PVC boats – top 8 best rating

Criteria for choosing a PVC boat for a motor

Most fishermen have the following requirements for a PVC boat:

1. Reliability. The boat must be strong, safe and durable.
2. Possibility to install a good motor. Most boats on sale limit the power of the installed motor. The speed of movement across the reservoir and the possibility of going on planing depend on this.
3. Ease of use. When folded, the boat should fit into the trunk of a medium-sized car. It is convenient to inflate and deflate, wash, and transport to the fishing spot.
4. Accessories. It is very useful if the kit includes a comfortable seat with a backrest, an eye for an anchor at the bow and stern, a pair of oars with oarlocks of the proper quality, a holder for rods and other accessories.
5. Price. One of the main selection criteria for most fishermen.

Of course, it is impossible to satisfy all the requirements at once, and it is worth dividing all the boats into groups.

Types of PVC inflatable boats for fishing

They can be divided into three groups:

1. For large water areas and overnight fishing
2. For small water areas and one-time trips
3. Budget option for a low-power motor

PVC boats for large water areas are large in size and must be able to go on planing. They take a long time to assemble, are equipped with a powerful motor, and behave steadily on strong waves. Designed for two or more people with massive luggage. They must be very reliable, since a punctured cylinder two or three kilometers from the shore is dangerous to the lives of fishermen.

Their main disadvantage is their large mass, they take a long time to fold, and are difficult to transport from the car. Therefore, they are often inflated before fishing and taken to the reservoir already in an inflated state. Or for this they use an automatic pump that runs from the car’s cigarette lighter.

A PVC boat for small water areas and one-time trips is used near the shore. It should take up little space when folded. It is moved to a body of water by hand or inflated directly near the water area. However, it is subject to the same requirements for material strength as for large water areas. Often in small water areas the shore is littered, and in the water the bottom can be pierced by aquatic vegetation. And there is always a chance to run into a snag near the shore.

Such boats do not always require registration with GIMS. According to the rules, the motor power according to the passport should not exceed eight kilowatts, and the weight of the boat together with the motor should not exceed 200 kilograms in order to avoid the registration procedure. These conditions are quite sufficient for such a boat.

Read more: About registration in GIMS

Budget PVC boats with a small motor are not designed for planing. Usually it is bought without a motor, if it is not possible to buy everything at once, and is used with oars. Then the angler has the opportunity to install a low-power motor, and it is used as an auxiliary tool. It will still be easier and faster than rowing, especially against the wind or current.

Which motor to choose for a PVC boat

To achieve confident planing, it is necessary that for every thirty kilograms of weight of the entire structure, including the fisherman, luggage, the boat itself and the engine, there should be at least one horsepower of the latter. And it’s better to have two, since at minimum power the planing will be with the nose too raised up, which is very inconvenient to control and slower in speed. Most outboard motors can be overclocked to slightly above their rated power. However, we must remember that a boat designed for a motor of a certain traction force is designed for that without taking into account acceleration.

If the length of the vehicle is up to 2.7 m, then it is necessary to install an engine with a small cylinder volume of 43 - 130 cm3, with a power of 2 - 3.5 liters. With. and weighing 11 – 26 kg. The maximum engine power for such a vessel is 5 hp. With.:

• The optimal motor power for a three-meter model is 10 hp. With.
• For a four-meter boat - a motor with a power of 15 - 20 hp. With.
• If the size of the vessel is more than 4 meters, then motors with a power of 30 hp are already applicable here. With. and weighing from 60 kg.

How to choose the right motor for a PVC boat

A fairy tale about how we taught rowing boats to swim (+ video)

We at Boats-Peter love to experiment, because we are constantly looking for new solutions that will help make the life of the owner of an inflatable boat easier, and the already pleasant communication with the water element even better and more comfortable. Therefore, we conduct experiments to introduce innovative ideas on our boats and employees. So this time we came up with a “brilliant” idea - why should a rowing boat initially only be a rowing boat? Why can’t it be used under a motor, we thought, and so it began...

