Fishers and hunters who choose watercraft for calm waters and small rivers often pay attention to domestic products. rocketboatIt is an affordable solution that combines simplicity of design and sufficient reliability for amateur use during daylight hours, and unlike complex marine catamarans, this type of vessel is focused on maximum practicality and ease of transportation.
The main material for the manufacture of these floating vehicles is reinforced PVCThe design of the cylinders allows the vessel to stay confident on the water, maintaining stability even in the presence of a small wave. rocketboat Often equipped with a rigid decking, which significantly increases the comfort of being on board compared to models without a floor.
When choosing a particular instance, you need to consider not only the number of seats, but also the estimated power of the outboard motor. loading capacity In this article we will discuss technical details, compare modifications and give recommendations for the care of this popular small-sized vessel.
Structural features and materials of the body
The foundation of durability of any inflatable vessel is the quality of the materials used. Rocket's inflatable boat It is made from multilayer polyvinyl chloride, which is reinforced with a synthetic mesh, which gives the fabric high tensile strength and resistance to abrasion against a rocky bottom or shell, and the density of the material usually varies between 750 and 850 g/sq. m, which is the optimal balance between weight and reliability.
Special attention is paid to the production of seams. The connection of parts is carried out by hot gluing, which creates a monolithic structure that does not allow water to pass even under pressure. Tightness The safety of the compartments is a key factor in keeping the vessel afloat even if one of the cylinders is damaged, and the use of high-quality adhesives prevents the material from being dissected during operation.
⚠️ Warning: After the first assembly and pumping, leave the boat for a few hours, which is necessary to check the leakage of all seams and identify possible production defects before getting on the water.
The design of the bottom is also important. Most models use the same design. hard-board The presence of a keel beam or an inflatable keel improves course stability and allows more efficient planing. For models without a motor or with low-power engines, a simplified flat bottom is often used.
Keep the boat straightened or with a weak pressure in the cylinders to avoid clamps on the folds of PVC fabric.
Overview of popular models and their modifications
The product line includes several modifications designed for different number of passengers and load capacity. Rocket's inflatable boat It can be single, double or triple, which allows you to choose between single fishing and family vacations, and base models are often marked by an index indicating size or carrying capacity.
Among the modifications there are versions with an inflatable high pressure bottom (HPD) and with a rigid floorboard deck. Pillet boats They take longer to assemble, but they provide better body stiffness on the go. HNDM models are assembled faster and fold more compactly, but they may be less stable at high wavelengths when fully loaded.
- 🚣 Rocket-M - classic two-seater model with a hard plywood bottom, focused on fishing using an outboard motor.
- 🎣 Compact Rocket - Single version with a simplified design, ideal for carrying in a backpack and use on small water bodies.
- ⚓ Rocket Profi. - reinforced version with increased load capacity and the ability to install a more powerful engine up to 5 hp
When choosing between models, you should focus on frequency of use and operating conditions. If you plan to disassemble and assemble a vessel often, weight and dimensions in packaged form become decisive factors. For stationary storage in the country or garage, you can have heavier, but comfortable options with aluminum decking.
Technical specifications and comparison of models
To objectively assess the possibilities of various modifications, you need to compare their key parameters. Rocket's inflatable boat The design details may vary from year to year, but the basic TTCs remain within a certain framework. Below is a table showing the differences between the popular versions.
| Parameter | Rocket-M (2 seats) | Rocket-C (1st place) | Rocket 3 (3 seats) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length, cm | 280 | 220 | 330 |
| Width, cm | 130 | 110 | 140 |
| Load capacity, kg | 250 | 150 | 400 |
| Kit weight, kg | 22 | 14 | 32 |
| Max, engine power, hp. | 5 | 3.5 | 8 |
From the table it is seen that with increasing dimension, not only the load capacity increases, but also the requirements for engine power. Triple version It allows you to take more gear and trophies on board, but requires a more powerful engine to go into the planing. The two-seater model is the "middle ground" for most amateur anglers.
It is important to consider that the actual weight of the kit can vary depending on the thickness of the PVC used and the type of decking: Aluminum elements are heavier than plywood, but they are not afraid of moisture and do not rot. Rocket's inflatable boat with an aluminum bottom will last longer under intensive operation in salt water or in conditions of high humidity.
