Choosing a first swimmer always comes with a lot of trade-offs, especially when the budget is tight and reliability requirements are high. boat inflatable Tourist 3 For decades, it has been a leader in the small craft market, offering a unique combination of affordability and time-tested design, a classic of domestic shipbuilding that is still relevant to thousands of anglers and hunters across the country.
Why is this model so compelling? The answer lies in its versatility and simplicity. Tourist 3 It's designed to be as functional as possible with minimal weight and dimensions in packaged form, and unlike today's high-speed counterparts, it prioritizes stability on water and the ability to withstand challenging operating conditions.
In this article, we will discuss all aspects of the operation of this model in detail, you will learn about the real possibilities of PVC materials used in production, the nuances of installing an outboard motor and the secrets of durability, which are not talked about in stores. Objective analysis It will help you make an informed decision about your purchase.
Structural features and materials of the body
The basis of the durability of the boat is the material from which it is made. Tourist 3 It's a very dense, highly reinforced polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that's used in the past, and it's not just a film, it's a complex multilayer structure, where a net of capron strands is soldered between the layers of the polymer. reinforcement gives the material phenomenal strength to break and resistance to punctures.
The design of the bottom is often controversial, but this model uses a classic solution - low-pressure inflatable floor (LDPB) or, in older versions, hard plywood floorboard. Modern versions are more often equipped with sleighs of water-resistant plywood, which provides excellent rigidity and installation capability. stationaryThe boards consist of two cylinders separated by bulkheads, which is a critical safety element.
⚠️ Attention: when buying a used model, be sure to check the tightness of the valves and the absence of stratifications at the seams, since the age of the material can affect its elasticity.
It's important to note the quality of the stitching. In the factory, you use hot vulcanization or two-part glue, which creates a monolithic compound. repairThe use of inappropriate adhesives can lead to depressurization at the most inopportune time.
To extend the life of the PVC material after each fishing, wash the boat with fresh water and dry in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight that destroys the polymer.
Dimensions, load capacity and passenger capacity
Passport numbers are one thing, and actual exploitation is another. Tourist 3 It is classified as a three-seater boat, however comfortable accommodation is possible for two adults with a full set of gear. The third person is usually placed on the bow or stern, which can disrupt the boat's balance.
The model has a load capacity of 400-450 kg, which includes the weight of passengers, engine, fuel and equipment. clearance (height of the side above the water) decreases markedly, especially in the wave, which requires the driver to pay more attention to the distribution of the load on the cockpit.
The inflated dimensions allow you to feel confident in small bodies of water and rivers with a calm current. The length of about 3 meters and a width of about 1.4 meters ensure sufficient stability. speed-response When driving under a motor.
- 📏 Full length: 3000 mm (optimum for transportation in the trunk of a sedan).
- 📏 Full width: 1400 mm (provides stability when catching standing).
- ⚖️ Weight of the kit: about 30-35 kg (depending on the configuration and year of release).
- 👥 Passenger capacity: 3 people (formally), 2 people (comfortable).
Motor potential and driving performance
One of the most common questions is which motor to choose. Tourist 3The manufacturer usually recommends engines up to 5 hp This limitation is dictated by the design of the transom and the total weight of the vessel. Installation of a more powerful unit can lead to deformation of the transom board and loss of handling.
With a 2 to 3 hp engine, the boat can reach a speed of about 10-12 km/h with one passenger, which is an economical mode that allows you to cover significant distances with minimal fuel consumption. When you install a 5 hp engine, the speed increases to 18-20 km/h, but fuel consumption increases, and the speed increases. ergonomics Management requires addiction.
Recommended power: 2 - 5 hpMaximum power: 5 hp
Engine type: petrol two-stroke or four-stroke
It's important to set the angle of tilt of the lower unit right. Tourist 3 Often flat or with a slight keeliness, improper engine installation can cause a "cabrating" effect (nose up) or, conversely, burrowing with the nose in the wave. Experimental selection of the position of the motor is mandatory before each outlet with a new load.
Can I put an electric motor on?