One of the most popular sizes of inflatable PVC rowing boats, 240 cm long, was chosen as a field for experimentation. As a rule, boats of this size are purchased for single use on calm waters exclusively under oars. The advantages of this size are the light weight of the set from 10 to 15 kilograms, a fairly universal size that allows one person to comfortably fit. And if the owner has no complaints, then both of them. And of course, the PRICE of these boats ranges from 8,500 rubles. for the simplest one up to 11,000 for the most expensive model. In addition to size, most of these boats have one more thing in common - the lack of a transom for installing an outboard motor (OBM). Moreover, many manufacturers do not even indicate the maximum permissible power of the PLM in the boat’s passport. This means that, in their authoritative opinion, the engine cannot be installed there. Well, if it’s impossible, but you really want to, then it’s possible, we decided, and as an experiment, we equipped several boats with mounted transoms for installing PLM. The following models have undergone modifications:

— FLINC F240L

— FORT 240

— AQUA-MASTER 240

— AQUA-OPTIMA 240

As a reference sample, we tested the HUNTER 240 inflatable boat with an already built-in transom and, accordingly, a higher price category. This was necessary in order to understand whether it is even possible to install PLM on boats of this size and how safe it is. It turned out to be very good. With a 3.5 hp engine installed. this boat quickly picked up speed and with one person on board came out of displacement mode. Moreover, there was enough space in it, despite its modest size, for both one and two people. Especially if the passenger sits not on the can, but at the very bow of the boat. And in general, this model performed well on the water. The bag for carrying and storage is convenient, with two pads the boat is quite stable on the water and assembly did not take much time. Nevertheless, we decided not to take risks with modified boats and took a 2 hp engine for testing. and just in case, we took with us a MinnKota Endura 30 electric motor.

FORT 240 was the first to be launched

. The peculiarity of this boat is that its bow and stern have a significant rise. This is, of course, good for a rowing boat. You can row both forward and backward without fear of scooping up water even in rough weather. But as it turned out, this design is not suitable for installing a gasoline PLM. As soon as you start moving alone under the motor, the stern of the boat immediately goes down and lies on the water exactly along the bend of the cylinder. There is no way to lower it. No matter how much you move your body weight closer to the bow, the boat still goes on this very bend and nothing can be done about it. The sensations are very specific, as if you were driving not an inflatable boat, but a hydrofoil boat. Although according to the passport the Fort 240 is a single-seater boat, but if there are two people in it (the size of the cockpit and the volume of cylinders allow this), then the situation becomes even more interesting. Although the boat is balanced, due to the highly raised stern with the transom, the engine propeller begins to grab air from the surface and the phenomenon of cavitation occurs. Adjusting the engine tilt did not produce any noticeable results. But this is with a gasoline PLM. An electric boat motor is a completely different matter. It has the ability to adjust the immersion depth of the gearbox, so its installation and use did not cause any problems. Powered by an electric motor, the boat moves silently and confidently, but not quickly. But this is a feature of all electric motors.

The next boat launched was the AQUA-MASTER 240

. Its peculiarity is that it has standard mounts for a mounted transom, but the transom itself is not included in the kit. Just like the Fort, the diameter of the cylinders of this boat is 36 cm, which in theory allows it to be used with PLM. But in practice the situation is as follows. Gasoline PLM 2 hp. You can install it on it. But no more. . Still, the size and overall volume of the boat makes itself felt and when the engine speeds up above average, the stern sags strongly downwards. Not that there is a danger of water overflowing over the stern of the boat, but still extra caution would not hurt. If you install an engine with more than 2 hp, then, as can be clearly seen in the video, at full engine speed the engine sump practically touches the surface of the water, and this can lead to very sad consequences. Thus, this model of inflatable boats can be recommended for installing PLM with a power of no more than 2 hp. Under the electric motor, the AQUA-MASTER 240 performed quite well. In this case, you can even afford the luxury of side boarding, which is more typical for larger boats.

