Fishing and water tourism require a reliable boat that combines compactness in transportation and stability on the water, qualities that have become the hallmark of the brand, offering inflatable boats, which are often called “Pike” for their maneuverability and predatory behavior on the water. PVC materialsThe PV systems used in production provide high tensile strength and UV resistance, which is critical for operation in harsh Russian conditions.
Choosing the right model is always a compromise between weight, load capacity and comfort. Many beginners mistakenly believe that all of them are the same. flyboat The same, but the engineering solutions used in different modifications, radically change the performance of the vessel, in this article we will discuss why this series is so popular among amateur fishermen and professionals.
It is worth noting that modern security requirements dictate the rules of the game. Certified five-chamber PVC density of 900-1100 g/sq.m. is the minimum permissible standard for access to open water with a motor. Ignoring the technical specifications can lead to unpleasant situations, so the study of the product passport should be approached with the utmost seriousness.
Structural features and materials of the body
The basis of durability of any boat is the quality of the material used, reinforced polyvinyl chloride is used in the production, which is a complex multilayer structure. Reinforcing netThe PVC sealed between layers assumes the main load on the break, ensuring the integrity of the cylinders even in contact with snags or rocky bottom.
The engineers paid special attention to the design of the bottom, depending on the modification, it can be made of plywood with a snow-coated coating or have a low-pressure inflatable floor (LDP). Plywood plywood provides stiffness and excellent germination on the wave, allowing to develop high speeds, while the inflatable floor significantly reduces the weight of the set, which is convenient for cruising.
- 🛡️ Five-layer fabric It provides protection against punctures and isters.
- ⚓ Enhanced cross-plate It can withstand powerful motors without deformation
- 🌊 Sealed valves Avoid air etching even when overloaded with pressure
It is important to understand that the stitches made by the method hot-vulcanizationThey create a monolithic compound that is stronger than the material itself, which distinguishes quality products from cheap ones that are glued together in a conventional way, where the risk of stratification during temperature changes remains high.
⚠️ Warning: After each operation in salt water, be sure to wash the boat with fresh water. The salt crystallizes in the tissue micropores and, if blown off, can damage the internal structure of PVC.
Overview of popular models and their differences
The range of crafts available ranges from solo fishermen to three-person companies, and the design of the balloons varies from one size to another. pellet provide a large internal area of the cockpit, which increases the comfort of accommodation.
For fast-fishers, there are modifications with a pointed nose that effectively cuts through the wave, and models with a blunt nose and flat bottom are ideal for calm fishing and have maximum carrying capacity at the same dimensions. Hydrodynamics The body directly affects fuel consumption and maximum speed.
When choosing a particular model, you should pay attention to the presence of additional options, such as: rod-holder, gear-pocket installation electric motorSome versions are already equipped with built-in anchor rims and perimeter handrails, which greatly facilitates maneuvering on the water.
| Model | Length (cm) | Width (cm) | Load capacity (kg) | Recommended motor (hp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pike-270 | 270 | 130 | 300 | 2.5 - 5 |
| Pike-320 | 320 | 140 | 450 | 5 - 9.9 |
| Pike-360 | 360 | 150 | 600 | 9.9 - 15 |
| Pike-400 | 400 | 160 | 750 | 15 - 20 |
Choosing the optimal outboard motor
The correct selection of the engine is the key to safe and comfortable operation. The power of the engine must comply with the manufacturer's recommendations specified in the following paragraph: technical data sheetExceeding the permissible power can lead to the destruction of the transom or loss of controllability at high speeds.
For small models up to 3 meters is often enough electric-traction motors They're quiet, economical, and they allow you to fish in places where noise is forbidden, but to get out into the big water and against the current requires more serious traction.
- 🚤 Two-stroke engines easier and easier to maintain, but require mixing oil with gasoline
- ⛽ Four-stroke analogues More economical, quieter work and do not require preparation of mixtures
- ⚖️ Engine weight is critical: heavy motor shifts centre and worsens the differentiation
When you install the engine, it's important to adjust the angle of inclination of the lower unit correctly. Too deep diving creates resistance, and too high a dip leads to cavitation and overheating of the engine. The optimal position is selected experimentally depending on the load of the boat.
