Choosing a swimming facility for small bodies of water or a quiet fishing often leads to the need to find a balance between carrying capacity, cost and ease of transportation. boat Skipper 260HTThe, which has proven itself as a reliable option for beginners and lovers of quiet hunting. The model is distinguished by a classic design with inflatable sides and rigid decking, which provides comfortable accommodation for the crew.
Unlike the simpler modifications, the version with the NT index is equipped with trans-inflatable Or it has a reinforced transom, which allows you to install a low-power outboard motor, which opens up new horizons for mobility for the owner, eliminating the need to constantly paddle over long distances. The maximum permissible power of the engine for this model is 5 horsepower.This is an important limitation when choosing a power plant.
Considering the technical aspects of this model will allow you to understand how it is suitable for your tasks, whether it is fishing alone or cruising with a small load.
Structural features and materials of the body
The basis of durability of any inflatable boat is the quality of the material used. Shkipper 260HT Reinforced polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is used, which is highly resistant to mechanical damage, gasoline, oils and ultraviolet radiation. The density of the fabric is usually 750 g / sq. m or 850 g / sq. m, which provides the necessary safety margin in contact with rocky bottom or snags.
The design of the bottom in this model is made by type high pressure inflatable floor (HPD) or, depending on the batch and modification, a plywood plywood inflatable stringer system may be used. However, the classic 260HT interpretation often involves the use of a plywood stringer system. plywoodThe tightness of the compartments is ensured by high-quality gluing of the seams across the floor, which is the standard for the budget and medium segment of the market.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use high pressure compressors when first inflating the boat. Pump the cylinders manually until elastic, then leave the boat in the sun for 15-20 minutes to adapt the material, and only then make the final pump to working pressure.
The trunk of the boat is made of moisture-resistant plywood and is sheathed with reinforced PVC. It is rigidly attached to the aft, which allows you to confidently install the engine. It is important to note that the transom angle is fixed, so the adjustment of the trim is only possible by moving passengers or cargo inside the cockpit.
Technical specifications and dimensions
Understanding the exact dimensions and weight parameters is critical to planning transportation and storage. Boat Skipper 260NT It is a small rowing and motor boat, which makes it convenient for the trunk of a passenger car, and below is a table with basic technical data that will help to compare this model with competitors.
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Full length | 260 cm |
| Full width | 128 cm |
| Diameter of the cylinder | 32-36 cm |
| Load capacity | 220 kg |
| Weight of kit | about 26 kg |
The dimensions of the cockpit allow two adults to comfortably accommodate, although one angler with all the necessary equipment feels most comfortable on this boat. Working pressure in cylinders is 0.2 atm (or up to 0.25 atm depending on the air temperature), which ensures the necessary hardness of the side and stability on the water.
The actual weight of the kit may vary slightly from the manufacturer's stated weight depending on the year of manufacture and equipment (a bag, pump, oars). Always weigh the boat before buying if every kilogram is important to you when carrying to the water.
Outboard operation
Using the motor turns Shkipper 260HT As mentioned earlier, the maximum engine power is limited to 5 hp, which dictates the choice of appropriate models, such as: Tohatsu M5BDS, Yamaha 5CMHS or Chinese analogues from HDX and Sea-Pro. Exceeding this power is strictly prohibited, as it can lead to deformation of the transom and loss of tightness.
The standard height for such boats is 381 mm (15 inches), but sometimes a parking board is required if the engine's lower unit is too long. The speed with a single passenger and a 5 hp engine is usually about 10-12 km / h, which is enough to move between fishing points.
☑️ Check before exit on the motor
⚠️ Warning: When driving on the motor, always use a safety check (check). In the event of a person falling overboard or a sharp roll, the check will be pulled out, and the engine will stall, preventing the boat from traveling around without a crew.
Fuel consumption at these speeds is minimal, allowing you to take long walks on one tank, but it should be remembered that inflatable sides create more resistance to water than a rigid body, so it is most economical to move in displacement mode without trying to bring the boat to the plane, which is not possible for this model.