Another participant in our experiment is the boat “Aqua-Optima 240”

. Of course, you can install a gasoline PLM on it... But it’s not necessary. According to her passport, the diameter of the cylinders is 34 cm, and as it turned out, these two centimeters make a significant difference with the two models described above. With a 2 hp petrol PLM installed on it. You can literally be scared on this boat. The mounted transom behaves in a very unpredictable way, vibrating along with the engine installed on it, but even at medium speeds there is a strong stern roll, which even a little more threatens to become a full-fledged coup over the transom. Even if by some miracle you manage to bring the boat out of displacement mode, its course becomes so unpredictable that it seems as if you are at the helm of a Formula 1 on the water, and not on a fragile shell only 240 cm long. Conclusion - installing a gasoline PLM for this model is not only not desirable, but also contraindicated. But using it as a rowing boat or with an electric motor is a pleasure. This can and should be done.

Well, the last participant in the test is FLINC F240L. This boat has the smallest cylinder diameter of all those presented in the test - 32 cm, so remembering the experience with the Aqua-Optima 240, we did not even try to install a gasoline PLM on it. Experimentation, of course, is above all – but one’s own skin is somehow closer. You can install an electric motor on it, but it is inconvenient to operate it, since the control handle is too high. But as a purely rowing single-seater boat, the Flink 240 is an excellent option.

Bottom line: Our test showed that some models of inflatable boats with an additional mounted transom can be used with low-power PLM. And on each of them you can install an outboard electric motor, which allows you to successfully use this kit on a calm body of water.

Pavel Prudnikov “Boats-Peter”
Return to the list

Rating of the TOP 5 best PVC boats for motors

Review of the best models of PVC boats for motors:

1. Mercury RIB 420
2. Gladiator RIB 420
3. Navigator 400 NDND
4. Frigate 300 EK
5. Pelican 245T

№1 Mercury RIB 420

The Mercury RIB 420 PVC boat is designed for large expanses of water. It has a hard bottom that you can fish on while standing without worrying about it getting punctured. Planes well and holds course. It has a lot of accessories for the fisherman, eyes, seats, lockers, steering. Unfortunately, fishing from standard seats will not be very comfortable; it is better to purchase additional inflatable ones with backs. Cockpit length 290 mm, width 90 mm. The maximum engine power that can be installed on it is fifty horses. When folded, it can be transported in a regular trailer. To use this boat with a motor, you will need to register with GIMS and have a license.

Dimensions and weight of a PVC inflatable boat for a Mercury RIB 420 motor

PRICE: 212,000 rubles

Mercury RIB 420 review video

Read also: Choosing a PVC boat for fishing

№2 Gladiator RIB 420

PVC boat Gladiator RIB 420 is approximately the same dimensions, but with less functionality. Designed for large water areas. For three or four anglers, the carrying capacity of 750 kilograms is more than enough, and you can go on vacation to an island in the lake, taking everything you need with you, or even travel along a wide river. The cockpit parameters are approximately the same as for Mercury at a price that is one and a half times less. In terms of equipment, everything is a little poorer - there is no steering, only two benches. However, a steering wheel is often not required, because you can control the movement using the tiller while sitting on the stern - this can be much more convenient for the fisherman, especially when trolling.

PRICE: 143,000 rubles

Gladiator RIB 420 review video

No. 3 Navigator 400 NDND

PVC boat Navigator 400 ND of domestic production with a low-pressure inflatable bottom.
When folded, it can be placed in the trunk along with the motor. A good option for those who decide to go fishing together in a small area. Read also: Rating of PVC boats with NDND

Allows you to install a thirty-horsepower engine, but has a small dead weight. Thanks to this, it can be used without registration with a motor of up to eight kilowatts - that’s about ten horsepower. Has a built-in transom, benches and oars with oarlocks included. The PVC for this boat is extra durable, which reduces the risk of punctures.

