How to choose an inflatable boat? Recommendations from experienced fishermen. Review of inflatable double boats for fishing and their prices.

Sitting with a fishing rod in the middle of the lake - what could be better? Isn't it fun to go out on a boat for a night hunt? And just driving along the river - who hasn’t dreamed of that? Our rating includes the best rowing and motor inflatable PVC boats of 2016 - early 2017.

How the rating of the best PVC boats was compiled

“You can talk endlessly about boats, just like about cars, everyone has their own opinion. I went to different ones, they are all almost the same (about PVC), but there are exceptions...” (c) somewhere on the Internet.

As an amateur fisherman, I have more than once wanted to buy myself a PVC boat so that I could finally start fishing in places where I simply couldn’t get to without a boat. And in general, the boat opens up many previously untried opportunities both in fishing and recreation.

However, in my aspirations to purchase a boat, I was torn by contradictions. On the one hand, I didn’t want to bother with registering a boat, a motor and obtaining a license to operate a small boat, on the other hand, I didn’t want to buy a PVC boat and not consider the possibility of installing a motor, the notorious “what if” always stopped me from buying a regular rowing boat .

Therefore, I decided to wander through the expanses of online stores, see what we are currently producing, compare prices, characteristics and reviews of boats. For myself, I decided that the comparison would be somewhat equivalent, I decided to consider only two types of boats - rowing and motor. At the same time, rowing boats with a size of no more than 2.8 meters, and motor boats with a limit on engine power, no higher than 15 Horse power. Otherwise, you can get confused in the variety of boats that are on the market. Initially, I removed boats that were made in China from comparison. Since, having walked around fishing communities, read reviews for boats of the Intex, Sevylor, HDX brands, I realized that these boats, although inexpensive, are not suitable for fishing and operation in any more serious conditions than sailing on a lake in calm water and without fishing and tourist equipment J.

The selection of PVC boats was carried out using the Yandex Market service; I tried to choose from the most famous and popular boat manufacturers. When the list was ready, it turned out that all the boats Russian production(suddenly!). When choosing a model, I took into account my dimensions - height 191 cm and weight 100 kg and the fact that in the boat besides me there would be either one passenger, or fishing gear and other things necessary for fishing. Well, I tried to choose affordable models.

As a result of my research, I have compiled the following list for myself the best manufacturers of PVC boats:

Boat type	Manufacturer
	Leader Boats, Russia, St. Petersburg http://www.leader-boats.ru/
	http://www.master-lodok.ru/
	http://hunterboat.ru/
	Kovcheg Company, Russia, Ufa, http://www.ufa-lodki.ru/
	Stream company, Russia, St. Petersburg http://streamboats.ru/
Motor and motor-rowing	LLC "Kovcheg", Russia, Ufa http://www.ufa-lodki.ru/
	Boat Master company, Russia, Ufa http://www.master-lodok.ru/
	Hunter Manufacturing Trading Company LLC, Russia, St. Petersburg http://hunterboat.ru/
	LLC "Mnev and Co", Russia, St. Petersburg http://www.mnev.ru/
	Company "AquaMaster" Russia, Ufa http://aqua-boats.ru/

Further, studying the range that these manufacturers offer, I compiled for myself a main list of the best PVC boats, and I want to tell you about them. At the same time, you need to understand that my choice is not the ultimate truth and you can always choose another, no less high-quality product by going to the website of the manufacturer you like.

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 possibility of using 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. PVC boat with the possibility 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, height registration plate there should be 10 cm on the sides. If possible, more. 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 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. Features 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 of the acquisition emerges inflatable boat from PVC. 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, hard-bottomed boats take up more space than their inflatable-bottomed sisters. 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. After you decide what the inflatable boat will be used for 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. How larger manufacturer and the longer the time he works on the sales market, the better the quality of his product. St. Petersburg companies have proven themselves well. If you decide to purchase an inflatable boat from a 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. Best qualities PVC fabrics made by large leading companies, for example, such as the German concern Mehler texnologies or the South Korean LG Chem, are available. 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?

