How to choose a PVC boat for fishing?

Over the last 10 years, boats made of PVC fabric with a transom for a boat motor are gaining more and more popularity.

This is understandable!

Lightweight, compared to rubber, PVC boats are stronger, have a longer service life, technologically and practically more convenient and aesthetic.

PVC boats with a transom under the motor have a huge range of models, differ in length and width, as well as the diameter of the cylinders.

The most important structural difference between PVC boats – is the presence of a rigid floor pajolny type of thick Bakelite plywood or aluminum panels and a pronounced inflatable keel. And on the other side are boats with low-pressure inflatable bottoms (LPIB). Both here and there have their pros and cons. On the one hand, boats with low-pressure inflatable bottom are lighter due to the absence of guides and heavy components of the deck sheets, faster and quicker to assemble. You just need to inflate all the compartments with an air pump.

On the other hand, a rigid deck under your feet is safety in case of careless handling of the anchor and sharp hooks of baits. After all, there have been cases when the bottom of boats with NDND was cut or pierced just inside when carelessly handling tackle, anchor or other sharp objects. This is not the case with rigid bottom boats.

Nevertheless, both these and other models enjoy great deserved popularity, are actively used on open water with the use of outboard boat motors.

Another undeniable advantage of PVC boats is the ability to compactly fold them and store them in the winter in disassembled form in special bags-cases. The bag does not take much space and allows you to place it even in an ordinary apartment.

Material

Fabrics differ in the density of weaving. The base is, as a rule, a fabric of plain weave. Then comes the inner layer. It is applied to the base layer and consists of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), responsible for the breathability of the fabric (keeps the air inside the cylinders of the boat). And finally, the outer layer. It is usually made of PVC and polyurethane, less often of pure polyurethane. This layer is resistant to abrasion and has less friction with water, especially the pure polyurethane layer.

Fabrics differ in thickness (fabric density g/m2). The main fabrics used for boat manufacturing have a density of 600 to 900 g/m2. Accordingly, small boats up to 3 meters are made of lighter (less dense) fabric 600-750 g/m2. And boats over 3 meters are made of denser and more reliable fabric, as they have more severe operating conditions and loads.

Assembly – disassembly

As a rule, a PVC boat with a rigid bottom comes for sale in two separate bags-cases. One holds the boat itself, the other holds the hard floor, benches, oars and stringers.

Boats up to 3.5 meters in size are not difficult to assemble by one adult.

Everything starts with the deployment of the hull, a light pumping up of the sides and keel. After that the floor elements are inserted and fixed. The next moment is a full inflation of cylinders to the appropriate pressure. And at the final stage oars and benches are installed. On average, it takes from 15 to 30 minutes depending on the model and size of the boat. Larger boats are assembled by several people.

PVC boats with NPD are assembled even easier and faster. In this case, there is only inflation of the cylinders of the board and inflatable bottom. That is, the assembly is twice as fast.

A great help for fishermen are various models of electric pumps, working from built-in batteries or from the on-board network of the car. Such pumps significantly accelerate the moment of inflation of cylinders and bottom, facilitate the task of the fisherman in preparing the boat for launching.

Operation

PVC boats are actively used the whole season of open water. It should be noted that although PVC fabric is quite dense, but it is still a fabric. Because of this, you need to be very careful when using the boat. Be sure to avoid bushes, sticks, and tree branches sticking out of the water. When approaching close to the shore, carefully inspect the bottom for sharp stones, shells and glass. Often it is in the shore area where boat bottoms are cut. When assembling and disassembling the boat, also carefully inspect the area and, if necessary, clear it of unnecessary objects and debris that can damage the hull of the watercraft.

When using an anchor, do not place it on the side of the boat or throw it on an unprotected bottom. If it is a PVC boat with NPD, it is better to prepare a special compartment box with rigid walls and bottom for anchor storage. Be careful when using sharp-sharp objects, do not leave them open and put them away in a case or box in time.

Winter storage

At the end of the open water season, wash the boat thoroughly. If necessary, use a washable detergent. Dry the boat and check that no debris or small objects have gotten into the flaps. Clean and rinse the floor elements and dry them as well. Remove all air from the cylinders, using the pump in pump-out mode. Carefully fold the boat and place it in the carrying bag. PVC fabric boat can be stored both in a cold garage or shed, and at home, in the pantry.

Conclusion

As a brief conclusion, let’s list the main characteristics:

Advantages (compared to rubber ones):

PVC material boats:

• lightweight,
• comfortable and practical in operation,
• have an aesthetic appearance,
• they are convenient to store in deflated (disassembled) state.

Types of PVC boats:

By construction:

There are with a rigid floor or inflatable (NDND).

The first – more reliable, not afraid of a sharp anchor or bait hooks.
The second – lighter and faster. They are assembled faster. It is enough to inflate the cylinders. When using an anchor and other sharp objects, it is better to provide a special box or covers.
According to the density of the material:

Differences also lie in the density of the weave of the fabric.

Density is related to the size of the watercraft. Boats up to 3 meters can be made of fabric 600-750 g/m2. Increasing the size requires and increase the strength of the material.

Storage of PVC boat.

The boat can be stored only in a completely dry condition in both heated and cold rooms.

Author: Bob Nudd is an expert fisherman with over 20 years experience and winner of many competitions.