Still, it is safer to use boats with a hard bottom as a glider, and these are more suitable for normal sailing. Inflating this boat can take a long time. It will also take a lot of time to wash the inflatable bottom after fishing.

Characteristics of the boat Navigator 400 NDND:

PRICE: 57,000 rubles

Inflatable boat NAVIGATOR 400 video presentation

No. 4 Frigate 300 EK

PVC boat Frigate 300 EK with a small carrying capacity and price category, with a non-inflatable bottom.
Capable of carrying a weight, including the weight of the motor and luggage, no more than 200 kilograms. According to the passport it is more, but it is better not to overload such boats a little. Allows the use of engine power up to eight l/s, but it is also better to limit it to five. Naturally, it is not intended for planing. It has a built-in transom, two cans included, a folding floor, two short handrails and oars with oarlocks. Due to its low weight, it can be carried alone, along with the motor and things, from the car to the shore. It is quickly brought into working condition; the small volume of the cylinders will allow you to pump them up using a pump in ten minutes. A good choice for those who have not yet decided whether to buy a motor, or are still comfortable with oars - it is equally suitable for both.

Characteristics of the boat FRIGATE 300 EK:

Price: 22000

The best rowing boats

Leader Compact 265

Our review opens with fairly cheap products that are characterized by excellent stability on water, so the manufacturer recommends using them not only for fishing, but also for hunting, for example, ducks. When folded, the model takes up a minimum of free space and fits into a special backpack that comes with the boat, the sides of which have pockets for storing and transporting dismountable oars. If a person does not have a car, then he is quite capable of carrying a boat.

This product has a main design feature - movable cans that are secured to the sides of the boat using the latest “lyktros-likpaz” system. Thanks to this, a sitting person will be able to choose the most comfortable position for himself. This quality will be appreciated by fishermen who prefer to spend several hours in a boat. The design can be used by one or two people. The pressure in the cylinders is quite high (0.25 bar), due to which a small engine with a power of 3.5 horsepower can be placed at the stern. The bottom is rigid, insertable, prefabricated, made of moisture-resistant plywood coated with special anti-slip compounds. The cylinders are divided into several compartments - even if one of them is damaged, the rest will allow the structure to reach the shore and not sink.

More: TOP 8 best baits for carp fishing

Advantages:

• Acceptable price;
• When assembled, it takes up minimal space;
• It weighs a little and can be carried over long distances alone.

Flaws:

• The manufacturer recommends sailing on it only in calm and shallow waters.

Rowing boat Leader Compact 265

Taimen N-270C

This model is made from elastic PVC, the sheets of which are well glued to each other, thereby minimizing the likelihood that leaks may appear at the joints. The bottom is rigid, folding, and made of marine plywood. It is permissible to use it both as a rowing craft and together with a weak motor with a power of up to 2.5 hp. If necessary, in such a boat you can safely stand up to your full height without fear that it will capsize. From a standing position it is very convenient to cast such tackle as a spinning rod, so lovers of such tackle will appreciate it.

The bow is equipped with so-called chopped contours, which will significantly increase the rigidity of this part of the structure, and also will not allow it to outweigh the stern side. Thanks to this solution, you can seriously increase the usable area and place all the necessary parts in the bow. The kit comes with a hand pump of decent volume, so you can pump up the product within a few minutes. The entire assembly cycle does not exceed 8 minutes if done alone, and 5 minutes if done together.

Advantages:

• Made from high-strength reinforced polyvinyl chloride;
• Folding hard bottom;
• Mobile cans for added convenience;
• High sides prevent water from filling the vessel;
• Possibility to install a small motor.

Flaws:

• A decent weight of the structure, it is better to transport it by car.

