Choosing the first swimmer for fishing or family trips often turns into a difficult compromise between price, quality and functionality. Pelican 268 It stands out as one of the most talked about options, attracting attention with its accessibility and declared payload capacity, and many newcomers wonder whether this boat is really capable of providing comfortable fishing or is it just a budget option for swimming.
In this article, we will look at the design of the model in a bone, evaluate the quality of the materials used, and consider real-world scenarios of use on water. You will learn about the nuances of the assembly, the features of the inflatable floor and compatibility with outboard motors, which will help make an informed decision about the purchase based on facts, not just on marketing promises.
General specifications and model concept
Boat. Pelican 268 The boat is positioned by the manufacturer as a universal vessel for water bodies of any type, its dimensions in an inflated state are 268 cm long and 128 cm wide, which makes it a double-seater, but quite spacious models. The design is made of reinforced polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with a density of 850 g / sq.m., which is the standard for the budget segment, providing a balance between strength and weight.
The key feature that distinguishes this model from many competitors in the same price category is the presence of a full inflatable floor. NDMAIt's not just a piece of fabric, it's a complex design with internal stringers that gives the body a stiffness and a hydrodynamic shape, so the boat better holds the wave and provides a more confident exit to plane when using the motor.
The model has a load capacity of 350 kg, which allows two adults to be carried with full equipment, but it should be noted that rated carrying capacity is the limit of the push force, not a recommendation for comfortable operation. For active fishing with a lot of gear and things, the optimal load is about 200-250 kg.
Analysis of cylinder and seam design
The safety of any inflatable vessel is its cylinders. Pelican 268 It uses a two-layer material, where the inner layer is responsible for tightness, and the outer layer takes on mechanical stresses. The diameter of the cylinders is 34 cm, which creates a high side and provides good stability, protecting passengers from spray even with slight excitement.
The most important element is the seam technology, which uses a two-part glue glue glue that creates a strong and elastic seam that can withstand temperature changes and stretching of the material, but it is the quality of the glue that is often controlled when the product is accepted, because the human factor in the production cannot be excluded.
When accepting a boat, be sure to check the seams for unpatched areas or protruding threads. Defects are best detected immediately before the boat has been on the water.
The bow of the cylinders has a harness that protects the sides from abrasion when mooring to the dock or pulling ashore, and carries handles made of strong fabric sewn to the cylinder are comfortable enough, but when the boat is fully loaded, it can be a bit heavy for the two of you because of the weight of the PVC itself.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight for a long time unattended. The air pressure inside the cylinders increases when heated, which can lead to rupture of the seams or deformation of the structure.
Features of the inflatable floor (NDB)
Use of low-pressure inflatable floor (NDMAin the model Pelican 268 Unlike the solder boats, you don't have to collect aluminum floors, which greatly speeds up the process of preparing for launch, and the bottom is made up of several independent compartments separated by partitions, which improves the overall safety of the vessel.
The bottom design has a V-shaped profile, which is formed by internal stringers, longitudinal stiffness elements, which allows the boat to cut the wave better and slap its nose less when moving against the wind. For fishing, this is also a plus, since it is easier to stand and navigate the cockpit on this bottom.
But the bottom of the NDND has its own operating features: the bottom pressure should be strictly within 0.2-0.25 atmospheres (about 200-250 mbar). The pumped bottom can lose shape or damage the seams, and the under-pumped will make the boat roll and unstable. The use of a high-quality pump with a gauge is critical here.
Why can the bottom become soft in the sun?
If you pump the boat in a cool garage and then take it out in the sun, the pressure inside will drop due to the expansion of the cylinder material (the “swelling” effect), in which case you just need to pump the air to the working pressure.
Installation and additional equipment
Standard equipment Pelican 268 It usually includes the boat itself, two inflatable seats (banks), a refit, a bag-pack and an instructional set, and the seats are inflatable cushions with a rigid insert on top, making them comfortable enough for hours of fishing, and they are attached to the sides with slings, which allows them to adjust their position.
