Choosing a first or new swimmer always involves analyzing dozens of parameters, and the decision to buy a Typhoon 1.5 ND boat often becomes a compromise between budget and the desire to get a reliable tool for water trips. This model, developed by BoatWises, has been in a strong position in the segment of budget PVC designs for several years, offering users proven solutions. However, despite the popularity, potential buyers are worried about many questions: whether the price justifies the quality of the build, how the inflatable floor will behave in gledding and whether you will regret buying after the active season.
In this material, we will analyze in detail all aspects of ownership of this boat, based on the technical specifications and experience of real use on water bodies of varying complexity. floor-floorThe information will help to approach the purchase carefully and avoid common mistakes that are common to beginners in the world of boating technology.
Structural features and materials of the body
The basis of any inflatable boat is the material from which its cylinder is made, and the Typhoon 1.5 ND model uses a five-layer reinforced PVC fabric. The density of the material is 750 g / sq.m., which is the standard for light pleasure craft, but you should not expect from such a figure of superstrength comparable to heavy keel boats with a density of 900-1100 g / sq.m. However, for quiet fishing on lakes and small rivers with moderate strength is quite enough, if you do not try to punch sharp stones or drifts.
The design of cylinders assumes the presence of keelThis allows the boat to stay out of the way when driving under a motor or paddle, which is especially important when fishing in windy weather. The sealability of the compartments is ensured by high-quality welding, although manual control of inflating before each trip is still mandatory, since temperature changes can affect the air pressure inside the chambers.
It is important to note the presence timber The perimeter of the cylinder, which protects the sides from mechanical damage when mooring to the dock or landing on a gentle shore, and the presence of this element significantly prolongs the life of the product, preventing the abrasion of fabric against sand, shells or concrete protrusions. Without this protection, budget models often fail in the second season of active use.
⚠️ Warning: Despite reinforcement, PVC fabric is afraid of open fire and sparks. Smoking in a boat or burning garbage on the shore in the immediate vicinity of cylinders can lead to irreversible damage to the hull.
For ease of movement inside the cockpit provided soft-seat They're not inflatable, they're made of plywood, which is covered with a wet cloth, which makes the seat stiff, and it allows you to sit comfortably for hours without the discomfort of the inflated surfaces that can walk under the weight of a rower.
Analysis of the inflatable floor of ND: pros and cons
The main feature of this modification is the abbreviation NDNIt's a design that uses high-pressure cylinders, which is a very powerful design, and it's a very powerful design, and it's a very powerful design, and it's a very different consumer experience for the boat, making it much lighter and more compact when assembled, but it's also making adjustments to the behavior on the water.
The main advantage of ND is the speed of assembly and disassembly. You don't have to spend time installing stringers, inserting paioles and fixing them — it's easy enough to pump the cylinders. This is especially valuable when you need to quickly descend to the water from a high shore or in conditions where there is no flat area for mounting a hard floor. In addition, the inflatable floor has excellent cushion, smoothing the impacts on a small wave.
But there's a downside to the coin: an inflated bottom is less rigid than a plywood sheet, which can create a hammock effect when cruising inside the cockpit. For fishermen who are used to actively roaming the boat, changing gear or going from side to side, this may seem unusual. The rigidity of the bottom directly affects the ability to get out on the boat. gelling A mode in which a boat slides over the surface of the water rather than cutting it.
On the other hand, ND provides better protection from cold water. The air layer works as a thermal insulator, so the fisherman's feet are less cold even in cool weather when water is splashing over the side. In plywood floor models, you often have to use special mats or stands to avoid contact with cold surfaces frozen from the water.
The secret to ND's rigidity
To achieve maximum inflatable floor rigidity, a pressure pump and cylinders must be pumped to the pressure specified in the instructions (usually 0.2-0.25 atm). Unproven cylinders will be crushed under weight, creating a sense of instability.
And it's also worth mentioning the repairability. It's harder to puncture the inflatable floor than it looks, because of the multi-layer structure, but if it does, it takes time to dry and polymerize the glue. Unlike plywood, which can be temporarily replaced by a piece of plastic, you can't swim far away with a hole in the cylinder, so having a remix in the bag is a must.
specifications and completeness of the model
When deciding to buy a Typhoon 1.5 ND, you need to clearly understand its technical parameters, as they determine the use scenarios. The model belongs to the class of small rowing and motor boats, but its capabilities are limited by the power of the permissible engine and carrying capacity. Below is a table with the main specifications that will help compare this model with analogues of other manufacturers.
