Finding the perfect boat for quiet hunting is always a search for a compromise between comfort, load capacity and mobility. inflatable boat (or rather, PVC) remains a classic, reaching the most remote and shallow areas of the water body, where no boat will pass, and it is the ability to overcome reed-covered ducts and drag the vessel with a drag that makes this type of vessel so popular among fishermen.
But the modern market is full of models with different specifications, and it's easy for a beginner to get confused in terms. You have to understand the density of the fabric, the types of bottom, the ways of joining the seams and the nuances of the tooling for an outboard motor. PVC materials They've evolved from simple "chamber" rubber to high-tech composites that are resistant to ultraviolet light and mechanical damage, and understanding these differences is the key to a purchase that will last for decades.
In this article, we will go into detail about all aspects of the selection, compare the types of bottoms, discuss safety issues and give professional advice on maintenance. Whether you plan to catch a pike in shallow water or go out to large water for a trophy pike, proper equipment preparation is critical.
Why PVC dominates the fishing environment
Materials polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has become the industry standard for a reason: unlike older rubber, modern fabrics have a high density, usually ranging from 750 to 1100 g/m2. This provides incredible tensile strength and resistance to puncture against sharp stones or snags. PVC is also inert to fuels, making it ideal for use with outboard motors.
The most important advantage is the tightness of the seams, and there are two main methods of making them: gluing and welding. Welded seam It is considered more reliable because when heated, the layers of tissue fuse into a monolith, excluding stratification. Slurry, in turn, requires high-quality glue and strict adherence to technology, otherwise the risk of leakage at the junction site increases with each season.
When buying a used boat, carefully examine the seams for bloating or detachment - this is the first sign of a violation of the assembly technology or the use of low-quality materials.
The high-quality boat can withstand operation from -30 °C to +60 °C, which allows fishing even in early ice or scorching summer heat without the risk of deformation of cylinders.
- 🌊 High resistance to abrasion and mechanical damage to the bottom.
- 🛡️ Immunity to the effects of gasoline, oil and fish mucus.
- ⚖️ Optimal weight-to-load ratio.
- 🔧 Easy repair in the field with the help of remplekt.
Types of bottom: from inflatable to aluminum
Choosing the bottom type is perhaps the most important technical issue affecting performance and comfort. NDMA (low pressure) provides maximum comfort and softness, extinguishing the shocks against the wave, but such boats are heavier to assemble and dry, and also have less rigidity on planing.
Hard plywood or aluminum bottom (SLAT Or whole-leaf, which makes the boat a full-fledged plane, makes the aluminum sheets lighter than plywood, doesn't rot and allows you to reach higher speeds, plywood (usually moisture-resistant) is cheaper, but requires careful drying after every fishing, otherwise stratification is inevitable.
There are also compromise options, such as the rack bottom (see below).SLAT), where the slats are connected by a strong sling, lighter than a single sheet and easier to assemble, but less rigid at higher speeds, and for fishing alone or alone with a low-power motor, this is often the best choice.
When choosing, consider the keel. Inflatable keel adds stability and improves course stability, but increases weight and build time. The hard keel profile makes the boat more steerable on the wave, but can interfere with transportation when disassembled.
| Type of bottom | Weight. | Toughness | Assembly speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inflatable (NPD) | Highly | Low/Medium | High. |
| Rattle (SLAT) | Medium. | Medium | Medium |
| Plywood | Highly | High. | Low. |
| Aluminum | Medium. | Very high. | Low. |
| Perfect for quiet water. | Universally. | For glistening | For speed fishing |
Dimensions and passenger capacity
The size of the boat is dictated not only by the number of fishermen, but also by the conditions of the reservoir. For small rivers and lakes, where you often drag the vessel with a drag, the optimal models are up to 3 meters long. They are light, maneuverable and allow you to fish comfortably alone or with a partner.
If you're planning to go out to large reservoirs where there's a high wave, less than 3.2 to 3.4 meters is no longer considered. The longer length provides better swelling and stability. dimensions Packed cars also grow, which can be a problem for owners of small cars.
The secret to compactness
Some manufacturers offer models with narrow cylinders, which in packaged form take up much less space, but sacrifice comfort and carrying capacity.
Boat width is another critical parameter. Narrow models.130 cm) faster, but less stable when catching while standing.more than 140 cm) allow you to kneel confidently or even walk on a boat, which is important for spinning fishing or sonar use.
Always keep a loading capacity. If you have a passport capacity of 3 people, it doesn't mean you have to load the boat to the end. The optimal load is 60-70% of the maximum, which will ensure a high board above the water and safety.
