The modern market of small craft offers a wide range of materials, but it is the Low pressure polyethylene (LDPE) Unlike conventional PVC or aluminum, this material has a unique combination of plasticity and strength, making it an ideal candidate for challenging operating conditions. When we talk about HDPE boats, the pros and cons often mix in the mind of the layman, creating myths about "unsinkability" or, conversely, "fragility."
Actually, rotationalThe PVCs used in these enclosures allow seamless monolithic structures to be created, which changes the way we approach tightness. However, like any material, HDPE has its own physical limitations that you need to know about before you buy them. In this article, we'll look at the actual performance specifications so you can make an informed decision.
It is important to understand that choosing a swimming remedy is always a compromise between cost, weight and durability. Polymer shells They occupy their niche, successfully competing with metal and composites, but require a specific approach to maintenance and storage.
Physical properties of the PND material
The basis for the production of these boats is food polyethylene, which, during the heating and rotation of the form, turns into a strong but elastic shell. The key feature of the material is its ability to deform under load and return to its original shape, if the elasticity limit is not exceeded. fiberglasswhich may crack when struck, or aluminum which gets dented.
However, the material is afraid of ultraviolet light and high temperatures under prolonged exposure. UV stabilizers And soot, which paints the boats in dark colors (black, gray, blue), which is why bright, flashy colors are rare for HDPE, they quickly burn out and lose strength.
The polyethylene density is lower than the water density, which theoretically gives the boat a positive buoyancy even in full flooding, but in practice it depends on the design of the board and the availability of additional cameras. Unlike foam inserts, the HDPE material itself does not absorb water, but can lose strength when heated above 80 degrees Celsius.
When choosing the color of the boat from the HDPE, give preference to dark colors (graphite, blue, khaki) - they contain more stabilizers and serve longer in the sun.
The main advantages of polyethylene boats
The first thing that you notice when you look at it is that there are absolutely no welds and rivets. rotomolding It allows you to have a solid body that has nothing to leak in, and it's a huge plus for those who don't want to do regular sealing of joints, as is the case with aluminum Kazankas.
The second important aspect is impact resistance, because it's hard to punch a sharp rock or a log at speed, and when it hits an obstacle, it just doubts and then straightens, and it makes these boats ideal for shallow water, reed lakes and fishing in difficult conditions. aluminum I'd get multiple dents.
- 🛡️ High resistance to abrasion and mechanical damage to the body.
- 🌊 Complete inertia to water, salt solutions and most chemicals.
- 🔨 The possibility of self-restore shape after deformation (memory phenomenon).
- ❄️ Excellent frost resistance - the material does not swell and does not crack at sub-zero temperatures.
And it's also not corrosive, and rust, the eternal enemy of metal boats, just can't come from here, you don't have to paint the bottom or treat it with corrosion-resistant compounds, which reduces the cost of maintenance.
The main advantage of HDPE is the combination of high impact resistance and the absence of the need for anti-corrosion treatment throughout the service life.
Significant shortcomings and limitations
Despite the obvious advantages, there are serious downsides to the material, which are often ignored by vendors: first and foremost, sensitivity to temperature during operation. If you plan to use a boat with a powerful engine, you need to be careful: exhaust fumes and heating the transom can lead to softening of the material.
The second disadvantage is weight: HDPE boats are much heavier than aluminum counterparts of the same dimension, which is because the walls of the plastic case must be thicker than metal ones to be rigid, and it will be extremely difficult to drag such a boat alone on a roll.
⚠️ Warning: Do not leave the PHD boat in the open sun with a water-filled cockpit on a hot day. The water works like a lens, heating the bottom, and the steam inside the closed volume can cause the hull to deform.
And also, we should mention the "material memory": If the boat has been standing on an uneven trailer for a long time, or has been turned upside down on bumps, it can take on this deformed shape, and you can straighten it out, but you have to spend time and maybe heat the surface.
- ⚖️ The large weight makes it difficult to transport on the roof by car or by drag.
- 🌡️ Temperature limit (usually up to +60...+80 C at the point of contact).
- 📉 Possibility of residual deformation during improper storage.
- 🎨 Difficulty in painting - ordinary paints do not stay on polyethylene without special preparation.
