The best boats for fishing in 2022

It is known that for every fisherman his boat is the best. And his colleague will find a lot of flaws in it. Manufacturers of PVC fabric, invented in the middle of the last century, have revolutionized the design and production of boats for fishing. Now they are so compact that they fit in a backpack, and after being assembled and filled with air, they become full-fledged watercraft. 

Traditional rubber inflatable boats for fishing are still produced. But this is already rare. Folding boats made of plywood are also a thing of the past. Aluminum Kazankas require a trailer for hauling and a boat shed for storage. All of them could not compete with PVC fabric inflatable boats.

Editor’s Choice

Aqua Optima 260 ND

The double rowing boat is designed for fishing near the shore and collecting shot game in closed waters, overcoming water obstacles during sea hunting. A closed O-shaped container made of PVC fabric with a density of 750 g/sq.m. with a diameter of 34 cm consists of two isolated compartments, each compartment is equipped with an air valve. 

The inflatable bottom is a third independent balloon, divided in turn into three more compartments. This ensures maximum buoyancy in case of damage to the balloon. On its inside there are holders for two rigid benches made of waterproof plywood. 

From the outside, handrail cables are stretched, an anchor eye is installed on the bow, oarlocks and carrying handles are fixed on top of the side. The boat is completed with a pump, folding oars, a carrying bag.

Technical specifications

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Top 21 best boats for fishing in 2022 according to KP

Each fisherman has his own requirements and opinion about the necessary qualities of the boat. There are a lot of offers with different characteristics on the market, you can always choose the most suitable one from them. Introducing the top ten boats of 2022. 

1. Leader Compact 280

Structurally, a double boat is a closed cylinder, divided into two sealed compartments that provide buoyancy in case of damage. The balloon is made of a five-layer PVC fabric with a density of 750 g/m2. Fabric manufacturer: MIRASOL company from South Korea. 

The high quality of the fabric makes it possible to operate the boat in fresh and salty waters, in calm weather and in waves, on rapids, in reeds and among snags. Cans made of thick plywood are fastened using the Liktros-Likpaz system. These are plastic guides with a cable stretched inside, glued from the inside of the cockpit. The benches on the short sides have grooves that are inserted into the guides and secured to the cable with clamps.

At the stern there are holders for a mounted transom. The maximum power of the outboard engine is not more than 3,5 hp. More transom can not withstand. On the outer side of the cylinder, a wire rope is stretched, and an anchor eye is installed on the bow. The boat is equipped with oars and hard slate made of bakelite plywood 9 mm thick. The transport backpack has a waterproof compartment for documents.

The boat is quite versatile and suitable for any fishing, as well as for walking on the water and even for long trips.

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2. Pilot Profi 260

Motor-rowing boat is made of PVC fabric with a density of 750 g/m². Bottom reinforced with 850 g/m fabric² longitudinal ribs made of PVC profile 50 mm wide. The same profile frames the outer side of the cylinder, protecting the sides during mooring. 

The factory is fitted with movable bench holders and rigid ones for the outboard transom. It is recommended to use a motor with a power of up to 3 HP. Two fishermen, along with gear, are comfortably located in the spacious cockpit. Included is a handy backpack case, the boat quickly assembles and inflates. 

An additional polypropylene bag protects the bag and boat from damage when transported in a car.

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3. Grinda 250

Compact and lightweight boat for fishing with 750gsm PVC fabric and 850gsm fabric bottom. The material is resistant to the effects of fuels and lubricants, sea water and ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. 

The cylinder with a diameter of 32 cm is divided into two independent compartments to provide buoyancy in case of accidents. The seams are welded and reinforced with PVC tapes on both sides. The bottom is stretched, non-inflatable, solid payol is not provided. 

Два жестких фанерных сиденья установлены в системе ликтрос-ликпаз, их положение регулируется по длине кокпита. На бортах установлены леерные тросы, на носу ручка для переноски. Уключины дополнены держателями для весел в стояночном положении.

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4. Teal 270T Lite

The lightest boat of the Chirok line is made of PVC fabric with a density of 750 g/m². At the stern there is a stationary transom, on which you can install a motor with a power of up to 4 hp. The sides are provided with oarlocks and carrying handles. 

The boat easily goes on gliding and perfectly holds the wave. Two people are placed on rigid plywood cans installed according to the Liktros-Likpaz system. The bottom is non-inflatable and without a sleigh included. 

The balloon is divided into two independent compartments to ensure buoyancy in the event of a breakthrough in one of them. Included are collapsible aluminum oars and a 5 liter foot pump. 

