Inflatable motor boats made of PVC which one to choose. Review of inflatable double boats for fishing and their prices.

What do people pay attention to when choosing an inflatable? PVC boat? Firstly, of course, everyone is interested in the price and appearance. However, these parameters do not solve everything. In this article we will look at many issues related to the choice of inflatable boats for both fishing and hunting or just relaxing with the family. Boat material, carrying capacity, capacity, presence of a transom, keel, all this and much more you will find in this article.

We advise you to familiarize yourself with the features , which are already more serious boats on which more powerful engines can be installed.

But choosing a boat is only half the battle, because if you don't want to row oars, you'll need reliable motor, the cost of which is comparable to the boat itself.

You can view and buy fishing products, in particular fishing boats, at online stores.

In terms of prices, online stores of fishing equipment compare favorably with real stores, and it’s easier to search for information about a particular boat on the Internet.

And you should never stop at the first site you come across; always look at several online stores and advertisements, compare prices, read reviews and take into account the authority of the sites. There are a large number of sites on the Internet that sell boats and equipment for them.

Questions related to choosing a boat

Before buying an inflatable boat, you need to think carefully and ask yourself next questions:

1. Why are you buying a boat: fishing, duck hunting, tourism, diving.
2. How many people will you take on the boat?
3. What is her lifting capacity?
4. Do you need sleeping places in the boat, a deckhouse, an awning, etc.?
5. Is a motor required?
6. Is a keel necessary?
7. What speed are you planning to reach?
8. What kind of fuel consumption are you prepared for?
9. In what conditions and on what bodies of water are you going to swim?

The choice of a boat is based on the purposes of its use, and then evaluate all its other parameters, such as length, shape, material, transom, etc.

Main indicators of boats:

• Length;
• width;
• cylinder diameter;
• body shape;
• bottom type;
• presence of a keel;
• fabric density;
• number of seats;
• presence of transom;
• warranty period of service;
• number of hermetic compartments of the boat.

Technical characteristics of the boat Hunter 280 LT

From a wide range of all kinds of watercraft, we present to your attention the comfortable boat Hunter 280 LT. This boat is made of durable material - PVC, and even the most demanding fishermen and athletes will like it. This model is very comfortable and has all the necessary tools for successful fishing. At its low price, the boat includes the following things:

How to choose an inflatable boat for fishing?

The most important questions when choosing a fishing boat are: material, capacity, presence/absence of a transom for the motor, bottom of the boat, camouflage.

It is advisable to choose PVC fabric as the material for the boat; it is strong, durable and most boats on the market are made of PVC fabric.

The capacity of the boat depends on your preferences, but if you are going to fish alone, then you should not take a large three-seater boat. The more spacious the boat, the heavier and more expensive it is, which means extra physical effort and extra waste money.

If you plan to install a motor on the boat, then the presence of a transom is mandatory, therefore, pay attention to the attachment of the boat under the transom.

The bottom of the boat plays a huge role in spin fishing, because if you want to fish while standing and cast baits far, then you need a stable, hard surface. So for spinning fishing, a hard floor is very important; it is installed separately in the boat. For bottom fishing from a boat, a hard floor is not necessary. The hard bottom may already be included with the boat, but you can also purchase it separately. There are also boat models with an inflatable bottom.

Another important point- this is the color of the boat. It is advisable that it be camouflage so that the boat blends into the landscape in the fishing area. But do not forget that its heatability in the sun also depends on the color of the boat. White boats experience less sun, while darker colors can reach 50 degrees or more. Overheating the boat can damage the integrity of the cylinders, which may cause the boat to begin to deflate.

It is also worth noting special boat chairs, which can be either inflatable or made of solid materials. They are either attached to the seats or installed directly on the floor of the boat.

Passenger capacity depends on the length of the boat:

• for one person - 2–2.5 meters;
• for two - 2.5–3.5 meters;
• for three - from 3.9 meters;
• for four people - 4.3 meters.

What kind of boat do you need for fishing: rowing or motor? The answer to this question is also easy. If fishing spots are nearby, and you are fishing in a closed reservoir, and there is no big wave, then you should pay attention to a regular boat with oars. Usually, they are equipped with a slant at the bottom. Its presence increases the stability of the fisherman in the boat, and it will be quite convenient for you to cast a spinning rod.

The big advantage of small rowing boats is their lightness and compactness. When folded, they can be carried in a special backpack. If you go on vacation with a car, then in addition to the boat, you can fit a lot of things in the trunk.

How to choose an inflatable boat for hunting?

Today, most people go hunting not for the sake of prey, but to relax and have fun. Usually, a better gun and better ammunition are chosen. The same principle applies to choosing a boat.

