The good thing is that others praise how to choose the right inflatable boat

In all likelihood, the era of rubberized fabric boats will end in the near future. And, although some other Russian factories still make them, they are gradually being replaced by boats made of PVC fabric.

Surely, being interested in choosing an inflatable boat for fishing, you mean a PVC boat.

Textile

PVC fabric - durable, not susceptible to decay, has proven itself perfectly. Therefore, if you decide to buy an inflatable boat, choose from PVC fabric.

Reinforced PVC

PVC fabric consists of two layers of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) glued together. The layers are glued onto the mesh, a reinforced PVC fabric is obtained. The layers do not really stick together, but the PVC molecules penetrate the mesh molecules, this is called adhesion, a very strong connection at the molecular level.

Non-reinforced PVC

Such material is used in Chinese boats, it is certainly less reliable and durable. At low temperatures, it loses elasticity, and at high temperatures it stretches. But its price is lower and unlike rubber fabric, it does not rot.

Density

In the characteristics of the fabric from which the balloons are made, there is necessarily such a parameter as density. All PVC fabric is imported. The one that is certified for the manufacture of boats has a density of 850 g/m to 1100 g/m. depending on the manufacturer.

When tested, the entire fabric reacted equally to abrasion and tear. Therefore, the density parameter for the reinforced fabric is not important. But if the fabric is not designed for boats, its density will be less, which means less strength.

You can learn about PVC weaving by the characteristic "tensile strength" and it does not depend on the density of the material. Therefore, it is better to buy boats from reliable manufacturers.

How long the boat will serve you depends only on the quality of the fabric.

seams

When joining the seams of PVC boats by welding, unlike rubber ones that cannot be welded, the adhesion property of materials works, it is practically a “dead” connection that is difficult to break.

Also, if the seams are glued with high-quality glue, then the effect is the same - greater reliability of gluing.

The seams are glued with an overlap or a butt joint, reinforced from above for greater joint strength.

But, there are no rules without exceptions, you may have purchased your watercraft from an unverified manufacturer who saves on glue. Seam defects are detected on the very first launch of the boat into the water.

Size

When purchasing an inflatable boat for fishing, you must definitely understand what you want:

  • A small single row boat, which is good for fishing in calm waters.
  • Boats with a motor, where not only you can fit, but also a partner.
  • An impressive, reliable watercraft that can cover long distances.

Usually, most people lean towards the average value, to a vessel where two people could fish.

As a rule, many people start with small two-man boats in the size 300-320, but in the end they realize that they will be most comfortable in a PVC boat in the size 380-400.

When choosing the size of the boat, you need to consider how you will transport it to the place and where to store it in the winter.

Medium-sized boats will fit in two bags in the trunk of a car, or maybe you if you are targeting a larger model.

load capacity

It is important to know the carrying capacity of the boat. By summing up the own weight and the mass of all things that will be in the boat, you will get the estimated carrying capacity of the vessel.

A heavily laden boat will move more slowly, lose significantly in speed and will be difficult to plan. Therefore, when choosing, it is necessary to add another 1/4 to the resulting weight and focus on the resulting value.

Too little or too much loading of the vessel will significantly increase the amount of fuel consumed.

The presence of a motor

Next, you will have to decide whether you will use an inflatable boat with or without a motor. By the way, the carrying capacity of the inflatable boat also depends on this, because the motor, the fuel can also have weight.

If you plan to buy a boat for a motor, then there is an opportunity to immediately choose a boat with a glued transom. But you can.

If you are choosing a boat for a motor, then make sure that the rigidity of the hull can hold the weight of the motor and propeller. The solder floor gives additional rigidity.

Bottom

Since the bottom of the inflatable boat is unstable, you will need to purchase a removable sleigh or floorboards, this will allow you to safely move around the cockpit and even throw spinning while standing.

The bottom of an inflatable boat is flat or keeled. Inflatable keel have boats with

An ordinary PVC boat can be additionally keeled by providing it with one or more keels.

Cylinders

The size of the cockpit is directly related to the size of the cylinders. Large cylinders are more reliable, but at the same time, the usable cockpit area is reduced, so it is important in what conditions you plan to operate an inflatable vessel, you need to find a middle ground.

seats

When purchasing a boat, pay attention to the fastening of those hard seats. It will be more convenient if you can adjust the height of the seat and the distance between them.

After you fish the season, you understand the strengths and weaknesses of the chosen boat, you will understand what is missing. Over time, adjust the boat to suit you, and you will be happy.

Folk sign: If after a warm day there are a lot of circles from fish on calm water, tomorrow will be the same warm day!