Everything you need to know about PVC low pressure inflatable bottom boats

Watercraft based on synthetic materials almost irrevocably replaced the old wooden and aluminum structures. They have repeatedly proven their practical advantages. However, it is necessary to thoroughly study the features of this type of equipment and make an informed choice, and not buy the first model that comes across.

In recent years, boats made of PVC with NDND have begun to acquire more and more actively. Designs with a low pressure inflatable bottom have existed for a relatively short time, but have already managed to prove themselves from a very good side. Even the objective weaknesses of such boats are not associated with defects in the hulls, but with some nuances of the inflated parts. The popularity of PVC in general is due to the practicality of this material both on water and when transported by land. Modern models of this kind are worked out very well and meet all practical requirements.

PVC boats with NDND are in demand not only by hunters and travelers. They are also appreciated by fishermen and those who are fond of extreme sports on the water. It is customary to divide these models into walking and payol type. The first group is made of relatively thin materials that facilitate construction. It's believed that the level of safety does not decrease, but manufacturers advise to bypass underwater obstacles as far as possible.

Soldering means increasing the rigidity of the boat with the help of:

• plastic;
• plywood;
• steel parts.

Boats with NDND:

• safer than regular types;
• are compact;
• easy to manage;
• little susceptible to the beating of waves in the sides;
• excels at short distances.

Pumping up a polymer boat with a low pressure bottom is not difficult. For this, ordinary "frogs" are used, which makes it possible to do without the use of large pumps. The bottom is made of two layers of carefully selected material and all joints are thoroughly welded. Pneumatic bottom helps reduce the pressure inside the material. Due to the reduced pressure, the risk of damage to the boat in high waves is reduced.

It is worth noting that NDND still has one minus. During filling with air, the surface is covered with bulges. But this problem is not too serious.

You can safely get up in the boat, even quite abruptly, without much fear of overturning. When the wave begins to rock the ship, shocks and deformations of the structure are minimized. The typical lifespan of PVC products is several years.They can be used not only as a watercraft, but also as a sleeping mattress. Important: even when breaking through a separate side, it is quite possible to get to the shore.

It should be remembered that structures with NDND cannot be completely immersed in water, and different parts are at different levels. It follows that the working section of the boat control is too small. When passengers stand up to their full height, the center of gravity rises. It is quite difficult to hold on and not fall overboard. To a large extent, these weaknesses, however, are compensated by the water and directional stability of the craft.

Low pressure inflatable bottom PVC boat ratings consistently include products of the Kompas brand. They are made in Kazan. The experience of operating such boats is already about 10 years. During this time they have received many positive reviews. The designers of the company "Compas" managed to make several different types of performance.

Their specificity is due to the difference in the diameters of the sides. Kazan boats look like the letter U. The deepening of the cockpit helped to slightly increase the capacity of the craft and its carrying capacity. Quite a few people believe, however, that it is better to use boats with a 15 hp engine. With. production of the Novosibirsk plant "Solar". The bottom of these products is relatively low; for its manufacture, an especially strong lavsan with Valmex proprietary impregnation is used.

The density of the bottom in this embodiment reaches 950 kg per 1 sq. m. Thanks to the spoiler at the stern, the hump from the drag trim will be smoothed out. The standard kit includes a pair of oars.

A good alternative is the Grace model, manufactured in St. Petersburg by X-River.The trimaran keelboat is coated with a slip-reducing compound.

"Grace" is not only beautifully named - it has excellent running properties. The cylinders in this model can change the section from 0.54 to 0.48 m. Although the length of the boat exceeds 4 m, its weight is only 54 kg. The manufacturer offers 3 different colors - gray-black, red-black and black-and-white.

Another trimaran version of a motor boat - REEF 360 F Triton ND. The scheme of execution of this model provides increased maneuverability and easy handling. REEF 360 F is made with 3 compartments. The total carrying capacity reaches 650 kg, the maximum number of passengers is 4 people. The dry weight of the boat will be 41 kg.

In terms of quality, it causes excellent ratings and easy modification of Agent from the same manufacturer. Its parameters are:

• dry weight - 49 kg;
• the amount of transported cargo - up to 900 kg;
• the ability to carry 5 passengers;
• permissible load in terms of 1 sq. m. is 0.9 kg;
• double transport handles.

Another St. Petersburg firm is Flagman. All of its products are confidently included in the top of the best models in terms of reliability, however, there are many constructive and practical differences between them. The "420" version is very dense and can move a significant mass without loss of speed. Execution - narrow, the nasal balloon is slightly raised. This solution allows you to walk confidently along narrow reservoirs with winding channels.

It is useful to take a closer look at the 420K option. This version comes with a flat bottom for added stability even when passengers are on their feet. The design is carried out in such a way that medium-sized waves will be absorbed. The characteristics of a 420K boat are close to those of a catamaran.The model has good handling.

