If you need to choose a PVC boat and a motor, know that these are two tasks that are interrelated. In the first stage, we will discuss with you how to choose a PVC boat, how not to make a mistake in the selection, how to choose a boat for your tasks – capacity, load capacity, and other characteristics.

Choosing the material

As you probably already know, boat production is divided into two types – made from non-reinforced and reinforced PVC. Non-reinforced PVC is used in children's balls and inflatable mattresses. If boats are made from such material, they are not very strong and can be punctured even by reeds. Not to mention various stones or stumps. However, for beach leisure, such a boat is simply an ideal choice. But for fishing and hunting, we strongly advise against taking such a boat.

Unlike its "colleague," reinforced PVC has long-term prospects of use, as it is a very strong material that can be stored calmly in any condition, as the balloons can withstand any pressure, including high pressure.

In most cases, boats are made from reinforced PVC. They are perfect for types of engines that have high rigidity.

There are two ways to make a boat from reinforced PVC:

• The first option is gluing. Pieces are glued together. In turn, gluing is divided into cold and hot.
• The second option is welding. Different fabric pieces are welded together.

Boats that have been made using the second method are more reliable, but we want to note that during their production, where the seam is, the thickness decreases, which means there is a possibility that its strength will decrease.

When gluing – the fabric and its structure are not destroyed, and it can be concluded that this option is much more reliable. This means that the likelihood of the seam coming apart tends towards zero.

The main thing to remember is that the choice is always yours because today the technologies used for the production of PVC boats have taken a huge step forward, and the likelihood of the seam coming apart is very small.

What is PVC?

PVC is a material that has many layers, and as their number increases, its strength and weight increase.

When choosing it, it is necessary to maintain a balance. In most cases, boats are made of seven layers of PVC, and their density ranges from 0.85 to 1.3 kg/m3. In individual cases, the surface of the boat can be processed to give it hardness. This is done so that the boat can safely navigate over stones, bushes, and stumps.

Size, length, weight

Due to the inflated nature of PVC boats, they seem very spacious, but often this turns out not to be the case. Balloons that take up 38-45 centimeters steal a lot of space. For example, if a boat is 270 cm long, then the length of its bottom will only be 170 cm, and the width – 66 cm. Therefore, the boats that seem huge in the store turn out to be small in practice.

Passenger capacity

If you look in the boat's passport, you can notice the column – passenger capacity. Remember, this column indicates the maximum value, not the average. Due to the fact that people confuse these indicators, most often cases occur when there is not enough space for everyone. Let's give some figures for fishermen and hunters:

• Single boats. Their length is 2.8-3.3 meters;
• Boats for two. Length from 3.3 or 3.6 m to 4.2 m;
• Boats for three start from a length of 4.2 meters.

Transporting the boat

All boats over 3.3 meters in length already have a significant weight – about 50 kg. It is very difficult to carry it for two people. Therefore, we recommend using wheels that can be easily removed and attached to the transom. Some even manage to attach them alone and lower the boat into the water. To transport the boat in a bag, you will still need someone's help, as it is quite heavy. So, before buying a boat, think whether there will always be someone in your circle who will help you with it. Before purchasing, be sure to check that the boat bag fits in your trunk.

Transom

Fixed transom, hanging transom, no transom there are several types of transom on PVC boats. It can be fixed, hanging, or absent. Boats that do not have a transom are considered rowing, which has a hanging transom for low-power engines (typically up to 3.5 hp), while with a fixed transom, boats are ideally suited for more powerful engines. We recommend paying attention to how the fixed transom is attached to the boat. It can be glued using PVC pieces, or a rubber border or gasket was used during gluing. The best choice is a rubber gasket or border, as in this case, you do not need to be afraid that the fabric will wear out due to vibration, as the rubber material smoothes it.

Boat color

First, you should choose the color of your boat. For fishing, we recommend gray, white, or similar tones. This is because the sky, when you are underwater, appears bright, white, or blue. And if the boat has a different shade, it will stand out significantly, which you do not want. Light colors are less noticeable to fish. For hunters, where camouflage is crucial, dark and camouflage colors are suitable.

Types of bottoms

There are two types of bottoms for PVC boats.

Complex Bottom

First, there is a complex bottom - waterproof plywood soaked in resin and aluminum (slate/stainless steel). This bottom is stiffer than an inflatable one and heavier. For a boat that's 3.3 meters long, you'll need a partner to lay the stainless steel.

Rigid Bottom

Second, there is a rigid bottom. Unlike inflatables, a rigid floor covers almost the entire bottom (depending on the boat model). Rigid floors are equipped on motorized keel boats. This type of bottom provides additional convenience in boat usage and comfort for those on board.

Boat Inflation Rules

We'll tell you about two methods of accomplishing this. In the first case, a bellows pump is used, while in the second, a compressor is used. The normal or recommended pressure of the boat is indicated in the boat's instructions. When inflating with a bellows pump, you'll never be able to overinflate it. After all, when it's fully inflated, you simply won't be able to press it. When using a compressor, you can set the required pressure immediately and observe the results of your work.

