The market of small swimming aids in recent years is experiencing a real boom, and among the many proposals stand alone. PNV (low pressure polyethylene) One of the most talked about members of this class is north-boatThis boat is often controversial: some praise it for its indestructibility, others are skeptical about the "plastic" nature of the hull, accustomed to classic aluminum.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what it is. NorthWhy is the material of HDPE becoming more popular and whether it is worth considering this model as the main transport for fishing or recreation on the water? Polymer case It has unique physical properties that radically distinguish it from traditional materials.
We'll analyze the real-world performance, the resistance to impacts on rocks and ice, and the economic viability of buying, and if you're faced with a choice between used aluminum and new HDPE, this information will help you make an informed decision.
The uniqueness of the material: why PHD?
Low pressure polyethylene, of which the method of rotational molding is made The North boat, which is not the ordinary plastic that we see in our everyday life, is a high-tech composite material with phenomenal impact toughness. aluminum-boat, which when hitting a stone hard get dents or even cracks, the HDPE works like a boxing pear: it cushions the impact and returns to its original shape.
One of the key features is that it can be operated at extremely low temperatures, and it doesn't become brittle even in freezing temperatures of -50 degrees Celsius. North The ideal choice for northern regions where equipment storage often takes place outdoors or in unheated garages.
When buying a boat from the HDPE, pay attention to the thickness of the side wall - it should be uniform, without visible thinning in the corners, which indicates compliance with the production technology.
It's important to understand the difference between PHD and fiberglass, and fiberglass is fragile in point impacts and difficult to repair in the field. Polymer case boat North It is almost impossible to penetrate through a stone or log, which is a critical safety factor in shallow water.
- 🌊 Complete inertia to water, salt and petroleum products - the material does not rot and does not rust.
- 🔨 High elasticity allows you to withstand shocks that would destroy the aluminum body.
- ❄️ Operating at temperatures from -50 C to +50 C without loss of strength specifications.
Design features of the boat North
Design boats North It was designed to meet the requirements of GIMS and the needs of practitioners, and it has a strong keeliness, which provides excellent germination and stability, and unlike flat-bottoms, it allows you to feel confident in a large body of water in the wind up to 3-4 points.
The interior space is ergonomically organized, and the banks (seats) are often made removable or folding, which allows you to transform the space for storing a catch or large cargo. transom plate, which is mounted transom, reinforced and designed to install motors with a capacity of up to 10-15 hp, depending on the modification.
The secret to the longevity of seams
Unlike welded boats, the Sever has no seams in the usual sense. The monolithic hull eliminates the risk of leakage through welds, which are often a weak point of aluminum structures after several seasons of active operation.
Special attention should be paid to noise protection, HDPE has excellent sound insulating properties, rowing on oars or small movement occurs almost silently, which is highly appreciated by anglers who hunt cautious fish. aluminum trough It always rattles and rings, scaring underwater inhabitants, while the polymer board absorbs vibrations.
Comparison: HDPE vs. Aluminum and PVC
To assess objectively boat NorthAluminum (AMG) is famous for its stiffness and lightness, but is afraid of electrochemical corrosion and dents. PVC boats are compact in storage, but vulnerable to puncture and require constant drying.
A boat from the MHP It's a middle ground, but it's a little bit smaller than PVC and aluminum, but it's a survivability advantage, and if your priority is to launch from shore anywhere without fear of sharp rocks and shells, there's almost no alternative to the HDPE.
| Characterization | Boat North (MHP) | Aluminum (AMG) | PVC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body weight | Medium/Severe | Light. | Very light. |
| Impact resistance | Very high. | Medium (dents) | Low (punctures) |
| Noise | Low. | High. | Low. |
| Repairability | High (sweater) | Difficult (argon) | Medium (glues) |
It is worth noting that North Because of the greater weight and slightly different hydrodynamic specifications (the friction ratio of the HDPE is higher than that of smooth metal), acceleration to plane is slower, and the maximum speed can be lower by 5-7 km / h at the same power of the motor.
