Names of inflatable boats made of pvc. Tips for choosing an inflatable boat
Every day, PVC inflatable boats are becoming more popular among outdoor enthusiasts, in particular fishermen. And this does not surprise anyone, because PVC boats are small in size, they are compact and cost relatively little. They have many more advantages.
Such boats are divided into motor and rowing boats. They are also classified by capacity. The boat can accommodate from 1 to 6 people, depending on the size, but sometimes larger vessels can be found. They can also be sports, fishing, special purpose or beach.
Well, let's get down to specifics. I propose to consider the most interesting, namely budget PVC boats with a motor. Today I want to pay attention to boats from the manufacturers Frigate, Hunter and. All of the models listed below are about 3 meters long and can accommodate up to 2 fishermen.
Frigate 300 EK is the best model in the line, which can rightfully be classified as an economy class. The boat can support a weight of 345 kg, and the documentation indicates that up to 4 people can fish in it. And this is true, but such fishing will be uncomfortable; only two people will be able to feel comfortable. The maximum engine power is small and is only 8 hp, but this is the highest figure for a price of 20 thousand rubles. The downside of the boat is the wooden bottom, which gives the boat significant weight. If you don’t go deeper, 30 kg is not that much. So the PVC boat Frigate 300 EK is a pretty good choice.
The Admiral 305 Classic is also a very budget model of a motor boat equipped with a transom. The maximum motor power is 8 hp. But this model has quite a lot of advantages compared to the first one. She weighs 6 kilograms less, that is, 24 kg. The maximum load that it can withstand is also 80 kg more, namely 425 kg. A significant advantage is also the presence of an additional compartment. The rest of the characteristics of the boat are identical. Outwardly, it is of course different, but we are only considering the technical part. Perhaps the only drawback is the high price, to be more precise, 25,000 rubles.
Hunter 320 LK - has a stationary transom. This boat is 3.2 meters long. The heaviest boat in the rating, it weighs 35 kg, but there are reasons for this, namely its length, it is larger. The remaining parameters are identical to the previous ones. Maximum motor power is 8 hp. And the role of the floor is played by waterproof plywood.
PVC boats with an inflatable bottom can be found very rarely in manufacturers' catalogs. I don't know why, but it's true. And such boats have many advantages over ships with a wooden bottom. Let's take a closer look at them.
The first and most important advantage is the lighter weight of the boat. The second advantage is the reduction in volume when folded, which greatly simplifies transportation. This is most felt by people with small cars or small trunks.
The presence of an inflatable bottom reduces the rigidity of the vessel when moving. But such a bottom plays a role good shock absorber, softening impacts on water at high speed. And the noise from such a boat is much less, and when catching cautious fish, the low noise level is a huge advantage.
Boats with wooden bottoms resonate and amplify sound as they move. And the fish are unlikely to appreciate the presence of noises and creaks at the feeding site. The noise can scare away the fish and it will be almost impossible to lure it back, no matter what bait you use.
PVC boats are equipped with three types of inflatable bottom. To be more precise, the bottom of a boat can be of the following type:
- The so-called mattress;
- Inflatable bottom of keel type (characterized by low pressure);
- Airdeck type bottom.
PVC inflatable boats occupy a leading place among watercraft for hunting and fishing. And not surprisingly, fishermen are always attracted by the low price, light weight and compactness. The last two criteria are especially relevant for people with little or no car capacity. After all, sometimes fishermen have to pull boats on their backs.
If you decide to buy a PVC boat, then you should immediately abandon models in which inflatable chairs play the role of seating. I’ll tell you from my own experience - it’s better to choose boats with hard seats. They are much more convenient for fishing and steering a boat, and just sitting.
Everyone has noticed that the kit may include oars with aluminum or wooden handles. Wooden oars for a rubber boat are less compact, but it is impossible to drown them, which cannot be said about aluminum ones.
We have already talked about the advantages and disadvantages of choosing a boat with an inflatable bottom, but we will still pay a little attention to it. Advantages in driving characteristics you won't get it, but it is much warmer. But the draft depth of such a boat will be slightly greater. But the level and its carrying capacity increase significantly.
