Finding the perfect boat is always a trade-off between comfort, weight and load capacity. Inflatable fishing boat 3 localAnd the design requirements are increasing, because you need to provide space not only for three fishermen, but also for a solid supply of gear, sonar, anchor and catch. The market offers a variety of options, from light rowing models to heavy PVC catamarans, and it can be difficult to understand this diversity the first time.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what to look for when buying, why size matters and how to avoid making mistakes with the type of bottom. Competent choice will allow you to feel confident on the water even in high winds or waves.
Criteria for the selection of a spacious boat
The first thing that a buyer encounters is labeling confusion, and the number "3" in the model name often means the number of seats on the passport, but the actual operation makes its own adjustments. loading capacity For three adult men of average build, the minimum load capacity should be 450-500 kg so that the boat does not sit too low in the water.
The second critical parameter is material. Modern boats are made of five-layer or seven-layered. PVC The density of the fabric must be at least 750 g/sq.m., and for serious conditions - 1100 g/sq.m. The thinner material is faster to wear on the shells or rocky bottom, which is unacceptable for a heavy three-seater boat.
It is also worth considering. dimensions A three-seater boat packed can weigh between 40 and 80 kg, which requires a roomy trunk or trailer. Lightweight models often sacrifice strength for transportability, so it's important to find a middle ground.
⚠️ Warning: Never overload a boat beyond the declared rated carrying capacity, even if it seems roomy. On water, the weight is distributed differently, and an extra 50 kg can critically reduce the board and reduce handling.
Types of bottom: from NDND to floorboard
The design of the bottom directly affects the performance and comfort of fishing. For three-seater models, the most common options are hard floorboard (aluminum or plywood), low-pressure inflatable floor (LDP) and high-pressure inflatable floor (AirDeck), each type has its advantages for different conditions.
Boats from hard-floorboard They're very stable, and they allow you to stand on your feet, which is important for active spinning fishing, but it takes longer to build, and the weight of the solder boat is always higher, and aluminum sleighs are lighter than plywood and do not rot, but they are colder and can rattle.
Secrets of installing a solder floor
When assembling a boat with a hard floor, always start sledding from the bow, which will avoid the situation when the last paiola does not fit due to the displacement of the entire structure to the stern, and it is also useful to slightly lower the sides before setting the floor.
Option C NDMA The boat is growing in popularity among anglers, and it takes 10 to 15 minutes to assemble, has a great germination on the wave, and a soft floor that you can comfortably place your sleeping bag on, and the main disadvantage is less rigidity, which makes it possible for the boat to scour at full speed, requiring more frequent oar or motor operation.
- 🚤 Pyol: It is ideal for large water bodies, wind and installation of a powerful motor.
- 🎈 NDNDM: The best choice for quick assembly, shallow water and fishing from the shore.
- ⚖️ Combined: a combination of an inflatable keel and rigid stringers to balance weight and stiffness.
Sizes and dimensions: what to choose?
For comfortable accommodation of three people, the length of the boat should not be less than 320 cm The optimal range for three-seaters is 340-380 cm The shorter length will lead to the fact that the rowers will interfere with each other with oars, and when installing the engine, the transom will be too close to the passengers.
The width also plays a role: narrow models (less than 140 cm) are more maneuverable but less stable; for three fishermen with fishing rods, it is better to choose models with a width of 145 cm and above, which will provide the necessary stability when one of the passengers stands up or begins active fish catching.
If you plan to spend the night on the water, choose models with wide inflatable tubes, which can be attached to unloading bags or even install a light tent-tent, which is not possible on narrow sports models.
