Contents
- Editor’s Choice
- Top 14 best single boats in 2022 according to KP
- What other single boats are worth paying attention to
- How to choose a single boat
The inhabitants of the domestic hinterland and people traveling through forests and mountains need a light and reliable watercraft to cross numerous water barriers. And fishermen and hunters simply cannot do without a single inflatable boat.
Until the middle of the last century, inflatable single boats were made only from rubber. Their disadvantages: low strength, tendency to cracking, low load capacity. Advantages – cheapness and availability.
Shortly before the Second World War in Germany, they invented a method for making synthetic fabric impregnated with an innovative material at that time with polyvinyl chloride. The new material quickly found application in the manufacture of tents, awnings, life rafts on ocean-going ships. And inflatable boats made of PVC fabric are confidently conquering the portable watercraft market.
In recent years, more and more fishermen prefer boats made of reinforced PVC, which wear out less, do not rot, do not require careful maintenance and are lighter than rubber ones.
Editor’s Choice
Inzer Canoe B (290)
The elongated shape of the hull with a pointed bow and stern gives advantages in speed of movement and facilitates navigation in the reeds. The boat is aimed at fishermen and hunters in freshwater. The balloon with a diameter of 31 cm is made of PVC fabric with a density of 750 g/sq.m.
Swimming safety is ensured by the division of the cylinder into two isolated compartments. The bottom is non-inflatable, a folding floor made of moisture-resistant plywood is included. The carrying capacity of the boat is 150 kg, the capacity is 1 person, a hard seat is provided for it, fixed according to the lyktros-lykpaz system on the inside of the cylinder.
The paddle is single, two-bladed and collapsible. Includes foot pump, seat, paddle, repair kit, transport bag.
Technical specifications
| dimensions | 0,98х2,9 m |
| Cockpit size | 0,58х2,06 m |
| Total weight of the kit | 11 kg |
| Balloon diameter | 0,31 m |
Advantages and disadvantages
Top 14 best single boats in 2022 according to KP
1. Condor 1000
The bright orange boat is designed for children and teenagers to play near the shores of shallow ponds and pools. The carrying capacity of the boat is 80 kg. The body is made of non-reinforced vinyl. The safety of young swimmers is ensured by a two-chamber hull.
The first section: a circular balloon of the sides, the second – an inflatable bottom. Air filling is independent, if one compartment is damaged, the second one remains afloat and supports the passenger. Bright coloring helps to find a traveler lost in coastal thickets.
Light plastic oars are included in the kit, oarlocks are provided on the sides for their installation. The pump is purchased separately.
Technical specifications
| dimensions | 1,55х0,097 m |
| The weight | 1,1 kg |
Advantages and disadvantages
2. Teal 220 Lite
The boat is light but stable enough to fish on large lakes and rivers. The large cockpit accommodates not only the fisherman himself, but also a sufficient amount of gear. The carrying capacity of the boat is 150 kg. It is made of PVC fabric with a density of 750 g/m2.
Two isolated cylinder compartments provide safety. The kit includes collapsible aluminum oars, oarlocks are fixed on the sides and a handrail cable is stretched. The bottom is stretched, there is no hard slan in the kit.
Technical specifications
| dimensions | 1,01х2,18 m |
| Cockpit size | 0,42х1,5 m |
| Total weight of the kit | 7,5 kg |
| Balloon diameter | 0,31 m |
Advantages and disadvantages
3. UREX-12
Single oversized boat made of 750gsm reinforced PVC fabric. m. The stern and bow are equally raised, which allows you to move in both directions. In the people, such a design is called “push-pull”. It is very convenient for swimming in thickets, floodplains, and various narrow places.
Swimming safety is ensured by the two-section design of the cylinder. If one sealed chamber is damaged, the partition automatically shifts, increasing the volume of the surviving part. This facilitates the task of reaching the shore and rescuing the passenger. The package includes collapsible paddles, a hard seat and a foot pump.
Technical specifications
| dimensions | 1,05х2,2 m |
| Cockpit size | 0,49х1,64 m |
| The weight | 6,4 kg |
| Total weight of the kit | 9,5 kg |
| Balloon diameter | 0,28 m |
Advantages and disadvantages
4. TONER Breeze 220
The rowing boat is made of a five-layer reinforced PVC fabric with a density of 750 g/sq.m. A closed cylinder with a diameter of 0,33 m is divided into two sealed compartments to ensure safety. Swimming is recommended on small lakes and rivers in calm coastal areas.
