The modern market of small vessels offers a wide range of swimming facilities, but among them a special place is occupied by models combining reliability, availability and time-tested design. Ratan's inflatable boat For many years, it has been well-deservedly popular among fishermen and water tourism enthusiasts, proving itself as a sustainable and safe solution for various reservoirs, and unlike many competitors, these vessels were designed with the specifics of Russian rivers and lakes, where not only speed is important, but also the ability to withstand encounters with snags or rocky bottoms.
Owners often point out that the key advantage is arch-treeHowever, in order to keep the vessel running for a long time and enjoy its performance, you need to understand the features of its design and select the right equipment for specific tasks. In this article, we will discuss in detail the technical nuances, compare popular modifications and give practical tips for caring for specific tasks. PVC materials.
You will learn why this form of the bottom is considered one of the most effective for planing and how to properly prepare the boat for the first descent into the water. rathan This will allow you to avoid common mistakes and enjoy every minute spent on the water, whether it is a quiet fishing on the lake or active movement in the water area.
Design features and materials
The basis of durability of any inflatable vessel is the quality of the materials used. reinforced PVCThe density of the fabric usually varies depending on the model, but the standard is between 750 and 900 g/sq.m, which provides an excellent balance between strength and weight of the product.
An important constructive feature is the presence of keel The presence of an inflatable keel balloon significantly improves the stability of the wave, allowing the vessel to better "hold" water when driving for an outboard motor, while plywood or aluminum floorboards give the bottom the necessary rigidity, turning the inflatable shell into a full-fledged gleaming vessel.
⚠️ Warning: When operating in hot weather, be sure to put excessive pressure in the cylinders. In the sun, the air inside expands, and if this process is not controlled, the seams may not withstand the increased load.
The connection of the elements of the housing is most often made by hot vulcanization or gluing with two-component polyurethane glue. Stitches These are critical elements, and it's the quality that determines the tightness of the product, and Ratan's models use the technology of reinforcement of docking sites with additional tapes, which minimizes the risk of stratification even during heavy use.
Overview of popular models and their differences
The product line includes various modifications, each of which is tailored to a specific use case. Ratan-320It's a medium of gold for single or one-and-a-half fishing, compact in transportation, easily assembled by one person, and perfectly behaves on water with a low-power engine.
For those who plan to take more equipment with them or fish together, the best choice will be the best. Ratan-370The increased length and width of the cockpit provide a greater margin of buoyancy and comfort, and this model already has a more noticeable difference in driving performance: it climbs more confidently to planing and softly passes through a small wave.
- 🚤 Ratan-290 - ultra-compact option for fishing-on foot, can accommodate one person and a minimum of equipment.
- 🎣 Ratan-320 - universal model for fishing and recreation, the optimal ratio of price and quality.
- ⚓ Ratan-370 - a full-fledged two-seater vessel with increased running specifications.
- 🌊 Ratan-420 - flagship model for long hikes and trolling with a powerful engine.
Special attention should be paid to the modification of the estuaryThis design allows you to quickly assemble and disassemble the boat, because you do not need to lay heavy sleighs, but for high-speed glides, the classic hard floor is still preferable.
Comparison of technical specifications
To help you make your final choice, let's compare the key parameters of the main models in the pivot table, which will help you understand which boat will best fit your weight, the number of passengers and the power of the available engine.
| Model | Length/Broadness (see para. | Load capacity (kg) | Engine power (hp) | Kit weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ratan-290 | 290 / 125 | 300 | 5 | 22 |
| Ratan-320 | 320 / 135 | 400 | 8 | 28 |
| Ratan-370 | 370 / 145 | 550 | 15 | 38 |
| Ratan-420 | 420 / 155 | 700 | 25 | 48 |
As you can see from the table, as you get bigger, not only does the load capacity increase, but the weight of the product itself increases, which is an important factor if you plan to carry the boat alone or pull it ashore in difficult conditions. Load capacity always indicated with a reserve, but to overload the vessel above the recommended values is strictly not recommended.