The color of the boat should be camouflage. It is both invisible and stylish. And one more thing: you should choose a keelboat with a length of more than 3.5 meters. It must be stable, reliable and camouflaging. Only boats of this type will allow you to shoot from a standing position and hide from game in the reeds. For this you need the appropriate size, density and color.

A large diameter of the cylinder is also required; the frame must have several sealed compartments. There are boat models whose cylinder diameter is more than fifty centimeters, the hull width is two meters, and the number of compartments reaches six! Even if you shoot through three cylinders, the boat will remain afloat, and you will not sink all the equipment in the boat, the loot, and most importantly, yourself.

In reservoirs with dense vegetation they are usually used. For those who love hunting as well as fishing, Flambeau Uvision™ stuffed ducks will become indispensable assistants.

Tuning an inflatable boat (video)

If you don’t want to row with oars, then choose a PVC boat with a motor. It is worth keeping in mind that on a boat with suspended transom It is recommended to install an electric motor. But many fishermen neglect this advice and install a gasoline engine on such boats.

If you are going to do the same, then you should take a closer look at the motor with power no more than 3 hp. Although even this power is too much, since the power of such an engine will press in the cylinder, and the propeller can crawl under the bottom. As a result, power will increase and speed will decrease, which is very inefficient. Such a motor must be tied to the boat!

For more powerful motors, inflatable boats with a built-in transom or aluminum boats are suitable.

A good option For fast movement across a body of water, a motor slate boat is used. The transom in it is built into the frame. Safety is enhanced by protruding compensator buoys. This type of design allows you to install motor with a power of more than 10 hp. Moreover, such a boat has more compartments compared to a rowing boat, and thicker fabrics are also used in such a boat. This provides greater safety and reliability.

Inflatable boats with built-in transoms can have inflatable keels that provide them with planing, which significantly increases the boat's speed and fuel efficiency.

Which boat should you choose to cover long distances?

A model that can switch to planing will help you with this. Required: inflatable keelson (keel), stationary transom, and rigid collapsible bottom. The length of such a boat should be 3–4.5 meters, and the engine power should be from 10 to 35 Horse power. The PVC fabric in such boats must be very, very durable. It is worth choosing boats more than three meters long. Such a hull can be put on plane, and the required speed will be achieved.

Which boat is suitable for diving enthusiasts?

The main thing here is to get out of the water safely. Therefore, it is worth buying a boat with a cylinder so that the boat does not capsize when a person gets out of the water with underwater equipment. To calculate, you need to divide the proposed load capacity by four. The result will be approximately equal to the maximum weight of a person climbing on board the boat. It is worth considering that in addition to the person, you also need to add the weight of the ammunition.

How to choose a boat for a family vacation?

There are at least three people in a family. The main caveat is that there are children on board, which means you need a very reliable boat! It follows from this that you should buy a longer and wider boat. The diameter of the cylinder and the insulated compartments are also important. Conclusion: you need to choose a boat with a length of 3–4 meters, with an inflatable keelson and a bottom with stringers. A model that matches the description will go on planing.

In the absence of a wave, passengers will feel comfortable. You can choose the color of the recreational boat according to your taste.

It is worth taking a closer look at the white color, as it heats up less in the sun. Although White color gets dirty quickly.

Assembling, disassembling, carrying boats

Some boats cannot be carried, disassembled, and then reassembled alone. This leads to the question: which boat to choose so that it can be easily assembled and transported? It is almost impossible for one person to assemble a boat with a keelson and a bottom on stringers.

There are also regular models that are easy to assemble and disassemble. As for transportation, a small PVC boat, up to three meters long, can be lifted without problems and can be carried even by one person.

But a boat with a keelson more than 3.5 meters long is not easy for one person, and two people will need to carry it. The handles on the cones and bow of the boat are very helpful during transportation.

In general, if you are planning to buy an inflatable boat, you should compare prices on various sites, read advertisements for used ones. boats, take an interest in the reviews of other buyers, and then you can choose the best option for yourself.

1. Mounted transoms;
2. inflatable chairs;
3. seats;
4. awnings;
5. oars;
6. hard bottom;
7. pumps;
8. oarlocks;
9. pens;
10. rail holders;
11. repair kits;
12. bottom slats;
13. valves;
14. transom wheels;
15. Platforms for echo sounder;
16. rod holders

PVC boats

The appearance of polyvinyl chloride on the market radically changed the attitude towards the manufacture of inflatable boats, producing a real revolution in this area. On all trading fronts, PVC models have begun to crowd out rubber inflatables. This is explained by the fact that this material has high strength and is easy to maintain. And the possibilities of use additional equipment doubled the demand for them.

How to choose the right PVC boat

It is clear that this should be done based on its future use. What is it for, purposes, carrying capacity and size. A lot influences the choice, but first things first.

