Single PVC boat - rating of models, advice on selection, nuances of operation

The advantages of single-person rowing boats are obvious and lie in their lightness. Such a vessel does not require long preparation - a small volume of PVC cylinders can be inflated with a foot pump in a matter of minutes. Models with an inflatable bottom are more popular - they are more stable on the water and even allow you to fish while standing.

Our review presents the lightest single-seat fishing boats. The rating was compiled not only based on the characteristics of the models, but also takes into account feedback from owners who are familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of the participants in practice.

Types of single seat PVC boats

Lightweight and compact boats made of polyvinyl chloride are very popular today: there are hundreds of manufacturers and tens of thousands of models around the world. So, in order not to get lost in such diversity and to choose suitable single-seater PVC boats, beginners will have to understand a little about the existing varieties of vessels of this class. For example, a 1-person inflatable boat may fall into one (or sometimes several) of the following categories.

Single rowing boat

Vessels that are propelled only by oars are called rowing vessels. This is a classic type of watercraft, successfully used throughout human history.

So, in essence, rowing single-seat inflatable boats made of PVC are the simplest and most budget-friendly option for a small vessel for fishing or walking. The weight is small (up to 15 kg), when deflated, such a boat easily fits into a portable bag; the pump also requires a not very powerful one - an ordinary foot “frog” is enough. The downside is that it takes time to pump up and a lot of physical effort is spent on rowing.

Single PVC Rowing Boat

Inflatable boats with the ability to install a motor

Many rowing-type vessels allow installation of an outboard motor on board. For this purpose, a single-seater PVC boat is equipped with a transom (fixture for an outboard engine). In this case, the transom can be an integral part of the structure (built-in transom) or a removable part (hinged transom). In the first case, the motor mount is permanently mounted into the hull of the vessel, and in the second, you can use the transom as needed, easily removing and installing the clamps again.

If we compare vessels with similar parameters and dimensions, differing only in the presence/absence of a transom, then models with a transom, of course, will be preferred. Still, you can’t go far with oars, but a single-seater motor boat gives you much more opportunities to implement your plans. However, even if the factory equipment does not include a transom board, you can make it yourself and install it on the boat yourself.

Single PVC boat with motor

With inflatable bottom

The bottom of the vessel also has a great influence on the operation of the boat. For example, an inflatable bottom (AirDeck) in PVC boats is used to simplify the design. Such a bottom does not require the assembly of additional elements: just take a pump and inflate the bottom, which is made in a separate compartment. Thanks to this, by the way, if the hull is punctured, the bottom will remain intact and will allow the owner to reach the shore. The single-seater fully inflatable boat is also significantly lighter than similar hard-bottomed competitors.

However, the inflatable bottom design does not provide adequate rigidity, which makes it difficult to fish while standing and makes it difficult to move around the cockpit. Also, the disadvantages include a high risk of injury: the bottom inflated with air can easily be pierced with a piercing object. But you still can’t do without the same hooks and knives when fishing.

Single seat PVC boat with inflatable bottom

PVC single-seater boat with hard bottom

An alternative to fully inflatable boats are boats with a hard bottom. This design is much more common, be it a rubber single boat or PVC.

The hard bottom is a separate solid, prefabricated or folding structure made of moisture-repellent plywood or metal. Such a floor is simply inserted into the cockpit of the vessel and is called a removable floorboard or slant. A 1-seater inflatable boat with a hard bottom receives the following advantages:

• Rigidity of the structure, therefore, better stability for passengers on the ship;
• Improving driving performance, in particular planing;
• More cockpit space;
• A durable bottom surface that is resistant to falling sharp objects.

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In addition, with plywood flooring it is more convenient to install and use an outboard boat motor.

Among the disadvantages of the design, we note the increased weight, the time required to assemble the sleds, and more demanding care. If the dirty cockpit of a single-seater boat with an inflatable bottom can simply be washed with water, then the plywood needs to be disassembled, the dirt washed off, wiped dry and left to dry for at least several hours.

Single seat PVC boat with hard bottom

Vessels with a keel

And finally, a single-seat PVC inflatable boat can be with or without a keel. The keel is a special element in the bottom structure, resembling a fin in shape. It allows the vessel to cut through waves and maintain a stable course, quickly reach glide, and also maneuver safely. In general, the keel is relevant for a 1-seater PVC boat with a motor, since you cannot feel its advantages under rowing control. It is also worth noting that the presence of a keel automatically means using only a rigid plywood floor.

