Choosing a boat is always a search for a compromise between load capacity, speed and comfort, but it is the choice of a boat. motorboat They are uniquely suited to the versatile fisherman and tourist aides, and unlike rigid enclosures, they can be easily transported in the trunk of a passenger car without the need for a trailer or complex storage logistics, and modern materials and seam welding technologies allow them to be operated in extreme conditions comparable to aluminum.
However, buying the first boat often turns into a puzzle of specifications, where it is difficult for a beginner to understand the differences between reinforced PVC and conventional, or to understand why an inflatable keel is needed. It is critically important to understand that the boat, designed for the engine 5 hp, will not withstand the installation of a 10-horsepower unit without the risk of destruction of the transom. In this article, we will discuss all aspects of the choice in detail, so that your purchase becomes a reliable investment in a quality holiday on the water.
Design features and materials
The basis of any quality boat is the material from which it is made. reinforced polyvinyl chlorideIt is the reinforcement of the mesh that gives the material tensile strength, while the outer layers are responsible for resistance to ultraviolet, fuel and mechanical damage. The density of the fabric usually varies from 750 to 1100 g / m2, and the choice depends on the operating conditions.
The second key element of the design is the type of jointing of the seams. There are two main methods: gluing and hot-air welding The adhesive method, in which fabrics are joined together with two-part polyurethane adhesive, is considered more maintainable in the field, but requires strict adherence to the technology. Welds, in turn, provide a monolithic structure, turning the cylinders into a single unit, which is especially important for large boats.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to repair the puncture with shoe glue or superglue. PVC materials Special remakes with polyurethane glue and degreasing are needed, otherwise the boat will poison the air at the most inopportune moment.
The most important element for motor boats is the transom, which is a rigid insert in the aft part, and it can be glued or removable. Pluted transmolant It provides better feed stiffness and load distribution, which is critical when glides. The removable version is convenient for storage, but requires careful fixation before each trip to avoid engine distortion.
Types of bottom and their impact on driving performance
The bottom specifications directly determine how the boat will behave on the water. Flat Floor It's a flat inflatable floor that's only suitable for low power up to 3-4 hp and calm water, and it's hard to plane on a boat with even a more powerful engine, because there's no hydrodynamic profile necessary to detach the hull from the water.
A more advanced solution is a high-pressure inflatable floor (see below).AirDeck or AirFloorThe design is a set of vertical threads connecting the upper and lower surfaces, which allows you to pump the bottom to 0.8-1 atmosphere. This gives the bottom a rigidity close to plywood, but retains light weight.
For serious speeds and heavy loads are designed boats with flatbedAluminum or plywood sheets (floorboards) are assembled into a single plane, forming a rigid body with pronounced cheekbones. It is this geometry that allows you to efficiently glid, cut the wave and reach maximum speed. However, it takes much longer to assemble such a boat, and the weight of the kit can be impressive.
For frequent fishing, consider high-pressure inflatable floor boats (HPDBs) alone, which can be assembled in 5-7 minutes, while the solder boat will have to “dance” with floor assembly for at least 20 minutes.
Choice of motor power and transax plate
The choice of engine is not just a matter of budget, but also a matter of safety and resource of the boat. maximum power allowedExceeding this parameter leads to transom overload, stern deformation and loss of controllability. For two-seater boats, the standard has become 5-9.9 hp engines, which provide confident glides with one or two passengers.
An important element of the boat-motor system is the trans plate, which is mounted on the bottom of the engine's lower unit and has several functions: protects the screw from impacts on bottom bumps, improves the yield on planing and stabilizes the course. propeller It's increasing many times over.
Two-stroke engines are lighter than four-stroke engines, which is critical for small PVC boats where each kilogram affects the differential. Four-strokes are more economical, quieter and more environmentally friendly, but their weight often requires larger boats to maintain balance.
| Engine power (hp) | Typical boat length (m) | Max. speed (km/h) | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 - 3.5 | 2.4 - 2.9 | 15 - 20 | Calm fishing, walks |
| 5 - 6 | 2.9 - 3.2 | 25 - 35 | Trolling, fishing together |
| 9.8 - 10 | 3.2 - 3.6 | 35 - 45 | planing, long-distance crossings |
| 15 - 18 | 3.6 - 4.2 | 50 - 60 | Professional fishing, tourism |
Package: What should be in the set
Buying. flyboatYou often get a basic kit that needs to be redesigned, and standard equipment usually includes the boat itself, the bag, the pump and the refit, but for full operation for an outboard motor, this is not enough. Experienced water engines immediately budget for the purchase of an anchor ring, rod holders and a quality anchor.
