The search for a reliable and maneuverable boat for fishing or hunting often leads to the Swimmer 450, which has managed to establish itself as a “workhorse” in domestic water bodies. playgroundIt's a combination of compact transport and water resistance, and many aquatic motorists choose this particular range, because it's the middle ground between single mattresses and heavy four-meter monsters.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the design features, modernization opportunities and nuances of the operation of this model so that you can make an informed decision about the purchase. Swimmer 450 It's often compared to more expensive ones, and what hidden advantages it gives to the owner, and understanding these details will avoid the typical mistakes of the first launch.
The Swimmer 450 is designed to meet the demands of the harsh climate and frequent use. Enclosure structure This involves the installation of a hard floorboard, which provides excellent performance, but requires proper assembly, and we will look at how to properly prepare the vessel for the season and what to look for first after buying.
Shell design and materials
The base of any inflatable boat is the material it is made of, and in the case of the Swimmer 450, high-strength reinforced boat is used. PVCThe density of the fabric is usually 750 or 900 g / sq.m., which provides excellent resistance to punctures against sharp stones, snags and shells. Special impregnation protects the material from ultraviolet and salt waterIt significantly extends the life of the product even when stored in the open air.
The design of cylinders provides for the presence of keel-mIt's a key driver, and when pumped, it straightens the keel, creating a rigid bottom, and improving the germination of the wave, which is critical in small bodies of water, where there's often a short, sharp wave that can knock an inexperienced angler out of balance.
The seams are made by hot gluing, which makes them inseparable and sealed. Unlike crosslinking, it completely eliminates the possibility of leaking over time.
⚠️ Note: Do not try to self-glue the seams at home without a special industrial hair dryer and rollers - this will lead to loss of warranty and violation of tightness.
The cylinders are divided into several independent compartments, which ensures buoyancy even if one of them is damaged. flat-barThese are the elements that protect the sides from abrasion on the berth or on the side of another boat when mooring, and all of these elements together create the sense of reliability that is necessary for long-distance trips.
Technical nuances of PVC
The PVC material used in the Swimmer 450 has a multilayer structure: the top layer is responsible for resistance to mechanical damage, the middle layer (reinforcing) holds shape and pressure, and the inner layer ensures tightness. Damage to any of the layers requires immediate repair.
Driving and handling
When installing an outboard motor, the Swimmer 450 boat demonstrates excellent performance. manageability And it's predictable, because of the keel-like shape of the bottom, it can easily glid even with low-power engines starting at 5 hp, which saves fuel when you go long distances.
At high speed, the boat confidently holds the shock of the wave without burrowing its nose. However, it is worth considering that when fully loaded (two people plus cargo) differentiation This can change, and you need to adjust the position of the motor along the transom, and the right adjustment of the angle of inclination of the engine helps to compensate for the weight of passengers and cargo.
- 🚀 Excellent germination on planing thanks to the keeled bottom.
- 🎣 High exchange rate stability in trolling.
- 🌊 The ability to hold a wave height of 0.5 meters without slamming.
- ⚓ Minimal wind demolition due to low cylinder profile.
An important aspect is the availability cross-plate (or the ability to install them), which greatly improves the way you glid and stabilize your stroke, and if you plan to walk alone often, installing additional buoyancy or changing your landing can dramatically change the behavior of the boat on the water.
The optimal planing speed for the Swimmer 450 is 25-30 km / h - at this speed, fuel consumption is minimal, and the vibration of the body does not cause discomfort.
Comfort and interior equipment
The interior of the Swimmer 450 is tailored to the needs of the angler. sea-plywood (usually 9-12 mm thick) covered with (anti-slip) coatings, allowing you to stand confidently even on wet surfaces, and the piolas are assembled into a single rigid structure that does not bend under the weight of a person.
For installation of attachments provided liner-line You can easily attach a sonar, rod holders or a gear bag, and the ergonomics of the cockpit allows two adults to comfortably fit, although for long fishing, two people should consider models from 3.60 meters in length.
Seats (banks) are usually made of the same plywood as the floor and can be installed in different positions. Some modifications allow the use of inflatable seats that are attached to cylinders, freeing up space on the floor for catch or gear. The anchorage system It allows you to quickly change the configuration of the cabin.