Material Density

A determining factor that needs to be taken into account when choosing. The more layers used in the manufacture of the material, the stronger it will be. But this also increases her weight. Accordingly, it will be problematic to deliver such a boat to a reservoir.

In general, before looking for information about the capabilities of boats, we first determine your needs.

PVC boat for motor

If you need such a boat, then here are some recommendations for choosing it. The first concerns the material itself. A PVC boat capable of using outboard motors must be made of reinforced material. It is stronger than usual, can withstand greater pressure and is not afraid of possible hard contacts with snags.

General characteristics of a PVC boat for a motor

To paint a complete picture of a reliable boat with the ability to install motors, you need to briefly list the following points:

• manufacturing material is only reinforced;
• cylinders, glued and welded, they have the same characteristics when using a boat of a famous brand;
• material density 0.9-1.4 kg/m3;
• the number of layers used in the manufacture of cylinders is at least 7;
• sizes from 2.7 to 3.3 meters, when used by one person;
• stationary transom.

Operating a PVC boat

Any boat must be inflated before use. Many people think that it’s simple, just take a simple frog pump and that’s it. This is one of the mistakes of novice fishermen who decide to launch a boat for the first time. Of course, it is possible to inflate a PVC boat with such a pump, but it will take a lot of effort and time. Pumping will not allow the use of heavy motors, only medium power.

If you have other plans for its operation, then you will need a powerful two-way pump with a pressure gauge. This will create the required pressure in the cylinders. But keep in mind that in hot weather, the air in the cylinder can heat up and expand, leading to rupture.

Registration and license plates

According to Russian legislation, all watercraft must be registered with the GIMS of the Ministry of Emergency Situations before their first trip to the “high water”. There they must assign an identification number to the boat. It must be applied to the sides (cylinders) so that they are clearly visible, and duplicated in a hidden place.

The second number is not a whim of GIMS, but protection from thieves. It is usually applied under the bottom and covered with payol. According to the rules, the height of the registration plate on the sides should be 10 cm. If possible, it can be higher. Waterproof paints or stickers are used for application.

Also, when registering a boat at the GIMS, a safety leaflet is issued, which stipulates that the boat will have special equipment specified in its passport.

Which company to choose a PVC boat

Today, boats are produced by a huge number of companies, and every year there are more and more of them. And any company, first of all, pursues the goal of making a profit, and not everyone is trying to improve the performance of boats by releasing similar models according to old templates. In this case, it is difficult to talk about quality, and when choosing a specific model, first of all, read the information about the manufacturer in the passport.

Small companies that “stamp” inflatable boats usually do not provide any information, and in this case it is better to refuse to purchase this model.

It is simply impossible to list all the known models, but it is worth mentioning some that are especially popular among fishermen:

• Norvik. This is a modern boat presented by the St. Petersburg company - Norvik Boat. Large selection of models for hunting, fishing and recreation. According to user reviews, boats from this manufacturer are ergonomic and comfortable. A well-thought-out seat arrangement system, which allows you to adjust their position relative to the oarlocks, makes them more convenient to control.

• Altair. Also a representative of the St. Petersburg school - ALTAIR-Pro. It is distinguished by high driving performance, quick access and predictable behavior on high waves when maneuvering. An inflatable keel and 4 independent compartments ensure the safety of boats of this brand. Reinforced keel, transom and bottom allow the use of any model of outboard motors. And comfort of use is ensured with soft pads.

Summarizing all of the above, a clear picture emerges of purchasing an inflatable PVC boat. And the two models presented are only a drop in the large sea of ​​​​diversity of models on the market. The choice is yours, follow these recommendations, and then you will be able to choose the right boat according to your goals.

Instructions

Inflatable boats have a shallower draft than aluminum punts; when fishing from them, you can climb into any part of the pond. Rubber flotation devices are inexpensive, so it’s easy to decide on such a purchase. But when choosing a boat, you should pay attention to certain nuances so as not to regret wasted money.

Manufacturers are trying to make the material of inflatable products stronger and more wear-resistant, but, of course, it cannot be compared with wood, aluminum or plastic. When choosing a boat, try to correctly prioritize which qualities are most attractive to you and which are not so important.

The simplest and most popular design of an “inflator” is a boat. This boat is loved by fishermen, because it is very compact, cheap and has the ability to sail under a motor and under oars. At the stern of the product there is a small hinged transom, which is needed for hanging a light motor. These boats are designed for a maximum of two travelers; they will not be able to overcome strong currents, so inflatable boats can only be used in quiet, small bodies of water.

