Rubber boats for a motor: with an inflatable and hard bottom, tips for choosing

Currently, rubber boats with a motor are widely used for various purposes. Structurally, the boats are made in such a way that it is equipped with a special transom where the motor is installed. Such boats are used by fishermen, hunters, tourists, as well as employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. It is very important to choose the right rubber boat for the motor, which will be discussed further in the text.

Types of rubber boats under the motor

Depending on the design features, there are models:

with inflatable bottom

As a rule, inflatable boats are characterized by low weight and small size, which contributes to a small draft. If the boat is packed, it occupies a minimum of usable space, and its low weight allows you to take it with you on a trip without transport. Such boats move on water at a speed of no more than 4 km / h. Due to the low draft, they overcome shallow areas without any problems.

hard bottom

Such models differ markedly from the previous model in that they are not so compact when assembled, and their mass is somewhat larger. In this regard, they have a deeper draft, which does not allow to overcome the shallows. The flooring of these boats can be made of such non-slippery materials:

• Plywood.
• aluminum.

Such boats are easier to manage and more stable on the water.

RIB boats

These boats are of significant size and weight. They have a hard bottom, and the sides are made of rubber. These are boats on which you can install a powerful motor. In addition, they are much more stable and durable than other models made of rubber.

Such swimming facilities are perfect for operation on large reservoirs. They can fish at sea or go on hiking trips over long distances.

Rubber boats also differ in the type of transom. In this regard, there are:

• Boats with a hinged transom. As a rule, such boats are not large in size. Since the transom is hinged, it can be removed at any time and move around the pond on oars.
• With special transom. These are boats that have large dimensions and weight. It makes no sense to use them without a motor. The design of the transom provides for special fasteners that connect the transom to the sides of the boat.

Advantages and disadvantages of rubber boats for fishing motor

Advantages

• Relatively low weight, compared to structures where metal or plastic is used. This boat can be steered by one person.
• The boat takes up little space and has a low weight when folded, which allows you to take it with you on a fishing or camping trip.
• Relatively not a big cost, as well as not a big cost of repair work, which can really be carried out directly on the fishing spot.
• The resistance of the material to temperature extremes.
• High maneuverability and cross-country ability, which allows you to overcome shallow areas of the water area.
• Long service life: some anglers have been using them for more than 10 years.

Disadvantages

• The watercraft quickly loses its attractive appearance due to the fact that the rubber is afraid of temperature changes, in combination with the action of direct sunlight and other natural factors.
• Rubber is afraid of salt water.
• The material can quickly fail if not properly stored. It can not be stored folded, as this can lead to the appearance of microcracks.
• Rubber boats are heavier than PVC boats.
• Poor compatibility with outboard motors, which cannot be said about PVC boats.
• Since the boat has a small draft, in a storm or current, it will be easy to demolish it at sea or away from the coast. In such cases, an anchor should be considered.

Tips for choosing a rubber boat for a motor

To do everything right and not have problems in the future, when choosing, you should be guided by the following recommendations:

• You should choose the boat that suits you, depending on the specific conditions. It is most convenient to fish alone, if it is not fishing for catfish.
• It is equally important that the boat has a minimum weight and is equipped with everything necessary, especially if the boat is planned to be driven alone.
• For the use of a watercraft alone, a model weighing up to 20 kilograms is suitable.
• In the boat, the fisherman should feel comfortable, because he has to sit in one position for a long time.
• If the stern and bow of the boat are made with the bottom in the same plane, then such a boat will have poor maneuverability, especially in reeds.
• Good results in operation are shown by models made of modified rubber.
• For fishing alone, models are suitable, the length of which is no more than 2 meters. If you plan to fish with a group of people, then you should opt for a boat, the length of which is 3-4 meters.

Rubber boat manufacturers

Currently, only two domestic manufacturers, located in Ufa and Yaroslavl, produce rubber boats for motors.

Due to the fact that rubber boats are not so in demand among anglers, compared to PVC boats, their production is not massive.

Installing the motor

On rubber boats, outboard boat motors are mainly installed, with a capacity of no more than 3 horsepower. It is possible to install low-power engines on such boats as the Volga, Vega-2, Vega-3 and Vega-12 of the Yaroslavl plant. Engines can run on both gasoline and battery (electric motors).

Prices for rubber boats

Currently, prices for rubber boats start at 8 thousand rubles, although there are models worth more than 20 thousand rubles. This mainly applies to more modern developments. When choosing a boat, you should decide on the cost of boats made of PVC material, which is more reliable. If the price of a rubber boat is comparable to the price of a PVC boat, then it is better to purchase a PVC boat.

Where are rubber boats sold?

Nowadays, buying any product is not a problem if you have the Internet at hand. In this case, you don’t even need to go to the store. Although purchasing goods on the Internet is associated with some risk, and then there will be no one to ask. The most suitable option is to use a well-known outlet. Alternatively, a boat can be bought on the market from a private trader. Of course, any options, especially in our time, are fraught with surprises for which you need to be prepared.

How to use rubber boats under the motor

In order for fishing to leave only pleasant memories, certain rules should be followed. For example:

1. It is not recommended to overload the boat and take on board more people than indicated in the passport.
2. Everyone on the boat must wear life jackets.
3. It is desirable to evenly distribute the load in the boat over the entire surface of the bottom.
4. It is better to bypass areas with stones and snags.
5. It is necessary to constantly monitor the level of air pressure in the cylinders.
6. Both shallow areas and areas with great depths are considered especially dangerous.
7. It is better to row from the shore and only then, you can turn on the motor if there are no swimmers or other obstacles nearby.
8. At the moment the engine is turned on, all passengers must take a stable position.
9. When driving a boat alone, it is better to sit in the bow, otherwise you can tip over.
10. The reliability of the motor mount should be constantly monitored, otherwise it can simply be lost.

Rubber boats are being replaced by boats made of PVC material, which has a number of advantages. Despite this, rubber boats are also bought, since they are somewhat cheaper. For some fishing conditions, rubber boats are also suitable, therefore, it is better to save on such a purchase, and whether to put a motor on it or not is another matter.