The water element dictates its own rules, and for a successful fisherman, the availability of a reliable boat often becomes the decisive factor between an empty cage and a trophy. Boat with engine It allows you to access shore-bound brows, pits and dumps, which are long and hard to get by paddle, and statistics show that mobility on water increases the number of bites by many times, allowing you to quickly change the location in search of active fish.
However, the market for boating technology is full of offers, and it is easy for a beginner to get confused about the specifications, materials and types of engines. PVC, aluminum, fiberglass - each material has its advantages and disadvantages, which directly affect the performance and durability. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of choice so that you can purchase the right kit for your tasks.
Don’t chase the maximum power or size if you plan to fish on small rivers. The optimal length of the boat for one or two people varies from 3.2 to 3.8 meters.It's a balance between space and maneuverability, and the right choice at the start will save you a lot of money in the future and guarantee you safety on the water.
Choosing the hull material: the eternal dilemma of the fisherman
The first thing the buyer faces is the choice between inflatable PVC Soft boats are the winners in compactness: they can be folded into the trunk of a passenger car and launched alone in 15 minutes. Modern reinforced fabrics are almost impossible to punctur with a branch, and inflatable tubes serve as an excellent shock absorber in choppy conditions.
On the other hand, aluminum Kazankas and Crimean boats are not afraid of sharp stones, snags and shells. On the metal bottom, you can safely make a fire or use gas tile without fear of damaging the material. However, their transportation requires a trailer, and descent from a steep shore is often impossible without special equipment or assistance.
⚠️ Note: When choosing PVC boats, pay attention to the density of the fabric. For fishing with the engine, the minimum density should be 750-900 g / k2, otherwise the vibrations from the engine will quickly destroy the seams.
Fiberglass options are less common, but offer excellent smoothness and the possibility of complex body geometry: they are heavier than aluminum, but quieter on the water and not as much heat in the sun. The choice depends on where you plan to fish: overgrown shallow waters better metal, and deep reservoirs will be more comfortable in PVC or fiberglass.
Selection of an outboard motor: power and tact
The engine is the heart of your craft, and it is determined by the boat's load capacity and speed you want. For a two-seater boat 3.2-3.6 meters long, the optimal power range is considered to be the power range. 5-9.9 hp This allows you to confidently go to the plane with two fishermen and cargo, developing a speed of 20-25 km / h.
The most important parameter is the weight of the motor. If you often fish alone, every kilogram on the tiller will be felt. Two-stroke models are lighter than four-stroke counterparts of the same power, but they require a mixture of gasoline and oil. Four-stroke engines It is more economical, quieter and more environmentally friendly, but their weight can reach 25-30 kg, which makes it difficult to carry.
- 🚤 Two-stroke engines are easier to maintain and cheaper to repair, but noisier.
- ⛽ Four-stroke engines consume less fuel and work more stable at low speeds.
- 🔧 For trolling (trolling) is critically important the ability to work at low speeds without deafening.
When buying, be sure to check for water pump and the condition of the lower unit. The motor should have corrosion protection, especially if you plan to go out on salt water or ponds with an aggressive chemical environment. Do not skimp on the brand, as the reliability of the ignition system and carburetor directly affects your safety away from shore.
Always carry a spare spark plug and key to replace it – this is the most common reason to stop the engine away from the base.
Covering equipment and ergonomics of the cockpit
The boat itself is a platform, and for a comfortable fishing, the cockpit must be well equipped, the first thing to do is fix the engine mounting, and if the cockpit doesn't have a built-in pad, you'll need to install it. engine-plate from moisture-resistant plywood or aluminum.
The most important element of ergonomics is the location of the seats and cans. Stationary seats are convenient for moving to the plane, but prevent movement on the boat during the catching of large fish. Removable soft seats on the pencils allow you to change the configuration, but require reliable fixation to avoid slipping in a sharp maneuver.
| Equipment element | Appointment | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Cat anchor | Fixing in flow | Highly |
| echoer | Search for fish and relief | Highly |
| Runduks | Keeping things dry | Medium. |
| Spinning holders | Comfort in trolling | Medium. |
Don't forget to protect yourself from splashes. transom wheels They make it very easy to move a boat on hard ground, but they're useless on soft sand or grass. Think of a system to mount the anchor shaft so it doesn't get confused with the engine's lower unit, which is a common cause of loss of anchor.
