Features and overview of the Raketa boat models

PVC inflatable boats are an essential piece of equipment for any self-respecting fisherman or hunter. Fans of family or outdoor activities by the water also cannot do without them. There are many companies mastering the production of this type of product, there are also well-established brands, however, due to growing demand, new manufacturers of inflatable boats and related equipment are emerging and actively developing.

The Russian manufacturer of PVC boats "Rocket" is no longer just known to users - many prefer the products of this company. Why did the Rocket boats fall in love so much - let's try to figure it out.

Inflatable boats "Rocket" among the products of other companies stand somewhat apart. Structurally, all ships produced by the company are devoid of rigid elements, with the exception of seat-cans and transoms. This allowed the company to take a strong position in the market for light boats with a soft bottom.

The advantages of the company's products include several characteristics.

• Ease of transportation.
• Compact when folded.
• Transportability.
• Increased safety due to the increased buoyancy of the craft due to the inflatable bottom.
• The ability to use light and economical outboard motors without sacrificing speed and maneuverability.
• High maneuverability and controllability, including due to the special conical shape of the hull and elastic inflatable bottom.
• Use of the product in shallow water and in thickets.
• Due to the absence of a solid floorboard, metal or other rigid structural elements, the cost of production is somewhat lower compared to similar products from other companies that have the above technical features.
• The inflatable bottom greatly expands the options for using boats. You can stand in them while fishing or hunting. You can sit not only on the seat banks, but also right on the bottom. And also an inflated boat with an awning installed can be used as a place to spend the night on the shore or on the water near the shore.

The engine power that can be installed on boats is not enough to deal with waves on large lakes or in the coastal strip of the seas.

The absence of rigid elements also affects seaworthiness. The average wave and wind ripples for boats are not dangerous at all, however, in high water with strong winds this can be fatal due to the overall lightness of the structure.

All boats with the Rocket brand have a number of common features. First of all, they are all with a low pressure inflatable bottom (with NDND). The variety of the model range is achieved by varying the dimensions, the thickness of the PVC material and the finish of the cockpit products. In common parlance, all the company's boats are commonly called rubber boats, since there are absolutely no rigid elements in their design, with the exception of a reliable transom for the motor and seat-cans for some models.

In this way, even the lightest versions of the "Rockets" can be classified by a combination of the main characteristics of PVC boats as motor boats. The special conical design (the profile expands towards the stern) developed for all Rockets makes them very stable on the course even with a low-power motor. The effect is enhanced by the position of the bottom above the lower level of the cylinders, which creates a flow at a speed of more than 20 kilometers per hour, which helps to go into gliding. The optimal length of the hull cones and the position of the transom, obtained empirically, also help to keep the "Rocket" on course.

All products are made in three basic configurations, representing the series "Egoist", "L" and "C".

As can be inferred from the name of the series, the boats are designed for individual use. They are light, passable in shallow water, easy to manage. Vessels of this series are very popular with amateur fishermen and hunters.

Prominent representatives of the series are "Rocket RL 300" and "Rocket RL 320". The digital index indicates the length of the product in centimeters. Thus, the boats of the Egoist series, intended for individual use, turn out to be somewhat larger than similar individual boats of other companies, having a length of about 2 m. However, the weight of the product due to the absence of rigid payols does not exceed 20 kg, which allows it is quite easy to carry a boat to a reservoir or from one reservoir to another for an adult man, without resorting to outside help.

The set of boats includes a convenient pump that can control the degree of inflation of the cylinders. When the optimum pressure is reached, it becomes difficult to pump with it - this indicates that the balloon is fully inflated.

Under a light outboard motor, up to 6 horsepower, these boats feel great, they have good handling, and the inflatable flat bottom completely absorbs water impacts.

Oars are provided, the length of which can be adjusted according to the height of the rower.

The boats of the series have a length of 330 to 380 cm. The carrying capacity exceeds 550 kg, which allows them to accommodate 3-4 people. Cylinders and the bottom of the boats are reinforced with a special additional layer of PVC. The weight of the boats is close to 30 kg.

"Rocket RL 330" and "Rocket RL 350" have a reinforced bottom, which allows you to safely overcome overgrown shallow water or rocky areas. The motor, under which the transom and hull of the boats are designed, can have a power of up to 15 horsepower.

"Rocket RL 380", despite its impressive size, is lightweight. High-quality PVC has an increased density. On the transom, you can install a motor with a power of up to 20 liters. with., the speed of movement on calm water reaches 40 km per hour even with a maximum load (4 people and appropriate luggage).