You can buy a boat based on its capacity, which can be from 1 to 4 people. Although most often manufacturers indicate an overestimated carrying capacity and a 3-seater boat can easily support 4 people, comfort is another matter.
Choice inflatable boat
Inflatable boat- a complete solution for people who do not have a dock (ship repair facility) for storing a vessel in winter period or not wanting to bother with the trailer needed to transport a metal or plastic boat. To walk on the water, you just need to bring the boat to the shore, fill it with air, and the rest of the time you won’t have to worry about anything while on the water. But you need to choose a suitable inflatable boat very carefully.
The design of an inflatable boat is one of the most advanced in nature. Such boats can be for pleasure, fishing, they are used by water skiers, rescuers and scuba divers. Large ships have smaller inflatable boats on board. Inflatable boats are extremely safe, stable and efficient on the water.
Since inflatable boats are lighter than their rigid counterparts, a lower power motor is always enough to save fuel and move comfortably on the water.
An inflatable boat is an excellent solution for outdoor recreation: regardless of your destination, you can always get to your destination with a versatile and lightweight inflatable boat.
But you need to carefully choose a suitable inflatable boat. First of all, you need to answer a number of basic questions:
· What will the boat be used for?
· How will the boat be stored?
· How often is the boat supposed to be inflated and deflated?
· What is the main purpose of the purchased boat: family vacation, fishing, sports?
· What power motor is needed to operate your boat?
Fabrics.Inflatable motor-rowing boats made of PVC have gained great popularity due to their versatility. But what do you need to pay attention to when choosing this small vessel? This material is for those who want to make their own decisions and choose the truly best. Today, about eighty domestic and foreign manufacturers of inflatable boats are represented in Russia.
The first thing that should be said about most classic motor-rowing inflatable boats is that the main group of manufacturers have the same design. It is known that good material is five-layer, etc. In reality the matter is simple. There are PVC fabrics that are certified for the production of inflatable boats and those that do not have such a certificate, that is, intended for other purposes. The easiest way to check the boat you like is to ask for a certificate, a copy of which any seller should have. Particular attention must be paid to the configuration of the boat. The standard set necessarily includes: pump, oars and repair kit. Also, the boat has many related accessories, based on which some conclusions can be drawn.
It seems that the most important thing when it comes to inflatable boats is the material from which the air tanks are made. In addition, without special inflatable materials motor boats there wouldn't be any. There are two main types of materials used to make inflatable boats: fabrics are covered hypalon, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Hypalonis an artificial rubber-like material patented by DuPont. It can be used as a waterproofing coating, for laying on the roof of a house, and for the manufacture of cable sheaths and in many other situations where other materials are unsuitable due to high temperatures, exposure to oils, ozone, sand, gasoline or ultraviolet radiation from the sun. It is thanks to the exceptional properties hypalona , many inflatable boat manufacturers choose this material for the manufacture of inflatable boat air cylinders.
Often used to coat the inside surface of air cylinders. neoprene , which over the past 70 years, since its invention, has deservedly gained a reputation as an airtight material resistant to the effects of petroleum products. In fact, most of the most famous inflatable boat manufacturing companies use a combination of Hypalon and Neoprene.
However neoprene And hypalon do not have sufficient strength and are used as a coating for materials that perform the function of a load-bearing fabric, made from polyester or nylon . This ensures the necessary strength of the entire structure of the vessel, which retains its shape for many years. The best and most durable material is made from neoprene combined with hipalon and polyester (or nylon). This is probably why both the US Navy and its Coast Guard have chosen Hypalon as the covering material for their inflatable boats. Lately it’s not at all difficult to choose an inflatable boat made of hipalon for yourself, even for the most difficult operating conditions.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC or PVC). PVC-coated synthetic fabrics generally form a group of materials called "vinyl polymers", which are sold under the brand names Strongan, Duratex 1000 or PVC. Woven materials coated with PVC act as a load-bearing base and are most often made from polyester or nylon , which provides the material with strength and abrasion resistance. An important advantage of PVC materials is their relative lightness, the ability to vulcanize at seams and, importantly, polyvinyl chloride Available in a variety of colors. At the same time, one cannot fail to mention the comparative labor intensity of repairing PVC products relative to hypalona , for example, and, in addition, PVC materials do not have sufficient resistance to chemicals, gasoline, high temperatures, abrasion and ultraviolet radiation.
