Choosing a fishing boat is always a search for a compromise between mobility, load capacity and comfort. Powered inflatable boats The most popular solution for lovers of quiet water hunting, allowing you to quickly get to the cherished points and move comfortably around the waters. Unlike the fun models, the transom options open access to large bodies of water, where the current or wind can become a serious obstacle for the rower.
The modern market offers a huge number of modifications, and it is easy for a beginner to get confused in abbreviations and technical specifications. PVC materials We've evolved from simple rubber bands to high-tech composites that can withstand impacts on rocks and driftwood, and it's important to understand that the right choice is not just to buy the body itself, but also to choose the right attachments, without which safe and efficient operation is impossible.
In this article, we will discuss the key aspects to look out for when buying. tissue-density It's not always a major indicator of quality, what the types of bottoms are, and what the engine will be optimal for your boat size, and also about safety and proper season preparation.
Key specifications and materials of manufacture
The basis of any inflatable boat is the material from which its hull is made. reinforced polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a multilayered structure, and unlike the older rubber models, the modern material does not stretch under load, which is critical to the preservation of the boat's geometry and stability, and the layers of fabric are usually cross-crossed and polymerized, providing high tensile strength.
When choosing a material density, which usually ranges from 750 to 1150 g/sq.m. Many beginners mistakenly believe that the higher the density, the better the boat. super-density It is often achieved by adding extra layers of PVC, which increases the weight of the product, but does not necessarily increase its wear resistance. More important parameters are the quality of the glue used for the seams and the presence of a protective layer against ultraviolet light.
Special attention should be paid to the design of seams. There are two main methods of joining elements: gluing over the top and welding with hot air. Welded seams They are considered more reliable and durable, since the material of the cylinders is alloyed into a monolith, excluding layering. Adhesive compounds made with high-quality two-component polyurethane glue also show excellent results, but require careful operation in the first days after purchase.
⚠️ Warning: Do not keep the boat inflated under direct sunlight even in cloudy weather. Ultraviolet destroys the structure of PVC, making the material brittle and reducing its resource several times faster than it does in the shade.
An additional element of strength is the reinforcement of the bottom. For fishing, where you often have to pull the boat ashore or drag through shallow water, the presence of a boat is not necessary. timber And reinforced tape along the keel is a requirement, and these elements take the brunt of the load when they come into contact with abrasive surfaces.
Underfloor types: plywood to BND
Bottom design is a factor that directly affects the performance, speed of assembly and weight of the boat. Motor fishing is particularly important because the shape of the bobble determines how the boat will behave in the plane. There are several main types, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
The most budgetary and simple option is flat-bottomIt's made up of plywood or aluminum sheets that are inserted into the inflatable hull, and it's heavier to assemble, takes longer to prepare for the launch, but it's very stable and rigid, and it's comfortable to stand on, throwing spinning, and it's less prone to lateral swinging.
A more modern solution is the boats with slider They have hard decks fixed in special pockets on the inside of the cylinders, which speeds up the assembly process, but for serious fishing with a large engine, such models may be less preferred because of the difficulty of placing additional elements, such as sonars or anchor systems, directly into the floor.
The most progressive type is considered to be NDMA (Low Pressure inflatable floor) These boats are assembled in minutes, because the bottom is pumped up to the working state and takes the correct hydrodynamic shape, they are lighter, compacter when folded and have excellent driving qualities, often not inferior to hard-keel counterparts.
⚠️ Warning: When operating boats with NDNDM, carefully monitor the pressure in the bottom section. Underpumped bottom will lead to loss of speed and controllability, and pumped in the heat can break seams or deform cylinders.
The choice of bottom type also depends on the storage and transportation conditions, unless you have a large trunk or garage, NDMA For those who keep the boat assembled on a trailer or have a spacious room, a hard bottom may be a more comfortable option for long journeys.
Choice of transence and compatibility with motors
The tranny is the stern part of the boat, designed to hold the outboard motor, and its design determines how much power the engine can use and how safe it will be. Built-in transom It's part of an inflatable balloon, and it's reinforced by a plate of moisture-resistant plywood or composite, and these are usually designed for motors up to 5-6 hp.
For more powerful engines used prairieThis is a sling or strap attached to the cylinder, which allows you to spread the load over a large area and avoid deformation of the stern of the boat, exceeding these standards can lead to rupture of the slingboard and an emergency on the water.
When choosing a motor for a inflatable boat, you should take into account not only the power, but also the weight of the engine. For boats up to 3 meters long, the optimal engines weighing up to 20 kg. For larger models, 3.5-4 meters long, you can consider engines with a capacity of 9.9-15 hp, but it is worth remembering about the power of the engine. load capacity boats, which include the weight of the fisherman, equipment, fuel and the engine itself.
Pay special attention to the height of the transom: the standard height is 381 mm (15 inches) or 508 mm (20 inches), improper height picking will lead to cavitation (capture of air with a screw) or, conversely, to increased water resistance, which will adversely affect speed and fuel consumption.