Electric traction motors up to 0.5 kW (about 0.7 hp in traction equivalent) are ideal for quiet fishing, they are lightweight, do not require registration with GIMS (often) and allow hours of maneuvering at the edge of the reed.
Comparison with competitors: specifications table
To understand the place Tourist 3 In today's inflatable vessel range, it's worth comparing with popular models, and there are models on the market that offer higher speeds due to inflatable keel bottom (BBB), but they often lose in price and maintainability.
The table below shows the key factors that influence your choice. Pay attention to the difference in weight and cost, as for many users these factors are crucial when buying. floater entry-level.
| Characterization | Tourist 3 | Analogue with NDND (3.0 m) | Boat from Haipalon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | PVC (reinforced) | PVC (tight) | hypalon |
| Type of bottom | Slate/Inflatable | Inflatable keel | Aluminum/PVC |
| Weight (kg) | ~32 | ~45 | ~50+ |
| Price (relative) | Low. | Medium | High. |
| Speed (5 hp) | ~18 km/h | ~25 km/h | ~30 km/h |
As you can see from the comparison, Tourist 3 It's a win in price and simplicity, but it's a win in speed and comfort, but it's a win in terms of the speed and comfort of the wave, with a full-fledged inflatable keel, and it depends on what's more important to you: budget and simplicity, or speed and seaworthiness.
Operation, storage and care
Proper maintenance is key to the long service life of your boat. Despite the strength of PVC, the material is afraid of aggressive environments such as gasoline, oil and solvents. fragmentation Always keep a rag on hand to remove stains of fuel.
Keep the boat clean and dry, and moisture residues, especially in the folds of the fabric, can cause mold to erode the protective layer. Tourist 3 You need to be careful not to create creases in the same places every time to avoid microcracks.
☑️ Preparation for winter storage
Check the pressure in the cylinders regularly. A sun-pumped boat can burst, and a under-pumped boat can lose its driving performance and wear out faster on friction against the water. The optimal working pressure is usually 0.2 atm, but in the heat it should be fired, controlling it. rigidity boards.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight unattended, with air pressure inside the cylinders increasing proportionally to temperature, which can cause the seams to rupture.
Frequent malfunctions and methods of their elimination
Even the most reliable appliances are subject to wear and tear. Tourist 3 Often the cause is not the valve itself, but a grain of sand or a blade of grass that gets between the petals, and simple washing and purging usually solve the problem without the need to replace the part.
Punctures and cuts are an inevitable evil of fishing. In order to repair them in the field, you need a remix. It's important to use glue and patches that are compatible with the material of the boat. PVC materials Polyurethane adhesives are suitable, which provide an elastic seam that does not smack in the cold.
- 🔧 Problem: Trash the valve. Solution: twist, flush, test the gum, grease with silicone.
- 🔧 Problem: The seam tape is unstitched, solution: Clean, degrease, re-stick with a warm-up glue.
- 🔧 Problem: Color loss (burnout) Solution: Use UV filtered protective sprays.
If the damage is serious and is on a power seam, self-repair can be dangerous. vulcanization Savings on critical repairs can cost safety on the water.
Timely diagnosis of minor damages and the presence of high-quality remplekt on board is not just a recommendation, but a prerequisite for safe operation.
Do I need to register the boat Tourist 3 in GIMS?
According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, registration is subject to small vessels weighing more than 200 kg in running order OR with an engine capacity of more than 8 hp (8.16 kW). Tourist 3 weighs about 35 kg and is usually equipped with an engine up to 5 hp, it does not require registration But the rules can change, so it's important to clarify the rules before the season.
Which glue is best for PVC repair?
For reliable repairs, two-component polyurethane adhesives (such as Texacol, Kleyberg or specialized adhesives from boat manufacturers) are best used to create a chemical bond with the material, unlike Moment, which only gives mechanical clutch. It is important to observe the temperature regime when gluing - usually this is the case. +20°C and higher.
Is it possible to use a boat in winter?
You can use PVC boats in the winter, but with caution. -10°C - -15°C Any careless movement, impact on the ice or flexion can lead to cracks. If winter fishing is inevitable, try not to crush the boat during transportation and let it warm up before pumping.