In the world of water-motor technology abbreviation PVC It's long since gone from being just a label for a material to being synonymous with reliability and accessibility. boats Dec.They're designed to be a great choice for fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts, and they're designed for those who are looking for a balance between the maneuverability of an inflatable vessel and the stability of a rigid hull.
The popularity of the products is due to the use of modern composite materials, such as: plastic-deck, which is much lighter than plywood and is not prone to rotting. boats Dec.You get a versatile tool for fishing, hunting or just cruising on a pond, and it's important to understand that each model has its own design features that affect driving performance and carrying capacity.
In this article, we will discuss the technical details, compare the different modifications and give practical tips for care. squirrel-boat This brand is often chosen by professionals, and how to properly prepare the vessel for the first launch, a competent approach to choosing will ensure you years of safe operation.
Design features and materials
The basis of durability of any inflatable boat is the quality of the fabric used. Dec's boats They are made from high-strength five-layer polyvinyl chloride, which has excellent resistance to ultraviolet light and mechanical damage. The density of the material varies depending on the model, but most often ranges from 750 to 1100 g / m2, which ensures tightness even when in contact with sharp stones or snags.
Particular attention should be paid to the use of the so-called deca-plasticThis composite material is used to make floorboards (floors) and transoms in some models, and unlike traditional plywood, it does not absorb moisture, does not swell, and does not require regular painting or varnishing, which significantly reduces the overall weight of the vessel, which is critical when carrying gear to the descent.
The seams on the products are performed by hot welding, which creates a monolithic connection, stronger than the material itself. inflatable tubes They're divided into independent compartments, each with its own valve, which ensures that even if one side is damaged, the boat stays afloat, allowing the crew to safely reach the shore.
⚠️ Note: When buying, be sure to check the quality certificates for PVC fabric. Cheap analogues can contain harmful impurities and have a significantly lower durability, especially when operating in hot weather.
The transom part where the motor is attached is reinforced with additional fiberglass or composite linings, which allows the engines to be installed up to the stern declared in the passport without risking deformation. The transom design often involves adjusting the inclination angle of the lower unit, which optimizes driving performance.
Overview of the model range: from compact to cargo
The manufacturer offers a wide range of modifications adapted for different tasks. Rowing models They are lightweight and easy to assemble, ideal for small bodies of water or as auxiliary vessels, and are compact in transport and quickly ready.
For motor thrust lovers are designed transomThey are equipped with a rigid or inflatable transom designed to fit electric motors or low-power gasoline engines, and flat-bottom models are popular in this category, providing excellent stability when fishing standing or in overgrown places.
A separate niche is occupied hard-bottomed The hard floor of deca plastic or aluminum allows you to stand on your feet during wiring, which is highly appreciated by spinning, and these vessels are better on course and easier to glid when installing a powerful engine.
When choosing a size, you need to take into account not only the number of passengers, but also the amount of equipment. Load capacity Always indicated with a margin, but real operation with a full load requires careful attention to weight distribution. Overloaded boat loses driving performance and becomes dangerous on the wave.
Comparative table of specifications of popular models
To make the selection process easier, we've developed a technical data matrix that will help you quickly navigate the differences between basic and advanced modifications, and pay attention to the length and width parameters, because they directly affect stability.
| Model | Length (cm) | Width (cm) | Load capacity (kg) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deca-220 | 220 | 110 | 200 | 18 |
| Deca-260 M | 260 | 125 | 300 | 24 |
| Dec-290 T | 290 | 135 | 400 | 29 |
| Dec-320 Zh | 320 | 145 | 500 | 36 |
As can be seen from the data, with an increase in dimensions, not only the payload increases, but also the mass of the product itself. Models of the "G" series (hard bottom) will be heavier than the inflatable floor, but will provide incomparably greater comfort. For single fishing, models up to 260 cm in length are often enough.
When operating in two, it is recommended to choose options with a width of 130 cm This will provide the necessary space for placing two fishermen and gear without the risk of disruption of the centering. Narrow boats They are more maneuverable, but less resistant to side rolling.
Operation and preparation for launch
Proper preparation of the vessel for the water is a guarantee of safety and long service. Before each trip, you need to conduct a visual inspection for cuts, punctures or weakening of the seams. Pay special attention to the places where the cylinders dock with the bottom and transom.