Seams.An important issue when purchasing an inflatable boat is the method of making seams. Seams can be made by butt bonding, overlap bonding, vulcanization, ultrasonic welding or gluing. The seams usually have stickers of the same material on the inside, outside, or both sides of the product. However, there are seams without stickers. All of the methods mentioned for making seams have their advantages and disadvantages.
Three factors determine the choice of seam manufacturing method:
1. How are air tanks made?
Cylinders are made by joining the fabric with an overlap or butt. A butt joint requires more careful cutting of the material and marking the cylinder patterns so that their seams butt together and not overlap. The method of making butt seams is more complex, but the result will be a more attractive product, without the possibility of air leaks along the seams.
The “overlap” connection is used in cases where the diameters of the air cylinders (“pipes”) are actually different. This connection method allows the production of a wide variety of types of cylinders quickly and reliably. However, a lap joint tends to allow some air to pass through, since air bubbles may have gotten into the seams being glued at one time.
2. How are individual cylinders (pipes) connected to each other?
Pipes can be glued, vulcanized or ultrasonically welded.
Glued seams.Bonding is the oldest and most common method of joining Hipalon and Neoprene coated materials. Chemical composition The glue is similar to some characteristics of the materials being glued, and therefore the gluing area is quite strong and airtight. Chemical engineers have proven through long-term tests that glued neprene and hypalon seams are so strong that the material itself is more likely to wear out than the glued seam. However, the increased cost of “glued” inflatable boats is precisely explained by the relatively higher labor intensity of making seams using the gluing method. Please note that PVC-coated materials It is not recommended to join by gluing.
Vulcanization or UHF welding is suitable for making seams on PVC-based coated materials. Both of these methods seem to “dissolve” the material, which, when the joints cool, becomes a single whole. The seams are extremely durable, but this method is difficult to apply outside the workshop. The obvious advantage of these methods is the ability to automate the welding process (vulcanization), which ultimately leads to a reduction in the price of the finished product.
3. Why are additional stickers placed on the seam?
Manufacturers often apply additional strips of material (“seam” tape) to the seams on the inside, outside, or on both sides. Seams are also available without seam tape.
Applying an additional strip of material to the seam from the inside of the boat provides additional contact surface with the cylinder, no matter how the seam is made. The manufacturer can also stick tapes on the outside of the seam, which will protect the seam from tearing due to abrasion. External seam improves appearance glued joint and inflatable boat as a whole.
Which type of inflatable boat to choose?
There are a great variety of inflatable boat designs for a wide variety of applications.
Boat- most often a small inflatable boat with hinged transom, which can move under oars or sometimes under a light motor, if a motor can be installed on it at all. These boats are usually cheap and are ideal for one or two people who want an inexpensive, lightweight "inflatable" for short distance sailing.
Sports inflatable boats have a strong transom (usually wood or fiberglass), a strong floor (deck), and flexible (inflatable) or rigid (wooden) keels. The floor of the boat can be made of multi-layer plywood, composite materials, fiberglass or aluminum. Boats of this type can be oared or sailed, but most often they are equipped with a motor. Once the overhead floor is removed, the boat can be easily rolled up for storage and transport. Such boats are best suited for people who love long trips on the water or for exploring remote waters that are inaccessible to large ships.
Inflatable boats with bottom Roll Up, they have a solid transom, but the boat can be rolled along with the floor. These boats usually have a flexible keel and can be rowed, sailed, or powered by an outboard motor. These boats have the same features as sports boats, with the addition of simple assembly and ease of storage. The disadvantage is the impossibility of installing a high-power outboard engine.
For inflatable boats with a flexible floor (deck) Air Deck Usually there is a hard transom, the floor (deck) is removable or non-removable inflatable. Some have a flexible keel, while some do not. The main advantage of such boats is their reduced weight compared to all other types of inflatable boats with exceptional ease of assembly and storage. They are excellent for outdoor recreation and, above all, for those cases when there is no one to help pull the boat out of the water. At the same time, since the floor in such boats is quite soft, it is not recommended to use such boats for any serious work or for transportation.
