If you have been interested in fishing for a long time and have been thinking about buying an inflatable boat for several seasons, then you have come to the right place. There are many solutions on the market, each of which has its own advantages and weaknesses. Because of this, the unprepared user is guaranteed to be confused when he arrives at the store. To prevent this from happening, we have created a rating where the best PVC boats are collected. Let's get to know it together.
No. 10 – BoatMaster 310 K
Price: 20,000 rubles
The BoatMaster 310 K has received consumer recognition for its good load capacity of 350 kg. Three men with not the smallest dimensions can easily fit in it. At the same time, it itself is quite light - only 29 kg. The model has been repeatedly praised for its ease of assembly, thanks to which even an inexperienced user can bring it into combat readiness on his own.
It’s comfortable to sit on the boat itself, and the fastening of the cans using the “lyktros-likpaz” system allows you to change their position without much difficulty. The main disadvantages include the lack of a stringer, as well as flimsy oars.
Pilot C-260
No. 9 – Mnev and K CatFish 310
Price: 25,000 rubles
The model performs best when a motor is connected to it. Recommended power of the unit is 8 hp. You can sail comfortably on a boat even with oars, but in this case you will have to make a lot of effort to sail far from the shore. Although, the load capacity of 350 kg allows three adult men to fit in the Mneva.
The model also received positive reviews for the presence of a reinforced seam along the keel, thanks to which you can not be afraid of flying out onto the sand. But as for the disadvantages, one of them definitely includes the fact that due to the incorrect placement of the oarlocks, the oars rub against the sides of the boat.
Pilot C-200
Large and spacious boat HUNTERBOAT Hunter 380 PRO
- five-seater;
- inflatable bottom;
- for motors up to 25 hp. With.
With a cockpit length of 265 cm and a transom width of 82 cm, two hard seats can be installed inside, which can easily accommodate 5 people. There are reliable handles at the stern that passengers and the driver can hold on to. With their help you can move the ship closer to the water. The design consists of a cylinder divided into three inflatable compartments and a low-pressure inflatable bottom.
To prepare the boat for launching, it will take only 15 minutes - just connect the pump and inflate the bottom and cylinder. The stationary transom made of plywood with a thickness of 27 mm is not afraid of water, and the body is made of German-made PVC with a density of 1050 g/m2, which will not lose strength due to sunlight, salt water, and gasoline. Through the drain hole you can quickly get rid of water after a walk along a large river.
The widest boat with a spacious cockpit and reinforced transom is designed for a load capacity of 750 kg and is equipped with a powerful motor with a maximum power of 25 hp. With. It is distinguished by the presence of an anchor eye in the bow, splash guards, a keel and a fender beam.
Reviews
A reliable boat made of dense PVC with the ability to install an outboard motor. They disassemble and assemble quickly. It is convenient that there are handles, a lifeline rope, and oarlocks with fastenings for fixing the oars. Splash guards and a keel improve dynamics during maneuvers.
Behind:
- durable transom;
- the most complete set;
- high-quality seams;
- roomy.
Against:
- Expensive;
- no stringers.
No. 8 – Flinc FT320LA
Price: 22,000 rubles
The Flinc FT320LA inflatable boat is made of reinforced PVC material, thanks to which it has received many laudatory reviews. Another feature of the model is that despite its high reliability, it weighs only 26 kg, which makes it very easy to transport.
It is worth mentioning the simplicity of the design, due to which you do not need to have any sacred knowledge to assemble the boat. The recommended engine power is 8 hp, but even with a 3.5 hp unit, the model easily goes on a glider. It has no significant drawbacks, there is only an unpleasant detail in the form of a complete pump, which is very weak.
