Finding the perfect boat is always a trade-off between budget, operating conditions and desired water comfort. When you decide to buy a fishing boat, you have a huge market of offers where you can easily get confused about the specifications and marketing tricks.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects of the choice, from the type of hull material to the nuances of registration of small vessels. PVCAnd for others, only aluminumWe will also touch on safety, engine selection and legal intricacies that every boat owner must know.
Choosing the right boat has a direct impact on your fishing performance and, more importantly, your safety, and being inappropriately sized or lightly loaded can make a pleasant holiday a dangerous challenge, so you need to be clear about your requirements before going to the store.
Choosing the material of the case: the eternal battle of PVC and metal
The first thing you have to decide on is the material that the hull is made of, and the two main players dominate the market: polyvinyl chloride inflatable boats and rigid metal boats, each type has its own fans and ardent opponents, and the choice depends solely on your tasks.
Boats from PVC They are valued for their versatility and portability, and when deflated, they can easily fit in the trunk of a passenger car, and their weight allows them to carry a boat alone, even over the difficult terrain of the shore. flyboard More vulnerable to punctures on spiny vegetation or sharp stones than metal.
Metal boats, often called Kazankas or duraluminum boats, provide unrivalled stability and durability, are not afraid of sparks from fires, sharp branches and can be operated for decades. trailer It's a powerful tractor, and storage requires a garage or parking space.
- 🚣 PVC: Ideal for fishing alone or together, convenient for long trips without a trailer.
- ⚓ Metal: choice for large reservoirs, where wave resistance and the ability to install a powerful motor are important.
- 🛡️ Safety: metal gives a sense of security, PVC - softness and cushioning when struck on the side.
⚠️ Attention: When buying a used metal boat, be sure to check the bottom for microcracks and corrosion, especially in the area of welds and transom fastening. Hidden metal defects can become fatal at depth.
Design features: bottom, cylinders and transom
The comfort and driving performance of a boat depends not only on the material, but also on the design of the bottom, and it is this element that determines whether you can stand while fishing for a throw and how the vessel will behave in a planing, and there are three main types of bottom: inflatable, rigid (HND) and mutual.
inflatable floor (Air Deck) provides maximum comfort, as you sit on a mattress. However, such a design loses in speed and stability, especially in the wind. For serious fishing with a trolling engine or a heavy gasoline engine, it is better to consider the option of a trolling engine. NDMA (low pressure inflatable floor).
Boats from NDMA They are built faster than plywood, have excellent hydrodynamics and rigidity comparable to plywood, but weigh less. Pied-on boats (with floors made of aluminum or plywood sheets) are considered the “golden mean” for the price, but their assembly and disassembly take a lot of time and require physical effort.
What is a kielson and why is it needed?
The keelson is a longitudinal beam that runs along the bottom of the boat, which gives the structure rigidity, prevents cylinders from breaking when hitting a wave, and significantly improves driving performance at high speeds. The presence of a keelson is critical for boats longer than 3 meters.
The trawler is where the motor is attached, and it's under tremendous stress. Make sure the trawler is made of moisture-resistant plywood (usually 12-18 mm) and protected by fiberglass or aluminum. A weak transom is the risk of losing the engine in water.
Capacity and size: How many people do you take on board?
The size of the boat is dictated not only by the number of fishermen, but also by the amount of equipment required. Many beginners make the mistake of buying a two-seater boat "back-to-back", and it turns out that for two adults, a bait bag, anchor and sonar space is catastrophically short.
The optimal choice for universal fishing is considered to be a length of 320 to 360 cm Such dimensions allow you to comfortably accommodate two fishermen and have a reserve load capacity Boats shorter than 3 meters are often narrow and rolling, which is not safe when actively catching large fish.
| Boat length (cm) | Capacity (person) | Recommended motor power (hp) | Typical application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 240 - 280 | 1 - 2 | 2 - 5 | Spinning, overgrown bodies of water |
| 290 - 320 | 2 | 5 - 9.9 | Universal fishing, small rivers |
| 330 - 360 | 2 - 3 | 9.9 - 15 | Reservoirs, trophy fishing |
| 370 - 420 | 3 - 4 | 18 - 30 | Long-distance transitions, big companies |
When calculating the capacity, always keep a margin of 20-30% of the maximum load capacity specified in the data sheet, which is necessary for sailing, which occurs in strong side winds, and to maintain a reserve of buoyancy in an emergency.