Rigid bottom boats (RIBs) - this is a special type of inflatable boat, combining the rigidity of traditional boats and the unsinkability of inflatable boats. The tubes of RIB boats are inflatable and flexible, while the keel is rigid, made of aluminum, fiberglass or polyethylene. RIB boats have a wide variety of designs and are equipped with control houses (stands) and even jet engines.
Some RIBs have built-in fuel tanks, seats, chests and even shower stalls. However, because they cannot simply be rolled up and placed in a corner, they require more storage space and a car trailer for transport. However, the main advantage of this class of vessels is their excellent speed characteristics and unsurpassed seaworthiness. They can be seen everywhere - from the coast guard and emergency services to the Camel Trophy.
· Seams.You need to carefully examine them to see if there are any traces of glue. If they exist, then this indicates a low production culture. It is also necessary to view the seams from different angles. If it is noticeable that the fabric around the seam has a different shade or slight shine, then this place has been burned during gluing and will become a serious problem after short-term use. In general, if the buyer notices at least one of these signs, then it is better to refrain from purchasing, since such a boat with a 100% guarantee will have other unpleasant “surprises” during operation.
· Transom.This is a very important point that you should pay special attention to. The transom is a dynamically stressed part of the boat, which bears the maximum load, so it is very important that its fastening is reliable. Of the existing methods, two types of fastening should be highlighted that ensure reliability - using special holders and glued directly to the boat cylinders themselves. In the case of holders, the situation looks like this - the transom board is rigidly fixed with glue. The disadvantage of this method is that after a certain period of time, constant loads from the engine destroy the adhesive layer and water begins to flow through the transom holders into the cockpit (hatch) of the boat. To eliminate this, you have to drill through the edge of the holder and the transom board, and tighten them with bolts and nuts. The method of gluing the transom to the boat cylinders is more expensive and labor-intensive for manufacturers, so it is rarely used. But at the same time, it is considered more preferable and durable.
· Water pump.Without it, it is impossible to get the boat into working condition. All domestic inflatable boats are standardly equipped with a frog pump from the manufacturer. Usually these are pumps with a plastic working surface of “Asian” production with a volume of 3-5 liters. Despite their attractive appearance, these pumps are unreliable and can fail at any time. As a rule, their main defect is that the top cover cracks when pumping, after which the pump becomes unusable. Also, it is quite easy to damage if something hard, for example, a small stone, happens to be underneath it when inflating the boat; in this case, its lower part is guaranteed to burst. During the pumping process, the spring located inside the pump can often fly out. The furs are made of thin fabric, which becomes unusable after the season. It would seem that such a trifle as a broken pump can ruin your entire vacation. Pumps are more preferable domestic production. Despite their unsightly appearance, such pumps in terms of reliability can only be compared with the T-34 tank. They are usually made from leftover materials from boat manufacturing. Such pumps have plywood working surfaces covered with PVC fabric, so you don’t have to worry about cracks typical of plastic. The furs are made from thick boat fabric that will last for many years. There are two springs there, which increases its reliability. The working volume of such pumps is more than 3 liters.
· Oars.Most inflatable boats are equipped with dismountable oars made of aluminum pipe or wood. Wood is a cheaper material, so it is most often installed on economy class boats. The main part of the oar is the removable blade. They come in plastic and polypropylene. Plastic blades, as a rule, have a large area, but are very sensitive to mechanical damage; at low temperatures, the plastic becomes simply brittle. Blades made of polypropylene have a smaller area, but are more reliable in their performance, although they also do not “suffer” from low temperatures.
· Banks(seats). There are several types:
1. So-called “floating” banks. The advantage of this mount is that the seat can be adjusted to suit the driver's comfort. But there is also a serious drawback - the absence of a lock, which results in the mobility of such cans when moving under the motor, when the driver begins to literally “float” along the boat hatch along with the seat. True, there is another option for such fastening - using ropes to the grommet tape; in this case, the can is firmly fixed, but installation and removal are not convenient.
2. Fastening in the form of a bracket. This method is convenient because the cans can be removed or placed without lowering the boat. The disadvantage is that the canvas belt that serves as a holder quickly frays and becomes unusable.
