Choosing a boat for fishing or recreation is always a search for a compromise between comfort, load capacity and mobility. Romance 2 Flagman has a special place, arousing a keen interest in water engines. Reviews of the boat Romantic 2To understand how justified its popularity in the segment of budget, but spacious boats.
This model is a classic rowing boat with the ability to install an outboard motor. It attracts attention with its spacious cockpit and relatively light weight, making it ideal for transport in the trunk of a passenger car. However, like any technology, it has its own nuances of operation, which are worth knowing about before buying.
In this article, we will collect and structure real-world experience, analyze technical features and answer the most frequent questions to help you make an informed decision. We will not hide any advantages or disadvantages, since honest information is more important than marketing slogans.
General impression and purpose of the model
Boat. Romance 2 It is positioned as a one-stop solution for family holidays and fishing in calm water, and owners often point out that it is one of the widest models in its class, which provides excellent stability on the water, and this geometry of the bottom allows you to feel comfortable with two people, and if necessary, to accommodate three people, although this will be closer to the maximum load.
The material of manufacture deserves special attention. The boat is made of reinforced PVC, which has proven to be durable and puncture resistant material. Tissue density It allows the vessel to be used not only on lakes but also on rivers with moderate currents, and many users emphasize in their reviews that after several seasons of active use, the fabric does not lose its properties and does not "float".
But it's not a speedboat, and the shape of the bow and the lack of a full-fledged keel (in basic configurations) dictate their speed and maneuverability limitations, and it's more of a reliable workhorse for getting a fisherman to the fishing point or for a walk with family than a tool for water trips at high speed.
Technical specifications and construction
Discuss specificationIt is important to mention the dimensions, which are often the decisive factor: length is about 290 cm and width is 140 cm This width is a key advantage, providing spatial comfort, which many competitors of similar length do not. The weight of the plywood slate kit allows one person to manage the boat, although the assembly is much faster and easier.
The cylinder design includes arrows around the perimeter, an important element of protecting the side from impacts on the pier, reed or stones in shallow water, and the interior volume is divided into several compartments, which improves safety: if one cylinder is damaged, the boat will remain afloat. transom mounted motor You can install power up to 5 hp, which is the best solution for this design.
It is important to note the quality of the fittings: Frog or petal valves (depending on the year of manufacture) provide tightness and ease of pumping. The fittings for the switches are made of metal, which is respectful, but requires periodic inspection for corrosion, especially if the boat is used in salt water or stored in a garage without proper preparation.
When buying, be sure to check the equipment: the availability of the remix, pump and switch may vary depending on the supplier and season.
Water Exploitation: Behavior and Manageability
Conduct Romance 2 The boat is straight on the water, it's a big power, it's a big power, it's a big power, it's a big power, and the rowers say it's uncomfortable to row together because of the wide hull, and it's better to do it alone, sitting in the middle or closer to the stern for better balance.
When you install the engine, the situation changes. With an engine of 2-3 hp, the boat develops a speed of about 8-10 km / h, which is enough to move around the reservoir. More powerful engines (4-5 hp) allow you to accelerate to 15-18 km / h, but here you see a feature of the design: the absence of a rigid keel can lead to yawing on the wave. Management It is acceptable, but requires the attention of the steering officer.
Special attention should be paid to behavior on the wave. A wide nose is good at "drawing" water, softening blows, but when you hit the wave can have the effect of slapping the bottom. For calm fishing, this is not critical, but for cruising trips in windy weather, you should be ready to get wet if you do not have a spray protection.
Optimal engine power for Romantic 2 - 3-4 hp This gives a balance between speed, fuel consumption and safety of operation.
Assembly, storage and transportation
Boat assembly process Romance 2 It doesn't require any special skills, but it has its own specifications: plywood slate consists of several sections that are laid to the bottom and fixed. It is important to do the sheets properly to avoid the formation of "steps" that can rub cylinders from the inside when moving, the whole process takes 15-20 minutes at a calm pace.
Transportation is carried in a bag that is large enough to fit in the trunk of a sedan or hatchback, but the weight of the kit (about 35-40 kg) can be a problem for one person, especially if you need to carry a boat across the sand or grass to the water for a long distance.
While PVC is resistant to frost, storing inflated products in winter on an unheated balcony is not recommended - temperature changes can lead to stratification of the seams. It is best to keep the boat deflated at room temperature, thoroughly washed and dried.