Special attention should be paid to the pump. General foot or hand pumps are often ineffective, especially if you need to pump a boat with NDND to high pressure. Electric pump, powered by the battery, can reduce the time of preparation for the water by three times, saving your strength for fishing.
- 🛡️ Defensive quillson - tape along the bottom, protecting cylinders from abrasion on shells and sand, is mandatory for rocky banks.
- 🪝 Leer cable - passes along the perimeter of the boat, allowing you to insure, pull up to the shore or tow the boat.
- 📦 Runduks Inflatable compartments in the nose and stern, which not only add buoyancy, but also serve as sealed boxes for things.
Why do you need a safety cable on the transom?
A transom safety cable is required to tie a boat to a pier or shore so that it doesn't drift off the motor while you load the gear, a basic safety measure that's often forgotten.
Operation and care of PVC materials
The durability of the boat depends on proper maintenance, and after every fishing trip, especially in salt water or muddy waters, the structure must be rinsed with fresh water. Salt deposits And the dirt, when it's drying, it works like an abrasive, and it gradually destroys the protective layer of PVC, and drying before packaging is a prerequisite to prevent mold and bad smell.
Keeping the boat straightened or half-assembled, avoiding cloth cloth cloth in the same places. Although modern materials have a "shape memory," constant pressure on the folds for years can lead to microcracks. The optimal storage temperature is room temperature, without sudden changes and direct sunlight.
In winter, storage of inflatable elements requires a special approach. Frost makes PVC fragile, so any manipulation of the boat (assembly, movement) at temperatures below -10 ° C should be carried out extremely carefully.
☑️ Daily care of the boat
Tuning and improvement for comfort
The factory equipment is rarely ideal for a particular user, so tuning One of the first improvements is the reinforced sounder holder and the navigation, and the angler needs to have the instruments in front of his eyes, not look for them in a handbag, so the brackets are attached directly to the cylinders or the transom.
To increase comfort, inflatable seats with backrests or rigid cans with soft linings are often installed. Standard rigid seats, which come as a kit, after a few hours of travel cause back fatigue. tent Or a sun visor, which allows you to fish in any weather without burning in the sun or getting wet in the rain.
⚠️ Warning: When installing additional equipment, do not overload the bow of the boat. Shifting the center of gravity forward can cause the boat to start to "buried" nose in the wave, which is dangerous at full speed.
Security and GIM regulations
Owning a boat imposes responsibility not only for oneself, but also for others, and the rules require that any motorboat be equipped with life jackets, a scoop and an anchor, and ignoring these rules can lead not only to fines, but also to tragic consequences in an emergency.
Registration with GIMS is mandatory for boats with an engine of more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp) or a weight of less than 200 kg (including the engine), but even if your boat does not formally require registration, having documents confirming ownership and compliance with the norms will save you from unnecessary questions from the inspectors on the water.
Water safety begins with checking equipment before each exit, and the vest should be worn, not just lying in a bag.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best glue for repairing PVC boats?
For professional repairs, two-component polyurethane adhesives (such as Teknipol or special adhesives from boat manufacturers) are best used, creating a flexible and water-resistant compound that can withstand the deformation of the material, and ordinary adhesives can dry or not withstand the load.
Can I leave an inflatable boat pumped in the sun?
It is highly recommended not to leave the boat pumped in the direct sun, because when the air inside the cylinders expands, the pressure increases, which can lead to rupture of the seams or deformation of the material. If the boat is under the sun, you should periodically blow out excess air.
Which is better: a plyol bottom or NDND?
The payload bottom (hard) provides better seaworthiness and speed, ideal for large bodies of water and waves. NDNDL (inflatable) is lighter, faster to assemble and more compact when folded, which is convenient for frequent trips and small motors.
How often should I check the pressure in the cylinders?
The pressure should be checked before each outing, it is also advisable to control it during fishing breaks, especially if the air temperature changes. The normal working pressure is 0.2-0.25 atm (depending on the model), but the exact values are indicated in the product passport.