Advantages
The most important advantage of inflatable boats is ease of transportation. A separate room is not required for storage, since when assembled they take up very little space.
Inflatable models consist of several sections, and if one of them is damaged, the others will allow you to continue to float. The impressive width of inflatable boats and additional bottoms make them more stable.
If a leak or other minor damage is detected, inflatable boats are much easier to repair than conventional ones, which increases their service life.
Varieties based on bottom material
The considered means of transportation on a body of water may also differ in the type of their bottom, so today there are boats on the market with a hard and inflatable bottom; the features of these two different configurations will be discussed further.
Hard bottom
The hard bottom of the boat consists of special boards laid out on rubber, which in professional language are called slants. Despite the fact that such a design, even for a person completely far from the aquatic world, seems to be the most durable and safe, it, like any other vehicle, along with its advantages, also has certain disadvantages.
Boat with hard bottom
In order to have a clearer idea of the vehicle in question, we will separately dwell on both its pros and cons. So, let's begin.
Undeniable advantages:
- Easy to transport due to their low weight.
- The presence of a built-in transom makes it easy to attach a motor.
- The plank bottom makes it possible to stand on the boat without fear of falling, even while it is moving.
- Such boats are not afraid of the frosty weather outside, so you can “wander” on them, right up to the freeze-up. The main thing is to transport it in an assembled (inflated) state.
Disadvantages to mention:
- If for certain reasons it was transported in a deflated state, then at the reservoir you will need to not only inflate it, which will not cause any difficulty, but also assemble its hard bottom, which is not so pleasant to do in cold weather.
- When deciding to transport the assembled boat, you will need to take someone you know to help you, since one person cannot cope with such a task.
However, these disadvantages can also be called insignificant, moreover, they are more than offset by the advantages of this vehicle.
Inflatable bottom
Another widespread type of rubber boats are vehicles equipped with an inflatable bottom, that is, on the “floor” of these watercraft is not just a layer of rubber, but an additional V-shaped structure also made of PVC, which gives the boat additional strength.
Boat with inflatable bottom
Such unique small vessels floating on the water, as well as their older brothers discussed above, have a number of advantages, which are as follows:
- The use of an additional base layer increases the rigidity and strength of the structure without significantly increasing the weight of the craft.
- It becomes possible to increase the speed of movement on a boat to 50 km per hour.
- Such a craft can be equipped with a motor with a power of up to twenty horsepower.
Another undeniable advantage of the boat in question is that it can easily fit 2-3 people.
Flaws
To ensure that an inflatable boat lasts as long as possible, you will have to put in a lot of effort. Before assembly, it must be thoroughly dried to avoid mold. It is important to constantly take care not to puncture its surface.
Despite all the positive qualities of PVC material, repairing boats made from it is much more difficult, and sometimes even impossible. Transporting models with a capacity of more than 2 people is almost impossible without a car.
Which boat bottom to choose
Which bottom is preferable when choosing a boat? Modern production involves the production of boats with a vertical stable bottom. This allows fishermen to cast gear.
Modern rubber boats have the following types of bottoms:
- Rigid flooring with a wooden or aluminum base. It has its downsides. It is susceptible to heating in the sun, and if water gets in it, you can slip on it.
- Inflating bottom. It is rigid enough to stand in a standing position. These boats have a high level of planing capacity.
How to choose an inflatable boat
- Decide in what area you will use the vessel: for fishing, hunting, a boat for rafting, sports, or for relaxing family walks.
- Assess your capabilities. You should not buy a large boat without taking care of transportation issues. To transport some types of boats you will need at least a car, and in some cases even a trailer.
- Capacity also needs to be considered. It would be irrational to buy a three- or even eight-seater fishing boat if you most often fish alone.
- When choosing, you should think about the material, the types of joints and evaluate the overall quality.
Dimensions of a rubber boat for a motor
Length of the product
The most important thing to note is the size of the boat, namely its length.
- Models with a length of 230 cm are produced for motors. Such boats are designed for one person. Despite the fact that they are 300 cm long, they can carry a load of half a ton, and the estimated number of passengers is four people. All the same, with such a load, more than one person will not fit.
- Boats with a length of 230-300 cm are the best choice for people who hunt or fish alone. The positive aspects of shortened boats are their low cost (starting from 20,000 rubles). But the downside is that swimming alone is quite boring.
- Boats with a length of 300-400 cm are designed for 6 passengers. They are comfortable for two people to sit on. On boats with a length of 400 cm, three people are allowed, and on boats whose length is 330 cm or more, a motor with a power of 15 horsepower or more is usually installed. But without a load, such a design can easily lose control. Therefore, when choosing a long boat, it is better for two people to ride it with some cargo. The weight of boats of this length is 40-60 kg. Such a boat must be moved by the hour.
- There are also longer boats above 400 cm. But they are practically not used in Russian waters. They are too expensive and heavy. Buyers who want to purchase a larger boat prefer the framed rigid counterpart.
