5 best PVC boats according to owner reviews

Fishing on the lake, rafting on the river or just a walk along the reservoir - all this can be done with comfort and safety only on one of the best PVC boats presented in this rating. Such boats are very convenient, because they can be lowered, disassembled and taken with you at any time, even in your hands. But here you need to keep in mind that a huge selection can easily confuse even an experienced buyer. Therefore, we present to you this TOP, compiled based on the results of feedback from product owners.

PVC boat which company to choose

This rating is interesting because only Russian-made products participate in it. Most of these firms entered the market back in the 90s, and basically they are the four leaders in the Russian market.

The best boat builders include:

• The ark - offers at once a number of series of products "Lotsman", he independently develops them, and manufactures and sells. For this, the company uses PVC-based fabrics from several layers from the well-known brands Mirasol and Scantarp.
• Boat Master Is a Russian manufacturer of inflatable small-sized floating transport. The main office and production are located in Ufa, Russia. It was founded in 1993 and during this time has created several brands: Riviera, Aqua, Taimen and some others. She has several patents, certificates and awards for the production of quality products.
• Admiral - this is another company with a choice of floating craft for traveling on a river, lake and even going out to sea, for the latter there is a special series of products. Some of them can be up to 5 m long and can accommodate more than 3 people, which is not often seen.
• Frigate - the first inflatable floating craft made of polyvinyl chloride was produced by the company in 1991. Today in its assortment there are series for children, with NDND (inflatable bottom) of economy and premium class.

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Rating of the best PVC boats

Its compilation would not have been possible without the feedback from the owners of such small rubber boats. When analyzing them, we took into account how convenient, safe, useful and practical one and the other model, as well as whether its quality corresponds to the established price.

From the technical characteristics were taken into account:

• Weight, width, depth, shape and length of the product;
• The height of the sides, it depends on it whether water will get inside;
• The type of stern, whether it is raised as this gives additional stability;
• Maximum supported weight;
• Number of seats;
• The quality of fittings, including oars and barrels;
• Bottom type (inflatable or rigid);
• Equipment;
• The strength and quality of the fabric, the number of layers;
• Recommended motor power;
• The number of air compartments and the size of the cylinders;
• Colour.

In this rating of the best PVC boats, two types of models participate - rowing and motor-rowing.

The best fish finders for fishing

Best PVC Inflatable Rowing Boats

Such models are usually not very expensive, they cost several times less than those designed for a motor. Most often, they are characterized by a simple design and small size. Mostly they are used by fishermen or hunters, but for long rafts this is not the best option.

Pilot C-200

Let's start our review with this proposal, which in our rating can be called the best for fishermen who are going to sail alone.This one-seat model has a non-inflatable bottom made of a thick layer of reinforced polyvinyl chloride. Therefore, it is not surprising that the reviews write about the convenience of fishing even while standing. Naturally, the product is small and, due to this, very light, but at the same time it holds on the water quite reliably, does not turn over and feels confident when cornering.

The “Pilot C-200” model has a well-positioned seat, almost in the middle. But it can be uncomfortable to sit on it for a long time due to its rigidity. Since this is a rowing craft, the set includes two oars, which are considered comfortable enough for long-term use. Separately, it should be noted the high quality of the butt seams and reinforced with fabric, which makes the alloy even safer.

Advantages

• Feels confident on small waves;
• Strong sidewalls;
• Maneuverability;
• Light weight;
• Strength of materials;
• There are several colors available.

disadvantages

• Loading capacity is below average (100 kg);
• Small paddles;
• Two people on board are still cramped.

The boat "Pilot C-200" weighs just under 9 kg, which makes it easy to transport. She will always be safe and sound thanks to the presence of a backpack in the kit.

Aqua Optima 260

This is one of the strongest and lightest models in our ranking. Its owners note in reviews that the air in it is held securely, it is pumped up easily and, if necessary, deflated without problems. True, her bottom is not inflatable. The reliability of this option lies in the fact that it can stay afloat even if one of the compartments is punctured, since there are two of them.

The Aqua Optima 260 does not have a keel, but despite this, it keeps quite well on turns. It is quite easy to control it with the help of the oars that come with the pump, oarlocks, and a rope. The disadvantages include hard, uncomfortable seats.

Advantages

• Low weight without equipment;
• Excellent handling;
• The quality of the fittings;
• Good gluing of seams;
• Budget model.

disadvantages

• There is not enough space for two;
• The seats are very close to each other;
• The oars can shift and fly off when rowing.

The length of Aqua Optima is 260 cm, which partly explains its low weight of 13 kg. It features a simplified design with a minimum of seams to reduce the chance of product damage. The board can carry a maximum of 220 kg. The characteristics of this model are not the best, but, as for a budget one, they are quite acceptable.

When going on a long voyage, you need to buy a good air mattress in advance.

The best polyvinyl chloride powerboats

Such options are relevant for those planning long rafting on large rivers or lakes. These vehicles can be controlled with oars or mounted on a motor if a transom is available. But they all require registration with the Ministry of Emergencies.