☑️ Preparing the boat for winter storage
Comparison with competitors and alternatives
There are many analogues in the market, and comparison The main rivals are models like the Kazanka inflatable version or the Omega series boats. The main difference between the Romantics is the combination of price and width of the cockpit. For the same money, competitors often offer smaller widths or thinner material.
Compared to the more expensive low-pressure inflatable floor (LDPB) models, Romance loses in comfort and seaworthiness, but gains in price and ease of repair. Plywood floors are colder and tougher, but cheaper to replace if damaged. For an amateur fisherman who goes out 10-15 times a season, such savings are justified.
It's also worth mentioning the possibility of upgrading, where the owner can install stringers to improve the hardness of the bottom or replace the keys with more reliable ones. tuningIt is highly appreciated by self-taught masters who love to refine the technique to their needs.
The Secret of Durability
Many owners recommend after purchase additionally glue the joints of the timber and transom sealant for PVC. This is not a panacea, but significantly reduces the risk of micro-inflammation of air after several years of operation.
Summary table of specifications
For ease of perception, we will give you the main parameters in the form of a table, which will help you quickly navigate and compare them with the requirements of GIMS or your personal preferences.
| Parameter | Meaning | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum length | 290 cm | Compact for transportation |
| maximum width | 140cm | High stability |
| Load capacity | 400 kg | 2-3 people + equipment |
| Engine power (max) | 5 hp | Optimal 2-3 hp. |
| Boat weight (with sludge) | ~38 kg | Depends on the thickness of the plywood. |
Frequent problems and methods of their solution
Like any other technique, Romance 2 There are typical "childhood diseases" that people talk about in reviews, and one of the common problems is peeling off coamings when you row, and this is solved by degreasing the surface before you re-adhere and using two-part glue, not the "moment."
Another thing is that the plywood floor creaks, and over time, the tree can start to creak against the cylinders, and to fix this, owners use special PVC lubricants or put extra fabric tapes between the slate and the cylinder, which not only removes noise, but also protects the material from rubbing.
⚠️ Note: Do not use acetone-based adhesives or solvents not intended for PVC for repairs. This can cause chemical burns of the material and loss of warranty. Use only specialized formulations (for example, Texacol or their analogues).
Also worth mentioning is the possible ballooning in the sun, if you leave a pumped boat under direct beams, the pressure inside will increase and the seams may not withstand, always blow a little air before going out in the sun or keep the boat in the shade during assembly.
lifehack
To prevent plywood floor from deforming during storage, keep it separate from the boat, put under the press or in straightened form. Humidity and temperature changes can warp the plywood, and it will stop falling flat into the cockpit.
Summary: Is it worth buying?
In conclusion, the review may be concluded that boat Romantic 2 It is a great choice for those who are looking for a budget, roomy and reliable vessel for a relaxing holiday, it is not without the disadvantages characteristic of its price segment, but they are more than overlapping with functionality and accessibility.
If you plan to walk alone or with a single passenger, fish in protected coves and not chase speed records, this model will be a faithful assistant for many years to come.
⚠️ Warning: Before the first operation, be sure to check all seams and valves for leakage at home (pump and leave for 6-8 hours), this will help to identify possible factory defects before getting on the water.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can you put a motor more powerful than 5 hp on Romantic 2?
Technically, the transom will withstand 6-8 hp, but this will upset the balance and can be dangerous. The design of the boat is not designed for high speeds and powerful stops. Exceeding the recommended power can lead to the destruction of the transom or loss of handling.
How to properly pump the boat so as not to damage the seams?
Use a pump with a pressure gauge. The pressure in the cylinders should be 0.2-0.25 atm. Pumping in the sun is dangerous: it is better to under-pump by 10%, as the sun will expand. Pump sequentially: nose compartments, then sides, then the keel (if any).
Do I need to register this boat with GIMS?
Under current Russian regulations, boats weighing more than 200 kg (in running order) or with an engine of more than 8 hp (9.9 kW) are subject to registration. Romantic 2 with a low-power engine and one person usually does not require registration, but the final decision depends on the exact weight of your kit and local regulations.
How to fix punctures in the field?
For emergency repairs, use the included slat (tissue + glue). For more reliable repairs, it is better to have a two-component polyurethane glue and a piece of reinforced fabric with you. The repair site should be cleaned, degreased and warmed (with a hairdryer or in the sun) according to the instructions for the glue.
How many seasons does this boat last when it is used?
With careful operation, proper storage in winter and no mechanical damage, the service life is 5-7 years or more, many owners use their boats for 10 years, carrying out periodic repairs and replacement fittings.