Operation and preparation for launch
Proper assembly and preparation of the boat is the key to safe operation. The pumping process requires the use of a pump with a pressure gauge to control pressure. 0.2 - 0.25 atm or 200-250 mbarInsufficient pressure will cause the hull to deform and lose driving performance, and excessive pressure may damage the seams.
☑️ Checklist before launching
When installing an inflatable keel, it is important to follow the sequence: first, slightly pump the main cylinders, then the keel, and only then finish the main compartments to the working pressure, which allows the keel to spread inside the housing and take the correct hydrodynamic shape. transom board shall be fixed strictly perpendicular to the diametrical plane of the boat.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight unattended for long periods of time, and pressure inside can rise to critical levels.
If you use a boat in salt water, after each foray, be sure to wash the hull with fresh water. The salt crystallizes and can damage the structure of PVC and fittings. valve The presence of sand, which can violate the tightness.
Choice of motor and attachment equipment
The choice of motor for the Ratan boat depends on the desired speed and sailing conditions. For the 320 long models, an electric motor or a 2-3 hp gasoline engine is often enough for quiet movement. However, if your goal is glides, you will need a motor of 5 hp and higher, depending on the load.
It is important to consider the length of the diewood engine. Inflatable boats with an inflatable keel often require a motor with an elongated lower unit to keep the screw in the water at an optimal depth and not capture air. Incorrectly selected motor can lead to cavitation and overheating of the engine.
- 🔋 Electric motors - ideal for quiet fishing, do not require registration in the GIMS (in most cases), but are limited in terms of working time.
- ⛽ two-stroke motors Light, easy to maintain, develop high power, but noise and require a mixture of gasoline and oil.
- 🏁 four-stroke motors - economical, quiet, work on clean gasoline, but heavier and more expensive to buy.
Fuel economy secrets
When driving on planing, try to keep constant gas. Frequent changes in the position of the throttle increase fuel consumption by up to 30%.
Care, storage and repair
The long life of the Ratan boat depends on the storage conditions. After use, the vessel must be thoroughly washed, dried and folded. It is recommended to store PVC products in a straightened or semi-folded form at temperatures from -20 to +40 degrees Celsius. Sharp temperature changes and compressed storage can lead to microcracks.
Use a soap solution and a soft sponge to clean the surface. Aggressive chemical solvents, gasoline or acetone can damage the PVC protective layer. If you find a puncture, use a repair kit that usually comes in delivery. The repair site needs to be degreased, cleaned and glued to the patch in compliance with technology.
Lubricate the pressure valve with silicone lubrication before each season - this will prevent the spring mechanism from sticking and ensure tightness.
Check your condition regularly sling Weakened anchorages can cause trouble when transporting a boat full of water, and timely fittings will prolong the life of your boat.
Proper storage in a dry, cool place and regular washing from salt and dirt increase the life of PVC boats twice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use Ratan in the winter?
You can use the boat in subzero temperatures, but with caution. PVC becomes less elastic in the cold, so you need to pump the cylinders to a lower pressure than in the summer. Also avoid hitting the ice, as the risk of damage to the material increases.
Which glue is best for PVC repair?
For repairing boats, Ratan is best used two-component polyurethane adhesive (such as Kleyberg or analogue) It provides an elastic and water-resistant seam. Conventional "moment" or superglue is not suitable, as they make the material rigid and can peel off.
Do I need to register Ratan's boat with GIMS?
Under current Russian law, boats weighing more than 200 kg (in running order) or with an engine of more than 8 hp (5.88 kW) are subject to registration. Most Ratan models with low-power engines do not require registration, but always check the current rules.
How long does the boat dry before packing?
In sunny and windy weather, the boat dries for about 30-40 minutes. In cloudy or humid weather, this process can take up to 2 hours. Packing a wet boat will cause mold and an unpleasant smell, so drying is mandatory.