Choosing a boat is always about finding a balance between cost, reliability and functionality. riverboat These vessels are manufactured by a Russian company that has been supplying products to the domestic market for many years, successfully competing with eminent foreign counterparts.
Why is this brand attracting thousands of customers? The secret lies in the competent engineering approach to the design of the case and the use of quality materials. PVCIt's a inflatable boat that can withstand a lot of mechanical stress and extreme temperatures, and it's not just a inflatable boat, it's a complete vehicle for going out into the water.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the technical features of various modifications, consider the advantages of hard and inflatable bottoms, and give practical tips for care. RIB You can use classic models to make a good decision before you buy, and understanding the design nuances will help you avoid the typical errors in use.
Technical specifications and materials of manufacture
The basis of any quality boat is the material from which its cylinder is made. River Boats uses multilayer reinforced polyvinyl chloride density from 850 to 1150 g / m2. material It is highly resistant to puncture, abrasion and ultraviolet rays, and seams are usually made by hot gluing, which ensures that the joint is tight even under extreme tear loads.
The construction of floorboard (bottom) directly affects the performance of the vessel. Depending on the model, the manufacturer offers options with a low pressure inflatable floor (LDP) or with a rigid aluminum / plywood floorboard. NNW They are easier to assemble and weigh less, which is critical for single-seater fishing, but hard-bottom models offer better stability and allow higher speeds for an outboard motor.
When choosing a material, pay attention to the density of PVC: for calm water, 850 g / m2 is enough, and for rocky shores and fast water, it is better to take 1150 g / m2.
An important element is the stringer system, which uses longitudinal and transom profiles in hard-bottomed models, which give the structure the necessary rigidity. stringer They are not corrosive and lightweight, making the boat easy to assemble, and plywood floorboards covered with slippery laminate provide a comfortable ride inside the cockpit.
Overview of popular series: RB, RIB and Pro
The manufacturer's range is wide enough to meet the needs of different categories of users. RB These are classic rowing boats, rowing boats, simple design, low-power transom and affordable price, and ideal for beginners or small water bodies.
Series RIB This is a more serious level, where the inflatable tubes are connected to a rigid V-shaped case made of fiberglass or aluminum, and this design provides excellent seaworthiness, allowing you to feel confident on the wave. Keelboat This type easily enters planing mode even with a relatively weak engine, which saves fuel.
Lineage Pro These boats are designed for professionals and extremes, and they have enhanced construction, increased load capacity and additional comfort features, such as spaced cylinders and reinforced liner systems. For those who plan long hikes or fishing in difficult conditions, the series is a series of special features. Pro This is the best solution. Every single node here is designed with a safety margin.
Advantages of keel construction before flatbed
One of the key questions is the shape of the bottom: flat-bottomed models are cheaper and more stable in the parking lot, but their behavior on the move leaves much to be desired, especially when there is even a small wave. Keelboat River Boats, thanks to an inflatable keel or a rigid V-shaped profile, cuts through the wave rather than slaps it, which reduces the impact load on passengers and the hull.
The keel has a significant improvement in course stability, and the boat is less blown by wind and side waves, which reduces the load on the motorist, and when going into planing, the keel models behave predictably and consistently, and this is especially important when going against the current or in the open waters of large reservoirs.
Keel design is mandatory for access to large reservoirs and the use of motors with a capacity of 5 hp and above.
It is worth noting that the inflatable keel, although it takes time to pump (usually used). foot-pump It's a high-pressure switch that provides better cushioning than a hard-pressure one, it extinguishes the impacts on the water, making the stroke softer, but the hard keel in the RIB series gives you better acceleration dynamics.
Preparation for the season: Assembly and pumping
Proper assembly of the boat is the key to its long service and your safety. Before the first use in the season, you must check all valves for leakage. gaugePumping in hot weather can lead to rupture of seams, and failure to pump - to loss of driving performance.
☑️ Checklist of preparation for the water
The process of assembling a hard-floorboard boat requires a certain sequence: first, the cylinders are laid out, then the bottom is set up and fixed by the stringers. Only then the cylinders are pumped to a working state. coatboard.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight unattended. The air pressure inside the cylinders rises with the temperature, which can lead to emergency venting through the valves or damage to the seams.
For stored assembled (where space permits) or rapid reassembly, it is useful to label elements. Although experience comes quickly, in a stressful situation or when assembled in the dark, a clear understanding of which stringer is inserted saves time. water-resistant marker for tagging on hidden parts of the paiola.
PVC membrane operation and care
The life of the boat depends on how you care for it. After every fishing, especially in salt water or in overgrown bodies of water, the vessel must be washed with fresh water. chemistry Or solvents to clean stains are prohibited, because they destroy the polymer structure of the material, a mild soap solution and a soft sponge are enough.
Keep the boat in a dry, cool place, preferably in straightened form or in a free roller. Sharp cracks in the cold can lead to microcracks in the PVC layer. If the boat is wet, it must be dried before packing in a cover. Moisture in a closed space is the ideal medium for mold, which destroys the fabric of the base.
How to seal a puncture in the field?
For temporary repairs, use a special remix. Decontaminate and degrease the puncture site, apply the glue (usually polyurethane), attach a patch and press hard. Full polymerization takes 2 to 12 hours depending on temperature.
Regularly check the condition of the fittings: switch, liner rings and handles. A loose mount can tear a piece of the balloon. If you find (backlash) bolts, they should be tightened, but without fanaticism, so as not to push the material. cake (protective mats) or linings.
Comparative table of models River Boats
To make the choice easier, we compare the popular specifications of the series: the data may vary slightly depending on the year of release and the specific modification, but the overall picture is accurate.
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| Parameter | RB-300 (Classic) | RIB-340 (Keel) | Pro-400 (Reinforced) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length, cm | 300 | 340 | 400 |
| Width, cm | 140 | 150 | 180 |
| Load capacity, kg | 400 | 550 | 800 |
| Max, engine power, hp. | 5 | 15 | 30 |
| Kit weight, kg | 32 | 45 | 68 |
As you can see from the table, as the size and class of the boat grows, so does its weight and the power requirements of the engine. RB-300For two anglers with a outboard motor and a supply of gear, the best choice will be RIB-340The Pro series models are designed for serious tasks requiring maximum capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a River Boats boat in winter for fishing?
PVC boats can be used in winter when temperatures are met; the material becomes rigid in the cold (usually below -10°C), which increases the risk of damage when hitting the ice. However, many anglers successfully operate them in mild frosts, taking care, the main thing is not to throw the boat on the ice and avoid sharp bends in the cold.
Which glue is best for repair?
River Boats are best equipped with polyurethane two-component adhesives (such as Kleyberg, Texacol or manufacturer-specific adhesives) that provide an elastic and water-resistant seam. chloroprene-based adhesives are also suitable, but they dry longer and are sensitive to temperature when glued.
Do I need to register a boat with GIMS?
Registration is required if the weight of the curbed boat exceeds 200 kg OR the power of the installed engine exceeds 8 kW (about 10.8 hp). If your boat is lighter than 200 kg and the engine is weaker than 10 hp, registration is not required. However, the rules may change, so the current information should be checked at the local GIMS office.
How long does the boat last for active operation?
With careful treatment, proper storage and timely repair of minor damage, the service life of a quality boat made of reinforced PVC is 10-15 years or more. The main enemy is ultraviolet light and improper storage (compressed in a tight lump for years).