What do people pay attention to when choosing a PVC inflatable 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 with oars, you will need a 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 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 a waste of 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 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 quickly moving around a body of water is a motor slate boat. 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 horsepower. 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 the 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

In this article we will examine in detail the basic rules when choosing a PVC boat and motor. In fact, these two tasks are closely related to each other, and therefore, first I will try to answer the question of how to choose the right one PVC boat, which will meet all your requirements, namely: its capacity, carrying capacity, etc. Among other things, from this article you will learn how to properly store and use such a boat, and also discover several simple and quite useful secrets from the most experienced boaters.

Choosing an inflatable PVC boat

So, let's start with the most important thing: how to choose a PVC boat and what to pay special attention to.

Material

Of course, when choosing this or that model, for example, PVC boats Mnev and K, first of all you should take into account the material of the boat. There are two types of PVC boats: reinforced and unreinforced. The second option is often used in the manufacture of various children's inflatable balls or mattresses intended for use on water. Boats made of such material are not particularly durable, and, in principle, are only suitable for a relaxing holiday on the beach, but for fishing this is still not the best option.

Now a little about reinforced PVC. This material, unlike the first option, is stronger, more durable, excellent even for storing a boat in a wet state, and cylinders made from it can withstand high pressure. Now PVC boats are made mainly from reinforced material in two ways (welding, that is, individual pieces of material are welded together, and gluing- the material is glued together hot or cold), due to which they are quite rigid and can be operated under a motor.

There is an opinion that boats made by welding are more durable and reliable, but one can argue with this. After all, as you know, when welding PVC pieces melt and the thickness of the seam becomes smaller, and this can also lead to a significant decrease in the strength of such a boat. As for the gluing method, in this case the structure of the material is not destroyed. Consequently, the seam of such a boat is unlikely to come apart, and it is quite possible that such a boat will be much more reliable and practical. As you probably already understood, each of these methods has both advantages and disadvantages, but in any case, the choice is up to you.

It is also important that PVC is a multilayer material(most often from 7 layers, the density of which is 0.85..1.3 kg/m3), which means that it itself is, of course, dense and very heavy, which is precisely why it is advisable to choose some kind of “golden mean”. By the way, now some manufacturers are treating the surface of the material to give it greater hardness, so that the user of such a boat could touch bushes, stones, snags and other obstacles on his way without fear for its condition.

Weight, dimensions and length of PVC boat

Now let's look at the dimensions of the boat. The working volume of such boats is quite small (most of the volume is hidden by cylinders, the diameter of which is 40 - 45 cm), even though already inflated boats may seem too bulky. Let's give an example: a boat with a length of 270 cm has a bottom length of only 170 cm and a width of 66 cm. Based on this, we can say that even if in the store the boat seems huge to you, then on the water it will look, on the contrary, compact. When choosing, you should also not forget about how many passengers are planned to be carried on this boat. This is quite an important point, so the documents accompanying the boat always indicate the maximum number of people who can be on the boat at the same time. Below are a few key indicators for those purchasing a boat for hunting or fishing:

1. 1. If the length of your boat is no more than 3.3 m, then it is intended for one person, since two people will no longer be comfortable in it;
2. 2.For two people a boat whose size exceeds 3.3 m is suitable, the ideal option would be approximately 4.2 m;
3. 3. Size from 4.2 m and above is oriented for 3 or more people.

For boats large sizes wouldn't hurt to use removable wheels. They cling to the transom, and with their help it will be much easier for you to transport your boat alone, because its weight can reach 50 kg, which, you see, is a lot. But still this is not the final solution to the problem of carrying. The bag with the boat itself is also very large, so we recommend that you find an assistant, with whom it will be much easier to drag the boat, for example, up the stairs to your apartment. Let us remind you that when transporting a bag in a car, you must ensure that it fits completely into the trunk.

