Modern fishing has long been unthinkable without a reliable floating means capable of delivering a fisherman to the most secluded corners of the reservoir. PVC fishing boats They have become a phenomenon in the outdoors industry, completely replacing bulky wooden kayaks and heavy metal flat-bottoms, and their popularity is due to their unique combination of mobility, strength and affordable cost, making them ideal for beginners and professionals alike.
The main advantage of these vessels is the material, and reinforced polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a multilayer structure where a grid of synthetic threads is soldered between the layers of a durable polymer. balloon The ability to withstand enormous tear and puncture loads, unlike simple rubber, high-quality PVC does not rot, is resistant to ultraviolet light and gasoline, which is critical when operating in aggressive aqueous environments.
Choosing the right model is not just about buying a product, it's about investing in your safety and comfort on the water, and you have to consider a lot of factors, from the number of people in the crew to the type of bottom and the capacity of the planned one. boat-engineIn this article, we will discuss all the nuances in detail so that your swimming will always be successful.
Key specifications of materials and construction
When choosing a boat, first of all pay attention to the density of fabric. For quiet fishing on small water bodies, the density of 750-850 g / sq. m. However, if you plan to go to large waters or use a powerful motor, you will need a denser material - from 1100 g / sq. m and above. Reinforcing frame in such tissues provides rigidity and resistance to mechanical damage.
The most important element of the design is the type of seams. There are two main methods of joining parts: gluing and welding (thermoseurs). Sticked seams are repairable in the field, but can eventually dry out. Welds, on the contrary, create a monolithic structure where the material melts and connects deadly, which makes the boat completely waterproof and durable.
⚠️ Attention: When buying, be sure to check the quality of gluing or welding in the area of the transom. This is where the maximum loads from the vibration of the engine are concentrated, and a poor quality seam can lead to depressurization at the most inopportune moment.And don't forget the hardware. Brass Or stainless valves for pumping air must have a reliable protection against sand and dirt. Cheap plastic can crack in the cold or when hitting the side during active fishing. The quality of the valves directly affects the speed of assembly and disassembly of the vessel.
The Secret to PVC Durability
Many fishermen don't know that the main enemy of PVC is not puncture, but improper storage. If you leave the boat squeezed in the bag wet, the inside can begin the process of oxidation of tissue, which will weaken the reinforcing layer in one season.
Types of floor: what affects the design of the floor
The design of the bottom determines the driving performance and comfort of the boat. plywoodIt's a hard floor, made up of a few sheets of plywood connected by stringers, and it provides great stability, allows you to stand confidently while you're catching fish, and it's easy to set up.
For those who appreciate speed and ease, there is a low-pressure inflatable floor (LDPB) option, which can be assembled in minutes: just pump the cylinders and bottom. inflatable floor creates an additional air cushion, which increases safety and makes the stroke softer on the wave, although the rigidity of this floor is inferior to plywood.
- 🚤 Pillet boat: Ideal for stationary sounder installation, convenient for cruising, but takes time to assemble and dry plywood after fishing.
- 🎈 NDND (inflatable floor): Maximum compactness in assembled form, quick start, but less rigidity of the floor under the feet.
- 🪵 Wooden slate: It is found in the simplest models, is a set of boards on the bottom, does not provide a flat surface.
When choosing between hard and inflatable bottoms, use a scenario. If you change water bodies often and carry a boat in the trunk of a car, NDNDM will be more convenient. For stationary fishing from one place or trolling, classic is better suited. plywood.
For fishing from a boat, floor rigidity is critically important - the more stable the platform, the easier it is to manage tackles and maintain balance during sharp jerks of large fish.
Dimensions and load capacity: choose the right size
Boat size is a trade-off between capacity and transportability: For single fishing on small lakes, models 2.4-2.8 meters long are optimal; they are lightweight, easy to carry to the water alone, and they take up minimal space in the trunk, but such a boat can comfortably accommodate only one fisherman with a minimum set of equipment.
If you plan to fish together or take a dog with you, you can choose models from 3.0 to 3.6 meters. boat-engine The increase in the length and width of cylinders directly affects stability: a wide boat is less inclined when moving a fisherman or catching a trophy.
Boat length (m) Max. Number of people. River power of the motor (hp) Load capacity (kg) 2.2 – 2.6 1 2 – 5 200 – 250 2.8 – 3.2 2 5 – 9.9 300 – 400 3.4 – 3.8 2-3 9.9 – 18 450 – 600 4.0 and more 3-4 18 – 30+ 700+ Remember, this is the limit at which the boat is still afloat, but not optimal for fishing. For comfortable operation, the real load should be 70-80% of the passport, which will provide a high board above the water and protection from flooding with a wave.
