PVC boats

Angling of fish can be carried out from the coastline, but if the bite is bad, then you cannot do without a watercraft. Previously, on any large body of water, you could meet a large number of fishermen on rubber boats. In recent years, the situation has changed, more and more products from other materials have become on the water, PVC boats have won the trust of fishermen very quickly.

Features of PVC boats

PVC or polyvinyl chloride is an artificial material with excellent performance. That is why they began to make boats of various sizes and different carrying capacities from it. Such products are suitable not only for fishermen, you can just ride with a breeze through a pond on such a vessel. Rescuers and the military are regular users of such watercraft, this is facilitated by the advantages of products made from this material. PVC boats are used in various fields, products are famous for their advantages, but they also have disadvantages.

Advantages

PVC boats have many advantages, but the main ones are:

lightness of the material;
strength;
simplicity in operation;
the boat has a small landing, which allows you to overcome the water surface with obstacles without problems;
when folded, the product does not take up much space;
ease of transportation.

PVC motor boats require less power motors, this makes it possible to save on the cost of the engine, and then on fuel.

Disadvantages

The characteristics are simply excellent, but despite this, boats made of such material have several drawbacks:

the handling of the vessel will be more difficult than boats made of rubber or rigid materials;
difficulties will also arise during repairs, the work will be laborious, and in most cases it is not possible at all.

This also includes the low dynamics of the craft, but this point is relative.

Types of boats

PVC boats are used for various purposes, most often boats are bought by fishermen, but they are often used for walking along large rivers and reservoirs of recreation centers, rescue stations are often equipped with such boats to help vacationers, PVC even serve to protect the maritime borders of many states . That is why they are produced in different types, what they are we will find out further.

Rowing

This type of boat is used both by fishermen on small water bodies and as a means of walking at many recreation centers. Rowing models differ:

the absence of a transom;
conclusions under the oars.

Motor

Models designed for the installation of a motor are the most common. They are often used for trolling by fishermen, as well as rescue crews and the military on water frontiers.

The main distinguishing feature of such a PVC boat is the presence of a transom, a special place at the stern where the motor is attached. Most often, in such models, the transom is fixed rigidly and cannot be removed during transportation.

Motor-rowing with a hinged transom

Models of this type include the parameters of the two boats described above. They have leads for oars, as well as a hinged transom, which is installed on the stern if necessary. The cost of such a boat will be slightly higher than just a rowboat, and it is most popular among fishing enthusiasts.

Each of the species described is used by fishermen, but which one to choose is up to the angler to decide.

How to choose a PVC boat

Choosing a boat is an important matter, you should carefully prepare before you go to the store for a purchase.

You should first consult with more experienced people in this field. Clarify what parameters are needed for a particular case, how many fishermen will be on the boat, what distances the boat should cover.

If among acquaintances there are no people with such experience and knowledge, then the forum will help to be defined precisely. You just need to ask a question or read reviews on the Internet about PVC boat models that you plan to buy. The impartiality of people is guaranteed there, because everyone writes based on personal experience.

In order for the selection to be faster and more successful, it is necessary to first study the parameters by which the favorites are determined.

Selection options

It should be understood that a PVC boat, although it belongs to inexpensive options for watercraft, will require certain financial investments. In order not to regret the purchase later and to have a boat that is absolutely necessary for moving on the water, you should first consider the presence of which components are required, and the characteristics should be studied more carefully.

The presence of a transom

The transom is one of the most important parts of the boat, its presence is a must for motor models. The transom is located in the rear, the stern is its place of permanent registration. When choosing a boat with a transom, you should pay attention to its following indicators:

it must be fastened firmly and securely;
special attention is paid to thickness, the calculation is made on the basis of such indicators: motors up to 15 horses will require a minimum of 25 mm of thickness, more powerful 35 mm and more;
the transom must be carefully painted over, enamel is not suitable for this, the paint must have an epoxy resin base;
the top of the transom must be glued with PVC material, this will prevent the plywood from deoxidizing.

The angle of inclination is no less important, but it is selected individually for each motor.

When buying a motor of imported or domestic production, you should pay attention to the angle of inclination indicated in the passport and strictly follow the instructions.

The transom is distinguished by the type of use, there is a hinged one, which will need to be fixed each time, and a stationary one, which is attached at the factory and is not removed. The second option is preferable, it is suitable for any models of motors.

Capacity

The number of seats, including the rower, excluding luggage, is called capacity. Double boats are the most popular, but single boats are not far behind them.

The passport of some boats indicates 1,5 or 2 seats, which means that the boat is designed for one or two passengers, and 5 leaves for a child or for luggage.

Carrying capacity is closely related to capacity, it is worth considering this when choosing a watercraft.

Cylinder diameter

The size of the cylinders is an important indicator, the larger it is, the more stable the boat is on the water. But tanks that are too big will steal space inside the boat. The size of the cylinder depends on the use on a particular body of water:

models with small cylinders are mainly designed for oars for short distances in small water bodies;
the large size of the craft will require the appropriate size of the cylinders, the larger the dimensions, the larger the cylinders.

Due to the bow, the cylinders on the same boats can vary greatly.