Intex Seahawk-200
Rating of the TOP 5 best PVC boats for motors
Review of the best models of PVC boats for motors:
- Mercury RIB 420
- Gladiator RIB 420
- Navigator 400 NDND
- Frigate 300 EK
- 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.
| Type | motor |
| RIB boat | Eat |
| Number of seats | 7 |
| Boat material | reinforced PVC |
| Transom | built-in |
| Maximum motor power | 40 hp |
| Load capacity | 750 kg |
| Number of air compartments | 3 |
| Keel | hard |
| Bottom | hard |
| Bottom material | fiberglass |
| Color | grey |
Dimensions and weight of a PVC inflatable boat for a Mercury RIB 420 motor
| Weight | 125 kg |
| Cockpit width | 90 cm |
| Boat width | 188 cm |
| Cylinder diameter | 55 cm |
| Cockpit length | 290 cm |
| Boat length | 480 cm |
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.
| Type | motor |
| RIB boat | Eat |
| Number of seats | 7 |
| Boat material | reinforced PVC |
| PVC density | 1 100 g/m2 |
| Transom | built-in |
| Maximum motor power | 40 hp |
| Load capacity | 850 kg |
| Number of air compartments | 3 |
| Keel | hard |
| Bottom | hard |
| Bottom material | fiberglass |
| Color | green, blue, camouflage, white-blue, red-black, light dark gray, dark gray, yellow-blue |
| Boat length | 420 cm |
| Weight | 127 kg |
| Cylinder diameter | 41 cm |
| Boat width | 200 cm |
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:
| Maximum length cm: | 400 |
| Maximum width cm: | 187 |
| Cockpit length cm: | 280 |
| Cockpit width cm: | 81 |
| Balloon diameter cm: | 48/53 |
| Passenger capacity (persons): | 5 |
| Boat weight (kg): | 48.5 |
| Load capacity (kg): | 850 |
| Recommended motor power hp: | 9.9 |
| Maximum motor power hp: | 25 |
| Bottom type: | NDND |
| Number of compartments: | 3+NDND |
| Density of PVC used (g/m2): | 1100/1100 |
| Type of seam on the boat cylinder: | Weld seam |
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 allows 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:
| Maximum length cm: | 300 |
| Maximum width cm: | 150 |
| Cockpit length cm: | 218 |
| Cockpit width cm: | 62 |
| Balloon diameter cm: | 40 |
| Passenger capacity: | 3 |
| Boat weight kg: | 30 |
| Load capacity kg: | 345 |
| Maximum motor power hp: | 8 |
| Recommended motor power hp: | 5 |
| Bottom type: | Half a book |
| Number of compartments: | 2+1 |
| Density of PVC used (g/m2): | 750/750 |
| Type of seam on the boat cylinder: | Weld seam |
Price: 22000
No. 7 – Frigate 300 E l/t
Price: 19,000 rubles
Seventh place in our ranking of the best PVC inflatable boats goes to the “Frigate 300 E l/t” model. The diameter of the complete cylinder is optimal and is suitable for all purposes, including fishing. Compact dimensions allow you to unload, load, and carry the model without much difficulty, and the simple design will not raise any questions during assembly even for a beginner.
The boat is made of high-quality, but non-reinforced materials. Despite this, it will serve you for more than one season. The boat goes well with oars, but for complete happiness it is better to use it with a motor of up to 8 hp. As for the disadvantages, there is quite a bit of space inside, so even two adult men will feel cramped.
Room R-260
No. 6 – HUNTERBOAT Hunter 290 LKA
Price: 26,000 rubles
The boat has a nice appearance, due to which even the most fastidious lovers of aesthetics will be satisfied. Inflating it is quite simple; many people recommend using a combination of the electric pump from the machine and the regular foot pump that comes with the kit. Also supplied with the boat are oars, which fold up and do not dangle at all when rowing due to proper fastening.
The model was awarded sixth place in the top of the best inflatable PVC boats for motors in terms of price and quality and due to the high-quality rope located along the edges of the boat, providing reliable fastening. The disadvantages include the soft floor in the front and back, making it difficult to get in and out.
HUNTERBOAT Hunter 290 LKA
No. 5 – Mnev and K Cayman N-285
Price: 34,000 rubles
“Mnev and K Cayman N-285” is a fairly heavy boat, it weighs about 45 kg without uniform. But the model’s load capacity is 370 kg, which will allow two or even three large men to sit comfortably in it. The material of the boat is unreinforced PVC, but despite this, there were no complaints about reliability from users.
Assembling the model is not difficult, so even a person who has no previous experience with boats can handle it. The model is motor type, so the best operating experience will be when the unit is connected. The Cayman has no serious disadvantages, but the excessive hardness of the seats is a little frustrating.
