‍♂Review of the best PVC inflatable boats for 2020

Fishermen and hunters, summer residents and travel lovers - everyone needs a reliable and compact inflatable boat. The popularity of models with dozens of brands makes it difficult to choose any one for specific consumer requirements. Whether you buy a floating craft for fishing or hunting, for recreation on the water or traveling on rivers, as a vehicle or as a gift for a friend, in each case you must use your selection criteria.

How to choose the necessary option for the price, which company is better to buy an inflatable pillow, what to look for so that its characteristics correspond to your wishes? The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared answers to these questions for you.

How did the inflating of boats begin?

The history of using air as a structural material goes back thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians attempted to lift heavy blocks using inflated pillows made from sewn animal skins. And the inhabitants of Hellas went further, inflated wineskins for storing wine with air and used them as floats to cross water obstacles, and even to transport goods between the islands. Since then, the desire to make a light, air-filled small boat does not leave a person to this day.

In the 15th century, European civilization in America encountered natural rubber, the sap of tropical trees, which the local Indians used to make waterproof clothing. Thereafter, repeated attempts have been made to adapt such a fabric for the manufacture of flotation devices.

Only in the middle of the 19th century, the Englishman Charles Mackintosh, having patented waterproof fabric for raincoats, together with the inventor Thomas Hancock, began to make the first copies of inflatable watercraft, which were successfully tested in Arctic expeditions.

The First World War brought the technology of making waterproof materials to a new level by vulcanizing rubber. Inflatable watercraft have become widely used for military purposes. However, the rubberized fabric had significant drawbacks - low strength and resistance to atmospheric conditions.

Inflatable boats today

Material

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), obtained for the first time in the 30s of the 19th century, was in oblivion for more than a hundred years, until its mass production began in the USA in the 50s of the 20th century. Resistance to aggressive environments and the ability to change the physical properties of various modifiers have made this material indispensable in the manufacture of a wide range of products, from gramophone records to building trusses and pipelines.

Due to its high strength to physical stress and plasticity, polyvinyl chloride has become a popular material for inflatable boats, rafts and other floating equipment. The best fabric manufacturers are constantly improving its physical and chemical characteristics, which allows us to improve the models of small boats.

Types of inflatable boats

Which is better - rubber or PVC? In Soviet times, in our country, they were made from rubberized fabric using the technology of gluing seams. Compared to polyvinyl chloride, this material is worse in strength and durability, but much cheaper. Today, the manufacture of such boats continues in Yaroslavl and Ufa.

The rest of the Russian manufacturers use imported fabric. In terms of performance, imported material is much more reliable, the best and most popular models are made from German and Korean polyvinyl chloride fabric.

By type of fabric, they are divided into unreinforced PVC and reinforced PVC:

• cheap unreinforced - mainly used by Chinese manufacturers for floating craft intended for swimming pools and beaches, in terms of strength they do not meet the increased safety requirements for small boats;
• reinforced - is a multi-layer "cake", inside which there is a cord layer of propylene yarns; outside it is glued with layers of polyvinyl chloride. Depending on the thickness and number of layers, the fabric differs in density, the denser, the higher the strength, wear resistance and durability. At the same time, the average price of such fabric is higher.

Inflatable boat design

Regardless of the material, small boats are divided by the type of bottom, which depends on the carrying capacity:

• with non-inflatable (tubeless) bottom, single-seat budget small boats are manufactured. The rigidity of the small vessel is provided by a plywood seat fixed on the sides;
• with a non-inflatable bottom and a hard plywood floor. It turns out a smooth bottom without deadrise. This impairs the maneuverability of the vessel;
• with an inflatable keel consists of a tubeless bottom and a plywood floor. A longitudinal balloon is glued in the center of the bottom, simulating movement with a keel function. This improves maneuverability and stability on the course;
• with an inflatable bottom, the type of floorboard depends on the carrying capacity. Small ones are made without floorboards. Large lifting capacity equipped with a composite floor, which is assembled using aluminum U-shaped profiles;
• with a plastic bottom are the so-called RIB boats. They were originally created for military purposes. It is a rigid structure of the underwater part made of plastic (or aluminum) and inflatable boards, widely used by professional technical services. Significantly more expensive than analogs made of polyvinyl chloride.

More advanced models for increased strength include gluing the keel and fenders with thick tape.

When choosing a purchase option, you should take into account the complete set of the floating craft with auxiliary equipment:

• first of all, it is necessary to give preference to aluminum oars, they are light, durable and do not break, unlike wooden and plastic;
• ease of use is associated with the type of seats: plywood with adjustable length of the body and inflatable with or without backrest;
• handrails along the sides and handles for pulling out of the water and carrying;
• rod holders that can be used to set up an awning;
• double-acting pump for easy loading and spare air valves;
• drainage equipment, in its simplest form, a scoop for water;
• repair kit consisting of patches and glue.

Safety

When designing inflatable small boats, the same survivability characteristics are set as for "adult" ships. This is unsinkability and stability.

Unsinkability is achieved by dividing the onboard cylinders into sealed compartments. In case of penetration of one, the vessel with the crew remains afloat. Different models differ in the number of compartments and their arrangement - cross sections and longitudinal. From the point of view of the ability to maintain the directional stability of the vessel, the second option is preferable.

