PVC rowing boats: varieties and recommendations for choosing

Modern people prefer outdoor activities, so most city dwellers go to water bodies on their free days.

PVC rowboats are considered excellent watercraft. This article provides an overview of rowing boats, describes the features of their use and discusses the most popular models.

Inflatable rowing boats are made from rubber or polyvinyl chloride. PVC is considered a more practical material, as it is a multilayer fabric. Such vessels are characterized by increased strength, since the layers of synthetic material are glued together, and then additionally treated with polyvinyl chloride.

Polyvinyl chloride is distinguished by its puncture strength, as well as its lightness. It tolerates direct sunlight well, demonstrates resistance to high temperatures and acid-base solutions.

The defining moment is the density of matter. For boats of the highest quality, this parameter varies from 750 to 1100 g/sq. m, while the greater the density of the fabric, the higher its resistance to tearing. At the same time, the material also has a drawback, namely, increased weight, which leads to certain difficulties in laying and transporting the product.

PVC used for the production of water transport is divided into two types: reinforced and non-reinforced polyvinyl chloride. The first is more durable and strong. It is made from polyester or neon and is most often used to create ships.

The vast majority of imported manufacturers (except Chinese) use only the highest quality materials for the manufacture of inflatable boats. Experts claim that the best canvases are made in France, as well as in Finland and Canada, German fabrics are highly valued. Russian companies also offer high-quality and reliable models, but this only applies to those who produce boats from imported canvases.

PVC water transport has its pros and cons. Let's dwell on them in more detail.

Pros:

• after the release of the injected air from the products, they become compact in size, so they can easily fit in a bag;
• lightweight body allows the user to spend less physical effort when rowing;
• the ability to move the boat along the shore on their own, without the help of other people;
• small dimensions simplify overcoming obstacles on the water (dams and rapids);
• the canvas is very easy to clean - just wash off all the dirt and thoroughly wipe the boat dry;
• the reduced landing of the product allows you to swim even in shallow water;
• PVC oar boats are resistant to capsizing;
• folded products do not require much space, so storing them is very easy;
• in order to inflate the vessel using the most common hand pump, it takes no more than 20-25 minutes.

However, PVC boats are not without drawbacks. They are primarily poor maintainability. In case of a puncture, it is quite difficult to return the functionality to the product, sometimes they are completely unrepairable, it all depends on how serious the damage to the surface is. Another difficulty arises in windy weather: inflatable boats are light in weight, so the ship begins to be demolished. The rower is forced to constantly correct the course, actively working with the oars - this leads to a rapid fatigue of the user.

There are several types of rowing boats.

The boats are small rubber boats with a hinged transom. Optimal for short trips using rowing oars. However, some manufacturers provide for the possibility of installing an engine on such boats. As a rule, boats are produced with four people.

Sports boats are suitable for long stays on the water, as well as high-speed traffic. They are performed with a wooden or fiberglass hull, a little less often with an inflatable one. They are distinguished by a solid deck, as well as a strong transom, it is possible to install a motor.

Depending on the type of floor, PVC inflatable boats come in several types.

• with hard floor. A typical overhead floor is made of fiberglass, aluminum or plywood. Such boats can be oared or motor-oared, in rare cases they are sail-driven.

• With Roll Up bottom. These vessels do not provide for the possibility of installing an engine, they can be exclusively rowing. The boat folds with the floor, making it easy to store and move to your destination. The main distinguishing features of such boats are a strong transom, a rigid keel, as well as the ability to operate with oars or a sail.

• With flexible bottom Air Deck. A strong trance and a flexible keel are assumed, due to which the product has a small mass. It is not difficult to manage these ships alone, since they are assembled quite quickly and easily moved from place to place. But it is dangerous to transport heavy loads and a large number of people on them because of the too soft bottom.

• Boats with a hard false bottom. RIB-vessels combine the strength of a boat and the buoyancy of an inflatable vessel. The flooring is made of aluminum or fiberglass. Typically, such boats can be additionally equipped with fuel tanks, as well as control racks, seats, water cannons and engines. Such boats are quite often used by Coast Guard personnel due to their high speed capability, practicality and reliability.