It is important to consider the height of the board. For open water and waves, the board must be high (at least 45-50 cm) to avoid overcrowding. However, the high side increases sailing, which makes it difficult to control in the wind. In calm weather on lakes, you can use models with a smaller profile.
| Boat length (cm) | Whole number of places | Load capacity (kg) | Recommended motor (hp) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300-320 | 2-3 (closely) | 400-450 | 5-8 |
| 340-360 | 3 (comfort) | 500-600 | 9.9-15 |
| 380-400 | 3-4 | 700-900 | 15-20 |
| 420+ | 4+ | 1000+ | 20-30 |
Motor or paddle: the power selection plant
A three-seater is almost always a motorized boat, and rowing with three men on a large boat with high sides is inefficient and tedious, and oars in this configuration are more of an emergency or a way of quiet approach to the fishing point.
When choosing cross-engine Exceeding this limit is dangerous: the transom may not withstand vibrations, or the boat will lose control, "buried" nose into the water. For a length of 340-360 cm optimal motors with a capacity of 9.9-15 hp.
☑️ Check before installing the engine
Electric motors also have a right to life, especially for fishing in restricted areas or places where noise is prohibited. However, for a three-seater boat with a full load of traction power, less than 50 lb (pounds) may not be enough to overcome oncoming wind or current.
⚠️ Warning: When installing the motor, be sure to use a safety cable, which is passed through a special ring in the bow of the boat. In the case of separation of the motor from the transom, the cable will not allow it to drown or swim.
Accommodation and necessary accessories
Basic equipment is often scarce, usually including the cylinders themselves, the bottom, the seats (banks), the pump, the refit and the bag-pack, but for a full fishing, this is not enough. The can seats in the basic version are just boards that after an hour of fishing begin to rub, they are better immediately replaced with soft, anatomical seats with fasteners.
Be sure to buy. anchor For a three-seater boat, the weight of the anchor should be 1/10 of the displacement of the boat, but not less than 3-4 kg. The use of light cat anchors on the current or wind is useless - the boat will carry.
- 🎒 Bags: A handbag for things and a bag for small things.
- 🔦 Lights: The running lights are required to leave at night according to the rules of GIMS.
- 🛡️ Defense: The keel and transom overlays of rubber or aluminum will prolong the life of the boat.
Special attention should be paid to the sonar, which is mounted on an inflatable boat, and has special attachments that are fixed on board. Don't try to stick the sonar sensor to the bottom of the body, you need to be able to quickly remove it.
Care, storage and safety on water
PVC is durable, but it's afraid of ultraviolet light and sharp objects. After every fishing, it's advisable to rinse the boat with fresh water, especially if you've been fishing in salt water or in overgrown water bodies. Sand and mud stuck in folds work like an abrasive when blown and pumped.
Keep the boat in a clean, dry and ventilated room. Do not leave it for a long time pumped under direct sunlight - the pressure inside the cylinders increases, which can lead to rupture of the seams. Optimal pressure - 0.2 atm (checked by pressing a finger, bend about 3-4 mm).
Proper storage extends the life of the boat to 10-12 years, the main rule: clean, dry, in the shade and not under constant high pressure.
Always carry a remix. Punctures happen even in experienced water-engineers, liquid glue and patches from the remix must be compatible with the material of the boat, the use of "superglue" or other household chemicals can finally spoil PVC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I go fishing alone in a three-seater boat?
Yes, you can, but the boat will be less wind-resistant due to its light weight, and it is recommended to use an extra load (an anchor box with water) in the bow to improve driving performance.
Which pump is better for a three-seater boat?
For periodic use, a two-way foot pump is suitable. If you go out often or have back problems, it is better to purchase an electric pump that operates on a battery.
Do I need to register with the GIMS for such a boat?
Registration is required if the mass of the curbed vessel (boat + engine + equipment) exceeds 200 kg, OR the engine power exceeds 8 kW (about 10.88 hp). If the engine is weaker than 10 hp and the total weight is less than 200 kg, registration is not required.
How long does it take to assemble and disassemble?
It takes 20 to 30 minutes for an experienced user with a solder boat, and models with NDND assemble faster, in 10 to 15 minutes, but take time to cool or pump to the working pressure.