PVC Pelican Boats: A Complete Guide to Models and specifications

Fishing season or river rafting requires a reliable boat that can withstand not only the weight of the crew, but also unpredictable water conditions. PVC-boatsThey have been leading the market for years due to their availability and proven design, and customers value them for their ease of assembly, maintenance and the ability to install an attachment motor, which turns a conventional rowing boat into a full-fledged boat for long-distance missions.

However, the range of the manufacturer is so wide that it is easy for an inexperienced waterman to get confused in the numbers and names of modifications. PVC material The design of the bottom ranges from a simple inflatable floor to a rigid floorboard, and in this article we will discuss in detail what the models differ from, what to look for when buying, and how to properly maintain a vessel so that it will last for decades.

The choice between the propeller version and the motorized version is often the deciding factor in pricing, and it is worth deciding in advance whether you plan to cross wide reservoirs or whether you are planning to cross quiet backwaters and small lakes. coatboard and the required engine power.

The quality of seams and fittings are those hidden parameters that emerge only in the process of active operation. The Taimen and Frigate series Pelican boats have enhanced cylinder protection, which is critical for rocky shores. Ignoring this aspect can lead to rapid wear and tear in the most vulnerable places.

Technical features and materials of production

The basis of the durability of any inflatable vessel is the material from which its cylinders are made. PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is highly resistant to ultraviet radiation, fuel and lubricants and mechanical damage. The density of the fabric varies depending on the model, but the standard is 750-850 g / sq. m, which provides an optimal balance between weight and strength.

The design of cylinders often includes special air-cap And valves that prevent water and dirt from entering the chamber, which is especially true in high wave or rain conditions, and the leakproofness is achieved by gluing the seams together using a two-part polyurethane glue that, when polymerized, creates a compound stronger than the material itself.

An important element is the system of inflatable cockpits and stringers, which give rigidity to the structure, inflatable elements not only increase stability, but also work as additional buffers. PVC boats They make little noise when moving, which is highly appreciated by anglers hunting cautious fish.

⚠️ Warning: Do not keep the boat inflated in direct sunlight in hot weather. Air pressure inside the cylinders can rise to critical values, leading to joint divergence or deformation of the structure.

The accessories used in the products undergo strict quality control: plastic elements such as liner rings and rod holders are made of marine plastic, which is not afraid of salt water and corrosion. Metal parts, such as paddle mounts, have an anti-corrosion coating, but after each foray into the water they are recommended to be wiped with dry rags.

Overview of popular models and their modifications

The product line covers the needs of both single fishermen and small companies, the most popular category being models ranging in length from 2.8 to 3.2 meters, which can be easily transported in the trunk of a passenger car. Taimen. They are fishing-oriented and have a wide nose for convenient placement of tackles and sonar.

For more extreme use and passing thresholds are designed series models Frigate.They have a higher diameter cylinders and a stronger keel, which allows you to keep your course in lateral wind and excitement, and the presence of a full cockpit and high boards makes them suitable even for sea fishing in the coastal zone.

Special attention should be paid to modifications with the acronym "NDND" (Inflatable Low Pressure Bottom), such boats Pelican do not require the assembly of the solder floor, which greatly speeds up the preparation for the launch, but the rigidity of the floor is lower than that of models with plywood or aluminum peyols, which can affect the comfort of prolonged stay on the legs.

When choosing a model, you should consider not only length, but also load capacity. data-sheet figures often indicates the maximum weight, but for comfortable fishing with the engine and equipment, it is recommended to leave a margin of 20-30%, which will ensure better sleeveability and reduce fuel consumption.

Comparison of bottom types: floorboards vs. NDNDM

The choice of floor type is one of the most controversial among owners of inflatable boats. Hard floors assembled from floorboards (plywood or aluminum sheets) provide the perfect plane. This allows you to stand on your feet with confidence, easily navigate the cockpit and install heavy equipment such as battery Or a gearbox, without risking damage to the bottom.

On the other hand, a low-pressure inflatable floor (LDPB) benefits in assembly speed and weight. You don't have to waste time connecting floor sections and installing stringers. A boat with HPDB is softer on the go, it better absorbs shocks against the wave, but on hard ground or rocks, cruising on such a bottom in hard shoes is strongly discouraged.

Aluminum floorboard, often used in top-end models, is lighter than plywood and is absolutely not afraid of moisture, but it is colder and slippery. Plywood coated with mat is warmer and more pleasant tactile, but requires careful drying after each fishing, otherwise it can be stratified or covered with mold.

Characterization	Hard floorboard (Fanera/Al)	inflatable floor (NDB)	Slate-rug
Assembly speed	15-25 minutes.	5-10 minutes	5-7 minutes
Weight gathered	Highly	Medium.	Low.
Floor rigidity	High.	Medium	Low.
Transportability	Demands a trunk.	Compact bag	Very compact.

