Water tourism is experiencing a renaissance, and motor-driving Unlike bulky metal boats, inflatable boats allow you to get to the most inaccessible shores, pass shallow rifts and spend the night on the water, but such an expedition requires serious training, different from ordinary fishing on weekends.
The success of the event depends not only on the engine power, but also on the correct selection of equipment, knowledge of navigation rules and the ability to read the map. Inflatable boats They have a unique buoyancy and resilience, but their vulnerability to mechanical damage requires the captain to be vigilant, and in this article we will look at all the stages of planning an autonomous hike.
Modern technologies of production of polyvinyl chloride allow to create vessels capable of withstanding serious loads and storm conditions. The key factor of safety is not the price of the boat, but the correct selection of engine power to the passport of the boat. Ignoring this parameter can lead to loss of control or even tipping over on the wave.
Selection of craft and preparation of the hull
The first step to a successful expedition is to assess the technical condition of your flyboatFor multi-day hikes, models with an inflatable floor of NDNDM (low pressure) are optimally suited for 3.6 to 4.2 meters long, providing excellent wave germination and a comfortable landing, which is critical for prolonged exposure to water.
Carefully inspect the seams and cylinders for microcracks or scuffs. Even if the boat does not poison the air, the weakened structure of the material under the load of equipment and passengers may not withstand. transom - the place of attachment of the motor, since it is there that the maximum vibration loads are concentrated.
Be sure to check the completeness of the remix. Anything from a puncture to a sharp stone to a snag can happen on the way. The presence of glue, patches and a pump (preferably with a foot drive in case the battery is discharged) is a prerequisite for getting on the water.
How to check the tightness of the valves?
To check the tightness of the valves of an inflated boat, apply a soap solution to the junction of the valve and the cylinder. The appearance of bubbles will indicate the site of the leak, which must be dried and treated with a sealant before getting on the water.
The hull preparation also includes checking the reliability of the mounts of liner cables and handles for carrying, which in an emergency situation, these elements will have to be seized if the boat begins to tear down by the current or the wind, the reliability of each line and each node must be beyond doubt.
Selection and maintenance of the outboard motor
The heart of your water transport is boat-engineFor PVC boats, two-stroke or four-stroke engines with a power of 5 to 20 hp are most commonly used. The choice depends on the vessel's load capacity and the desired speed. Four-stroke models are quieter and more economical, which is important for long transitions.
This includes oil replacement (for 4T engines), spark plug checks and carburetor cleaning, and a lower unit inspection for damage and cooling system check, and overheating an engine away from civilization can turn an outdoor activity into a heavy-duty walk.
☑️ Pre-start check of the engine
It is important to have spare parts with you. The minimum set of mechanic on the hike includes: a spare candle, propeller veneer, a set of keys and a fuel reserve at the rate of + 30% of the planned distance. Fuel filter It is also best to replace it in advance to avoid water or dirt entering the system.
Pay attention to the motor-to-transpane attachment system. Use reliable rods and be sure to run the safety rope through the transom-shaped rims. Vibration as you move along the wave can weaken the tightening of the screws, and losing an expensive unit will be an unpleasant surprise.
Navigation and route planning
Route planning is the foundation of safety, and even if you know the terrain well, conditions can change, with water levels falling when the locks close, or new debris, and use current destinations and satellite maps to lay the path.
Be sure to check the operation of hydroelectric dams and dams if your route runs along navigable rivers. Water discharge can dramatically change the nature of the current and raise the level of the river by several meters in a short time. Navigational instrumentsGPS trackers or sonars will make it much easier to navigate.
| Parameter | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Depth of fairway | Minimum depth on the route | Critically. |
| Wind load | Wind forecast by day | High. |
| Parking places | Availability of the shore for overnight stay | Medium |
| Fueling fuel | Fuel recharge points | High. |
Always carry a paper map of the area, even if you have an electronic one. Gadgets can run out, get caught in the rain or fail. The ability to read a map and use a compass is a skill that can save lives in fog or when equipment fails.
Equipment and equipment for autonomous
The list of things for a water trek is different from land trekking, the main rule is that all things must be packed in seals. Water. It should not be allowed to enter under any circumstances, especially if it involves sleeping bags, clothing and electronics.
