Boats "Hunter": characteristics, lineup and selection rules

Manufacturers of inflatable boats, which appeared at the beginning of the 20th century, confidently conquered a huge segment of the market, providing hunters, fishermen and tourists with reliable, inexpensive and transportable watercraft. The variety of modern boats is huge, as is the breadth of their application. Despite the versatility of many inflatables, it was still necessary to develop specialized swimming facilities for fishermen, hunters, fishermen, tourists, etc.

The manufacturer of inflatable boats Hunterboat presents the widest selection of products under the famous Hunter brand in Russia. The production of boats for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts has been mastered by the company since 2009. During this time, not only a developed dealer network appeared, but also the production and supply of spare parts for Hunter boats were established in almost all regions of Russia.

Wherein product developers have tried to take into account the numerous wishes of users. The company continues to actively study the opinions of customers, and is also keenly interested in the development of technologies for the production of inflatable boats. This allows the company's products to meet modern requirements, while remaining quite democratic in terms of price. All products of the company are certified and comply with safety requirements.

The main features of the company "Hunterboat" can be considered:

• triple quality control system;
• high-quality warranty and post-warranty service;
• timely delivery of products.

Products with the Hunter logo have a number of distinctive features, which allowed her to take her rightful place among a wide range of inflatable boats:

• light weight;
• “Lyktros-Lykpaz” seat fastening, which allows adjusting their position and thus organizing the cockpit space according to specific needs;
• comfortable and reliable carrying handles in combination with handrails allow you to easily move the boat to the reservoir;
• reinforced seams ensure a long stay in an inflated state;
• protection of cylinder ends on transom boats prevents accidental damage;
• durable PVC fabric with a density of at least 850 g / cm² ensures the reliable use of the craft (subject to the basic rules of operation in fresh water conditions with dense coastal vegetation, snags and gravel banks);
• additional reinforcement of the side part of the cylinders helps to protect the fabric from damage when mooring to wooden and concrete piers.

The disadvantages of the Hunter boats often include splashing into the cockpit while driving under the motor, in these cases, the company's specialists recommend installing a running front awning. Also, long-term intensive use in harsh conditions can cause abrasions of the fabric on the outside of the cylinders. But all boats made of PVC have this drawback, and here we can only recommend that you exercise great care when operating such a product.

The widest variety of the Hunter model range is reflected in the letter indices used to mark models in the name. The digital index, like many PVC boat manufacturing companies, corresponds to the length of the product in centimeters. "H" - a letter index, indicating that this model is made with a low pressure inflatable bottom (with NDND). Such a device can have "Hunters" both with and without a keel.

Despite a number of inconveniences associated with the possibility of puncturing the inflatable bottom, it also has significant advantages. Primarily this is lightness, as well as elasticity, which maintains high seaworthiness when moving under a motor in rough waters. At the same time, you can stand on such a bottom, which greatly expands the possibilities of fishing or hunting directly from the boat.

"L" - an index indicating that the seats are attached to this product using the "lyktros-likpaz" system. This method of attaching cans-seats allows you to freely change their position, thus adjusting the space of the cockpit.

In the presence of the index "T" it can be concluded that this product is equipped with a mounted transom for a light outboard motor, which allows you to turn the boat into a motor-rowing craft. The shape of the hull does not allow such boats to move in the glider mode.

Boats with index "K" are equipped with an inflatable bottom with a keel. These are real seaworthy boats capable of moving in glider mode. The presence of a keel provides excellent handling on any body of water. Significant speed makes such models more preferable in high water.

And finally index "P" - they designate models with basic equipment, the cost of which, as a rule, is lower compared to boats that have the same dimensions, but are equipped with additional various accessories.

Starting a review of the popular Hunterboat models, it should be mentioned that, like other rubber boats, according to their characteristics, they are divided into three main types.

Notable examples of this type are "Hunter 250 M, ML". "Hunter 280 R, L". The length of the boats is 250 and 280 cm, respectively. The “L” index in the name means that both models have Lyktros-Likpaz seat mounts and their position can be adjusted. "P" in the case of "Hunter 280" means that this model has a basic package. The boats can comfortably accommodate two people. The main mover is the oars, so it is undesirable to use these models on high water.

One of the most popular models of this type is "Hunter 240", the configuration of which can be indicated by the indices "L" or "R". Boats are available in two color options: green or gray. This is a classic rowboat that can be fitted with a detachable transom.

It is impossible to develop high speed under the motor on it, however, a light gasoline or electric motor will help to overcome significant distances in calm water, for example, to a fishing or hunting place. The boat has a three-section flooring, but you can also install a plywood floorboard. A fully equipped boat has a mass of about 18 kg.

• "Hunter 280 LT, LR, T" in terms of their characteristics, they are close to the previous model, however, due to the greater length, it is somewhat heavier (up to 23 kg), but at the same time much more spacious.

