Practical inflatable boats have long gained popularity among fishing enthusiasts. They do not cause trouble in transportation, are well managed and have high maintainability, which allows you to put up with low protection of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). At the same time, the operational dynamic properties are primarily determined by the engines for boats, characterized by power potential, dimensions and quality of construction. The combination of these parameters is reflected differently in the aggregates and depending on whether they belong to a particular category. There are different types and modifications of engines, which are worth making an idea for the right choice.
Performance as the basis of classification
Conditionally distinguish a segment by performance characteristics can be based on the length of the boat. The most pronounced differences are the power units, which are designed for models 3 m, 3.5 m and 4 m long. Of course, this is the middle segment, but it is also the most popular and covers most of the engines used by ordinary lovers of fishing and boat trips. So, the engines for boats of the first group are installed on a 3-meter transport and can have a capacity of 2 to 5 liters. from. At the same time, experts recommend converting this indicator in terms of 3.68 kW in a choice so that the value is below this level. This will allow you to control the boat without special rights. The second group - models with power potential from 6 to 7 liters. with., which are installed on boats with a length of 3.5 m. But 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. from. Oversized 4-meter boats will require the use of a motor of at least 18 liters. with., and better - with a potential above 20 hp
Optimum ratio of speed, load and power
For single rest, 5 liter engines are designed. from. 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. from. such features will not be physically available, but, again, modest performance allows you to do without management rights. For two people, taking into account the luggage, it is worth purchasing engines for 9-10 liters. from. Such an installation provides up to 35 km / h when driving in planing format. As for models with a capacity of 15 liters. sec., 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 does not justify itself as a high-speed means of movement along the water surface, but as a reliable vehicle designed for long sessions of continuous operation.
Gasoline units
Traditional drives retain a strong market position even under the pressure of new and more technological 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 determines its attractiveness in terms of the possibility of repairing damage at home. Conventional-fuel boat engines, on the other hand, need regular oil supplies. 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 from the point of view of comfort of fuel supply, but is unattractive in terms of increasing dimensions and the loss of physical ergonomics.
Electric motors for boats
The electric drive has the opposite advantages to the negative qualities of gasoline analogues, among which are low noise, low weight, ease of transportation and physical handling, environmental friendliness. What prevents such units from taking an unconditional leadership position in the segment? First of all, this is a lack of capacity. It is unprofitable to make such models highly productive, so you will have to forget about serious marathons on the water with such equipment. Usually an electric motor is installed on a PVC boat for the purpose of leisurely movement in shallow water. The motor practically does not scare the fish, which facilitates the tasks of fishermen. As for the energy supply itself, it is carried out thanks to batteries or batteries. They must first be charged from a conventional electrical outlet. Electricity is more expensive than gasoline, but one cannot speak of the direct economic superiority of gasoline units. Powerful gluttonous engines from traditional series are also expensive.
Features of a water-jet drive
Fundamental structural differences are models with a water-jet drive. Like electric motors, such engines allow you to use the boat in shallow water. But not because of the low noise, which, by the way, can also take place, but due to the lack of a screw. A gearbox with protrusions is not provided under the body of the power plant, so the water cannon system makes it possible to move over obstacles of varying degrees of difficulty. The absence of screw elements and skegs also eliminates engineering factors that reduce the maneuverability of water transport. But is the jet engine for a boat so perfect? Firstly, by average standards, it costs one and a half times more than conventional helical-steering analogues. 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 overlap with the difference between gasoline and electric motors. In particular, two clock cycles 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 on a rubber boat, according to the owners, is more economical in terms of fuel consumption and, as already mentioned, does not require special mixing of oil with gasoline, as it is poured into a separate tank. As for the operational qualities, it’s worth choosing two-stroke ones to solve simple problems - walking in shallow water or delicate fishing with trolling can be called targeted measures of such equipment.
Manufacturers of machinery
In choosing a motor, it is worth giving preference to eminent brands like Suzuki, Honda, Tohatsu, etc. Each manufacturer has its own approach to the development of engines, 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 water-jet series appeared, in which advanced developments were used. The Yamaha engines for boats for various purposes leave positive impressions about the performance. In the latest versions of the Japanese line, an innovative CDI ignition system appears , which minimizes fuel consumption, an optimized carburetor circuit and a 12V current generator.
Operation tips
The operation process begins with a complete inspection of the engine for external damage, leakage, insufficient connection strength, etc. Initially, it should be borne in mind that the engine is mounted on a boat based on a transom, respectively, and the design must be selected in accordance with its thickness . For example, with a transom thickness of 25 cm or more, engines up to 15 l are allowed. from. 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 planing.
Conclusion
Power units for water equipment have many features related to both design and ergonomics. Experienced fishermen and just lovers of relaxation on lakes and ponds are familiar with the different nuances of operating this type of transport, and for beginners it is recommended that safety rules be mainly taken into account. In particular, the engine for an inflatable boat should always have a repair kit with a basic set of necessary consumables. At a minimum, it should have spark plugs. But it is worth taking care of the stable operation of the engine 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 composition modifiers.