Comparison Skipper SM260 vs Kolibri KM-260

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 cover for the bottom provided in the scope of delivery. Coatings are mainly used to provide extra rigidity if the bottom itself is too soft; this is true mainly for flat tension bottoms and boats with inflatable keels (see "bottom type"). Specific options might be:

— Rack slant. Flooring of several wide transverse rails, usually connected by a flexible mount. Thanks to this fastening, the slate can be folded into an "accordion" for storage and transportation, while in working condition the coating still turns out to be quite rigid.

— Rigid plywood flooring. Rigid coating made of waterproof plywood, usually, typesetting — consists of several separate segments, and for storage and transportation is disassembled for compactness. Plywood coatings combine good rigidity and low cost, which makes them very popular. In terms of strength and reliability, they are somewhat inferior to aluminium decking, but in most cases this drawback is not critical.

— Rigid aluminium flooring. Type-setting coating of aluminium segments fastened together when installed in a boat. In general, it is similar to plywood (see above), but aluminium is more durable and reliable, and it is absolutely not subject to corrosion. On the other hand, this material is expensive, which is why it is much less common.

— Inflatable flooring (NDVD).... NDVD stands for “high pressure inflatable bottom”, however, this design should not be confused with an inflatable bottom (see “Bottom Type”): in this case, we are talking about a removable flooring. Due to the high pressure, such flooring turns out to be very rigid — noticeably stiffer than the bottom of the NDND type (although softer than plywood / aluminium coating). At the same time, the inflatable cover can be compactly folded during non-working hours, which ensures convenience in storage and transportation. Among the disadvantages of this option, sensitivity to damage can be noted.

— Without additional coatings. The absence of any coating in the scope of supply. Depending on the type of bottom (see above), this equipment may either mean that the boat does not require additional coating in principle, or that the flooring must be purchased separately. The second option is convenient in that you can choose the flooring at your discretion, without relying on the decision of the manufacturer.

— 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.

— Steering. This feature means that the boat is equipped with a steering wheel and special rods, which, when the steering wheel moves, turn the screw (s) in the direction necessary for turning; next to the steering wheel is usually also a throttle knob. Steering is found exclusively in RIB boats with fibreglass keels (see "bottom type"); it significantly affects the cost, but this is offset by a number of practical advantages. So, the steering wheel is usually located approximately in the middle of the cockpit, from where the view is much better than from the stern (especially in planing mode, when the bow of the boat is very high); and the helmsman sits upright at the helm, facing forward—more comfortable than the half-turn position when steering through the outboard two-wheel tractor.

— Water release valve. The presence in the design of the boat of a separate valve for draining water from the cockpit overboard. In many models, such a valve can be used both on the shore and on the move, and anyway, it greatly simplifies the removal of water that has got inside — otherwise it would have to be scooped out, or even turn the whole ship over.

— Carrying handles. The presence in the design of the boat of special handles for carrying the boat in an inflated position. By themselves, the cylinders used in modern boats usually have a smooth surface with a minimum o...f protruding parts, as a result, they are difficult to grasp. Therefore, for additional convenience, separate handles are provided — they significantly simplify tasks such as pulling the ship ashore.

— Olocks. The presence in the design of the boat of oarlocks — special devices on the sides, in which oars can be installed when rowing. Each paddle is attached approximately in the middle and can move in a vertical and horizontal plane. Such an installation provides additional convenience and reduces the load on the rower's hands — otherwise you would have to work with only one oar, and constantly keep it on weight and risk releasing it into the water. However rowing with the use of oarlocks involves the position of the rower with his back forward, and is also poorly suited for some situations (for example, for manoeuvring in floodplains); but these devices usually do not interfere with rowing in other ways.

— Rym. The presence in the design of the boat of a ring — a special fastening for ropes, usually installed in the bow. Such a mount can have a different design and purpose. So, the classic eye is made in the form of a ring and is used both for the anchor rope and for the towing rope; but there are also “purely anchor” options — in the form of a stand with a groove through which the rope is passed (so that it is fixed in the right place and does not rub against the sides once again).

— Bulwark. The presence in the design of the boat of a bulwark — a barrier installed above the main cylinders; usually, such a barrier itself is an additional balloon. The bulwark performs several functions. The most obvious of these is an increase in capacity, comfort and safety: due to the increased height of the sides, the risk of objects or people falling out of the cockpit is reduced, more overall cargo can be placed there, and less spray gets through such sides. Also, the bulwark increases the longitudinal rigidity of the hull, besides, its volume can be separated from the main cylinders; All this has a positive effect on overall reliability. This feature is found mainly among high-end models designed for difficult conditions and long stays away from the coast.

— Fender bar. Acts as a shock absorber. The beam is glued along the perimeter of the boat, along the line of contact of the side with obstacles and serves as a fender when mooring the boat to wooden or concrete piers. It can be made of rubber, PVC, plastic and other materials. Of course, its installation on a boat carries some negative aspects. So, the right timber makes the boat somewhat heavier and worsens its twisting. Such a boat is more difficult to transport and store.

— Water breaker. A water chipper is a part of the fender — a strip of thickened material on the outside of the sides. This strip provides protection when mooring to a jetty, driving through aquatic vegetation, etc. And the water chipper is a “visor” bent down along the fender; its purpose is to prevent water from entering the cockpit of the boat, especially when moving at high speed.

— Handrail cable. The handrail cable is installed on the mounts on the outside of the sides and "encircles" them, in whole or in part. There are many uses for this feature. For example, a person overboard can hold on to the cable — this is easier than clinging to the cylinders themselves or other devices. Also, the cable can be used as a replacement or addition to the carrying handles (see "Additionally"), as a place for attaching various equipment, etc.

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 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.

Dimensions of the boat when fully deflated and collapsed. The more compact the folded boat, the more convenient it will be in storage and transportation; at the same time, too small, in comparison with analogues, dimensions can indicate a small thickness of the shell and relatively low reliability.

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.