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Full length, m | 2.49 |
| Full width, m | 1.26 |
| Load capacity, kg | 200 |
| Passenger capacity, man. | 2 |
| Max, engine power, hp. | 3.5 |
The 200kg capacity is a modest enough number that limits the amount of equipment. Two average adults will already be putting up near the limit, not to mention fishing boxes, anchors and extra equipment. So this is ideal for single fishing or parent-child walks, but for a full-fledged two-seater fishing with more hardware, it's better to consider larger models.
In the standard completeness Usually, the package includes a assembled boat (cylinders glued), two soft seats, a bag-pack, a remix and a product passport. Oars are usually not included in the basic set and are purchased separately, which should be considered when forming the purchase budget, and a transom attachment is purchased separately if it is not integrated into the design of the cylinder (depending on the year of manufacture and the specific modification).
When buying, be sure to check the date of manufacture of the boat. PVC materials tend to age even in stock, and lying goods may require more frequent pumping or have microcracks on the folds.
The stern-mounted tray board is made of moisture-resistant plywood and is protected by linings. It is designed to mount an outboard motor up to 3.5 hp. It is important to understand that installing a more powerful motor not only cancels the warranty, but can also lead to the collapse of the transponder or the overturn of the boat due to insufficient stability of the hull.
Operation and behaviour on the water
The behavior of the typhoon 1.5 ND on the water directly depends on the load and condition of the water surface. In calm, the boat behaves predictably and steadily, but when even a small wave appears, the small length of the hull and the absence of a full-fledged keel (the keel here is only simulated by the shape of the bottom) Pumping can be tangible, so sharp movements inside the cockpit are not recommended.
When using an outboard motor, it is important to set up correctly differentiationBecause of the inflatable floor design, the boat can tend to bury its nose or, conversely, to snooze its nose up when trying to get on plane. The optimal speed for this model is displacement mode or easy planning, where the motor only slightly raises the nose, but does not bring the boat to a clean plane.
⚠️ Warning: Going out on a plane with one person on board on a boat less than 2.5 meters long can be dangerous due to loss of course stability. Always use a safety check on the motor.
The paddle version is also possible and even effective because of the lightweight structure, because oars (aluminum or wooden) make it easy to maneuver in overgrown reed bays, where it is better not to stick with the engine, but for long transitions against the current or wind, rowing will be physically costly, since the sailing of inflatable tubes is quite high.
☑️ Pre-launch checks
The sand stuffed between ND cylinders and a protective timber works like an abrasive. After each trip, it is recommended to thoroughly wash the boat with water, turning the edges to remove small pebbles and dirt that can rub the fabric when blown and packed.
Comparison with competitors and price
In the inflatable boat market, the Typhoon 1.5 ND competes primarily with Flagman, Master and Aqua brands. The main argument in favor of buying a Typhoon is often more affordable. price If you compare it to more expensive ones, you can see savings on fittings and the absence of some options, such as reinforced liner rings or additional pockets.
The cost of the model varies by region and supplier, but remains in the segment of “affordable entrance ticket to water sports”. For comparison, similar in size plywood bottom boats (PBN) can cost more because of the complexity of the design and greater material consumption, although they offer better seaworthiness.
If your budget is limited and you need a boat several times a season to go to a nearby lake, Typhoon 1.5 ND looks like a rational choice. However, if you plan a serious fishing expedition with an overnight stay or frequent outings on large waters, it is better to consider models ranging in length from 2.8-3.0 meters, which will provide the necessary margin of buoyancy and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install a 5 hp engine on a Typhoon 1.5 ND?
Technically, it is possible to fix the engine of such power, but the manufacturer does not recommend exceeding the limit of 3.5 hp Excess power can lead to the destruction of the squirrel board, loss of controllability and the creation of an emergency on the water.
How long does it take to assemble and disassemble a boat?
With experience and the use of an electric or foot pump, the pumping process takes about 10-15 minutes; assembly of seats and preparation for descent is another 5 minutes; disassembly and drying (if the boat was wet) can take longer, especially in the field.
Do I need to register this boat with GIMS?
Under current Russian law, a small vessel weighing more than 200 kg (with an engine) or with an engine of more than 8 hp (for boats up to 3 meters) is subject to registration. Since the weight of a Typhoon 1.5 ND in running order with a light engine usually does not exceed 200 kg and the engine is weaker than 8 hp, registration is often not required, but the final decision depends on the exact weight of your equipment.
How to repair a puncture in the field?
For temporary repairs, you can use special patches from the remix. For major repairs at home, you need PVC glue (for example, two-component polyurethane) and a degreaser. It is important to strictly follow the instructions for the glue, especially in terms of drying and rolling.