Single boats: varieties and selection criteria

Single boats are very popular among hunters and fishermen. Despite their compact size, they perfectly cope with the tasks assigned to them and meet all safety requirements.

Single boats are ideal for avid fishermen, who prefer to fish alone, and are optimally suited for people who do not have a special trailer for transporting full-size boats. Besides, Single-seat models cost much less than multi-seat models and are very compact when folded.. This makes it easy to transport them to the place of fishing or hunting and does not create difficulties during storage.

Another undoubted advantage of single-seat models is their high passability through swamps and overgrown reservoirs, where it is impossible to pass on a larger boat. This allows them to be used when hunting waterfowl, during which you have to make your way through coastal vegetation and reeds most of the time.

The carrying capacity of some single models reaches 250 kg, which allows you to freely place a rich catch or shot game in them. Moreover, the use of single boats is not limited to fishing or hunting.Small models are very convenient for a relaxing holiday on the water, rafting and water tourism.

However, despite the numerous advantages, single boats still have disadvantages. These include a small carrying capacity and the inability to use on serious water bodies and with a large wave.

The classification of single-seater boats is made according to several criteria, the determining one of which is the material for the manufacture of boats. On this basis, boats are divided into wood, metal, rubber and PVC.

Wood has been infrequently used for boat construction in recent years, giving way to more modern materials such as neoprene and PVC. Therefore, wooden models are presented mainly homemade punt boats, which are made by craftsmen from pine (spruce) boards and lightweight plywood.

Metal single boats are also becoming a thing of the past, however, due to the long service life, some of them still remain in the hands of the population. As an example, consider unique collapsible model "Baby", having a length of about 2 m and weighing only 20 kg. Lightweight aluminum alloy was used as a manufacturing material, due to the elasticity of which the sections were made by cold stamping.

The thickness of the sheets was 1.5 mm, and the rigidity of the structure was ensured by special corrugations with a semicircular cross section.When assembled, the boat was very compact, which made it possible to transport it even by public transport.

More recently, rubber single boats were at the peak of popularity, pushing wooden and metal models into the background. They were ideally suited for operation on clean waters, where there were no underwater surprises in the form of snags, remnants of rebar and sharp stones. However, it was dangerous to go out on reeds and dense thickets of coastal bushes on such models. The rubber layer was easily pierced even by a broken branch, creating a dangerous situation.

In addition, after several years of operation, the glued seams began to diverge, and the rubber itself dried out and cracked under the influence of sunlight. Craftsmen glued their rubber boats many times and put patches on them, but sailing on such a boat was quite a dangerous undertaking, and the fishermen acted at their own peril and risk.

The advent of single boats made of reinforced PVC has revolutionized the market for small boats. and brought PVC models to the undisputed sales leaders. At the moment they are the most reliable and durable products and have no competitors in their field. Models consist of PVC 2-9-layer execution, they are distinguished by high strength and wear resistance, are not afraid of high temperatures and do not lose their working qualities under the sun's rays. Moreover, it is very difficult to pierce the material, which makes it possible to use boats for hunting in swamps and coastal fishing.

In addition to strength, it should be noted the high rigidity of the material, which, together with excellent elasticity, gives the boat excellent buoyancy and maneuverability. Light single-seat vessel is able to move through the water at high speed even in the presence of high waves.

The next criterion for classifying single boats is the type of construction. On this basis, rowing and motor models are distinguished, as well as their hybrids - motor-rowing boats.

• Motor boats equipped with a special transom on which the outboard motor is mounted. All transom models are equipped with oarlocks and can be operated by oars in the event of a motor breakdown or the need for silent movement. Unlike rowboats, motor boats are made of a denser material that can withstand increased loads when the boat moves at high speed. In addition, most of them have a reinforced solid bottom, which allows you to stand freely in the boat without fear of its overturning.

• Motor-rowing models equipped with a hinged transom, which, if necessary, can be removed and left on the shore. Such boats are considered more versatile, since you can install a motor on them at any time, and if it is not needed, then use oars.

• Rowing single boats are the most budget option and are in high demand.Models are equipped with convenient oarlocks that securely fix the oar and prevent it from slipping into the water.

The next criterion for the classification of single boats is the performance of the bottom. On this basis, distinguish models with a hard and inflatable bottom. In the former, hard materials are used to strengthen the rigidity of the floor, such as moisture-resistant plywood or sheet aluminum. For the latter, the bottom is pumped up separately, which makes them somewhat lighter than models with a hard bottom.

And at the end of the review it is worth saying about models equipped with an inflatable keel located under the bow of the craft. The presence of the keel allows you to develop greater speed when entering the gliding trajectory and increases the stability of the boat on high waves.

When choosing a single boat, you need to pay attention to a number of important points.

• Despite the fact that boats designed for one person are produced in lengths of 200 cm or more, for greater convenience, it is recommended to choose models of at least 250 cm in length. This will allow you to freely arrange fishing or hunting accessories and not share centimeters of area with prey or catch. This is especially true for motor boats, because buying a model that is too short can turn into a coup.
• You should also pay attention to weight. Most models weigh from 10 to 50 kg, so when buying, you need to consider how the boat will be delivered to the reservoir.If you have a car, this factor does not play any role, but if you plan to carry a boat behind your back, then this moment must be taken into account.
• load capacity is also an important selection criterion and depends on the type and purpose of the boat. So, when buying a motorboat, it is better to give preference to a carrying capacity of at least 250 kg. This will allow you to install a gasoline engine, lay down a tent, sit down yourself and lay down your catch.
• Bottom material is also important. If the boat is purchased for fishing, then it is preferable to choose models with a wooden or metal bottom that cannot be damaged by a sharp hook or knife. You can also choose an inflatable bottom, but for greater safety, you should cover it with linoleum or thin plywood.
• If the boat is purchased for secluded walks on calm water, then the best option would be purchase of a mini-model with dimensions of 120x55 cm and a cylinder diameter of 40 cm. The weight of such models barely reaches 20 kg, which allows you to take them with you on hiking trips. The carrying capacity of the "kids" varies from 100 to 150 kg, the bottom is hard, there is no built-in transom. The bench in such models is often replaced by a pillow designed for one person.

The modern market is a huge selection of single boats, the best examples of which are discussed below.

• Model "Pelican 255T" - This is a motorboat with a fixed transom weighing 18 kg. The product is made of reinforced PVC and covered with a layer of polyurethane, equipped with a convenient carrying case, consists of two chambers and is equipped with an Italian valve. The carrying capacity of the boat is 160 kg, which makes it possible not to register it with the State Inspectorate for Small Vessels. Model dimensions - 255x125 cm, balloon diameter - 36 cm, price - 15960 rubles

• Rowing model "PVC Tuzik 1" belongs to the budget category and costs only 12,500 rubles. The carrying capacity is 170 kg, length - 220 cm, width - 110 cm, cylinder diameter - 32 cm, weight - 8 kg.

• Boat "Dive 2" It is made of reinforced rubber, weighs 16 kg and is available in dimensions of 260x110 cm. The height of the cylinder is 30 cm, the load capacity is 220 kg, the bottom is single-layer, in some modifications it is inflatable. The cost is from 7000 rubles.

See the following video for an overview of a single boat.