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5. Frigate 280 E

A motor-rowing boat with increased carrying capacity and cross-country ability is designed for three people with the necessary gear. The U-shaped balloon is closed at the stern by a built-in solid transom. It can be equipped with a motor with a power of up to 5 hp. 

The balloon is made of reinforced PVC fabric with a density of 800 g/m² and divided into three sealed compartments. The fabric is resistant to engine oil, gasoline, does not fade in sunlight.

The manufacturer is the German company Mehler Technologies. The seams are welded, reinforced on both sides with overlays of PVC fabric. Banks are rigid, fixed in the Liktros-Likpaz system. 

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6. Gavial 260

Rowing double boat is made of high quality PVC fabric. The density of the fabric on the cylinder is 750 g/sq.m, on the bottom – 850 g/sq.m. The diameter of the O-shaped cylinder is 36 cm, it is divided into two independent compartments to ensure the safety of navigation. An anchor eye, carrying handles, oarlocks are installed on the balloon. 

There is a modification of this boat with an index of 260 NTND, which has a low-pressure inflatable bottom and the ability to install a hinged transom. 

The boat is equipped with two hard seats installed in the holders of the Lyktros-Likpaz system. A convenient bag-backpack is designed for carrying, which fits not only the boat itself with seats, but also a foot pump, folding oars, a repair kit.

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7. FORT BOAT 260 Light

A double rowing boat is designed for sailing close to the shore in small calm waters. Made from 600 g/m PVC fabric² manufactured by HeyTex. 

The cylinder is divided into two independent compartments to ensure safety in case of breaks on snags or stones. At the bottom, a slab of moisture-resistant plywood 6 mm thick is installed, on which an anti-slip coating is applied.

Banks are fixed in the Liktros-Likpaz system. Paddles are collapsible, with adjustable length. It is possible to adjust the offset of the oar. There is no transom and keel. Includes sleigh, seats, transport bag-backpack and foot pump.

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8. First Profi 280C

The double inflatable boat is made of PVC fabric with a density of 750 g/sq.m. The underside of the O-shaped cylinder is reinforced with an embedded PVC profile. At the stern there are nests for a hinged transom, and a handrail cable is stretched along the sides, oarlocks are fixed on top, clips for oars in a mooring position, and carrying handles. 

The two hard seats are attached with a lyktros-lykpaz system that allows movement along the cockpit. The bottom is stretched, it is possible to install a rigid slip-book, but it must be purchased additionally. For comfortable fishing, this is a necessary equipment. The delivery set includes a pump, folding oars, a repair kit, a transport bag.

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9. Pilot 330 ZhS

Трехместная килевая лодка изготовлена из армированной ткани ПВХ с плотностью 900 г/м². Fabric density on the bottom 950 g/m². The sides and keel are reinforced with a PVC profile 60 mm wide. Lateral aluminum stringers increase the rigidity of the hull, 9 mm thick plywood slate is connected by a tenon-and-groove method with guaranteed high reliability. 

It is possible to install a motor with a power of up to 15 hp on a rigid built-in transom. A wire rope is stretched along the sides. The wide cockpit has enough space for three passengers, along with gear and camping equipment. 

Safety of navigation is provided by two isolated compartments in a cylinder plus an inflatable keel.

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10. Altair HD-320

The three-seater motor-rowing boat has an innovative design of the inflatable bottom. The keel and side guides are placed so that when moving, the oncoming water flow forms a kind of cushion that reduces the resistance to movement. Thanks to this design, fuel is saved, the speed and controllability of the craft are increased.

The balloon is made of PVC fabric with a density of 850 g/sq.m., two isolated compartments, an inflatable bottom and a keel ensure the safety of navigation. A rigid transom 381 mm high is glued on the stern. Two rigid seats are installed in the lyktros-lykpaz system and can move along the sides. On the outer side of the cylinder, handrail cables are fixed, on top – oarlocks and carrying handles.

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11. HUNTERBOAT Hunter 320L

Triple rowing boat made of reinforced PVC fabric with a density of 850 g/m². The cylinder diameter was increased to 0,41 m, due to this, the fastenings of the cans of the Liktros-Likpaz system rose by 25 mm and the rower’s landing improved. 

The increased size of the cylinder had a positive effect on the overall rigidity of the hull and, as a result, on the seaworthiness of the boat. It has become more agile and manageable. The bottom is rigid with a collapsible floorboard with a slate made of waterproof plywood 9 mm thick. 

The cylinder is divided into three sealed compartments. A wire rope is stretched along the board. The built-in transom can be equipped with a motor with a power of up to 8 hp. 

