Number of seats
The total number of seats provided in the boat is, in fact, the maximum number of adults for which it is designed. Usually, this number corresponds to the number of seats.
There are three things to keep in mind when choosing this indicator. Firstly, with the maximum number of people in the boat, it can be quite crowded and not very comfortable. Secondly, in addition to people, such boats often have to be loaded with luggage, which can be heavy and voluminous. Thirdly, the capabilities of the boat are limited not only by the number of seats, but also by the carrying capacity (see below). Therefore, if it is planned to carry large people and/or a large amount of luggage on the ship, it is best to choose a model with a margin for the number of seats.
As for the specific number, the smallest modern boats have
1 or
2 seats. Medium-sized models with
3 or
4 seats are also extremely popular.
5-seater options are relatively rare, and the largest models can accommodate
6 or more people.
Load capacity
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.
Transom
Type of transom — mountings for installing a motor — installed on a boat or supplied with it.
—
Built -in. This type of transom is a vertical board in the stern of the vessel; such a board is located between the aft ledges of the cylinder and, in fact, also plays the role of a tailgate. Built-in transoms are strong and reliable, they can be used even for quite powerful and heavy engines, and therefore motor and motor-rowing boats (see "Type") are equipped exclusively with such mounts.
—
Mounted. Transom in the form of a separate device, installed and removed if necessary. Transoms of this type are found exclusively in rowing boats: the motor for such a vessel is far from obligatory, and when it is not in use, the mount can also be removed to reduce weight. Usually, a mounted transom is immediately supplied with the kit, but this nuance does not hurt to clarify before buying.
—
Missing. The complete absence of a transom is found exclusively in rowing boats and kayaks (see "Type"). At the same time, some of these models do not provide the installation of a motor at all, others have a “seat” for a transom and can be purchased in addition if necessary; these points for each model should be clarified separately.
Seats
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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.Dimensions (LxW)
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").
Cockpit dimensions (LxW)
The dimensions of the cockpit — the internal space of the boat, which accommodates passengers and cargo. The larger these dimensions, the more spacious the vessel, however, its overall dimensions (see above) increase accordingly. The length of the cockpit is measured from bow to stern, the width is measured by the greatest distance between port and starboard.
Weight
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.