The desire to be away from the bustle of the city, in the middle of a calm water surface, embraces many, especially with the onset of warm days. boat It gives you access to hidden coves, the best fishing spots, and it just gives you a sense of freedom that you can't get on land, and it's not just entertainment, it's a whole philosophy of connecting with nature, but it requires a serious approach and preparation.
For a beginner, the world of water transport can seem like a confusing maze of terms, rules and technicalities, where to start if you've never held a paddle or don't know the difference between the two. PVC In this article, we'll look at everything from choosing your first boat to the intricacies of water behavior, so that your first swim is the beginning of a great love for the water element, not a disappointment.
Safety is the foundation upon which any pleasure in cruising on water is built, and ignoring the basic rules can turn a pleasant excursion into a dangerous adventure with unpredictable endings. lifejackets They really work on how to read the weather and why even on a shallow lake you can not neglect equipment.
⚠️ Warning: Never sail alone unless you have experience in extreme conditions and reliable communication, always inform your loved ones about your itinerary and approximate return time.
The modern market offers a huge variety of options, and it’s important not to get confused by marketing tricks. Inflatable boats made of reinforced PVC withstand loads comparable to metal counterparts, with a significantly lower weight. Understanding these differences will help you make informed choices that will keep you happy for years to come.
Choosing the ideal watercraft: from inflatable to metal
The first step to successfully boatThe market is oversupplied, and the choice depends on your specific goals: fishing, cruising with your family or sporting rowing outs. The key factor here is the material of the hull and the type of bottom.
Inflatable models from PVC They're very versatile, they're very easy to transport in the trunk of a car and they're quickly ready, but you have to distinguish between simple rubber bands and professional boats. NDMA (low pressure inflatable floor), which allow you to stand in full growth and comfortably move along the cockpit.
For those who plan to keep the boat in the garage all year round and have the possibility of transporting by trailer, metal aluminum models will be an excellent option. They are durable, not afraid of sharp stones and driftwood, but require a more powerful one. cross-engine The weight of such vessels is much higher, which must be considered when launching without special devices.
- 🚣 Rowing boats: Ideal for quiet lakes, require physical training, are silent and environmentally friendly.
- 🛥️ Motor boats: They provide speed and mobility, allow you to cover large water areas, but they are noisier and require fuel.
- ⚓ Sailing squirts: For those who want to understand the elements of the wind, they require training and the presence of specific reservoirs.
When choosing a boat, pay attention to the load capacity specified in the product's passport. This is not just a recommendation, but a calculated safety parameter. If the manual says that the boat is designed for 3 people, this does not mean that you can put three adults and a load of equipment there - consider the real weight and the distribution of the center of gravity.
Equipment and safety on the water
Safety is at the forefront when you are going to boatEven if you're a great swimmer, cold water, currents, or sudden gusts of wind can be a cruel joke, and the life jacket is the main element of protection, and you have to be responsible in choosing it.
Modern vests are divided into safety (help to stay on the water conscious person) and rescue (turn a person face up and support the head even in an unconscious state). lifejackets The usual "unloading" for fishing with pockets for tackle does not guarantee in a critical situation.
Always check the integrity of the straps and accessories of the vest before each step into the water.
In addition to the vest, your bag should include a sealer with documents and a phone, an anchor with a sufficient line length and a scoop for pumping water. The mobile phone should be fully charged, and ideally duplicated with a power bank packed in a waterproof case.
And you'll pay special attention to the first aid kit, which will not only have patches, but also sunburn remedies, antihistamines and a tourniquet, and the sun is more aggressive in the water because of the reflection from the surface, so you can see that the sun is more aggressive in the water. sunscreen And headgear is mandatory.
⚠️ Attention: Alcohol and boat control are incompatible, water reactions slow down faster, and the risk of hypothermia and loss of coordination when intoxicated increases many times over.
Where to swim: choosing a location and reading a map
Finding the right water body is as important as choosing a boat, and for the first time, equipped beaches or recreation centers are ideal, where you can rent and watch experienced watermen. boat In silence.
Before you leave, be sure to check the navigation map of the area. Pay attention to the markings of the fairway, depths and underwater obstacles. Melts, snags and power lines (power lines) are the main enemies of a small vessel. Crossing the power lines on a boat with a mast or a high-raised rod can lead to electric shock without physical contact with the wire.
Consider the wind rose for the chosen body of water. On large lakes and reservoirs, the wind can quickly raise a high wave, dangerous for small craft. If you see "lambs" (white crests of waves) appear on the water and far to the shore, it is time to stop cruising and seek shelter.