Structurally, the products of the series are distinguished by an inflatable keel bottom. The length is 350 cm ("Rocket RS 350") and 380 cm ("Rocket RS 380"). Boats are designed to carry 3-4 people. The reinforced bottom allows them to be used not only in open water, but also in shallow water. Even with a 10 HP motor. With. representatives of the series develop decent speed and are distinguished by high seaworthiness, easily turning into gliding.

The conical design of the cylinders is supplemented with support steps - a kind of guide for the flow of water that occurs in the gliding mode, which significantly improves the glide of the craft.

When choosing a boat "Rocket", you should be guided by the tasks that the boat must perform. What should you pay attention to?

First of all, you need to decide on the type of boat. All PVC inflatable boats can be divided into rowing, motor-rowing and motor.

Rowing boats are lightweight and simple in design. The bottom is usually flat. It is convenient to navigate in shallow water on a rowing craft. However, it is quite difficult to manage it in big water. The motor can be installed, however, due to the shape of the hull, it is impossible to achieve satisfactory seaworthiness. Boats cannot be transferred to planing - a soft bottom will not allow.

Most of the "Rocket" models can be classified as motor-propellers; light boat engines with a capacity of up to 6 hp are suitable for them. With. The largest models of the "C" series can be considered full-fledged motor boats, with engines of the appropriate power, they allow you to confidently plan on large bodies of water.

An important characteristic is the number of places for which the boat is designed. If the boat is mainly intended to be used alone, the Rocket of the Egoist series would be the best option. We should not forget about the weight of the product - it will not be easy to move the watercraft a considerable distance overland, and even in thickets or with significant elevation changes, if its weight is more than 20 kg.

For large companies, for example, during family vacations or water tourism, it is better to get a large boat of the L or C series, it is clear that it is better not to carry it alone.

If the boat is supposed to operate in harsh conditions: thickets, coastal stones, thin ice, etc., you need to pay attention to the quality of PVC. The higher the density of the fabric, the stronger it is, as a rule, at tearing or stretching. The most durable "Rockets" have the letter index "U" (reinforced) in the name. It must be taken into account that the mass of such a boat is somewhat larger compared to its unreinforced counterpart due to an increase in the thickness of the material.

On the "Rockets" of the "Egoist" and "L" series, the transom has a thickness of 18 mm; an engine with a power of no more than 6 horsepower can be mounted on it. On boats of the "C" series, the transom is thicker - this makes it possible to place a stronger engine on them. Combined with the shape of the hull, it allows boats to easily transition into glider mode.

In some cases, the color of the purchased watercraft will be an important selection criterion. For the needs of hunters, the dark green color of the cylinders or the so-called camouflage may be preferable - a chaotic alternation of spots of various shades that imitate the color of natural objects. For fishing in calm water near coastal bushes, a dark green color of cylinders is also suitable.Fishing in open water will require a lighter coloration, as this will increase the reflectivity of the PVC and somewhat reduce surface heating from bright sunlight. It is better to choose a boat for recreation or travel in bright colors - this will make it more noticeable.

The model range of the Raketa company is designed to meet the needs of most users. Without unnecessary, often ineffective upgrades, products of the Egoist, L and S series leave the widest choice for lovers of hunting, fishing or family recreation on the water.

Like any popular product, Raketa boats have many owner reviews. Naturally, all of them can be divided into two main categories: positive and negative.

It is better to start a review of customer opinions with positive reviews.

• The product is well made, all the characteristics correspond to those indicated in the description.
• The boat is very stable on the water, there are no effects expected from an inflatable boat: roll, yaw, nose up on the wave. It goes well under the motor, while maintaining perfect handling.
• The wave action is very soft. Not a drop gets into the cockpit, even when moving against the wave.
• Ideal for spinning. You can fish while standing.
• If you find a fishing spot, it is quite possible to spend the night on it, the inflatable bottom does not let in the cold from the water, it is not solid on it. And if there is also an awning - a real house on the water.
• Even the PC380 when folded perfectly fits in the trunk, even there is still room.

The disadvantages that buyers and users point to are, nevertheless, against the backdrop of positive reviews, they are rather insignificant and often easily eliminated:

• the motor turned out to be a little high - the spray fills the cockpit;
• after rain it is difficult to drain the water due to the high location of the drain valve;
• upon receipt of the boat, the pump hose was broken, cracks appeared in the folds, it had to be replaced.

Review the boat "Rocket" RL-350, see the following video.