Comparison Aqua-Storm STM STM-180 vs Sportex Shelf 270

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.

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.

— 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 number of separate compartments provided in the design of the boat's inflatable balloon. This arrangement increases the reliability and safety of the vessel: in the event of a puncture, air does not escape from the entire cylinder, but only from one compartment, the rest remain filled. Therefore, even the simplest modern boats have at least two separate compartments, and in the most advanced this number can reach six.

The more compartments there are, the safer the vessel in case of damage to the cylinder, but the more complex and expensive its design is. Therefore, this parameter usually depends primarily on the size of the boat — after all, larger and lifting models should be more reliable and lose less buoyancy in case of damage.

Note that the inflatable keel (if any, see "Bottom type") is also taken into account in this case, since in fact it is also a separate pressurized compartment: for example, if 5 compartments are indicated for a model with such a bottom, this means 4 sections in sides plus keel.

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").

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 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.