Modern. fisherman Or the outdoor enthusiast can't imagine a full-time water rest without a reliable swimmer, and going off shore on oars often takes too much time and effort, especially if you have to travel a significant distance against the wind or current. rubber-boat It has become the gold standard for thousands of water-powered motorists across the country.
Choosing the right boat-motor bundle determines not only the comfort of your movement, but also your safety on the water. squirrel-engine It can easily flip a lightweight inflatable structure, and a boat that is too powerful will become clumsy and heavy when transported. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances in detail, from the choice of PVC material to the installation of the vessel. electric motors.
The inflatable boat market is now oversupplied, and it's hard to understand the specifications without training. keelboatYou're going to have to get ready to dive into the world of water technology, where every gram of weight and every horsepower matters.
Advantages of inflatable vessels over rigid hull
The main trump card of inflatable boats from PVC And what's left is their incredible mobility, and unlike aluminum or fiberglass, you can fold an inflatable boat into one or two cases and put it in the trunk of a car, and that opens up waterways that you can't reach with a trailer or a trailer.
In addition, modern materials provide high strength and durability. reinforced PVC It's almost impossible to damage a rock or a snag when you use it carefully, and many models have self-dischargeable cylinders, which improves safety on the wave and allows water to flow overboard without using a scoop.
- 🚤 Compactness: the possibility of transportation in the trunk of a sedan or hatchback without the need to register a trailer.
- 🛡️ Safety: inflatable tubes work as shock absorbers, softening shocks against the wave and protecting passengers from severe collisions.
- 💰 Availability: A wide price range allows you to find a model for both the budget and premium segments.
⚠️ WARNING: Despite the strength of PVC, sharp objects such as fishing hooks, spikes or barbed wire can damage the shell. Always inspect the launching site and shore before pulling the boat out.
And keep in mind that it's also maintainable. A punched inflatable boat can be repaired in the field with a remix that comes as standard. Rebuilding a rigid hull often requires special conditions, epoxy resins and time to polymerize, which is simply not possible on fishing.
Selection criteria: size, load capacity and bottom
The first thing to decide on is boat-sizeIt depends on the number of passengers and the amount of equipment you plan to bring with you. For single fishing with a minimum set of gear, it is often enough to take 2.8-3.2 meters. If you plan to take a partner or a dog with you, you should look at models from 3.5 meters.
The most important parameter is the type of bottom. float-bottom (DDL) is lighter and more compact when folded, but they are less stable on the go and have less speed. Boats with a rigid floorboard bottom (plywood or aluminum) create a stiffer and faster hull, allowing for high speed, but their assembly takes longer.
When choosing, also pay attention to the diameter of the cylinders. The larger they are, the higher they are. loading capacity And the more water the boat displaces, which is critical for safety, and the high cylinders also protect against splashes, allowing the wave to pass with less discomfort for the crew.
☑️ Pre-purchase check
The design of the transom deserves special attention. To install the motor, it must be reinforced, often with aluminum or steel inserts inside the plywood. A weak transom under the load of the motor can deform, which will cause the engine to shift and even fall overboard at the most inopportune moment.
Motor choice: gasoline or electricity?
The question of choosing a power plant is before every owner of an inflatable boat. Gasoline engines They're traditionally considered more powerful and versatile, they allow you to go fast, they go plane even when you're fully loaded, they don't depend on battery life, but they're noisy, they're heavy, they need constant maintenance.
In recent years, huge popularity has gained electric motorsThey're silent, they don't create vibrations, they don't require fuel, and they start instantly. For quiet hunting for careful fish, or for cruising in protected areas where ICE is not allowed, an electric motor is the perfect solution. traction-battery.
| Parameter | Gasoline engine | Electric motor |
|---|---|---|
| Weight. | From 9.6 kg (2 hp) | 7 kg. |
| Noise. | Highly | Almost silent |
| Power reserve. | Depends on the tank (100+ km) | 15-30 km (depends on the battery) |
| Service | Regular (oil, candles) | Minimum |
If you want to get to remote locations quickly in large reservoirs, gasoline is out of the competition. For shallow waters, reed-covered backwaters and night fishing, the electric motor will do its best. Many experienced boaters have both options, depending on the conditions.
⚠️ Note: When choosing an electric motor, remember that the declared wattage is not always thrust-related. It is more important to look at the test speed test with a particular boat and battery.
