Lake Turgoyak, often referred to as Baikal’s younger brother, is not only famous for its crystal clear waters but also for its unpredictable nature. Even in calm, a short but angry wave can suddenly rise here, which threatens the safety of navigation on light inflatable vessels, which is why choosing a reliable boat for these places becomes a matter of not just comfort, but survival.
In this context, boat The design, designed by legendary traveler Fedor Konyukhov, was originally designed for extreme conditions and long autonomous transitions, but how justified is it to use such a specific model in a closed reservoir in the Chelyabinsk region?
We conducted a detailed study to find out how this unique catamaran behaves in real conditions. A houseboat. It requires a very specific approach to mooring, storage and management, and below we will discuss all the nuances that you will have to face if you choose to choose this model for conquering the local depths.
Design features of the model
The main feature of this model is the scheme catamaranTwo inflatable tubes connected by a rigid deck provide phenomenal stability. In Turgoyak, where the side wave can be dangerous for classic cans or even keel boats, this width of the base works wonders.
The materials used in the production are usually high-strength PVC fabric with increased density, which is critical because on the rocky shores of the lake, characteristic of Turgoyak, it is easy to damage the side of the cliffs. A unique feature of Konyukhov’s design is the ability to install sailing weapons without additional modernization, which turns the boat into a full-fledged sailing vessel.
The rigid transom, if modified, allows for more powerful motors than are normally recommended for similarly sized inflatable vessels, but it is worth remembering that the catamaran has a higher center of gravity than the monohull, which affects acceleration dynamics.
The stringer system and the flooring are designed to minimize the deflection under load, which provides comfort when you are on the water for a long time, and fishermen who spend several hours in an ambush will like this, because the back will get much less tired.
Water behaviour and sustainability
Turgoyak is known for its "lamb" wave, which quickly gains altitude even in moderate winds. stableman The broad base virtually eliminates the risk of tipping, which is a major fear for many lightweight PVC boat owners.
When driving for an outboard motor, the vessel behaves confidently, but do not expect record speeds. The aerodynamics of the two cylinders creates additional resistance. However, for a quiet movement in the water area and search for fish places, a power of 5-9 hp is quite enough.
⚠️ Attention: Due to the large sailing of cylinders in strong side winds, the boat can be very demolished. Always consider the direction of the wind when anchoring or anchoring.
In calm or weak ripples, handling remains predictable. The tight connection between the cylinders allows the forces to be transmitted from the hummel efficiently, although the turning radius can be greater than that of narrow boats.
Many owners note that this boat is almost not felt rolling when moving passengers or actively fishing. staticity It allows you to stand up safely in full growth, which is not possible on many other models.
Assembly and descent preparation
The process of preparing Konyukhov's boat for the water takes longer than pumping a conventional PVC boat. Having two cylinders and a complex system of peyol mounting dictates its rules. On the shore of Turgoyak, where the wind often blows, this process can be difficult.
☑️ Checklist of assembly on the shore
It is recommended to use foot-driven pumps or compressors from a car if there is a possibility of accessing water. Manual pumping of four compartments (two cylinders + keel + bottom) can take a lot of effort and time, especially in cool weather.
It's important to monitor the pressure in the cylinders. In the sun, the air expands, and the pumped boat can get a rupture of the seams. In Turgoyak, the sun is very active, so regular monitoring is done. PSI It's mandatory.
Building hard flooring requires care. A confused sequence of floorboards can cause the floor to arch out, creating discomfort and tension in the materials. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
The secret to fast assembly
Experienced boaters advise not to tighten the pump valves completely immediately after assembly. Leave a small margin for pumping on the water when the material is slightly stretched from the temperature, this will compensate for pressure differences without using a pump afloat.