Transom, which was mentioned just above, can be stationary and mounted. It is possible that he may even simply be absent. Such boats are called rowing; outboard boats are suitable only for low-power motors (up to 3.5 l/s), while stationary boats, on the contrary, are suitable for fairly powerful motors. Look how this transom is glued. Most often, it can be attached using PVC pieces, a special rubber gasket or rim. The last two methods are much more reliable, because as is known, such devices are able to smooth out motor vibrations, which can negatively affect the PVC material, as a result of which it becomes unusable much faster.

Color

What color boat is best for fishing? Oddly enough, but the question is quite important, and the choice of color must be approached wisely. The best option there will be shades of white, gray or silver. Why? The answer is simple. Imagine that you are under water. If you look at the sky from the bottom of the river, it will naturally appear light. Against its background, a red or other bright boat will stand out strongly, which in turn will scare away the fish, which is not at all what you want. If you are hunting, then in this case it is advisable to purchase a boat that will blend in with the vegetation, that is, dark and camouflage shades are welcome here.

Bottom types

Basically, bottom types are divided into two groups: foldable and inflatable.. Let's look at each in more detail.

• Folding bottom made from folding slats (impregnated aluminum or waterproof plywood). Such a bottom, unlike an inflatable one, will be heavier and more rigid.
• And here inflatable just many times lighter and softer. This bottom would be a good choice for those who prefer to go fishing alone, as it folds up quite easily and you can even stand on it.

By the way, if you try to lay the walls without anyone’s help, then you are unlikely to succeed, since in principle it is practically impossible.

Remember that PVC fabric can be easily damaged by dropping a sharp object on it, for example, or simply burning it. That is why, for safety reasons I recommend placing a small piece of linoleum on top of the floor. This method will not only protect your boat from damage, but will also make it easier for you to clean it, because only the linoleum will get dirty, which you can remove, wash, and place back on a clean bottom at any time.

How and what to inflate a boat with

If you are a novice fisherman or hunter, then you will probably be interested in knowing how to properly inflate a boat. There are only two ways - with a special pump (the so-called frog) or a compressor. With the help of a frog, you will not be able to pump the boat to the limit, which means that in this case you will definitely not pump it. But thanks to the compressor, inflating the boat to the pressure indicated in the passport will not be difficult.

Storage and maintenance of a PVC inflatable boat

As promised at the beginning of the article, now we will look at basic rules for storing and using PVC boats. Before using it for the first time, you need to pre-pump the boat at home, so as not to waste your precious time checking its integrity directly during the hunt. Carry the boat by hand or on the transom, because the PVC material is not durable and can be seriously damaged at the slightest contact with sharp objects. In addition, such material is quite picky regarding the weather. It is likely that in the cold it can become stiff, and dust and dirt that gets between the cylinder and the bottom will also not bring any damage. good result. That's why After each fishing trip, be sure to clean out all the sand and dirt. It doesn't hurt to have a piece of linoleum with you on which you can assemble and disassemble your boat for thorough cleaning.

Never leave your boat in dirty condition.. Often, this will be an excellent treat for mice and rats. Fish slime that may remain on the boat instantly attracts rodents, and ultimately, you may forget about subsequent fishing trips. That is why wash the boat after each use using special cleaning products, thanks to which the smell of fish will definitely not remain on the boat.
It is very convenient to store the boat in the garage, while hanging it above the ceiling. In this case, you won’t even need to deflate it completely (but it’s better to leave it in a semi-inflated, unfolded state), and besides, you can save free space and protect the boat from rodents.
Don't forget about the instructions that came with your boat.. In it you can find a lot of useful information regarding operation. For example, if a minor puncture does develop in the boat (and this is inevitable over time), then following the instructions you can repair it yourself without contacting a specialist. If the problem is more serious, there is no need to take risks and it is advisable to take the boat to service center where you will be assisted by qualified specialists. (This is mainly done by firms and companies that manufacture and repair PVC awnings for truck tractors and other trucks).