The stability of a small vessel is achieved by the rigidity of the hull. Plywood floorboards, inflatable bottom and keel are the solution to this problem. If they are present, a person can walk on the bottom at full height, without fear of overturning.

Operational safety requirements prescribed in the instructions are mandatory.This is especially true for the recommended outboard motor power. On small boats of small carrying capacity, the installation of a transom is provided, and with a displacement of more than 300 kg, the transom is a structural element.

The question of which motor is better to buy is decided depending on how you will use the small boat. For coastal fishing without long crossings, it is best to purchase an electric outboard motor, despite the need for a battery and periodic charging. This option with an electric motor power of up to 1 kW has a number of advantages:

• low noise level;
• switching on by simply pressing the switch;
• no flammable gasoline and oil in the cockpit.

If you are planning long walks or traveling on rivers and lakes, the only solution is a gasoline outboard motor.

Rating of quality PVC inflatable boats for 2020

Name	Carrying capacity, kg	Weight, kg	Under the motor. h.p.	price, rub.
Single PVC boat Three Sharks	110	10	without transom	7500
PVC boat Pilot S-260 P	220	16	3	9500
PVC boat Bestway Hydro-Force Raft 307х126	270	10	1.4	4000
PVC boat Leader Compact 220	150	9.5	without transom	7800
Boat PVC Intex Excursion-5 Set (68325)	455	26.5	1.5	9600
PVC boat Jilong Fishman 300set JL007208-1N	270	9.2	1	5100
PVC boat Intex Challenger-2	200	7	1	3000
PVC boat Rubicon RCC 300	220	19.5	3	14700
Boat PVC HUNTERBOAT Hunter 290 LCA	350	32	10	26500
PVC boat MARLIN 340SLK	500	40	10	23900

Single Three Sharks

The small single seat Three Sharks is a popular choice for hunters and anglers. With a length of 2.2 meters and a width of 1.2 meters, it has good stability. When folded it fits into a backpack. Its low weight allows you to take it for fishing, even if you get to the lake or river without a car.

The body is made using welding technology and is divided into two sealed compartments, ensuring safety requirements. Given the small size, the bottom is tubeless. For rigidity it is completed with a collapsible plywood floorboard.

Equipped with a sliding hard seat. There is enough space behind it for things. A handle for pulling out of the water and rope rails on the sides are necessary parts for such a small boat. Two paddles, a pump and a repair kit are included.

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Double Pilot S-260 P

Rowing double boats Pilot S-260 P of Ufa production are intended for fishing and recreation. Made of Korean reinforced fabric with a density of 750 g / m², resistant to abrasion and physical damage. With a length of 260 cm and a width of 130 cm, the weight of the vessel is 16 kg. The welded circuit is divided into two sections, which increases rigidity and safety. The basic equipment has a tubeless bottom with a plywood collapsible bottom.

The enclosed rigid transom is installed aft when an outboard motor with a maximum power of 3 HP is required. Plywood seats are adjustable to the length of the body. So that the oars do not get in the way during fishing, holders are welded to the sides. The bow handle for getting ashore also serves as an anchor or mooring attachment. Equipped with rope side rails. The kit includes a foot pump and a repair kit.

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Double Hydro-Force Raft 307x126

The two-seater model from the Chinese brand Bestway is made of reinforced double-layer fabric with a polyester mesh between them. The model, which is 307 cm long and 126 cm wide, is stable on water and can be operated in rough seas with a 1 HP motor. The spacious cockpit with two seats makes fishing for two people comfortable.

Three sealed sections and a tubeless bottom provide rigidity, thereby increasing buoyancy, unsinkability and maneuverability in moderate waves. Fast inflation and deflation thanks to air and safety valves.

Special eyelets on the stern of the vessel are provided for attaching the transom for the outboard motor. A rope harness around the entire side is needed for carrying and for the safety of people in the water. The bow handle is used for towing. In addition, a repair kit is included.

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Single Leader Compact 220

The company "Leader" from St. Petersburg produces rowing single boats for fishing and hunting from German five-layer fabric with a density of 750 g / m2. The seams are glued on both sides with tapes made of the base material. It has two sealed compartments, which prevent flooding when the cylinder is broken. Lightweight 9.5 kg packed in a convenient backpack you can take with you to any body of water.

Due to its small size, the outboard motor is not suitable for installation. Equipped with aluminum paddles, a padded ottoman, plywood folding slats and a hard seat with adjustable length of the body.

Complete with pump and airtight bag for things.

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Five-seat Intex Excursion-5 Set (68325)

The Chinese model of the domestic brand Intex is a successful model for family vacations. Carrying capacity 450 kg, length 3.66 m and width 1.68 m, it can comfortably accommodate five passengers on inflatable seats. The large diameter of the side cylinders, divided into two pressurized compartments, ensures the unsinkability of the small vessel.

It is made by welding technology from a two-layer fabric and is resistant not only to punctures, but also to impacts on stones, allows you to go down fast rivers. The bottom with rigid longitudinal baffles increases the safety of swimming and improves germination in waves. On such a bottom, you can move while standing inside the cockpit.