Inflatable boats with motors are sometimes called sports boats; they have several types. These models are more expensive, but also more durable. If you purchase a boat with a stacked bottom made of hard plywood, you can safely stand in the boat without fear of capsizing. Install a six-liter high-quality engine, and it will pull a load of about four hundred kilograms and against the current. The length of this inflatable product reaches three meters.

Motor boats with an inflatable keel and bottom have greater stability. They cost even more and their dimensions are impressive. This boat is suitable for a family vacation; it takes four passengers on board and does not lose stability. But the danger of puncturing the bottom still remains.

There are combined motorboats that have a hard floor and an inflatable keel; they will allow you to sail in deep water. The bottom of such boats is lined with sheets of specially treated plywood or aluminum blocks. Watercraft up to five meters long are produced, and this is already a respectable size! The carrying capacity of such motor boats is substantial – up to a ton.

Even when folded, boats with a hard bottom take up more space than their sisters with inflatables. This is the best option for reliability and durability. RIB boats (as they are called) allow you to play with the space as you wish. You can place a control room and a very powerful motor on its rigid structure.

With the onset of warmer weather, which is accompanied by the release of ice from the water, the issue of purchasing a boat becomes relevant. Inflatable boats made of polyvinyl chloride are one of the most common means of transportation for hunters, fishermen or just tourists. They have earned such popularity because of their accessibility: they provide comfort and are inexpensive.

You will need

• - manufacturer's instructions for the boat;
• - consultation with a store specialist;
• - reviews and personal experience other buyers.

Instructions

By purchasing one boat, select for what purpose the acquisition is being made. Once you decide what it will be used for inflatable boat from PVC, choosing a model to buy will be easier. Will there be a need for additional amenities for long-term fishing, additional protection for the ability to fish in places overgrown with branches, the number of seats for vacationers if purchased for tourism and entertainment.

Also decide where exactly and in what conditions you will most often use the boat. Will it be a fast mountain river, a calm lake or a shallow pond? The conditions of use impose their own requirements on the material and additional equipment of your small vessel.

Pay attention to the manufacturer of the PVC boat. As a rule, domestic manufacturers offer high-quality products at a lower price than foreign companies. Therefore, it is inappropriate to blacklist Russian companies here. Imports are more expensive due to the markup for the brand. Among domestic products you can also choose all the necessary kit for fishing, recreation, and hunting. The larger the manufacturer and the longer his time on the sales market, the better the quality of his product. St. Petersburg companies have proven themselves well. If you decide to buy an inflatable boat young Chinese company, then it is best to buy only proven models.

Be sure to check with your consultant about the fabric from which the boat is made. The best qualities are found in PVC fabrics made by large leading companies, for example, the German concern Mehler texnologies or the South Korean LG Chem. Find out what type of fabric the boat is made of and what seam welding technology is used. The more layers of polyvinyl chloride used, the stronger the boat, but the greater its weight. Modern inflatable boats are made from seven-layer fabric with a density of 0.85 to 1.3 kg/m². Therefore, the more layers and the denser the fabric, the more durable and wear-resistant the boat will be. The seams can be made by overlapping gluing or using overlays from the outside or inside, vulcanization, ultrasonic welding or conventional gluing. The more expensive the seam technology, the more reliable the design.

• which inflatable boat to choose

Sources:

• How to choose an inflatable boat and not regret it?

Let's skip the race brands and manufacturers and consider the choice of a PVC boat solely from a practical point of view.

Boat length.

The most obvious thing to start with is the size of the boat, or rather its length. Boats begin to be made for motors as early as 230 cm in length. (Nissan Maran Tornado 230)

Up to 300 cm, these are single-seater boats, despite the fact that on 300 cm boats the carrying capacity can already be over 500 kg, and the indicated passenger capacity is 4 people (Nissan Maran Tornado 290). However, more than one fisherman with a motor and fishing rods, much less with a load, cannot turn around there. Those who believe that in a boat, for example, Badger FL270 (length 270 cm) you can calmly stretch out to your full height on the bottom of the boat, are deeply mistaken - subtract from the length the diameter of the side of 41 cm and the length of the cylinders behind the transom of the boat - only 170 cm of free space will remain space with an internal width of 66 cm. Agree, in an area of ​​just over 1 square meter it will be too crowded for two people. Therefore, boats 230-300cm are the best choice for fishermen (hunters) sailing alone.
Pros of short boats - low price(from 20,000 rubles) and feasible weight (Poseidon Smart 250 - only 20 kg).
Cons: It’s boring to swim alone.