3. Installation of cans in special holders. In them, the cans are mounted rigidly and cannot be moved or removed while the boat is inflated. There are two types of such fastenings - open, when the can is simply inserted into shallow grooves, and closed - when the edges of the seat extend into the fastenings at a considerable distance. The latter type of fastening ensures the safety of the user in any conditions, since even with strong rolling and slight deflation of the cylinders, the cans will always remain in place. In addition, it should be borne in mind that most manufacturers complete their products with plywood cans. This is an accessible, light and cheap material, and the remains of plywood from cutting floorboards can be used for the production of cans. But at the same time, plywood cans can break under the load. In order to eliminate such a nuisance, it is best to make jars yourself from a board or solid wood after purchasing a boat.
· Payola.These are sheets of plywood or aluminum from which the hard floor of the boat is assembled. Aluminum floors are lighter and more aesthetically pleasing, but boats with aluminum floors are not suitable for fishing. This is due to the fact that metal has a higher sound conductivity, so every step in the boat sounds like a real clap of thunder for the fish in the water. This is clearly visible on the screen of a fishfinder echo sounder, which records the complete departure of fish from its coverage area after any careless movement in the boat hatch. Another significant drawback is that when sailing on reservoirs with frequent and short waves, aluminum floors lose their geometry, after which they are very difficult to disassemble and almost impossible to reassemble without tapping with a wooden mallet. When choosing a boat with a plywood floor, you need to pay attention to the fact that there are no chips on it, especially along the edges, since moisture will penetrate there, which can damage the plywood, and water will pour through it into the boat. Also, you should not buy a boat if the metal edging of the floorboards has seams and tears. Over time, a distortion occurs in this place, after which normal installation will be impossible. This indicates that the manufacturer uses low quality metal and uses scraps.
· Transom cover. Many manufacturers equip their boats with silumin linings for engine clamps. In stores, such linings look very nice, but silumin itself is a very fragile material and begins to crumble quite quickly. In addition, the surface of such pads does not provide completely good adhesion to the clamps, therefore, even after a short boat trip, the fastening weakens so much that the engine can be removed from the transom without loosening the clamps. The best are considered to be linings made from ordinary waterproof plywood or steel with frequent notches.
Inflatable boat manufacturing companies
Recently, many companies producing inflatable boats have appeared on the market, both Russian, joint ventures, and foreign. Let's start with the domestic manufacturer.
Ufa and Yaroslavl factories . The oldest manufacturers of inflatable boats in Russia. The main material is rubberized fabric. The lineup very wide, mainly known for rowing boats, one and two seater. Distinctive feature- low weight and low cost, as well as poor design and sometimes poor build quality and material, despite all attempts to keep up with the times. There are several series of motor boats with a rigidly glued transom. The most famous series is Orion. Recently, these factories have been trying to establish the production of PVC boats, the most famous series is the AERO, from the Ufa plant, but so far little can be said about these boats.
LLC "PFK Mnev and K" One of the most famous companies in Russia for the production of inflatable PVC boats. On the market since 1994. The model range ranges from rowing boats to RIB boats. The products are of very high quality and reliable. The boats of this company have repeatedly participated in competitions at various levels and invariably allowed pilots to take prizes, and this says a lot. It should be noted that the company produces YAMARAN® boats, which have excellent reviews, on behalf of Yamaha.
Leader Company. Another St. Petersburg company. Just like Mnev, it makes boats from PVC, the model range is from rowing boats to RIB boats. The boats are of fairly high quality; a distinctive feature is a very tightly made floor, which is very good on the water, but makes assembly and disassembly difficult.
LLC "TD Fregat"And again a St. Petersburg company. The material is still the same - PVC. Model range - rowing and motor-rowing boats. Probably has the other side of the coin. On the one hand - a wide model range, low prices, a wide range of additional equipment, on the other hand - from year to year and from model to model, a flowing transom, glued at a zero angle, unsuccessful design of the floorplate, and so on, so on, so on. The company's policy aimed at reducing the cost of the boat is welcome, but it's worth saving on everything!