The system deserves special attention. drainageAt the bottom of the cylinders or at the junction with the floorboard, there are often drainage holes closed by corks, which allows you to quickly get rid of the water or condensate that has entered the air without scooping it out with buckets.
Motor selection and power recommendations
The choice of engine for the Swimmer 450 is the balance between the desired speed and the permissible weight on the transom. 15-18 hp, which allows you to reach speeds up to 35-40 km / h However, for quiet fishing, 9.9 hp is often enough.
When choosing a motor, pay attention to the length of the daydwoot. For boats of this size, a short leg (S) is optimal so that the screw does not touch the bottom in shallow water and does not create unnecessary resistance. Two-stroke engines It is preferable because of the lower weight, which is critical for transportation in the trunk of a passenger car.
Table of motor and speed parameters (example data for one passenger):
| Engine power (hp) | Motor weight (kg) | Gleaming speed (km/h) | Fuel consumption (L/h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0 | 19-21 | 18-20 | 1.5 - 2.0 |
| 9.9 | 25-27 | 28-32 | 2.5 - 3.5 |
| 15.0 | 34-38 | 35-39 | 4.0 - 5.5 |
| 18.0 | 36-40 | 38-42 | 5.0 - 6.0 |
Keep in mind the weight of the screw. Full-load glides are often required. screwIt allows the motor to go to work without overloading.
When buying a used motor, be sure to check the state of the daydvut for dents - even small defects can cause vibration and destruction of the daydvut at high speeds.
Tuning and modernization of the boat
Owners of the Swimmer 450 often resort to tuning to adapt the boat to their needs. cockpit (BND), if the base version was hard floorboard, it reduces the overall weight and makes assembly easier, although it requires more careful handling.
Also popular is installation. steering (distance) for motors with a power of 15 hp This allows you to free your hands to control gear or navigator. Installation of the tiller base requires accuracy and sealing of the passage of the cables.
- 🔦 Installation of LED lighting cockpit for night fishing.
- 🛡️ Installation of reinforced cylinder linings at points of contact with the anchor thack.
- 🪑 Replacement of standard cans with soft seats with backrests.
- 📦 Organization of runduks under floorboard for storage of things.
An important element of tuning is the protection of the transom. cross-plate Or strengthening the engine mounting area prevents the tree from being deformed by vibration and engine weight, and use only stainless fasteners to avoid corrosion.
⚠️ Attention: Any design changes related to the gluing of additional elements should be carried out only with specialized adhesives for PVC, otherwise the material may be dissected.
Rules of operation and storage
The durability of the Swimmer 450 depends on how you store and maintain it. boat-wash It's fresh water and dry before it's packaged, and wet storage causes mold to form and breaks down the adhesive layer.
Inflate the cylinders to the operating pressure specified in the data sheet (usually 0.2 atm), but do not pump them in the sun. pressure-out If you leave the boat in the sun, blow some air.
☑️ Preparation for winter storage
Transportation in the trunk of the car should be carried out in a protective case, which will protect PVC from abrasion on the pile of the carpet and protect against accidental punctures with fishing hooks or sharp corners of the drawers. Regular examination The valves and joints before each season will help to identify defects at an early stage.
Frequent Questions and Answers (FAQ)
What is the real weight of the Swimmer 450?
The weight of the boat in the basic configuration (with floorboard and cans) is usually about 65-75 kg, depending on the density of PVC and the thickness of the plywood.
Is it possible to use a boat in winter?
Yes, PVC retains elasticity at low temperatures, but in the cold it becomes rigid, you need to use special frost-resistant lubricants for the valves and avoid impact loads on the frozen body.
How to properly seal a puncture in the field?
For emergency repairs, use a remix from the kit. Clean up, degrease, apply glue, press the patch and load. Full polymerization takes several hours, but holds water at once.
Do I need to register Swimmer 450 with GIMS?
Registration is mandatory if the weight of the curbed boat (with an engine) exceeds 200 kg. Since the lightweight-engined Swimmer 450 often falls within this limit, many owners avoid registration, but the law requires weighing.