The small boat market is full of offers, but it is the rocket-boat They have been leading the budget market for years, and their popularity is due to their amazing combination of affordable prices and proven reliability, and for many anglers and hunters, this brand is becoming the first "serious" boat to replace an old rubber sausage.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the design features, advantages and weaknesses of the products of this brand. You will learn how to choose the right model for your tasks and which one is the best. turret This will help to avoid common mistakes in buying and operating.
It's worth noting that over the years, the lineup has expanded dramatically, and now there are many modifications to the name with different specifications of the bottom and cylinders, and understanding these nuances is critical to safe and comfortable operation on the water.
Design features and materials
The basis of any model is a high-strength reinforced PVCThis material is not only waterproof, it's highly resistant to puncture and abrasion. Unlike cheap ones, it uses a five-layer fabric where layers of polyvinyl chloride are interspersed with a reinforcement mesh, which ensures the rigidity of the structure when pumped and the elasticity when hitting rocks.
Seams in the boats of the Rocket are made by the method hot-glue It's a technology where the glue penetrates the fabric to create a monolithic bond, which is almost impossible to break without physically damaging the material itself, but the quality of the glue is directly dependent on the temperature of the plant.
⚠️ Warning: When buying, be sure to check the valves for leakage. Even a microscopic grain of sand that gets into the valve mechanism during assembly can cause slow air venting during fishing.
The design of the bottom deserves special attention, and depending on the model, it can be inflatable (NDND) or a rigid plywood deck. inflatable floor provides better cross-countryness in shallow water and softness of stroke, while plywood slate gives stability and the ability to install a full-fledged slate. gas tank with fanfare.
Overview of popular models and their specifications
The product line is divided into several classes, each geared to the conditions of use. The younger models, such as the Rocket 2, are compact rowing vessels. They are lightweight, easy to transport in the trunk of a passenger car, and ideal for calm water.
Middle class, for example, Missile 320 or Missile 340It's a very versatile boat, and it's a very powerful one, and it's a very important one, which is the length of the lower unit and the power of the engine, and it's the most popular boat because it's versatile, and it's suitable for both fishing and cruising with the dog.
For trophy fishing and going out on the big water, the models are designed with increased load capacity, they have higher cylinders and a reinforced keel. Below is a comparative table of the main specifications of popular modifications.
| Model | Length (cm) | Width (cm) | Load capacity (kg) | Max engine power (hp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rocket 260 | 260 | 130 | 250 | 2.5 |
| Missile 320 | 320 | 145 | 400 | 5.0 |
| Missile 340 | 340 | 150 | 450 | 9.9 |
| Missile 380 | 380 | 160 | 600 | 15.0 |
When you choose a particular modification, you should focus not only on length, but also on the interior space. Narrow models can be long, but it will be extremely uncomfortable to fit two adults with fishing boxes in them.
Motor choice: power and type of fastening
The issue of selecting an engine for the Rocket boats is especially acute, since cross-board Other models have different thicknesses and angles. For models up to 3 meters, electric motors or gasoline "two-stroke" power up to 3.5 hp are the best choice.
For the 320-340 series, the “golden mean” is considered to be engines with a capacity of 5-9.9 hp. Installation of a more powerful unit is possible, but requires caution. At a sharp start or on the wave, there is a risk of damage to the transom or flip due to the shift of the center of gravity.
When installing a motor with a capacity of more than 5 hp, be sure to use a safety cable. It will prevent engine loss in the event of cutting off the transom bolts or destruction of wood.
It's important to consider the weight of the motor. If you plan to fish alone, it can be tedious to carry a heavy four-stroke engine, in which case two-stroke models will be preferred, despite the need to mix oil with gasoline.
⚠️ Warning: Never exceed the recommended engine power specified in your passport, which is not only life-threatening, but also voids the manufacturer's warranty on the product.
Operation and care of PVC
The life of your boat depends on proper maintenance. After each trip, especially if it was salt water or a body of abundant vegetation, the boat needs to be washed. The sand and silt, when dried, act as an abrasive, gradually destroying the protective layer. PVC coating.
