Choosing a fishing boat is always a balance between mobility, spaciousness and reliability. flyboat They've evolved from simple rubber roundboats to high-tech inflatable floor boats that can carry powerful motors and withstand storm surges. A fisherman looking for a better model needs to consider many factors, from the density of the material used to the design of the transom.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the selection criteria, compare popular brands and help you determine the configuration that is ideal for your tasks. Whether it is quiet fishing on an overgrown lake or entering the expanses of Ladoga for trophy purposes, the right choice of vessel will be the key to successful fishing and safety on the water.
Key criteria for the selection of watercraft
The first thing to look at is the material. The vast majority of quality models today are made from materials. PVC (polyvinyl chloride)This material is valued for its high strength, resistance to ultraviolet and aggressive environments, as well as frost resistance. However, the density of the fabric can vary: for calm water, 750 g / sq. m is enough, whereas for rocky shores and serious exploitation, it is better to choose a reinforced five-layer material with a density of 900 to 1100 g / sq. m.
The second critical parameter is the type of bottom. NDMA (low pressure inflatable floor) provides excellent cross-country and comfort, allowing you to stand in full growth, but loses in speed specifications planing. slate-bottom (plywood or aluminum) is harder and faster to go to plane, but heavier to assemble and less comfortable for the legs.
⚠️ Warning: When choosing a boat with NDNDM, be sure to check for overpressure vent valves. In the sun, the air inside the cylinders and the bottom expands, and without special valves (such as "lyre" or automatic), the pressure can rise to critical values, which will lead to deformation of the seams.
Also important is load capacity. Don't just focus on the number of people specified by the manufacturer. The real load is the weight of the crew, the equipment, the fuel supply and possibly the outboard motor, and the safety margin should be at least 20-30% of the intended weight.
Top 3 manufacturers and popular models
The market is full of offers, but the leaders remain proven brands, among them are Russian manufacturers, such as: Flagship and hunterSpecialize in robust models for harsh environments, as well as Korean Badger and WinBoatFamous for technological and high-quality assembly.
Model range Flagship The Wagon or Master series is a classic with high sides and powerful cylinders, capable of withstanding impacts on ice or sharp stones. Badger The Flip or Classic series offer a more ergonomic shape of cylinders, improving driving performance and handling on the wave.
- 🎣 Flagship 320/360: The ideal choice for fans of trolling and fishing together, differs in a reinforced transom under engines up to 15 hp.
- 🌊 Badger Classic 310/340: Legendary series with excellent planing and high-quality five-layer PVC.
- ⚓ Hunter 320/360Budget, but reliable option with a simple and understandable design, popular in the regions.
When choosing a particular model, pay attention to the quality of the glue glue. The two-part glue and the right temperature when assembled at the factory are the key to ensuring that the boat does not start poisoning in a couple of seasons. Visually, the seam should be smooth, without bubbles and adhesives.
Design features: transom, cylinders and fittings
The stern is the place where the motor is attached, and its reliability directly affects your safety. In good models, the transom is made of multi-layered water-resistant plywood, often with additional glass lining or plastic, and it is important that the transmolant angle is adjusted or initially corresponds to the lower unit of your motor (usually 10-15 degrees).
The cylinders should be divided into independent compartments. safetyThe diameter of the cylinders also matters: for fishing, models with a diameter of 36-42 cm are preferable, since they provide a higher height above the water, which is critical when turbulent or rolling.
The secrets of fittings
What to look for?: Quality boats are equipped with metal or reinforced plastic rings glued into special "pockets" (pyataki) of PVC. Cheap fittings glued directly to the cylinder will eventually begin to depart. Also pay attention to the presence of a timber - a rubber strip along the perimeter, protecting the board from istyres.:
The fittings must not only be durable, but also comfortable. D-ring The minimum required for anchoring, bags and safety ends is also essential, and for spinning anglers, it is also important to have comfortable quilts for oars that will not interfere with the bait wiring.
