Choosing a swimming vehicle is always about finding a compromise between load capacity, stability and weight. velbotIt's a well-deservedly considered one of the best solutions for fishing in large bodies of water, and unlike the classic flat-bottoms, this shape of the body provides excellent germination on the wave and excellent handling at speed.
Modern PVC production technologies have made such vessels available to a wide range of water engines. Keel structure When combined with high sides, they create unique comfort conditions that are not available to owners of simple inflatable boats, which is why many anglers who once tried a kelboat do not return to a flat bottom.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what this geometry of the housing is, what technical features it has and why. velbot It can be your main boat for any water body, and you'll learn about the nuances of building, operating and maintaining this type of vessel.
Design features of the velbot body
The main distinguishing feature of the velbot is the shape of the bottom, which resembles an inverted letter "V" with a rounded transition to the sides. This geometry is not accidental: it is designed to break the wave, not hit it with a plane. Carbon keel system It gives the vessel stability, which is critical when moving against the wind or current.
The boards of the velbots are generally of considerable height and often consist of several inflatable tubes, which not only improves safety, but also creates additional volume, increasing the overall overall volume of the aircraft. loading capacity The high side also protects the crew from splashes, which makes the voyage comfortable even in severe excitement.
⚠️ Attention: High sides of the velbot have increased sailing. In a strong side wind, the boat can be very demolished, so you need to take this factor into account when maneuvering and be sure to use an anchor for parking.
An important element of the design is graffitiIn velbots, it is usually reinforced, because the shape of the body implies the possibility of installing more powerful motors than flat-bottoms, the rigidity of the structure is provided by a system of stringers and an inflatable keel, which, when pumped, acts as a powerful spanger.
Advantages over flat-bottomed models
Why do experienced water-powered boats choose a wellboat? The answer lies in the behavior of the boat on the water. The flat bottom holds the static perfectly and is convenient for throwing the spinning from the spot, but on the move it creates hard blows against the wave. Whipped bottom The velbot softens these strikes, making the move smooth and predictable.
And the velbots have the best. planingWhen a boat reaches a certain speed, it jumps out of the water, resting on the keel, which reduces drag and fuel consumption, and this is especially true for long-distance passages on large rivers and reservoirs.
Let’s compare the main specifications of the two types of bottom:
| Characterization | Flat bottom (Ploscodon) | Keelbottom (Welbot) |
|---|---|---|
| Resilience on the wave | Low (hard punch) | High (soft stroke) |
| Management | Medium ( yaw) | Excellent (holds course) |
| Wind resistance | High (small sailing) | Medium (high sides) |
| Speed of exit to plane | Quickly. | It requires more power. |
Materials and quality of execution
The durability of the boat depends on the quality of the boat used. PVC materialFor velbots with severe strains on tearing and abrasion, a five-layer reinforced fabric is usually used, with a density of 750 to 1150 g/m2.
Special attention should be paid to the quality of the seams. slush (fly-wheeling), while professional boats are assembled by hot vulcanization, the second option ensures the monolithic structure, eliminating the stratification of the seams under pressure.
And don't forget the hardware. Cast aluminum The mounting elements of switches, stretchers and valves last much longer than plastic counterparts, and the reliability of these components is tested at the purchase stage, since their replacement in the field is almost impossible.
When buying a boat, pay attention to valves: it is better to choose models with a metal valve body and a rubber seal, they are less susceptible to breakages in the cold.
The influence of form on seaworthiness
The seaworthiness of the whaleboat is its trump card, and because of its sharp nose and keeliness, it doesn't burrow into the wave with its nose, it cuts it apart, and it allows you to safely navigate even in the wind of 5-7 meters per second, which is already a storm for a flat-bottomed boat.
Stability is another important parameter. A wide cockpit and properly distributed cylinders create a floating effect, preventing the boat from easily flipping over, but it is worth remembering that the center of gravity in the velbots is higher than in flat-botnets, which causes the boat to be more resistant to the surface. strait-up The sides may be more noticeable.
For open water fishing, the velbot is perfect, and it allows you to feel confident in the depths, where there is often a rocking wave, which is invisible from the shore, and the stability of the hook or sonar is much higher in such conditions.
Operation and assembly of the boat
Building a velbot takes more time and effort than inflating a simple flatboat, and having an inflatable keel, stringers and a complex system of cylinders dictates its rules, and it's important to follow the pumping sequence so that you don't skew the structure.
☑️ Algorithm of Proper Welbot Assembly
Always inflated first. balkThe keel pressure must be maximum (usually 0.2-0.25 atm) to ensure the stiffness of the boat's spine.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight unattended. The air pressure inside the cylinders rises with the temperature, which can cause the seams to rupture.
The boat's laying has its nuances, too. PVC fabric It's not stuck or damaged, and it's recommended that you fold it up very tightly, alternating the direction of the folds at each package, and that will prolong the life of the material.
Compatibility with motors and attachments
The velbots are generally designed to be more powerful than flat-bottomed engines of the same length, and the shape of the body makes it possible to use the propeller's thrust more efficiently. transmature and the angle of the motor.
The long leg motors are characteristic of the wheelbots, which allows the screw to be raised higher without cavitation on corners. slab-slab Or the possibility of installing them, which improves the output for planing and reduces yaw.
As for attachments, the high sides of the velbot provide ample opportunities for installation, you can install sonars, spinning holders, anchor winches and even small awnings without fear of the stable position of the cargo.
The secret to fuel economy on the velbot
Properly setting the engine and adjusting the lower unit angle can save up to 15% of fuel. Experiment with the angle to find a position where the boat goes flat without burrowing your nose or lifting it too high.
Comparison of popular models and price segment
The market offers many modifications of the velbots from different manufacturers, you can distinguish several price categories, each of which has its own specifications of the configuration and quality of materials.
The budget segment is dominated by fly-seaters and standard PVC density, which are great for relaxing fishing in lakes and small rivers. reinforced, reinforced trans and warranty for seams.
When choosing, you should focus not only on price, but also on the reputation of the brand and the availability of remixes. A boat is an investment for years, and savings at the initial stage can come out sideways with active operation.
The optimal choice for universal use is a boat with a length of 3.2-3.6 meters with a PVC density of at least 900 g / m2 and a reinforced transom for an outboard motor up to 10 hp.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it difficult to build a boat by yourself?
It takes longer to assemble a velbot than a flatbot because of the keel and the stringers, and you can do it alone, but you have to adjust the stringers and control the pumping symmetry, and an experienced user can do it in 15 to 20 minutes.
Which motor is better for a 3.5 meter velbot?
For a length of 3.5 meters, the optimal is the engine with a capacity of 9.9-15 hp This will allow you to confidently go on planing with one or two passengers and cargo. Lesser engines (5-6 hp) will work at the limit, especially against the wave.
Can I use a velbot in winter?
You can use PVC boats in winter, but with caution. The material in the cold blubbers and becomes sensitive to impacts. You need to use special frost-resistant greases for the valves and avoid sharp curvatures at sub-zero temperatures.
What is the main difference between a kelbot and a catamaran?
The wellbot has a single solid keel bottom formed by cylinders, whereas the catamaran consists of two separate float cylinders connected by a frame or inflated deck.