The carrying capacity of the boat is 180 kg. Fasteners for a hard seat are installed on the inner side of the cylinder, and oarlocks are on the upper side. Handrails are stretched along the side. The kit includes a 3-liter foot pump, collapsible oars, a repair kit with glue to eliminate holes.
The boat, along with accessories, fits into a bag-backpack with straps for carrying.
Technical specifications
| dimensions | 1,23х2,2 m |
| The weight | 8 kg |
| Total weight of the kit | 10,2 kg |
Advantages and disadvantages
5. FORT boat 200
The boat is designed for sailing on small water bodies. It is made of German HeyTex PVC fabric with a density of 600 g/m2. The cylinder is divided into two isolated compartments. The rigid can is fastened with the lyktros-lykpaz system and can move along the sides.
The load capacity of 120 kg is sufficient to accommodate one fisherman with equipment. The paddle reach is adjustable.
Technical specifications
| dimensions | 1,27х2,00 m |
| Cockpit size | 0,42х1,28 m |
| Total weight of the kit | 10 kg |
| Balloon diameter | 0,36 m |
Advantages and disadvantages
6. Rumb R-200 GR
The single boat is focused on fishing and running hunting. The closed balloon with a diameter of 22 cm is made of reinforced PVC fabric. The load capacity of the boat is 100 kg.
The safety of navigation is ensured by the division of the cylinder into two independent sealed compartments. Mounts for a rigid bench are fixed on the O-shaped balloon, handrails are stretched along the sides, and an eye washer is installed on the bow.
There are no oarlocks, the boat is equipped only with rows. Includes pump, hard seat, repair kit with adhesive and puncture repair cloth, carry bag made from Oxford fabric, plus an additional polypropylene bag.
Technical specifications
| dimensions | 1х2 m |
| Cockpit size | 0,43х1,45 m |
| The weight | 7 kg |
Advantages and disadvantages
7. Frigate M-1
An inflatable rowing boat is especially useful for fishing or hunting in hard-to-reach places, where it will have to be carried. PVC fabric density 750 g/m2, carrying capacity 190 kg, the cockpit is spacious enough for one person and camping equipment. The bow is raised, which makes it easier to control and move the boat.
The seat is fixed in molded holders and is guaranteed to stay in them under any circumstances. The anchor eye on the bow of the boat ensures its towing and mooring, the oarlocks of the aluminum oars are swivel. The rigid transom is missing.
Technical specifications
| dimensions | 1,4х2,00 m |
| Cockpit size | 0,47х1,42 m |
| Total weight of the kit | 8 kg |
| Balloon diameter | 0,29 m |
Advantages and disadvantages
8. Intex 58354 «Explorer Pro 50»
Single boat with a load capacity of 80 kg is made of unreinforced vinyl with a thickness of 0,3 mm. Its purpose: water entertainment and skiing for children over 6 years old. The safety of passengers is ensured by a three-section balloon.
The first chamber: a circular balloon, the second is an inflatable floor, the third is hidden under the stern. All compartments have double valves, allowing you to quickly inflate and spoon and deflate the air. A handrail is stretched along the side, an eye-washer is fixed on the bow.
Oars or paddles are not included, the pump is also purchased separately. The bright color does not let the young explorer out of sight and helps to find it in the coastal thickets.
Technical specifications
| dimensions | 1,37х0,85 m |
| The weight | 1,9 kg |
| Balloon diameter | 0,23 m |
Advantages and disadvantages
9. TONER Skipper 220
The single boat with an O-shaped balloon has a large enough cockpit to make your stay on the water pleasant and comfortable. Contours provide the boat with easy running, maneuverability and controllability. Fishermen and running hunters highly appreciate this model for its light weight, compactness in assembled form, simplicity and speed of assembly of the craft.
The carrying capacity of the boat is 180 kg, the cylinder is made of a five-layer PVC fabric with a density of 750 g/sq.m. Security is provided by two sealed compartments. On the sides there are holders for a rigid bench and oarlocks for folding oars. Handrails are stretched along the sides, an eye-ring is fixed on the nose.
Technical specifications
| dimensions | 1,23х2,2 m |
| Cockpit size | 0,55х1,52 m |
| Total weight of the kit | 10,4 kg |
| Balloon diameter | 0,33 m |
Advantages and disadvantages
10. Pilot C-220
A boat made of reinforced PVC fabric with a carrying capacity of 186 kg is designed for fishing and running hunting. The lyktros / lykpaz seat attachment system allows you to change their location and even put another bench for a second fisherman.