This model will appeal to all lovers of fishing. It is distinguished by a special shape that facilitates a fast move on the oars. The stern is rounded, while the nose is slightly raised. The width of the balloon is 36 cm, which is above the average.The boat is double, although the design is built in such a way that it will be inconvenient for two passengers to fish at the same time.

The main advantages of the model:

• hard bottom;
• high strength polyvinyl chloride;
• high sides.

There are also disadvantages:

• big weight;
• difficult to accommodate two fishermen comfortably.

Budget option from a Russian manufacturer. Single inflatable rowing boat made of medium strength PVC. In theory, two people can fit inside, but then you can simply forget about comfort.

The main advantages of the model are:

• the presence of hard seats;
• high load capacity - the boat can withstand up to 140 kg;
• balloon diameter 33 cm.

Of the minuses can be identified:

• small capacity;
• absence of a keel.

Compact 2-seater boat. The model is reinforced with a plug-in bottom made of plywood, which is water resistant and has a special anti-slip coating. The paddles are adjustable for reach. The advantages of the model include raised feed, which greatly facilitates the movement through the water.

One of the cheapest and most ergonomic models in the top single boats. The size of the boat is only 2 m and the width is 1.16 m. This limited space is enough for two passengers, but the manufacturer still recommends that the boat be used for fishing by one user.

If the dimensions of the craft do not play a fundamental role for you, this option will be optimal, since in all other respects this product is in no way inferior to its competitors.

The boat is made of reinforced polyvinyl chloride, it has a dense plywood rack flooring, there are two inflatable seats. This design weighs only 12 kg. Of the shortcomings, users note inconvenience of rowing, as well as weak oarlocks.

According to user reviews, this boat is one of the most reliable PVC models. "Hunter 320" is a universal vessel where you can fish, hunt, and just spend time with your friends. In the manufacture of the vessel, a particularly strong German-made canvas is used, its density is 750 g/sq. m. This material creates effective protection against sharp snags and stones, for which the vessel can catch on. Various useful accessories are included in the package, for example, a repair kit, as well as an anchor eye. The carrying capacity of the model is 330 kg.

When choosing a watercraft, first of all, one should proceed from the tasks assigned to the vessel.

All consumers can conditionally be divided into several groups:

• hunters;
• athletes overcoming significant distances on the water;
• family vacationers;
• fishing lovers.

Distinctive features of models for hunters include:

• durable camouflage fabric;
• size - from 3 m (this ensures maximum stability of the vessel);
• the frame must be divided into 4 or more compartments;
• wide cylinders for lateral stability.

The main qualities that an inflatable boat must meet for a hunting enthusiast are camouflage, as well as the reliability and stability that they need for shooting in a standing position. It is very important for divers to get on the boat from the water safely and comfortably, the risk of capsizing in this case should be minimized. This parameter is directly affected by the size of the balloon, and in addition, the presence of additional supports. Thanks to the camouflage coloring of the canvas, the ship can hide, while the matter must be strong so as not to inadvertently damage the ship in the thickets.

For athletes who are engaged in rowing and love to travel on inflatable rowing boats, an equally comfortable vessel is required.

Signs of an ideal model for them are:

• rigid folding bottom;
• inflatable kilson;
• stationary transom, providing the possibility of installing the engine if necessary.

Accordingly, the length of the vessel varies from 3 to 4 m, the material must be strong for tearing and puncture.

In the summer, boats are often used for outdoor activities with family and friends.The average family consists of 3-4 people, respectively, the swimming facility must have the capacity necessary for them.

The ideal parameters for such a product would be:

• size - 3-4 m;
• inflatable kilson;
• removable bottom.

For fishermen, small 1.5-seater models are needed, in which they will be comfortable for a long time, while it is necessary to provide a place to store the catch. The fabric must be the strongest and most durableso that the fisherman can move on the boat without fear of piercing it if he has to hide in the thickets.

See the next video for how PVC boats are made.