In the basic configuration, there is no hinged transom, but there are sockets for its attachment. Having bought it, you can move with a motor with a power of up to 1.5 hp. at a speed of 10 km / h on calm water.

The rod jacks can be used to attach an awning, which will make fishing and rest even more comfortable. Includes aluminum paddles, pump and first aid kit.

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Double Jilong Fishman 300set JL007208-1N

The two-seater boat under the Chinese brand is suitable for fishing and hunting while sailing in the coastal area. Made of imported reinforced fabric, resistant to mechanical and chemical attack. The reliable two-chamber design of the cylinders increases unsinkability. A rescue railing is fixed along the perimeter.

Length 2.52 m and width 1.25 m with a carrying capacity of 270 kg increase the capacity to three people. Two comfortable seats can be used as personal life-saving appliances. A transom mount for a 1 hp motor is provided at the rear, but is absent in the basic configuration.

The longitudinal baffles on the bottom increase the rigidity. This improves the sailing performance of the small craft when sailing in rough seas. Two rod holders on the stern can be adapted to attach a sun and rain awning.

The kit includes a reversible pump for easy downloading, collapsible plastic oars, a set of self-adhesive patches for repairs.

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Double Intex Challenger-2

Another representative of the Intex brand is the Challenger-2, a two-seater recreational craft.These inexpensive three-layer, unreinforced polyvinyl chloride models are designed for swimming in clear water without the risk of hitting rocks and sharp objects. Dimensions of 2.36 m by 1.14 m with a carrying capacity of 200 kg allow two people to comfortably accommodate, the absence of seats is compensated by an inflated bottom with longitudinal stiffeners.

The outer hull is divided into two sealed chambers and forms an analogue of "boat in boat", which increases unsinkability. Boston air valves make it easy to inflate and deflate cylinders.

A transom mount is provided at the rear for a motor with a power of up to 1 hp. A handrail is fixed along the entire perimeter, there are clamps for oars. It is recommended to buy aluminum oars and a two-way pump as additional options, they are not included in the basic configuration.

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Double Rubicon RCC 300

The durable Rubicon RCC 300 model meets the demanding requirements of experienced fishermen and hunters. High-strength five-layer fabric allows you to use it in the conditions of a curled or rocky bottom, allows you to descend along rapids. The design of two welded sealed cylinders 3 m long and 1.4 m wide with a carrying capacity of 220 kg allows you to comfortably accommodate two with things.

The tubeless bottom is equipped with rigid collapsible plywood slides that reinforce the body. This makes it possible to swim effectively and safely in high waves. The hull is equipped with a transom for a 3 hp engine, aluminum oars and plywood seats. Side ropes for carrying. The kit includes a double-sided pump and a repair kit.

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Double HUNTERBOAT Hunter 290 LCA

Motor-rowing boats of domestic production were replenished with a novelty of the St. Petersburg company HUNTER BOAT Hunter 290 LCA. It differs from its predecessors by its low-pressure keeled bottom. This provides an increase in seaworthiness, allowing it to be operated under a 10 hp engine.

With a length of 2.9 m and a width of 1.52 m, the capacity can be increased up to three people. The three-chamber design of the hull and the air-filled bottom make it unsinkable. The height of the side is increased to 42 cm, which is glued from the outside with a thick bandage tape. The hull is made of high-strength 850gr / m² fabric that allows operation in the harsh conditions of shallow water and rocky bottom.

A stationary fixed transom and a transverse flat step at the stern of the bottom (spoiler) allow the vessel to enter the planing mode. The seats adjustable along the length of the body make it possible to center the load when swimming under the motor.

Supplied with a repair kit and a 5 liter foot pump with valve adapters.

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Double MARLIN 340SLK

The firm MARLIN from St. Petersburg supplies the market with two-seater motor-rowing boats with a hard bottom. It is made in the form of a set of plywood floorboards, which are mounted using an aluminum profile. To increase rigidity, the structure is equipped with longitudinal stringers. Plywood transom 18 mm thick, designed for a 10 hp motor. On calm water, it can reach speeds of up to 30 km / h. Made of imported wear-resistant fabric with a density of 850 g / m², it allows sailing in rocky shallow water.

Dimensions: 3.4 m by 1.48 m, lifting capacity 500 kg. Number of seats on board 2 + 1. It has three pressurized compartments and a keel; a drain valve is installed in the transom to remove water from the cockpit. A fender is glued around the perimeter, which increases reliability. Two hard seats are adjustable along the body length.The handles on the back of the cylinders and the harness of the hull increase the safety of swimming. Installation of an awning is provided.

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Conclusion

Our article provides an overview of the best PVC inflatable boats for 2020. Considered as budget models, whose functionality is limited only to fishing in the coastal area in calm water, and more expensive for operation in difficult conditions. A description of the advantages, disadvantages and how much this or that model costs will help you not to make mistakes when choosing the small size vessel you need.

If you have any experience with inflatable boats, share it with us in the comments. Your reviews will be of invaluable help to beginners in purchasing the desired small boat.