To Cayman N-285
№4 – HDX CLASSIC-300
Price: 35,000 rubles
The inflatable boat HDX CLASSIC-300 has a good load capacity of 500 kg. Combined with a 10-horsepower engine, it reveals its full potential and easily reaches the glider even with three people on board. The aluminum bottom is non-slippery, due to which the model moves smoothly through the water. All materials used in the design are of high quality, easy to inflate and glued together smoothly.
Users note the convenient fastening of the tank with a belt, as well as the presence of a ring on the nose. But the design of the soft seats is not made in the best way - they are attached to the bench using Velcro, which is quite weak, due to this the seat constantly comes off. In addition, the disadvantages include the large weight of the boat of 40 kg without uniform, but this is the price for reinforced PVC.
Admiral 340
No. 3 – Altair PRO-340
Price: 39,000 rubles
Third place in the top rating of PVC boats for motors 2021 is occupied by Altair PRO-340. The popular model is quite wide - 170 cm, due to which two or even three people can comfortably fit inside it. With a carrying capacity of 700 kg, the boat is an excellent solution for fishermen, as they can easily transport large catches. You can connect a motor with a power of up to 20 hp to the Altair PRO-340, which is enough for any needs.
With all its advantages, the boat weighs only 27 kg, which makes it easy to carry. Despite the light weight, the interior design is ergonomic and the exterior is stylish. As for the disadvantages, these include a tight drain valve, as well as a weak pump.
FORT BOAT boat 260
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
№2 – HDX OXYGEN-300
Price: 51,500 rubles
HDX OXYGEN-300 is an excellent solution for those people who often go out on the water and are looking for a reliable boat that can last several seasons. It is made of reinforced PVC, and all other components are made of equally high-quality materials. The model's load capacity is 510 kg. This value will be sufficient for absolutely any needs. The aluminum bottom coating, which allows the boat to move smoothly through the water, also received positive reviews.
The onboard equipment of the HDX OXYGEN-300 is rich - anchor eye, lifeline, weights, oarlocks, carrying handles and pump. Due to this, the user will have all the necessary tools at hand immediately and will not have to buy anything in addition. The model is not the smallest and weighs as much as 52 kg. In addition to the large dimensions, the disadvantages include the high price, but premium products always cost more than others.
Intex Seahawk-400
Spacious SMarine 330 with floorboard
The top PVC boats with a motor continue the model of the South Korean brand. With external dimensions of 330*151 cm, it has good capacity (4+1), load capacity (560 kg), but also a large dead weight (63 kg). The kit includes a lightweight aluminum base that can be installed on the bottom, and stringers with an additional stiffener add strength to the structure.
The cylinders and soft bottom are made of wear-resistant polyvinyl chloride with a density of 1100 g/m2. m, which is not afraid of salt water, UV rays, oil or gasoline. To relieve excess pressure on the five-layer fabric there is a special valve. Rigid aluminum seats can be quickly installed and moved thanks to a convenient fastening system.
An eye-ring is installed in the bow to guide the anchor cable. The built-in transom will support the weight of an outboard motor up to 15 hp. With. In addition to the installed rope, carrying handles and water drain valve, the kit includes dismountable oars and a bag for transportation.
Reviews
A good boat for rivers and lakes - heavy-duty armor protects the keel and cylinders from cuts and punctures. Practical aluminum flooring does not require careful maintenance and is not afraid of moisture. There are gussets installed in the transom area to protect from water.
Pros - good equipment and workmanship, minus - with a width of 151 cm and a cylinder diameter of 42 cm, the inside of the boat is quite cramped if four of you go fishing.
Behind:
- high load capacity;
- insert bottom and seats made of aluminum;
- High density reinforced PVC.
Against:
- heavy.
№1 – Solar 350
Price: 63,700 rubles
Solar 350 from a popular manufacturer is our answer to the question - “which PVC boat is better?” The flagship model, even in full uniform, weighs no more than 40 kg, which allows it to move quickly and nimblely through the water. The ease of assembly and disassembly has also been noted more than once by users - no hassle with the pads, just connect the pump and wait until it is inflated. The inflatable bottom allows the model to stay high above the water, so splashes will not annoy any of the passengers. By the way, there can be up to four of them, since the load capacity of 500 kg contributes to this.
