Not sure which inflatable boat to choose? Follow these 5 tips for choosing an inflatable boat.
How to choose an inflatable boat for fishing
5 important criteria for a good boat to look out for.
1. Spaciousness
Keep an eye on the size of the vessel, even if you fish in it alone.
The following sizes are distinguished:
- single - up to 2.5 m,
- double - from 2.6 m to 3.9 m,
- triple room - from 3.9 m to 4.3 m,
- four-seater - over 4.3 m.
According to the rules for the registration of inflatable boats in Ukraine: a vessel, the length of which exceeds 2.5 meters, equipped with a motor of any power and a hinged transom for it, must be registered with the Shipping Register of Ukraine in order to protect itself from administrative penalties.
When folded, the PVC rowing boat is easy to carry over the shoulder. It will take up little space in the trunk of your car.
2. Convenience
Thanks to the stable surface, you can fish while standing and put heavy objects in the boat safely. A solid bottom significantly improves the boat's driving performance (especially when moving on a motor). The floor of the boat is of two types:
- inflatable - optimal for a boat trip. These boats are easy to assemble and store. Some models have an inflatable keel, so they are easier to control as they pass the wave softer. The bottom has good thermal insulation;
- hard - in the form of a slatted flooring (slate) made of large pieces of plywood or aluminum, which is convenient when moving with a motor.
When fishing, you often have to navigate the water, especially if you are fishing with a spinning rod. To fix the ship, you constantly have to use the anchor. For convenience, pay attention to a useful device - this is an anchor eye. He attaches the anchor. It is important that in those places where the rope comes into contact with the board, there is protection against chafing.
The presence of rings on the surface of the vessel is mandatory. It will be an additional plus if they have sealed joints so that they do not unbend under the weight.
An equally important feature is the ability to move the seats in the boat. Often, if you fish together, you involuntarily rest your knees against each other or the handles of the oars rest against your partner while rowing, which is completely inconvenient. Moving the seats to a comfortable distance from each other is a necessary addition to which you should pay attention when choosing an inflatable boat for fishing.
3. Practicality
If you plan to install a motor in the future, choose a boat with a transom mounted in the frame, the thickness of which is not less than 2.5 cm. With this design, you can install powerful motors (up to 5-6 hp). In addition, the transom is convenient to use for auxiliary equipment.
It is good if the transom is framed with rubber or plastic pads against which the motor is pressed. Thus, it will protect the transom itself from deformation. There are models where the device is glued to the cylinders using PVC pieces. This is not a reliable option, because when the engine is running, the motorboat will shake a lot.
When choosing a rowing inflatable boat, pay attention to the seams and visually check their quality - symmetry and uniformity. There are two types:
- welded, where the material is welded under temperature influence;
- glued - the seams should be neat, without glue drips.
Motorboats have more sealed compartments than rowing boats. Manufacturers also use denser PVC fabrics. Such a craft is much safer and more reliable.
4. Security
Usually boats are made of reinforced PVC material 3-4-5 layers and higher - the thicker, the heavier. Consider an important point when choosing: the PVC inflatable boat has a density gradation (not accurate):
- for rowing - it is 700-750 g / m2,
- for motorized oars - up to 950 g / m²,
- for motor vehicles - up to 1050 g / m² and above.
Note: if a boat with a density of 750 g / m² is equipped with a motor, it loses its rigidity in the water, which reduces your safety.
There are two types of material:
- hipalon is an artificial rubber-like material. Resistant to high temperatures, oils, gasoline, UV rays and sand. For strength, the bottom is lined with neoprene, previously separated by a fabric layer from the main material;
- polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is durable, abrasion resistant and lightweight.
In boats for 2-3 people, there are usually 3 autonomous inflatable compartments. Choose medium-sized boards. If they are narrow, then the water will overflow into the boat. Wide sides have great windage and resistance to wind and water. Board shapes:
- closed - in the form of a single closed oval. These boats are designed for small bodies of water. It is impossible to install a motor on them (in some cases, a low-power one is installed - no more than 1.5 horsepower);
- U-shaped, divided into several compartments. Often they have an outboard motor mounted behind a rigid transom. Such models easily swim long distances with increased waves of the water surface.
Please note that the bow of the boat should be slightly raised This helps to dampen the wave and prevents water from overflowing inward. To prevent the ingress of water, it is good if a rubber grip is provided around the perimeter of the vessel, which partially prevents the wave from rolling. Often this girth is used by fishermen to attach various gear.
Valves play an important role. There are:
- with automatic release of excess pressure. Such a valve will independently equalize the pressure to the parameter set by the manufacturer. What is especially important on a hot day, when, when overheated in the sun, the air in the cylinders heats up strongly, and the pressure increases significantly;
- without automation.
With the water drain valve located at the bottom of the transom (not all models), you can drain the water that has entered the boat without turning it over.
5. Boat color
Pay attention to the colors:
- dark or khaki, dirt is less visible on it, since fishing often takes place on lakes with swampy shores;
- light boats heat up less in the heat. On a sunny day, the fish sees them worse than dark ones;
- camouflage - more suitable for hunters, if you need to sneak up to the prey.
Now you know how to choose an inflatable boat. Share your experience in the comments.
In the electronic catalog of our store there is a good selection of rowing and motor boats. Order the product right now. Tomorrow we will deliver it at a convenient time for you.