Drying is a critical step, you can't put a wet product in a bag, and in a closed space, at a temperature of zero, the process of decay of the fabric and the appearance of mold, which is almost impossible to remove, immediately begins, and the cylinders should be dried in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight, which can cause uneven air expansion and deformation of the seams.
The best way to keep the Rocket boat is to spread it out at room temperature. If you don't have that option and it's packed in a bag, make sure you don't put heavy objects on it. Long-term storage at low temperatures makes it brittle, so you need to heat it up before pumping it up a few hours.
☑️ Annual TO boats
Tuning and modernization
Many owners don't stop at the factory, they change seats a lot first. plywood-can Stiff and backless, and putting soft seats on the swivel brackets radically changes the comfort level of long transitions.
The second popular element of tuning is the installation of safety lears around the perimeter of the cylinders, which allows you to attach the tackle, anchor or life jacket so that they are always at hand, but do not interfere with rowing or moving around the cockpit. rod and sonars.
The secret to improving driving performance
Installation of an inflatable keel or aerodynamic fairings on cylinders (aerokils) allows the boat to go more easily to planing and improves the course stability at the side wave.
And don't forget to protect the bottom, because if you put in extra PVC protection or you put in a sticker, you can actually extend the life of the bottom of the boat when you pull it out onto the rocky shore, and this is especially true for models with inflatable bottoms.
Frequent problems and their solution
Despite the reliability, the typical problems that occur in the operation are that users are most likely to experience pressure loss in hot weather, not a defect, but a physical property of gases, and when you heat it in the sun, the air in the cylinders expands, and the excess pressure is released through the valves.
Another problem is the unplugging of the transomb board with powerful motors, which is due to dynamic loads on the glue, solved by timely gluing and using quality two-component polyurethane adhesives, rather than cheap ones.
Mechanical punctures are an inevitable evil of any inflatable boat. For operational repairs, there must always be a remix, and the glue requires a certain humidity and temperature to polymerize.
Timely detection and repair of minor damages - the guarantee that the boat will serve you 10 years or more without loss of leakage.
Summary and recommendations
Rocket inflatable boats are a rational choice for those looking for a balance between price and quality, not without the disadvantages of the budget segment, but have a huge margin of safety when properly operated. For beginners in water-motor topics, this is one of the best options to start.
When buying, pay attention to the date of production. PVC has the property of aging even in warehouse, so you should not take a model that has been lying in the store for 5 years, even at a discount. The optimal age of the product at the time of purchase is up to 1-2 years.
Investing in a quality boat pays off with the emotions of fishing and water safety. Don't skimp on accessories and maintenance, and your vessel will be a loyal companion for years to come.
Where can I buy it cheaper?
It is often more profitable to buy a boat at the end of the season (August-September), when stores sell out leftovers before winter, the difference in price can reach 20-30% compared to the spring season.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I put a motor on a Rocket boat more than 5 hp?
Technically, it is possible if the transom design and the overall load capacity allow. However, for models up to 320 cm, this may not be safe. For boats 340 cm and above, the installation of a 9.9 hp engine is a standard and safe mode characteristic.
How to put a rocket boat at home?
It is best to use two-component polyurethane adhesives (e.g. 999 or 88NP hardener adhesives). Single-component adhesives are less reliable and require ideal gluing conditions.
How long does the glue dry during repair?
The initial grip time is about 15-20 minutes, but the full strength of the seam is gained in 24-48 hours. You can not operate the boat immediately after gluing, you need to wait the time specified by the glue manufacturer.
Will the Rocket boat stand the rocky bottom?
The PVC material is strong enough, but the sharp edges of the stones are dangerous. For frequent landings on the rocky shore, it is recommended to use protective linings on the bottom or special protective mats that take the blow.
What guarantee is there for Rocket boats?
The manufacturer's standard warranty is usually 12 months from the date of sale, subject to the rules of operation, the check and warranty card must be kept, mechanical damage (punctures, cuts) are usually not covered by the warranty.