Boats 330-400 cm long Theoretically, they can accommodate up to 6 people, but it’s only convenient for two people to fish there. At 4 meters, three people are allowed if the fishing is static without spinning rods. Internal dimensions of the bottom, for example Badger HD 390 - length 246 cm, width 88 cm. For traveling with a load for several days and fishing together, the minimum length of the boat is 330 cm, optimal 360 cm. For boats from 330 cm, a motor with a power of 15 horsepower or more is usually allowed, which allows you to pull the boat out on planing. This factor also influences the choice of boat sizes. However, alone on such a boat without a load, and even with full throttle, it is easy to lose control. Therefore, if you take a long boat, then still count on frequent trips together and with cargo.

Boats of this length weigh 40-60 kg, but usually such a boat can be moved in parts.

Inflatable boats longer than 400 cm exist (the author has information about the maximum length of 470 cm), but are almost never used in the conditions of the reservoirs of the Urals. Too heavy and expensive, and engines for such vessels are recommended at about 30 hp. (weighs about 60kg). Here the main justifications for buying an inflatable boat are already lost - mobility and feasible weight. After all, the boat often has to be dragged along the shallows, carried from the parking lot to the shore, the motor hung in clayey, muddy shallow water, pulled ashore in the evening, etc. Buyers with a need for a large boat first of all think about purchasing a rigid frame vessel and delivering it to the pond on a trailer.

Carrying capacity and passenger capacity :

As a rule, the boat's transom plate indicates the carrying capacity - the maximum weight allowed for transportation on the boat. The maximum number of passengers is also indicated here. For example, the boat's carrying capacity is 500 kg, and its passenger capacity is 4 people. Despite the fact that there is a clause in the driving rules - one passenger with cargo equals 100 kg of carrying capacity - water inspectors will not note your resourcefulness in taking 5 people on such a board.
As a rule, the carrying capacity of a boat is much greater than its actual capacity (unless, of course, you are going to transport dumbbells on it), so don’t get too confused with weight calculations - the extra weight simply won’t fit into the boat.
I know people who like to carry a chainsaw, a generator, a 3-6m military tent, a potbelly stove + a bunch of other things for a comfortable stay. Please, PVC inflatable boats with a carrying capacity of 1000 kg and above are at your service.

PVC Material .

It is clear that PVC material boats must be qualitatively sewn and glued together. The more layers there are inside the fabric, the better. Typically, boats are now made from 7-layer PVC with a density of 0.85 to 1.3 kg/m2. The manufacturer of PVC fabric is very important here: Korea, USA or Russia. 90% of the weight of the boat is the weight of PVC fabric. The thicker the material, the more the boat weighs, but the stronger the material. Choose.
Sometimes the base PVC material is additionally surface treated, for example, to impart hardness to the coating. Boats made of such fabric can float through bushes, shallow water, and protruding snags - they are often used by hunters.

Boat bottom .

Modern boats have not just a canvas stretched between two cylinders, as on the Ufimki, but a normal floor on which you can stand. This can be a rigid wooden or aluminum covering or an inflatable bottom. There is also a slatted bottom, but since this is not serious, we will not write about it.

Wooden or aluminum decking.

Such a bottom gives the boat rigidity when moving, and it twists less. It is very comfortable to stand in such a boat. The time to lay such a bottom is 30-40 minutes. The weight and transport dimensions are slightly larger than those of inflatable bottoms. Many people love the aluminum bottom for its wear resistance and strength (relative to wood), but it gets very hot in the sun and is quite slippery when wet. If frequent multi-day trips are expected, then it is better to take a boat with this type of bottom.

Inflatable bottom.
Those who choose an inflatable bottom, first of all, save time on assembly, because inserting the inflatable bottom and inflating it will take about 10 minutes. Inflatable floor high pressure inflates almost to atmosphere and is hard enough to stand on. However, it is somewhat stretchy, which does not add confidence to the feet, especially in windy conditions. An inflatable floor is easy to transport and weighs less. It is important that a boat with an inflatable floor has a greater carrying capacity and is easier to plan. But you can easily be left without a floor if you drop a knife on it, for example. Lately On top of such floors they began to put an additional protective layer of PVC fabric on top. Standing on this floor is non-slip.

Maximum permissible motor power .

For boats 230-270 cm this is, as a rule, 5 horsepower, 290-300 cm - 10 hp, 310-360 cm - 15-20 hp. You will not be able to register a boat if the motor is oversized, so when planning to buy a boat, you should know what kind of motor you need. It's not even a matter of registration - a motor that is too powerful and not intended for the design of the boat can damage the boat and lead to unpleasant consequences on the water.

Cylinder diameter .

The usual diameter of PVC inflatable boat cylinders for motors is 40-45 cm. For boats with increased carrying capacity, the thickness of the sides can be 50 cm or more.

