The search for a reliable boat for fishing or resting on the water often leads fans of active leisure to consider the classic forms of housing. Welbot 390 It's not just another model on the market, but a time-tested variant that combines proven marine architecture and modern materials. The bow shape, dubbed the "welbot", allows you to effectively dissect even a noticeable wave, which makes such boats especially popular on large reservoirs and coastal areas.
Why is 390 centimeters the middle ground? This length provides enough space to accommodate 3-4 people, while maintaining an acceptable weight and dimensions as assembled. Unlike its more compact counterparts, this model is capable of carrying a more powerful motor, which is critical for quickly reaching the catching point. Operation Such a vessel requires an understanding of the features of its design, but the result in the form of stability and comfort fully justifies the costs.
Modern manufacturers offer different modifications, different tissue density, transect design and the availability of additional options. You will have to understand the technical details, so as not to overpay for unnecessary functions or, conversely, not to miss a critical safety element. Let's take a detailed look at what lies behind the labeling "390" and why this shape of the case remains relevant for decades.
Design features of the shell and cylinders
The basis of any inflatable boat is its cylinders. velbot 390 They're usually divided into several independent compartments, which ensures buoyancy even if one of them is damaged, and the shape of the bow, which resembles an inverted lifeboat, is created by specially pasting the bottom and the geometry of the cylinders, and it's not just aesthetics, but an engineering solution that reduces the impact load on passengers when they travel on the wave.
The material of manufacture is most often reinforced PVC (polyvinyl chloride). The density of the fabric varies from 750 to 1100 g / m2, and the choice here depends on the operating conditions. For quiet fishing on the lake, the easier option is suitable, whereas for sea walks or rocky rivers you need to go. reinforced PVC density of 1100 g/m2The joints can be made by gluing or welding, the second option is considered more reliable in the long term.
⚠️ Attention: When buying, carefully examine the joints of cylinders. The presence of air bubbles under the glue layer or uneven "flows" may indicate a violation of production technology, which will lead to depressurization under load.
An important element of the design is the beam, which is a thickening around the perimeter of the boat, which protects the sides from impacts on the berth, rocks or the sides of other boats. In a 3.9-meter model, the presence of a powerful shingle beam is a must, because the sailing and inertia of the vessel when mooring are already quite large, and the absence of this element significantly reduces the life of the craft.
Bottom and stiffness: NDND vs. solder floor
The choice of bottom type is perhaps the most important issue when buying a boat velbot 390, which directly depends on the speed of assembly, weight of the kit and driving performance. There are two main types: low-pressure inflatable floor (LDP) and hard plywood or aluminum floor, each option has its adherents and clearly defined range of tasks.
Boats from NDMA They're going to be pumped out in minutes, they're going to be pumped up, they're going to be able to swim, they're going to be keel-shaped, but they're going to be crushed under weight, they're going to have hammock effects, and they're not going to be able to go fast because of sailing and they're not going to be hard-planing, and they're a choice for people who value transportation comfort and don't chase speed records.
The floorboard design involves the assembly of the floor from individual plates (floorboards), which are inserted inside the body and fixed by stringers. Aluminum stringers Or wooden bruises create a rigid frame, turning the boat into a full-fledged boat, and you can stand on the bottom with confidence, it keeps the shape better on the wave and allows you to go to the plane with less engine power, but it weighs much more, and it takes 20-40 minutes to assemble.
☑️ Checking the configuration of the solder boat
There's also an intermediate version, the slate on inflatable tubes, which is a set of rigid plates that are stacked on an inflated bottom, which is a compromise that allows you to keep the weight relatively low and make it easier to build, while getting a harder surface than pure NDNDM. For the velbot 390, this option may be interesting for those who often change locations and do not want to carry heavy plywood sheets.
Tran and motorization requirements
The transom is the heart of the engine compartment of the 390 velbot, and that's where the engine is attached, and the quality of the performance of this part depends on your safety. In boats of this size, the transom is usually reinforced, designed for power from 10 to 18 hp. It is important to understand that the actual power that the boat will withstand depends not only on the thickness of the plywood of the transom, but also on the way it is attached to the cylinders.
The optimal power of the engine for a length of 3.9 meters varies in the range of 9.9-15 hp Two-stroke engines are preferable because of the lower weight, which is critical for inflatable boats. Four-stroke analogues are heavier, but more economical and quieter. When choosing a motor, you need to consider the load capacity of the boat: if you plan to take 3-4 people and equipment, the power reserve of 9.9 hp may not be enough to get on plane.
| Motor type | Power (hp) | Weight (kg) | Recommended loading |
|---|---|---|---|
| two-stroke | 9.9 | ~25-28 | 1-2 people, calm water |
| two-stroke | 15.0 | ~28-32 | 2-3 people, wave up to 0.5 m |
| four-stroke | 9.9 | ~35-38 | 1-2 people, long-distance crossings |
| four-stroke | 15.0 | ~40-45 | 2-3 people, economical mode |
The transom is attached to the cylinders through special "ears" or along the entire width, the second option is more reliable, since it distributes the load from the engine evenly. transom plate It should be protected from water, because constant contact with moisture leads to plywood stratification. Some manufacturers offer transverses of composite materials that do not have this disadvantage, but are more expensive.