1. 1.There is a special valve at the bottom of the transom, which can drain water from the boat. It is very convenient to use in shallow water if, for example, rainwater gets into the boat.
2. 2.Motor safety harness using rings. No one is safe from the fact that the motor can fall into the water and at the same time tear out the transom along with it. This is quite dangerous, and in order to protect yourself from such a situation, we recommend tying the motor to the seat or special rings using a strong rope.
3. 3.It wouldn’t hurt to tie a so-called anchor eye to the bow of the PVC boat.. This is done so that when lowering the anchor the PVC material of the boat does not fray.
4. 4. As you know, the weight of the anchor is 4 kg, the anchor rope is about 20 m long, which is already 2 times the fishing depth. Therefore this the rope can be replaced with a climbing rope, the diameter of which is 6 mm. At the same time, it is quite comfortable and durable.
5. 5.Carry an anchor bag. After lifting the anchor from the bottom, you can find an accumulation of dirt on it, and thanks to the bag it will not get into the boat.
6. 6. For boats with outrigger fuel tank often used special mounts or rings for the gas tank (4 of them), which are glued to the cylinders.
7. 7.Polyurethane foam mat- an excellent solution for cold weather. Agree, you are unlikely to enjoy sitting on hard and almost icy plywood seats, and besides, it will not bring any benefit to the body. Therefore, you can glue a mat onto the seats that will provide you with comfort. Special cases are also sold to solve this problem. Most often they come with a small bag for various small items.
8. 8. In order not to destroy the material of the boat, PVC tape pads can be attached to the cylinders below. They will ensure the boat glides smoothly over unwanted stones and other surfaces dangerous to fabric.

Boat number

It is no secret that each registered boat must have its own personal state number. It can be applied with a black waterproof marker using a special stencil. This is perhaps the fastest and easiest way to apply a number, but unfortunately, it is very short-lived. You can also glue a number made of PVC material directly to the boat. For this you will need Uran glue, since it is intended specifically for PVC fabrics. The last option for applying a number: make a ready-made stencil with your number, glue it to the boat, and then prepare a mixture of nitro paint and Uranium glue, which you later apply through the glued stencil to the boat, having previously cleaned its surface of dirt. A number applied in this way will stick perfectly even when folding the boat, and if you want to remove it, you just need to roll it up with your fingers.

Boating category

You probably know that there are categories that indicate where you can sail a given boat. This information can be found either in the boat's passport or on its transom. Let's look at the categories in more detail:

• Category C— such a boat is designed for sailing in coastal lakes, rivers and bays. In addition, the use of a boat with this category can be carried out in winds whose strength is no more than 6 points, and the wave height is no more than 2 meters.
• Category D— swimming is allowed in closed lakes and reservoirs. Wind force is allowed up to 4 - ex points, wave height - up to a maximum of 0.5 meters.

If you have decided on the choice of a PVC boat, then be sure to check its completeness on the spot, try to inflate it, and do not ignore the quality of workmanship. It must be completely symmetrical, without various folds on the surface (they can only be on the front of the boat, and then in small quantities).

Choosing a motor for an inflatable boat

PLM motor (outboard outboard motor) is chosen mainly to the boat. If you already have a motor, then you need to select the boat itself.

At all, engines are 2-stroke and 4-stroke. In the first case, these are motors that are very easy to use and at the same time quite reliable. In case of any problems, they can be taken to a service center for repair, which, unfortunately, is not available for four-stroke engines. In principle, you can even handle such a motor yourself. Another significant advantage in favor of such motors is their low price. True, there is an opinion that two-stroke engines are not environmentally friendly, and in some countries they were even banned because of this. According to studies, experts completely reject the veracity of this version, and assure that when used correctly, they are no different in environmental friendliness from four-stroke engines, which, by the way, are quite heavy and difficult to use, although they consume a small amount of fuel.

Try to purchase motors only from American or Japanese company . But Russian and Chinese manufacturers in this regard, it is better to avoid: unfortunately, such motors are of very poor quality and fail much more often than, for example, American ones. Even looking at the price of Chinese motors (and it is 2 times less than European ones), you can immediately understand that the quality of these motors leaves much to be desired. Indeed, it is better to save up for good engine and not be afraid that at any moment you can get stuck in the middle of some river, and even accompanied by a certain number of people on board. Therefore, saving on the choice of a two-stroke engine is not only not recommended, but simply unacceptable.

