Choosing a swimming vehicle for fishing or resting on the water is always a search for a balance between price, reliability and functionality. In the segment of budget and medium-priced boats, a special place is occupied by products known as the trademark. timenThese vessels have been popular with water-engineers for many years, offering proven solutions for both quiet rowing enthusiasts and avid anglers using outboard motors.
But when it comes to a particular manufacturer, many buyers get confused, because the name Taimen is used by different manufacturers in different regions, and also applies to boats made of different materials. PVC inflatable boats classic metal boat Understanding who exactly made your potential acquisition is critical to finding parts, remixes and evaluating build quality.
In this article, we will discuss the history of the brand, identify the main manufacturers, compare modifications and give expert recommendations for choosing. You will learn how different models with different keels, which transom will withstand a more powerful engine and what to look for when buying a used copy.
Who is the manufacturer of Taimen boats
The brand situation timen Historically, the name has become a household name, like Xerox for copiers, long the main and most famous manufacturer of boats under this brand was the Novosibirsk Metalservice plant (or related structures in the Novosibirsk region), specializing in the production of aluminum motorcycles.
However, the PVC vessel market is also using the name, and there are a number of companies that produce inflatable boats of the series. timenThey're basically the same as the classic forms, but they're made of polyvinyl chloride. aluminum-hullYou need contacts from suppliers, and if you need glue for PVC tubes The official manufacturer of the classic “aluminum” is considered to be the Novosibirsk enterprise, while inflatable versions can be produced in different cities, including Barnaul or St. Petersburg, under a license or as independent projects.
When buying a Taimen boat, always check the number on the transom or the tag on the cylinder, which can accurately identify the year of manufacture and manufacturer, which is important for the warranty.
To date, two main areas can be distinguished:
- 🏭 Aluminum production plant: Classic boats with welded hull, often with boules and keel, designed to install the engine.
- 🎈 Production of PVC analogues: Inflatable boats that copy the contours of metal prototypes, but lighter and transportable.
Consumers should be careful, as the quality of plastic or thickness of aluminum can vary depending on the batch and year of production. If the standards for aluminum boats are more unified (AMG alloy), the density of PVC fabrics in different Taimeni can vary from 750 to 1100 g / sq.m.
Review of the model range: from rowing to motor
A model line called timen The largest group of vessels is the propulsion and bottom design, which are the propulsion and rowing boats, which allow both oars and outboard motors up to 5-8 hp.
Special attention should be paid to the models with keel (TBD) and models with hard-plyThe former provide better seaworthiness and stability on the wave, because the keel works as a stabilizer. The latter are easier to assemble, but can lose in speed and stability when going to planing. For fishing in reeds, flat-bottomed versions are often chosen without protruding elements.
Let’s look at the main features of popular modifications:
- 🚣 TIME-280/320: Compact models, often rowing or under a low-power electric motor, are ideal for fishing alone in small bodies of water.
- ⚓ Time 350/380: It's a middle ground, and it lets you plane with a 5-9.9 hp engine with one passenger and load.
- 🌊 Time 420 or more: Full-fledged family or fishing boats that withstand the wave and allow the installation of attachments (echo sounders, anchor winches).
It is important to note that the load capacity declared by the manufacturer is often given by the weight of the boat itself. Therefore, the actual payload is always less than the passport one. When choosing a full-equipment two-man model, it is better to take a boat with a margin of length and volume of cylinders.
Technical specifications and comparison of modifications
To objectively assess the capabilities of the boat timen You need to look at the dry numbers, and comparing the different modifications shows how the functionality changes with the size, and the key parameters are length, width, load capacity and recommended engine power.
Below is a table showing the evolution of specifications according to model size, and the data is averaged for standard trim levels from the main manufacturers using this brand.
| Model | Length (cm) | Width (cm) | Load capacity (kg) | Engine power (hp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time 280 | 280 | 120 | 250 | 2-3 (electric) |
| Time 320 | 320 | 135 | 350 | 3-5 |
| Time 350 | 350 | 140 | 450 | 5-8 |
| Time 380 | 380 | 145 | 550 | 9.9-15 |
| Time 420 | 420 | 150 | 700 | 15-25 |
As you can see from the table, even 30-40 centimeters of length increase significantly in usable area and load capacity. boat-weightIf the aluminum Taimen 380 weighs about 40-50 kg (depending on the package with boules and floorboard), then its PVC analogue can weigh 50-60 kg with bags, which is critical if you plan to unload on shore alone.
The optimal ratio of size and handling for one angler with a motor is the length of 350-360 cm Less - tight and wet, more - difficult to transport and unfold.
Materials of manufacture: Aluminum vs PVC
Choosing between metal and polyvinyl chloride is an eternal dilemma. timen The unique thing is that both of them are named, and they're called the aluminum versions. AMGThey are not afraid of fire sparks, sharp stones on the shore or the claws of predatory fish, and the life of such a housing is calculated in decades, if electrochemical corrosion is not allowed.
