Boats "Admiral": characteristics and overview of models

An inflatable rubber boat is an invention of military engineers at the beginning of the 20th century, necessary for crossing water barriers, for the needs of amphibious assaults or small mobile reconnaissance and sabotage units, as well as as rescue boats on small warships. By the middle of the century, many companies began to produce a civilian version of the product. Let us consider in more detail the characteristics and review of the Admiral boat models.

The Russian company "Admiral" from St. Petersburg supplies the market with a modern competitive product - boats made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride). The model range is represented by all types of boats: rowing, motor-rowing and motor with high seaworthiness. For the manufacture of boats, high-quality European material is used. A special connection technology has made it possible to create durable seams.

The designers of the Admiral plant are working to improve functionality, but also create a really comfortable and stylish product that meets the highest international standards. With care, the company's products can be used intensively at least 10 years. The company's factory has established the production of spare parts for all types of boats manufactured by the company.

The following undeniable advantages brought inflatable boats into a completely separate class of watercraft:

• ease, allowing the use of the boat on any body of water with little labor;
• compactness and the ability to store in a small room (on a loggia, in a garage, and so on);
• maintainability - such a boat can be repaired even in the field;
• affordability - the price of inflatable boats is usually an order of magnitude lower compared to metal or wooden boats of the same size and seaworthiness.

In the context of urbanization that swept the whole world in the second half of the 20th century, which cut off a huge part of the population of developed countries from nature, inflatable boats became one of the ways to maintain this connection. The products of the Admiral company meet all the requirements for modern inflatable boats, safety requirements are also taken into account. All models have at least 3 inflatable compartments.

Some are equipped with an inflatable bottom and keel, which increases their seaworthiness and structural elasticity. The seams are taped on both sides. Motor-rowing and motor models are equipped with a durable transom for installing a boat motor. Some models are equipped with a payol - a built-in floor, divided into sections or one-piece made of plywood treated against water.

A special line of models are boats with an inflatable bottom of low pressure (NDND). This constructive solution makes it possible to create an elastic structure that maintains the shape of the cylinders without increasing the mass of the product. Models with NDND, as a rule, are designed for movement under oars or with a low power motor.

Models designed for use with engines of at least 15 hp.with., have a reinforced bottom with an improved keel shape and a reinforced transom, which makes it easy to switch to planing mode. Such boats can also be successfully operated on large waters (lakes, reservoirs, coastal strip of the seas).

On all products of the company, in order to increase safety and comfort, the diameter of the cylinders has been increased, from 40 cm. The size of the Admiral boats determines the carrying capacity and capacity of the boats.

Compliance with the loading established by the instructions allows you to optimally use the seaworthiness of the craft and ensure safety on the water. All models are supplied with handrails for safety and carrying. All have lifelines. Large boats are equipped with mounts for installing a canopy tent. On all models, even the so-called motor ones, oarlocks are mounted, and oars are provided in the kit.

Models of the company "Admiral" have markings that allow you to determine some of the characteristics of the boats, even without visual acquaintance with them. The digital index in the model name corresponds to the length of the product. Knowing the length, it is already possible to predict its approximate mass and carrying capacity.

It is better to start the review of models with single row boats "Admiral 180", "Admiral 200" and "Admiral 250", having a length of 180, 200 and 250 cm, respectively. Boats with small dimensions are equipped with oars. There are models equipped with a transom that allows you to install a light outboard motor.Weight from 18 to 25 kg allows you to use them individually and easily move between small reservoirs (river oxbows, backwaters, channels, and so on). Despite the dimensions, for the manufacture of these small boats, the company's traditional material is used - PVC with a standard thickness of 0.6 mm. The size of the balloons is 40 cm.

According to the reviews of the owners, this combination of characteristics with an overall small length and weight makes the Admiral single boats one of the most durable boats for amateur fishermen, tourists and non-professional hunters. However, you should not count on high running performance when using the motor on them. The soft bottom, small length and the absence of any keel do not allow to keep a steady course; nevertheless, the oars remain the main mover for these models.

Double motor-rowing models "Admiral 290" and "Admiral 305" allow you to carry a load with a total weight of about 400 kg. They can easily accommodate 2 people with impressive luggage. On the boat, you can install standard tents manufactured by the Admiral company. The transom is designed to mount a light outboard motor up to 6 hp. With. The design features of the boats allow them to easily switch to planing mode.

They also proved to be excellent when moving on oars. Rave reviews from fans of family holidays on the water and fishing on small lakes confirm that even with a 3.5-liter engine. With. boats glide perfectly, but it is still better to refrain from using them on large bodies of water.

According to numerous reviews and sales statistics, one of the most popular models produced by the company is considered "Admiral 320". The dimensions made it possible to develop a whole family of watercraft with various characteristics and seaworthiness, using various design solutions. "Admiral 320 Classic" and similar "Admiral 335 Classic" - the most versatile models of their size groups. They have a classic U-shaped balloon shape.

The reinforced bottom on some models is aluminum, which allows the use of a motor with a power of up to 20 hp. With. Boats have proven themselves as a pleasure craft for families. Reviews of water tourism enthusiasts also point to the high comfort and seaworthiness of these boats.

Models with the “Lux” index have an enlarged cockpit and the possibility of installing awnings of increased comfort. Such boats can be successfully used not only as a watercraft, but also as a mobile camping house. However, for individual use by lovers of long water trips, these models are hardly suitable. Nevertheless, when inflated, they have significant dimensions, and the weight with deflated cylinders will be a serious problem if you try to cope with it alone.

Some design changes made it possible to create a unique model "Admiral 320 Sport". The shape of the cylinders was changed, which led to an overall improvement in contours and gave the hull a more rapid shape. Original solutions led to the creation of a unique shape of the bottom, and a special tension system using a hard floor made it possible to give it optimal elasticity. Thereby "Admiral 320S" very easy to switch to glider mode.At the same time, the carrying capacity of 450 kg was maintained.

When creating a model "Admiral 330 Comfort" requirements for increased comfort were taken into account, as a result, a completely new model was obtained, which was not only affected by numerous changes, but the very concept of the watercraft has changed. With a length of 330 cm, a width of 175 cm. On the boat of this model, you can install various options for awnings. The increased diameter of the balloons (up to 45 cm) ensures complete safety even on medium waves with moderate winds.

Despite the increased width of the cockpit, seaworthiness was practically not affected. The owners note the widest possible use of the CF series, it is perfect for long water crossings with overnight stays, family vacations. Spaciousness and stability are highly appreciated by fishing enthusiasts in large water bodies, but it is better to refrain from using this model in shallow water, at shallow depths and in thickets.

Video review of the inflatable boat "Admiral" 320 Sport, see below.