Double inflatable boats: types and tips for choosing

Inflatable boats have long gained popularity. They are appreciated by fishermen, and hunters, and lovers of water tourism, and those who need a boat for something else. The most practical option can be considered boats with two seats - and they definitely deserve a careful analysis.

The high demand for inflatable double boats for fishing is explained by:

• increased mobility;
• ease of maintenance;
• long service life;
• universal scope.

But here it is also important to say why the 2-seater design is so good. You can easily take it with you, deliver it to the shore of the reservoir and inflate it there. Even if the boat is pumped up, it will be possible to move it “in one hand” along the shore and use it in another place if necessary.

Also, the characteristic differences between double boats from boats with a different number of passengers are:

• relatively small draft (compared to multi-seat vessels);
• comfortable width;
• the ability to take a partner, fellow traveler, extra baggage or an unusually large catch / prey;
• the optimal balance between the complexity of use and the practical advantages listed above.

The three most widely used materials for 2-seat inflatable boats are:

• PVC;
• rubber;
• hipalon.

Most designs in use today use five-layer PVC with an additional reinforcing layer. The vast majority of fabrics are made from synthetic threads. The main volume of these threads falls on polyester or nylon. Both materials are durable, inexpensive, their decay is practically excluded. Polyester is stiffer, but nylon is more flexible and resists mechanical tears more effectively.

The rubber boat has become quite a rarity in the late 2010s. Even the best grades of rubber are far inferior to conventional PVC. Instead of rubber, the coating of boats is made:

• pure PVC;
• its combination with polyurethane;
• polyurethane;
• hipalone;
• hipalon-neoprene combination.

Hipalon is rightfully recognized as one of the ideal coatings, which is valued for its resistance to ultraviolet rays. Neoprene is slightly worse, but it has excellent air retention and saves money. Polyurethane has another important property: increased crushability and speed of restoration of the original geometric shape. This characteristic makes it easy to cope with the mechanical impact of sea and river waves. The porosity of polyurethane and its strength, increased resistance to mechanical stress allow this material to outperform both PVC and even Hypalon.

Differences between double inflatable boats are due not only to the type of material used. They are also classified according to the following parameters:

• hull geometry;
• cylinder diameter;
• bottom type;
• the presence of the keel or the designers' refusal from it;
• type of transom (embedded or suspended);
• some other characteristics.

It is customary to call boats medium-sized rubber boats equipped with a hinged transom.. Such vessels may be oared or motorized. It turns out cheap, quite mobile and not too heavy transport.

The role of the keel is that when using very powerful engines, it is easier to enter the planing mode. The boat begins to rub against the water less, and therefore the speed of movement increases. Thanks to the strong integrated transom, you can put more powerful power plants than on the outboard transom. The floors of inflatable boats for athletes are made of composites, aluminum, fiberglass or multi-layer special plywood.

Such transport can be calculated:

• for sailing;
• movement with a motor;
• use of oars.

A durable transom is used and on boats with a roll up bottom. Such boats can be folded. They usually have a flexible keel, which can be either inflatable or rigid. According to the characteristics, these vessels do not differ from the sports category. However, they are easier to assemble, disassemble and do not cause any problems during storage.

If a boat with a hard bottom does not suit you, you can use craft with a flexible bottom. This design solution reduces the weight of the product. However, there is also a negative side: the softness of the floor makes it almost impossible to transport goods. Yes, and other serious, responsible work is also in question.Inflatable boats are sometimes used and false bottom - this format is called RIB.

The advantage of RIB ships is combination of high buoyancy and impressive hardness. Sometimes there are options with jet engines. However, such designs are very voluminous and require a lot of storage space. However, true travel lovers know that these shortcomings are not too significant. RIB is readily used even by professionals and emergency services.

Differences between boats are also due to their carrying capacity, passenger capacity (these indicators are obviously interconnected). Speaking about double boats, you need to immediately indicate that they are designed to carry 150-250 kg in total.

The next important criterion is the difference between oared and powered boats. It should not be thought that motorized transport is always unambiguously better than rowboats. For rafting and testing yourself with turbulent currents, rapids and waterfalls rowboats are much better suited. It is advisable for fishermen to row too, so as not to scare away all the fish with the noise of the engine.

The mass of double fishing boats is approximately 15-20 kg. Sometimes they are equipped with a mounted transom for an electric motor or a light internal combustion engine. But experienced fishermen know that it’s impossible to choose a boat just like that. You will have to carefully take into account the characteristics of the reservoir, and the climate, and the habits of the fish, which it is desirable to extract in the first place.Therefore, in each case, boats with special characteristics are chosen, which you can learn from experts “live” or on forums.

Two-man inflatable boat is very popular "Ufimka-22". A feature of its design is a rather sharp shape. This circumstance allows for increased driving performance and patency. It is difficult to say that it is Ufimka-22 that is better than other boats in general, but it has been produced for many years and is in constant demand. The cost of this model is from 7 to 9 thousand rubles, and similar models from other companies cost at least 1000 rubles more.

The specific features of the model are:

• a small number of adhesive seams;
• use of mutually independent cylinders;
• reinforcement of seams with special tapes.

deserves attention and "Aqua" model 260. This is a motor-rowing boat, its bottom is hard, and flooring is not provided. But there is a tested mounted transom. The manufacturer positions its product as a means for fishing near the shore. It is also advised to use it for tourists to overcome lakes and rivers, and for hunting enthusiasts to collect shot waterfowl.

A similar purpose has "Aqua-Optima 260 ND". This is one of the lightest boats in its segment. Nevertheless, she has the optimal set of fittings. In addition, the design guarantees excellent maneuverability. The 2.6 m long craft is capable of carrying up to 220 kg.

The choice of even a small double boat is a complicated matter and requires accuracy and attention. It is better for hunting lovers to give preference to camouflage products, because then the game will not be alert. The more powerful the motor, the more relevant the use of a stationary transom. Contrary to popular fear, the inflatable bottom is quite durable, and a boat with it can be used on any fishing trip. But for hiking trips over long distances, it is advisable to give preference to more rigid structures. Indeed, in uninhabited areas, the risk is much higher than with conventional fishing.

Pressure relief valves are valuable if you plan on boating frequently in hot, sunny weather. Of course, you should not buy the cheapest boats. It is best to purchase them in official stores, or at least at a price no less than that set on them, otherwise there is a high risk of acquiring a low-quality fake.

In the next video you will find an overview of the budget double inflatable boat "Aqua" 2800.