Equipment for effective fishing
Basic equipment is often minimal, so comfortable fishing requires re-equipment. The first thing you need to organize storage of gear. Plastic boxes can slide down the bottom, so it is better to use specialized bags-inlays or attach the boxes to the transom and cylinders.
The anchor system is a safety feature. For a inflatable boat weighing up to 200 kg, an anchor weighing 3-4 kg is sufficient. It is important to use an anchor shaft with a burst insert or bayrep so that when you hook you can pull the anchor behind the donner without damaging it. PVC tubes.
⚠️ Attention: Never tie the anchor shaft directly to the rump ring on the nose without the possibility of a quick reset. In high winds or currents, the boat can turn or pull under the snag.
To protect the bottom from abrasion when pulling to shore, use special linings or "skis", and it will not be superfluous to install a sonar, fixing the sensor through a special transom fastener that does not require drilling the balloon.
☑️ Fisherman's basic equipment
Safety and operating rules
A inflatable boat is not a toy, but a means of increased danger on the water. lifejacketEven if you're a great swimmer, a water bump from a height or a loss of consciousness can lead to tragedy. The vest should be zipped up all the time while you're on the water.
Controlling cylinder pressure is a daily duty. In the sun, the air expands and the pressure can exceed the permissible limits, which will lead to rupture of the seams. In hot weather, it is recommended to put some of the air out or periodically check the pressure with a pressure gauge.
The basic safety principle on a PVC boat is that it's better to under-pump cylinders in the heat than to pump, and the loss of stiffness is less dangerous than the explosion of a cylinder at full speed.
Avoid contact with sharp objects. Keys, knives, hooks, all of these should lie in closed drawers or pockets. One careless move can turn fishing into emergency repairs. Also beware of fire sparks when landing - PVC is easily burned.
- 🛑 Always check the integrity of the boat before launching.
- 🌡️ Take into account the temperature expansion of air in the cylinders.
- ⚓ Use only certified equipment and fasteners.
- 🧥 Personal protective equipment is mandatory for all passengers.
Care, storage and extension of service life
The durability of the boat depends on how you care for it. After every fishing, especially in salt water or in a flowering pond, the product must be washed with fresh water. The use of aggressive chemicals is prohibited - a soft sponge and water is enough.
Drying is a critical step, and you can't fold a wet boat, because it causes mold, decay of the fabric, and destruction of the adhesive layer, and you need to dry in the shade, in the straightened form, avoiding direct sunlight, which can overdry the plasticizers in the material.
Keep the boat in a case, in a dry room at temperatures above -10 ° C. Sharp temperature changes and storage in the cold make the material fragile. If the boat is stored in assembled form, it is recommended to keep it slightly pumped to avoid sticking the internal surfaces.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use solvents (acetone, gasoline) or abrasive brushes to clean the boat. This destroys the protective PVC lacquer layer, making the fabric vulnerable to dirt and ultraviolet light.
Check valves and joints regularly, and if you put soap on a small air bubble, you'll be injured, and if you patch it in time, you'll prevent damage from spreading.
lifehack
If you keep a boat in your garage in winter, put a sheet of plywood or foam under it to cut the cold off the concrete floor and prevent condensation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which motor is better to choose for an inflatable boat?
The choice of engine depends on the size of the boat and the desired speed. For boats up to 3.2 meters long and weighing up to 200 kg, the optimal engines are 2.5-5 hp They are light and allow you to reach a speed of 10-15 km / h. For planing with two passengers and cargo, you will need at least 6-8 hp It is important to consider the length of the lower unit: for most PVC boats, a standard lower unit (S) is suitable, but for boats with a high transcium, you may need a long (L).
Is it possible to fish on a inflatable boat in winter?
PVC boats can be used in winter, but with caution. The material in the cold blubbers and becomes brittle. You need to use cold-resistant PVC boats (usually labeled by the manufacturer), avoid hitting the ice, and don't drag them through the snow without protection. The pressure in the cylinders in the cold drops, so you need to pump them already on the water.
How to properly seal a puncture in the field?
For emergency repairs, use self-adhesive patches from the remix. The surface should be dry and defatted (at least wiped dry cloth). Stick the patch, press tightly and let "grab" for 10-15 minutes. Full adhesive repair with heating is possible only in warm conditions using a special glue for PVC.
How long has a inflatable boat been in operation?
The service life of a high-quality boat made of dense PVC (1100 g / m2) with proper operation and storage is 10-15 years or more. The key factors of aging are ultraviolet radiation and improper storage (in compressed, wet condition). Regular care can significantly extend the life of your boat.