The water element dictates its own rules, and the choice of a boat for fishing or recreation becomes a decisive factor of comfort and safety. PVC catamaran-type boat It is a well-deserved niche between classic flat-bottoms and complex rigid-framed inflatable catamarans, a unique hybrid that combines the ease of transport of an inflatable vessel with the driving qualities of more serious designs.
The main difference between these models is the design of the bottom, which, unlike traditional boats with inflatable plyol or hard plywood, uses two or three separate cylinders connected by a flexible or rigid platform. phenomenal stability Even in extreme excitement, which is critical for fishing standing or in open water, you can safely board without fear of a sharp roll.
Despite the obvious advantages, however, this type of vessel has its own specific operating features that must be considered before buying. Incorrect assembly or ignoring the recommendations for pumping cylinders can negate all the engineering advantages of the design. catamaran Inflatable boats, and how to avoid common beginner mistakes.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave a fully-inflated catamaran-type boat under direct sunlight for a long time unattended. Due to the design feature with strained stringers or rigid bonds, uneven air expansion in the cylinders can lead to deformation of the seams or tearing of tissue at places of maximum tension.
Design features and assembly scheme
The basis of any catamaran-type It's a system of parallel cylinders, which can be made as two separate floats, or as a single structure with a separation partition in the middle, connected by strong stringers (belts) or rigid aluminum profiles that are placed on the slate, the flooring on which the crew moves, and it's the free space between the cylinders (or their specific shape) that allows water to flow freely under the bottom, reducing resistance and increasing speed.
The process of assembling such models requires more care than inflating a conventional boat with paioles. Pumping procedure The main role of the cylinders is usually to pump the side cylinders to 50-70% of the pressure, then the connecting elements are installed or the belts are tightened, and only then the final pumping to the operating pressure of 0.2-0.25 atmospheres is made, and a violation of this sequence can lead to the boat "leading" and it becomes unsuitable for effective rowing or motoring.
Why is the pumping sequence important?
If you pump one side completely and leave the other empty, the fabric will get an uneven load, and then you join and pump the second side, you will create a skew that creates a constant stress in the seams, which reduces the product life and can lead to microcracks in the gluing sites.
The materials used for manufacturing are usually of high standards. PVC The seams are hot glued or welded with high frequency currents (HF), which ensures the monolithic design. It is important to note that in catamaran models the load on the seams is distributed differently than in classical ones, so quality control at the points where the cylinders connect to the platform should be careful.
Advantages of catamaran scheme over classics
Why are experienced water engineers increasingly paying attention to the catamaranThe answer lies in the physics of motion on the water. The dual-hull circuit provides much less undulation and a gentler ride. When the wave passes under the boat, it quenches against the side of the cylinders without hitting hard into the flat bottom, as happens in flat-bottomers, which reduces crew fatigue during long transitions.
Another undeniable advantage is the payload and weight distribution, which allows the boat to carry more weight without critical immersion, and allows it to carry more equipment, sonars, anchors and catches, while maintaining a high board above the water. trolling Or I'm a plumb fisherman, which is a critical parameter of sustainability.
- 🚀 High speed: Due to the smaller spot of contact with water and streamlined shape of the cylinders, the boat easier goes to planing with low-power engines.
- ⚖️ Perfect balance: Even when the load is shifted to one side, the boat retains a horizontal position better than single-hull counterparts.
- 🛡️ Safety: The presence of two independent compartments (cylinders) ensures that when one of them is punctured, the boat will remain afloat and maintain controllability.
It is also worth mentioning the maneuverability. catamaraine It has a smaller turning radius on the water because it passes freely between the cylinders without creating sail or resistance to rotation, especially when reversing or maneuvering in narrowness.
Choice of motor and transom board
Installation of the engine PVC catamaran-type boat Because the cylinders are parallel, a standard transom panel may not fit or require special attachments. Most often, a removable transom is used that attaches to the rear ends of the cylinders or to special reinforced eyelets. It is important that the attachment is rigid, since vibration from the motor is transmitted directly to the cylinders.
When choosing the power of the engine should be guided by the manufacturer's recommendations, but adjusted for wind load. Due to the high landing and wide construction, such boats can have a greater sailing capacity. Motor. It must have a thrust reserve to keep its course against wind and wave, and the best choice is often four-stroke models with a capacity of 5 to 15 hp, depending on the size of the boat.