TPS "Center Mnev" Trading house Poseidon . On the one hand, it is a newcomer to the inflatable boat market, on the other hand, it is a company formed from the Mnev company, which has preserved all the traditions of its ancestor. A very good range of inflatable boats for fishing, from rowing boats to “inflatable boats” with a transom. The only St. Petersburg store that I know of where you can buy a boat and a motor at the same time, register it with GIMS and in two or three days receive documents and numbers for a PVC boat. Well-known brands are Solo, Nerka, Smart, Viking and Berkut.
Solar and Rotan. Small companies, but they cannot be ignored. A distinctive feature of the boats produced by these companies is fully inflatable keel boats with a stationary transom. Very easy to assemble and disassemble. Rotan has a good catamaran.
Mobile groups. And again Peter. Currently, probably one of largest producers fiberglass RIBs in Russia. The most popular and well-deserved Petrel series. Mobile group (namely group) develops and produces fiberglass cases and carries out gluing of cylinders produced by Mnev LLC.
Only well-known companies were presented here, because within the framework of this review it is impossible to cover all Russian manufacturers of inflatable boats.
Joint ventures.
Manufacturing company Badger boats. Joint production of PVC inflatable boats. The main assembly production is located in South Korea. In Russia (St. Petersburg) the boats are only being completed. Although the model range is not the most extensive, almost all sizes of PVC inflatable boats with a transom for a motor are represented. Boats can be equipped with either a plywood floor or an inflatable Air Deck bottom. The only company producing inflatable catamarans of the Fastcat series (analogue of the famous Zapcat catamaran). The Badger company also promotes Russian market hanging boat motors Selva.
Company Corsair(Korsar). Another joint venture. And again with South Korea. In Russia they are just completing the assembly of boats. There is a small nuance. Currently, there are two companies, and according to unverified data, more, producing and selling their products under the Korsar brand. One from St. Petersburg, as they say, the founder of the brand, and from Moscow, who recently appeared on the market. According to numerous reviews, St. Petersburg boats are better. The model range is almost complete - from a rowing “inflatable” to a rather large-sized RIB.
Company Petroset. Official representative of Yamaha in Russia. Promotes two brands on the market - Yamaran and Silverado. Yamaran production, as already reported above, is located in Russia, at Mnev LLC. This brand has proven itself for a long time and from the best side. There are two series of inflatable boats for the Family and Sport motors. The first is somewhat simpler, but also cheaper, the second is very decent, with excellent driving performance, very similar to the Mnevsky Cayman.
The Silverado brand is quite fresh, with a wide model range motor boats from several series. Origin - South Korea, or rather one of the South Korean enterprises in China. The project was based on the well-known Yam brand from Yamaha . According to the manufacturer, the prototype has been modified and adapted for the Russian market.
The Petroset company also promotes Yamaha outboard motors on the Russian market.
Foreign manufacturers .
Zodiac. World leader in the production of inflatable boats. On the market since 1947. Has a representative office in Russia. The boats manufactured by this company are of high quality, with excellent ergonomics and high consumer qualities. The model range is very wide - from simple rowing boats to large-sized RIBs. If it weren't for the cost, there would be no alternative to the Zodiac.
Quicksilver. Manufactured by order of one of the largest manufacturers of outboard motors - Brunswick Corporation, widely known here as Mercury. The boats are distinguished by high quality workmanship and excellent materials. The cost is quite reasonable, not much different from the cost of boats from domestic manufacturers.
Suzuki Motor Co.— Suzuki Marine. In order to provide European buyers of Suzuki motors with high-quality inflatable boats, in 1999 it was decided to begin production of Suzumar boats, also known under the Stingray brand. The design of Suzumar inflatable motor boats was developed by leading Italian engineers. The boats are made from a special reinforced material Duratex 1100, proven by harsh operation in a wide variety of climatic conditions. The line producing Suzumar boats is equipped with the latest Japanese equipment and today it is one of the most modern in the world. The main feature is an aluminum alloy base.
When choosing a boat, it would also be useful to pay attention to the availability and range of accessories. Many manufacturers now offer a fairly large assortment, from additional carrying handles and repair kits to inflatable chairs and seats. All this may be useful to you later.