On the other hand, modern PVC materials used in inflatable versions of Taimen often have a density. 1100 g/sqm This makes them comparable in strength to light metal, but gives you a huge gain in comfort. inflatable tubes work as shock absorbers, extinguishing shocks against the wave, which is especially valuable for long fishing. In addition, PVC boats can be folded into the trunk of a sedan, which will never allow a rigid hull.
Secrets of PVC durability
The most common problems with PVC boats are not due to tears, but to the stratification of the seams. To avoid this, after every fishing in salt water (or just dirty) the boat should be rinsed with fresh water and dried in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight, which destroys the ultraviolet stabilizer of the tissue.
However, each material has its weaknesses:
- ⚙️ Aluminum: Noise (vibration insulation is required), inability to fold, risk of getting a dent in a strong impact, which can disrupt the geometry of the seam.
- 🎈 PVC: The risk of puncture, the need for constant pumping (pressure varies from temperature), more complex repairs in the field (you need glue, degreaser, time to dry).
If you fish mainly on one pond where you can leave the boat on the porch or in the garage, aluminum may be more convenient. If each trip is a logistic journey with the passage of stairs and narrow openings, then PVC-Taimen will be the only choice.
Operation and maintenance of Taimen boats
No matter what material, any boat needs maintenance. aluminum-taimen The main enemy is the galvanic steam. If you use a boat in salt water, be sure to install zinc treads on the transom and under the keel. They will break down, protecting the body from corrosion. It is also recommended to regularly lubricate the hinges of the switches and mountings of the cans.
Owners. PVC versions You need to monitor the pressure in the cylinders, pumped in the sun boat can burst at the seam, and under-performed boat can lose driving performance and wear out faster in the folds. 0.2-0.25 bar (250 mm Hg), but in the heat it is better to burn to 0.18-0.2 bar.
☑️ Seasonal boat maintenance
Pay special attention to the transom, which is the maximum loading point. motorboatOn aluminum boats, the slab bolts sometimes weaken, and on PVC, a soft insert can deform for an outboard motor pressure. Regular threading is a mandatory procedure before each season.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave the Taimen PVC boat ashore in direct sunlight unattended, and the pressure inside the cylinders is growing faster than it seems and can exceed the strength of the seam, especially if the boat is dark and heated.
Tuning and improvement: how to improve the boat
The basic equipment of the Taimen boat is often minimalist, many owners are looking to improve the ergonomics and functionality of their vessel. rynd** (snanda) This is a whistle, but in the context of boats, they're more likely to mean dips and additional mounts, and by installing additional D-rings, you can attach the anchor, the lift, or the safety tack to the engine.
Another important element of tuning is bottom protection: PVC boats are equipped with special protective tapes (swaft profiles) that are glued on the sides, which saves the cylinders from abrasion on the piers and reeds. For aluminum boats, noise insulation of the transom and bottom with special vibration plates is relevant, which makes staying in the boat more comfortable and allows you to hear the splash of fish, rather than the roar of the engine.
When you install the sonar on the Taimen boat, use a quick-removal mount, which will allow you to quickly remove the sensor when pulling the boat onto a gentle shore, avoiding the sensor impact on the ground.
Storage improvements are also popular: Installing small bags on the bow of a boat or inside cylinders (special pockets) frees up floorboard. Night fishing requires LED lighting, powered by a primary or secondary battery, which is not only convenient, but also required by small boat registration rules to mark a boat at night.
⚠️ Attention: When drilling holes in an aluminum tuning case, be sure to use a seam sealant (for example, polyurethane or special marine sealants). Conventional silicone may not withstand the vibrations and temperature expansions of the metal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I put a 9.9 hp engine on the Taimen 320 boat?
Technically, you can, and the boat will hold and get on plane. However, for a length of 320 cm and a standard width, this can be dangerous: the boat will prowl, increases the risk of flooding and flipping. The manufacturer usually recommends engines up to 5-6 hp for this size. Operation with a 9.9 hp engine is possible only with experienced water-engines at perfect weather and proper loading.
What glue is best for repairing Taimen PVC boats?
The original adhesive from the manufacturer is the best option if it is available. If not, use two-component polyurethane adhesives (such as Kleyberg, Texacoll or specialized adhesives for PVC fabrics). Importantly, the adhesive should be for PVC, not a universal "moment." Before gluing, be sure to clean the surface and degrease (acetone or specialty).
Do I need to register the Taimen boat in GIMS?
Registration is required if the weight of the equipped boat (hull weight + attachment weight: transom, seats, anchor) exceeds 200 kg OR if the power of the installed engine exceeds 8 kW (about 10.8 hp). Most models of Taimen with a motor up to 5 hp and a light body are not subject to registration, but the presence of documents (check, passport) for the boat and the engine must be carried.
Where to find plans or schemes for repairing Taimen boats?
Official drawings are rarely publicly available. PVC canister cutting schemes can be found on powerboating forums or in Taimen boat owners' groups on social media. Aluminum boats are often helped by forums where enthusiasts share measurements and schemes of translance reinforcement or boules.