• "Hunter 290 R" - one of the most popular models of this type. The boat has a U-shaped, characteristic of transom models, the shape of the cylinders. Plywood transom allows you to install a motor up to 5 liters. with., with the help of which the boat easily goes into the glider. The spacious cockpit is one of the advantages of the model. The ability to install a payol-book greatly increases the options for using the boat.

• The most capacious model of the motor-rowing type is "Hunter 320 L, LK". LK is a product with movable seats and a keel. This model has increased the diameter of the cylinders (from 39.4 to 41.5 cm). This seemingly insignificant design change made it possible to create a completely new boat with improved seaworthiness. The maximum power of the motor that can be installed on the boat is 8 hp. With.Its combination with a special shape of the bottom and an inflatable keel makes the boat stable on the course in glider mode.

The size of the "Hunters" of this class is 335, 340, 360 cm. The bottom of most of them is hard with an inflatable keel protected by armor. The boats have good seaworthiness and can be used in light waves on large lakes and reservoirs.

• "Hunter 290 LK" - a boat with NDND, one of the company's new products. Keeping the advantages of the popular model, the boat has become even lighter. It is perfect for lovers of individual fishing or hunting. Larger models have also acquired a number of new qualities in the configuration with NDND. They are convenient to pack, and when folded, they are not only lighter, but also much more compact.

• Luxury and Comfort boats, both rowing and motor boats, provide a number of additional accessories (awning, rod holders, etc.) Examples of such models are Hunter 290 LK Lux, Hunter 320 LT Lux, Hunter 360 A. The presence of a removable awning allows you to use boats for long trips. A boat awning, together with the boat itself, can serve as a wonderful camping house.

• A completely new line of activity for Hunterboat is represented by boats of the Stealth series. These payol boats, designed for hunting and fishing, are available with a special color scheme. All products of the series have the same configuration, differing only in the size and diameter of the cylinders.Thanks to the inflatable bottom, boats with good seaworthiness can also be used in shallow water. The keel, transom and bladders are protected by additional armor, which makes it safer to move in shallow water in thickets or rocky bottoms, and also allows you to moor more confidently in a variety of conditions.

The choice of a boat is a purely individual matter. In this case, it is better to proceed from the tasks that will be assigned to the floating facility. If the buyer needs a boat for hunting or fishing in quiet "secret" places where only the closest friends can be allowed, it is better to purchase a light model of a rowing or motor-rowing type. The weight of such a product should be within the power of one person, and one should not forget about the weight of other fishing and hunting belongings, which will also have to be moved, relying only on oneself. In this case, a small boat with NDND or a classic model without a hard bottom, which adds weight and dimensions when folded, will do.

If fishing is supposed to be on a large reservoir in the company of friends, it is better to purchase a boat of a motor or motor-rowing type, of sufficient length, with the expectation that there will always be assistants to launch this vessel into the water. Otherwise, the expenditure of energy to prepare the craft for operation for its intended purpose will be unreasonably high.

For a family holiday, it is better to choose a large boat.. At the same time, one of the main requirements in this case should be safety, so it is advisable to limit yourself to a not very powerful motor, and also make sure that the handrails and passenger handles are reliable.One of the selection criteria can be color. When choosing a boat for hunting or fishing near the shore in the shade of bushes, it is better to pay attention to dark green or gray products that are less visible from the water or air.

If you plan to use the boat in open water, it is better to choose a lighter color with high reflectivity, which will reduce the heating of the cylinders in direct sunlight. If the boat is required for recreation or long water trips, it is better to choose bright colors, more noticeable both on the water and from the shore.

By purchasing any product, of course, it is advisable to study the quality of seams and valves even before buying - these are the most vulnerable structural elements. It is also important to check the reliability of the fastening of the oarlocks and transom, the failure of which can seriously affect the functionality of the acquisition. In general, all PVC overlays must fit snugly, otherwise they may gradually separate from the base material.

New boats are usually tightly packed in a bag designed for their transportation. It is convenient to store products in them, they take up little space and easily fit in the trunk of a car. Light boats with a flat or inflatable bottom usually fit in one bag, but there are models that require three bags to pack. This factor is also important when buying a new boat, as it can significantly affect the conditions of its transportation.

The popular brand "Hunter", which has successfully mastered the PVC inflatable boat market for a decade, of course, has gained a whole army of loyal supporters who post reviews on various websites that the boat has confirmed their best expectations. Positive feedback about the Hunter boats can be combined into several main theses:

• excellent driving performance and well-thought-out equipment;
• these are lightweight models that are convenient to carry alone;
• despite the low price, the boats are distinguished by high-quality performance.

Naturally, there are those who, for whatever reason, were dissatisfied with the purchase of goods of this particular brand and actively defend the advantages of products from competing manufacturers. Here are examples of negative reviews on Hunterboat products:

• water accumulates at the bottom, since the drain valve is located quite high;
• the bag is made of thin PVC, worn out during the season;
• Some of the seams are uneven.

For information on how to properly use Hunter boats, see the following video.