How to read navigational signs?
Red buoys usually indicate the left edge of the fairway when entering from the sea (or on the right when moving up the river), green - right. Crossing the buoy line is prohibited.
Rowing technique and basics of motor control
If you plan to use oars, it is important to master the basic technique so that you do not rub the calluses in the first ten minutes and move forward effectively. The comb should be carried out not only with your hands, but also with the body, with your legs resting on the stops (ducks). The oar is immersed in water at the nose (legs) and carried along the side, ending at the thigh.
To control the motor, you need to understand the principle of operation sling-slingThe motor is attached to the transom (stern board) and fixed with rods. Before starting, make sure that the deadwell (bottom) is submerged in water, otherwise the engine will instantly overheat and jam.
Starting the engine requires a clear sequence of actions. First, open the fuel crane, press the fuel pump pear several times before elasticity appears, then stretch the starter handle. Don't pull the cord sharply - this can damage the mechanism.
☑️ Starting of the outboard motor
Reversing the boat with the engine is done by turning the rammel in the opposite direction from the desired direction of the stern. This seems counterintuitive only at first glance: turning the handle to the left, you turn the screw to the right, and the stern goes to the left. The habit is developed quickly.
GIMS rules and legal aspects
Before boatIn Russia (and many other countries), there are GIMS (State Inspectorate for Small Vessels) rules, registration in the register of small vessels is mandatory if the boat is longer than 3 meters, or if the engine power exceeds 8 horsepower (for boats of any length), or if the total power of the engines exceeds 8 hp.
The owner of the vessel must have with him the documents: identity card, the rights to operate a small vessel of the appropriate category, a boat's ticket with a mark of annual inspection. The absence of any of these documents threatens with a fine and detention of the vessel until the violations are corrected.
| Type of violation | Possible punishment | Risk to life |
|---|---|---|
| Lack of vest | Fine (up to 2000 rubles) | High (risk of drowning) |
| Governance without a license | Fine (up to 2000 rubles) | Medium (ignorance of the rules) |
| Drunk driving | Large fine, disenfranchisement | critical |
| Violation of overtaking rules | Warning or fine | High (collision) |
Compliance with the rules of the road on the water (traffic rules for water bodies) is as important as on the road, there are speed limits near populated areas, rules for divergence from other vessels and prohibitions on entering certain areas (water intakes, reserves).
⚠️ Attention: Remote control of the motor (from the "remote" or "leg" control) is allowed only in the presence of a permanently installed windscreen fence (windshield or cockpit fence) with a height of at least 0.8 meters.
Seasonal and Boat Care After Swimming
The life of your boat depends on how you care for it. After every step of the way out, especially in a salty water body or in a grassy area, the boat needs to be washed with fresh water. PVC materials, and for aluminum alloys.
Drying is a critical step. Inflatable boats should not be packed wet, causing mold, bad smell and the destruction of glue seams. Dry the cylinders in the shade, as direct sunlight when heated can warp the material.
At the end of the season, before winter storage, it is recommended to treat the surface of the boat with special means (for example, based on silicone), which restore the elasticity of the material and protect against ultraviolet radiation.
Proper drying and storage of the boat in the off-season increase its service life by 2-3 times, maintaining the tightness of the seams and the strength of the material.
Check the pressure in the cylinders regularly. A sun-pumped boat can burst at the seams, and a under-pumped boat can lose its driving performance and become vulnerable to punctures. Use a pressure gauge rather than rely on eye sensations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register an inflatable boat without a motor?
According to the current rules of the GIMS, registration is subject to small vessels weighing more than 200 kg. If your inflatable boat in running order (with attachments, but without motor and cargo) weighs less than 200 kg, registration is not required. However, the right to control may be necessary if the engine power exceeds 8 hp.
Can I swim on a boat at night?
It is possible to swim at night, but it requires special equipment, the vessel must be equipped with running lights (top white, side red and green, stern white) and have a source of self-power.
What pressure should be in the PVC tubes of the boat?
The optimal working pressure is usually 0.2-0.25 kgf/cm2 (about 3-4 PSI). The exact values are always indicated in the product passport. In the sun, the pressure in the cylinders increases, so pumping the boat in a cool garage, keep in mind that on water under the scorching sun it can exceed the norm, which is dangerous for seams.
What to do if the boat overturns?
The key is not to panic or let the boat go. An inverted boat is buoyant and provides a great lifeline. Get on an inverted side, try to stabilize the boat and call for help. You can only swim to shore holding the boat if the shore is very close; otherwise, save energy and wait for help.