Choosing a swimming aid for fishing or cruising on a pond is always a dilemma between comfort, durability and cost. sweemerThese are made from low-pressure polyethylene (LDPE), a material that is radically different from conventional PVC or aluminum, offering unique performance properties.
Many anglers are still wary of plastic, considering it not strong enough, but modern rotational molding technologies allow you to create housings that can not be smashed against a stone or pierced with a snag. Swimer He was one of the pioneers in mass production of such vessels, offering an affordable alternative to classic solutions.
In this article, we will discuss in detail why you should pay attention to this brand, you will learn about the real advantages of the material, the features of various modifications and nuances that manufacturers hide. The operating temperature range of the HDPE ranges from -50 to +50 degrees Celsius, which makes the boat suitable for use even in the Far North.
Advantages of the PHD material over competitors
The main reason for the popularity of boats sweemer It's in the physical and chemical properties of the polyethylene itself, and unlike inflatables, it's completely impossible to puncture or cut against sharp ice or branches, and it can withstand shocks that would be fatal to PVC or plywood.
In addition to mechanical strength, the material is inert to aggressive environments, gasoline, oil, salt water or ultraviolet radiation can not destroy the structure of the polymer in a short time. long-term without the need for regular painting or treatment of the bottom.
The weight of the structure is important: the HDPE is lighter than aluminum of comparable thickness, but heavier than inflatable tubes. However, this weight is offset by high buoyancy and unsinkability, and even a fully water-filled boat will remain afloat thanks to closed material cells and built-in buoyancy units.
- 🛡️ Absolute insinkability The material does not absorb water and maintains buoyancy even when damaged.
- ❄️ Frost resistance Plastic does not sulk or crack at extremely low temperatures.
- 🔨 Impact resistance - the body withstands contact with a rocky bottom and snags without deformation.
Overview of the model range of boats Swimer
The manufacturer offers a wide range of models adapted for different tasks, from compact single versions to full-fledged family boats, each model has its own design features that affect driving performance and capacity.
Basic models such as Swimmer 290 or 320They are ideal for solo fishing in small water bodies, easily transported in the trunk of a passenger car and driven by a low-power engine or paddles, and larger versions are equipped with a reinforced transom for motors up to 15 hp.
For those who like trophy fishing or hunting, there are models that are designed to be larger in width and height, that provide better stability when they're excited, that allow them to accommodate more equipment. jock-in And soft seats.
| Model | Length (cm) | Width (cm) | Load capacity (kg) | Engine power (hp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swimmer 290 | 290 | 135 | 250 | 5 |
| Swimmer 320 | 320 | 140 | 350 | till 9. 9. |
| Swimmer 360. | 360 | 150 | 450 | 15 |
| Swimmer 400. | 400 | 160 | 600 | 20 |
Secrets of bottom geometry
The bottom geometry of the Swimer boats is designed with hydrodynamics in mind, and rounded contours allow for efficient wave breaking, reducing the impact load on the hull and passengers, which distinguishes them from flat-bottoms, which are hard to flop on the water.
Operation and maintenance
One of the main arguments for buying a PHD boat is minimal maintenance, so you don't have to dry it after every fishing trip, like PVC, or worry about corrosion, like aluminum, and it comes down to rinsing it with fresh water after use in salt water.
However, there are nuances to use, and although it's tough, you can scratch the surface of the HDPE, and it's recommended that you use special polishes for plastic to maintain your presentability and improve your slip, and you also need to keep track of the fittings.
⚠️ Note: When installing additional equipment (echo sounders, hinged transverses), use only the recommended hardware. Drilling holes in the wrong places can disrupt the tightness of internal buoyancy chambers.
The boat is also very low-key, and you can keep it out all year round, but to avoid the color fading under the scorching sun, you'd better use an awning or keep it in the shade. presentation for years to come.
