Comparison Lisichanka Yaz-2M vs Intex Explorer 200 Boat Set

The maximum weight of cargo that the boat is normally designed to carry. The cargo in this case includes both passengers and their luggage, as well as the engine and various additional equipment.

The carrying capacity stated in the characteristics clearly cannot be exceeded: although most inflatable boats are able to stay afloat even with severe overload, in such conditions controllability and stability noticeably deteriorate, wear increases and the likelihood of damage to the bottom or cylinder increases. We also note that there is no strict connection between the carrying capacity and the number of seats (see above): models with the same number of seats can differ significantly in permissible load. And it is important to take boats with a large carrying capacity if necessary, because this affects the density of materials, overall weight and price.

The type of bottom provided in the design of the boat.

All bottoms can be divided into flat and keel, each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. So, flat bottoms are relatively simple, inexpensive, convenient in shallow water (due to minimal draft) and allow you to go on planing with a relatively low engine power. On the other hand, the keel improves both manoeuvrability and directional stability, it allows the boat to effectively "cut the waves" at high speed and reduces the influence of wind. Thus, a flat bottom should be chosen for rowing or under a relatively weak motor for short distances; and the keel design is perfect for high speeds, powerful motors and long passages.

Both flat and keel bottoms can have different designs. In the first case, the options might be:

— Actually flat, it is also tension — the simplest bottom made of soft waterproof material stretched between the sides of the boat. The main advantage of this option is simplicity and low cost. In addition, the tension bottom is insensitive to minor damage: a small cut or puncture practically does not change its properties, does not affect the strength and seaworthiness of the boat. At the same time, the rigidity of such a bottom still turns out to be low, and for comfort it is desirable to use additional coatings with it.

— Flat inflatable(NDND). The so-called low-pressure inflatable...bottom is a bottom made in the form of a separate inflatable compartment. Such surfaces are noticeably stiffer than tension ones, which allows them to be used without additional coatings and simplifies the deployment and folding of the boat. The inflatable compartment provides additional comfort: it dampens the impact of small waves and plays the role of thermal insulation, the latter can be useful on land. In addition, this design increases the carrying capacity and provides additional buoyancy in case of damage to the main cylinder. The main disadvantages of inflatable bottoms are relatively high cost and sensitivity to damage. In addition, such a bottom reduces the actual volume of the cockpit, and its rigidity is still relatively low, and it can be difficult to maintain balance while standing on the NDND.

Keel bottoms, in turn, can have the following design:

— Inflatable keel. The simplest type of keel bottoms, in fact, is a flat tension bottom (see above), supplemented by a keelson compartment, which turns into a keel when inflated. The advantages of such structures are simplicity and low cost, the disadvantage is low rigidity, due to which the bottoms with an inflatable keel have to be equipped with additional hard coatings.

— Inflatable keel ( NDND). An analogue of a flat inflatable bottom (see above), which has the same set of advantages and disadvantages and differs in the actual presence of a keel. This design differs from the inflatable keel described above in that the entire bottom is made inflatable, and not just the keelson. This provides rigidity and eliminates the need for special coatings. On the other hand, keel boats with NDND turn out to be less stable than their counterparts with an inflatable keel, they sit higher in the water and ideally require additional loading to reduce draft; Yes, and such bottoms are somewhat more expensive than analogues with an inflatable keel.

— Fibreglass keel. Keel bottom in the form of a rigid part made of fibreglass or other similar polymer. Models of this design are called RIB (RHIB) — "rigid hull inflatable boats." They combine the advantages of classic and inflatable boats: the vessel does not sink, even when it fills with water "on the sides", and remains buoyant even when the tank is completely deflated. In addition, high rigidity provides reliable support for people in the boat and allows the use of even fairly powerful motors; thanks to the latter, fibreglass keels are extremely popular in powerboats (see "Type"). The disadvantages of this option, in addition to the high cost, include the impossibility of folding, which is why you have to carry such a boat on a gun carriage, and store it in a fairly spacious room.

— Rigid. Seats in the form of planks, usually attached to both sides across the boat. Considered more reliable than inflatables, they have a traditional flat surface and are cheaper due to their simple design. On the other hand, when folded, the hard seats take up more space, and the convenience for passengers is purely symbolic.

— Rigid sliding. The rigid bars described above with the ability to adjust the location along the boat. They allow you to change the distance between the seats, or even combine two into one.

— Inflatable. Inflatable seats are easy to use and quite comfortable. They usually do not require special fasteners, and by changing the degree of pumping, you can change the hardness, adjusting the properties of the surface to the preferences of a particular person. In addition, such seats, when deflated, take up a minimum of space. Their main disadvantage is their relatively high cost.

— Soft. A type of seat used primarily in kayaks (see "Type"). They have a rigid base covered with foam rubber or other similar material, often equipped with backs. This design provides comfort on long trips and at the same time allows you to maintain maximum control over the boat.

— None. Some boats may not come with seats at all. One of the varieties of such models is miniature rowing boats (see "T...ype"), designed for one or two people and equipped with an inflatable flat bottom (see "Bottom type"), which plays the role of a seat. The second option is multi-seat boats, for which "seats" must be purchased separately, depending on the features of the planned application.

The diameter of the boat's balloon — the inflatable shell that forms the sides — in a fully inflated state. This parameter primarily affects the dimensions of the cockpit (see below): with the same dimensions of the boat, a thicker cylinder leaves less space in the cockpit. Also, the carrying capacity is somewhat related to the diameter — a large cylinder usually holds more air and gives more buoyancy; however, in fact, the possibilities for transporting goods are also highly dependent on the characteristics of the bottom and the overall strength of the structure.

The dimensions of the inflated boat in length and width, along the outer edges (excluding oars, motor, etc.). This parameter allows you to estimate how much space the vessel will occupy in the working position. In addition, the first size value — length — indicates other parameters: the larger it is, the better the boat is suitable for gliding and, usually, its capacity is greater (see "Number of seats").

The density of the PVC fabric from which the boat is made.

The higher the density, the heavier the ship will be, other things being equal. In addition, it is generally accepted that a denser fabric is at the same time more durable, reliable and wear-resistant. However, much also depends on the characteristics of the production of a particular brand of PVC. As a result, the difference in performance between two boats with different densities may not be as significant as the difference in density itself.

The total weight of the boat with oars and decking (if any), but excluding the motor and additional attachments. The lighter the boat, the more convenient it is to carry, however, a small weight can affect either the price or the quality (compared to analogues). Weight also affects speed characteristics — a lighter boat is easier to accelerate to high speed with the same motor power; however, do not forget that these characteristics also depend on the material, the shape of the bottom and many other parameters.

A special bag for storing and carrying a folded boat and additional equipment for it (oars, a pump, etc.). A bag for a boat is most often much more convenient than impromptu packaging, since it is optimally suited for a boat in terms of size and design features.