When installing the motor, use a safety cable run through the transom rips, which will prevent engine loss in the event of a cut of the transom slabs or loosening of the fasteners.
Proper assembly and preparation for descent
The process of assembling the boat requires a certain algorithm of actions, first the balloon is decomposed and straightened, then the bottom is installed. Hard pyeol. requires careful stacking of sheets in guide slings to avoid distortions that can damage the fabric when pumped.
The pumping of cylinders must be carried out to the operating pressure specified in the instructions (usually 0.2-0.25 atm). The use of a pressure gauge at the pump is mandatory, since it is impossible to determine the correct pressure by eye. An under-pumped cylinder reduces the rigidity of the structure, and a pumped one can burst in the sun.
☑️ Checklist assembly
After installing the transax plate, you need to check the reliability of the fixation. If a transom is used, it should be fixed symmetrically. Asymmetrical installation This will lead to boat yaws on the course and increased fuel consumption.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a fully pumped boat unattended in direct sunlight. When heated, the air inside the cylinders expands and the pressure may exceed critical values, causing the seams to rupture.
Operation and care of PVC products
The durability of the boat depends on the storage and maintenance conditions, and after each fishing, the product must be thoroughly washed from dirt, silt and sand, and the abrasive particles left on the fabric act as sandpaper when folded, gradually destroying the protective layer.
Drying is a critical step, and you can only fold and store it in a completely dry product, and the moisture left in the folds of the fabric or under the floorboard creates the perfect environment for mold to develop, which destroys the mould. polymeric material from the inside.
To store, choose a cool, dry place protected from rodents. The optimal storage temperature is from -20 to +30 degrees Celsius. Sharp temperature changes are not terrible for high-quality PVC, but condensate formed when you bring cold products into a warm room, you must be removed.
How do you remove the smell of rubber?
New boats often have a specific odor. To get rid of it, wash the product with warm water with a mild soap solution and leave it to dry in the shade outdoors for 1-2 days. Do not use aggressive chemicals or solvents.
Safety on the water and common mistakes
The safety of the fisherman depends not only on the reliability of the boat, but also on his actions. The most common mistake is neglecting the life jacket. Even experienced swimmers in cold water lose the ability to move after a few minutes due to cramps. Life jacket It should always be worn, regardless of the depth of the water.
The distribution of cargo is another important aspect: heavy objects (battery, anchor, catch box) should be placed as low and close as possible to the diametric plane. tipping boats, especially in the conditions of unrest.
- 🚫 Don’t stand up in full height on a moving boat.
- 🌊 Avoid sudden movements on the cockpit high-wave
- ⚓ Always carry a spare anchor and end.
Remember, an inflatable boat is very sailing, the wind can quickly blow a light vessel into open water or rocks, and controlling weather conditions and getting ashore on time is a sign of professionalism.
The first rule of safety is that your life is more important than any catch or gear, and if the weather gets worse, stop fishing immediately and head to shore.
What glue is best for repairing punctures in the field?
For emergency field repairs, two-component polyurethane adhesives, specifically designed for PVC, are best used. They provide a strong bond even on wet surfaces. Conventional household adhesives may not withstand pressure and temperature extremes.
Can I use a boat in winter in low temperatures?
You can use PVC boats in winter, but with caution. The material becomes tougher in the cold and more vulnerable to impacts. The cylinders should only be pumped in the cold, because when applied to heat, the pressure will increase dramatically. Avoid sudden movements and contact with sharp edges of ice.
How often should I check the pressure in the cylinders while fishing?
It is recommended to check the pressure every 2-3 hours of active operation, especially if the air temperature changes or the boat is in the sun. The pressure can vary by 0.01-0.02 atm when the temperature changes by 5-7 degrees, which significantly affects the rigidity of the structure.
What if the boat starts poisoning the air?
If you find an air leak, you need to hear it or use soap to determine the location of the damage. If the puncture is on the cylinder, use a remix. If the valve is poisoning, try to clean it or tighten it, but do not make excessive efforts to avoid breaking the thread.