Engine power

Indicators for choosing a motor are determined individually for each boat, each can plan at a different power. You can increase the speed only by minimizing the resistance of water and waves, in this state the boat simply glides over the surface of the reservoir. Not unimportant is the shape and rigidity of the structure:

a motor up to 5 horsepower is suitable for motor-rowing models, while the engine is mounted on a mounted transom;
6-8 horses will be required for models with a stationary transom, but some motor-rowing models will perfectly be able to move around without problems;
engines from 10 horses are used for heavier models, they are installed on a built-in transom.

Powerful motors are used for heavier boats, they will help the vessel move through the water quickly, without stops and delays.

bottom type

The bottom of PVC boats can be of three types, each of which has its own positive and negative sides:

inflatable has been used by manufacturers for a very long time, most of the materials used for such a bottom are strong enough, not much inferior to more rigid flooring. But still, you should be careful in operation, patching a hole will be very problematic.
Slatted flooring is in most cases used in medium-sized boats. They are made from specially treated moisture-resistant plywood, additionally glued with PVC fabric. Often the flooring is not removed, but put all together.
Payol is used for large models of inflatable boats, its distinguishing feature is that it captures the entire bottom, thereby providing the necessary rigidity.

It all depends on the purpose and conditions in which it will be used.

Color

The color range of PVC boats is extensive, but for fishing, khaki, gray or brown are most often preferred. According to the fishermen, it is these colors that will not scare away the fish, and for hunters in the reeds or other thickets, the watercraft will be less noticeable.

External dimensions

On the shore, when inflated, the boat looks rather bulky, but this does not mean at all that its capacity will be large. When choosing a boat, you should pay attention to the passport data, manufacturers often describe how many people can fit in a boat. The summarized data is as follows:

up to 3,3 m can accommodate and withstand one person;
a boat up to 4,2 m will fit two people and some luggage;
large dimensions allow three people with luggage and an outboard motor to sit.

Calculations are carried out according to average statistics, people of average height and average build are taken into account.

Cockpit

The internal distance of the PVC boat in the inflated state is called the cockpit. These parameters may vary depending on the models:

from stern to bow can be from 81 cm to 400 cm;
the distance between the sides is also different, from 40 to 120 cm.

Cockpit indicators directly depend on the size of the cylinders, the larger the cylinder, the less space inside.

PVC density

The density of the material is very important when choosing, the more layers, the stronger the material. But the weight of the product directly depends on this, large boats will not be easy to transport over long distances.

Load

This parameter shows the maximum allowable weight in the boat, which takes into account not only the capacity of passengers, but also the weight of the motor, luggage and the watercraft itself. It is necessary to know the carrying capacity in order for the operation of the craft to take place under normal conditions.

Different models have different carrying capacity, it ranges from 80 to 1900 kg, you can find out exactly about it from the passport of each product.

What is the difference between PVC boats and rubber boats

When buying, PVC models are increasingly common, but rubber has faded into the background. Why is this and what are the differences between the products?

PVC is considered a more modern material, it is used for the manufacture of boats because of the following advantages:

PVC is stronger than rubber;
easier to operate and maintain;
unaffected by UV and water;
has resistance to the influence of oils and other chemicals, and rubber cannot boast of such.

PVC has practically replaced rubber models due to clear advantages.

Operation and storage

Before launching a PVC boat into the water, it is worth inflating it and checking the integrity of all seams, it is advisable to do this before the purchase is made.

On the shore, before launching, the boat is also pumped, because after the purchase, for more comfortable transportation, the product must be folded. It will not work quickly with an ordinary frog pump, and if the model is designed for 3 people or more, then it is generally impossible. For this, pumps of medium power are used, then much more time will remain for fishing.

Storage is carried out indoors, although the material is not afraid of sudden changes in temperature. Before you send the product to rest, you should:

rinse the outside thoroughly;
dry the boat
sprinkle with talc and put in a bag.

So the PVC boat will not take up much space and save all its characteristics.

TOP 5 best models

There are a lot of PVC inflatable boats, the following five are considered the most popular models.

Intex Seahawk -400

Four-seater rowing boat, no transom, as the model is designed only for rowing. The color scheme is yellow-green, the load capacity is 400 kg. These indicators are quite enough for fishing on small lakes and rivers.

The downsides are the thinness of the PVC material and its relatively rapid wear.

Hunter Boat Hunter 240

The boat is designed for one person, has excellent characteristics of the material used. Available in two colors, gray and green. It is possible to use a motor, an engine of 5 horses will be enough here.

You can also move on oars.

Sea Pro 200 C

Lightweight keelless version of the craft, designed for two people. The rack floor will give greater rigidity, if necessary, it is possible to install a transom.

A feature of the model is the built-in two inflatable seats, the oars are included with the water craft.

Frigate 300

A good option for an inflatable boat for fishing from a domestic manufacturer. The model is designed for three people, the movement can be done both on oars and at the installation of a motor for this.

Five-layer PVC can withstand different loads, but it is not recommended to overload the craft. The maximum load allowed is up to 345 kg.

Flinc FT320 L

The PVC model is designed for three people, the movement is carried out with the help of a motor, the maximum allowable power is up to 6 horsepower. Load capacity up to 320 kg, rack bottom. The color scheme is gray and olive, everyone chooses the most suitable for himself.

Other PVC boat models from different manufacturers may have the same or similar features.

When choosing a watercraft of this type, now everyone knows what to pay attention to and what indicators should be given preference. Expensive does not always mean good, there are relatively inexpensive boat models that will last faithfully for a long time.