Choosing a watercraft for a reservoir is always a search for a balance between comfort, load capacity and mobility. inflatable boats They remain one of the most popular solutions for anglers because of their versatility and affordable price, and unlike heavy metal counterparts, they are easy to transport in the trunk of a car and launch alone.
The modern market offers many modifications, from simple rowing models to complex motor complexes with an inflatable floor. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)The silk, which is used in most products, is very durable and resistant to UV light, but not everyone knows that the density of the material and the number of layers of fabric directly affect the longevity of the vessel in operation.
In this article, we will discuss the key aspects of choice, technical nuances and rules of safe operation, and understanding these details will help you avoid common mistakes when buying the first or the next boat. The optimum density of fabric for a motor boat is at least 750-900 g/m2This provides protection from punctures and rocky bottom.
Key Advantages and Disadvantages of Inflatable Vessels
The main advantage of inflatable structures is that they are compact when assembled, you can fold the boat into a bag that can be easily transported on foot to the descent site, which is especially true for fishing in wild waters, where you can not reach by car or boat trailer.
But inflatable boats have limitations that you should know about beforehand, and the time to get ready for the launch is much longer than the time it takes to launch an aluminum boat, and you need time to pump the cylinders, install the paioles, and install the transom.
- 🚣 High mobility and the possibility of transportation by public transport.
- 🛡️ Excellent depreciation when the water is turbulent, which reduces the fatigue of the fisherman.
- ⚖️ Less weight compared to metal counterparts of similar load capacity.
- 💰 A more affordable cost of ownership, including no registration requirement for small models.
It is important to consider that the soft side is worse protection against splashes and wind than the rigid hull. In high winds, the sail of the inflated boat is higher, which requires more careful management. Rowing models Often do not have a rigid transom, which limits the choice of motor or makes its installation impossible without modifications.
Types of bottom: influence on driving performance
Bottom design is a factor in the behavior of a boat on the water. For a fisherman, it is critical that the boat be stable when throwing gear and parking. There are several basic types of bottom, each with its own specifications of operation.
The simplest option is a low-pressure inflatable floor (LDPB), which can be assembled in minutes, and you just pump the cylinders and the bottom will straighten itself, but it is more difficult to plane with a powerful motor on them because of the soft surface, which creates additional resistance to water.
The second popular option is to use removable plywood or aluminum paioles, which provide excellent hydrodynamics and allow you to achieve high speeds. Slate. from individual boards or whole sheets of plywood create a flat platform, convenient for moving on the boat.
⚠️ Warning: When installing plywood floorboards, make sure they are completely dry. Wet plywood when heated in the sun can begin to rot or deform, damaging the inner surface of the cylinders.
The third type is high pressure inflatable floor (HBP), which is a modern compromise that combines plywood rigidity and ease of assembly, and these floors are pumped to high pressure and become rock solid, providing a great way to planing.
Material selection and design features
Material quality is the foundation of water safety. Cheap models are often made from low-density reinforced polyvinyl chloride, which quickly wears off against sand and rocks. Professional fishing-boat It must be made of multilayer fabric with protection from mechanical damage.
Pay attention to the quality of the seams. They can be glued or welded. Welds made with hot air create a monolithic connection that is almost impossible to damage during operation. Adhesives require periodic inspection and can dry out when stored in compressed form for long periods.
| Characterization | Budget segment | Middle class | Premium class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tissue density | 640-750 g/m2 | 850-900 g/m2 | 1100+g/m2 |
| Type of stitches | Glue-based | Combined | Welded (Hypalon/PVC) |
| Guarantee | 6-12 months | 18-24 months | 36 months |
| Completement | Minimum | Bag, pump. | Full mince, anchor. |
Additional elements such as kielson and flat-barThe quilson, which runs along the bottom, protects the cylinders from puncture and gives the boat extra rigidity, and the perimeter timber serves as a buffer when mooring to shore.
Hypalon technology against PVC
Hypalon (CSM) fabric is considered more durable and resistant to aggressive environments than PVC, but it is much heavier and more expensive. For ordinary freshwater fishing, a quality 5-layer PVC is quite enough.
Selection of motor and attachment equipment
The engine must be capable of matching the size and carrying capacity of the boat, and using an engine that is too powerful on a lightweight inflatable structure can cause the transom to collapse or even the boat to tip over at full speed. maximum capacity engine.
For boats up to 3 meters long, a 2-5 hp engine is usually enough for confident movement against the current and plane with one person on board. Larger models with a length of 3.5-4 meters require engines from 9.9 hp and above.
- 🔋 Electric motors are ideal for quiet fishing in restricted areas or shallow waters.
- ⛓️ Be sure to use the safety cable for the motor, run through the dips on the transom.
- 🪣 To store things, use sealants or built-in knobs, if they are provided by the design.
The trawler must be securely secured and have the correct angle of inclination; the adjustment of the lower unit allows you to optimize the position of the propeller relative to the water; improper adjustment of the angle of the trim will lead to increased fuel consumption and poor handling.
Lubricate the metallic fasteners of the transom and the dim with silicone lubrication after each fishing. Salt water and river silt quickly disable even stainless fittings.
Operational rules and safety measures
Safety on the water depends not only on the quality of the boat, but also on the actions of the crew. Before each exit, you must conduct a visual inspection for cuts and scuffs, even a small pebble caught between the floorboards and the bottom can cause a puncture under pressure.
The pumping of cylinders must be done to the manufacturer's recommended pressure; the under-pumped boat loses its driving qualities and becomes rolling; the pumped boat in the sun can burst due to air expansion, so in hot weather the pressure should be controlled.
☑️ Checking before getting on the water
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight unattended, with the pressure inside the cylinders increasing proportionally to the temperature, which can cause the seams to rupture.
When operating in rocky rivers or in shallow water, use protective linings on cylinders. Kevlar ribbons or additional treads will significantly extend the life of your boat, and it is also recommended to carry a remix adapted specifically for your type of material.
Field care, storage and repair
Proper storage is the key to the long service of a inflatable boat. After fishing, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, removing sand, silt and fish residues. Wet fabric, when stored in a bag for long periods, quickly becomes covered with mold, which destroys the structure of PVC.
You should fold the boat carefully, trying not to create sharp clamps in the same places, it is best to change the line of the fold at each package, it is better to store the product in an unstretched form or in suspended condition at room temperature.
In case of puncture, use special compositions for repairing PVC. Before sticking the patch, the surface must be degreased and cleaned. Two-component glue provides the strongest connection that withstands bending loads.
The main enemy of PVC boats is not a sharp object, but improper storage in a dirty and wet form.
Is it possible to use a PVC boat in winter?
You can use PVC boats in low temperatures, but with caution. The material becomes tough and fragile in the cold. You only need to pump it in the cold, because when you apply it to heat, the pressure will increase dramatically. You should store the boat in a warm room in the winter.
What pressure should be in the cylinders?
The optimum working pressure is usually 0.2-0.25 atmospheres (about 200-250 mbar). The exact values are always indicated on the product passport or on the labeling of the valve. It is dangerous to use car compressors without pressure control.
What is the difference between a fishing boat and a tourist boat?
Fishing models often have a reinforced bottom, more mounts for rods and sonars, and an increased width for stability. Tourist boats are speed-oriented, have a pointed nose and minimal weight for quick assembly.