What happens if you exceed the power limit?
Exceeding the recommended engine power leads to a sharp increase in load on the transom and cylinders in the aft part, which can cause the transom to tear off, depressurization of the seams or even overturning the boat due to loss of course stability at high speed.
Comfort and ergonomics: seats and fittings
Being on the water for several hours requires a comfortable landing. The basic equipment of the 390 cyclbot often includes simple sleigh seats, which are plywood boards inserted into the lyctross. Sitting on them is hard and uncomfortable, especially on the wave, so experienced water engines immediately think about upgrading.
There are several types of seats:
- 🪑 Turning chairs on platforms - provide maximum comfort and the ability to turn in any direction, but take up a lot of space and weigh the boat.
- 🛶 Back seats A compromise option that allows you to lean on, maintaining mobility.
- 📦 Box banks - functional solution, where the seat is simultaneously a sealed lock for storing things.
Furniture is also important: the presence of a perimeter flap allows passengers to keep up while driving along the wave. Fishing (special cables along the sides of the boat) are necessary for anchoring or moving around the boat during fishing, so as not to step on the bottom. Quality fittings must be made of stainless steel or brass, since ordinary metal will quickly be covered with rust in salt water.
To increase comfort on a solder boat, use special overhead mattresses made of foam material. They do not absorb water, easily wash and turn the hard bottom into a comfortable place to relax.
Comparison with competitors and market analogues
The inflatable boat market is full of offers, and the 390 wellboat competes with both domestic and foreign brands. The main competitors in this size class are the Frigate, Aqua or Korean Hunter series. What makes the wellboat stand out? First of all, the shape of the bow, which works better on the oncoming wave than the classic rowing nose.
Domestic manufacturers often win in the price and availability of spare parts. Chinese counterparts may offer lower prices, but the quality of PVC and glue sometimes raises questions. European brands set quality standards, but their price can be 2-3 times higher. When choosing, you should pay attention to the guarantee: serious manufacturers give from 1 to 3 years on the material and seams.
When comparing performance, it's important to look not only at length, but also at width. The 390 is usually about 1.5-1.6 meters wide. The narrower models will be faster but less stable. The wider ones will be more stable, but heavier and slower. The balance between these parameters determines the final model score.
Operation, storage and care
The durability of the 390 is directly dependent on proper care. PVC is afraid of ultraviolet light, so it is not recommended to leave the boat in the sun for a long time without needing. After each operation, especially in salt water, the boat must be washed with fresh water and thoroughly dried before packaging.
Keep the boat straightened or deflated, but not compressed. The optimal storage temperature is between -20 and +40 degrees Celsius. Sudden temperature changes can negatively affect the adhesive seams. If you use the boat in winter, remember that PVC becomes hard and vulnerable to impacts in the cold, so maneuvers should be smooth.
⚠️ Warning: Never keep a boat near heaters or open flames. PVC is a combustible material and can release toxic substances when heated.
Check the pressure in the cylinders regularly. Under-pumped boat loses its driving qualities and becomes vulnerable to punctures. Pumped boat in the sun can burst due to air expansion. Use a pressure gauge to monitor: the optimal pressure is usually 0.2-0.25 atm (depending on manufacturer's recommendations).
Proper drying and storage of the boat velbot 390 in straightened form or in a spacious bag at room temperature extends the service life of the product by 2 times.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the real load capacity of the boat 390?
The nominal load capacity is usually 500-600 kg. However, for comfortable and safe operation, it is recommended to load the boat no more than 70-80% of the maximum, that is, 350-450 kg. This will take into account the weight of the engine, fuel, equipment and passengers.
Can I put a 390 electric motor on a wheelbot?
Yes, electric motors are possible and even welcome for quiet fishing, lighter than gasoline, which reduces the load on the transom, but the limited battery life and weight, which is also part of the total load capacity, should be considered.
How to seal a boat velbot in the field?
For urgent repairs, use self-adhesive remixes. Clean and degrease the puncture site, patch and press tightly. For major repairs, it is better to use two-component polyurethane adhesive and warm the dryer gluing site, but this requires dry conditions and time for polymerization.
Do I need to register a 390 cm boat in GIMS?
According to the current rules of the Russian Federation, registration is subject to small vessels weighing more than 200 kg (in running order) OR with an engine of more than 8 kW (about 10.88 hp). If your boat is lighter than 200 kg and the engine is weaker than 10.88 hp, registration is not required.