Pay special attention to the height of the installation of the daydwoot. In catamaran schemes, the mounting point of the engine can be higher than in classic boats. If the screw is too high, cavitation and loss of speed will occur; if it is too low, water resistance will increase and the risk of impact on bottom obstacles. The adjustment of the inclination of the daydwout (trim) here also plays an important role in entering the planing mode.
⚠️ Attention: When installing a powerful motor (more than 10 hp), be sure to use the safety cable for the trans board. Vibration and shocks to the wave can weaken the locks, and losing the engine in this case will only be a matter of time.
Comparative table: Catamaran vs Classic Boat
So to make a final decision, let's compare the key parameters. catamaran It's just right for your job.
| Parameter | Classic PVC boat | Catamaran-type boat |
|---|---|---|
| Resilience | Average, depending on width | High, minimal roll |
| Collection speed | Quickly (one valve) | Longer (several compartments, stretch) |
| Driving performance | Good, but hitting the wave harder. | Great, soft move, less splash |
| Load capacity | Standard. | High volume of cylinders |
| Sailing | Below. | Higher (requires a more powerful motor) |
As you can see from the table, catamaran It's a win in comfort and safety, but it's a loss in the speed of getting ready to go. If you're planning long night fishing or active trolling, the second option is preferable. For quick outings for an hour or two, the classic model might be more convenient.
Use special tread covers for the cylinders of a catamaran boat, dragging along the shore or mooring at the pier, the protruding parts of the cylinders suffer first, and the treads will extend the life of the fabric several times.
Operation and care of the catamaran boat
Care for PVC-boat After each fishing, not only the outer surface, but also the space between the cylinders must be thoroughly washed, often getting stuck in sand, tin and small debris, which, when drying, acts as an abrasive, rubbing the fabric when blown and packed.
Drying is a critical stage. Unlike simple boats, it's a complex geometry, you have to have air in all the folds and under the stringers, and if you leave the moisture between the cylinders, it will cause mold and unpleasant smell, and it can also cause tissue to dissect, and it's perfect to dry the boat in a partially pumped state in the shade.
Storage should be straightened or free-rolled, but not in a tight roll, as is sometimes done with classic models. Rigid structural elements (if they are not removable) can create pressure points on the fabric during prolonged storage in a compressed state. It is recommended to periodically (once a season) completely inflate the boat to check the pressure and condition of the seams.
☑️ Annual TO boats
Popular models and manufacturers
The inflatable catamaran market is represented by both domestic and foreign brands. frigate, riviera or AquaThey often offer models adapted to local operating conditions and climate, and they use denser fabrics and reinforced seams, which is true for our bodies of water with their unpredictable weather.
Foreign analogues may offer lighter materials and advanced ergonomic solutions, but often lose in maintenance in the field. When choosing a particular model, pay attention to the availability of spare remixes, the quality of the valves and the possibility of upgrading (installation of additional equipment). catamaraine It is an investment that should last for years.
When buying, be sure to check the equipment. The presence of a pump with a pressure gauge, a quality bag and a repair kit is a must. The absence of these elements in the basic configuration often indicates the manufacturer's attempt to save on small things, which in the end can cost you more.
The main criteria for choosing is not price, but the quality of the fabric and the reliability of the seams. Cheap PVC on a catamaran will quickly lose geometry, which will make the operation dangerous.
Can a catamaran boat be used to raft on rivers with rapids?
Use it. PVC catamaran For complex alloys, you can, but with limitations, they're less protected from punctures on rocks than specialized rafts with keel. For calm rivers and lakes, they're perfect, but for rough waters of category 3-4, it's better to choose a specialized rafting catamaran with bottom protection.
How long does it take to build a boat alone?
On average, it takes 15 to 25 minutes to build, and it takes a lot of time to pump a few compartments and install a sleigh, and with experience and using an electric pump, you can cut that down to 10 to 12 minutes, but you still need manual pumping to control the pressure.
Do I need to register a catamaran boat in GIMS?
Registration depends on the load capacity (over 225 kg) and the power of the installed engine (over 8 hp or 10 hp depending on the year of manufacture and the interpretation of the law at the time of purchase). If the boat is used only with oars and has a small load capacity, registration may not be required. Always clarify the current regulations.
How to keep a boat in winter?
It should be stored in a dry, warm room at a temperature of not less than -5 ° C. The sharp cooling of PVC makes it fragile. Before wintering, the boat must be thoroughly washed, dried and treated with a preservative for PVC fabrics. It is better to fold freely, without heavy objects on top.