An inflatable, motor-rowing PVC boat has become a hit of choice for the domestic reservoir.
If your area of movement is concentrated at a relatively close coastal distance, and it’s difficult to boast about the depth of a river or lake, then an inflatable PVC boat with a motor of up to 5 hp will be your choice.
Top 10 boats most popular among fishermen.
These are boats that are equipped with a stationary transom with a maximum permitted boat engine power of 5 horsepower.
PVC boat Frigate 280 EK
This is a lightweight, inflatable PVC boat for two or three passengers, the distinctive feature of which is a built-in, inflatable keel and a rigid book-shaped saddle.
The boat is made in dark green color, convenient for fishing, hiking, and working on a pond.
The boat compartments, in the amount of three and the keel, are connected by welded seams, and the plywood seats are fixed to the movable lyktros-lykpaz clamp.
Standard, prefabricated oars are equipped with rotating oarlocks and oar latches on the side.
The whole thing is collected in two carrying bags: one for the payola book, and the other for the inflatable boat. Assembly is carried out using the included foot pump.
PVC fabric density – 800 g/m2
Yamaha F5
Specifications
| engine's type | 4-stroke, OHV |
| Working volume | 139 cc |
| Power | 5 hp (3.7 kW) |
| Max. speed | 4000-5000 |
| Changing the engine tilt | manual |
| Control | manual |
| Starting system | manual starter |
| Gear ratio | 13:27 |
| Generator | 6A (optional) |
| Fuel system | carburetor |
| Deyduwa length | 435 mm. |
| Weight | 27 kg. |
| Price | 91,000 rub. |
Test results
- Maximum speed – 12 km/h.
- Acceleration dynamics to maximum speed – 5.2 seconds.
- Noise level (idle/average/full) – 66/77/84 dB.
The Japanese manufacturer Yamaha and its engineers have always been ahead of the curve, striving to make the most convenient and powerful engine possible. You usually have to pay for such qualities, but not in this case; the Yamaha is not the most expensive motor on the test.
Build quality – 5/5
- What did you expect? Maximum ratings. In my opinion, this is the best motor in its niche, and in general Yamaha is one of the best PLM manufacturers. They have a lot of features that are unique to them, and quality, as we know, lies in the details. For example, the fuel filler neck is helpfully tilted at 45 degrees so that, God forbid, you spill gasoline.
Performance – 5/5
- In 5.2 seconds to 12 km/h, no one could do it better today. The best dynamics and the best speed among all presented models. This is partly due to the larger engine displacement – 139 cc. – more revolutions, more speed. Well, the screw was chosen perfectly.
Comfort – 5/5
- And here Yamaha is at its best. This motor can be called the quietest. At idle it was on par with the Suzuki DF5, but at maximum speed it was quieter than even the Honda BF5 by as much as 3 dB. with a final 84 dB.
Ease of use – 3/5
- We gave this PLM such a low rating because it is very heavy. It’s not entirely comfortable to carry it alone, although there is a handle on the back and it’s comfortable, but it’s 27 kg. make themselves known. The tilt adjuster is not so easy to find the first time, but once you get used to it, there will be no more problems. Well, you can also find fault with the switch for the internal and external tank. The main thing here is to get used to it.
Fuel tank – 2/5
- It is very small here, only 1.1 liters. At maximum speed you will empty it in 45 minutes. An external tank is a must here.
Total – 5/5
- This is the fastest and fastest motor of any four-stroke outboard we have tested. The gap from competitors is quite large. The price may be a little steep, but I think everyone understands what you are paying for and every ruble will find its use here. Yamaha F5 – Our choice!
PVC boat Piranha 300 Q5 SLX
This inflatable PVC boat features a spacious, wide cockpit and stability on the water.
The flat-bottomed bottom shape, three-seat passenger seating and a 6 mm thick hard plywood floor are just a shallow-water fisherman's dream.
The transom is stationary, made of plywood, as are the two passenger benches on a lyctro-likpaz clamp. There are lightweight, prefabricated oars with oarlocks and side mounts.
The three compartments are connected to each other and with a tension, flat bottom using glued seams. Includes a foot pump and one carrying bag.
PVC fabric density – 850 g/m2
PVC boat Piranha 245 M3 SLX ND
This inflatable PVC version of the boat will be appreciated by family lovers. Probably, it's all about the fully inflatable structure, easy to assemble, and the low-pressure bottom, which in fact represents a dense, stable deck, and in practice, under the motor, increases the seaworthiness of the vessel.
In this model, everything is standard for operation and passengers: mobile benches made of plywood on a liktros-likpaz, prefabricated oars with oarlocks, a transom made of plywood with glued edges and transport handles.
The only thing this boat is missing is support rails or passenger handles. But this detail is a common thing for boats with a 5 hp motor, since there will be no high speed with such indicators on the water, and the manufacturers, apparently, considered that passengers can hold on to the air.