Compatibility with motors and transom board
The trans is the heart of a motorboat, and it's the heart of the engine, and it's the core of the vibration. cross-board from moisture-resistant plywood, covered with special protective compounds, or from composite materials. The thickness of the transom should correspond to the power of the motor: for motors up to 10 hp, 25-30 mm is enough, for more powerful ones - 40-50 mm.
It is important to consider the height of the transom, which is standardized and is usually 381 mm (15 inches) or 508 mm (20 inches). Incorrect selection of the motor for the height of the transom will lead to cavitation (seizure of air by the screw) or, conversely, to excessive water resistance and overheating of the engine. Altitude adjustment It is possible with the help of shim-pads, but it is better to choose the right combination initially.
When installing the motor, pay attention to the condition of the mounts. Strubcines must securely fix the lower unit, but not crush the material of the cylinder. Often, to protect PVC from friction against the metal of the motor, they use special linings or simply make sure that there is no sand between the transom and the motor.
⚠️ Attention: Never exceed the maximum power of the engine specified in the boat's passport. Excessive power leads to the destruction of the transom board, the removal of the transmolent from the cylinders and instantaneous overturning of the vessel.☑️ Checking readiness for exit with the engine
Done: 0 / 5Comfort and additional equipment
Modern fishing-boat The basic equipment is often minimal, so it's important to have space for additional equipment. sonar For this purpose, the cylinders should have special platforms or the possibility of installing them.
Fishing convenience is directly dependent on the availability of soft seats. Stationary cans (seats) can be rigid, but for many hours of fishing, it is better to use soft seats with adjustable height. They are attached to a lyctros (string) along the side, which makes it easy to move them around the boat or remove them to increase space.
- 🎣 Holders of rods: Allows you to free your hands to control the boat or snack while the gear is waiting for a bite.
- ⚓ Anchor rings: They should be located in the bow and aft for easy anchoring and anchoring with a stern.
- 🔦 Reflectors: A safety feature for fishing in the dark or in fog.
Also worth paying attention to is the bag-package: A good bag should have a hard bottom, comfortable webbing in a backpack and pockets for small things. The quality of the bag is often underestimated, but it is the one that protects your boat from dirt and damage when transported in the car.
Use silicone lubricant to treat lightning on the bag-pack and boat valves before winter storage – this will prevent materials from freezing and cracking in the cold.
Rules of operation and care of PVC
And PVC-boat It's been in service for decades, and it needs to be properly cared for. The main enemy of the material is prolonged exposure to direct sunlight when pumped. In hot weather, the air inside the cylinders expands, the pressure rises, and the fabric can bubble or even burst at the seam. Always blow some air out, leaving the boat in the sun, or hide it in the shade.
After every fishing trip, especially in salt water or in polluted water, the boat should be washed with fresh water, salt and silt destroy the protective layer of PVC and contribute to the development of microorganisms, and dry the boat in a straightened form, but not in the direct sun, but in the shade or under a canopy.
Keep the boat in a clean, dry and cool place, and it is not recommended to keep the boat in a very compressed state for years - it is better to take it out once a season, blow it slightly and leave it spread out for a couple of days, this will help restore the elasticity of the material and straighten the folds.
How to properly seal a puncture in the field?
You'll need a remix to repair it, come with a kit. Clean and degrease the puncture site (alcohol or acetone). Apply glue to the surface of the boat and patch, let it dry for 10-15 minutes (until the stick is applied). Press the patch hard and roll a solid object (scissors handle) from center to edges to drive out the air. Full polymerization takes 24 hours, but you can use the boat in an hour.
Why does the boat ride the wave and how to fix it?
The effect of cruising or yawing is often due to improper weighting or insufficient pressure in the cylinders. Check the pressure with a gauge - it must correspond to the passport (usually 0.2-0.25 atm). Also move the load or passengers closer to the center or to the nose. Sometimes it helps to install transom wheels that work like keels, stabilizing the course.
Is it possible to use a PVC boat in winter?
Yes, modern materials (e.g., Oxford 1100) remain elastic at temperatures up to -30°C. However, in the cold, PVC becomes tougher and the risk of damage when hitting the ice increases. Pump the boat with only warm air (let it lie warm before pumping) and never leave it in the cold in a pumped state overnight - the temperature drop will cause the seams to rupture.
Which glue is better for repair?
Use only two-component polyurethane adhesives recommended by the manufacturer of your boat. chlorine rubber-based adhesives (such as Moment) give a temporary effect and can erode PVC over time. For major repairs, it is better to use special adhesives that chemically bind to the material of the boat.
Do I need to register a boat with GIMS?
According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, registration is subject to small vessels weighing more than 200 kg (together with the engine) or with an engine power of more than 8 kW (about 10.88 hp). If your boat is lighter than 200 kg and the engine is weaker than 10.88 hp, registration is not required, but it is desirable to have documents confirming the weight and power.