☑️ Equipping the boat for the season
Safety: GIMS rules and common sense
Water doesn't forgive mistakes, so compliance with safety rules should be the number one priority. lifejacket It's not just a formality, it's a real possibility to survive in the cold water when you roll over.
The boat's technical condition requires regular checks. Before each exit, check the transom for cracks, check the pressure in the cylinders (for PVC) and the reliability of the engine fastener. Remember that vibration from the running engine gradually weakens the bolt joints.
⚠️ Warning: Never start an outboard motor unless it is lowered in water or connected to a special water tank.
Compliance with speed regime near bathers, the presence of serviceable navigation lights for exit at night and knowledge of weather forecast are basic requirements for the captain of a small vessel.
What to do if the engine is dead at a depth?
If the engine is dead at a depth, first anchor the boat so that it does not fall into the fairway or on the rocks. Check the fuel in the tank and the condition of the fuel hose (whether it is bent). If there is a problem in the ignition, replace the candle. If the engine does not start, do not try to row against a strong current - it is better to call for help by phone, giving the exact coordinates.
Transport and storage of the craft
Logistics is often a crucial issue when choosing a boat type: Inflatable models require careful drying before packaging, otherwise mold can form inside the fabric, destroying the reinforcing layer, and it is better to store them in an extended form or in a free winding at room temperature.
Metal boats are less demanding to store, but they are afraid of corrosion. After every fishing, especially on salt water, the hull must be rinsed with fresh water. In winter, aluminum and fiberglass are not afraid of frost, but PVC materials become fragile and can crack when transported carelessly.
Heavy boats and powerful motors require a reliable trailer. Make sure your car is towed and the trailer is equipped with light signals and a winch. Proper mooring on the trailer eliminates the hull from beating against the lodgings, which can lead to damage on a long trip along the highway.
Proper preservation of the boat for the winter extends its service life by 1.5-2 times and retains the presentation for possible resale.
Legal aspects and registration
Owning a motorboat imposes certain legal obligations. Under current legislation, vessels weighing more than 200 kg (in running order) or with an engine powering more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp) are subject to registration with the GIMS.
However, even if your boat is not subject to mandatory registration, the presence of documents confirming ownership (checks, sales contracts) is mandatory.
Formally, driving a motorboat with a power of more than 5 hp requires category M (or similar, depending on the year of issue of the license); the absence of rights can lead to a fine and a ban on operation; study the current rules before buying to avoid unpleasant surprises on the water.
Do I need to register a PVC boat with a 5 hp engine?
Not if the weight of the boat is less than 200 kg. Most two-seater PVC boats weigh 40-60 kg, and the 5 hp engine - about 20 kg. The total weight of jauh below the registration threshold. However, control rights may be required if the engine power exceeds 5 hp, but in this case (5 hp) rights are also not necessary under the latest changes.
Can I use AI-92 gasoline for a two-stroke engine?
Yes, most modern two-stroke outboard motors (Yamaha, Tohatsu, Mercury) work perfectly on AI-92 gasoline. Higher octane fuel (AI-95) does not provide advantages and can be even more harmful due to the alcohol content in some brands, which is aggressive to rubber carburetor parts.
How often should you change the oil in the engine gearbox?
The oil in the outboard gearbox is recommended to be changed once a season or every 100 motor hours. Before winter preservation, this is a mandatory procedure. If an emulsion (a white liquid) is visible in the drained oil, this is a sign of water entering through the omentation glands, which requires immediate repair.
Which is better: transom wheels or red tape?
Tranza wheels are convenient for hard surfaces (asphalt, concrete, rolled soil) and smooth beaches. A wool (boat cart) is indispensable if the descent is carried out through high grass, shrub or soft sand, where small wheels are just stuck. For versatility, it is better to have both options or large-diameter removable wheels.