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12. Boats of the Volga region S-280

A double boat made of reinforced PVC fabric with a density of 850 g/m36 is designed for water trips and fishing in shallow calm waters. The O-shaped cylinder with a diameter of 3,5 cm is divided into two sealed compartments. At the stern there are nests for installing a remote transom. The recommended power of the outboard motor is up to XNUMX hp.

The bottom is stretched, non-inflatable. It is possible to install a rigid slate, which must be purchased separately. An anchor eye with a carrying handle is provided on the bow, handrail cables are stretched along the sides, rotary oarlocks are installed. Two rigid seats are fixed in the lyktros-lykpaz system. The set includes a foot pump, collapsible oars, a repair kit, a transport bag.

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13. TONER Breeze 260

The hull of the rowing boat is a closed ring. Recommended for fishing in small inland waters. Balloon made of PVC fabric of the German company MEHLER TEHNOLOGIES and Korean manufacturers Mirasol and Tekcol with a density of 750 g/m² divided into two independent compartments, so that when one of them breaks down, the boat maintains balance.

The kit includes two collapsible oars, hard cans, a pump, a bag for transportation. The spacious cockpit with amenities accommodates two fishermen with the necessary gear and equipment. Carrying handles, oarlocks, eye and other fittings from reliable domestic manufacturers.  

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14. Taimen NX 2900 NDND

Double compact and lightweight boat for walking and fishing is made of reinforced PVC fabric with a density of 800 g/sq.m. The bottom is inflatable, low pressure, plus an inflatable keel. The U-shaped cylinder is divided into three isolated compartments to ensure the safety of navigation. A rigid transom 18 mm thick is built into the stern.

The recommended power of the outboard motor is up to 9,8 hp, which does not require registration with the GIMS. Two rigid benches are fixed by the lyktros-lykpaz system with the ability to move along the cockpit. Carrying handles are installed on the bow and stern ends of the cylinders, and handrail cables are stretched along the sides. The set includes a seat, two collapsible oars, a foot pump, a carrying bag.

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15. Phoenix 280T Lux

Double boat made of reinforced PVC fabric with a density of 750 g/m². The cylinder in the form of the letter “O” is divided into two sealed compartments to ensure the safety of navigation. There is no keel and inflatable bottom. But in the kit there is a folding plywood slant “book” on the whole bottom, thanks to which the fisherman can confidently stand at full height. 

The mounted transom allows the installation of a motor with a power of not more than 3,5 hp. Banks are fixed according to the “Liktros – Likpaz” system and can change their location along the cockpit. Swimming in sea and fresh water is acceptable. 

A handrail cable is stretched along the side, oarlocks for oars and carrying handles are provided.

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16. Apache 260

Rowing double boat for fishing and running hunting is made of PVC fabric with a density of 750 g/sq.m. The 34 cm O-shaped balloon is divided into two independent compartments to provide buoyancy in case of accidents. The bottom is stretched, hard slant is not provided. An anchor eye is installed on the bow, handrail cables are stretched along the sides, oarlocks are fixed on top of them.

There is no rigid transom, there are no nests for its installation on the stern either. Solid benches are fixed in the cockpit using the lyktros-lykpaz system. The kit includes a foot pump, two collapsible oars, two seats, a repair kit, a transport bag-backpack.

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17. Flinc F280TLA

The double boat is made of PVC fabric of the German company HEYTEX. Main feature: the presence of a removable inflatable bottom AirDeck. It can also be used on halts as a mattress in a tent. Additionally, a small plywood slate is included in the kit. 

The cylinder is solid and divided into two sealed compartments. Includes patented hinged transom. You can put a motor with a power of up to 3,5 hp on it. 

The cans are attached to the sides with the Liktros-Likpaz system, and a rail cable is stretched along the outer side of the cylinder. The kit includes a bi-directional pump, it is able not only to inflate the cylinders, but also to quickly release them from the air.

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18. POLAR BIRD 320M NEW MERLIN

A four-seater boat made of PVC fabric with a density of 900 g/sq.m. was developed taking into account the well-known drawback of boats for fishing with a hard floorboard, which cannot be inserted into place in an inflated cylinder. The main feature of the model is a four-section glass-composite floor reinforced with two stringers. Assembly is possible even on a fully inflated boat, which makes it convenient to transport it in parts and assemble it at the launch site. And after fishing, it is just as easy to disassemble and take it to the car. 

The balloon is made of reinforced PVC fabric with a density of 900 g/sq.m. Safety while swimming is provided by 4 independent compartments, plus an inflatable keel. Built-in transom with a height of 39,5 cm can be equipped with a motor with a power of up to 15 hp. On the sides there are carrying handles, oarlocks, fenders, a valve for draining water.

