PVC boats: varieties, features of choice and use

Their PVC boats are very popular and occupy a leading position in the sales ranking. They confidently pushed rubber counterparts and established themselves as very reliable and durable swimming facilities.

Boats made of PVC belong to the category of small water transport and are manufactured using modern technologies. The basis of the material is synthetic fibers, which are enveloped in polyvinyl chloride with the addition of polyurethane. The latter gives the fabric softness and the necessary elasticity. The result is a material high performance, resistant to alkalis, acids, solvents and mineral oils.

It is able to withstand temperatures from -40 to 70 degrees, is resistant to fire and has a high density. This is due to its multilayer structure, which includes 2 layers of PVC and adhesive fibers, and one layer of a durable synthetic base - a reinforced mesh made of lavsan cord.

Then the canvas is cut and sealed along the edges, thereby forming hollow cylinders. An inflatable boat can consist of two or more of these cylinders, each of which is completely autonomous and equipped with its own inflation valve. Balloons can form any shape, as a result of which you can meet both oval specimens and models with a pointed or blunt nose and a straight stern. The location of the cylinders and the distance between them is strictly calculated, thereby ensuring absolute stability, buoyancy and maneuverability of the craft, as well as its obedience in control.

The bow of the boat, called the eye in the professional environment, is always slightly turned up. This design is dictated by safety requirements, since the nose, which is flush with the rest of the hull, will crash into the wave and scoop up water when moving. In their lower part, the cylinders are connected by a rigid or cloth bottom, to reinforce which a keel is often used. Banks are installed between the cylinders - narrow seats designed to accommodate passengers.

From the outside, the ship is surrounded by a lifeline belt, which is used to fasten passengers with a carabiner, or to hold the boat in one place when mooring.Motor boats are equipped with a special plate for mounting the motor - a transom, and the engine itself, which can be included with the product, or can be sold separately.

The scope of PVC boats is quite wide. They are used for fishing in large and small reservoirs, for boat trips, extreme descents and rafting on mountain rivers, as well as for hunting waterfowl in wetlands. Water skis and cheesecakes are often attached to them and used as a tractor in water attractions.

The high demand for PVC boats is due to a number of important advantages of these boats over rubber, metal and wooden models.

• The increased strength and durability of PVC allows you to use the boat for many years without fear of material rupture or cracking during storage.
• Due to the ability of PVC to be painted in any color, boats are available in a wide range of colors and have a very attractive appearance. Moreover, the colors do not fade, their brightness is maintained throughout the entire period of operation.
• The boats are equipped with a backpack and rowing accessories, in a word, everything that is necessary for the operation of the watercraft. When folded, a medium-sized rowing boat weighs about 11 kg and takes up very little space. This greatly simplifies the transportation and storage of models, which distinguishes them from metal and wooden counterparts.
• Due to the softness and elasticity of the material, the hull of the boat well dampens the impact of waves on the sides and makes the journey comfortable and safe.

The disadvantages of PVC models are not so many. They include only rather weak oarlocks and the complexity of rowing control of a motor boat. The latter is explained by the large weight of the motor and the shift in the center of gravity to its location.

The modern market offers PVC boats in a wide variety of sizes. This parameter is considered very important and has a direct impact on the patency, buoyancy and speed of the craft. When choosing the size first you need to take into account the type of reservoir, not forgetting that the deeper and more complex it is, the larger and wider the boat should be.

So, light mini-models, having a length of 180 to 220 cm, are well suited for fishing in small shallow lakes using a donkey or a regular fishing rod. Boats with a length of 240 to 270 cm are used on calm rivers, and large models with a length of 280 to 330 cm are great for large lakes and deep reservoirs. For walks on the sea, stable, motorized boats with a length of 350 to 450 cm should be used.

The classification of PVC boats is made according to several criteria, the main of which is the type of control of the watercraft. All boats are subdivided on motor, rowing (oar) and motor-rowing.

These boats have a simple design and consist of inflatable sides, a bottom, oars with oarlocks, a plastic bench for the rower and additional air cushions designed to accommodate passengers. The cylinders that make up the ship's hull have several isolated compartments, which in the event of a puncture in one of them, it will allow the boat to stay afloat.

Boards on rowing models usually go in a circle and form a closed system.More often, oar models are made with a hard plastic or soft inflatable bottom, but there are also models with a folding aluminum bottom. The length of rowing boats is 2.5-3 m, the displacement does not exceed 250 kg, and they are designed for 1-2 passengers.

Such models do not require registration with the Inspectorate for Small Vessels, which greatly simplifies their use.

Among the advantages of rowing models are low cost, low weight, compactness when folded, the presence of oars in the kit and quick inflation. The disadvantages include low carrying capacity, the risk of capsizing in too big a wave, the impossibility of fixing the motor and the lack of a keel on most models.

