Practical inflatable boats have long gained popularity among fishing enthusiasts. They are easy to transport, manage well and are highly maintainable, which allows you to put up with the low security of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). At the same time, operational dynamic properties are primarily determined by engines for boats, which are characterized by power potential, dimensions and quality of construction. The totality of these parameters is reflected differently in the aggregates and depending on belonging to a particular category. There are different types and modifications of engines, which are worth understanding for the right choice.
Performance as the basis of classification
It is possible to conditionally distinguish the segment according to performance characteristics based on the length of the boat. The most pronounced differences in power units, which are designed for models with a length of 3 m, 3, 5 m and 4 m. Of course, this is the middle segment, but it is also the most popular and covers most of the engines used by ordinary fishing enthusiasts and water walks. So, the engines for boats of the first group are installed on a 3-meter transport and can have a power of 2 to 5 liters. with. Whereinexperts recommend in choosing to convert this indicator with a conversion to 3.68 kW so that the value is below this level. This will allow you to drive the boat without special rights. The second group - models with a power potential of 6 to 7 liters. with., which are installed on boats with a length of 3.5 m. But even here there are some nuances. So, it is noted that for gliding on such models, you will have to acquire an engine of at least 10 liters. with. Large 4-meter boats will require the use of a motor of at least 18 hp. with., and better - with a potential of more than 20 hp
Optimal ratio of speed, load and power
For single recreation, 5 hp engines are designed. with. including inventory and other cargo. In this case, it will be possible to develop good dynamics up to 25 km / h with the possibility of gliding. With engines up to 4 liters. with. such capabilities will not be physically available, but, again, modest performance allows you to do without management rights. For two people, taking into account luggage, it is worth buying engines for 9-10 liters. with. Such an installation provides up to 35 km / h when driving in a gliding format. As for models with a capacity of 15 liters. s., then in dynamics they will not demonstrate anything special, but the effect of fuel consumption will be noticeable. A powerful engine for a motor boat justifies itself not as a high-speed means of movement on the water surface, but as a reliable transport designed for long sessions of continuous operation.
Petrol units
Traditional drives maintain a strong market position even under pressure from newer and more technologically advanced solutions. What attracts users to a noisy, heavy unit, which also pollutes the environment with its exhaust? Both gasoline and diesel provide high power, structural reliability and maintainability. Nevertheless, the familiarity of the same gasoline engine also determines its attractiveness in terms of the possibility of repairing damage at home. On the other hand, conventional fuel boat engines need a regular supply of oil. In addition to gasoline, oil mixtures prepared from components in special proportions must be poured into the tank. By the way, in four-stroke models, a separate tank is usually provided for oil. This is a convenient solution in terms of fuel supply comfort, but unattractive in terms of increasing dimensions and losing physical ergonomics.
Electric motors for boats
The electric drive has advantages opposite to the negative qualities of gasoline analogues, including low noise, low weight, ease of transportation and physical handling, and environmental friendliness. What prevents such units from taking unconditional leadership positions in the segment? First of all, this is a lack of power potential. It is unprofitable to make such models high-performance, so you will have to forget about serious marathons on the water with such equipment. Usually electric motor for PVC boatset for the purpose of unhurried movement in shallow water. The motor practically does not frighten the fish, which makes it easier for anglers. As for the power supply itself, it is carried out thanks to accumulators or batteries. They must first be charged from a conventional electrical outlet. Electricity is more expensive than gasoline, but it is also impossible to talk about the direct economic superiority of gasoline units. Gluttonous powerful engines from traditional series are also expensive.
Jet drive features
Principal structural differences have models with jet drive. Like electric motors, such engines allow you to use the boat in shallow water. But not because of low noise, which, by the way, can also take place, but due to the lack of a screw. Under the body of the power plant, a gearbox with projections is not provided, so the water jet system makes it possible to move over obstacles of varying degrees of complexity. The absence of screw elements and skegs also eliminates engineering factors that reduce the maneuverability of water transport. But is a jet engine for a boat so perfect? Firstly, by average standards, it costs one and a half times more than conventional propeller-steering counterparts. Secondly, the practice of operation revealed several negative features of the water cannon, which are associated with a single-lever boat control system.
Two or four stroke?
The differences between these types of engines largely overlap with the difference between gasoline and electric motors. In particular,two strokes of the engine determine its modest weight (on average 15 kg less than four-stroke models), low noise and low performance. In turn, a four-stroke engine for a rubber boat, according to the owners, is more economical in terms of fuel consumption and, as already mentioned, special mixing of oil with gasoline is not required, since it is poured into a separate tank. As for the performance itself, two-stroke ones should be chosen for solving simple tasks - walking in shallow water or delicate fishing with trolling can be called targeted activities of such equipment.
Machinery manufacturers
When choosing a motor, you should give preference to famous brands like Suzuki, Honda, Tohatsu, etc. Each manufacturer has its own approach to the development of motors, its own limitations and technological features. For example, Mercury equipment, which was previously associated with traditional solutions, is popular in the domestic market. But not so long ago, a fairly successful jet series JET appeared, which used advanced developments. Positive impressions about performance are also left by Yamaha engines for boats for various purposes. In the latest versions of the Japanese lineup, an innovative CDI ignition system appears, which allows minimizing fuel consumption, an optimized carburetor operation scheme and a 12V current generator.
User Tips
The operation process begins with a complete inspection of the engine for externaldamage, leaks, insufficient strength of connections, etc. Initially, it should be borne in mind that the engine is installed on the boat on the basis of the transom - accordingly, and the design must be selected in accordance with its thickness. For example, with a transom thickness of 25 cm or more, it is allowed to install engines up to 15 liters. with. Also, for all inflatable boats, there is a single rule for calculating the load - no more than two people with luggage are allowed, otherwise it will not be possible to effectively control and plan the mode.
Conclusion
Power units for water technology have many features related to both design and ergonomics. Experienced anglers and just lovers of recreation on lakes and reservoirs are familiar with the various nuances of operating this type of transport, and for beginners it is recommended that you mainly take into account safety rules. In particular, the engine for an inflatable boat should always have a repair kit with a basic set of necessary consumables. At least it should have spark plugs. But you should take care of the stable operation of the engine even before departure. For example, it is recommended to prepare fuel-oil mixtures the day before the operation of the equipment. This will improve the quality of additives and formulation modifiers.