The boat's transom plate usually indicates sailing category D or C.
Category C - Coastal waters. Such boats are designed for sailing in coastal waters, large bays, rivers and lakes, provided that the vessel is exposed to wind force of no more than 6 forces and an average wave height of up to 2 m.
Category D - Closed reservoirs. The vessels are designed for navigation in closed reservoirs, rivers and lakes, provided that the wind force does not exceed 4 points on the Beaufort scale, and the average wave height is not more than 0.3 m, in some cases up to 0.5 m.

Various little things .

What else can be installed on the boat as standard or optional:

Valve for draining water.
There should be a valve at the bottom of the transom through which water that has entered the boat can be drained without capsizing the boat itself, even if this procedure can only be carried out in shallow water.

Places to tie outboard motor rope.
No matter how tightly the motor is screwed to the transom (transom plate), it can fall into the water. Then, depending on the situation, you are guaranteed from short downtime to engine overhaul. To prevent this from happening, the motor must always be tied with a strong rope to the boat, the transom, or, in extreme cases, to the seat. There must be special rings for this.

Anchor eye.
When lowering an anchor along a rope in a water anchorage, the rope can chafe the PVC fabric. To prevent this from happening, a plastic anchor eye is placed on the bow of the boat, which protects the PVC fabric and has a place for winding the rope and fixing the length of the rope when the anchor catches on the bottom.

Anchor bag.
To prevent the anchor from flying around the boat when moving, it is advisable to have a special bag. The bag itself is attached to one of the cylinders.

Gas tank mounts.
Motors, more than 3.5 hp. power have a remote gas tank. It needs to be mounted somewhere. On cylinders, 4 rings are often glued to the back to press the tank to one of the sides.

Seat covers with bag.
The bare plywood seats are quite hard. Sold separately or included with special overlay bags. On top there is a soft pad for the butt on the seat, and on the bottom there is a large bag for small items.

Protection of the bottom of the cylinders.
To prevent the PVC fabric of the bottom from wearing out when moving in shallow water and pulling the boat ashore or mooring, special thick rubber linings made of PVC tape are glued to the bottom of the cylinders and to the keel.

Bleeding valve.
A very useful thing. When the maximum pressure in the boat is exceeded (for example, when it overheats in the sun), the valve opens and releases excess pressure. How many boats broke before this wonderful invention.

Headscarves.
These are small corners of PVC fabric between the transom and the cylinders. They protect the boat and, above all, the boatmaster from splashes when moving at high speed.

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An inflatable boat is an excellent option for lovers of active or family recreation, hunting, traveling and fishing. Due to their lightness and compactness, they can be easily transported to their destination. All versions of modern inflatable vessels are made from polyvinyl chloride ().

This material has a number of advantages:

1. Resistant to alkalis, most acids, solvents, and mineral oils.
2. Does not ignite in air.
3. Resistance to low temperatures (-40°C).
4. Heat resistance (+70°C).

PVC boat material is a combination of 5 layers of fabric:

1. 2 layers of polyvinyl chloride.
2. 2 layers of adhesive composition.
3. The base is a reinforced mesh made of polyester (lavsan cord).

The reinforced mesh provides strength and wear resistance of the device, and the PVC layers provide water resistance, resistance to ultraviolet rays, flammable oils and salt water.

Advantages and disadvantages of use

Pros:

1. Appearance. There is a huge selection of colors, ranging from bright, patterned options to pastel tones.
2. High quality material. Even after using talc during winter storage, streaks do not form on the fabric.
3. Availability of additional accessories. The kit includes a boat, a backpack, special clamps, and rowing accessories.
4. Compact and lightweight. When folded, the weight of the device is approximately 11 kg.
5. Ability to float on water. Due to this, they easily enter the wave, and thanks to the oars they become more maneuverable.
6. Large load capacity.
7. Wear resistance.
8. Ease of repair. Repair supplies are included in the kit in case of unforeseen circumstances.
9. Resistance to external factors.
10. Storage temperature -40 – +70°C.
11. The ability to soften shock when walking on a small wave.
12. Easy assembly.

Minuses:

• Weak oarlocks. If the engine breaks down, it is difficult to independently control the device using oars.

Types of PVC boats

Depending on the design, there are 3 types of boats:

Rowing

Characterized by a simple design. In them, the inflatable sides are divided into a pair of compartments, which allows you to keep the device afloat, even in the event of damage or puncture. For comfortable rowing, increasing the rigidity of the hull between the sides, a rigid can (bench) is mounted, and other areas for sitting look like inflatable pillows.

The sides have a closed shape along the entire perimeter. They use a similar version of boats for fishing, hunting, recreation, hiking trips or short distance expeditions.

Depending on the material used, the floor (floor) can be:

1. Semi-rigid type– plywood or pieces of plastic are installed in the bottom material.
2. Hard type, made entirely of plywood or light alloys.