Operation and performance
On the water. north-boat It's predictable and stable, because it's monolithic, it doesn't have the backlashes that come out of prefabricated aluminum models over time, and it works its turn-by-turn tilts gently, without the sharp rolls that are characteristic of the narrow aluminum "kazaks."
But there's a caveat that you need to know about, and the HDPE has the ability to play hard at high speeds if the thickness of the side is not high enough. North This parameter is usually optimized. bottom silhouette It allows you to easily jump up to the plane even with one passenger, if the engine power is selected correctly.
⚠️ Warning: Despite the strength of the HDPE, it is not recommended to ram the shore at full speed. Although the hull will withstand the impact, the inertia of the heavy material can cause injuries to passengers or damage to attachments.
The boat’s handling depends on the installation cross-engineIt is recommended to use long leg motors to avoid cavitation. the weight of the boat is above average, for confident planing at full load (2 people + equipment) it is better to focus on engines with a capacity of 9.9 hp and above.
Transport and storage
The biggest disadvantage faced by owners boats North Transportation on the roof of a light vehicle (such as a Solaris or Polo) can be difficult due to static load restrictions on the roof, and the best option is to use a light trailer or transport on SUVs with a reinforced trunk.
In terms of storage, the HDPE is unmatched: you can store a boat upside down in the open, covered with snow, and the UV light is stabilized in the mass of the material, so if it fades, it is very slow and only superficial, without affecting the strength. aluminum In such conditions, it can oxidize, and PVC can degrade.
☑️ Preparation of the boat for wintering
For ease of transportation, many owners use special lozenges that repeat the contours of the hull, which allows you to distribute the load and avoid deformation of the side during long transportation on the highway at high speeds.
Repairability and maintenance
One of the biggest misconceptions is that the HDPE can't be repaired. north-boat It's even easier to repair than you think, and you use a building hair dryer and a plastic rod to fix the through damage, which is extremely difficult to do by accident.
Repairs are like soldering plastic pipes, the edges of cracks are broken, heated and fused into a monolith, once cooled, the repair site is as strong as the rest of the body, no glues, epokide resins or complex chemistry required.
⚠️ Attention: It is critical to use the same labeled material (DDP) when repairing HDPE, and using polypropylene (PP) or other plastics will cause the patch to stick and fall off after a few hours.
The maintenance is reduced to periodic washing of dirt and mud. Due to the antifriction properties of polyethylene, algae fouling occurs more slowly than on wood or rough metal. Bottom hatch (if provided by modification) should be periodically lubricated with silicone for tightness.
HPD repair is possible in the field with a minimum set of tools, making the boat autonomous and independent of service centers.
Cost of ownership and final conclusions
The price boat North It may seem high compared to used aluminum, but when you look at the 5-10 year horizon, the picture changes. The lack of corrosion, the inability to leak and liquidity in the secondary market make this purchase a profitable investment.
Choosing. PNVYou choose peace of mind. You don't have to worry about whether you're caught in a snag, whether you're standing on a sharp rock when you land. It's transportation for those who value reliability above record speeds.
How hard is it to transport the North boat on the roof?
The weight of the North boat in the basic configuration is about 60-70 kg. It is easy to load it on the roof together. It is difficult to load it on the roof alone, but it is possible using an inertial winch or ramps. The main thing is to make sure that the roof of the car withstands dynamic load when driving.
Can I paint a boat out of PHD?
Normal paints (oil, alkyd) on HDPE are not kept and peeled off in pieces. Painting requires special two-component paints for polyolefins with the obligatory use of adhesive soil. It is easier to buy a boat in color, since the factory color (if any) is better.
Is it true that the HPD is burning?
Polyethylene is fuel, but it can't catch fire from a fire or a cigarette in the form of a massive boat, it takes open fire and time to ignite, it melts and drips when it burns, but it doesn't emit toxic gases like fiberglass.
Which motor is better for the North boat?
The best choice will be 9.9 hp engines (for example, Tohatsu, Yamaha, Hidea) that will provide confident planing with two adult passengers. 5 hp engines will allow you to move only in displacement mode, which can be boring for a heavy boat from an HDPE.