Inflatable boats for fishing: types and prices, the best manufacturers

In the process of fishing, an inflatable boat is considered an indispensable thing, and anglers spend a lot of time on it. In this regard, it should be said right away that it must be comfortable for fishing to be comfortable. At the same time, the design of the boat must be thoughtful and sustainable, since no one removed the problems of safety on the water from the agenda.

boat material

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Nowadays, this material is very popular because of its high strength, elasticity and resistance to external, natural factors. It’s not that easy to break it. In addition, the inflatable structure made of this material has enviable strength and rigidity, which allows the craft to move through large waves at an acceptable speed.

There are other advantages, such as maintainability. In the event of a hole, the boat can be repaired directly on the fishing trip, without involving any additional tools and materials. PVC material is available in various densities. The higher the density index, the more reliable and durable the vehicle will be for moving on water. But here, as they say, there is a double-edged sword: the greater the density of the material, the heavier the structure, which means that it will not be so mobile.

Rubber

Until recently, rubber boats could be found everywhere. Unfortunately, they were not so reliable and durable: they could be easily pierced with a sharp object, even a wooden one. Such boats were more suitable for walking on clear water, where there were no various underwater surprises.

On such boats it was dangerous to be in conditions when a large wave was present. Among other things, rubber boats did not have a long service life. Over time, the glued seams began to unstick, and the boat itself, under the influence of direct sunlight, lost its operational characteristics.

Types of inflatable boats

To date, it is known about two types of inflatable boats for fishing, which are produced by the manufacturer – these are rowing and motor. In addition to them, there are also hybrids – motor-rowing, but this is not so important. Motor boats are intended for long-distance crossings on the sea surface. They can be used both for fishing and for tourist needs. Almost all motor boats, in the event of an engine failure, are able to move with the help of oars.

Rowing boats

This is the simplest and most affordable type of boat that allows you to fish in small water bodies. If fishing is carried out on small rivers or ponds, then a rowing boat is an ideal option: it is not heavy, which allows it to be moved along the shore of a reservoir without much effort. In addition, it is quite reliable. Plus, a boat without a motor does not require much effort to maintain.

PVC boats under the motor

Such boats are distinguished by the presence of a transom, on which the outboard motor is installed. Depending on the size of the boat, which involves the installation of a motor of a certain power, the thickness of the transom also depends. As a rule, motorized boats are also made of high-density PVC material.

This is necessary to achieve a certain rigidity that allows the boat to maintain its course and balance during movement, especially in waves or when maneuvering. To increase the rigidity of the structure, the floor of the boat is also made rigid. This makes it possible to feel comfortable while fishing. In this case, fish can be caught even standing. The floor (slan) is made of waterproof plywood, which increases its service life.

Rowing boats with a mounted transom

The mounted transom is distinguished by its convenience: it allows you to reduce the overall dimensions, besides, the motor can be installed at any time. The hinged transom has a slightly smaller size, and is also made of a thinner material. A similar factor does not allow the installation of high-power outboard motors on a watercraft.

Such boats are suitable for moving on medium-sized water bodies. In addition, these boats are great for hunters. The hinged transom is good because it can be removed at any time if it is not needed.

Boats with an inflatable bottom

Such designs are great for anglers. The inflatable bottom has a greater rigidity compared to a non-inflatable bottom, when you have to install an additional hard bottom. The inflatable bottom allows you to move through the water with greater speed. In addition, the inflatable bottom and the boat as a whole have significantly less weight.

When moving around the pond, you should not make sharp turns, otherwise you can roll over. In addition, the inflatable bottom has a special coating that can protect it from accidental punctures, such as a lure.

Boats with inflatable keel

The presence of an inflatable keel on the boat, located under the bow of the boat, allows you to move with even greater speed, entering the gliding trajectory. This tapered design improves the handling and stability of the boat when moving, both in calm and in waves.