Admiral 280T

In this rating, this model is the golden mean between economical and expensive. According to the owners, it is quite comfortable, instead of hard seats, soft barrels are built on the sides, and the optimal distance is made between them. The boat is suitable for two-person rafting, but can carry a maximum of 210 kg. A non-inflatable bottom makes sailing safer on the one hand, but on the other, it complicates the assembly of the product, just like a collapsible floorboard.

This model cannot boast of large dimensions, its length does not exceed 280 cm. Power ratings of the engine are 3.5 hp. also not the most impressive, but, in general, that is why she was included in the rating of the best rowing boats. The manufacturer has added paddles to the set, for which special holders are provided. The raised stem allows for faster speed development and increases the "vessel" resistance to water.

Advantages

• Walkable;
• Good side diameter;
• Overpriced feed;
• Solid fittings;
• Excellent pump pump;
• Lightweight.

disadvantages

• Oarlocks creak, need lubrication;
• Valve springs rust quickly, the product must be thoroughly dried;
• Poor bottom protection from water.

According to user reviews, Admiral 280T is very convenient for fishermen who want to fish while standing.

Riviera 3200

This transom boat is produced by the Master Boats factory, which is well known in this market. It is characterized by increased stability on the water due to the built-in transom and dense inflatable keel. Its sides have optimal rigidity and height, which, in particular, made it possible to fix comfortable movable seats for two people with a comfortable distance. The craft is really capacious, because its length is 3.2 m, while it can safely take up to 500 kg of cargo.

Obviously, the “Riviera 3200” model is designed, if not for professional, then certainly frequent use. Designed for a motor with a power of up to 15 HP, it easily moves on reservoirs, rivers, lakes. But fishermen may have some difficulties, since there is no holder for fishing rods. A collapsible plywood floorboard allows you to feel more comfortable on the "deck", but at the same time increases the time for assembling the boat.

Advantages

• Easy floor assembly;
• Quality materials;
• No unpleasant smell;
• Quite dense walls;
• Beautiful colour;
• Reliable seams;
• Diameter of cylinders;
• Cockpit width.

disadvantages

• Asymmetrical gluing;
• No fabric reinforcement under stringers;
• Insecure attachment of the front cylinder valve cover;
• There is a backlash at the pipe joining point;
• Backlash tapes often come off.

Particular attention should be paid to the equipment: the set includes a pump, paddles, and a rope.

Frigate M-3

This is another pretty good rowing model designed for the installation of a motor, but a powerful one will certainly not work here, up to a maximum of 2.5 hp. And again here, like other models from this rating of the best PVC boats, the bottom is not inflatable. But if necessary, you can use the removable option that comes with the kit. It is not the most spacious, its width is 1.28 m, and its length is 280 cm, but due to the expansion of the stern, there is a place to store fishing tackle.

Like most inflatable two-seater boats of this format, the balloon is divided into 2 parts. Thanks to this, in the event of a violation of the integrity of the walls of a product made of polyvinyl chloride, using the oars, it will be possible to continue to control it, staying afloat. Everything would be just fine if it were not for the weight of 16 kg, although for two people, namely the boat is designed for, this will not be a special problem.

Advantages

• Spacious;
• Strength of PVC fabric;
• Compact when assembled;
• Easy to transport;
• Reliable valves;
• Excellent air holding.

disadvantages

• The pump is weak;
• Insecure transom fixation;
• Not very good seats, fall out if the boat is not ready.

Judging by the reviews about the Frigate M-3, it is obvious that the manufacturer was reinsured when he indicated the maximum accepted weight limit of 220 kg, in fact it is somewhat larger.

Which PVC boat is better to buy

If there are 2-3 people in one floating craft, it is desirable that its length be at least 3 m. The barrels should be located at a sufficient distance so as not to touch the neighbor's oars. By the way, during a long voyage it will be very uncomfortable to sit on plastic and wooden seats. Those who are going to fish in it while standing, it is better to give preference to options with a solid bottom.

When choosing a specific model from this TOP of the best PVC boats, you need to consider the following:

• Those who go fishing rarely and for a short time, for example, on a calm and small river, can buy inexpensive rowing models - Pilot C-200 or Aqua Optima 260.
• Those wishing to go on rafting for several days will find it difficult to control the oars all the time. In this case, the product must have a transom for installing the motor. Then it will not be a mistake to choose the rather good variant of the Frigate M-3.
• If 3 people plan to sail in a boat at once, as well as for professional use, for example, by rescuers, Riviera 3200 will be relevant.
• Those who are going to fish or swim in rivers or lakes with a lot of thickets should take a closer look at the Admiral 280T model, which overcomes them perfectly.

It will be possible to buy the best PVC boat only when there is confidence in its stability, strength, practicality and safety. We were primarily guided by these indicators when compiling this rating, we hope it will help you choose the right model for you.