Choosing a boat for fishing or hunting often turns into a difficult trade-off between weight, strength and cost. polypropylene boatsThe slates are positioned as a modern alternative to traditional aluminum and heavy metal. Swimmer 450It attracts the attention of fishermen with its design and declared durability.
Unlike inflatables, a rigid thermoplastic polymer case does not require constant drying and is not afraid of punctures on snags or sharp stones in shallow water. However, the material has its own physical features that must be considered before buying. In this article, we will discuss in detail what is a special product. Swimmer 450Whether it is worth your money and how to properly care for a polypropylene case.
Many water-engines are still wary of plastic, believing it is not strong enough for serious loads. polypropylene (PP) has a unique shape memory and high impact toughness, and let's explore why this model is becoming increasingly popular among active water enthusiasts.
Design features of the Swimmer 450 hull
The basis of any boat is its body, and in the case of a model Swimmer 450 The body is made by hot welding of polypropylene sheets, which eliminates the presence of adhesive seams that can dry over time. The thickness of the material used usually varies between 5-8 mm, which provides a balance between rigidity and weight.
And the important thing is that there's a reinforced keel and zygomatic stringers, and these elements don't just shape, they work as well. ribIt's a way of distributing the impact load when you go out on a wave or touch the bottom, and unlike aluminum, polypropylene doesn't crumble when it hits, it absorbs when it hits it, and it returns to its original state.
⚠️ Warning: Despite its high strength, polypropylene has the property of "swimming" when heated in direct sun without water. Do not leave the boat Swimmer 450 on a hot summer day without a tent or canopy, this can lead to deformation of the sides.
The transector design also deserves special attention. Swimmer 450 It is often performed in a reinforced, with the possibility of installation outboard The surface of the polypropylene is smooth, which reduces water resistance, but requires the proper installation of additional elements such as switches or sonar mounts.
Technical specifications and comparison with analogues
To understand how Swimmer 450 So you're right for this, and you need to look at the dry numbers, and polypropylene is lighter than aluminum, but heavier than PVC, and it affects transportability and payload, and here's a table of the basic parameters that will help you navigate the dimensions.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Full length | 4,500 mm | Optimal for 2-3 people |
| Body width | 1600 mm | Provides sustainability |
| Height of board | 600 mm | Splash protection |
| Load capacity | 600 kg | Including the weight of the engine and crew |
| Body weight | ~65-75 kg | Depends on the thickness of the sheet. |
Compared to the aluminum competitors, it is worth noting that polymeric It has better sound insulation. It's much quieter, which is important for fishing, but aluminum is easier to scratch, but polypropylene is harder to repair if it's severe damage that requires soldering.
The 600kg capacity allows two full-equipment and outboard motor-equipped adults to comfortably accommodate the boat, while keeping the draught to a minimum, allowing them to feel confident in shallow water. Swimmer 450 It is designed to withstand dynamic loads that occur when moving against the wave.
Advantages of polypropylene over PVC and aluminum
Why it is worth considering polypropyleneThe first and foremost argument is that the material is completely inert to water and corrosion. Aluminum is susceptible to electrochemical corrosion, especially in salt water, and PVC loses plasticizers over time and becomes rigid. Polypropylene is devoid of these drawbacks.
- 🛡️ Impact resistance: The material withstands impacts on ice, rocks and driftwood, which would be fatal for an inflatable balloon.
- 🔥 Weldability: Damage is easily eliminated with the help of a construction hair dryer and a rod of the same material, complex adhesive compositions.
- ❄️ Frost resistance: Operation is possible at temperatures up to -50 ° C, plastic does not crack in the cold, unlike some types of PVC.
- 🧼 Hygienic: The smooth surface does not absorb the smells of fish, gasoline or sludge, the boat is easy to wash from a hose.
Another important aspect is durability. boats Swimmer 450 It's decades in length, and it doesn't rot, it doesn't rust, it doesn't get exposed to ultraviolet light, and it makes buying a long-term investment.
⚠️ Note: When choosing a model, check whether food or technical polypropylene was used. For boats, brands with UV stabilizers are preferred, otherwise, in a couple of years in the sun, the material may become brittle.
However, we should not forget about weight. Swimmer 450 The assembly weighs more than a similarly sized inflatable boat, meaning you'll need a more powerful car or trailer to transport, and launching from a flat shore may require physical effort or the use of a winch.
