of the boat. RIB Navigator It's become a big player in this market, and these vessels combine the lightness of an inflatable cylinder with the driving qualities of a full-boat.
The basic concept behind the engineers is to use a rigid fiberglass hull that provides excellent wave swelling and stability, not just a plywood inflatable boat, but a more serious design that requires a special approach to storage and transportation. Owners of such vessels often point out that the transition from a classic PVC boat to a RIB opens up new horizons in terms of comfort and safety on the water.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the technical features, advantages and nuances of operating the Navigator series boats to help you make an informed decision about buying or upgrading your current arsenal.
Structural features and materials of the body
The fundamental difference of the boats of the type RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) is the presence of a single rigid hull, performing the functions of the keel and bottom. Navigator models use fiberglass, which has high strength and durability. Plastic glass case is not prone to rotting, resistant to fuel and ultraviolet, which distinguishes it from aluminum analogues or plywood.
The inflatable sides are made of high-density multi-layer reinforced PVC, typically with a density of 1,000 to 1,200 g/m2, which ensures puncture and abrasion resistance. keelIt's integrated into the cylinders, and it gives the bottom a hydrodynamic shape, allowing the boat to go easily into the sleeve even with a small engine.
⚠️ Warning: Despite the high strength of fiberglass, when transporting on a trailer or roof of the car, be sure to use soft pads. Points of contact with rigid elements can lead to microcracks in the gelcoat.
The soft cylinders are coupled to a rigid body using adhesive or mechanical sealing technology. Navigator boats use a reliable sticker that, when properly operated, ensures tightness for many years. However, like any composite material, fiberglass requires careful handling when hitting hard obstacles at high speed.
Overview of model range and specifications
The manufacturer offers several modifications, varying in length, width and load capacity, each model is designed for a specific task, from quiet fishing in calm to outdoor waters. maximum powerwhich can be carried by a specific model.
The younger models, such as the Navigator 330 or 360, are focused on one or two people and are equipped with engines up to 15-20 hp Larger versions, such as the Navigator 420 or 460, are already full-fledged boats for trolling or long-distance crossings, capable of carrying engines with a capacity of 40-60 hp and more.
For clarity, compare the main parameters of popular modifications:
| Model | Length, m | Width, m. | Load capacity, kg | River power, engine power, hp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navigator 330 | 3.30 | 1.60 | 450 | 10-15 |
| Navigator 360 | 3.60 | 1.70 | 550 | 15-20 |
| Navigator 420 | 4.20 | 1.90 | 750 | 30-40 |
| Navigator 460 | 4.60 | 2.05 | 900 | 50-60 |
It is important to consider that the actual load capacity depends on the distribution of weight and the condition of the water. Overloading a boat, especially in the wave, critically reduces the stability and safety of the crew. data-sheet figures They always contain a margin of safety, but you should not experiment with it on water.
Performance in water
The performance of the RIB Navigator boats deserves special attention. With its V-shaped fiberglass bottom, the boat is excellent at cutting the wave, providing a soft ride. Passengers hardly feel the impacts on the water that are characteristic of flat-bottomed or inflatable-bottomed boats, this is especially important when fishing in windy weather or on a large reservoir.
The handling is also very high, the rigid housing is very precise, and the inflatable sides are buffers, which mitigate the side effects of the waves, and the RIB is very good. sail-laden because of high cylinders, which requires careful management in strong side wind.
Gleaming occurs quite quickly, usually at 12-15 km/h, after which the boat confidently keeps speed, fuel consumption of such vessels is comparable to aluminum boats of similar size, but the noise and vibration levels are much lower, which makes the Navigator an excellent choice for those who appreciate comfort on long walks.
Effect of transom length on driving performance
The length of the transance at the RIB Navigator is strictly standardized (usually 381 mm or 508 mm). Installation of the engine with an inappropriate length of lower unit will either lead to cavitation and overheating, or to increased water resistance and fuel overrun. Always check the engine specification before buying a boat or vice versa.
Installation and equipment options
The basic equipment of the boats Navigator usually includes the body with cylinders, cans (seats), bag for packaging and remix. However, as with any serious equipment, maximum comfort is achieved through additional equipment. Many owners immediately order the boat in an extended configuration or retrofit it themselves.