Models equipped with an engine are designed a little differently than their oar counterparts. The boats are U-shaped, with their onboard cylinders extending far back behind the bottom. This design ensures the most correct body position when driving at full speed. Motor models are equipped with a special transom used to secure the motor, and can accommodate from 2 to 8 people. Engine power ranges from 5 to 30 hp. with., which is quite enough for the rapid movement of the vessel through any water.

The bottom of motor boats can be inflatable, reinforced with transverse rails, or a rigid folding structure. Planing is considered the fastest speed mode, which is made possible due to the keel and hard bottom.

Some models can accelerate to 100 km / h, and in addition to gliding, they are able to move in a displacement mode.The scope of use of such models includes boat trips, trolling and water attractions, and their length often exceeds 4 meters.

The advantages of PVC motor boats include solid and stable construction, independent air compartments and solid bottom. Moreover, all motor models are keeled, which allows you to develop greater speed and increase safety.

Such boats are equipped with a hinged transom and are able to move both with the help of oars and with the help of engine blades. If necessary, the motor is easily attached to the transom, and when not needed it can be detached and stored separately. Due to their versatility, motor-rowing boats are widely used in almost all areas of activity related to being on the water, and are successfully used in hunting, fishing and boat trips.

Among the advantages of such models are a large selection of sizes and shapes, good buoyancy, the ability to work both with and without an engine, and compact dimensions that greatly simplify transportation.

The disadvantages include the impossibility of installing especially powerful motors on them and the need to register with the Inspectorate for Small Vessels. The latter is dictated by the large length of the models, which is 3-4 meters.

Another type of PVC boats is represented by catamaran-type models, which are equipped with a pedal-blade mechanism and are set in motion through the physical efforts of passengers.Such boats have a bright beautiful color and are used on small ponds and shallow reservoirs as a water attraction.

The modern market represents a huge number of PVC boats produced by both famous brands and little-known companies that are just starting their activities in the production of small watercraft. Below are the most popular models, most often mentioned in specialized forums.

• "Dolphin-M" is a rowing-type inflatable boat made of high-density polyvinyl chloride, which is 950 g/m2. The model is very easy and obedient to operate, has high sides and a hard bottom, for the manufacture of which moisture-resistant plywood is used.

• Taimen N-270 C is a two-seater rowing vessel manufactured by Master of Boats. The model is equipped with a rigid plywood bottom, has a movable seat, high sides and a raised nose. The weight of the product is 24 kg, while its load capacity reaches 220 kg.

• Motor-rowing model Badger Fishing Line 390W equipped with a drain valve and has an inflatable floor reinforced with stringers. The density of PVC fabric is 1100g/m2, which makes the product very reliable and durable. The carrying capacity of the boat is 560 kg, which allows you to comfortably place 5 people in it along with fishing ammunition.

• Model "Hunter 320 LK" also belongs to the category of motor-rowing boats and is designed to use a motor with a maximum power of 9.9 l / s.However, even with a weaker engine, it quickly goes on planing and is very easy to control. Onboard cylinders have a diameter of 41.5 cm, which makes the boat as stable and floating as possible.

• Motor boat RIB (from the English rigid inflatable boat, which means rigid inflatable boat) "Favorite F-420" is a powerful inflatable boat with a hard bottom, which can be used for rescue operations. The boat is designed for operation on large reservoirs, weighs 90 kg and can accommodate up to 6 people. The total load capacity of the vehicle is 800 kg, the maximum engine power is 30 hp. With.

• Model "Frigate 300-EK" also belongs to the category of motor boats and is distinguished by an increased size of the cylinder. The floating craft is equipped with an inflatable keel, a transom, a lifeline and a drain valve. Moreover, the model is equipped with a two-color fender, which acts as a buffer at the time of mooring the watercraft.

• Motorboat Solar 400 interesting in that it has the ability to install an outboard water jet that helps to overcome shallow water with a depth of 10 cm. The model is equipped with a 15 hp engine. With. and can reach a fairly high speed.

When choosing a PVC boat, there are a number of important points to consider, such as the purpose of the vessel, engine power, carrying capacity and the type of water body in which it is supposed to be used.