The boat is equipped with two transom velbot ducks for the installation of an outboard motor, which allows the use of engines up to 5 hp, although many owners put more powerful units, and there are also leer rings around the perimeter for anchoring, rescue end or additional equipment.
The bow often has anchor snags, and the stern has convenient handles for pulling the boat ashore, some of which can be equipped with rod holders or small bags, but this depends on the year of manufacture and batch.
☑️ Checking the completeness before buying
specifications comparison table
For convenience of comparison Pelican 268 With other models in the 2.7 meter class, we'll give you the basic technical parameters in a tabular form, and this data will help you understand how this model meets your weight and dimensions requirements.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Total length | 268 cm | Inflated condition |
| general width | 128 cm | Outwardly sized |
| Diameter of the cylinder | 34 cm | High-side |
| Load capacity | 350 kg | Passport |
| Boat weight | 32-34 kg | Depends on the configuration. |
As you can see from the table, the weight of the boat in assembled form is quite acceptable for transportation in the trunk of a passenger car. However, it is worth considering that together with the engine, gasoline and equipment, the total weight can exceed 60-70 kg, which will require effort to load.
Outboard operation
Installation of the engine Pelican 268 The transom plate, reinforced by additional linings, withstands the thrust of engines with a capacity of up to 5 hp, while the boat is able to reach speeds of up to 20-25 km / h depending on the load and propeller.
To go to the planing with one person, it is enough to have a 3.5-4 hp engine. With two passengers, it is more difficult to go to the glise, you will need a more powerful engine or reduce the load. It is important to adjust the angle of inclination of the lower unit (transe angle) correctly so that the boat does not peck with its nose and burrow into the wave.
The optimal engine power for comfortable operation of the Pelican 268 with one fisherman and tackle is 4-5 hp This ensures confident planing and economical fuel consumption.
When operating with the motor, care should be taken when cornering at high speed, since the soft side can bend under the influence of centrifugal force. It is also not recommended to sharply drop the gas to avoid flooding the transom with water.
Care, storage and durability
Boat life Pelican 268 PVC is afraid of open fire, sharp objects and aggressive chemicals, and after each fishing, the boat must be washed with fresh water, especially if used in salt water or contaminated water.
Keep the boat in a dry, cool place, in straightened or slightly deflated form. It is not recommended to keep it in a highly compressed state at negative temperatures, as the material becomes brittle. Regular check of pressure in the cylinders and visual inspection of the seams will help to avoid trouble on the water.
⚠️ Attention: Never dry a boat near an open fire or heater, and high temperatures can irreversibly damage the structure of PVC and glue.
With proper care and careful operation Pelican 268 It is capable of serving its owner for more than 10 years, enjoying reliability and comfort, and is a time-tested model that has proven itself as a workhorse for lovers of outdoor activities on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I put a 268 engine with a capacity of 9.8 hp on the Pelican?
Technically, it is possible to install, but the manufacturer recommends motors up to 5 hp Installation of a more powerful engine (9.8 hp) creates an excess load on the transom and cylinders, increases the risk of rollover during a sharp maneuver and can lead to damage to the seams.
How long does it take to assemble and disassemble a boat?
The first assembly can take 20-30 minutes, because you need to straighten the fabric and inflate the cylinders properly. With experience, the process takes 10-15 minutes. Disassembly and packaging usually last about 15 minutes, except for drying time.
Will the boat withstand the rocky shore?
The 850 g/sqm material is strong enough, but sharp stones can damage it. For frequent use on rocky shores, it is recommended to use a protective mat or special shoes, and be careful when pulling a boat.
Which pump is best used for pumping?
For primary pumping cylinders suitable two-way foot pump, included in the kit. For the final adjustment of pressure, especially in the bottom, it is desirable to use a pump with a pressure gauge (you can electric with a pressure limiter) so as not to pump the compartments.