Motor

The design differs somewhat from rowing type models. At the stern of the device there is a built-in transom, to which an outboard transom is attached. The shape and type of transom depends on the installed motor.

The shape of the motor models is semi-closed and also has elongated sides at the stern. For displacement mode, a 2-3 liter engine is sufficient. With. Such models have an inflatable bottom or are reinforced with transverse slats.

The fastest mode of movement is planing, which is ensured by a hard bottom and keel. This mode requires a powerful motor as well as a strong bottom.

Some boat options are capable of reaching speeds of over 100 km/h.

There are 2 swimming modes:

• planing;
• displacement mode;

Motor rowing

They combine the characteristics of rowing and motor boats. They are convenient to use in different bodies of water.

It is characterized by an extended stern, has a balloon with an increasing diameter and a strong waterproof floor.

The device is equipped with special protection for the keel, transom, and stingers, which significantly increases the operating period and increases the degree of structural rigidity to various types of resistance or impacts.

Criteria for choosing a PVC boat

Material

In addition to the fact that the device is made of polyvinyl chloride, the number of layers and the presence of reinforcement should be taken into account. For a motor boat, reinforcement is required, as well as high fabric density. Sufficient for rowing simple lungs models, but fishing with a spinning rod from such a floating device can be difficult.

Seams

Inspect all seams. Their surface should be smooth without any folds or wrinkles. All fittings must be symmetrical and, most importantly, glued evenly.

There are a few things to consider when checking seams:

1. There are two types of seams: glued and welded.
2. Welded seams have better strength.
3. PVC fabric suitable for welding fastening is more expensive.
4. Adhesive seams are made by humans, so there is a possibility of error due to human error.
5. Welded seams do not deform under the influence of high temperatures, and adhesive seams can leak in the heat due to the use of low-quality glue

Multi-layering

The more layers of fabric, the better for the boat. As a rule, 7-layer PVC material with a density of 0.85 - 1.3 kg/m2 is used. The denser the material, the stronger the craft.

To increase hardness, the material is additionally processed, which allows you to safely move the device through bushes and shallow water. This option is ideal for hunters or fishermen.

Dimensions

Before choosing the size of the boat, decide where you will use it. For small rivers or small lakes, a rowing model is more suitable; for a large river, reservoirs - a motor boat; for large bodies of water with the ability to go a considerable distance from the shore, it is better to use a boat with a powerful motor.

You should choose as much as possible possible variant for comfortable carrying. The size of the craft depends on individual preferences, the number of seats and the required free space for the angler.

Adviсe:

1. For those who prefer fishing A length of 2 to 3.3 meters in khaki or other inconspicuous color is suitable. For fishing together, a double version with a length of about 2.8-4.5 m is suitable, for three – from 4.2 m.
2. To cover long distances A motor model is better; for short distances, a rowing model is better.
3. For spearfishing An option with a cylinder is suitable, which will provide stability at the time of landing from the water.
4. For hunting waterfowl A khaki-colored watercraft of medium length will do. To increase stability, it would be useful to have a cylinder and a couple of sealed compartments.
5. Family friendly You will need a wide and long 3-seater boat or larger. It is better to choose a light color to reduce the number of rays attracted to the surface.

Weight

The weight of the boat directly depends on its size, as well as additional accessories. When folded, it weighs about 11 kg. The higher the strength and dimensions, the greater the weight.

Transom

A part that is used to mount an outboard engine.

Particular attention should be paid to the following points:

1. Thickness. It directly depends on the power of the engine used (for a 15 hp motor you will need a thickness of more than 25 mm, and for a motor of more than 15 hp - from 35 mm).
2. Incline. For imported models, the transom must be mounted at an angle of about 4-6 degrees, then it will be much easier to center the boat and set the angle of the “leg” at the motor. The screw must be installed so that it is screwed into the water exclusively horizontally and at the highest speed. This position will provide a much better quality of stop, and most importantly, the operating mode of the engine.
3. Painting. The surface must be treated with a special paint containing 2-component epoxy resin.
4. Protection. The top of the part requires protection from a special PVC profile, which will protect the plywood from getting wet.

Color

PVC material is sensitive to ultraviolet rays, as they destroy polymers over time. Therefore, it is preferable to choose light colors that better reflect the sun's rays. Acceptable options are silver or light gray.

Bottom

There are 2 bottom options:

1. Folding type– is a base that consists of assembly elements (plywood sheets treated with a special water-repellent substance, or aluminum sheets). This bottom option has increased rigidity.
2. Inflatable type– used for single-seat models.

inflatable bottom

Motor

Engine power depends on the size of the boat. For a length of 2.3-2.7 m, a 5 liter motor is suitable. s., for 2.9-3.0 m. - 10 l. s., for 3.1-3.6 m. - 15-20 l. With.

