Choosing a boat for fishing or water tourism is always a search for a balance between carrying capacity, comfort and cost. Polar BirdThese boats have earned a reputation for being reliable workhorses, able to withstand the harsh conditions of operation on large bodies of water.
Unlike many competitors, manufacturers rely on a reinforced cylinder and high-quality fittings, which is especially important for those who plan to go out on the water in windy weather or on the wave. Inflatable boats This brand is often chosen by professional anglers who need the stability of the platform for the installation of sonars and powerful motors.
In this review, we will analyze in detail the design features of various series, analyze the technical specifications and find out why. reinforced five-layer fabric with a density of 1100 g/sq.m It's the standard for flagship models, and you'll learn how to fit the size of the boat to your task and what to look for when you first build it.
Design features and materials of production
The basis of durability of any PVC vessel is the material from which it is made. Polar Bird It uses multilayer reinforced polyvinyl chloride, and the main feature is the technology of cord interlacing, which provides high resistance to burst loads.
The cylinders have a complex geometry, which not only gives the boat a streamlined shape, but also creates additional air chambers for safety. Tightness It is provided by using two-component glue and careful gluing of the seams in the cross, which excludes stratification even with prolonged exposure to the scorching sun.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use high pressure compressors immediately when first pumped, leave the boat in the sun for 15-20 minutes after manual pumping, so that the glue is finally polymerized, and only then bring the pressure to normal.
An important element of the design is the timber, which is a rigid tape around the perimeter of the cylinder, which protects the soft sides from impacts on the pier, rocks or ice. In trophy fishing models, this element is performed as wide as possible to minimize the risk of puncture.
- 🛡️ Dense fabric with protection from ultraviolet light and rotting.
- 🔩 Reinforced timbers around the perimeter.
- 🌊 Multi-chamber system of cylinders for safety.
Welding technology
In some budget models, hot welding can be used, but premium series are collected exclusively by gluing on the floor, which ensures better maintenance suitability in the field.
Review of popular series: Classic, Air and Sport
The manufacturer's range is clearly segmented so that each user can find the optimal solution. Classic This is a middle ground for fishing enthusiasts, and these are low-pressure inflatable floor (LDPB) vessels that are very sensible and lightweight when assembled.
For those who appreciate maximum comfort and rigidity of the floor, a series has been created. Hard Or moisture-resistant plywood-bottomed modifications. PVC provide a perfectly flat surface on which you can confidently walk in shoes with a solid sole, which is critical when catching large fish.
Series Sport It's a recreational and water-based system, where you often see the increased width of the cockpit and the presence of a transom for an outboard motor of higher power, and the designers tried to reduce the weight of the structure, while maintaining the safety margin necessary for dynamic glides.
Special attention should be paid to the series. AirThis is a technology that uses aerodynamic cylinder cut technology, which reduces water and air resistance, which has a positive effect on speed and fuel economy. Motorboat This configuration is easier to go to the glitter mode.
- 🎣 Classic: the perfect choice for avid singles fishermen.
- ⚓ Sport: suitable for family holidays and water walks.
- 🚀 Air: maximum speed and maneuverability.
If you plan to spend the night in a boat, pay attention to models with a flat bottom and the possibility of installing a tent frame, they are often marked with the index "Cam".
Boat bottom: NDND vs. soldering
Choosing the bottom type is perhaps the most important technical issue when buying: a low-pressure inflatable floor (LDPB) consists of cylinders with special partitions (baffle-cut), which become rigid as a board when pumped, this solution allows you to assemble the boat with the motor and pull it ashore with a drag without soiling your clothes.
The payroll bottom is made up of individual aluminum or plywood sheets, connected by stringers. rigidity It's also water-resistant, but it takes longer to assemble and disassemble, and floorboards significantly increase the weight and dimensions of a packed vessel.
| Characterization | NDND (Inflatable) | floorboard (Phanera/Aluminum) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight gathered | Easy 15-20%. | Harder, you need a cart. |
| Assembly time | 5-10 minutes | 15-25 minutes. |
| Floor rigidity | High (at the right pressure) | Maximum |
| Packaging | Compact bag | Volume case |
It's important to understand that NDND requires more careful pressure control. In hot weather, the air expands and the pressure can rise to critical values, so the presence of a high pressure pressure is very important. discharge-valve Air is a mandatory safety requirement.
For fishing from the shore without a car, it is better to choose NDNDD because of its low weight. For large reservoirs and long passages with cargo, a plyol bottom is preferable.
Installation and attachments
Standard equipment Polar Bird This usually includes not only the boat itself, but also everything necessary to start operation, including a collapsible aluminum alloy oar, an inflatable seat (bank) and a bag packed with webbing straps for carrying.
The trawlers that are pasted into the cylinder are made of moisture-resistant plywood and are coated with several layers of protective paint, and they are attached to it to fix it. boat-engineIn more expensive models, the transom can be removable, which allows you to reduce the weight during transportation.
On the sides are liner rings designed to anchor, safety end or additional equipment. In the bow, often provided a rim bolt for easy mooring. Some models are equipped with ready-made sites for the installation of sonar or spinning holders.
☑️ Checking the completeness when buying
- 🎒 Strong bag-pack with adjustable straps.
- 🪑 Comfortable inflatable seats with anti-slip coating.
- ⚓ Renovation kit and product passport.
Operation and maintenance
For a boat to last for years, you have to follow the rules of operation, and after every fishing, especially in salt water or in polluted water bodies, the vessel must be rinsed with fresh water, which will prevent the material from breaking down and corrosion of metal accessories.
Store the product should be in a dry, cool place, protected from direct sunlight. PVC It can degrade under the influence of ultraviolet light, if it is in a strained state under the scorching sun for months, it is optimal to keep the boat in a deflated or half-deflated state.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a pumped boat unattended in the high sun, and the pressure inside the cylinders can grow so that the seams can't withstand, and the product will burst.
Check the pressure in the cylinders with a pressure gauge regularly. Insufficient pressure leads to deformation of the bottom and reduced driving performance, and excessive pressure leads to rupture of the seams. 0.25-0.3 kgf/sq.cmThe exact numbers are always listed in the passport of a particular model.
How to Dry the Boat Properly
Dry the boat in the shade, in a half-deflated state, and direct sunlight combined with residual humidity can trigger a process called the greenhouse effect, which destroys the top layer of tissue.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum pressure that can be applied to the cylinders?
The limit is usually 0.35 kgf/sq.cm., but the working value is 0.25 kgf/sq.c. Excess pressure is dangerous to rupture seams, especially in hot weather. Always leave a reserve for thermal expansion of air.
Is it possible to use a PVC boat in winter?
You can use it, but with caution. PVC becomes hard and brittle at low temperatures; you don't want to throw a boat on the ice or bend your cylinders; you also need to use special freeze-resistant valve lubricants.
Which motor is better to choose for a model length of 3.2 meters?
For a length of 3.2 meters, the optimal motor will be a 5-8 hp motor. This is enough to get on plane with one adult passenger and a small load. A more powerful motor can overload the transom and upset the balance.
How to seal a puncture in the field?
Clean and degrease the puncture site, apply the glue on both surfaces, let it dry for 10-15 minutes, then press the patch tightly and roll it. Full polymerization takes about a day, but you can use it in a couple of hours.