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Modern models of boats made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) occupy a leading position, which has shifted rubber boats down a notch. This is not surprising, since boats made of PVC fabric are more reliable than rubber boats.
Currently, a large number of models are being produced that differ in design features that, one way or another, affect the technical characteristics of the craft.
What to look for when choosing a PVC motorboat
Types of PVC boats
Small boats without a hard bottom
A similar design of the boat has either an inflatable bottom or a PVC bottom. As a rule, such boats are not heavy and take up little space when folded. They can easily be delivered to the reservoir in the trunk of a car. If desired, such a boat can be taken to the place of fishing by public transport. This is their main advantage.
Slate bottom boats
This type of boat is more stable on the water and they can be equipped with outboard motors, the power of which is up to 5 hp. Similar boats are produced both with a removable bottom and with a capital one.
Boats with inflatable keel
These boats are made with an inflatable keel, which increases their stability on the water when moving. Fishing on such a boat is a pleasure, because it easily endures any bad weather, including strong winds. They are great for small waters.
Classification of PVC boats
Rowing boats
This is a small-sized type of watercraft, having a length of 2,5 to 3 meters, with a displacement of not more than 250 kg. As a rule, these are cheap boats that do not require registration, which simplifies their use. They are great for moving on small rivers and not very large lakes.
There are the best models of rowing boats:
- HUNTERBOAT Hunter 280;
- Intex Seahawk-20;
- Intex Excursion-4 Set (68324).
These models are not heavy, suitable dimensions and high reliability. Other than that, they are reasonably priced.
Motor-rowing boats
These boats can be used on large rivers and reservoirs. The inflatable parts of such boats have excellent sealing, and the balloon is presented in the shape of the letter U. The minimum length of the watercraft is 3,0 meters, and the maximum is four meters.
At the same time, the increased length and equipment of the boat contributes to the fact that it must be registered with the relevant government agencies.
The best models of motor-rowing boats include:
- Intex Challenger-3;
- Aqua 260;
- Intex Challenger-4.
PVC motor boats
These include boats with a length of more than 4 meters, with an outboard motor power of 50 hp. As a rule, such boats consist of several sealed compartments, which allows them to be used on large rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Such boats must be unquestionably registered.
The most famous models of PVC motor boats are:
- HUNTERBOAT Hunter 320;
- Solar 380;
- HDX 300;
- FLINC 320.
Review and rating of PVC boats, the best models
Based on the feedback received and the preferences of fishermen, it makes sense to present a rating of the best PVC boat models.
Yamaran T280
This type of boat can serve as an excellent watercraft for family walks or fishing in small waters. With a small weight of 51 kg, it will be able to carry cargo or passengers that have a total weight of about 330 kg. This is one of the smaller Petroset models.
The boat is designed according to the classic scheme of boards (U), with a hard floor, reinforced stringers. Has an inflatable keel. Thanks to this, the boat is quite stable on the water, even in the presence of weak waves. You can install a motor on the boat, with a power of no more than 3 hp.
Nordic 360
The boat weighs 61 kg and has medium dimensions, which allows it to withstand loads weighing up to 540 kg. One of the most popular models of Petroset Bolshoi. It is planned to install a 15 hp outboard motor. If the device is modernized, then a 25 hp motor can be installed on it. It does not show itself badly in operating conditions on medium-sized reservoirs.
Nissamaran Tornado 360
These models of motor-rowing boats having a weight of about 65 kg. The model kit includes a collapsible aluminum floorboard, reinforced with a transom and having the latest stringers. All this allows you to install a larger motor on the boat.
The carrying capacity of the craft is 700 kg. Can take on board five people with cargo.
Admiral 375S
The material for the manufacture of boats of the company “Admiral” is a dense PVC material, made in Germany. Cylinders are divided into 5 sections. Payol is reinforced with stringers. There is also an inflatable keel. It has a relatively small weight (only 44,5 kg), but can accommodate up to 4 people, with a carrying capacity of 500 kg.
Badger Fishing Line 390W
This rowboat has a drain valve. They can be used while the boat is in motion. This boat has an inflatable floor, hard floor, which is reinforced with stringers. PVC fabric has a high density (1100 g per square meter). The carrying capacity of the boat is 560 kg, which means that the boat can take on board up to five people.
Favorite F-420
According to many experts, this is more likely not a boat, but an inflatable boat, which is suitable for various rescue operations. This boat is ideal for operation on large reservoirs.
The weight of the boat reaches about 90 kg, although this does not affect its maneuverability. It is allowed to install a motor on it, the power of which is up to 30 hp. This type of boat is made of highly durable PVC material. Its total carrying capacity is about 800 kg and can carry up to 6 people at the same time.
Advantages and disadvantages of PVC boats
Such boats have a number of serious advantages, such as:
- strength and flexibility;
- less prone to surprises from the environment, can swim in shallow water, without fear of catching on a snag;
- the possibility of installing a motor due to the durable material and the strength of the structure itself;
- small volume;
- minimum problems during transportation.
The disadvantage of PVC material is its exposure to direct sunlight. Therefore, if possible, it is better to cover the boat, especially at times when it is not in use.
How to choose the right boat
The choice of boat depends on the conditions in which it will be operated. If this is a boat for family trips, then a boat of small size, but with a good carrying capacity, is suitable. At the same time, it is necessary to have a hard bottom and a place for mounting the motor.
How to choose a quality PVC inflatable boat for fishing
If this is a boat for serious fishing carried out on large lakes, rivers or reservoirs, then the requirements for it can be increased, especially if it is supposed to catch large fish.
Such a boat must meet the following characteristics:
- the longer the craft, the better;
- the possibility of installing a motor of increased power;
- durable stringers;
- cylinders of appropriate strength;
- The kit should include a high capacity pump.
Prices
Prices for boats depend on their functionality. The minimum set of features corresponds to the minimum price. Therefore, boat prices start at 4 rubles and end at 50 rubles. At the same time, commodity prices largely depend on seasonality, as well as inflation.
Any boat is an indispensable assistant for any fisherman, no matter where fishing is carried out, on a small pond or on a large lake.