These are the main distinguishing features of models in the class of small PVC boats. As noted above, a vessel may meet one or several of the parameters presented above. But these are only design features, and there are also individual technical characteristics. We invite you to familiarize yourself with them too.

Single PVC boat with keel

Rating of PVC boats for motors - top best models for fishing and water tourism

When choosing a PVC boat for a motor, you should pay attention to the material from which the vessel is made. Manufacturers produce two types of watercraft - reinforced and non-reinforced. Reinforced models are more stable on waves. The transom can be mounted or stationary. The latter will delight you with its strength, operational reliability and durability.

When installing a motor on a PVC boat, it is worth considering the size of the water transport. A small boat 2.7 m long will require a 3.5 hp engine. A 4-meter boat can be equipped with an 18-20 hp motor.

Top 10 best PVC boats for motor

The following models are considered the best PVC boats on which you can install a motor:

1. Mercury RIB 420. Length 4.8 m, width 1.88 m. The model is equipped with comfortable seats, a lift, and lockers. The bottom is rigid, which allows the fisherman to fish promising areas of the reservoir while standing. After installing the motor on the boat, you will need to register with the State Inspectorate for Motor Vehicles and obtain a license.

2. Gladiator RIB 420 . The vessel's carrying capacity is 750 kg. There is no steering. Number of air compartments – 3. Boat length 4.2 m, width 2 m.
3. Navigator 400 – the model is equipped with a built-in transom, benches, oars with oarlocks. Length 4 m, width 1.87 m. Passenger capacity - 5 people.

4. The frigate 300 EK is a comfortable vessel, which in fact is capable of transporting a mass of no more than 200 kg. Water transport is not intended for planing. Built-in transom. Length 3 m, width 1.5 m.
5. Pelican 245T – an excellent boat for 1 fisherman. Rack payol. Number of compartments – 3, load capacity 160 kg. Length 2.4 m, width 1.2 m. This model is not suitable for gliders.

6. HUNTERBOAT Hunter 320 is a universal model that allows you to go hunting, fishing and comfortably spend time with friends on vacation. During the manufacturing process, dense PVC fabric is used, thanks to which the boat is well protected from snags and stones. Load capacity 450 kg. Length 3.2 m, width 1.42 m.
7. Admiral 320 – a model made of dense material. The boat is maneuverable, easily reaches an economical planing position, and the rigidity of the floorboards has been increased. Load capacity 450 kg. Length 3.2 m, width 1.43 m.

8. K. Cayman N-330 is a reliable vessel that handles waves well. Long service life. Load capacity 420 kg. Built-in keel and transom. Length 3.3 m, width 1.52 m.
9. Hunter 420 PRO – the vessel is 4.2 m long and can accommodate 6 passengers. Load capacity 950 kg. The manufacturer makes the boat from heavy-duty reinforced PVC.

10. Pilot Pilot M-330 Kiel is a reliable model that confidently rides the waves. In the places where the cylinder comes into contact with the stringers, the manufacturer performed additional PVC gluing. The length is 3.3 m.

The listed models will delight you with good quality and long service life.

Good PVC boats for motors - top fishing boats for engines up to 15 horsepower, video review of current models for 2021:

Top 5 budget

Manufacturers produce a line of budget models of PVC inflatable boats for motors. The best in this category were:

• STEFA 2800 M Standard – length 2.8 m, width 1.2 m;
• Reed 2500 T – length 2.5 m, width 1.2 m;
• Inzer 2 (250) M – length 2.5, width 1.1 m;
• Urex 2600 – length 2.6 m, width 1.2 m;
• Aqua 2600 – length 2.6 m, width 1.3 m.

Purpose of single-seater PVC boats

So, first, let’s look at the parameters of a small-sized vessel and its operating conditions.

A light single-seater boat is a watercraft 2 to 3 meters long, most often made of PVC fabric or rubber materials. Why does such a vessel have to be light? Because it is assumed that one person will carry the boat to the coast, and he will not be able to pull a structure weighing 30-50 kg. Accordingly, less weight implies compact dimensions, which is why we mentioned the length limitation.