Comparison with competitors and analogues
There are many models on the market, but Konyukhov’s boat stands alone, and for objectivity, compare it to the popular keel boats and classic flat-bottomers used in the Urals.
| Parameter | Konyukhova's boat | PVC keel boat | Flathead |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resilience | Tall (catamaran) | Medium | Low. |
| Speed. | Low/Medium | High. | Medium |
| Load capacity | Very high. | Medium | High. |
| Weight gathered | Big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big | Medium. | Small. |
As you can see from the table, catamaran It's a win in safety and payload, but it's a loss in speed, and if your goal is to get to a remote point quickly, the keel boat will be more efficient.
However, for family holidays or fishing with a lot of equipment, there are almost no alternatives. The wide cockpit allows you to place sonars, crates with complementary foods and even a small table, turning the boat into a floating platform.
Cost of ownership also plays a role. Repairing a catamaran can be more difficult because of more seams and elements, but damage to one cylinder does not lead to immediate immersion, since the second cylinder keeps buoyancy.
Fishing and rest in Turgoyak
Turgoyak is rich in whitefish, perch and pike. Konyukhov's boat is ideal for trolling at low speeds or fishing at plumb speeds. A wide base allows for heavier tackles without risking losing balance.
For spinners, it is important to have comfortable places to attach gear, and the design of the boat often makes it easy to upgrade it, installing additional holders and platforms. PVC The material is resistant to fish mucus and scales.
Use a plastic-coated cat anchor or tied on a long phala. Turgoyak has a lot of sharp rocks on the bottom, and a metal anchor can easily tear the balloon when sampled.
During the summer months, when the water warms up, you can sleep on the boat, and the strength of the structure allows you to install a light tent or even a small tent on the frame, turning the boat into a camping on the water.
When fishing for pike, you should be careful with the sharp teeth of the predator. Although the board is high and difficult to reach, it is better to have an extractor and a yawn on hand to minimize the time of contact between the fish and the boat.
⚠️ Warning: Turgoyak has strict environmental regulations, prohibiting the use of boats with internal combustion engines above 10 hp in some areas, as well as the discharge of any waste into the water.
Maintenance and storage
After every fishing trip on Turgoyak, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, and although the lake is fresh, it contains many minerals and organics that can damage the material when dry.
Drying is a critical stage. PVC It should be completely dry before packaging, otherwise the appearance of mold and fungi is inevitable. In the humidity of the Ural evenings, it is better to dry in a ventilated room or under a canopy.
Keeping Konyukhov's boat is better in straightened form or in a semi-assembled state to avoid cracks on the folds. Long-term storage in a compressed state can lead to microcracks in the inflection points of cylinders.
Regular treatment of seams and valves with silicone grease extends the life of the boat by 30-40% and maintains the elasticity of the materials.
In winter, it is recommended to periodically check the condition of the fabric. Abrupt temperature changes in an unheated garage can be less scary than storing in heat, where the material can fog from the inside.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use Konyukhov's boat in the winter on Turgoyak?
PVC boats are possible in winter, but require special frost-resistant fabrics (usually labeled "winter" or "arctic"). Standard models become brittle at temperatures below -10°C. In addition, Turgoyak often has strong winds in winter, making it dangerous to go out.
Which motor is better for this boat?
The best choice is a 5-9.9 hp long leg motor. Higher-powered motors don't make sense because of the shape of the body and high water resistance. Electric motors are also suitable, but their capacity may not be enough for an entire day of active fishing.
How many people are comfortably on board?
Although the passport capacity may indicate 4-5 people, 2-3 people are comfortably accommodated with fishing equipment on Konyukhov’s boat, which provides sufficient space for manipulation of gear and safe movement.
How difficult is it to find parts or remixes?
Konyukhov boats are manufactured long enough and consumables (valves, PVC fabric, glue) are standard in the industry. Problems with repair in specialized workshops usually do not arise, since gluing technologies are universal.
Do I need to register such a boat in the GIMS?
Registration depends on the mass of the boat in gear and the power of the engine: if the boat with the engine and equipment exceeds 200 kg, or the engine power exceeds 8 kW (about 10.8 hp), registration is mandatory.