To enter the planing with two adult passengers, the minimum required engine power is 5 hp for two-seater models.
Acquisition and necessary equipment
When you buy a new boat, it's important to know what's in the standard kit. rocketboat The basic package often includes the cylinders, flooring, paddles, pump and remix, but the kit composition may vary depending on the seller's policy or the specific batch.
The pump that comes with the kit is usually a foot or hand piston. It is more convenient to use electric pumps that run on the car's battery to pump large volumes of air. Pressure in cylinders It should comply with manufacturer’s recommendations (usually 0.2–0.25 atm) to ensure the stiffness of the structure without the risk of seams breaking in the sun.
Special attention should be paid to the installation of attachments, on the sides there are ducks for fixing oars, holders for rods and leer rings. To install a sonar or GPS-navigator often requires to buy special brackets or transom wheels. The presence of a transom allows you to fix the outboard motor, which is critical for overcoming long distances.
☑️ Checking the completeness when buying
Rules of assembly and preparation for launching into water
Proper assembly is the key to safe operation. Rocket's inflatable boat It's assembled in a series of steps that need to be done in sequence, first spread out and spread out on a flat surface free of sharp objects, then pump the cylinders to a working state, and then install the flooring.
When installing floorboards (hard bottom elements), it is important to monitor the correct order of their installation. Aluminum profiles Or the plywood sheets should fit tightly together to form a single plane, and the final pumping of the cylinders is done after the floor is installed, because during the installation of some air can be drawn.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight unattended. When heated, the air inside expands, which can cause the seams to rupture or deform the valves.
Before launching, it is recommended to check the reliability of the attachment of all elements. Make sure that the oars are fixed, and the motor (if used) is securely fixed on the transom. Rocket's inflatable boat It should descend to the water smoothly, without sharp blows to the shore to avoid damage to the bottom.
How to dry a boat after fishing?
After use, the boat must be washed with fresh water, especially if the operation was carried out in salt water. Drying is done in the shade at ambient temperature. A fully assembled boat is dried in a straightened form, opening the valves. It is strictly forbidden to turn a wet vessel, this will lead to mold and decay of the fabric.
Maintenance, storage and repair
The durability of the boat directly depends on the quality of care for it. Rocket's inflatable boat It requires regular cleaning of sand, silt and algae, and after each foray into the water, it is recommended to rinse the body with fresh water and wipe it with a soft sponge, and the use of aggressive chemicals to wash PVC is prohibited, as it can destroy the protective layer.
Storage is carried out in a dry, cool place at a temperature not lower than -15 ° C and not higher than +40 ° C. It is recommended to periodically (once a season) completely lay the boat, check the pressure and condition of the seams. Repairs at home are possible in the presence of a remplekt: small punctures are glued with special patches on glue for PVC.
If you find an etching weed, use a soap solution to locate the damage, and the air bubbles will indicate the exact location of the cut. Rocket's inflatable boat with careful handling, it is able to serve the owner for more than 10 years, maintaining its driving qualities.
- 🧼 Wash the boat with only a soft sponge and warm water without abrasives.
- 🌡️ Avoid storage near heating appliances and open fire.
- 🔧 Regularly lubricate the valves with silicone to maintain their elasticity.
- 📦 Stack the product freely without putting it into the bag by force.
Can a Rocket boat be used at sea?
The use of rocket-type inflatable boats in marine conditions is only possible in coastal areas in calm weather. The design is not designed for open seas and large waves. Salt water requires thorough washing after each use.
Which glue is best for PVC repair?
For repair, it is recommended to use a two-component polyurethane adhesive, specifically designed for PVC materials, which provides an elastic and water-resistant seam that withstands strain during pumping.
How long does it take to build a boat for the first time?
The first assembly can take 20 to 40 minutes, because you need to straighten the fabric and properly stack the flooring elements, and with experience, this process is reduced to 10 to 15 minutes.
Do I need to register the Rocket boat in the GIMS?
Registration is required if the mass of the curbed vessel exceeds 200 kg or the engine power exceeds 8 hp (10.88 kW). Most single and double models with low-power engines are not subject to registration.