As a rule, a single-seat inflatable boat is used for fishing or walking on calm lakes and rivers. The only danger that can await shipowners here is obstacles in the form of thickets of reeds, rocky bottom, etc. However, a mini-boat made of PVC fabric will easily withstand these tests, because... The strength of the material guarantees resistance to minor damage and scratches.

The best motor rowing boats

Apache 3300 SK

Among the entire range of boats produced by this manufacturer, this design is one of the most compact and affordable in terms of price. During the development process, the wishes of experienced fishermen who like to swim to quite serious depths were taken into account. Largely due to this, the boat turned out to be very comfortable, easy to use and very reliable. The size of the cylinders was intentionally increased, making the boat's stability on the water even better. Its depth is about 40 cm, it can withstand waves up to 65 cm high.

The interior space is spacious - the boat, which is 330 cm long, can easily accommodate three people. The bottom is made of marine plywood 12 mm thick, so the waves are practically not felt. A handrail is stretched along the sides, and along the keel the structure is additionally protected from possible damage by reinforcing reinforced PVC.

Advantages:

• It is allowed to install a motor with a power of up to 4 hp;
• For such a spacious structure the mass is insignificant;
• The seats are fixed to the sides using the “liktros-likpaz” technology, so they can be installed where it is most convenient.

Flaws:

• The nose is not raised, it goes against the current rather weakly.

Boat Apache 3300 SK

Cayman N-330

This is one of the most popular boats in its class and is perfect for two fishermen. The contours of the inflatable cylinders have a fairly large diameter, the bottom is stacked, made of several elements fastened to each other, the bottom is not flat, it has a slight keel, which makes it easier to move against the current and makes the boat more stable even in large waves and strong winds. In addition, this design feature improves maneuverability. The model holds its course excellently. When folded, it easily fits into the trunk of a car.

The carrying capacity is significant, especially since the boat is designed for two people - 420 kg with overall dimensions of 330x153 cm, the diameter of the cylinders is 42 cm. It will not be possible to carry such a structure alone, since it weighs 52 kg. The seams of the PVC panels are connected to each other by welding. The set includes a bag for storing the product.

Advantages:

• Some of the best driving characteristics in the entire review;
• There is a fender along the entire perimeter of the structure;
• The seats can be moved along their entire length;
• It is allowed to use a motor with a power of up to 5 hp.

Flaws:

• Serious mass;
• The density of PVC is slightly lower than that of other motor-rowing structures - only 850 g/sq. m.

Boat Cayman N-330

HUNTERBOAT 335

This is one of the most budget-friendly motor-rowing boats, which fully meets all modern safety requirements for such vessels. The design is discreet, so this design is perfect for catching even the most cautious fish. The bottom is keel type, the floor is made of thickened plywood, 12 mm thick. The structure weighs 52 kg, when assembled it takes up a minimum of space - 1.2 x 0.75 x 0.45 m, making it convenient to store and transport to the fishing spot.

The stability of this boat and slightly raised bow allows the use of a fairly powerful motor - up to 15 hp. In such a design, you can easily accommodate four people at once, especially since its carrying capacity is. The cylinders have a diameter of 46 cm and are made of high-quality PVC with a density of 950 g/sq. m.

Advantages:

• Reinforced floor;
• The bottom of the cylinders and keel are also reinforced;
• High level of load capacity;
• If necessary, the seats can be moved;
• Long warranty period of 5 years.

Flaws:

• It is very difficult and inconvenient for two people to carry such a boat, so it is better if at least three people go fishing.

Boat HUNTERBOAT 335

Aqua 3200 SK

This design rightfully finds itself in fourth place as the best motor-rowing fishing boat; it is equipped with a stationary transom and is designed for three people and all the necessary equipment at once. There is a mount for a motor with a maximum power of 15 hp. The cylinders are made on the basis of reinforced five-layer PVC made in Germany and not too high density - this figure is 850 g/sq. m. However, this does not in any way affect the level of strength. The material easily withstands the effects of oil, gasoline and other similar materials, resists physical stress well, and does not deteriorate under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.

The diameter of the cylinders is 40 cm, the bottom is rigid and equipped with a keel. This boat also comes with seats made of moisture-resistant plywood. Their fastening is fixed, equipped with special linings that prevent acceleration of wear processes. The floor is also made from moisture-resistant plywood, which is additionally treated with laminating compounds. The weight of the entire structure is not too large - less than that of other similar models included in our review of the best boats for fishing - 44 kg.