The parameters of the boat 420 igla are selected in such a way that it is as easy to manage as possible. According to the manufacturer, the passage of even narrowed fairways is facilitated thanks to such a miniature hull. The speed can be 50 km/h.

Comparison 420 igla is appropriate with the Admiral model. Its design is ideally suited for the use of weak engines. Even if the effort is only 10 to 18 hp. with., the craft will dolphin and confidently plan. Limited deadrise contours increases stability on the water.

If we compare this brand with the products of the Pilot series, it becomes obvious that "Pilots" are more seaworthy. They are designed for operation both in rowing and in motor mode. Increased driving characteristics are provided by an increase in the diameter of the cylinders in the sides up to 0.45 m and width up to 1.7 m.

The designers took care of strengthening the case with a special PVC fabric. The latest versions of the Pilot family go into planing mode as easily as possible. This is achieved thanks to the improved contours of the cylinders. They made it possible to reduce the resistance of the aquatic environment, increase speed and save fuel. Important: experts advise choosing models not with glued, but with welded seams.

They are even stronger than the joined matter itself. Hot air welding, practiced, for example, in the production of Tonar LLC, leads to the appearance of a light gloss. In the second stage of the same production, welding is done with a hot wedge made entirely of silver. This allows you to get rid of the unpleasant shine and make the seam more elegant.

Continuing the review of options, it is appropriate to pay attention to the manufacturer "Master of Boats" with the model "Riviera". The bottom in this version looks like a hydro-ski. This solution allows for incredibly high maneuverability. The turning radius is significantly smaller than competing models. Provided, of course, and enhanced protection.

And if you need to choose a device with the most modern design, then the boat "Stealth 275 Aero" is suitable. The bottom is characterized by moderate deadrise. Such a solution allows to reduce the draft to a minimum. Therefore, Stealth 275 Aero is perfect for overcoming rapids and areas with a rocky coast. Along with the classic eye-handle, an anchor eye with a special roller was placed in the nose. You can carry the entire boat in one bag.

Among the models produced in Russia with a bulwark, the company's products stand out ProfMarine. The manufacturer names among the advantages of its products:

• comfort;
• reliability;
• outward elegance.

An alternative can be considered products of the Frigate brand. The use of bulwarks allows:

• reduce the risk of boat sinking;
• simplify its management;
• reduce the risk of passengers falling out during a sharp turn;
• reduce ingress of splashes.

Also noteworthy are the following brands:

• "River";
• "Mnev and K";
• "AquaMaster";
• "Sail";
• "Monsoon";
• UfaBriz.

Paying attention to manufacturer descriptions and reviews is, of course, important. However, it is necessary to understand what these or those characteristics actually mean. Single models must be maximally durable. After all, there will be no one to help on a long trip. Reinforced type PVC will work better than unreinforced PVC.

As for the density of the main structural material, with its growth, the reliability of the craft increases, but the severity also increases. The vast majority of polymer models are already massive. It is difficult to carry them alone.

The next important point is the dimensions of the craft. If it is immediately known that there will be no passengers, you can choose models with a length of 2.7-3.3 m. For two travelers, it is recommended to choose boats of 3.3-4.2 m. At the same time, 4.2 m will be the smallest allowable length for a three-seater vessel .

Even the color of the boat is important. Anglers need to choose light colors that are harder for fish to see against the sky. But for hunters, tourists and just villagers there is not much difference. Boats with a tunnel for a water cannon are good because the engine is protected as completely as possible in them. It simply will not come into direct contact with objects in the pond.

The jet tunnel makes the construction easier. This solution simplifies the use of the boat:

• in hiking along mountain rivers;
• in alloys in hard-to-reach areas;
• in rescue operations.

The deadrise gradation of boats is also significant - if it is provided, then the landing impact is largely extinguished when it touches the water. When the craft will "jump" over the waves at speed, deadrise becomes very critical. The maneuverability and speed of a keeled boat is higher. But you have to understand that at low speeds, keeled ships are not stable enough. The optimal level of deadrise is directly proportional to the salinity of the reservoir.

Trimaran-type boats deserve special attention. They are characterized by increased stability, especially in static mode. The list will be less than that of conventional ships, but a lot depends on the strength of the waves.

It is not enough to choose PVC boats - even the best models will have to be operated carefully. It is categorically unacceptable to drag boats along the shore, along asphalt and other hard surfaces. Dragging on ice is also unacceptable. Polyvinyl chloride is easy to cut and wears out quickly. The reinforcing layer to some extent compensates for the increase in load, but still this is not the optimal mode.

The next important point is do not launch a watercraft in the cold. The folds will crack quickly, and each serious crack becomes an occasion for local repair. Assembling and disassembling boats at negative air temperatures is also not good. In general, they are advised to keep warm.

But strong heat is no less dangerous than strong cold. The seams begin to loosen already at a temperature of about 40 degrees. Sunny days, when the boat is transported in a car, also pose a threat.

An overview of PVC boats with a low-pressure inflatable bottom "Pilot" M 350, see the following video.