The most important aspect when choosing a motor is its power.. A boat can sail both by planing, that is, as if sliding along the surface of the water, due to the speed pressure created by the motor propeller, and by displacement. In this mode, the boat floats on the water thanks to the Archimedean force and its movement is many times slower, but fuel is consumed in greater quantities. To sail in planing mode you need to have a powerful motor., but after switching to it, fuel will be consumed more economically, and the boat’s movement will speed up.
There is even a certain formula that can be used to get the boat into planing mode: 30 kilograms of weight requires 1 l/s in the motor. For example, to launch a boat with two people in it and its length is 3.3 m, you will need an 8 l/s motor.

• If there is 1 passenger in the boat, then the glider is displayed 5 l/s, which, by the way, is quite economical. The maximum speed of the boat will reach 25 km/h.
• At 10 l/s the speed will increase to 35 km/h, despite the fact that there will be 2 passengers on board.
• At 15 l/s The speed can increase by only a couple of km/h, but the consumption will increase significantly.

Engine weight

Powerful motors of about 8 l/s can exceed 30 kg, and it will be very difficult to cope with such a unit alone. But a motor designed for 2 l/s weighs about 14 kg, which is relatively little.

Powerful 15 l/s engines are, in turn, divided into single-cylinder and two-cylinder. Single-cylinder ones are considered very noisy, and plus, they create powerful vibration. In two-cylinder engines, the operation is quieter, but in this case there is nothing to even talk about fuel economy. At all, fuel must be properly prepared. If the mixture is not prepared correctly, problems may occur. For example, plugging candles with oil, as a result of which they stop producing a spark. Therefore, this process must be treated with special attention. If you plan to sail at low speeds, then in this case 1 part of oil will go to 100 parts of gasoline. In planing mode (that is, at high speeds), you must follow the proportion: 1 part oil to 75 or 50 parts gasoline. Of course, perhaps the most successful option would be to have two tanks with the fuel mixture in your boat. In one of them, the mixture should be enriched with oil, and in the other, on the contrary, it should not be enriched, respectively, if you swim at both high and low speeds. In case the spark plug does get clogged, we recommend that you always have a few more spark plugs with you that can be unscrewed and replaced manually on the spot. It is not at all necessary to purchase branded candles. They are often very expensive, and in principle, you can buy a pretty good replacement for them in a regular motorcycle store. Ready fuel mixture It’s better in advance, about a day before going fishing or hunting. Why, you ask? The fact is that gasoline contains high octane number obtained by adding additives to it. Their effect quickly weakens, therefore, the octane number also declines. Let's give an example: let's say you purchased 92 gasoline, prepared the necessary mixture and added it to the tank only after two weeks. Result: your tank will no longer contain 92-grade gasoline, but 86-grade gasoline. Surely, this result will not suit you. Among other things, do not forget that gasoline must be filtered. This can be done by installing a special fuel filter into the hose through which gasoline will be transferred from the tank to the engine. And this is not just advice or a small recommendation! Thanks to gasoline filtration, you can significantly increase the engine's lifespan, and this will never be unnecessary.

Proper engine running-in also affects engine life.. If this is neglected, then the service life of the motor may be significantly reduced. The algorithm of actions and rules for running in can usually be found in the instructions supplied with the motor, ask the seller directly, or visit the website of the company where you purchased this engine.

In order not to scare away prey with the noise of the engine(fish, ducks, etc.) or simply to provide yourself and your passengers with a more comfortable stay on the ship, the inside of the engine body can be covered with felt or a polyurethane mat (this was discussed just above). Thanks to this, the motor will not make too loud noises and there will be much less strain on your hearing.

In conclusion of the article I would like to wish you good luck PVC selection boats and motor. Also pay your attention to boats from the Mnev motor company. I hope that these tips will help you in this matter, and that hunting or fishing will bring you a lot of positive emotions!