How to choose the best fishing boat

Boat 5 meters up to 100hp

I haven't picked up checkers for a long time. As usual, I will run into criticism and accusations of unpatriotism, but, based on my modest experience of sailing/fishing in the Lower Volga regions, I will express my opinion, perhaps, about the best combination of properties, characteristics and layout, from my point of view, of a boat in the discussed length and power – Alumacraft Dominator 165 Sport

I am not aware of any constructive mistakes and, frankly speaking, don’t care much about them. I evaluate it with my feelings. I’ll start with the disadvantages that I notice, and there are few of them identified:

- there is no and impossible “universal comfortable sofa”, but I really want it - a funny “minus” for 5 meters, but I’ll leave it as the main one)) - the locker for spinning rods can only accommodate short seven-foot casting sticks, where the rings are small, or European ultralight, but, because I prefer one set that is universal for everything, and in a boat we only fish, usually the three of us, then the spinning rods are not removed at all, moving from point to point in the holders, then this locker is used for a bunch of baits, and, of course, there are ultras

— the lockers are wet, but against the background of everything else and the existing operating mode, I can’t call this flaw glaring and super-necessary, but for show in the ideal picture, of course, “dry execution” would count

- aerator in the nose - some consider this unacceptable, for peaceful fishing, in my opinion, it doesn’t matter

— this boat, in my opinion, is no longer produced, and it’s a pity

All!!!

Then there are all the advantages:

— space, there is so much of it that it seems to be in abundance, here you can fish with two, three, four, and even managed to fish with five

- you can stay here like this

In short, with a length of 5 meters, I simply have never seen such space and freedom for fishing anywhere.

It should be noted that the width is a considerable 2.3 m, and the gunwale is wide

After you try it, I want to ban making boats with a narrow gunwale))) It’s sooooo comfortable: walking, sitting, lying down, using it as a shelf or table, leaning on or leaning on. Plus, the side niches are roomy, comfortable and do not get wet.

The stability is phenomenal. The three of us get on board - on the drum.

And even on the gunwale, although there is no photo. I'll do it somehow.

The nasal triangle is huge, you can not only stand there, but, in my opinion, also apply for registration))

The console does not seem very convenient for echo sounders, but 12ka fits confidently

The Maridek vinyl coating confirmed the correctness of this choice with its ease of keeping it dry and clean; we walk on the boat in shoes, so it did not show any heating from the summer heat. Ahead, of course, frosts and an ice crust may bring surprises, but, again, it’s probably easier to solve this with shoes than drying the carpet.

Aluminum deck, which could be brought to mind with the help of tuning from Spinch, glass wind protection, foam (not to be mentioned in the evening), giving excellent acoustic comfort, along with excellent softness of wave passage, thanks to a powerful deadrise amidships, good performance at 90m Suzuki

dragged by an ordinary Niva, make this boat an excellent, relatively inexpensive, universal watercraft, which, I am sure, will be suitable for fishermen and for family trips on weekends.

In short, I recommend that if you find a live option, definitely take it. Unfortunately, I don’t see any alternatives for ours at all.

PS Albacore comes closest in appearance and meaning, but so far only in 6m, without glass, foam and aluminum - we’ll leave that to the inquisitive researcher)). And, of course, in terms of execution, the unsurpassed (my personal opinion, I am not imposing on anyone) Spinch would be an example for Alumacraft, and not vice versa, in terms of meticulous elaboration of the deck structure and glazing shape. Spinch, such a boat (wide at 5 m in length, maximally spacious in the cockpit, quite fast, under the maximum 100 hp, here even 90 hp for the eyes) like the one described, will most likely not give birth, because there are other priorities, but that’s a different story.

Thoughts about 6 meters and 200 hp appear.
Is it necessary?)) Modified on November 9, 2021 by vago083050

Top 10 motor boats for fishing 2021

We present to your attention the top motorized fishing boats of 2021.

We hope that this rating will help an avid fisherman decide on the choice of a long-awaited boat in the new year, and manufacturers will not rush to raise prices for their products or reduce the quality of production.

PVC boat Riviera 3200 NDND Combi light gray/graphite

The inflatable motor-rowing boat Riviera 3200 NDND Combi is designed for 3 passengers and powered by a motor with a power of up to 9.9 horsepower.

The boat is distinguished by large internal space due to the streamlined shape of the bow, reliability due to the PVC density of 900 g/m2 and wear resistance due to the bottom sizing of the keel with polyurethane tape.

The boat easily goes on the glider, and those who appreciate getting ready for the water quickly will like the speed of assembly due to the inflatable floor.

In this model, you can already glide with a 5 hp engine. Well, the PVC color, the presence of support rails and the skipper’s handle will definitely not leave you indifferent.

PVC boat Riviera 3200 SK

The three-seater hard-floor boat Riviera 3200 SK is designed for 3 passengers and will be popular among fishermen who need a hard, plywood floor under their feet.

