TOP 10 best PVC boats of 2021
Sooner or later, every fisherman comes to the realization that he needs to buy a good boat for gatherings with a fishing rod in the center of the lake, hunting in wetlands, trolling, and so on. For these purposes, fishermen prefer modern PVC boats, which are much stronger than rubber ones. One question remains: which models of flotation devices are considered the best? In this ranking, we will tell you about the 10 best PVC rowing and motor boats according to user reviews.
What to look for when choosing a PVC boat?
First of all, we will consider the most important criteria for choosing a good PVC boat. So, the first thing you should pay attention to is:
- Boat dimensions... The size of the future small inflatable vessel is best determined by the number of fishermen. For one fisherman, the best option would be 2.6-3 meters, for two people from 3 meters. Also, do not forget about transported things, which will also take up a lot of space. In general, the optimal boat size is considered to be 3.2 meters.
- Bottom type... If you're serious about fishing, then a hard floor is a must. A hard floor will allow you to fish while standing, place heavy objects, improve ride performance and be more comfortable to move around. There are 3 types of bottoms: inflatable, slatted flooring and floorboard. The most common and reliable type is the floorboard, as it completely captures the bottom of the boat and provides good rigidity.
- The presence of a transom... If you are going to put the motor on the boat, then a transom is necessary. It is advisable to choose models with a glued-in transom, at least 2.5 cm thick and with plastic overlays. If you are not going to install a motor, then the transom can be useful for using auxiliary devices.
- Density of fabric... In theory, the denser the fabric, the better the boat will withstand damage from driftwood, reeds and rocks. But in practice, if you run into a sharp stone, any fabric is likely to tear. At the same time, the weight of denser fabric will be 30% more.
- Engine power... It is not difficult to determine this parameter, each boat has a limitation on the maximum power of the installed engine. 4-5 h.p. - the most common option, such an engine will be enough for hunting and fishing. Motor with 10 hp and more is necessary for movement over distances of 10 km.
Rating of the best PVC boat models of 2021
10 Intex Seahawk-400
Intex Seahawk-400 is a fairly capacious inflatable boat for 4 passengers. For their convenience, inflatable seats are provided, although they do not provide the required rigidity. The bottom structure here is also inflatable, so standing fishing will not work. Nevertheless, the manufacturer has provided for the presence of holders for fishing rods. In general, this model is perfect for fishing or walking in small bodies of water.
pros
- High quality material
- Wide and roomy
- Low price
- Loading capacity 400 kg
Minuses
- Short paddles
- Not very good valves, hard to inflate and deflate
- Soft bottom
9 HUNTERBOAT Hunter 290
HUNTERBOAT Hunter 290 is a compact motor-rowing boat of a good class, which is designed for a maximum of 2 passengers. The weight of the complete set is only 27 kg, therefore, it can be carried to the reservoir without any problems, even without a car.
As for the technical aspects, the engineers managed to improve the rigidity and seaworthiness, which together make it easier to enter the planing. The material from which the HUNTERBOAT Hunter 290 is made is very durable (reinforced with PVC with a density of 750 g / m2). A stationary transom can be equipped with a motor with a power of up to 5 HP.
pros
- Affordable price
- Durable material
- The set weighs only 27 kg
- Good maneuverability
Minuses
- There are complaints about the seams
- Contradictory owner reviews
8 SEA-PRO 230C
The cheapest and most compact model in our ranking of the best PVC boats.The SEA-PRO 230C is only 230 cm long and 128 cm wide. Such a limited space is enough for a maximum of 2 passengers, but it is better to use it for solo fishing.
If the size of the flotation device does not really matter to you, then this option will be ideal, since otherwise the SEA-PRO 230C is not inferior to its competitors. The boat is made of reinforced PVC, has a slatted flooring made of waterproof plywood and has 1 hard seat.
pros
- Good quality material
- Compact dimensions
- Weighs only 18 kg
- Suspended transom can be installed
Minuses
- Even 2 passengers will be cramped
- It is inconvenient to row
- Weak oarlocks
7 Frigate 300
This model went on sale in 2012, and for over 6 years it has been one of the best in its class. The main feature of the Frigate 300 is more space for the convenient location of equipment, tackle and passengers. The boat also features high quality seams, which are made using hot air welding.
The manufacturer guarantees excellent driving characteristics. For better access to the glider, special shaped cylinders are provided. The glued-in rigid transom allows the installation of a motor up to 8 HP.
pros
- Plenty of room for passengers and gear
- Easy assembly
- Low price
- Excellent value for money
Minuses
- The front seat cannot be moved closer to the bow
- Minor problems with installing the floorboard
6 FLINC FT320L
Previously, FLINC did not specialize in the manufacture of transom boats, the FLINC FT320L is the first model with a fixed transom. Nevertheless, the saying "the first pancake is lumpy" in this case is not appropriate, since I tried to produce a quality product.
