Inflatable boat with a transom - choose the best in price and quality

An inflatable boat is often the only available small boat for fishermen, hunters and travelers living in city apartments. Everyone is well aware that plastic and aluminum boats are more reliable, faster and better in all respects, but they are not compact.


But inflatable boats fold up and easily fit in the trunk of an average car, and then they are cleaned in a pantry or closet in an apartment. Plus the cost of "rubber" boats, as they are often called, although modern models are rarely made from this material, they are always cheaper and vary widely. Everyone will be able to choose a compact vessel in accordance with their financial capabilities and intended tasks.

What material are they made from

For people who are far from all these small boats, an inflatable boat automatically means rubber. It's a cliché, originally from the Soviet Union. Back then, boats were small and made of rubberized fabric. These are still being made in Ufa and Yaroslavl, according to the precepts of the Soviet Union.



Now almost all inflatable boats are made of PVC. This material is better known by the abbreviated name PVC. This fabric is imported, of course, it can be different in quality and strength. PVC from Germany and South Korea is considered the best.

This material is of two types, non-reinforced and reinforced. The first one is not used for boats, except for the cheapest ones, made in China. The second one is more popular - it is always multi-layered, inside there is a cord of propylene threads.

The thicker the fabric, the more layers in it, respectively, the more reliable it is. But such boats will definitely cost more.

bottom types

Before choosing a small boat, you need to decide in what conditions and how often it will be used. The cheapest boats with a tubeless bottom are typical fishing models that were produced in the USSR.

Modern small boats of this type are usually single, but sometimes there are versions for two or three people. The rigidity of water crafts with a tubeless bottom is provided by special benches made of plywood.



Boats with payol are more expensive. This is a removable bottom, which is usually made of waterproof plywood. Such models are more reliable, but they do not differ in maneuverability. The problem is the flat bottom, although they are suitable for constant movement in shallow water.



The next category of boats has an inflatable bottom. They can be both with a payol and without it - the load capacity depends on it. The largest models receive composite decks, interconnected by aluminum slats to keep the weight as low as possible. Often on sale there are inexpensive entertainment-type options with an inflatable bottom. It's not worth it to buy them at all.

A separate type of small boats is RIB boats. They were originally created for the military, they have a rigid underwater plastic structure, and on top of it they have inflatable extended sides.

What else to keep in mind

When buying a boat with a transom, you need to not only take into account the material and technical characteristics of the model, but also pay attention to the accessories that come with the kit. It is clear that in the future the choice of the motor is supposed, but the oars are needed at least for the first time, and it will not hurt to have them just in case. Best of all, aluminum products are lightweight and durable.



Boat seats are also different - plywood or inflatable, with or without backs. Be sure to pay attention to the presence of handrails and handles for which the boat will be pulled out. If the boat is planned to be used mainly for fishing, then rod holders will also be a plus.

An inflatable vessel should be as safe as possible - the onboard cylinders of all certified boats are divided into compartments - like in large sea and river vessels. In case of damage to one section, the floating craft will not go to the bottom even when fully loaded. But it is recommended to moor to the shore as quickly as possible.

And now it remains only to consider several models of inflatable boats popular in Russia. All of them will be with a transom designed to install motors of various capacities.

MISHIMO LITE 335

High-quality boat with an inflatable bottom. Made from a Korean-made fabric called Wonpoong. For the European market there is a similar material MehleR. Differs in durability and reliability that is repeatedly confirmed by responses of the Russian owners. Accessories used in the manufacture of MISHIMO LITE 335 are made in the USA, which guarantees its reliability.



The boat is designed for three people and luggage - its carrying capacity is 480 kg. The transom allows you to use a powerful engine up to 10 hp. With. The manufacturer promises a 7-year warranty on the product.

MISHIMO FAMILY LITE 370

Large model from the same company. It is positioned as a family boat, which is clear from the name. Although the vessel is single-keel, it is highly stable. It is designed for 5 people, has a bulwark for auxiliary protection of passengers.

MISHIMO FAMILY LITE 370 has a "rich" package. The model is suitable for both fishing and pleasure trips. For the safety of passengers, special handles are provided in front and behind.



The boat is designed to use powerful engines up to 20 hp. With. Judging by customer reviews, MISHIMO FAMILY LITE 370 has high maneuverability at speed.

Bestway Hydro-Force Raft 307x126

A simple double boat from a Chinese manufacturer. The main advantage is the low price. Accordingly, the quality does not shine, but for one person it is enough. According to the technical documentation, the model is designed for two, but they will be cramped.

One view of the boat, prepared for operation, is enough to understand that it is rather entertaining. It has three sections, which will allow you to safely get to the shore in case of damage to one. The design even includes safety valves.

Bestway Hydro-Force Raft 307x126 has the ability to use an engine with a power of up to 1 hp. With. The transom is not included in the basic kit, but a place for its fastening is provided.

HUNTER BOAT Hunter 290 LKA

Also a two-seat model, it is distinguished by high quality workmanship and is suitable for professional use. It has a keel bottom, which seriously increases seaworthiness.



A model with a transom and a step, which allows you to easily enter the gliding mode when you install an engine of suitable power. Motors here, by the way, can be used up to 10 liters. With. - for a two-seater boat, this is more than enough.

The hull of the HUNTER BOAT Hunter 290 LKA can withstand even heavy use in shallow water with a rocky bottom. The main disadvantage of the model, buyers consider the high cost for their size, although the price is justified by the quality.

MARLIN 340SLK

Boat from a Russian manufacturer. It is similar to the previous model in terms of parameters, including the presence of an inflatable keel and the possibility of installing an engine up to 10 hp. With.



With a carrying capacity of 500 kg, it is considered a double, although it allows you to safely accommodate three people. In the technical documentation, this is spelled out as a 2 + 1 scheme.

When choosing an inflatable boat, first of all, you should focus on the price / quality ratio. Oddly enough, Russian-made models are considered the most balanced.

Do not forget about the engine for an inflatable boat. In one of the following articles on our website, we will tell you how to choose the right motor, as well as make brief reviews of the most popular models.