Sale of PVC boats is one of our main areas of activity. In our online store you can buy any PVC Boat from the presented range of boats with delivery to any city in Russia.
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Inflatable PVC boats have firmly occupied their niche in the boat sales market. An inflatable boat is in the arsenal of almost every professional fisherman and not only. And if you still decide to buy a boat for fishing or active recreation, you should carefully choose your future watercraft. Let's take a closer look at the main points when choosing an inflatable PVC boat. First, you need to decide what you will need it for and how often you will use it. To do this, answer a few simple questions: 1. How often will you use the inflatable boat? |
Also, do not forget about the important design features of an inflatable PVC boat. Let's consider the main ones:
Seams - an indicator of the quality of a PVC boat
Seams are probably the main indicator of a PVC inflatable boat. Carefully inspect all seams from different angles and from different angles. Crooked seams are the first sign of poor quality boat assembly. Also pay attention to the absence of traces of glue around the seams, as well as the color of the fabric along the seams. If you find a difference in the shade of the fabric in any place, this is a sign characteristic of a burned area. This can cause big problems during the operation of a PVC boat.
It is better to refrain from purchasing an inflatable boat of this quality.
There are several ways to make seams:
Gluing overlapping overlays;
- gluing the overlays end-to-end;
- vulcanization;
- Ultrasonic welding.
Payol - is a wooden bottom needed in a PVC boat?
Payol is a removable wooden or aluminum flooring laid on the bottom of the boat. Payol in PVC boats performs two functions at once: firstly, it is a rigid form-building element, and secondly, it serves to create a flat and durable bottom, for more convenient movement in the boat.
The first thing you should pay attention to when examining the floorboard is the material it is made of. The floors can be made of aluminum profiles or sheets of waterproof plywood. Aluminum flooring is much lighter, but with slight deformation it requires immediate replacement. When choosing a PVC inflatable boat, do not ignore the fact that the aluminum deck of the boat has a very high noise conductivity. This is highly undesirable if you are purchasing a boat solely for fishing.
Transom - a necessary device for an outboard motor
Transom - a flat board installed vertically and forming a stern cut. The first thing you need to pay attention to when inspecting the transom is that it should not have delaminations and be well glued along the entire perimeter of the contact with the cylinder and the bottom. Also pay attention to the location of the transom pads. They should be located strictly in the center, and the screws should not protrude from the countersink.
boat motor
Boat motors are a sign of the professionalism of the future owner. A boat motor greatly expands the capabilities of a boat. Today, you can find a motor for anyone, even the most demanding buyer, on the open market. There is little point in advising anything when choosing a motor for a PVC boat. Depending on the type of boat you are purchasing and your preferences, the store consultant will suggest the ideal option for your case. By the way, the most well-proven ones in our conditions are parsun outboard motors. According to consumer reviews, they work great in our not entirely favorable waters.
They stand out in the line of motors of this type for their reliability and ease of operation.
In order for the inflatable boat to serve you for as long as possible, you should follow some simple requirements during operation:
1. Do not leave the boat in direct sunlight for long periods of time. Overheating the boat has a bad effect on the adhesive joints of the boat.
2. Do not inflate the boat with prohibited sources of compressed air. Use only special mechanical or electric pumps designed for inflating sealed PVC boat compartments.
3. Ensure that all passport requirements are met when operating a PVC inflatable boat. Don't forget that proper use of your boat will extend its service life.
P.S. Careful and careful handling of the purchased PVC inflatable boat will allow you to fully enjoy fishing or a family outing on the water.
Fishing boats. Which boat to choose? Size, material, manufacturer, how to deal with these? In this article we looked at nine of the most interesting boats in our opinion. The review includes 8 inflatable boats and one metal one.
A four-seater inflatable boat, the material for which was two-layer PVC fabric, additionally impregnated with inorganic silicone. Because of this, the HDX 300 model turned out to be well protected from ultraviolet radiation and aggressive substances, and in general its wear resistance is at a high level.
Review of HDX boats and motors
One of the features of this PVC boat is its original design, which involves the presence of a wide cockpit and cylinders of increased diameter. The manufacturer also took care of various little things that increase the comfort and ease of use of the HDX 300: there are special handles for passengers and supports for cargo, the seats are covered with waterproof pads, and you can install an awning.