For those who plan to use a boat with a powerful engine, a hard floor is almost a must. It ensures the correct geometry of the hull, which directly affects the hydrodynamics and the ability to get on plane. The soft bottom can bend under the weight of the engine and passengers, creating additional resistance to water.

Installation and operation of the outboard motor

Most Pelican models are equipped with a transom board that allows you to fix the outboard motor. Engine power is selected based on the length of the boat and the desired speed. For two-seater boats with a length of 2.8-3.0 meters, the best choice will be engines with a capacity of 2-5 hp, which allow you to reach speeds up to 15-20 km / h and save fuel.

When installing the motor, it is critically important to set the correct propeller-deepeningIf the propeller is too high, cavitation and loss of traction will begin; if it is too low, water resistance will increase and the risk of hitting underwater obstacles will increase; optimal position is when the anti-cavitation plate is in the same plane as the bottom of the boat or slightly lower.

The transom plate should be set strictly perpendicular to the keel. The distortion will cause the boat to yaw on the course and the need to constantly adjust the direction of travel, which tires the driver and increases fuel consumption. Regularly check the tightening of the transom mount bolts, as vibration from the engine can weaken the connections.

⚠️ Warning: Never try to start the engine if the boat is on a trailer or on the shore without water. The operation of the water pump "dry" will instantly disable the glands and impellers, even if you just spin the starter for a couple of seconds.

Rules for safe assembly and launching

The process of preparing the boat for the launching requires a certain sequence of actions: first, the balloon is decomposed and straightened, then the compartments are inflated to the working pressure (usually 0.2 atm), then the floorboard is installed (if any), and only then the balloon is blown to the final pressure, disorder can lead to skewed design and difficulties in installing the floor.

It is recommended to use foot or electric pumps with a pressure gauge. Using high pressure compressors without a gearbox is dangerous, since you can easily pump cylinders, especially in hot weather. Pressure control is the key to long-term service of seams and valves.

It is best to descend on the gently-hot shore, avoiding sharp stones and prickly plants. If the shore is rocky, put an awning or a mat under the boat. When getting on the water with a motor, make sure that the lower unit is raised so as not to damage the screw to the bottom, and lower it only at a sufficient depth.

It is important to properly distribute the load inside the cockpit. Heavy items such as anchor, battery and crates should be placed closer to the center of gravity and closer to the bottom, so as not to raise the center of gravity of the boat. Passengers should sit simultaneously or in turns, holding overboard, so as not to overwhelm the boat.

Care, storage and repair at home

The durability of the Pelican boat depends on how you store it in the off-season. After each fishing, the vessel must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, especially if operated in salt water or in bodies of water with abundant vegetation.

Drying is a mandatory step before packaging. Even a little moisture inside the bag can cause mold to appear on the fabric and corrosion of metal elements. Keep the boat in a straightened or slightly crumpled form (not in a tight twist) at a temperature of -20 to +40 degrees Celsius, away from heating appliances and rodents.

What to do if the boat has lost pressure?

If the boat is slowly deflating, use a soap solution. Apply the foam on the surface of the balloon and watch for bubbles. The exit area will be immediately visible. Small punctures are easily sealed with a remix that comes with the equipment.

For minor repairs, the kit usually comes with PVC fabric and glue. Before gluing, the surface must be degreased (acetone or alcohol) and cleaned with sandpaper. The glue is applied in two layers: the first dries to a stick, the second presses with force. The high-quality glue is gaining full strength after 24-48 hours.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use gasoline or chlorine-based solvents to degrease the surface. They can eat up the PVC material, making it sticky and destroying the fabric structure, making quality repair impossible.

Check the valves regularly, and if the valve petal is poisoning the air, you can clean it carefully or replace the rubber seal, often by simply cleaning the grains of sand between the sealing rings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the maximum weight of the Pelican boat?

The load capacity depends on the model. Double boats usually have a rated carrying capacity of 300 to 450 kg. However, it should be borne in mind that this weight includes the mass of passengers, equipment, engine and the boat itself. For safe operation, it is recommended not to load the vessel more than 80% of its nominal value.

Can I use the Pelican boat in the winter?

The materials used to make boats are elastic at low temperatures, but operating in the cold requires caution. PVC becomes more rigid and vulnerable to impacts. In the cold, you can't bend cylinders or drop the boat. Storage in an unheated garage is acceptable, but before inflating the boat is better to heat.

How often should I pump a boat while fishing?

When the temperature changes, the pressure in the cylinders changes. If you inflate the boat in a warm garage and go out into cold water, the pressure will drop, and the cylinders may become soft ("oak" to the touch they should not be), then you need to pump. Conversely, the pressure in the sun increases, and sometimes you have to put excess air through the valve.

How long does a PVC boat last when used actively?

If the rules of operation, storage and timely repair are followed, the service life of a high-quality PVC boat is 10-15 years or more. The main enemy of the material is ultraviolet light and mechanical damage. Regular treatment with protective compounds (such as "Aerosol for PVC") significantly prolongs the life of the product.