• So, if you need a boat for fishing on a small lake or a slow river, then there is no point in purchasing a model with a motor, it is better to opt for a compact rowing boat.For rafting on mountain rivers, oar models are also suitable, since the presence of a motor makes the structure heavier and, when passing through tunnels and rocky sections, can damage it. If the vessel will plow through a deep reservoir or be used for trolling and long walks, then a motor boat equipped with an engine with a large motor resource will be the best option. For hunting in the reeds with subsequent access to high water, it is preferable to choose motor-rowing models.
• The next selection criterion is the capacity of the vessel, which varies from 1 to 8 people. So, for fishing or hunting, a single-seat option is quite enough, and for recreation or water tourism it is better to look at a more spacious 5-6-seat model.
• It is also necessary to pay attention to the diameter of the cylinders and choose them in accordance with the operating conditions of the product. For fishing in shallow waters, you can limit yourself to a diameter of 28-33 cm, for large reservoirs cylinders 35-39 cm wide are suitable, and for boat trips you need to buy an option with sides at least 40-47 cm high.
• Engine power is also an important parameter and is selected depending on the purpose of the boat. For fishing and hunting, a 5-10 hp motor will be enough. s., for trolling - 10-15, for sea attractions - at least 20 liters. With.
• The bottom type is also considered an important criterion and should be selected depending on the functional accessory of the model. So, if you plan to get up in a boat while fishing, then it is better to choose a model with a hard bottom made of chipboard. Its components are inserted into the grooves located at the bottom of the cylinders, thereby ensuring high bottom stability.There are also soft bottoms of the Air Dek type, made of a thick layer of PVC (6-8 cm), and equipped with numerous air channels. When filled with air, the bottom becomes solid and stable, but it folds easily when dismantled.
• As for the color of the model, khaki is traditionally used for hunting and fishing, sea fishing is carried out on blue models, and bright white or orange colors are suitable for attractions, water tourism and recreation, which are clearly visible from the shore and from passing ships.
• Regarding the cost, we can say the following: the most budgetary PVC oar model costs around 4,000 rubles, and serious boats with a powerful engine cost 120 or more thousand rubles.
• The next selection criterion is the type of seams, which are glued and welded. At the same time, boats with glued seams are somewhat cheaper, but they have less strength and reliability. Therefore, for swimming in deep waters, as well as for attractions, you should choose models with welded seams only. They tolerate high temperatures well and, unlike glue, they will never leak.
• You should also pay attention to the density and multilayer PVC. The best option for hunting and fishing would be a model made of 7-layer material with a density of 0.85 to 1.3 kg / m2. Such a boat can be moved through sand and bushes without fear for the integrity of the cylinders.
• Carrying capacity is also an important criterion for choosing a boat. So, if the watercraft will be used for fishing on rivers and lakes, then a carrying capacity of 220 kg will be enough to accommodate two fishermen in it and lay down gear and catch.For hunting waterfowl, it is better to choose models with a carrying capacity of up to 300 kg, which is dictated by the large weight of prey and hunting equipment. For the transportation of tourists, as well as the recreation of a large family, models with a carrying capacity of over 400 kg are suitable.
• When choosing a boat motor, the following must be taken into account: for a model with a length of 2.3 to 2.7 m, a 5 hp engine is enough. s., for products with a length of 2.9 to 3.1 m - 10 l. s., and for specimens having a length of more than 3.2 m, motors with a capacity of 15-20 or more liters are suitable. With.

To increase the service life and ensure the safety of the use of the craft, it is necessary to strictly follow the rules for its operation. So, while using the boat it is not recommended to transport sharp objects in it, and also to exceed the maximum permitted weight load. You can not swim too far on the rowing model, and also use boats designed for closed reservoirs in open water.

It is not allowed to go sailing without life jackets, as well as to entrust the management of the vessel to minors. Exit on a PVC boat in a strong wave is possible only with the condition of installing a storm bulwark, which will not allow water to overflow the bow.

After use the boat must be cleaned of sand deposits, small stones, fish scales and algae, and dried well. It is necessary to ensure that there are no snags, roots and sharp fragments on the surface where the boat will be packed.In addition, when disassembling / assembling the boat, it is forbidden to smoke, and work must be carried out away from the fire. When storing the boat it is necessary to carefully expel the remaining air, pour the cylinders with talcum powder inside and out, and carefully fold.

If possible, it is better to store the vessel in a slightly inflated state, and at sub-zero temperatures, try not to turn over.

PVC boats are very popular among water tourism enthusiasts, fishermen and hunters, and have a large number of positive reviews. The owners point out that unlike rubber models, PVC boats do not rot and do not dry out from long-term storage. In addition, they do not have the characteristic smell inherent in rubber boats. A very durable case of PVC models is also noted, which remains intact both in case of accidental contact with the hook and in collision with pitfalls. Boats made of polyvinyl chloride can be safely dragged overland without fear of abrasion of the material.

Attention is drawn to the attractive appearance and brightness of the models. This makes the vessel visible on the water and significantly increases the safety of its operation. Of the negative points, uncomfortable oarlocks on oar models and the too high cost of motor and motor-rowing models are noted. Generally, There are much more positive reviews than negative ones, which allows us to position PVC models as reliable and durable swimming facilities.

For information on how to choose the right PVC boat, see the following video.