Fans of fishing that do not have the opportunity and a place to store stationary boats, choose inflatable models of swimming means, which are compact and practical and will always find a place in the garage, shed and even the apartment.
Types of inflatable fishing boats
All inflatable boats differ among themselves by the design of the bottom, the presence or absence of a transom (the place for fastening the motor), the material of manufacture.
Small single and double rowed inflatable boats for fishing are equipped with oars and have such advantages as compactness, low weight, affordable cost. To such a boat you can buy a trench and equip it with a motor up to 5 hp. The choice of such a boat usually belongs to the fishermen, who move on the pond for short distances. The main disadvantage is a soft bottom, because of which it is impossible to stand in it.
Slate models of inflatable boats have a harder bottom, formed by slates - special boards. Such boats initially have a transom for the engine and are capable of carrying 3-4 fishermen (carrying capacity is 200 kg). On such a boat you can swim out on large ponds.
Advantages of slalom inflatable boats - compactness, light weight, quick assembly and disassembly, affordable price. And of the disadvantages can be noted insufficient rigidity and stability of the boat, as well as modest driving parameters.
The third type is rubber boats for fishing with an inflatable bottom. In such a boat the bottom is made in the form of an inflatable chamber with a strong coating. Thanks to the inflatable keel, the bottom structure has a V-shaped profile, which increases the rigidity of the structure and makes it possible to connect to the boat engine up to 20 hp, significantly improving its driving performance.
Something between an inflatable boat and a hardboat is a boat with an overhead hard bottom. It has good driving performance and a high degree of safety, as well as an increased passenger capacity. But just roll and carry it in the trunk is no longer possible, and to store it will take a lot of space.
Materials for the manufacture of modern inflatable boats
If earlier all inflatable boats for fishing were rubber, today there appeared more modern materials and products from them.
The most common material for a rubber boat today is PVC. It has high strength, absolute water resistance and environmental friendliness. Polyvinylchloride boats are easily repaired, they can be operated in a wide temperature range - from -20 to +70 ° C.
Another modern material is the hilapon. In its composition - synthetic rubber and polymer additives. Hilapon greatly exceeds PVC, in particular - it is resistant to the effects of gasoline and motor oil, and also has a wider range of temperatures - from -50 to +80 ° C.
The lightest inflatable boat for fishing is a boat made of rubberized fabric produced in Ufa with the brand "Samarochka". Its weight is 4-10 kg, depending on the size and capacity.
Advantages and disadvantages of inflatable fishing boats
The main advantages of inflatable boats are their mobility and portability. In the assembled state, they can be transported without problems in the trunk of the car and even in the backpack .
To keep such a boat is also not difficult. She will find a place in a secluded corner of the garage and fit even on the balcony.
Another advantage is lightness, which is especially important when you have to carry it along the shore in case of an insurmountable obstacle in the form of rapids or a dam.
Among the shortcomings is an insufficient level of comfort and poor controllability in comparison with rigid hulls, as well as low dynamic performance with a similar engine power and, of course, less strength.