The table below shows an approximate match between the length of the boat and the maximum power of the engine to achieve optimal speed:
| Boat length (m) | Max engine power (hp) | Recommended engine weight (kg) | Typical speed (km/h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8 – 3.0 | 3 – 5 | 15 | 15 – 20 |
| 3.2 – 3.5 | 6 – 9.9 | 15 – 25 | 25 – 30 |
| 3.6 – 4.0 | 10 – 18 | 25 – 35 | 30 – 40 |
| 4.2. and more | 20 – 30 | 35 – 50 | 40 – 50 |
What is cavitation and how is it dangerous?
Cavitation is boiling water in the low pressure zone around the propeller, which results in loss of traction, vibration of the body, and rapid destruction of the propeller blades, often due to too high a lift of the motor or damage to the transom.
Comfort and equipment for fishing
Fishing is a time-consuming and patient activity, so comfort on board is not the least of the factors. supplementary You'll need it. First of all, the seats, and standard inflatable can seats are uncomfortable for long periods of sitting, so many anglers replace them with soft folding chairs or swivel chairs.
To install the sonar, navigator or spinning holders will require installation transom-wheel The transom wheels make it much easier for the boat to move along the shore, especially if you're fishing alone, they attach directly to the transom and when folded, they don't interfere with movement.
An important element of equipment is the anchor system. For inflatable boats, it is better to use anchors like "Cat" or "Mushroom", which have no sharp angles and will not damage the cylinders when sampling. anchor-fly with a quick-removal mechanism so that in case of a hook, the boat can be immediately released.
☑️ Equipment of fishing boats
Keep the spaces organized. Special backpacks attached to the nose or sides will help keep gear and personal items dry and on hand. Chaotically scattered items can cause puncture or simply interfere with movement inside the cockpit.
Safety and operating rules
Safety on the water is not just a formality, it's a set of rules that keep you alive. lifejacket In cold water, the count goes on for minutes, and a regular vest may be the only chance to wait for help.
Before each outing, a visual inspection of the boat should be carried out, check the pressure in the cylinders, the integrity of the seams and the availability of all necessary equipment. germ-o-o-o-o- with documents, phone and first aid kit should always be with you, preferably in a waterproof version.
⚠️ Warning: Never exceed the passport's load capacity, overloading reduces the height of the boat above the water, makes the boat unstable and increases the risk of flooding with a wave, which can lead to tipping.
It's also important to consider weather conditions. inflatable boats, especially small ones, are very sensitive to wind and high waves. If the forecast promises a storm or strong wind, it's better to postpone the launch. Remember that in open water you are more vulnerable than on shore.
Bring a spare valve and a piece of fabric for repairs to your fishing trip, and often a puncture happens at the most inopportune moment, and being able to quickly put a "burn" or temporary patch will save you a day and nerves.
Care, storage and extension of service life
Proper care of the boat is the key to its longevity. After every fishing, especially in salt water or in overgrown bodies of water, the boat must be washed with fresh water. Sand and dirtGetting into the folds and seams, act as an abrasive, gradually destroying the protective layer of the material.
Drying the boat before packing is a must, but not under the scorching sun. The ideal place is a shade with good ventilation. A wet boat packed in a case guarantees mold that corrodes the fabric and glue, and an unpleasant odor that is difficult to get rid of later.
It is better to keep the boat straightened or semi-assembled at room temperature. If this is not possible, and the boat is kept in a rolled-up form, periodically (once a season) it should be unpacked, inflated and checked for appearance. microcrack Or changes in the geometry of the seams.
Compliance with these simple rules will allow your boat to serve faithfully for many years, giving only positive emotions from fishing and communication with nature.
Regular washing, complete drying and proper storage at room temperature increase the service life of PVC boats by 2-3 times.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which pump is best used to pump a boat?
Electric foot or battery pumps running from 12V are ideal for initial pumping. They allow you to quickly shape the cylinders. However, the final pressure (filling) must be done manually using a pressure gauge so as not to pump the boat and damage the seams in hot weather.
Is it possible to use a PVC boat in winter?
You can use the boat in subzero temperatures, but with caution. PVC material in the cold tans and becomes more vulnerable to mechanical damage. Avoid sudden impacts on ice and shore. Keep the boat warm before leaving and immediately after returning.
How to properly seal a puncture in the field?
For emergency repairs, use self-adhesive patches from the remix. The surface should be degreased (alcohol or gasoline), brushed, applied glue (if it is two-part, let it dry), and tightly pressed patch. It is important to ensure the pressure on the glue site for the time specified in the instructions.
Do I need to register a boat with GIMS?
Registration is required for small vessels weighing more than 200 kg (in running order) or with an engine power of more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp). If your boat is lighter and the engine is weaker, registration is not required, but you need to have documents confirming the purchase and specifications.