Features of Apache boats

PVC inflatable boats have firmly entered the everyday life of lovers of fishing or hunting, tourists, and just supporters of outdoor activities. Replacing less practical and durable rubber boats, such boats became the basis for the emergence and development of a whole family of light craft. Many companies around the world are developing this market segment, in this article we will discuss the features of boats under the increasingly popular Apache brand.

Apache boats were the result of the development of one of the model lines of the Ufa manufacturing company Boat Master. This domestic enterprise has mastered all stages of production and delivery of products to the buyer. The manufacturer independently carries out the development and design of products, taking into account modern trends and the wishes of users. Based on the production facilities created back in the Soviet era, modern production has been launched, which has a great potential for further development. The reliability and safety of the manufactured boats are confirmed by numerous tests and tests in various operating conditions.

The company produces several series of inflatable boats, including rowing ("Taimen"), rowing and motor-rowing (Ruch and "Aqua"), rowing, motor-rowing and motor ("Riviera" and Apache).

Products of the Apache series, produced by Master Boat for more than 5 years, have a characteristic color: graphite, camouflage-reed or light gray. The entire model range can be divided into 3 classic types: rowing, motor-rowing and motor. Structurally, the products are divided into models with a flat bottom or with NDND (with a low pressure inflatable bottom). For all models characterized by a modern system of movable mounting seats lyktros-likpaz, which allows you to arbitrarily change the space of the cockpit.

An example of rowing models produced by the company can be Apache 220, 240, 260, which have a classic closed cylinder shape. A feature of these rowing boats is the increased diameter of the cylinders (up to 48 cm) and the cockpit area. The boats are quite comfortable and can accommodate, depending on the length, 1-2 people with the appropriate luggage.

The boats have a simple flat non-inflatable bottom and are not recommended for use with a motor.. Installation of a light low-power outboard engine is possible using a special removable transom. The most maneuverable vessels of this group remain at oars. The advantage of Apache rowing boats can be considered their lightness, even the largest Apache 260 model is liftable for one person, since its assembled weight does not exceed 12 kg. The boats are produced in a standard "graphite" color, which makes them hardly noticeable during the morning or evening hunting from the water.

Apache 280 is available in two versions - as a rowboat and as a motor-rowing boat. In terms of its main characteristics, the model is similar to the rowing boats described above, however, there is also a significant difference. In the aft part on the cylinder there can be mounts for installing a removable transom, allowing the use of an engine with a power of up to 5 hp as an additional propulsion unit. With. Due to the peculiarities of the hull shape and the flat non-inflatable bottom, the boat cannot be transferred to a glider, however, in calm water, the engine can significantly save power.

Boat characteristics Apache 3300 SC, Apache 3500 SC, Apache 3700 SC allow them to be attributed to the type of motor. Models have a non-closed U-shaped cylinders, a rigid floorboard at the bottom and a pronounced inflatable keel. In the stern, the cylinders are fastened with a rigid stationary transom. The fastening and thickness of the plywood transom are designed for the installation of an outboard motor with a capacity of up to 10 horsepower. With a length of 3.3 to 3.7 meters, boats of this model group can easily fit 3 people with the appropriate luggage. The most comfortable, of course, is the most overall model. The total carrying capacity of all models exceeds half a ton.

All models are equipped with a drain valve that allows you to drain accumulated water without capsizing the boat and shifting luggage. All models are also equipped with reliable carrying handles and lifelines for passengers. The seaworthiness of the vessels is very high due to the diameter of the cylinders and keel increased to 48 cm. These models also feel good in shallow water.

With a rather thick PVC used for the manufacture of cylinders (1000 g / m²), they and the bottom are reinforced with additional armor that protects against snags and stones. And for safe mooring there is a fender.The set of boats also includes oars, allowing for precise maneuvers both in open water and near the shore. The presence of various kinds of additional accessories and a hard floor could not but affect the weight of the boats of this group, they are all heavier than 40 kg, and the Apache 3700 approaches 60 kg in this indicator, and it is almost impossible to lower such a vessel into the water or pull it ashore.

A separate model group is represented by boats with NDND (low pressure inflatable bottom), developed on the basis of motor boats of the model group described above. They have characteristics similar to them and also belong to the motor type.

The inflatable bottom, in contrast to the rigid floorboard, allows you to pack the product of this group more compactly, which often becomes a decisive factor in favor of purchasing models with NDND. Boats fit in the trunk of a car quite freely, there may still be room for other luggage. In addition, the inflatable bottom increases the buoyancy and safety of the craft. On such a bottom, you can fish while standing, your feet do not slip on it, and, unlike the payol, it does not add weight. Boats with NDND are not subject to rubbing of cylinders from the inside of the cockpit, which can be observed during long-term intensive use in solder boats.

The Apache brand is quite actively developing the market, and its products are always popular with customers. The advantages of all models of the brand most often include ease of assembly and disassembly, the presence of corrugation on the bottom surface, making it safe to move in the boat. Motor models, according to the reviews of the owners, have good stability on the course, they easily go into the glider.

Criticism of individual Apache boat models, of course, cannot be ignored either. So, some owners speak negatively about too flat bottom. Despite the inflatable keel, a noticeable deflection can be felt at high speeds, which often leads to the formation of an air bag in moderate waves and causes yawing on the course.

Many models are perplexing buyers unnecessarily complex cut of the bow of the cylinders. At the same time, individual owners point to this as a constructive advantage that allows for a stronger connection of the seams. Others, on the contrary, criticize this particular series for the insufficient lifting of the cylinders of the bow of the boat, which, when moving in the glider mode, with some excitement, leads to a significant splashing of the cockpit.

In the next video you will find a review of the motor boat Apache 3500 NDND Prof.