Rowing boat Taimen N-270C

Pilot Profi S-280-M

It is a fairly heavy model, so you won’t be able to take it on a hike – the product weighs 15.5 kg. The boat is 2.8 meters long, 1.4 meters wide, the maximum weight it can lift is 220 kg, in other words, it is designed for two people. The set includes a bag for transportation and storage. The model is made on the basis of reinforced five-layer polyvinyl chloride of increased strength and density: 750 g/sq. m. This material is not destroyed under the influence of fuels and lubricants such as diesel fuel, gasoline, oil, and so on. In addition, it tolerates direct ultraviolet rays well and is not subject to mechanical damage. The diameter of the boat is divided into two autonomous cylinders, each of which has a diameter of 38 cm.

The bottom is stretchy and soft; standing on it is not very comfortable, as there is a risk of falling into the water. The seats are fixed in stationary areas; there is a guardrail along all sides, which ensures a high level of safety for all passengers. There is a ring on the bow so the boat can be towed. The warranty for such products is quite long - 2 years.

Advantages:

• High sides and raised bow, which allows you to withstand wave heights of up to half a meter;
• High-quality materials from which the boat is made.

Flaws:

• A soft stretch bottom that makes it almost impossible to stand on while fishing.

Boat Pilot Profi S-280-M

Inflatable boat HUNTERBOAT Hunter 280

This model has an ideal balance in terms of price and quality. The boat has an excellent ride, it moves quite quickly with oars, there is no need to put in additional effort. This is even if the structure is fully loaded. Another important quality of this model is the size of the working area, which is one of the largest among all the models presented in this section of the review. European build quality combined with low weight provide excellent maneuverability.

This boat performs well both in shallow water - at a depth of 60 to 100 cm, and in deeper water - over one meter. It can easily fit two people, as long as their total weight does not exceed 200 kg. The cylinders are divided into two compartments, the diameter of each of them is 39 cm. The cans are fixed in stationary sockets; it is not possible to move them along the sides. The boat can be used for fishing and hunting. It’s a bit heavy to carry by hand – it weighs 18 kg. The dimensions are not too large - 2.8 meters long, 1.4 meters wide. The set includes a pump for inflation and deflation, the floor is hard and foldable.

Advantages:

• Good level of maneuverability and controllability;
• It is easy to row and quickly develops a decent speed;
• Reliability and build quality ensure a long service life;
• Easy to assemble;
• Having a hard bottom.

More: Top 10 best holistic foods, how to choose holistic food

Flaws:

• The pump is rather weak, because of it you will have to spend a lot of time preparing for fishing;
• Despite the large working surface, such a boat will be too small and cramped for two active fishermen.

Inflatable boat HUNTERBOAT Hunter 280

STREAM Dolphin-M

This model is made from high-quality reinforced PVC of increased density: while other boats included in our review, this figure is 750 g/sq. m, then she has it increased to 950 g/sq. m. The average length is 2.7 m, the width is slightly below average - 1.3 m. When assembled, it easily fits into a bag with dimensions of 30x43x59 cm, this design weighs almost 20 kg, so it will be difficult to carry it alone. The boat's carrying capacity is 220 kg and is designed for 2 people. The cylinders are divided into two separate sealed compartments with a diameter of 36 cm.

The seams are reliable, they are produced using modern technology, which involves double gluing, ensuring reliable connection of the fabrics at the molecular level. The design is available in several color options - light grey, green and dark grey. The color should be chosen depending on the shade of the water, as well as the time of day when you plan to go fishing. The bottom is made of PVC, additionally reinforced by a folding sheet of moisture-resistant plywood 6 mm thick, the seats are also lightweight plywood. Rails are stretched along both sides, increasing safety of use and making it easier to carry. The components - oars, rowlocks, and so on - are manufactured in South Korea, are of excellent quality, and during the entire time this model has been on the market, not a single complaint has been registered regarding their failure.

Advantages:

• Increased rigidity bottom;
• The sides are made of compacted PVC;
• Good degree of safety and reliability of the design
• High sides.

Flaws:

• Except for a significant mass, none were found.

Boat STREAM Dolphin-M