If you can safely call yourself a practical person, then take a boat with a prefabricated floor.

The boat is supplied in 2 bags, one of which has a folded floor, the other contains the actual boat with the complete set.

An engine of up to 15 horsepower, increased speed due to the streamlined bow and high cylinders, as well as free space in the cockpit for transporting everything necessary, significantly attract fishermen to this boat.

With all the equipment, the boat retained a comfortable weight thanks to the PVC density of 900 g/m2, as well as the floor thickness of 9 mm.

PVC boat Altair HD 340 NDND

This 4-seater boat with the Altair HD 340 NDND engine cannot boast of any special features, but it attracts with its price-quality indicators.

The boat is such a successful average boat, which moderately combines the presence of an inflatable low-pressure bottom, the ability to install a motor of up to 15 hp, the wear resistance of PVC due to polyurethane protection of the keel and cylinders, as well as thoughtful fittings: support rails and a skipper’s handle.

PVC boat Taimen LX 3400 NDND

Inflatable boat Taimen LX 3400 NDND for 4 people and for a motor up to 15 hp. confidently holds the lead among popular motor boats for fishing.

A boat in a stylish PVC color with a low-pressure inflatable bottom is an option for fans of comfort and fast driving on a calm body of water.

The boat is easy to inflate and also fold into one carrying bag. Those whom you want to take for a ride in the new boat will certainly be pleased with the support rails, and the driver will like the skipper handle.

PVC boat REEF 320KC

PVC inflatable boat REEF 320KC with a hard floor, a keel, for 3 people and for a motor up to 10 hp, at first glance it seems like an ordinary boat complete with a hard floor of a prefabricated structure, but the thickness of the sleigh is 12 mm, there are stringers for fastening The flooring, as well as the supporting fittings for passengers and the skipper's handles, make the future owner look at this boat with an appraising gaze.

PVC boat Hunter 365 LKA

The inflatable PVC boat Hunter 365 LKA, designed for 5 people and with a motor of up to 15 hp, successfully combines everything that a fisherman spoiled by relaxation loves: a low-pressure inflatable bottom for increased seaworthiness and a comfortable position, the presence of support fittings.

You can fish in a boat in complete comfort and absolutely safely, even while standing on the deck and casting.

Hunter 365 LKA has excellent seaworthiness, it is easy to assemble and disassemble, and launching it into the water is absolutely no problem.

PVC boat Altair Sirius 335 Stringer

The PVC inflatable boat Altair Sirius 335 Stringer is designed for 4 passengers and allows the installation of a motor with a power of up to 10 horsepower.

The boat is equipped with a rigid 9 mm floor of a prefabricated structure with stringers, support rails, a skipper's handle and transportation handles.

Pailol boat with protection on the transom, keel and cylinders, packed in 2 carrying bags.

PVC boat Piranha 320 Q5 SL with stringers

The PVC inflatable boat Piranha 320 Q5 SL for 3 passengers and with a motor of up to 15 horsepower, equipped with a rigid, prefabricated 12 mm floor with stringer fastening, will be stable for casting fishing.

The boat has instant gliding speed thanks to the beveled ends of the cylinders.

Due to the high cylinders and raised bow in this boat, you can go out into deep water where waves are not scary.

The boat is made of PVC, density 1100 g/m² with protection along the keel.

Due to its huge space, the super spacious Piranha 320 Q5 SL boat is convenient not only to take for fishing, but also to use for transporting everything you need on a hike or in tourism.

PVC boat Pilot M-340 keel

The PVC inflatable boat Pilot M-340 for 4 passengers and with a motor of up to 15 horsepower attracts with welded seams, a 9 mm plywood floor with stringers, a narrowed bow shape for an improved course on the water, as well as less splashes produced due to splash-proof gussets .

The modest boat Pilot is still even equipped with support rails, and in the “price-quality” rating it can easily compete with other representatives in this rating.

Aluminum or inflatable - which is better?

Inflatable models have a number of advantages and disadvantages compared to other aluminum boats. It’s worth noting right away that there is no clear answer to which material is better, it all depends on personal preferences. When choosing, you should focus on the following criteria:

• Compactness. Inflatable analogs are clearly superior to any other in terms of packaged dimensions.
• Transportability. PVC and rubber boats can be carried even in a backpack; a car is not required for this.
• Planing. On the one hand, inflatable models are lighter, therefore, it is easier for them to plane; on the other hand, they have poor stability due to a flat bottom and a weak transom. If the boat is taken for planing, then it is better to take a closer look at light aluminum vessels.
• Strength. Metal is much tougher and stronger and can withstand even relatively strong impacts. In the case of inflatable options, there is a high risk of puncturing the balloon in the reeds and plunging into the water along with the equipment.
• Comfort. Aluminum options have high stability and a hard bottom, so they are more convenient to move around in. Spending the night in an inflatable boat is extremely inconvenient, including because of the cold floor in contact with water. Metal analogues have a slant or other flooring, it is warmer for the feet.
• Care. Aluminum is an unpretentious material, unlike PVC and rubber, which require careful maintenance.
• Repair. The frequency of repairs for metal ships is much lower, but the complexity is much higher.
• Price. The cost, and therefore the price, of inflatable models is much lower than that of aluminum boats.
• Build time. The metal structure is immediately ready for sailing, but inflatable boats need to be pre-inflated.