The cylinders must be pumped to the operating pressure specified in the instructions (usually 0.2-0.25 atm). hull-down It's warped, and pumped in the sun can burst, and in the sun, the pressure inside the cylinders increases, so in hot weather, it's better to get a little under-performed when assembled in the shade.
☑️ Pre-descent check
Installation of attachments, such as holders of rods, sonar or canopy, should be carried out strictly according to the instructions. Velcro straps And the mounting sites are glued only to the low-fat surface using a special glue for PVC. Violation of the sticking technology will lead to the removal of the elements at the most inopportune time.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight unattended. The thermal expansion of air can cause joints to rupture or deformation of valves.
When you go out on the water with petrol-engine Make sure the transom plate is securely fixed. Dramatic jerks at start can displace an improperly installed engine, which can lead to the loss of a screw or water entering the cockpit. Swimming requires smooth addition of gas to avoid goats.
Maintenance and repair
The maintenance of the Deca boat does not require complex manipulations, but regularity is key. After each operation, especially in salt water or muddy waters, the vessel must be thoroughly washed with fresh water. Sand and siltStuck in folds, act as an abrasive, rubbing the fabric when blown.
Drying is a critical step, and folding wet products is strictly forbidden, because it causes mold formation and tissue breakdown, and you need to dry cylinders and paioles in the shade, in the spread form, and direct sunlight when drying is as harmful as when storing.
How do you properly seal a puncture?
Repairs will require a remix that comes with the equipment. Clean and degrease the damage site, apply glue to both surfaces, let it dry for 10-15 minutes, then press the patch hard and leave it under load for a day. For major damage, use two-component polyurethane adhesives.
Storage is carried out in a dry room at a temperature of -20 to +40 degrees. Winter storage In an unheated garage, it is permissible, but before that the boat must be completely cleaned and dried, and it is recommended to inflate the boat periodically (once a season) to check the tightness and elasticity of the seams.
To extend the service life, lubricate the valves with silicone lubrication once a season - this will prevent the mechanism from sticking and ensure tightness.
Minor repairs, such as valve replacement or sealing of a small cut, can be done on your own in the field, but serious damage to the frame or transom is best trusted by specialists in service centers that use professional welding equipment.
Water safety and legal regulations
The operation of small vessels is regulated by the rules of GIMS, and their observance is mandatory for each owner. Dec's boatsLike any other boat, it has to be equipped with life jackets, which are the number of passengers, and not wearing a vest is not only a fine, but a direct risk to life.
It is important to monitor the maximum load. Excess load capacity even by 10-15% critically reduces the height of the board above waterThis makes the boat vulnerable to wave swamping, and in windy weather or ripples, the buoyancy should be as high as possible.
When using the motor, you need to consider its power relative to the specifications of the transom. Installing an engine that is too powerful on a light inflatable boat can lead to breakage of the transom board and rollover. Electric motors This is safer, but requires battery control.
Safety on the water does not depend on the price of the boat, but on the discipline of the crew and compliance with the rules of operation and loading.
Registration in GIMS is required for boats longer than 3 meters or with an engine of more than 8 hp (norms may change, specify the current legislation). The presence of navigation lights is mandatory when getting on the water at night or in conditions of limited visibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use Dec's boat in the cold?
PVC material in the extreme cold (below -15°C) becomes rigid and fragile. Operation is possible, but requires extreme caution: avoid impacts on the ice and sharp inflections. Storage in the cold is permissible, but assembly and disassembly should be carried out in a warm room.
Which glue is best for repair?
For quality repair, two-component polyurethane adhesives (such as Kleyberg or Texacol) create an elastic and water-resistant seam. Conventional rubber adhesives ("Moment") give a temporary effect and are not suitable for constant contact with water.
How long has a PVC boat been in operation?
With proper operation, storage in the shade and regular care, the service life of a quality Dec boat is 7-10 years or more. The main enemy of PVC is ultraviolet, so storage under a canopy or in a case significantly prolongs the life of the product.
Do I need to register a boat with an electric motor?
Registration depends on the total mass of the boat in running order and the power of the engine. If the boat with the engine and battery exceeds 200 kg, or the engine power exceeds 8 hp (for some categories), registration is mandatory.