Reinforced PVC fabric with a density of 750 g / sq. m is not affected by gasoline, lubricants and solar ultraviolet radiation. The circular cylinder is divided into two isolated compartments to ensure the safety of navigation.
The seams are butt welded and reinforced with gluing from the same PVC fabric inside and out. The package includes a pump, rack slate, repair kit, one bench, two folding oars, a bag with shoulder straps for carrying.
Technical specifications
| dimensions | 1,2х2,2 m |
| Cockpit size | 0,5х1,56 m |
| The weight | 9,6 kg |
| Total weight of the kit | 15 kg |
| Balloon diameter | 0,34 m |
Advantages and disadvantages
11. Advertiser 1 GR
The boat with a load capacity of 120 kg is made of Korean PVC fabric with a density of 750 g/sq. m. The material is durable and is not afraid of solar ultraviolet radiation. The O-shaped balloon is butt-glued by hand and divided into two isolated compartments for buoyancy.
The solid bench is fixed in the Lyktros-Likpaz system and can be moved along the length. There are no oarlocks, the boat is equipped with paddles. Includes pump, seats, two strokes, repair kit, transport bag with straps.
Additional accessories are available for this model: rack slat, removable inflatable bottom, transom, reinforcement of cylinders along the bottom or the entire bottom of the boat.
Technical specifications
| dimensions | 0,97х2,0 m |
| Cockpit size | 0,46х1,46 m |
| The weight | 8 kg |
| Total weight of the kit | 9 kg |
| Balloon diameter | 0,27 m |
Advantages and disadvantages
12. BoatMaster 250 Т
The boat is designed for active recreation on the water, including the sea. Rigid transom allows you to install a boat motor with a power of up to 6 hp. The large diameter of the balloon protects against waves and provides a load capacity of 220 kg.
Safety during navigation is provided by three sealed insulated cylinders, one on the bow and two on the sides. At the bottom, a slip-book is installed, which is included in the delivery set. Oarlocks are installed on the cylinder, a handrail cable is stretched.
The position of the rigid bench is adjustable along the cockpit. Includes pump, seat, collapsible floorboard, repair kit, transport bag with straps.
Technical specifications
| dimensions | 1,37х2,5 m |
| Cockpit size | 0,64х1,7 m |
| The weight | 19 kg |
| Total weight of the kit | 23 kg |
| Balloon diameter | 0,4 m |
Advantages and disadvantages
13. Frigate M-11
Rowing boat with a load capacity of 210 kg is made of reinforced PVC fabric. This is a reinforced version of the M-11 Light model. The cylinder diameter and cockpit dimensions are increased, the stern is expanded, the bow contours are changed. Thanks to this, the load capacity has increased to 210 kg compared to 190 kg for the Lite model.
The boat has an easy ride and excellent handling. The cylinder is divided into 2 sealed compartments. Aluminum oars, collapsible. A handrail cable is stretched along the side, oarlocks are installed. The seat is hard, there is no solid transom.
Technical specifications
| dimensions | 1,21х2,35 m |
| Total weight of the kit | 9,6 kg |
| Balloon diameter | 0,36 m |
Advantages and disadvantages
14. DRAGON 200
The boat with a load capacity of 220 kg is made of reinforced PVC fabric with a density of 750 g/sq.m. The 34cm oversized cylinder is divided into two independent compartments for safety. Butt-welded seams.
Holders for a bench, oarlocks, handrails along the sides, an eye-washer on the nose, carrying handles are fixed on the surface of the cylinder. And at the stern there is a valve for draining water and fastenings for a rigid transom. It can be equipped with a light motor, purchased separately.
Supplied with a rigid bench, 1,6 m long oars, a transport bag. Plus a repair kit with glue and fabric for patching holes.
Technical specifications
| dimensions | 1,2х2,0 m |
| Cockpit size | 0,52х1,32 m |
| The weight | 7,2 kg |
| Total weight of the kit | 10,5 kg |
| Balloon diameter | 0,34 m |
Advantages and disadvantages
What other single boats are worth paying attention to
1. LEGION-195
Single boat is made of high quality PVC fabric produced by Mehler Texnologies (Germany). Fabric weight 750 g/m2, it does not lose its properties even with prolonged contact with sea or fresh water. The carrying capacity of the boat is 150 kg.