PVC fabric density – 750 g/m2
Tohatsu MFS5
Specifications
| engine's type | 4-stroke, carburetor |
| Working volume | 123 cc |
| Power | 5 hp (3.7 kW) |
| Max. speed | 4500-5500 |
| Changing the engine tilt | manual |
| Control | manual |
| Starting system | manual starter |
| Gear ratio | 2,15:1 |
| Generator | 5A (optional) |
| Fuel system | carburetor |
| Deyduwa length | 381 mm. |
| Weight | 25 kg. |
| Price | 81,000 rub. |
Test results
- Maximum speed – 10 km/h.
- Acceleration dynamics to maximum speed – 6.5 seconds.
- Noise level (idle/average/full) – 68/79/89 dB.
Tohatsu is one of the world's largest manufacturers and suppliers of outboard motors. He sells his developments to other companies such as Mariner, Mercury, Evinrude. So we can say with confidence that Tohatsu PLMs are of excellent quality.
Build quality – 4/5
- The overall quality of the motor is at a very high level, especially considering its price, but there is only one complaint. There is a carrying handle, it is located conveniently, but its edges are not processed and unpleasantly eat into your fingers; you need to finish it with a file (not your fingers, of course). The 5 year warranty is also a big plus. There is an optional 5A generator.
Performance – 3/5
- In terms of dynamics, this is one of the slowest PLMs, at the Mariner level. But it is rather tailored for heavier boats. But the maximum speed is very good.
Comfort – 3/5
- The Tohatsu MFS5 is a very powerful engine; at maximum speed it produces 89 dB. At medium speeds the noise is not so strong, but when you try to increase the speed, the engine spins up more and more, the noise increases, and the speed almost does not increase. And the nature of the noise at high speeds is very unpleasant, very tiring.
Ease of use – 4/5
- This PLM has the most understandable and correct motor tilt system. In other models it took some time to figure it out, but here everything is simple and immediately clear. The gear selector is located at the end, the handle is wide and comfortable and you can always reach it even with the engine deployed. There is an option to install a 5 amp generator to power the running lights, echo sounder and other electronics.
Fuel tank – 3/5
- There is a built-in tank, its volume is 1.15 liters. Not much, of course, but it’s more than nothing for the Honda BF5. This amount of gasoline burns out in a little more than an hour of active maneuvering, so if you don’t want to row to the shore with oars, take care of purchasing an external tank.
Total – 3/5
- The Tohatsu MFS5 PLM is the best among all tested motors in terms of price/quality ratio. Yes, it is generally the cheapest in our test. But its design is thought out to the smallest detail and reliability should be one of the highest. It may not be the fastest or very quiet, but if you are looking for a budget, reliable option, pay attention to this model.
PVC boat Piranha 280 Q5 SLX (N)
The peculiarity of this PVC boat is powered by a 5 hp motor. – these are inflatable sides, 44 cm high, as well as a spacious cockpit. The boat is designed for two passengers.
A flat, tensioned bottom is an option for moving in displacement mode in shallow and calm waters, rivers and lakes. The set includes a plywood sling book.
The boat consists of three compartments connected by glued seams. The seats are movable, on lyktros-lykpaz. The manufacturer requested a transom thickness of 18 mm.
For rowing there are prefabricated oars with oarlocks. An important feature is the support rails stretched along the side, convenient for supporting passengers. It's good that this was taken care of. After all, the boat will not roll itself.
PVC fabric density – 850 g/m2
Types of boats with a 5 horsepower motor
Plastic boats with a 5 HP motor. With. – the most popular segment of the model range. They are suitable for both professionals and beginner amateurs. The relatively small size and comfort of such watercraft put them in first place in popularity among fishermen and tourists.
- The “Hummingbird” model RKM-350 is a four-seater vessel that can easily move through the water using oars or a 5-liter motor. With. Ease of operation and storage has long won recognition for this model among buyers, and the solidity of the hull and the presence of built-in buoyancy tanks guarantee the safety of passengers.
- "Pella." The design of the motorboat has already become a classic; it has hardly changed since 1971, when the Pella was first put on sale. In its manufacture, plastic from Finland is used; now it has become smooth on the inside, which has increased the aesthetic appeal of the boat. The length of this vessel is 410 cm, and the modernization affected one more aspect: now the Pella’s hull has become two-section, which added rigidity to the vessel. The transom has been slightly strengthened compared to the previous modification.
- “Buyan” is a well-proven model. Fishermen and active tourists often buy this vessel. Motor 5 liters. With. able to quickly move it in still water and even against a slight oncoming current, which allows it to climb forest rivers. Easily transported by car, stored under a special cover.
Options for 5 liter plastic motorboats. With. – an ideal choice for a novice fisherman. The models described here are the most practical and popular, but the range in specialized stores is much wider, so finding something special will not be difficult.
PVC boat STEFA 2800 M C Standart
This is a two-seater, inflatable PVC boat with a motor up to 5 hp. Apparently it attracts fishermen with its price rather than its technical characteristics.
