12 best PVC boat manufacturers

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

The inflatable boat significantly expands the possibilities of hunters, fishermen and travelers. A craft of this type is an indispensable assistant for employees of the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Emergencies. In recent years, rubber models have been replaced by vessels made of durable PVC, which has expanded the scope of inflatable structures. Users give preference to “rubber bands” for affordable prices, variety of models, stable position on the water. The pluses also include good roominess and carrying capacity. Inflatable boats are also appreciated for their safety, even if one of the cylinders is damaged, you can moor to the shore thanks to the sections remaining intact. With careful use, a PVC boat can last for many years. Today on the market there are many different floating crafts that differ in price, size and capacity. Recommendations of our experts will help you choose a reliable and durable model.

Criteria for choosing a quality PVC boat

Types of inflatable boats. Experts adhere to the following classification according to the type of drive.

1. Rowing models are characterized by simple design and low price. They are designed for short distances. The muscular strength of a person is used as a drive.
2. Powerboats are equipped with a special outboard mounting device. It is called a transom. Usually manufacturers provide for the possibility of running under the oars if there are problems with the motor.
3. RIB boats stand out from the competition with a V-shaped bottom. Thanks to this design, it is possible to develop high speeds on the water surface (up to 100 km / h).

Varieties of materials. Several materials are used to make modern inflatable boats.

1. The most popular is PVC polyvinyl chloride. It is of two types: reinforced and unreinforced. Boats made of unreinforced PVC are distinguished by an affordable price. But they are inferior in strength and durability to products with a reinforced layer.
2. The composite material is the product of two synthetic fabrics. Hiparon has high elasticity, which allows it to be used as an inner layer. The outer cover is made of durable and resilient neoprene. Thanks to a special gluing technology, a durable material is obtained. Its only drawback is its high price.
3. Inflatable boats made of rubberized fabric are sold at the lowest price. But such ships are suitable only for summer walks in clean waters.

Bottom. Soft floor is one of the weak points of inflatable boats. Manufacturers are addressing this problem in several ways.

1. The inflatable bottom allows to increase rigidity and make the boat safer. You can find this design most often in rowing models. Such boats do not require additional flooring.
2. At the bottom of the boat, floorings made of rigid materials are mounted. A plywood floor is a budget option, but it does not withstand high humidity for long. Fiberglass combines lightness and strength. In addition, the material does not make noise, which is appreciated by fishing enthusiasts. Decks differ in design; there are elements of one or more component parts.

Transom. If the inflatable boat will be operated with an outboard motor, it is important to choose the right transom type.

1. Boats with an open shape are equipped with an integrated engine holder. Fiberglass, steel or moisture resistant plywood is used as a material for the transom.
2. The hinged transom is installed on rowing or motor boats with a closed shape. Of the advantages, experts note the speed of installation and removal. However, the transom is designed only for a limited range of motors in terms of weight and power.

We have selected the 12 best PVC boat manufacturers for our review. All of them sell their products in local stores. When allocating seats, the editorial board of the magazine relied on the opinion of experts, taking into account the reviews of Russian users.

Rating of the best PVC boat manufacturers

Nomination	a place	Manufacturer	rating
Rating of the best PVC boat manufacturers	1	Yukona	5.0
	2	Yamaran	4.9
	3	Frigate	4.8
	4	Flagship	4.7
	5	Solar	4.6
	6	ProfMarine	4.5
	7	POSEIDON	4.4
	8	Flinc	4.3
	9	BoatMaster	4.2
	10	Aqua	4.1
	11	Mnev and K	4.0
	12	Hunter	3.9

Yukona

Rating: 5.0

For two decades, the Canadian company Yukona has been developing and producing inflatable boats and powerboats. Products are supplied to North America, Europe and Russia. Fans of outdoor activities have managed to appreciate the quality and safety of small boats. The first inflatable boats began to be sold in our country in 2008, many of them are still in service. Experts pay attention to the variety of models; the catalog contains single-seater boats and ships for exploring the sea. The richness of the equipment is also pleasantly surprising, there are models with lightweight slatted floors, aluminum decks and inflatable balloons.

Domestic fishermen in their reviews praise two- and three-seater boats. They are distinguished by their low weight, compact size and high-quality cover.