Which is better
The ideal inflatable boat should be:
- transportable;
- compact;
- practical;
- comfortable;
- durable;
- easy to maintain.
One of the most important aspects of the choice is the material from which the boat is made. If you want it to last a long time, then it is recommended to opt for boats made of reinforced PVC or composite material.
The seam connection is a key factor in the strength of the vessel. The “butt” connection is much advantageous, and additional strips of material over the seams will not be superfluous.
For greater safety, it is better to choose models with a large number of sealed compartments. Color usually only matters to hunters.
Choosing a boat
Motor boats made of PVC have a stationary transom, which allows the installation of fairly powerful engines on them. The thickness of the transom is directly dependent on the power of the motor. The more powerful the motor, the thicker the plate. A plate 25 mm thick can cope with low-power (up to 15 horses) engines; for more powerful units, a transom of 35 mm and above is needed.
The recommendations for the engine contain information about the height of the transom. It is worth relying on. This determines the depth at which the engine will be located. The optimum depth equals high speed and low splash.
The durability of the structure is directly dependent on the method of attaching the transom to the bottom and sides of the boat. There are two ways to attach the transom: by gluing with PVC tapes and by gluing with gaskets and brackets. The second option is considered more reliable and durable.
A boat equipped with an engine must have a stable bottom. The person on board must be able to stand up to his full height. For this reason, PVC boats are equipped with dense flooring. There are several options.
Read: Valve for an inflatable boat - repair, replacement, valve arrangement
1. Slate deck. A relatively inexpensive type, it consists of individual plywood panels with a small space between them. This option is practical and popular. 2. Collapsible or folding rigid flooring (payol). Not as compact as the first option, but more comfortable. Plywood or aluminum is used. Ideal for boats equipped with powerful motors. 3. Inflatable bottom. Rare, but found among manufacturers of PVC boats. Suitable for low power engines. They are more expensive, so they are not popular.
Guarantee
Most often, new inflatable boats come with a warranty of 1 to 2 years. The warranty card indicates the validity period, model, date of sale and serial number. This document must be kept for the entire period of use.
There are cases in which warranty service is not provided:
- damage occurred as a result of careless or intentional actions of the buyer;
- operating rules were violated;
- an unauthorized change in the design of the product was made;
- the warranty card was filled out incorrectly;
- the safety of the warranty seals was violated.
The warranty does not include repairs for:
- natural wear and tear;
- accidental damage;
- damage caused by using the product for other purposes.
Specifications
The dimensions and parameters of inflatable boats for motors vary according to modifications. For motor rowing models:
- — Length from 2.5 meters to 3.2 meters;
- — Width from 1.2 meters to 1.5 meters;
- — The diameter of the cylinders is from 38 centimeters to 46 centimeters;
- — Weight from 30 kilograms to 50 kilograms;
- — Load capacity from 220 kilograms to 350 kilograms;
- — Maximum speed 18 kilometers per hour.
Technical characteristics of motor inflatable boats:
- — Length from 3.5 meters to 11 meters;
- — Width from 1.6 meters to 2.2 meters;
- — The diameter of the cylinders is from 46 centimeters to 52 centimeters;
- — Weight from 45 kilograms to 120 kilograms;
- — Load capacity from 300 kilograms to 120 kilograms.
The maximum speed of boats with payols (flooring) reaches 654 kilometers per hour.
Repair
It is strictly not recommended to repair inflatable boats without proper experience and skills. Without the necessary arsenal of knowledge, you can only aggravate the situation, and then professional repairs in the service will cost even more.
Typical repair services offer the following services:
- diagnostics and repair cost estimation;
- elimination of small punctures, holes and damage;
- repair of large-scale ruptures and cuts;
- repair of tears along the seam;
- repair of ruptured partitions;
- complete replacement of damaged tissues with new ones.
Rowing boats
Rowing inflatable boats are controlled by aluminum or wooden oars and are equipped with rotating oarlocks and wooden can seats. They usually have a thin floor and are oriented towards swimming in the coastal zone of lakes. The lines include alloy models equipped with safety ropes, a towing ring, and protective aprons. Rowing boats are complemented by slatted decking, which increases the rigidity of the hull, and inflatable liners, which improve the thermal insulation properties of the hull.
Manufacturers
Admiral
Guarantees high product quality, reliability and safety. Provides optimal prices and the ability to install additional equipment. The product has good directional stability, easy movement and a durable bottom.
Inflatable boats can reach high speeds and be very maneuverable. Most models are sold with a 12 month warranty.
Badger
Inflatable boats are varied in their shape and design. The seams are usually joined using hot air welding. A good find is the convenient placement of the air valve.
The boats are covered by a warranty period of two years.
Fregat
The largest manufacturer in Russia. The quality meets all necessary technical requirements. Warranty service is free and valid for two years. Engineers are constantly improving existing models, improving their design and quality.