A bag designed to carry the boat is included and is noted for its versatility. A separate topic for conversation is the method by which the drain plug is made. Its main feature is that there is no need for closure, since it is located above the water line. For such a price, this premium product does not have any significant drawbacks, there are only small details in the form of a weak complete pump and the absence of a second can.
Intex Challenger-2
PVC inflatable boats
Where are inflatable boats used?
Modern motor-rowing small vessels are not inferior to rigid hulls in basic parameters. Owners do not feel disadvantaged either in terms of speed or carrying capacity. By installing the maximum permitted engine, we get an excellent adrenaline-pumping projectile - a “motorcycle”.
In inflatable motor boats made of PVC, everyone will find useful qualities for themselves.
- A novice motorboater receives his first inexpensive watercraft, which allows him to significantly expand his recreation area.
- Hunter and fisherman - a maneuverable boat that can be launched from any shore and make its way through the reeds;
- An experienced boater has a PVC boat in his arsenal for trips with a camper or without a trailer to remote, hard-to-reach bodies of water;
- The owner of a motor yacht uses an inflatable boat as a tender for trips ashore, or as an emergency raft when traveling on large bodies of water.
- “Payolki”
are good as a single or mobile set that complements a rigid body. - "Airdek"
will appeal to fishermen who do not need the drive of the maximum PLM. - The NDND
planes with a minimal motor, softens the shock of waves, and assembles quickly. Therefore, it is useful as a tender on a large boat or yacht if there is an electric pump or a shaded storage space.
Diverse in design, “inflatables” perform the function of safe movement through water thanks to several compartments (at least three) that ensure unsinkability. PVC boats are loved by motor boaters for their compactness, unpretentiousness and ease of use.
What is the difference between PVC boats
We started collecting material for the test in advance. If a review of one specimen can be sorted out within a day, then dividing several similar watercraft into groups and comparing their characteristics is not an easy task. First, let's classify the selection criteria.
Boat length
. It depends on the size of the reservoir of use, the number of passengers, the available engine, and the availability of an appropriate vehicle for transportation (usually a station wagon trunk or a utility trailer).
Payola material
. This is usually moisture-resistant plywood with Al profile edging and metal stringers. Less commonly - honeycomb light-alloy flooring, low-pressure inflatable bottom (LPND), or high-pressure inflatable bottom (Airdeck). We will leave the rack flooring of small rowing boats and the rigid aluminum or fiberglass bottom of RIBs outside the scope of the article.
Contours
. Taking into account the large width and specifics of gluing the material, we can distinguish the main types of the lower part of the body. The most common is the classic low deadrise shape with a central keelson and a moderate deadrise at the transom. Air discharge tunnels provide skegs on the cylinders for a screen effect. Inflatable bottoms range from completely flat to keeled. For extreme conditions, the bottom is reinforced (“lined”) with high molecular weight polyethylene.
Cylinder material
– PVC fabric of various densities. Hypolon is not widely used due to its high cost (the main advantage is the ability to stay under the sun for a long time). Rubberized fabric remained in the last century, as it required increased attention and care.
Method of attaching cans
- seats and attachments - hinges on cylinders, or lyctros-likpaz connection. The latter is more convenient and functional, which is why the vast majority of manufacturers have this design.
Select to compare
If we approach the issue as pedantically as possible, this test will result in a whole book dedicated to the “rubber fleet”. At the same time, it is wrong to judge all PVC boats based on a single example. Therefore, we chose one copy of the popular size 360-370 cm.
The honor of classic models was entrusted to the proven Cayman N-360. Low-pressure inflatable bottom - Badger was chosen as the flagship carrier of the airdeck, not missing the opportunity to test its modification with a metal floor.
| Model | Bottom type | Weight, kg | PLM, l/s | Ø cylinder, cm |
| Cayman N-360 | Plywood floor, 2 stringers | 70 kg (2 x 35) + stringers | 25-30 | 46 |
| Badger SL370AL | Aluminum floor, 4 stringers | 80 kg (2 x 40) | 25 | 45 |
| Badger FL360AD | Airdeck | 55 kg | 15 | 43 |
| Flagship 360U | NDND | 45 kg | 20 | 47 |
Expectations of lightness from a boat with aluminum flooring compared to plywood were not justified. The design is partly to blame for this. If in the “plywood” Cayman different materials with a density from 850 to 1150 are used for the bottom and cylinders, then the Badger is entirely made of PVC 1100 g/m².
