The modern market of small boats offers a wide range of solutions for water recreation, however, Windbott 45 It is a model that represents a trade-off between the compactness of an inflatable rowing vessel and the functionality of a full-fledged motor boat, which is uniquely designed for both family walks and serious sonar fishing and navigation.
The main attraction of the project is its accessibility and the possibility of self-construction. Windboat 45 yourself, using ready-made patterns or buying kits for assembly, which significantly reduces the total cost of ownership. Unlike factory counterparts, homemade assembly allows you to control the quality of each seam and the choice of materials, ensuring the durability of operation.
In this article, we will discuss all aspects of this model in detail, from the technical nuances of the case to recommendations for installing attachments, you will learn why this particular size range is considered the “golden mean” for one or two people, and what mistakes beginners often make when first descent into the water.
Technical specifications and construction of the body
The size of the vessel is a determining factor in its driving performance: the length of 4.5 meters provides sufficient stability even in choppy conditions, and the width allows two adult passengers with a load to comfortably accommodate. deck It is made of moisture-resistant plywood, which gives the rigidity of the entire structure, turning a set of cylinders into a full-fledged vessel with a flat bottom.
The material for cylinders is traditionally high-density reinforced PVC, which is resistant to ultraviolet light, fuel and mechanical damage. The optimal fabric thickness for Windbot 45 is 900 g/sq.m.This is a balance between strength and weight, and it's designed to have multiple independent compartments, which ensures that one of the cylinders is buoyant.
The most important element of the design is sink-boardIt is made of multi-layer plywood and supports the outboard motor. The rigidity of the motor attachment directly affects driving efficiency and safety. In the Windboat 45, the transom is usually reinforced with additional elements or metal inserts to prevent strain under load.
⚠️ Attention: When you build yourself or buy a used boat, be sure to check the condition of the air supply valves. A defective valve can lead to etching air and loss of hardness of cylinders directly on the water.
Capacity and load capacity of the model
The issue of carrying capacity is often decisive when choosing a vessel for multi-day fishing. Windbot 45 Designed to accommodate two people of average build and the necessary equipment. rated carrying capacity usually varies between 400-500 kg, but the actual operating load must be below the limit to maintain driving performance.
The useful space on the deck is distributed rationally, the bow often has a luggage compartment or a knob where you can lay anchor, spare items or products, the central part is occupied by seats (banks), which can also serve as sealed knobs, if the design provides such a possibility.
For fishermen, it is critical to have a place to install sonar Windboat 45's deck design allows removable brackets to be mounted without disturbing the integrity of the cylinders, making the boat a versatile platform for trolling or throwing.
How to distribute weight for better performance?
To achieve maximum speed and stability, heavy loads (batteries, anchors, toolboxes) should be placed closer to the vessel's center of gravity, avoiding shifting the load into the nose or into the sternmost section, which will prevent the nose from burying in a wave or excessive stern differentiation.
Selection of outboard motor and installation
Engine power is what makes a boat a high-speed vessel. For a 4.5-meter-long flat-bottomed model, the optimal power range is 5 to 9.9 hp. Installing a more powerful motor, such as 15 hp, is possible, but requires caution and can lead to yawing at high speeds due to the flat-bottomed hydrodynamics.
When choosing a motor, you should pay attention to the length of the lower unit. Windboat 45 standard length (S) is suitable in most cases, but when fully loaded, the boat can squat, and you will need a motor with an elongated die-drive (L) to prevent cavitation of the screw. graffiti It provides effective focus and controllability.
The motor is mounted either by rods or through slingboards with bolts. The second option is preferable for motors with a capacity of more than 6 hp, since it eliminates vibration and the risk of loss of the engine. Adjusting the angle of inclination (different) allows you to choose the optimal position for glides.
☑️ Check before installing the engine
⚠️ Attention: Never start the motor out of water or when the lower unit is raised without a special nozzle on the water intake, this will cause instant overheating and jamming of the water-cooled pump.