As a result, the advantages of this model include the following:
- large capacity and load capacity;
- high strength and wear resistance of the material;
- the ability to use a powerful outboard motor;
- excellent equipment of the vessel.
Among the significant disadvantages, one can highlight only the high cost of the HDX 300.
Review of a boat with an awning from Kolibri
A good model of an inflatable boat for fishing and hunting, in which all parameters meet above average ratings. The Stingray 320AL has good stability on the water; it is not afraid of strong winds and currents. The cylinders are large enough, so waves won’t spoil your comfortable swimming either. The optimal engine option would be a model with a power of about 15 hp. The seats are a little uncomfortable, but that can be fixed. The overall handling and reliability of the Stingray 320AL is also up to par.
A compact model from the “Crab” series of inflatable boats, suitable for both sailing and use as the driving force of an outboard motor. In its “crab” family, the R-275 has the smallest dimensions and a slatted flooring on the bottom; after assembly, it easily fits into one special bag. Its weight is 28 kg, length and width are 2.75 m and 1.35 m, respectively.
Manufacturers set the load capacity at 320 kg. 2-3 people can more or less comfortably fit on board, and the maximum permissible power of the motor used reaches 8 hp. A wonderful option for a compact inflatable boat for fishing together with a partner.
A small two-seater model in which, despite its small dimensions, the convenience and reliability of the vessel do not suffer at all. Thanks to its light weight, the boat is easy to maneuver. To make the boat better able to cope with incoming waves, the stern and bow are slightly raised. The maximum permissible power of the outboard motor is 3.6 hp. Not much, but for such a boat this is quite enough.
The clear advantages of the HUNTERBOAT Hunter 280 include:
- high maneuverability and ease of control;
- the strength of German PVC material and the overall reliability of the structure;
- enlarged cockpit;
- possibility of various modifications.
Another good model for fishing, included in the category of PVC boats with increased carrying capacity. 2-3 people can comfortably sit on board. The diameter of the sides is 40 cm, thanks to which the BoatMaster 300 has become more stable. Can be safely used on bodies of water with relatively large waves (sea, large lakes). The boat allows you to install outboard motor with power up to 3.5 hp. and swim long distances at speeds of up to 8 km/h when fully loaded.
This inflatable boat was created, first of all, with a focus on fishing and hunting lovers. This model also boasts good maneuverability and fairly fast speed, although powerful engine You can’t bet on it. The increased side rest and the diameter of the cylinders prevent waves from entering the boat even in strong wind conditions. The model is characterized by high resistance to physical damage. Available special protection keel using a bottom stop.
This inflatable boat has earned praise, first of all, for its comfort and reliability in the context of safety, since it has steep contours of enlarged cylinders, has a bottom with an increased deadrise and a fairly rigid, non-slip, waterproof plywood flooring.
The Cayman 285 model holds its course perfectly, is maneuverable, and easily enters the planing phase. The bow of the boat is slightly raised, which allows for higher speeds. The number of seams on the cylinders is minimal, and all available ones are of very high quality. Although the boat has a large carrying capacity and capacity, it is easily and quite compactly packed and takes up little space during transportation. A good model of an inflatable boat that is suitable for fishing in open waters even in not the best weather conditions.
A very light inflatable boat with a load capacity of 220 kg and a passenger capacity of 2 people. Its weight is only 21 kg, length and width are 2.6 m and 1.15 m, respectively. The bottom is inflatable, the diameter of the sides is 32 cm. A good option for a compact inflatable boat for fishing for 1 person.
Model series of large-sized aluminum boats, which fishermen often call “eternal”. The latter is due to the high strength and wear resistance of the material. Crimea boats almost never get buried in the waves, and almost no water gets into the cockpit thanks to the presence of wide splash guards. Models of this series easily go on planing even with full load. A special transom allows the use of two outboard motors at once.
The length of the vessel can reach 4.2 m, width – 1.55 m, height of the sides – 65 cm. The boat’s carrying capacity is as much as 400 kg, and 4 passengers can easily fit on board. The maximum engine power is 30 hp, speed indicators can reach 38-40 km/h.
