The waterways are on the water from PVC The statistics of water accidents are inexorable: most accidents occur in small craft, where the crew neglects basic norms of behavior. Inflatable boats, despite their apparent indestructibility, require strict compliance with operating regulations, especially in open water or strong currents.
Many newcomers mistakenly believe that the presence of cross-engine Or light oars automatically guarantee safety, but the material of the case, whether it's a slender or a light oar, Hypalon It's a very powerful, or reinforced polyvinyl chloride, and ignoring the weather and the loading rules can be fatal in minutes, which is why knowledge of theory and proven emergency skills are a must for every hydraulic motor.
In this article, we will take a look at all aspects of safe navigation, from choosing equipment to storm behavior. You will learn how to distribute weight correctly, why you can not save on the anchor float and what maneuvers are strictly forbidden on inflatable boats. Safety is not a set of prohibitions, but an understanding of the physics of water and the capabilities of your water. floater.
Preparation of the craft and mandatory equipment
Before launching into the water, a thorough inspection should be carried out. flyboatVisually checking cylinders for scuffs, punctures or bloating should become a habit. Pay special attention to the places where the joints are glued together and the connections with the swelling. squirt-boardThis is where microcracks most often occur during long-term operation.
It is critical to check the pressure in the cylinders with a pressure gauge. Insufficient pressure in the heat can lead to rupture of the seams due to air expansion, and in cold weather - to loss of body rigidity and decrease in the pressure of the air. seaworthinessAlways leave a safety margin without pumping cylinders to the limits specified in the product passport.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight unattended. The pressure inside the cylinders can skyrocket, causing the material to deform or rupture.
The crew's equipment is no less important than the boat's condition. lifejackets The number of people on board is a requirement, not a recommendation, and the vest must be properly sized and fastened on all the fastexes before leaving the shore.
For additional security, it is recommended to use insurance phalaThis will prevent a person from being lost overboard in a sharp maneuver or in a wave, and also includes a scoop, a repair kit and an anchor with a sufficient length of line.
☑️ Checking before getting on the water
Loading rules and weight distribution
The boats have a very specific architecture where stability The overloading of the vessel is one of the main causes of rollovers, and each model's passport has the maximum load capacity, but in practice it is safer to load the boat at 80% of this limit, especially if there is a wave.
The center of gravity should be strictly in the diametric plane and as low as possible. fuel-tankAnchors and boxes with gear should be placed on the floor (floorboard) and not on banks. roll.
| Type of load | Recommended place of accommodation | Impact on sustainability |
|---|---|---|
| Passengers | Inflatable cans or seats | High center of gravity, risk of rolling |
| Fuel tank | On the floor by the transpant | Reduces the center of gravity, balances the nose |
| Anchor | In the bow on the floor | Stabilizes the different, prevents the bay with the nose |
| Equipment | In the germs at the bottom | Minimizes sailing and shifting of cargo |
Dramatic movement of people or cargo inside the cockpit on the move is strictly prohibited. Inflatable sides are highly resilient, and a sharp jerk to the side can cause a pendulum effect that is difficult to fend off with oars or motor. All movements must be smooth and consistent with the steering wheel.
To improve stability, place heavy loads as low as possible, directly on the floorboards, fixing them from rolling, which will significantly reduce the risk of tipping over on the turn.
Features of navigation and boat management
The inflatable boat has its own specifications due to its flexibility and high sailing speed, and when moving against the wave, you need to slow down to avoid blowing your nose against the water, which can lead to the ejection of people forward or damage. cylindersOn the other hand, you have to be careful not to lose control and get hit in the transom.
In the case of outboard It's important to get the right angle of the lower unit, because going up too high will lead to cavitation and loss of traction, and going too far will lead to burrowing of the nose and loss of speed, and optimal engine operation will ensure smooth running without yawing.
On rowing boats, the technique of rowing also affects safety. The synchrony of rowers is the key to straight-line movement. Chaotic movements with oars destabilize the boat and quickly tire the crew. The technique of turning on the spot is effectively used, with one rower working in the foreground and the second in the back.
⚠️ Warning: When driving on the motor, always keep your hand on the kill-switch check attached to your wrist. If you fall overboard, the motor will instantly stop, preventing a screw from hitting you.