☑️ Annual TO boats
Motor installation and driving performance
Boats sweemer They're very well-established for an outboard motor, flat bottom and zygomatic lines provide a good way to planing, provided you have enough power, and it's important to pick the right motor so you don't overload the transom and keep the balance.
When installing the motor, you should take into account that the HDPE has the property of playing on water less than thin aluminum, but more than heavy plywood. This creates a comfortable level of noise and vibration. hydrofoil Or transom plates.
Drivers are addictive, especially at low speeds, because of the low weight and flat bottom, the vessel can be affected by side winds, so the presence of a keel or redanes on the bottom is an important factor in the stability of the course.
- 🚤 Optimal loading improves the output for planing and stabilizes the course.
- ⚓ It is recommended to use an anchor weighing at least 3-4 kg due to the ease of construction.
- 🔧 Regularly checking the motor tightening on the transom will prevent equipment loss.
To save fuel and reduce noise, install a filtered water intake on the engine, which is especially true in shallow waters where there is a high risk of clogging the cooling system with sand.
Transport and storage
The question of transporting a boat is often decisive when choosing: HDP boats are heavier than inflatable ones, but their monolithic design allows you to simply put the boat on the roof of the car or in the trailer. There is no need for constant pumping and assembly, which saves time on the pond.
For transportation on the roof of a passenger car, it is recommended to use soft lozenges or mats to avoid scuffing on the sides. The fastening should be reliable, but without undue pressure, which could cause deformation during prolonged parking in the heat.
Storage in the off-season does not require a heated garage. You can leave the boat in the yard, sprinkled with snow. The only thing you need to do before wintering is to turn it upside down or cover it so that garbage and water do not get inside, which, when frozen, can expand.
⚠️ Warning: Do not keep the boat strained on sharp supports for long periods of time, which can cause the hull to deform locally under its own weight.
Comparison with analogues: PVC and aluminum
To make a final decision, a comparative analysis is needed: Aluminum boats are strong but subject to electrochemical corrosion and require careful attention to galvanic vapors. PVC is light and compact, but afraid of punctures and ages from ultraviolet light.
Boats sweemer They don't rust, they don't rot, they don't fear impact, but they lose aluminum in speed on planing because of weight, and they lose PVC in compact storage, and it depends on the owner's priorities.
If it's important to you longevity And you can operate in any environment without the risk of damaging the boat, but the HPD is the best option, and if the main thing is to stuff the boat in a small backpack and fly away in an airplane, the HPD is not going to work.
PHD boats are the choice of pragmatic users who value reliability and are not ready to put up with the risk of puncture of an inflatable cylinder or corrosion of metal.
Conclusion and final recommendations
Boats sweemer The HDPs are a modern, technological solution for water tourism and fishing, and the combination of strength, ease of maintenance and affordable prices makes them competitive in the marketplace, and it's an investment in comfort and safety on the water.
When buying, pay attention to the equipment. The presence of soft seats, switches and a transom wheel will make life much easier, and it is also worth checking the quality of the welded elements, although in factory conditions marriage is rare.
When you're choosing a boat, remember that there's no one-size-fits-all solution, but if you're looking for a balance between tank reliability and ease of handling, low-pressure polyethylene models are a great addition to your collection.
Can I boil a boat from the HDPE if there is a crack?
Yes, polyethylene is weldable, and this uses a PVC/DPE building hair dryer and rods of the same material, and it's important to get the temperature right so that you don't burn through the material, but you have a good grip.
How resistant is the Swimer boat to flipping?
Stability depends on the model. Wide models (320, 360, 400) are highly stable and it is almost impossible to flip them standing in calm water. Narrow models require more careful handling.
Do I need to register Swimer's boat with GIMS?
Registration is required if the weight of the boat with the installed engine exceeds 200 kg, or if the engine power is more than 8 kW (about 10 hp).
How does the boat behave on the wave?
Due to the rounded contours and the elasticity of the HDF, the boat gently passes a small wave. However, on a large wave, flat-bottomed models can experience impacts on the water, so it is recommended to slow down in high winds.