Assembling the boat Windbot 45 himself
Building a boat from a finished set or from drawings is a process that requires careful and technologically adhering. The first step is always to unpack and prepare the deck and transom elements, the plywood must be treated with antiseptics and coated with varnish or epoxy to protect against moisture.
inflatable tubes are connected to the deck with a special lyctross, which is glued or injected into the fabric of PVC. The quality of this seam determines the tightness and durability of the boat. When self-gluing, you need to use two-component glue designed specifically for PVC, and strictly observe the temperature drying regime.
The final step is to install the fittings: ducks for mooring, key holders, rings and handles for carrying. All metal elements must be made of stainless steel or have a reliable corrosion-resistant coating, since contact with water is inevitable.
Use a dryer to warm up the glue when gluing PVC. A temperature of about 50-60 degrees activates the adhesive compound, providing a monolithic compound that cannot be broken without damaging the tissue.
Operation and care of PVC boat
Long service life boats Windbot 45 After every fishing or walk, the vessel must be rinsed with fresh water, especially if it is operated in salt water or a muddy body of water, and the sand and dirt, when dried, act as an abrasive, damaging the protective layer of tissue.
The boat must be stored in a dry, cool place protected from direct sunlight. UV radiation over time destroys the structure of polyvinyl chloride, making it brittle.
Check the pressure in the cylinders regularly.less than 0.2 atm) causes deformation of the bottom and reduced driving performance, and excessive pressure in hot weather can cause rupture of the seams. The optimal working pressure is usually indicated by the manufacturer in the product passport.
| Parameter | Meaning / Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Full length | 4,500 mm | Optimal for 2 people |
| Width | 1600 - 1700 mm | Provides sustainability |
| Load capacity | 500 kg | Taking into account the weight of passengers and motor |
| Engine power | 5 - 9.9bhp. | Maximum 15 hp with caution |
| Weight of kit | 60 - 80 kg | Depends on the thickness of PVC and plywood |
Tuning and refinement for fishing
Owners often seek to improve the basic equipment by adapting the boat to their needs. transformer-table Or additional platforms for mounting gear, which allows you to fish comfortably without taking up useful space on the floor.
Another important element of modernization is the installation of an awning or a running canopy, protection from sun and rain significantly improves comfort during prolonged exposure to the water. Windboat 45 They are often based on arches of stainless pipes fixed in special sockets on cylinders.
Night fishing or dark moves require running lights, which can be mounted on the forward and aft sections of the deck by connecting them to a separate battery, not only a requirement of GIMS rules, but also a safety issue that makes the boat visible to other vessels.
A good tuning system should not overload the boat, and each additional detail increases the weight, which directly affects speed and fuel consumption.
How to keep a boat in the winter?
Winter storage requires a complete drying of the boat. Leave it inflated for a few days in a warm room to evaporate all moisture from the microcracks of the fabric. Then blow the cylinders to a pressure of 0.1 atm (so that the fabric does not "collapse" completely) and put it in a case. It is better to store in a horizontal position or suspended, avoiding contact with sharp objects.
How to seal a cut on PVC in the field?
For emergency repairs, use special self-adhesive remixes. The surface must be degreased and warmed. However, such repairs are considered temporary. To restore the integrity of the cylinder, professional hot gluing is required with a patch of the same material in the workshop.
Can Windbot 45 be used at sea?
Use at sea is possible in coastal areas in quiet weather, but flat bottoms are not designed for sea waves, and salt water requires careful washing after each exit. For regular sea trips, boats with inflatable floor of NDNDM or keel models of thicker PVC are better suited.
What is the real speed with a 9.9 hp engine?
With one person and a minimum load, the Windbot 45 boat with a 9.9 hp engine is able to reach speeds of up to 20-25 km / h. At full load (two people, cargo, full tank), the speed decreases to 15-18 km / h.
Do I need to register a boat with GIMS?
According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, small vessels weighing more than 200 kg (in running order) or with an engine power of more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp) are subject to registration. Windbott 45 With a motor up to 10 hp and a light kit can be within the limit of 200 kg, it often does not require registration, but the final decision depends on the weight of the particular instance and the documents on the engine.