It is difficult to say why this model is so popular in the water motor market.
A flat bottom, two inflatable compartments with glued seams, a plywood bunk and mobile passenger benches are a standard set of motor-rowing boats for a 5 horsepower motor. Includes pump and boat bag.
PVC fabric density – 750 g/m2
Mariner/Mercury F5
Specifications
| engine's type | 4 stroke |
| Working volume | 123 cc |
| Power | 5 hp (3.7 kW) |
| Max. speed | 4500-5500 |
| Changing the engine tilt | manual 6-speed + 1 shallow water position |
| Control | manual |
| Starting system | manual starter |
| Gear ratio | 2,15:1 |
| Generator | 6A (optional) |
| Fuel system | carburetor |
| Deyduwa length | 381 mm. |
| Weight | 25 kg. |
| Price | 82,000 rub. |
Test results
- Maximum speed – 10.2 km/h.
- Acceleration dynamics to maximum speed – 6.9 seconds.
- Noise level (idle/average/full) – 68/79/89 dB.
Mariner and Mercury four-stroke engines produce 5 hp. The cylinder blocks are from the Japanese Tohatsu engine of the same power. The first two PLMs are essentially brothers to the Japanese engine. The designers of the American company have made some changes to the motor, so they differ not only externally, but also structurally, although not much; in particular, a different gearbox is used.
Build quality – 4/5
- As the “heart” of the Mariner/Mercury F5, the filling from Tohatsu is used, but with its own gearbox, which reduced the total weight of the outboard motor to 25 kg. The Americans also offer as an option the installation of a 6A generator, which is also more than their brothers from Japan. There are no complaints about the overall quality. Everything is at a very high level.
Performance – 3/5
- Although the Mariner has a cylinder block from Tohatsu, it is inferior in acceleration speed to the Japanese (6.9 vs. 6.5 seconds). But it produces the speed declared by the manufacturer of 10.2 km/h. But we noticed during tests that in not very good weather conditions (wind, slight waves), the speed of the motor drops slightly.
Comfort – 3/5
- In terms of noise levels, the Tohatsu and Mariner are absolutely identical, as expected. At idle a comfortable 68 dB, but at maximum speed the Mariner F5 was one of the noisiest, and the sound character of the running engine was very harsh.
Ease of use – 4/5
- The gear selector is located in the bow of the engine and it turned out to be very convenient when maneuvering. The transom locking system is also very good and reliable, as expected from Tohatsu. Convenient system for changing the angle of the motor.
Fuel tank – 3/5
- There is a built-in fuel tank, which is already very good, although it has a volume of 1.15 liters, but there is nowhere to accommodate a larger volume. In any case, all owners of outboard boat motors buy an external tank. For the model with Sail-Mate, which has an extended blower, the built-in tank can be replaced with an external one free of charge.
Total – 4/5
The Mariner F5 is a good example of thoughtful design. This is a decent motor with an adequate price. And its only noticeable disadvantage is noise, which should not prevent you from considering all its advantages. If you choose between Mariner and Tohatsu, then the question of personal preferences and specific prices in a specific store arises.
PVC boat Aqua 2600
The double PVC boat Aqua 2600 suits the owners of a 5-horsepower motor with the quality of its workmanship: welded seams, a flat bottom, plywood benches on a liktros-likpaz, an 18 mm thick transom and a pair of prefabricated oars with oarlocks.
The popular boat rightfully ranks among the top five PVC boats for motors up to 5 hp.
The only controversial nuance is the absence of hard plywood flooring in the basic configuration; half a book is included in the purchase as an additional element.
PVC fabric density – 750 g/m2
Design of inflatable boats for motors
The design of an inflatable boat with a low-power motor is practically no different from those watercraft that provide for the installation of more powerful engines or are only driven by oars. The only difference is in the transom: if it is a watercraft with a high-power motor or with an inflatable bottom, then there will definitely be a stationary transom. The remaining models can have either a mounted model or an integrated one.
An inflatable boat with a motor consists of:
- boat hull - sides, bow and stern; - left and right cylinder; - bottom; — bottom – payol or inflatable; - an inflatable or rigid keel, if it is not a flat-bottomed boat; — a stationary transom with a motor mount in the stern of the boat. Instead, a hinged transom can be installed, in which case a mount for its platform may already be installed; — additions: railing rope, oarlocks, rope eyelets, seats.
Often, additional accessories do not come standard with the boat; they must be purchased and installed separately.
PVC boat Aqua 2800 slan-book keel
A two-seater, keelboat with a rigid floor made of book-shaped plywood, 6 mm thick, welded seams of inflatable cylinders and a transom - a sort of compact option for the practical fisherman.
The standard set includes oars, benches on a lyktros-lykpaz, a carrying bag and, as a bonus, stringers for creating a monolithic floor in the cockpit.
PVC fabric density – 750 g/m2