The distribution of cargo in a boat requires a special approach: heavy objects (battery, anchor, fuel canisters) are placed as low as possible and closer to the center of the diameter to maintain stability. Lightweight but bulky things are stacked on the sides. Uneven loading can lead to differentiation on the bow or stern, which will worsen the driving performance.
Don't forget the means of communication. Mobile communication is often absent on the water, so a satellite phone or personal tracker with SOS function will become your insurance, and you also need a powerful power bank to recharge your gadgets, since it is not always safe to charge your phones directly from an onboard 12B network.
Use bright sealers or attach reflective elements to them. In the case of things falling overboard at dusk, it is almost impossible to find a black bag on the water, and the bright will be visible from afar.
Clothing should be layered and dry quickly. Even in the heat of the water, you can overcool due to the wind. Raincoat, waterproof shoes and a spare set of dry clothes in sealed packaging are a mandatory minimum for each traveler.
Safety rules and GIMS
The laws of water are harsh and can cost lives to break, and according to GIMS, each boat must be equipped with life jackets, an anchor with a line, a scoop and a lifeline, and if it is not there, it will be fined, but more importantly, your safety.
When moving around a body of water, especially in low visibility or at night, you need to have running lights. PVC boats often use portable versions of lights that are mounted on the nose, which allows other boats to notice you in advance and avoid collision.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to be in a boat without a life jacket while driving, especially in conditions of excitement or when driving a powerful engine. Falling overboard at a speed of even 10 km / h can lead to serious injuries from impact on the screw or side.
Registration of the vessel in the GIMS is mandatory if the engine power exceeds 5 hp (or 8 hp depending on the year of production and type of engine, the current standards need to be clarified). The availability of rights to operate a small vessel is also a mandatory requirement of law for engines with a capacity of more than 5 hp (8 hp).
Always tell the route and approximate return time to a trusted person on the “big land” if you do not get in touch at the scheduled time, this will allow you to quickly start a search and rescue operation, neglecting this rule is one of the frequent reasons for a protracted search for tourists.
Action in emergency situations
No one is immune to breakdowns or weather deterioration, and if the engine has stalled in the middle of a body of water, the first thing you need to do is anchor the boat so that it doesn't drift away from dangerous areas (thresholds, river rods) by current or wind, and only after fixing the position, you can start the diagnosis.
In the case of a balloon puncture, modern PVC materials allow you to stay afloat for a while even with a damaged section, if it is a multi-cylinder structure. However, you should not rely on this. Use a repair kit on the shore or in shallow water, but do not try to glue the inflated vessel on a high wave.
⚠️ Attention: When there is strong wind and wave, don't try to row full-length, it raises the center of gravity and can lead to tipping over, sit at the bottom of the boat, spread the weight evenly, and move to the shore as quickly as possible.
If you are caught in a storm that you cannot wait out, try to keep your nose or stern to the wave, depending on the design of the boat and the behavior of the vessel on the course. Avoid moving lagomes (board) to high wave, as this is the most dangerous position for inflatable boats.
The basic principle of survival on the water is not to panic and to keep your cool, and most accidents are caused by rash actions in a stressful situation, not by the situation itself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register a PVC boat with a 5 hp engine?
According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, vessels with a mass of less than 200 kg and an engine power of up to 8 hp (inclusive) are subject to registration. However, the norms may change, and for 5 hp engines registration is often not required, but you need to have documents confirming power and weight.
Which anchor is better to take for PVC boats?
The best choice is a 1.5-2 kg folding anchor cat or a Danforth anchor, which folds compactly, has no sharp protruding parts that could damage cylinders, and has good grip on the ground.
Is it possible to travel by PVC boat in winter?
Technically, this is possible because PVC retains elasticity at low temperatures, but it requires special training, warm clothing and experience. Conventional winter travel is not recommended due to the risk of icing and the difficulty of staying overnight.
How much fuel should I bring with me?
The recommended fuel reserve is at least 30% of the estimated cost of the entire route, which will compensate for encountering strong headwinds, currents or the need to bypass impassable areas.