Inflatable catamarans today are the most popular among the population due to their low weight and good maneuverability. As you know, they are sports and tourist. And, if the first are intended mainly for rafting along the rivers "light", the second category is catamarans for fishing, hiking, etc. Let's find out what are the design features of various catamarans.
Types of inflatable catamarans
A catamaran is a boat, consisting of two inflatable cylinders and a frame. The latter can be inflatable (most often it is an amateur catamaran for fishing) or hard (for tourist alloys). Choosing a catamaran with a rigid skeleton, consider its greater maneuverability and carrying capacity. The design with an inflatable frame is more suitable for a quiet rest on the water. This catamaran can be purchased at any tourist store.
Cylinders of catamarans are of high and low pressure. The former are lighter in weight and easier to maintain, while the latter are a more durable option and are traditionally used for high-complexity sports alloys. Between the cylinders is a deck, which can be tensioned or rigid.
The main advantage of an inflatable catamaran in comparison with a boat is its ease of transportation. If necessary, the catamaran can simply be moved on hands from one reservoir to another due to its relatively light weight. In addition, a great advantage is the compactness of the product in the flattened state and, as a consequence, its convenient storage. Foldable inflatable catamaran takes up very little space, both in the equipment of the tourist, and in the home pantry.
Separately, attention should be paid to inflatable catamarans "under the motor". Their big plus in comparison with the usual rowing catamarans is the ability to develop a speed of 15-20 km / h, and this is when using inexpensive low-power motors. The inflatable catamaran with the motor has a trench (a flat section at the stern), a hard deck and a more stable shape of the canister of the balloon. In addition, the bottom on these catamarans, as a rule, does not touch the water, which means that the probability of damaging it with a snag or a stone is very small, and you can turn over only by passing very large thresholds.
Also on sale there are universal grebmo-motor models of catamarans that have a trawl and are used for long transitions along the calm water with the subsequent rafting along the rough rapids rivers.
Popular are the catamarans "Triton", "Bothouse", "Wind", "Albatross", "Breeze", "Prostor". They are simple, reliable and belong to the middle price category. Among the inflatable catamarans for fishing is Ondatra, and the sailing catamaran Albatross is considered the best choice for tourist alloys. Praise lovers of travel and the model "Tourist K4", the rigid frame of which consists of longitudinal elements and is easily disassembled.
When buying, pay attention to such characteristics of the boat:
- Maneuverability - the catamaran's ability to quickly turn, changing the trajectory of motion. The more maneuverable the vessel, the more expensive it is. This should be borne in mind if you buy a catamaran for rafting alloys on rough rivers.
- Stability - directly depends on the shape of the body. Usually, the catamaran's ability to withstand the current is important in a strong current.
- The speed of the catamaran differs for different models. In addition, it is influenced by the placement of additional cargo.
So, buying a quality inflatable catamaran, you get:
- comfort and safety;
- economy;
- good stability and patency;
- possibility to stay on the water for a long time.