Two sealed compartments ensure safety when swimming. Comes with paddles, seat and pump. For carrying the boat fits into a convenient bag-backpack. There are carrying handles on the sides.
Technical specifications
| dimensions | 1,0х1,95 m |
| Total weight of the kit | 9 kg |
| Balloon diameter | 0,27 m |
Advantages and disadvantages
2. Leader Compact 200
The boat is designed for small ponds and swamps. Made from rot-resistant five-layer reinforced PVC fabric with a density of 750 g/m2. Swimming safety is ensured by two independent cylinders. The seams are taped on both sides with PVC tape.
The carrying capacity of the boat is 150 kg. The boat can be operated in fresh and salt water, the permissible temperature range is from -40 to +70 °C. The seats are hard made of multi-layer waterproof plywood.
Technical specifications
| dimensions | 0,95х1,96 m |
| Cockpit size | 0,42х1,42 m |
| Total weight of the kit | 8,4 kg |
| Balloon diameter | 0,27 m |
Advantages and disadvantages
3. Rubicon Standard R 200
Compact dimensions and low weight are especially good for fishing and running hunting. Tanks made of reinforced PVC fabric with a density of 750 g/m2 divided into two compartments, ensuring safety when swimming. The carrying capacity of the boat is 150 kg, 2 strokes are included. It is possible to install a hinged transom. The bottom is stretched, there is no hard slan in the set.
Technical specifications
| dimensions | 1,00х2,00 m |
| Total weight of the kit | 8 kg |
| Balloon diameter | 0,27 m |
Advantages and disadvantages
How to choose a single boat
Choosing a single boat is not the most difficult task for an angler, you just need to immediately understand what are the advantages and disadvantages of such boats.
It is better to refuse to purchase a boat in which paddles are used instead of oars. The fact is that to move the boat even for short distances with their help, serious physical efforts are required. After 10 minutes, the fisherman’s hands will simply start to hurt. However, if the fisherman nevertheless purchased a boat with rowing, then it is immediately worth buying a kayak paddle, with which it is much easier to control a small boat.
If the boat is purchased with oars, then you should pay attention to is it possible to adjust them.
Also note the seat.with which a good boat is equipped. It’s better when it’s mobile.
The best choice for a single boat is the presence of an inflatable bottom, which makes fishing more comfortable and does not weigh down the boat, as happens when installing a hard bottom.
When buying a boat, you should look at all the seams. If the boat begins to let air through the seam line, then serious problems will arise with its repair. You should carefully examine the bottom – it should be perfectly flat.
Another criterion when choosing a boat is the color. For the southern regions, it is better to choose light colors – such a boat does not heat up much. For the northern regions, preference should be given to camouflage coloring that masks the fisherman.
Popular questions and answers
Answers the most common questions from readers Alexander Orishev, Doctor of Historical Sciences, author of the special course “Fundamentals of Fishing Tourism” at the Timiryazev Academy and books on tourism.
Most inflated models can be lifted by the angler with one hand. And if the reservoir is within walking distance from the fisherman’s house, then the latter can, grabbing the boat under his arm, deliver it in this form to the pond or to the river, without resorting to pumping each time.
The second parameter is the carrying capacity. Considering that it will still not work to take a lot of cargo into such a boat, preference should be given to the boat that, with a small dead weight, is able to take on board some other equipment besides the fisherman himself. Note that an increase in capacity will inevitably lead to an increase in the weight of the boat, and choosing a boat with a relatively high carrying capacity, we risk losing its main advantage – lightness.
The third parameter is the length. Single boats have a length of 2 to 3,2 meters. The higher the height of the fisherman, the longer the boat he will need, and accordingly, her and other parameters will grow.
A single boat is the lot of lone fishermen who, as a rule, catch non-predatory fish near the shore, using fishing rods up to 4 meters or arrange circles, hoping to catch a predator.
The big advantage of a single boat is its compactness. Many models fit in a backpack, so you can deliver such a boat to a pond without a car. It is the best watercraft for those reservoirs that can only be reached on foot, overcoming kilometers off-road.
Also, a single boat can be used as rafting on small rivers. In those places where a congestion forms on the water, the boat is taken ashore and easily overcome the next obstacle.
However, if you still have to store the boat at sub-zero temperatures, then it is better to leave it unfolded, filling the compartments with air by 15%.