Operation and care of the polymer case
Although polypropylene is called "unkillable," proper operation will prolong the life of your boat, and the basic rule is to avoid open fire and sparks. Polymer materials They're very fuel-intensive, and although they're slow to ignite, smoking with gasoline on board is a bad idea, and it's also worth protecting the surface from contact with aggressive chemicals, even though household chemicals are usually not scary.
In winter, you can store the boat on the street or in an unheated garage. Unlike rubber, polypropylene doesn't require special storage conditions. You just wash the dirt off and let it dry. If you get scratches on the bottom, you don't have to fix them, if they're not through, it doesn't affect the performance.
☑️ Preparing the boat for winter storage
Use regular water and brush for cleaning. Polypropylene has a low coefficient of friction, so dirt and algae practically do not stick to it. This is especially true for those who leave the boat in the water for a few days, and the watery bottom is easily cleaned by a jet of water under pressure.
Upgrading and installation of equipment
Owners often seek to improve their boats. Boat Swimmer 450 And you can weld extra knobs, shelves, or rod mounts, with the ability to weld, and you can do that, and you only need a plastic welding dryer and experience.
Installation outboard It's important to pick up the right rummel or remote control. Polypropylene holds vibration well, but it's better not to drill extra holes in the transom without needing to. If you plan to put a sonar, use suction cups or special brackets that are attached to the sides.
- 🎣 Fishing boxes: You can weld guides to fix the boxes so that they do not roll along the bottom.
- 💡 Lighting: Installation of LED tapes around the perimeter of the board will improve visibility in the dark.
- ⚓ Anchor system: The organization of the place under the anchor and winch on the nose will make the control of the boat more convenient.
Don't overload the transom plate. Although polypropylene is strong, concentrations at one point are best avoided. Use transom wheels to make it easier for the boat to move on hard ground, but remove them before getting on the water so as not to create unnecessary resistance.
Can I paint a polypropylene boat?
It's pointless to paint polypropylene with regular paint, it will peel off. To change color or apply camouflage, you need a special primer for plastics (adhesive primer) and two-component polyurethane-based paints. It's easier and more reliable to use a self-adhesive film.
Next Next post: Should I Buy a 450 Swimmer?
In summary, it can be said that Swimmer 450 It's a great choice for those looking for a middle ground between an inflatable boat and a heavy boat, ideal for fishing in large reservoirs where resistance to the wave is important, and for hunting where there is a high risk of damage to the board by reeds or driftwood.
The model's greatest asset is durability and no need for complicated maintenance. You buy a boat that will last you for years without requiring glue replacement, valve sticking or rust control. workhorse for enthusiasts of active recreation.
The Swimmer 450 is an investment in comfort and safety on the water, paid for by the absence of costs for repair and replacement of inflatable tubes.
If you are not embarrassed by the weight of 70 kg and the need to have a trailer or a spacious trunk on the roof, then the polypropylene case will be a reliable partner for many years.
When buying, be sure to check the quality of the welds. They should be smooth, without tears or bubbles. Ask the seller to demonstrate a quality certificate for the polypropylene used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I repair a breakdown in the Swimmer 450 body by myself?
Yes, this is one of the main advantages of the material: repairing it will require a building hair dryer (thermophene) and a strip of polypropylene of the same brand, the edges of the cracks are accelerated by hot air and sealed with a bar, a process similar to soldering plastic pipes, but requires care.
What is the maximum engine that can be installed on this boat?
For a model with a length of 450 cm and a width of 160 cm, the optimal motor is considered to be 9.9 - 15 hp Installation of a more powerful motor (up to 20 hp) is possible, but requires caution, since the transom and the overall design may not withstand increased dynamic loads at high speeds.
Do I need to dry the boat after every fishing trip?
Unlike PVC, polypropylene does not absorb moisture, so you don't have to dry it on purpose. You just have to shake off the water and remove the excess dirt. However, keeping the boat closed and wet is not recommended to avoid mold on the gear inside.
Is polypropylene afraid of gasoline and oil?
Polypropylene is chemically inert to most petroleum products in short-term contact. Spilt gasoline or oil can be simply wiped with a cloth. However, long-term storage of fuel canisters inside the boat is not recommended for fire safety reasons and the possible change in the properties of plastic in constant contact with aggressive fumes.