For the strength and reliability of the inflatable keel, a high-strength rubber strip is fixed in its lower part, which does not allow the keel to touch the bottom of the reservoir. The characteristics of a vessel with an inflatable keel are no less effective when rowing. As a rule, such structures are acquired by fishermen who need to travel long distances, along large rivers and lakes.

The best manufacturers of inflatable boats

Imported boats

The HDX company is considered the most famous in the world market of inflatable boats. The company develops and manufactures boats designed for various fishing conditions and for various water bodies, both small and large.

As a rule, the products of this company are of high quality, which is due to the use of only high-quality PVC materials with high density. This allows you to fish in the most extreme conditions without fear of punctures.

At the same time, the presence of sufficient space inside the boat is different, which allows you to fish with comfort. The seats are located at a considerable distance from each other and do not interfere with the fishing process.

Almost all models of this company are produced for outboard motors, which is ensured by the presence of a high-strength transom. In addition, the transom has a special rubber coating, which extends its durability. After removing the engine, no traces of it remain on the transom, which naturally increases the service life. In addition, a protection is installed on the sides of the transom, which does not allow splashes of water to enter the boat. This is especially true when moving through the waves, in a strong wind.

The high-speed characteristics of HDX products are ensured by the presence of an inflatable keel, which has an enviable protection. The presence of an inflatable keel increases the controllability of the boat and its stability when driving at top speeds.

domestic boats

Among domestic manufacturers, the boats of the Hunter company should be noted, which are characterized as high-quality products. At the same time, their price can be an order of magnitude lower than similar imported products, although their driving performance is no worse. In addition, Hunter boat manufacturers do not equip their products with unnecessary, sometimes unnecessary accessories. If there is a desire and a need, then the craft can always be provided with additional functions.

The density of the material used for the production of Hunter boats is somewhat lower than foreign analogues. Despite this, the quality of the product allows it to serve for a long time, since all seams are carefully and reliably soldered. If there is not enough money in the family budget to buy an expensive imported model, then you can safely buy a product of a domestic manufacturer, such as Hunter.

The well-known company “Aqua” practices in the production of flat-bottomed boats, which are popularly called punts.

As a rule, such products are more suitable for moving on oars or with a suspension of motors of low power. Boats of the Aqua company are produced in various colors, which allows you to choose a product for certain operating conditions. Darker shades are ideal for hunters, and lighter ones for anglers, as they are less heated by the sun’s rays. In addition, they are less noticeable to fish.

Prices for inflatable boats for fishing

Single boats

These are the most affordable products, although their price depends on the configuration. The average cost of a single model can be in the range of 5-10 thousand rubles.

For such money, a product that is not bad in quality, made of a fairly durable material, is actually purchased. The kit of the finished product includes oars, as well as a case with a pump. Such a boat will be a real assistant to the angler in fishing on small rivers and ponds. In addition, for a separate price of 1-2 thousand rubles, it is possible to buy special soft linings for cylinders.

Double boats

In the case of purchasing a double boat, it is advisable to think about which model is better to give preference to – a boat with a flat bottom, or with an inflatable keel. A boat with a flat bottom is somewhat cheaper than a keel boat, as it is inferior to it in many respects. An equally important factor is the use of a boat motor. In this regard, you will have to take a boat with a transom, both stationary and mounted. A double option can cost from 15 to 30 thousand rubles. This option is perfect for serious fishing on large reservoirs.

Used inflatable boats

As a rule, those fishermen who do not have funds try to purchase a used inflatable boat. Naturally, this does not mean at all that all used boats are worn out boats and do not need to be bought. On the other hand, there is a category of people who prefer used things, and inflatable boats are no exception. Each owner can sell a boat not because it is no longer suitable. There are various situations and when buying, it is advisable to carefully inspect the product for technical flaws. If there are significant defects, it is better to refuse the purchase. If there are no such flaws, then the boat can be safely purchased. It is possible that the former owner of the boat became much richer and decided to buy a more modern boat with more features.

The purchase of a used boat requires special attention, since no one has canceled the precautionary measures in terms of behavior on the water. Each miscalculation or oversight can result in a number of serious problems.