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Advantages:

• Acceptable weight, can be carried by two people;
• Inflatable keel, which is additionally reinforced with polyvinyl chloride timber;
• Cylinders made of reinforced fabric.

Flaws:

• The load capacity of the structure is lower than stated by the manufacturer, by approximately 30-40 kg.

Motor rowing boat Aqua 3200 SK

M-330 pilot

This design will be best handled by fishermen who have extensive experience in handling both rowing and motor models, but the boat is also perfect for beginners. The connector for installing the motor is universal, so you can first purchase a small power motor and then take a more powerful one, but the power should be no more than 15 hp.

The keel is protected from abrasion by a PVC bar, the width of which is 60 mm. The hull of the boat is flexible and bends slightly during movement, so it will resist waves well without being worn out by water friction. It is this solution that allows for long-term and fairly reliable operation. The lower part of the structure is additionally reinforced with durable PVC tape, which protects the boat from abrasion during use and protects it from damage during sailing or mooring to the shore or pier.

Advantages:

• Long warranty;
• Low weight for inflatable boats of this type;
• Safety loop for installing the motor;
• Reinforced cylinders;
• The canvases are made of PVC with a density of 900 g/sq.m. m.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

PILOT M-330 - video review from FirstBoat motor boat made of PVC fabric and impressions of the model.

Boat Pilot M-330

MISHIMO FAMILY LITE 350

The products of this world-famous brand have long been awaited by outdoor enthusiasts in our country. The boat has proven itself excellently in European and Asian waters. All products are manufactured using only the most modern equipment, all stages of production are under the strictest technical control. The fabric and accessories are of very high quality, all products are covered by a long warranty - a full 7 years. Despite the fact that the materials are dense and reliable, they weigh very little. In this model, everything is thought out to the smallest detail; a lot of modern systems and technologies are used.

Anti-Splash protects passengers from splashes, Extra Sliding provides almost instant access to the glider, stabilizes movement even at very high speeds. Family Protect is represented by the presence of false sides and internal railings that will prevent you from falling into the water. On the front of the boat there are additional handles made of plastic with anti-slip coating - this makes the structure much more convenient to carry. There are Pro-Line handles for passengers. The maximum load capacity is 580 kg, the length of the boat is 350 cm, the inflatable compartments are arranged according to the 3+1+2 principle, the engine power is 15 hp. It can carry up to 5 people on board.

Advantages:

• Quite a roomy model;
• There is additional protection;
• Decent equipment;
• Excellent build quality and materials;
• The manufacturer provides a 7-year warranty;
• There is an excess pressure relief valve;
• It weighs little and maneuvers well on the water.

Flaws:

• It will be expensive.

Boat MISHIMO FAMILY LITE 350

MICHIMO LITE 335

In first place in our ranking of the best boats for fishing is another traditional Japanese-made model, which is also equipped with a low-pressure bottom. Special Korean Wonpoong fabric is used for production. This is a very durable material that will maintain its strength throughout the entire life of the product. The boat is equipped with fittings produced by the American company Pro Line - this company is one of the leading companies in the world in its field. The dry weight of the equipped boat is insignificant - only 33 kg, but it can carry weight up to 480 kg. The maximum power of the motor that can be installed on this boat should not exceed 10 horsepower.

The density of the material from which the boat itself is made is 1200 g/sq.m for the manufacture of cylinders and 1400 g/sq.m for the production of the bottom. It may seem that these are excessively high figures, but this fabric will definitely not be damaged on stormy rivers. The boat has a wide cockpit, so it is comfortable to spend a lot of time in it. The design is stable and very maneuverable. There is also an overpressure valve, so it is impossible to overinflate the boat.

Advantages:

• Made from durable and reliable materials;
• Decent load-carrying capacity of the structure;
• Long warranty period;
• High-quality American fittings;
• The optimal width of the cockpit ensures comfort for passengers and maneuverability of the boat itself;
• Reasonable cost;
• Low weight of the product.

Flaws:

• It was not revealed.

MISHIMO boats (MISHIMO) large review and review

Boat MICHIMO LITE 335