Plus One rule: Always choose a boat with a nominal capacity of one person more than you plan to take on board, which will provide space for tackle and safety.
Selection of motor group: power and type of engine
The choice of engine is the second most important step after buying the boat itself, the power of the engine must be in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer of the craft, exceeding the permissible power can lead to the destruction of the transom or tipping the boat, and too weak engine will not lead the boat on the boat. gelling.
For PVC boats, two-stroke engines are the most popular choice because of their ease of service and ease of maintenance. Four-stroke engines are heavier, but quieter and more economical. If you plan long journeys in large areas where fuel consumption and reliability are important, you can use the same engine. four-stroke It's preferable.
The important element is the rumble gas or vomit. electric motor Many modern boats have a special trolling motor in the bow, which allows you to sneak up silently to the fish.
- 🔊 Noise: two-stroke motors are louder, which can scare fish away in shallow water.
- ⛽ Expenditure: four-stroke engines consume less fuel and do not require a mixture of oil and gasoline.
- ⚖️ Weight: For carrying alone, the weight of the engine is critical, 2-strokes win here.
⚠️ Attention: Never use a motor above the maximum power indicated on the transom marking, which is not only a safety violation, but also grounds for refusing insurance in the event of an accident.
☑️ Check before buying the engine
GIMS registration and legal aspects
Buying a boat is not only a pleasure, but also a responsibility before the law. In the Russian Federation, small craft are subject to mandatory registration in the SHIMS of the Ministry of Emergency Situations if their weight of the equipped vessel with the engine exceeds 200 kg, or if the engine power exceeds 8 kW (about 10.8 hp).
But the rules are constantly being clarified, and it's important to keep an eye on the current regulations. lifejackets The number of people on board is a requirement for everyone, and the absence of vests is the most common reason for fines when checking on water.
When buying, be sure to ask the seller for a full package of documents: a purchase contract, a cashier's check and a technical data sheet for the product. Without these documents, you will not be able to register or prove ownership in a dispute. registration number after the registration.
The anchor with a ling length of at least three depths, a scoop, a lifeline and a lantern are not just formalities, but things that can save lives at dusk or in a sudden flurry.
Keep all checks and warranty stamps in a waterproof package. When registering with the GIMS, it is often required to confirm the value of the vessel for the calculation of state duty and tax.
Care and storage: extending the life of the boat
For a boat to last for years, it needs to be properly cared for. After every fishing trip, especially in salt waters or in mud-covered areas, the boat needs to be rinsed with fresh water. metal-alloy, and PVC adhesive stitches.
Keep inflatable boats is better in straightened or semi-assembled form to avoid cloth cloth cloth and seam deformation. Metal boats require periodic painting and corrosion protection. Before long-term winter storage, be sure to dry the boat so that mold does not form inside.
Check valves and cylinder pressures regularly. Sun-pumped boats are a common cause of seam rupture. Use a pressure gauge for monitoring, especially when temperatures are high as the air inside the cylinders expands and contracts.
How to dry a boat after fishing?
The ideal solution is to dry in the shade at a temperature of no more than 25-30 degrees. Direct sunlight can damage the material. If this is not possible, dry the boat half-assembled, periodically turning over to let the moisture escape from under the floorboard or stringers. Never pack a wet boat in a case!
What if the boat starts poisoning the air?
Find the leakage site with a soap solution. If there is damage in the valve area, pull it up with a special key or replace the seal. If a puncture in the cylinder, use a remix. For serious damage (cuts more than 3-5 cm), it is better to contact a specialized service, since high-quality vulcanization requires equipment.
Should I lubricate the seams of the boat?
There are special PVC sprays that restore the elasticity of the material and protect against UV light, and they are recommended to be used once a season before starting use, which prevents microcracks on the folds.
In conclusion, buying a fishing boat is an investment in new emotions and trophies: weigh the pros and cons, study the market and do not skimp on safety. A properly chosen vessel will be your true friend for years to come.
The bottom line: The best boat is the one that fits 80% of your tasks and is 100% safe. Don't chase records, choose reliability and comfort.