Extra options

Also, you should pay attention to other parameters:

1. Balloon diameter. For inflatable boats it is 40-45 cm, for models with increased load capacity - from 50 cm.
2. Swimming category. Category “C” is for coastal waters, and “D” is for closed water bodies.
3. . Allows for diversion high blood pressure from cylinders in hot weather.
4. Water removal valve. Located near the transom. Allows you to remove water from the vessel. It can only be used in shallow water.
5. Rings for securing the engine. Allows you to avoid losing the motor when it comes off the transom.
6. Anchor. Its weight must be more than 4 kg. The length of the rope should be 2 times greater than the depth of the reservoir.
7. Method of inflating cylinders. For small boats, it is more convenient to use a “frog” inflation; for large boats, a compressor.
8. Cylinder protection at the bottom.
9. Service center.
10. Guarantee.

Rating of popular models

The list of the most popular models includes:

Frigate 300 EK

Motor type. It is made by hot air welding PVC fabrics made in Germany. It has an increased diameter of the cylinder, an inflatable keel, a transom glued at an angle, a guardrail on the cylinder, a drain, as well as a two-color fender that serves as protection for the hull during mooring.

A new series from the Admiral company, which is equipped with a wide tongue-and-groove profile that is fixed at the bottom, stiffening ribs (stringers), a U-shaped transom, a high degree of rigidity of 5 sections of floorboards. Comfortable, spacious, safe model for fishing, hunting or family recreation.

Convenient motor rowing boat from the company PTK Hunter LLC. It is equipped with a cylinder with a diameter of 41.5 cm, as well as a motor with a power of 9.9 hp. Stable, easy to control, quickly goes on plane even with a low-power engine.

Yukona 300GT

An inflatable rowing model that can be equipped with a low-power 3.5 hp motor. The seams are made by welding. The model is available in 2 colors (green or gray).

A vessel with a large side diameter designed for long trips or expeditions. Has a high-quality U-shaped keel. It performs well in different bodies of water. Capable of developing sufficient speed even with a 15 hp engine. It is possible to install a suspended water cannon, which will allow you to easily overcome areas with a depth of 10-15 cm.

AltairPRO-340

Lightweight and reliable inflatable boat made of German PVC. It has excellent speed performance, despite the weak engine. It is very roomy, has good load capacity, and is fully equipped.

Very reliable and compact model. Manufacturer: South Korea. Made from very dense PVC (1900 g/m2). The bottom of the keel, as well as the cylinders, is equipped with additional polyurethane protection. Perfect for hunting, fishing or extreme water recreation.

BadgerSL 370

A sports-type vessel that has received many prizes due to its balanced characteristics and proportions. It has excellent speed, seaworthiness and dynamic performance. Good equipment and the use of 7-layer PVC made in Korea (Mirasol) makes this model so popular.

A good inflatable rowing boat. Made of dense PVC (950g/m2), which makes it safe and easy to manage. It has a hard bottom made of moisture-resistant plywood, high sides and a raised nose.

Taimen N - 270 C

2-seater rowing boat from the Boat Master company. It has a rigid solid plywood flooring, a movable seat reinforced with PVC, high sides and a raised nose. Load capacity is about 220 kg with a weight of 24 kg. It has good seaworthiness and rowing properties.

Rules of operation and care

1. The vessel must be completely dry before storing.
2. Clean it from sand, stones and any other debris that can harm the material.
3. While on the ship, watch out for sharp objects and do not throw them anywhere.
4. Before packing or unpacking the device, make sure that there are no debris or sharp snags on the shore.
5. Do not smoke in the boat or leave it close to a fire to avoid burning the material.
6. Proper packaging is the key to good storage, plus it takes up less space.
7. The vessel must be stored in a dry, clean place.
8. Storage close to heating appliances is prohibited.
9. You cannot put any weights on it.
10. After seasonal use, it is necessary to remove the drain valve and old sealant, dry the hole, and then install a new one.
11. If possible, then better in winter keep the vessel in inflated condition.
12. At sub-zero temperatures, you should not move it from place to place, turn it over, or carry out any other actions, as the material becomes brittle and can crack.
13. If mice and other rodents can enter the storage area, it should be thoroughly washed to remove fish scales and mucus.

1. At the time of purchase, immediately check in the store for any defects.
2. Take special time to check the quality of the glue on all seams and the transom.
3. After purchasing the boat, check that the valve is installed with sealant. If this is not the case, do it yourself.
4. It is advisable to carry out a full technical inspection every year.
5. Before storage, it is advisable to clean, dry, and additionally treat the material with talcum powder or baby powder on the outside, as well as on the inside of the cylinders.