Advantages

• high quality;
• variety of models;
• wide range of trim levels;
• durability.

disadvantages

• not found.

Yamaran

Rating: 4.9

Inflatable boats under the Yamaran brand are made in Russia. Experts included it in our review for the high level of production, which is not inferior to leading foreign companies. High quality is confirmed not only by certificates, but also by a 5-year guarantee for PVC. The company places particular emphasis on the design and production of high-speed models; the vessel is tested at various competitions. The boats are characterized by maximum ease of use thanks to a range of measures, starting with a large number of handles and ending with reliable transoms.

Most of all in Russia inflatable boats Yamaran F390 are in demand. Users praise them for their spaciousness and neat assembly. They offer only minor modifications to the design to the manufacturer. Therefore, the brand ranks second on the podium.

Advantages

• neat assembly;
• stylish design;
• many pens;
• durable transom.

disadvantages

• short keel.

Frigate

Rating: 4.8

The domestic brand Frigate is in steady demand among fishermen and boaters. Having started its activity in 1991, the young team was able to quickly develop and manufacture a large number of inflatable boats. For this, it was necessary to master modern technologies, create original designs. A definite breakthrough was in 2000, when a new model for an outboard motor was presented to consumers. The highlight of the boat was the cylinders of variable cross-section. The Frigate's products were appreciated not only by ordinary users, but also by experts from the Ministry of Emergencies. Amphibious aircraft began to be equipped with boats of this brand.

Most Russian consumers praise the Frigate boats for the optimal combination of price and quality. But the manufacturer has not yet managed to completely eliminate defects in welded joints.

Advantages

• acceptable prices;
• modern designs;
• reliability;
• ease.

disadvantages

• leaks occur at the joints.

Flagship

Rating: 4.7

Among the inflatable boats of the catamaran type, the products of the Flagman company stand out favorably. The first developments of small boats appeared in 2005.Since then, the manufacturer has managed to offer consumers several interesting series. The safest, according to experts, are models with an inflatable bottom. But the catamarans of the brand, which appeared relatively recently (2014), began to be in high demand among Russian buyers. Experts noted one innovative technology – seamless surface coating with elastomers. The boat has received high strength, it withstands collisions with sharp objects with dignity.

In reviews, users admire the safety of Flagship ships the most. Of the minuses, simple equipment and carelessness in manufacturing are noted.

Advantages

• high level of security;
• simple assembly;
• high speed;
• reasonable prices.

disadvantages

• sloppy assembly.

Solar

Rating: 4.6

The Russian company Solar has been manufacturing inflatable boats since 2002. From the first days of its existence, the young team began to develop their own original models. The outboard motor structures have a V-shaped inflatable bottom. To achieve rigidity, the manufacturer used a series of partitions. Reinforced PVC with a thickness of 2.6 mm is used as a material. Thanks to the protective layer, the inflatable boat has high strength, it is very difficult to damage it under normal conditions. The experts appreciated the ease of preparation for work and the ease of folding due to the lack of a hard floor.

In the reviews, users praise Solar boats for their reliability, compactness and affordable prices. Of the minuses, the inaccurate dimensions of the hole in the transom are noted, sometimes the factory seams diverge.

Advantages

• compactness;
• strength;
• original bottom;
• ease of folding.

disadvantages

• you have to fit the transom under the motor.

ProfMarine

Rating: 4.5

The St. Petersburg enterprise Profmarine was organized in 2004. It took up the design and manufacture of small boats under the ProfMarine brand. The company specializes in PVC inflatable boats. Structurally, they are distinguished by a highly raised nose, thanks to which the floating craft smoothly overcomes the highest waves. The arsenal of the company includes both rowing and motor modifications. The experts highly appreciated the manufacturer's care for their vessels, even after the warranty period has expired, you can contact the company for help.

On fishing forums, owners praise ProfMarine boats for their wide cockpit, effective splash protection, and water stability. Users do not like the protruding corners of the side stingers.

Advantages

• high and wide cockpit;
• effective splash protection;
• wide range of models;
• post-warranty service.

disadvantages

• the corners of the side stingers protrude.