Comfort, ergonomics and interior space
The interior of the boat boat skipper 260nt The inflatable seats (cans) allow you to adjust their position along the length of the cockpit, choosing the optimal balance. The surface of the cans is often made of non-slip material, which increases safety when rolling.
To install additional equipment, such as a sonar or navigator, the boat has special mounts or the possibility of mounting on a removable bar. The rod-holders You can attach it to the sides using regular liner cables or additional mounting elements, which makes the boat a versatile tool for a spinner or a floatfisher.
How to increase comfort in the boat 260HT?
To increase comfort, you can purchase an additional soft seat with a backrest, which is installed on a transom jar. It is also recommended to use anti-slip mats on the floor (floorboards), which will facilitate movement inside the cockpit and protect PVC from abrasion.
An important element of ergonomics is the perimeter liner cable, which not only provides insurance, can be held on when boarding a boat from water, but also allows you to attach various accessories. The nose often provides a handle for carrying, which makes it easier to descent into the water alone.
To protect your knees when fishing for long periods, put a piece of tourist mat on floorboards or use knee pads. Hard plywood or aluminum can quickly tire your feet.
Transport, storage and care
One of the main features of the 260HT is its compactness when assembled. The boat is easily packed in a transport bag that fits into the trunk of a sedan or even a large backpack (if you have experience in stowage), but it should be remembered that frequent deflation and inflatation reduces the life of the seams, so if you can store in a garage or in a country house, it is better to keep the boat inflated.
Care for PVC material After every fishing trip, especially on salt water or in contaminated water, the boat must be rinsed with fresh water, and the mud and sand left on the surface act as an abrasive and can damage the protective layer when it is later packed.
Keep the boat in a clean, dry and ventilated room, away from heating appliances and open fire. The temperature storage should not fall below the minus values specified in the instructions (usually up to -30 ° C, the material retains its properties, but in the cold it becomes brittle).
Proper drying and cleaning of the boat after each season is the guarantee that it will last you 10 years or more without losing its tightness.
Comparison with analogues and final conclusions
There are many analogues on the market, such as Flagship, hunter or brig similar size group. Shkipper 260HT It is often more affordable and maintains acceptable quality, and unlike the fully inflatable (FDND) version, the floorboard version is harder on water but takes longer to assemble.
If your budget is limited but you need a motorized boat for two, this model is one of the best options for entering the world of boating sports. It forgives many mistakes of beginners and is easily repaired in the field with a remix.
In conclusion, boat skipper 260nt It's a time-tested fishing tool that doesn't claim to be the speed or comfort record of a five-star boat, but its primary function is to get you to and from the fish, and it does it honestly and reliably.
Should I buy a used Skipper 260HT?
Buying a used boat is justified if you check it for leakage. Pump the boat and leave it for a day in a warm room. If the pressure dropped slightly (due to temperature changes), and there is no visible damage, you can take the boat, pre-wash and lubricate the valves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the 260HT Skipper be on the wave?
The boat is designed for calm waters: lakes, rivers with a quiet current and protected water areas. Access to an open wave height of more than 0.3-0.5 meters is not recommended due to the low height of the board and the risk of flooding.
How much weight can the Skipper 260HT boat withstand?
Passenger carrying capacity is up to 220 kg, which includes the weight of passengers, motor, fuel, equipment and the boat itself, and the optimal load for a confident feeling on the water is up to 150 kg.
How to seal the boat Skipper at home?
For puncture repair, use a remix kit that comes with it (PVC fabric and glue). For serious damage (cuts, joints divergence), it is better to contact a specialized workshop, as it requires industrial hair dryer and PVC skills.
Do I need to register this boat with GIMS?
Since 2017, boats weighing up to 200 kg (with the engine) do not require registration. Since the weight of the Skipper 260HT kit with a motor up to 5 hp usually falls within this limit, registration is often not required, but always carry the engine and boat documents with you.