Maneuvering narrowness requires special attention. The radius of circulation of an inflatable boat can be greater than it seems, especially in lateral winds. Always reserve the distance to obstacles, driftwoods and other boats. inertia Even a light boat with passengers can be significant.
Actions in stormy weather and emergency situations
The weather on the water changes rapidly, and you need to be prepared for a storm in advance. The first sign of deterioration of conditions is often a change in the color of the water and the appearance of ripples against the wind. If you notice a squall approaching, you should immediately put on life jackets if they were removed and remove all loose objects from the cockpit.
In a strong wave, a safest strategy is a lagom (board) to a wave at a minimum speed or drift with an anchor. tippingIf the boat starts to draw water, don't make sudden movements to avoid aggravating the roll.
When water enters the cylinders or cockpit, the main thing is not to panic. PVC inflatable boats remain buoyant even with a few broken compartments, if the others are sealed. You need to immediately start drawing water and, if possible, go to the shore or shallow water. pump It is only effective with a small amount of water.
In the event of a complete boat flip, don't let go. An inflatable boat, even an inverted one, keeps a person on the water better than a single life jacket. Climb on an inverted cylinder, group up and give distress signals. Swimming to the shore for more than 100-200 meters in open water without a boat is a very risky decision.
How to properly send distress signals?
During the day, use bright clothing, a mirror or a smoke bomb. At night, a red-filtered flashlight or an SOS light signal (three short, three long, three short) is effective. The whistle is heard better than a scream, and does not require energy.
Interaction with other courts and GIMS
The water has strict rules similar to road ones, but with their own specifics. Inflatable boats are often small vessels that must give way to large vessels that cannot quickly change course. Visibility from large boats or boats can be limited, so stay away from fairways and heavy shipping areas.
According to the rules. GIMEFor every motorized boat of more than 5 hp or a length of more than 4 meters, registration and a boat's ticket are required. Failure to register can result in a fine, but more importantly, unregistered boats often fail safety checks and may be technically defective.
When overtaking or crossing a course, always give an audible signal. A short horn means a right-hand manoeuvre, two left-handed, three-way reverse-wheeling. In inflatable boats with electric motors or quiet motors, the sound signal may not be heard, so use a visual alarm or whistle.
⚠️ Warning: It is forbidden to drive a boat while drunk or narcotic, the reaction on the water becomes more cloudy, and the consequences of errors become fatal.
Respect for nature and other water users is part of the culture of swimming: do not create a big wave near swimmers, fishermen or other small boats, observe speed limits in coastal areas and places of mass recreation.
Post-navigation service and storage
Proper care of the boat after going out on the water prolongs its life and guarantees its safety in the future. PVC materialAfter each exit, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, using a soft sponge and special cleaning tools.
Drying is a critical step. It's not always necessary to blow a drying boat, but it's necessary to completely wipe and dry all the folds and seams. The remaining moisture in the rolled-up form will lead to mold that destroys the fabric base of the material from the inside.
Keep the boat straightened or half-folded at room temperature, avoid storage near heating appliances or in direct sunlight, regularly check the valves and lubricate them with silicone lubricant to prevent rubber seals from drying out.
Regular washing and complete drying of the boat before packaging increase the service life of PVC material by 2-3 times, maintaining its elasticity and tightness.
How often should I check the pressure in the cylinders?
It is recommended to check the pressure before each outlet. During the day, especially when the temperature of the air or water changes, the control should be repeated every 2-3 hours of active operation.
Can I repair the PVC boat on my own?
Small punctures and cuts up to 3-4 cm long can be sealed by yourself with a remplekt. Serious damage to the seams or large tears require professional repair in a specialized workshop.
What to do if the boat is blown away from the shore?
Don't try to follow it if you're already in the water. If you're on shore, drop a cat anchor or any heavy object on a rope to hook the boat. If the boat is far, call for rescuers, don't risk going far in the swim.
What is the permissible wave height for an inflatable boat?
For most inflatable boats without a hard bottom, the safe wave height is up to 0.5-0.75 meters. Boats with an inflatable keel and hard floorboard (HPD) can withstand a wave of up to 1-1.2 meters, subject to the experience of the crew.