This model was created with the aim of providing good handling, but at the same time that it was fast and light enough. And they did it! Due to the use of directional stabilization elements, it was possible to reduce the turning radius, weight and dimensions. To reduce water resistance, the hull was equipped with a flat bottom. These changes made the FLINC FT320L a worthy competitor to other transom boats.
pros
- Compact dimensions
- Little weight
- You can go on a glider even with a low-power motor
- Good handling
Minuses
- Seat design
- Weak regular pump
- The envelope bag has no shoulder straps
5 HUNTERBOAT Hunter 420 PRO
An excellent boat for reasonable money, which is equipped with everything you need for professional hunting and fishing. Due to its length of 420 cm, the Hunter 420 PRO can accommodate 6 passengers, and the carrying capacity of the vessel is quite good 950 kg.
This model is designed for use in the harshest conditions. The boat is made of heavy-duty reinforced PVC. Low pressure inflatable bottom. Hunter 420 PRO can be used for a motor up to 30 hp, but as experienced anglers write, you can install a more powerful motor.
pros
- Durable material
- Not a bad price for this boat
- Large lifting capacity
Minuses
- The complete set weighs 60 kg
4 HDX Oxygen 370
A spacious boat for 6 people and with a carrying capacity of 689 kg, which is designed for sports rafting on mountain rivers and movement in shallow water. A special feature of the HDX Oxygen 370 is the inflatable bottom, which consists of many inflatable compartments. Such a bottom in terms of rigidity is in no way inferior to a solid flooring. There is an aluminum flooring.
For the convenience of carrying and the safety of passengers, handles are provided along the entire length of the vessel and a rope is tensioned. Also, the manufacturer has provided for the presence of a drain valve and a special valve for bleeding air.
pros
- Durable material
- Big package
- Load capacity 689 kg
- Good maneuverability
Minuses
- The complete set weighs 76 kg
- Weak Carry Bag
3 Navigator 290 Optima
The third place in our rating is occupied by the domestic motor-rowing boat NAVIGATOR 290 Optima. This model was specially designed for hunting and fishing in coastal areas of seas and closed waters.The unique design with the use of variable diameter cylinders increasing towards the stern makes the transition to planing much easier.
"Navigator" is made of high-strength reinforced PVC, which, together with professional assembly and multi-level control, ensures the safety of the fisherman and passengers. The vessel itself has a length of only 290 cm, however, due to the width of 155 cm, it allows one or two passengers to be comfortably accommodated. Since the bottom of the boat is hard, the weight is quite decent - 35 kg.
pros
- Large capacity at this length
- Thick and durable material
- Easy and quick to assemble
- Seams are well glued and additionally reinforced
Minuses
- Load capacity only 350 kg
2 HUNTERBOAT Hunter 320
The second place in our rating of the best PVC boats according to anglers' reviews is taken by the model of the Russian manufacturer HUNTERBOAT. Hunter 320 is a versatile boat that can hunt, fish and comfortably spend a vacation with friends. This model can be used both under the motor and under the oars.
In the manufacture of Hunter 320, durable German PVC fabric with a density of 750 g / m2 was used. It protects well from stones and snags, which can be easily caught while fishing. The manufacturer also did not forget to include useful little things in the package, such as an anchor eye and a repair kit. The maximum lifting capacity is 450 kg.
pros
- Value for money
- Good capacity and carrying capacity
- You can install a motor up to 9.9 HP.
- Thick reinforced PVC fabric
Minuses
- Weak regular pump
- Difficult to install the floor
- Poor gluing of seams
1 Quick Stream Dolphin M
An inflatable rowing model that combines thoughtful design and quality materials. The material used in the development of this boat has a density of 950 g / m2, which avoids breakdowns from mechanical damage. For additional safety, the manufacturer has divided the cylinders into 2 pressurized compartments, so that the vessel will remain afloat even if one compartment is damaged.
Due to the unusual rounded stern and raised bow, STREAM Dolphin-M boasts excellent driving characteristics. This model can be used both on oars and under a motor (using an outboard transom).
pros
- Very durable material
- Seams are well sealed
- Stability and manageability
- Collapsible floorboard
Minuses
- Little space, two fishermen will be cramped
- Lack of keel
- Difficult to find in stock
What is the best PVC boat to buy in 2021?
The choice of a flotation device depends on the tasks that you will set for the boat. If you are going to get out only to small bodies of water, then the rowing option (STREAM Dolphin-M, Intex Seahawk-400) will be ideal. For large bodies of water and rivers, we recommend choosing models that can be equipped with a powerful motor (HDX Oxygen 370, HUNTERBOAT Hunter 320).