In terms of lightness and transportability, PVC and rubber boats win, but in terms of durability, practicality, reliability, and ease of use, aluminum boats are better.

Budget boats

Inexpensive options include budget designs, the price of which is no more than 90 thousand rubles. As a rule, these are boats up to 3.5 meters long, capable of transporting up to 4 people across the water. Their carrying capacity is about 350 kg, and they are suitable for fishing. Their weight is 70 kg, which greatly simplifies the transportation process.

Such samples include:

Model “Vyatka Profi 32”

Length 3200 mm and width 1400 mm. The load capacity of this design is 200 kg and is designed for 2 people. Its price is 53.2 thousand rubles.

Model "Vyatka option"

Cost 55.1 thousand rubles. It accommodates 3 anglers and has a load capacity of 350 kg, with a length of 3200 mm and a width of 1350 mm.

Model "Malyutka-N"

Length 2600, 2900 and 3100 mm with width 1030 mm. Designed for three anglers and has a carrying capacity of 200 kg, 210 kg, 218 kg at a price of 41 thousand, 42 thousand and 44 thousand rubles.

Model "Romantika-N"

The carrying capacity is 250 kg, 260 kg and 280 kg, which will cost 56 thousand rubles, 57 thousand rubles and 67 thousand rubles. It can accommodate up to three people with optimal lengths of 2800 mm, 3000 mm, 3500 mm and a width of 1120 mm.

Model "Msta-N"

Accommodates from 2 to 4 people with the following dimensions: length – 3000 mm, 3500 mm and 3700 mm, width – 1350 mm. Such options are valued as follows: 73 thousand rubles, 82 thousand rubles, 88 thousand rubles.

Model "Tactics 320"

Capacity 2 people, length 3200 mm, width 1100 mm and cost 59.4 thousand rubles.

Model "Tactics 270"

Designed for 2 people and costs 35 thousand rubles with a length of 2700 mm and a width of 1000 mm.

Quintrex

We will gradually move from foreign brands to domestic manufacturers. And let's start with the Russian shipyard Quintrex (Quintrex Rus). A special feature of the open aluminum boats of this manufacturer is the use of bottom plate folding technology (Conventional Hull). Quintrex is the only shipbuilding plant in Russia that uses this technology to construct all-welded aluminum hulls. And this is what makes it special:

• To give rigidity, the bottom sheets are pressed rather than welded to each other using an angle. This allows the use of aluminum sheets of smaller thickness without loss of strength.
• Extruded ridges (longitudinal edans) change only the shape of the bottom, leaving the material the same homogeneous. It is not possible to achieve such homogeneity when welding the edges on the bottom.
• Extruded steps cut off waves better, creating less resistance and friction, increasing the speed of movement. The boat is more responsive to changing maneuvers.

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In Quintrex flagships, the manufacturer uses advanced Blade Hull technology or stretching of aluminum sheets. The essence of the technology is to give the bottom a curved shape to cut through waves more smoothly and maintain maximum hull stability when moving at low speeds. Minimum splashes in the cockpit, maximum stability.

Summary. Quintrex is the choice for those who want to buy an open aluminum boat from a Russian manufacturer with an exclusive hull design at an affordable price. Here you will find both compact motorboats with economical outboard motors and spacious flagship boats with powerful recreational/fishing engines.

Tips for caring for an aluminum boat

What you need to know about care:

• It is better to use fresh water to wash the boat.
• To wash off frozen dirt, use a special detergent.
• Solvent is prohibited for washing plastic products.
• Immediately after swimming, you should remove algae and dirt.
• At the stage of preparation for wintering, you need to remove electrical equipment and put it in a dry place.
• It is better to store the boat tilted towards the stern and upside down.
• Before launching, you need to check the functionality of electrical equipment.

Criteria for choosing PVC boats

To prepare the rating of Top boats for fishing with a motor 2021, the Club of Serious Fishermen used the following selection criteria:

• Price-quality: a PVC boat for a motor should have an affordable price and at the same time good workmanship;
• PVC density: fishing involves active access to the water, where a durable PVC body with additional protection for the keel or cylinders is required;
• A good transom with a permissible motor power of up to 15 horsepower: we consider 15 horses to be the best option for moving to fishing spots;
• Comfortable fittings - no one has yet canceled the convenience of fishing; the more fittings are present on the boat, the better the motor boat is in operation;
• Practical weight for transportation - the more convenient the weight, the more fun the fisherman has.