Another nuance is the rigidity of the structure, which, unlike metal, HDPE can play on the wavelength unless there are additional stiff edges or inflatable tubes, which can create discomfort when it is flown at high speed.
Comparison of HDPE with aluminum and PVC
To make a final decision, you need to make a direct comparison with the main competitors: aluminum wins in weight and stiffness, but loses in maintenance in the field and is susceptible to electrochemical corrosion. PVC wins in compact storage, but loses in assembly speed and puncture resistance.
HDP occupies the intermediate niche of the workhorse, a boat that can be thrown on the shore, attached to the car without thorough washing and not afraid that it will rust during the winter, but for high-speed walks on large water, it is less suitable than a planing one. aluminum-boat.
The table below provides a detailed comparison of specifications for clarity:
| Characterization | PHN boats | Aluminum boats | PVC boats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body weight | Highly | Low. | Medium. |
| Impact resistance | Very high. | Medium (dents) | Low (punctures) |
| Term of service | 20+ years | 30 years. | 10-15 years |
| Repairability | Difficult (sweatering) | Difficult (argon) | Simple (glue) |
| Price. | Medium | High. | Low/Medium |
Features of operation and storage
The maintenance of the boat from the PHD is minimal, but specific. After each fishing, you just need to rinse the hull with fresh water to wash away the salt or mud. The mud does not stick to the smooth surface of the polyethylene, which makes it easier to wash, but you can not use aggressive solvents for cleaning - they can damage the structure of the polymer.
It's better to keep the boat upside down, but always on a flat surface or on special beds that repeat the contours of the bottom. slug It's an irreversible deformity that's hard to fix.
Winter doesn't require any special conditions. HPD can tolerate frosts of -50 degrees. The main thing is to clean the cockpit of snow and ice so that heavy water does not press on the sides in a frozen state. Unlike PVC, you can not remove such a boat in the garage for the winter, leaving it under a canopy.
Can I wash my boat with high pressure washing?
Yes, you can. Polyethylene is resistant to the water jet, but don't point the nozzle close to duck stickers or plastic fittings so you don't rip them off.
Repair and repair of damage
If a disaster does occur and the board is broken (which is extremely difficult to do intentionally), repair is possible. The basic method is soldering. You need a construction hair dryer and a special rod of the same material (HDP) and you can't glue polyethylene with a regular glue "deadly" because of its low adhesion.
The way that the repair works is that the edges of the crack are cut, the hair dryer is heated to a viscous mass, and a molten filler is pressed into the groove, and once cooled, a monolithic seam is formed that is as strong as the main body.
Small scratches and scuffs often don't require repair, they don't affect the tightness and can be ground or simply left as is, which distinguishes HDPE from painted surfaces, where any scratch requires painting to avoid corrosion.
☑️ A set for repairing a boat from the PHD on the way
⚠️ Attention: When soldering HDPE, it is important not to overheat the material. If there is black smoke, then the polymer has begun to break down, and the seam will be weak. You need to warm up until there is a glossy shine.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How long does a PHD boat actually last?
With careful operation and no constant exposure to direct sunlight (UV) the lifespan is 20-25 years or more, the material does not rot, rust or stratify, making it one of the most durable solutions on the market.
Can I put a powerful motor on a boat from the PHD?
Yes, but with limitations. Usually, these boats are powered by engines up to 15-20 hp. More powerful engines require a reinforced transom with a metal frame inside, because vibration and thrust can warp the soft side.
Do I need to register a boat from the PHD in GIMS?
Registration depends on the weight of the boat in gear and the engine power: if the boat weighs less than 200 kg and the engine is less than 8 kW (about 10.88 hp), registration is not required. However, given the large weight of the HDPE material itself, two-seater models often exceed the limit of 200 kg even without the engine.
Is it true that a boat from the HDP cannot be turned over?
It's a myth. Although many HDPE models have a wide geometry and unsinkable sides, with a certain weight distribution and excitement, you can flip any boat, and you can't rely on "unsinkability" as a guarantee of safety.
How to remove a dent on board the boat?
Use the material memory phenomenon. Heat the dent site with a building hair dryer or hot water (not boiling water, about 80-90°C) and press inside or outside to straighten the surface.