Transport and storage of the boat
Proper transportation is key to the long service of your boat, you only need to fold the boat after a complete drying, if you put the wet boat in the case, the process of molding begins inside, and in winter, the moisture residue can freeze and damage the structure. PVC.
When transporting in the trunk of a car, try to position the case so that it does not press heavy objects. Although modern materials are resistant to puncture, the constant pressure of the sharp corners of boxes or tools can lead to microcracks.
How to dry the boat properly?
Inflate the boat and leave it in the shade for a few hours. Direct sunlight when drying can lead to uneven air expansion and deformation of the seams. After drying, be sure to release the pressure before packing.
Storage in the off-season requires a special approach: the optimal storage temperature is room temperature, away from the heaters. It is not recommended to keep the boat in a compressed state for years; it is better to inflate it periodically (once a season) and check the pressure to avoid claws on the folds.
Motor installation and safety
Installing the motor on a transom is a very fast procedure, the motor must be placed in the center of the transom, and even a few centimeters of skewing will cause the boat to be constantly led aside, requiring constant oars or rumples to compensate.
It is essential to use a safety rope, a simple rope that is attached to one end of the motor's daydude and to the other end of the boat's structure (a dimple or a handle), and if the rods are vibrating or not fixing properly, the motor will not sink, but will remain on the insurance.
- 🔧 Fixing: Always check the puff of the rods before each outing, vibration can weaken them.
- 🌊 Otheriation: Adjust the angle of inclination of the motor with a pin so that the boat goes smoothly without burrowing its nose or lifting it too high.
- 🔋 Electric: contacts of the battery terminals should be reliably protected from water, use special sprays-insulators.
Don't forget. vestsA motorized inflatable boat is a high-risk vehicle, a sudden braking or a wave from a passing boat can throw a person overboard, and having a life jacket on every passenger is not just a formality, it's a necessity.
Lubricate the engine rods with graphite lubrication or WD-40 before each installation, which will prevent metal from boiling and make it easy to remove the engine even after prolonged contact with water.
Maintenance of the motorized inflatable boat
Regular maintenance prolongs the life of the boat. After each trip, especially on salt water or in hot weather, it is advisable to rinse the boat with fresh water. The salt and sand act as an abrasive, gradually destroying the protective layer of the material.
Check the valves for leakage. Sometimes a grain of sand caught under the seal can cause slow etching of air. Periodic grease of silicone grease of the movable parts of the valves will help to avoid jamming of the mechanism.
The engine is even more service-intensive, the fuel filter replacement, candle and data-set checks must be done according to manufacturer's regulations, and in two-stroke engines, it is important to maintain a mixing ratio of oil and gasoline so as not to "pull up" the piston group.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave the motor in water for long periods (more than 2-3 hours) without special protection.
Popular models and manufacturers
There are many brands in the market, but the leaders remain recognizable. Flagship, hunter and riviera They have established themselves as manufacturers of reliable boats for our conditions, and they offer a wide range of sizes and configurations.
Among the engines of the palm of the championship are held by Japanese brands Tohatsu and YamahaChinese counterparts such as HDX or Sea-Pro offer more affordable prices at acceptable quality, making them popular with beginners.
The ideal bundle for a beginner is a boat 3.2-3.6 meters long with an inflatable floor and a 5-9.9 hp engine.
When you choose a particular model, always read the reviews of the actual owners, often they provide information about real problems that you don't see when you first check in the store, and consider the availability of parts in your area.
Is it possible to use a PVC boat in winter?
You can use a PVC boat in low temperatures, but with caution. The material in the cold swells and becomes more sensitive to impacts. You need to inflate this boat carefully, without pumping, because in the cold, the pressure inside can change. You should only store the boat in a warm room in the winter.
Which battery is better for an electric motor?
Electric motors are best suited to traction batteries (GEL or AGM) rather than car starters, designed for long discharge and can withstand more charge-discharge cycles, and a capacity of at least 100 Ah for a comfortable day's fishing.
Do I need to register a boat with an engine?
Under current GIMS regulations, boats weighing more than 200 kg (in running order) or with an engine power of more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp) are subject to registration. If your boat is lighter and the engine is weaker, registration and rights are not required, but the rules for safe navigation are mandatory for everyone.