Storing and Operating the Boat, Plus a Couple of Secrets

Before your first trip, it's necessary to fully assemble the boat, inflate it – it's better to do this near the house, on the grass, but if the apartment allows, then inside. This method allows you to quickly and accurately memorize all the steps you need to take, so you don't waste time on-site after arrival. PVC material doesn't like various scratches and cuts, even worse than rubber. That's why we recommend carrying the PVC boat by hand or attaching wheels to the transom.

If you use the boat when freezing is expected, know that PVC will freeze in the cold. PVC also dislikes dirt and sand, which tend to get between the bottom and the buoyancy tube.

Even considering the fact that you have a stainless steel one, it doesn't give complete confidence; it's best to lay a piece of linoleum. After each trip, it's essential to thoroughly clean both it and the entire boat.

If fish slime remains on the boat, rats or mice will want to feast on it, and they really like PVC. So, our recommendation is to thoroughly clean the boat, use products that have a good smell. This will repel rodents.

The best storage option is suspended, anywhere is fine, as long as it's inflated. This will save you space, and the boat becomes completely rodent-proof. According to the instructions, a partially inflated state of the boat helps avoid bends, creases, and the like.

Never throw away the boat's instructions, as a puncture or cut might happen, and only thanks to it can you timely and on-site deal with the problem. For a deep cut, take it to a workshop. Also, you can contact companies that make or repair PVC canopies.

Tricks, Small Comforts, Additional Useful Items

Using a pressure relief valve

A very convenient feature for those who don't like particular hassle. Because in summer or on a hot day, the pressure in the tubes can increase, which can result in the boat exploding. But if you install an automatic pressure relief valve. Of course, you can manually release pressure by lightly pressing the valve, but there's a chance you'll release too much. Then the boat becomes less manageable and less rigid.

Using a water drainage valve

If you have such a valve, it's located in the transom, at its lower part. It facilitates the procedure of draining water that has entered the boat. It should only be used in shallow waters.

Using rings for securing the engine

If you've put a powerful engine on your boat. Then it could happen that it just tears the transom like in famous horror movies. So, to not lose your precious motor, tie it with strong ropes to safety rings located on the tubes and seats.

Anchor rim

It might happen that the anchor rope rubs against the entire PVC fabric. To eliminate this possibility, a so-called anchor rim is attached to the bow of the boat. Its additional functions are length fixation and winding of the rope. You should choose an anchor that weighs no less than 4 kilograms, and the rope length should be at least 20 centimeters. This is almost twice as much as needed for the predicted depth of fishing. Climbing rope is perfect for these conditions, its diameter is 6 millimeters. It's very convenient to hold in your hands.

Anchor bag

During movement, the anchor should be in its bag. This is to prevent a situation where it will fly freely around the boat. The anchor bag also protects your boat from dirt or mud that can remain on the anchor after being in the bottom.

Attachment for the fuel tank

Usually, four rings are attached to the tubes to securely attach and fix the portable fuel tank.

Seats with a bag - warm and soft

Plywood seats have little heat conductivity, turning the seats into a terrible discomfort in cold weather, and they're hard, and in cold weather, they don't do well. Experienced people attach hiking rugs to the seats, which provide excellent comfort and allow you not to worry about catching a cold. When shopping, you can purchase seat covers for yourself. This cover has two functions, the top is a comfortable and soft seat, and the bottom is a backpack for small items.

To protect the bottom and buoyancy tubes, PVC strip patches are attached to the boat. They help safeguard the PVC fabric from rocks, sand, and so on.

State registration numbers for boats

The rules of the Maritime and Inland Waterways Administration are clear; all registered boats must have state numbers, no exceptions. There are several ways to apply the number to the side of your boat.

• Using a stencil and waterproof marker. Currently, this is the most convenient and quickest method, but there's one drawback – the paint can rub off quickly.
• Using polyurethane glue and PVC material, which you can obtain from companies dealing with banner advertising, cut out and then glue the number to the side.
• Create a stencil of your number, attach it to the side. Then mix Urane glue with nitro paint. Afterward, apply it to the degreased surface through the stencil. An ideal option as the number holds up well, and if necessary, you can easily remove it with your fingers.

Boating categories

Looking into the transom of the boat or its passport, you can see the boat's category. Let's examine them in more detail.

Category C (coastal) – the boat is allowed for operation with wind force of no more than 6 points and wave height up to 2 meters. Navigation is allowed in coastal waters.

Category D (for sheltered waters) – the boat is allowed for operation with wind force up to 4 points and wave height equal to 0.3 or 0.5 meters. Navigation is permitted in enclosed rivers and lakes.

What you need to know before buying a boat is that you must fully unroll it, check it for holes – for this, you need to inflate it. Check all the equipment and also verify the quality of fabric welding and bonding. Check if there are folds on the boat and if it's symmetrical. If you notice folds on the PVC boat, it's unacceptable, meaning the boat is of poor quality and poorly glued. However, minor folds on the front part of the bow are allowed according to standards.