We choose a plastic boat for the installation of the motor - what to look for

A good boat is useful for a fisherman, hunter or tourist traveler. Few people refuse to ride with a breeze on the water surface.


The most affordable watercraft has always been a PVC boat, which is also known among the “people” as rubber. But for those who fish seriously, travel in harsh environments or engage in extreme sports, more confidence in the boat is needed.

Despite the multi-chamber, PVC boats can hardly be called super reliable. Yes, if they are damaged, you can always moor to the shore, but it is unlikely that you will be able to use the craft after that without repair.



The best solution is to buy a plastic boat. Of course, they are not as durable as aluminum or wooden models, but they are lighter and usually lower cost.

How to choose a boat made of plastic

Not all boats are made using the same technology. The most budget boats are assembled on a plywood frame, which is then covered with polymeric materials. Often such models are made in artisanal conditions, so there is always the opportunity to make such a craft on your own.

Thin high-quality plywood bends perfectly - you can make a boat of almost any size if you have the appropriate drawings.
More reliable models that are made on factory equipment are molded castings with special layers of reinforced fiber. The composition of the material depends on the manufacturer and price category.

Plastic boats are from 2,4 to 8,7 meters. When choosing a model, you should not take the most overall, even if the difference in price is small. The first nuance is transportation. Before buying a boat, you need to think about whether there is a place to store it and a trailer for transporting the appropriate dimensions.

The second nuance is the tasks for which the vessel is selected. It makes no sense to buy a big boat for fast and narrow rivers. But if you intend to fish far from the coast with access to the sea, then it is better to take a larger model - it perfectly resists the wave.



The wider the boat, the more stable it will be. These parameters usually vary in the range from 110 to 164 centimeters. For hunters who often have to shoot while standing, it is better to choose the maximum width indicators.

Naturally, the higher the sides, the less splashes will fall on passengers. The weight of plastic boats varies from 30 to 250 kg. It is not easy for one person to handle a heavy model. Although there are nuances here - there are car trailers that can drive into the water. But here again, you need an SUV.



For each plastic boat designed to use a motor, the maximum power parameters are prescribed in the technical documentation. Some do not pay attention to this and put high-performance power units. You should not do this - the ship can lose control at the most unexpected moment.

Useful tips for choosing

The first thing to consider is that boats also have such a nuance as cross-country ability. If a direct pattern between the length and this parameter. The shorter, the more convenient it is to move in a cramped space. But you don’t need to buy a boat that is too small either - it is unstable.



Do not save on purchase and take the cheapest model. As a rule, these do not have a margin of safety. If there is no desire to repair the vessel after each trip, it is better to immediately spend money on a more durable model. If you want to save money, you should look at domestic-made boats - they are cheaper than their foreign counterparts, often not inferior to them in quality.

Before buying, you need to decide how many people will move on the ship. For example, for one hunter or fisherman, it makes no sense to take a multi-seat model - it will simply turn out to be unclaimed and inconvenient. Although, fishers need just such a thing - you never know, it will be possible to get a lot of fish or an animal!

It remains to consider a few plastic boats that are popular in Russia. Models go in order of increasing cost.

Stealth 315

The cheapest boat in the ranking. The model is triple, but weighs only 50 kg with a length of 3,15 and a width of 1,3 meters.
In fact, for three large men it will not work - it has a carrying capacity of 200 kg. If in mind, then the Stealth 315 is suitable for one person and his luggage / booty.

The bottom of a plastic boat has three small keels, but it is rather flat. For shallow water, stability and drag, this is a plus, but it will not work to develop high speed. A vessel with a transom, at the place where the engine was attached, the manufacturer prudently placed thick moisture-resistant plywood.



The model has molded plastic seats, reliable but firm. Special recesses in the bottom allow you to place luggage without fear of losing something.

Laker T410 Plus

If Stealth 315 does not suit you, you can look at a more serious model. Laker T410 Plus is a four-seater plastic boat, but it already has a load capacity of 320 kg. The fiberglass model has a gelcoat finish on top. This material allows you to protect the boat from scratches and light impacts.

But in any case, you need to understand that plastic is not metal and you should try to protect the ship from stones and snags.
Laker T410 Plus is suitable even for marine operation, of course, not far from the coast. The V-shaped nose and 55 cm high sides allow you to move around during bad weather.

The weight of the boat is 110 kg - even one physically strong man can handle it. The Laker T410 Plus surprises with its “propulsion”, especially in combination with engine power, which here can reach 35 hp. With. The speed of the model is 47 km / h and this has been repeatedly proven by the owners.

bottlenose dolphin-380

This boat is more expensive than the previous model. Although it is also a four-seater, but the carrying capacity is higher - 450 kg. The boat looks more classic, and the engine here is a maximum of 20 hp. With. can be installed.

Bottlenose Dolphin-380 is more suitable for beginners - it is stable. This is especially true of modifications with boules - these are special float compartments located outside on the sides of the boat. This model is more suitable for professionals who care about load capacity and stability.

Bottlenose Dolphin-380 is a boat for work. The load capacity of 450 kg is surprisingly combined with its own weight - the model has 85 kg. You can only sink this boat on purpose - it is not just plastic, air walls are provided in the design.

Budarka Delta

The most expensive plastic boat in our rating. Budarka is such a specific modification for professional fishermen. Length - 8,54 meters, the boat is designed for 10 people.

The load capacity of the model is a fantastic 2 tons with a dead weight of 250 kg. Budarka Delta is suitable for fishermen. This model does not differ in high speed qualities - it is designed for an engine up to 30 hp. With.



Plastic boats are definitely more reliable and faster than PVC models. They could force the latter out of use, if not for two minuses. First, plastic models are more expensive. Secondly, despite the lightness, such boats are too large and have to be carried on a special carriage.