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19. Intex Challenger-3

A three-seater motor-rowing boat is designed for fishing and travel at low speed in small waters in calm weather. The boat is made of non-reinforced PVC fabric and equipped with an inflatable bottom. The seats are inflatable too. Cylinders are divided into 2 independent compartments. It is possible to install a mounted transom for an engine with a power of not more than 1,5 hp.

A handrail cable is laid along the side, there are handles for carrying the boat in assembled form. The boat is convenient for fishing due to the fact that there are holders for fishing rods on the sides, and inflatable seats allow you to comfortably wait for a bite for a long time. Included are prefabricated plastic oars.

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20. YACHTMAN-260 М

The boat is specially designed for water sports enthusiasts and especially for fishermen. The balloon is made of reinforced PVC fabric with a density of 850 g/mXNUMX with a textured surface and beautiful prints. Swimming safety is provided by two independent sections into which the balloon is divided. 

Rail lines, carrying handles, oarlocks are installed on the sides, nests for a mounted transom are installed on the stern. Rigid seats are fixed in the lyktros-lykpaz system in the cockpit.

The package includes a foot pump, plywood seats, two modular oars, a backpack bag with wide shoulder straps that make it easy to carry.

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21. Helios Pilgrim-320

The three-seater motor-rowing boat is suitable not only for recreation on the water, but also for professional fishing and hunting in freshwater and salt water in any natural conditions. The cylinder and the bottom are made of PVC fabric with a density of 1100 g/sq.m produced by Mehler (Germany) or Mirasol (South Korea). 

The safety of navigation is ensured by the division of the cylinder into two independent air compartments, plus an inflatable keel. Two rigid plywood benches are installed in the holders of the lyktros-lykpaz system and can be moved along the cockpit. 

Built-in transom with a height of 381 mm allows the installation of a motor with a power of up to 15 hp. The boat is completed with two prefabricated oars, a pump, two benches, a transport bag.

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How to choose a boat for fishing

Before choosing a boat, three questions should be answered: how many people are planning to fish, what waters are planned for fishing and how to transport the boat to the place of fishing.

When choosing a boat, you should be guided by the formula “+1”. This means that if you have to fish alone, then the best choice is a two-seater boat, if for two, then a three-seater. 

You can ride an inflatable boat with three people, but it is almost impossible for three people to fish at the same time, and even more so for four people. Note that there are types of fishing, such as trolling, when even a lone fisherman needs a boat of at least 3 meters.

Some boats do not require the installation of a motor, others provide this option. If you plan to install a motor on a boat, then you must definitely study its characteristics. And for a specific motor, you will need a specific boat, which is called a rowboat.

When choosing a material for a boat, most fishermen prefer boats made of reinforced PVC. They are unpretentious, durable enough and easy to care for. Rubber is almost a thing of the past.

If the boat is delivered to the reservoir by car, then its weight does not matter. And in this case, you can take slate hard bottom boat. The main advantage of such a boat is the ability to fish while standing.

In addition, fishing on a boat with a slate bottom is more comfortable. If the choice is made in favor of a boat with such a bottom, then the next step will be to determine a model that is distinguished by its ease, and, consequently, the speed of assembly. 

A more advanced version boat with NDND (low pressure inflatable bottom), on which an EVA foam rubber mat can be placed on top.

The comfort of fishing is also provided by the seat, which must be mobile. In addition, a boat with medium-sized sides should be preferred so that water does not overflow into the boat or, on the contrary, so that it does not sail. 

The bow of the boat should be slightly raised, which helps to dampen the wave. It will not be superfluous to have an anchor eyelet that allows you to fix the boat on the water. Attention should also be paid to the oars: they must be securely fastened to the oarlocks and it is better when they have a wide blade and a slight bend.

If you imagine a universal boat, it will look like this: a two-seater boat weighing up to 30 kg with NDND, a rigid movable seat, a load capacity of up to 300 kg, and it will be possible to install a small power motor on it if desired.

However, it is always better to choose a boat with a margin. Most often, the fisherman first acquires a small boat, and then, not satisfied with its size, buys a large one. Reverse cases are quite rare. Typical mistakes when choosing and operating a boat: discrepancy between the capabilities of the boat and the power of the motor; purchase of a boat according to nominal characteristics:

• the belief that two people can comfortably fish in a two-seater boat at the same time; 
• the purchase of a boat that does not correspond to the physical capabilities of a person; 
• lack of a clear idea of ​​how the boat will be delivered to shore; 
• leaving the boat on the shore unattended in hot weather, which causes the explosion of cylinders.

Popular questions and answers

The most frequent questions of readers are answered by Alexander Orishev, Doctor of Historical Sciences, author of the special course “Fundamentals of Fishing Tourism” at the Timiryazev Academy.