The modern boating market has undergone a dramatic shift from bulky metal structures to lightweight and mobile polyvinyl chloride solutions, with buyers increasingly turning to large marketplaces where the market is a part of the world. PVC It's a collection of hundreds of different vendors, and it's not only saving time on the search, it's also giving you access to real feedback from owners, which is critical to making an informed decision.
Fishing requires a specific approach to the choice of boats, as operating conditions can vary from calm overgrown lakes to rugged rivers with a rocky bottom. Inflatable boats Marketplaces often look the same in photos, but their specifications can be drastically different, and it's important to understand that visual similarity does not guarantee the same reliability of the seams or the quality of the glue used.
In this article, we will take a closer look at what options to look for when ordering a boat online to avoid disappointment. You will learn about the intricacies of choosing material density, bottom design and reliability of fittings, which often becomes a weak link in budget models.
Criteria for choosing a reliable PVC boat
The first thing to start with is to study the product card. material-densityFor fishing, where contact with snags, shells or sharp stones is possible, you should not consider options with a density below 750 g / sq.m. Thinner materials are suitable exclusively for cruising in clean water in calm, but for a serious angler they will be a source of constant stress.
The second important aspect is the construction lanternThis is where the main loads are concentrated when driving for an outboard motor. If you plan to install an engine with a power of more than 5 hp, make sure that the transom is reinforced with overhead elements and has the correct geometry. A weak transom will cause the boat to "nose peck" or prowl on the course, which significantly increases fuel consumption and fatigue of the fisherman.
⚠️ Note: When ordering a boat, be sure to check the equipment for availability product passport Without these documents, registration with GIMS will not be possible, and in the case of a guarantee, you will be left alone with the problem.
You also have to look at the balloon inflating system. stretch-stretching It's a hard bottom, it's a stable ride, but it takes longer to assemble, and a low-pressure inflatable floor (LDPB) can be assembled in a couple of minutes, but it can be less comfortable on a wave when it's fully loaded.
Analysis of popular models and brands
Marketplaces are dominated by several large manufacturers that have proven themselves in the market. BoatWise., Flagship and hunterEach of these brands offers a range adapted to different needs, from single “drops” to full-fledged keel vessels for trophy fishing.
Particular attention should be paid to the models with balloonThis shape of the bow makes it easier to travel the wave, reducing the impact load on the crew. For fishing, it also means that you will be less sprayed with water, which is especially true in the cold season or when fishing with spinning.
When choosing a particular model, it is worth considering not only the length, but also the cockpit-widthNarrow boats are faster, but they are tightly coupled and uncomfortable to place tackles. Wide models provide excellent stability, allowing you to stand up full height for throwing or sonar, but their sailing is higher.
specifications comparison table
To organize the data and simplify the selection, we have compiled a comparison of the popular types of boats available on ozone, based on averages of models 320-360 cm long, which is the middle ground for the angler.
| Type of boat | Density of PVC (g/sq.m) | Load capacity (kg) | Kit weight (kg) | Recommended motor (hp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (rowing) | 640-750 | 250-300 | 18-22 | 2-3 |
| Universal (NMND) | 750-900 | 400-500 | 35-45 | 5-9.9 |
| Professional (Leer) | 900-1100 | 500-700 | 50-65 | 10-18 |
| Specialized (Katamaran) | 800-950 | 300-400 | 25-30 | 2-5 |
As you can see from the table, the difference in weight and load capacity is significant. Professional models It's harder, but it's safer and more comfortable, and it allows you to take more equipment on board, and budget options are good for short trips, but they have limited potential.
It is also worth noting that the declared load capacity is the maximum weight at which the boat is still afloat. For comfortable fishing, you should subtract from this value 30-40% to maintain the maximum weight at which the boat is still afloat. height above the water and eliminate the flooding.
Features of assembly and configuration
Buying a boat on a marketplace often means getting the goods in a compressed package. PVC After delivery, especially if it was carried out in the cold season, sharp straightening of frozen material can lead to microcracks.
The basic equipment usually includes a bag, a pump, a remix and sometimes oars. However, the quality of the enclosed oars often leaves much to be desired. telescopic oars from composite materials or aluminum with linings, as regular ones can be too short or flimsy.
Special attention deserves pump. Often comes with low-quality foot or hand models. For boats with NDNDM, it is critical to have a pressure pump to control the pressure in the compartments. The pumped bottom can deform in the sun, and the under-pumped bottom will not provide the necessary rigidity.
Safety and operation on water
Fishing is not only a pleasure, it's a responsibility. Even in quiet water, you have to follow basic safety rules. lifejacketCold water and heavy clothing can play a cruel joke in an emergency.
⚠️ Warning: Never exceed the maximum load capacity or install a motor more powerful than the passport indicates, which can lead to the boat overturning or the transom collapse at full speed.
When operating in rocky places, use keel-proofIt's a special rubber or composite tape that sticks to the bottom, and it takes the impacts on the rocks and the shore, keeping the integrity of the main cylinder, and it's one of the first procedures after you buy a new boat.
Also, remember the anchor shaft. For PVC boats, it is strictly forbidden to tie the anchor end rigidly to the nose or stern. In high winds or currents, the boat can turn side to wave, which will dramatically increase the risk. tippingThe anchor shall have a bursting force or be dropped under critical load.
Post-season care and storage
The durability of your boat depends on how you care for it. After every fishing trip, especially if it's in salt water or a body of abundant vegetation, the boat needs to be washed with fresh water. abrasivegradually destroying the structure of PVC.
Keep the boat in a deflated but not folded "in accordion" state, if possible. The ideal option is to be suspended in a straightened form in a dry room, protected from direct sunlight and rodents. Ultraviolet is the main enemy of polyvinyl chloride, causing its premature aging and brittleness.
Before long storage, it is recommended to process the material with special PVC preservativeThey restore elasticity and create a protective film, and also check the pressure in the cylinders a couple of days after the pumping, if the pressure has dropped, then there is a micropuncture or valve problem that needs to be fixed before the next season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I register a boat bought for Ozone in GIMS?
Yes, you can if the seller is an official dealer or manufacturer and provides a full package of documents: a purchase contract, a check, a product passport with a number and a certificate of conformity.
What repairs can be done on your own in the field?
You can seal small punctures and cuts yourself with the remix that comes with the kit, using a special glue and a PVC patch. More serious damage to the valves or seams requires treatment at the service center.
How dangerous are temperature changes for a PVC boat?
Short-term changes are not terrible, but you can not keep the boat in the cold or in the scorching sun. PVC bluffs in the cold and can crack when bending, and in the heat (especially in a pumped state), the pressure inside the cylinders increases, which can lead to rupture of the seams.
Should I buy a boat with an inflatable floor (NDB) for trolling?
For trolling, NDND is great because it provides a comfortable landing and stability. However, for high-speed planing with a powerful engine, it is better to choose a boat with a rigid floorboard or aluminum bottom, since NDND has greater hydrodynamic resistance.
How often do I need to glue the boat?
When operated carefully and properly stored, a quality boat does not require gluing for years, and it is recommended to perform a preventive inspection of the seams and valves once a season, and if you notice a detachment of the fabric or darkening of the glue, repairs should be done immediately.