HDX
Chinese-made boats have earned good reviews from customers. Only high-quality materials are used in their production.
The seams are usually glued together using a welding method, which gives the structure a more aesthetically pleasing monolithic appearance. Due to the shape of the bow, water does not pour into the boat, and the structural features of the transom allow you to quickly put the vessel into planing mode.
Intex
Provides a very large selection of models of different specializations. Intex boats are made from three-layer rubber, which makes them resistant to sea water, gasoline and other chemicals.
The inflatable bottom is equipped with internal air partitions. When disassembled, they take up little space and are convenient for transportation.
Leader
The manufacturer uses high quality PVC as the main material. During design, engineers take into account all traditional quality standards, and each boat undergoes a thorough check.
ProfMarine
Inflatable boats are distinguished by a special wide and raised bow, which allows them to easily pass through large waves, as well as a wide cockpit.
The diameter of the cylinder in all models is approximately the same. They have excellent maneuverability and quick access to planing mode. The company's product range is constantly updated and expanded.
Storage and maintenance of a PVC inflatable boat
As promised at the beginning of the article, now we will look at the 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 a good result. Therefore, 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.
Under no circumstances should the boat be stored in a 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. In case of a more serious problem, you should not take risks and it is advisable to take the boat to a 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 tractor-trailers and other trucks).
Expensive aluminum boats
These are watercraft models with luxurious design and decoration, where quality and elegance are on the same level. They are characterized by appropriate dimensions and load capacity. Here, comfort and convenience are at their maximum. As a rule, their price is much higher than 150 thousand rubles. They're worth it.
“Nicole-Classic” boats are just such boats.
- Model “Nicole-Classic” at a price of 270 thousand rubles with the following dimensions: length 6300 mm, width 2300 mm. Boat tonnage 450 kg. It is capable of transporting up to 6 people, using a motor with a power of 90 to 140 hp.
Fishline developments may not be bad either.
- Model “Fishline 470” is 4700 mm long and 1720 mm wide. Boat with a carrying capacity of 450 kg and a capacity of 5 people.
Its price is 234 thousand rubles.
- Model “Fishline 570” is 5700 mm long and 2200 mm wide. You will have to pay 480-520 thousand rubles for it. This “limousine” seats 6 people, with a load capacity of 540 kg.
Why do users choose PVC inflatable boats?
PVC inflatable boats have a number of advantages compared to other water transport:
- Price. Such a vehicle will be a more profitable purchase than a boat or an aluminum boat.
- Convenient storage and transportation. When folded, the PVC inflatable boat takes up little space. For transportation to a vacation spot, the trunk of a car is enough, so there is no need to buy a trailer and tow bar.
- Light weight. Due to its relatively low weight, a PVC inflatable boat can be launched by one person.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
The best material for inflatable boats at the present time is polyvinyl chloride and its modifications. Inflatable boats made from this material have good characteristics and a reasonable price. PVC specifically for boats has good elasticity and strength. Most boats around the world are made from PVC. Based on their structure, PVC fabrics for inflatable boats are divided into reinforced and non-reinforced.
If you are interested in this particular material, then we recommend you Nissamaran PVC boats, good quality, beautiful appearance and a decent price.
Motor boats
Motorized inflatable boats have cone-shaped or oval ends of the cylinders that extend beyond the stern line. The models have excellent driving characteristics, high load capacity, and reach speeds of 100 kilometers per hour. They have a rigid bottom and are equipped with collapsible, folding, solid floorboards. The series includes boats with decks made of plywood, aluminum, and fiberglass. Motorized inflatable boats are used in rescue services, coast guards, and for long-distance trips.
Characteristics of Boats PVC 320 Light “Shore”
- Length - 320 cm;
- Width – 160 cm;
- Cockpit dimensions (usable area) – 220 x 67-70 cm;
- The dimensions of the cover are 0.98 × 0.38 × 0.55 m (for comparison, the transport dimensions of the most compact tourist tent of the Bereg PF - Sputnik-3 - 1.1 x 0.3 x 0.3 m);
- The weight of the boat set is 31.5 kg;
- Load capacity / Fully loaded on planing - 450-480 kg;
- The length of the “leg” of the S motor is short (41 cm).
Recommendations:
- Recommended motor power – 5-6 hp;
- Maximum motor power – up to 10 hp;
- Maximum motor weight is up to 30 kg.
The inflatable lightweight boat PVC 320 Light will become your faithful travel companion.
Our specialists will be happy to answer any questions or help you choose a product. You can contact us through the official Bereg PF groups on social networks, chat on the official website or by calling the hotline (Free call within Russia).
Aluminum boat repair
Aluminum boats are easy to both maintain and repair. If there is a hole, it is enough to apply and secure a patch to it using rivets, using a sealant. This type of repair is available to anyone. It is enough to have a desire. The patch can be welded on. But then you will have to turn to specialists, although the repair may turn out to be of better quality.