Autumn training camps
The starting point for sailing in the “inflatable” version is assembling the boats. To compare times, we divided into teams of two and got to work.
Unloading from the car
. The classic payol design is the leader in this category, since the set is contained in two relatively small bags of approximately equal weight. Removing two 35 kg pieces is much easier on the spine than one 50 kg piece.
Spreading our wings
. When the NDND team finished deploying the shell, the “pajols” were in the process of assembling the deck and installing the stringers. The airdeck was in the middle because it didn't take long to fit a few planks in. The victory in the nomination goes to the low-pressure inflatable bottom.
Always ready!
Inflating the boats had to be done in two stages. The fact is that at first, crews with inflatable bottoms used two-stage “Bravo” compressors, and the payol ones used ordinary “frogs”. We considered the conditions of the competition unequal, and we began pumping everyone up with standard single-chamber foot pumps. The teams with the NDVD were not enthusiastic about this turn of events, and as a result they ended up in penultimate place. Because it was not possible to “fill” the airdeck to the specified pressure - the hose failed.
Good luck
. Initially, they wanted to conduct a race at maximum speed with a 25 horsepower engine. But as it turned out, models of a similar size with an inflatable bottom have lower permissible engine power. Therefore, we had to be content with the proven Yamaha-15. This PLM is still easy to carry for one person, but four people can already plane with confidence.
Separately, we note the carrying bags. Everyone liked the quality and durability of the Cayman packs, but when it comes to shelter from bad weather, Badger's waterproof fabric, despite being less durable, has an advantage.
Full speed ahead!
We tested boats with one skipper, two with a passenger on the front bank, and also with four passengers. Speed indicators are given in the table.
| Boat | 1 person | 2 people | 4 people |
| Cayman N-360 | 40 | 38 | 36 |
| Badger SL370AL | 38 | 35 | 32 |
| Badger FL360AD | 36 | 33 | 32 |
| Flagship 360U | 39 | 35 | 31 |
"Maximum speed."
All subjects performed quite well. Of course, the dynamics and speed of 48.5 km/h of the Cayman with a twenty-five-horsepower engine were far from it, but, nevertheless, the participants coped with the task. Since the purpose of testing was not a fundamental study of the class of vessels, but an assessment of the totality of consumer qualities, we did not carry out accurate measurements of pressure in the cylinders and the location of the riders. Although the experiment with loading the K-360 showed a very significant effect of changing weight distribution on speed.
Timing.
Assembling the version with floorplates will take no more than thirty minutes. It will take about an hour to disassemble, wash and wipe the structure after fishing. In this regard, NDND has an advantage. You will spend half as much time on assembly and disassembly.
Peculiarities.
Speaking about Airdeck, we note the need to purchase an electric pump. Pumping up the bottom with a standard “frog” is an activity for the diligent. Even with rated pressure, at speeds above 30 km/h, the airdeck flexes slightly, which prevents the vessel from achieving maximum performance. The same applies to full load. You should also not exceed the engine power, nor should you get carried away with four-stroke engines.
Impression.
The low pressure bottom was surprisingly positive. It turned out to be quite tough, people stood confidently. But it is advisable to cover it with carpet from falling cigarette butts, knives, and also from the scorching sun.
Maintainability.
Volumetric bottoms, unlike payol bottoms, are practically not subject to repair. When at least a few connections between the top and bottom of the “sandwich” break in a hull left in the sun, the deck will turn into a shapeless “sausage.” And if the airdeck can be replaced with plywood or aluminum flooring, then the NDND is an integral part of the structure. It is worth remembering this when leaving a watercraft on the beach or deck of a yacht.
Let's sum it up
In general, this test confirmed the different purposes of the subjects.
We wish our readers calm waters, new adventures, and reliable boats.