Comparison of specifications of popular models
To make the selection process easier, we have prepared a composite table comparing the key parameters of three popular models of different price categories, which will help you to understand how a particular boat meets your expectations for capacity and power.
| Parameter | Flagship 320 | Badger Classic 310 | Hunter 320 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length/Broadness (see para. | 320 / 140 | 310 / 136 | 320 / 136 |
| Load capacity (kg) | 500 | 450 | 480 |
| Max engine power (hp) | 10 | 9.9 | 10 |
| Type of bottom | NDNDM/Slan | Slate. | NDMA |
| Kit weight (kg) | ~42 | ~38 | ~40 |
As you can see from the table, even models with similar lengths can vary significantly in width and load capacity. A wider boat is more stable, but it can be slower. Heavy bottoms add comfort but increase overall weight, which is important if you have to carry the boat to the water with a drag.
The optimal length of the boat for fishing for two with a motor is 320-360 cm Smaller dimensions (280-290 cm) are suitable only for single fishing in calm, and large (400+ cm) require a powerful motor and are difficult to transport.
Operation and preparation for the season
Buying a boat is just the beginning of the journey. To keep the boat lasting, you need proper preparation and care. Before the first pumping, be sure to wash the boat with clean water to remove the dust from the production. Pump the cylinders to the pressure specified in the data sheet (usually 0.2-0.25 atm), using a pressure gauge. Pumping is as harmful as non-pumping.
Keep the PVC boat clean and dry. After fishing, especially salty or muddy water, be sure to wash away the dirt. Drying should take place in the shade, as direct sunlight can damage the material at high temperatures. It is recommended to fold the boat freely, without strong crevices in the same places.
☑️ Checklist before getting on the water
Check the valves regularly. Sand or dirt trapped in a thread or seal can cause etching. Cleaning the valves is a simple procedure that will save your fishing from sudden depressurization.
Safety and necessary accessories
Fishing is fun, but water doesn't forgive mistakes. lifejackets It's not just a formality, it's a necessity, for everyone on the boat, and even if you're a great swimmer, hitting the side in shock or convulsion can be a cruel joke.
Even on a calm lake, the wind or current can quickly blow the boat into open water or into a dangerous area, the anchor must be of sufficient weight (at least 1/10 of the displacement of the boat) and have a reliable buoy flounder.
⚠️ Warning: Never tie an anchor tile to an arm or leg! With a sharp jerk, this can lead to injury or pulling a person under the water. The tile should only be attached to the ditch on the bow of the boat.
The accessories also include a refrigerator bag for catching, a fish sonar and a navigator. To protect the bottom from punctures when pulling ashore, it is useful to have a special mat or just try to avoid sharp objects.
Advice of the experienced: Take a piece of soap or a special spray for fishing. If the boat starts poisoning away from the shore, soap foam will help you quickly find the place of puncture on the bubbles, even if they are not heard.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which motor is better to choose for a 320 cm inflatable boat?
For a boat with a length of 320 cm, the optimal engine will be 5-9.9 hp Motor 5 hp will provide confident glides with one angler and a small load. If you plan to fish together or with a large supply of equipment, it is better to consider options for 8-9.9 hp, which will allow you to quickly go to mode and save fuel.
Can I use an inflatable boat in winter?
You can use PVC boats in winter, but with caution. The material in the cold becomes tougher and more sensitive to impacts. You need to use special frost-resistant greases for valves, prevent water from entering the cylinders (it will freeze and can damage the valve), and be extremely careful when contacting ice. You need to keep the boat in a warm room in winter.
How to properly seal a puncture in the field?
For emergency repairs, use the kit that comes with the kit. Clean and degrease the puncture site, apply glue to the plate and surface, let it dry (as instructed), then press tightly. However, full polymerization of the glue takes up to 24 hours, so this repair is considered temporary, and at home the boat is better to reglaze professionally.