Among the most popular options can be identified:
- 🛡️ Defensive false-board - prevents water from entering the cockpit and protects the board from splashes.
- 🎣 Trolling stops - special fastenings for rods built into the board or can.
- ⚓ Ducks and squirrels - additional points of anchoring, mooring or attachment equipment.
- 💡 Lighting equipment - running lights, cockpit illumination, working from the onboard battery.
Special attention should be paid to the possibility of installation side-scanned Unlike the soft bottom of PVC, fiberglass allows you to drill holes and attach sensors without the risk of leakage of the balloon, if you do this in the keel area.
The control console is another popular tuning feature, which allows you to install the steering, the dashboard and the windshield, which turns the boat from a propeller with a motor into a full-fledged small boat, and the installation of the console requires a professional approach, because you need to correctly calculate the weight so that you do not disturb the differentiation of the vessel.
Rules of storage, transportation and care
The RIB Navigator has its own features, different from the maintenance of classic PVC boats. The main rule is that the fiberglass case cannot be folded, which means that you will need either a spacious garage or a special trailer to store and transport the boat. Curling the hull is prohibited, as this will lead to irreversible damage to the gelcoat and fiberglass structure.
When washing a boat after going out on water, especially salt, you need to thoroughly wash the salt and dirt on both sides of the hull. Inside the cockpit, sand and small stones often accumulate, which, when rubbed against the bottom, can act as an abrasive. Use soft brushes and special cleaning products for PVC and fiberglass, avoiding aggressive chemistry.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a pumped boat in direct sunlight for long periods of time unnecessarily, and the pressure in the cylinders increases when heated, which creates excessive stress in the places where the balloon is glued to the hull.For transportation on the roof of the car, use wide belts and soft linings. The rigid body has a significant weight, so loading and unloading should be done carefully so as not to drop the boat and damage the sides. When stored in winter, it is recommended to keep the boat indoors at plus temperature, although modern materials allow storage in the cold, if clean.
☑️ Annual preparation for the season
Done: 0 / 4Comparison with competitors and market positioning
In the Russian market, Navigator boats compete with brands such as Flagman, Solaris, Cayman and imported analogues. The main advantage of the domestic manufacturer is an affordable price while maintaining high quality materials. The use of imported PVC and high-quality resins for fiberglass allows you to keep the bar of reliability at a decent level.
Compared to fully inflatable boats, RIB is better off in driving performance and durability of the bottom, but it is less than in storage compactness. Compared to aluminum boats, RIB is lighter, quieter and warmer (air in cylinders works like a thermal insulator), but requires a more careful attitude to puncture cylinders.
When choosing between different modifications, it is worth focusing not only on the price, but also on the availability of service and parts in your area. Navigator boats are widespread, which makes it easier to find glue, patches or repairs.
When buying a used boat, be sure to check the transom for deflection. Press it with effort - it should not luft or make crisp sounds, which may indicate the dissection of fiberglass or rotting of the internal insert.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I keep the boat RIB Navigator on the street under the awning?
Open-air storage is possible but undesirable in the long run. Ultraviolet destroys the binder fiberglass and PVC fabric. If there is no garage, be sure to use a quality protective awning and lift the boat above the ground to provide ventilation and avoid contact with moisture.
What is the minimum power of the motor for planing?
For models with a length of 3.3-3.6 meters with one adult and a minimum load, a 5-6 hp engine is often enough, however, for confident planing with two passengers and equipment, it is recommended to use engines with a capacity of 9.9 hp and above, depending on the specific model.
Do I need to register the boat RIB Navigator in GIMS?
Registration is required if the mass of the curbed vessel (boat + engine + equipment) exceeds 200 kg OR the power of the installed engine exceeds 8 kW (about 10.88 hp). Since most RIBs weigh more than 100-150 kg in running order, and motors are often more powerful than 10 hp, registration is likely to be mandatory.
How to properly seal a puncture on a balloon in the field?
Use the remix kit that comes with the kit. The surface needs to be degreased, cleaned (not much to avoid damaging the fabric), applied glue, let dry and press the patch. It is advisable to wait 24 hours for full polymerization of the glue, but emergency repair allows you to continue the movement with caution.
RIB Navigator is the best choice for those who want to get the running qualities of the boat, retaining the ability of rapid assembly and relatively compact storage, without requiring a stationary berth.