POSEIDON

Rating: 4.4

The Russian company POSEIDON has rich experience in the design and production of inflatable boats. Experts recognize the brand's products by their modern design, well-thought-out construction, simple assembly / disassembly, and verified cockpit ergonomics. The manufacturer offers a wide range of additional accessories (mounting blocks, transom wheels, awnings, etc.). The company's employees have come up with many interesting technical solutions, for example, the patented shape of the bottom and keelson prevents water from entering the boat.

Domestic users in the reviews praise the POSEIDON inflatable boats for an affordable price, comfortable fit, and compactness. The boats also have some drawbacks, the owners are unhappy with the handling, floor assembly and high weight.

Advantages

• compactness;
• affordable prices;
• high-quality assembly;
• effective splash protection.

disadvantages

• poor heading;
• inconvenient floor assembly.

Flinc

Rating: 4.3

Flinc inflatable boats have earned a reputation for quality and comfort. When developing models, the company's specialists take into account the requirements of fishermen and hunters. To work directly with potential clients, the company takes an active part in exhibitions. Experts name several characteristic features of the brand. This is lightness, excellent maneuverability, ease of placement and speed. The model range is represented by vessels from 2 to 3.6 m in length, there are both rowing and motor boats in the catalog. The guarantee for PVC is 5 years, for welds – 2 years.

The editorial board of the magazine gave the brand 8th place, as users found a number of flaws. The transom is too low for most motors, and the seams are not reliable.

Advantages

• modern look;
• strength;
• affordable prices;
• comfortable crew accommodation.

disadvantages

• unreliable seams;
• the transom is low.

BoatMaster

Rating: 4.2

The BoatMaster brand belongs to the Russian company Flinc. It was created to bring to life a promising direction in the field of small boats. The experts believe that the main features of the model range are increased functionality and stylish design. The manufacturer applied a number of advanced technologies, used the German HEYTEX fabric and components from the best European companies. Special attention was drawn to the specialists' elastic multi-layer material, which simplifies folding and inflating the boat. The unique design of the hull allows further modernization of the vessel.

Domestic fishermen and hunters are satisfied with the modern equipment, compactness and low weight of the floating craft. Among the shortcomings, they note small paddles, an unreliable floor and a tight bag.

Advantages

• lightness and compactness;
• full length keelson;
• functionality;
• stylish design.

disadvantages

• the floor is not glued with PVC tape;
• tight bag.

Aqua

Rating: 4.1

The Russian company AquaMaster offers consumers inflatable boats under the Aqua brand. The production site of the company is located in Ufa. The experts consider the strengths of the brand to be safety and comfort. The wide range of boats is pleasantly surprising. The catalog will find a suitable model, both a fishing enthusiast and an athlete. There are 3 basic lines in total, including one motor-rowing Aqua and two rowing Aqua-Master and Aqua-Optima. Each series has a number of modifications, which differ in capacity, configuration, and overall dimensions. For reliability and ease of use, the brand gets into the TOP-10 of our review.

Users have complaints about the material. It heats up in the sun and folds when folded.

Advantages

• affordable prices;
• high-quality assembly;
• safety;
• rich assortment.

disadvantages

• not credible PVC material.

Mnev and K

Rating: 4.0

The Russian company Mnev and K made the first inflatable boats back in 1988. Since then, the number of models has already exceeded 70. Experts note the widest range of lengths (from 2 to 8 m), which covers all layers of water walks. The manufacturer can boast of inventing its own technologies, protected by corresponding patents. The brand's catalog includes both small rowing boats and watercraft under an outboard motor. Among the buyers are not only fishermen, but the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

Domestic consumers consider the quality of the boats Mnev and K. to be worthy. But there are “shoals” of the manufacturer in the form of peeling floorboards and short-lived seams. The boats are heavy enough and there are no handles at the back.

Advantages

• quality material;
• water resistance;
• good slatted floor construction;
• high sides.

disadvantages

• weak seams;
• unreliable fasteners.

Hunter

Rating: 4.0

The young Russian company HUNTERBOAT started working on inflatable boats in 2009. The main direction of the enterprise was the production of watercraft under the Hunter brand. For the manufacture of ships, durable PVC fabric and high-quality components are used. Experts pay attention to the manufacturer's developed dealer network. When developing new models, the company's designers work closely with well-known Russian fishermen and hunters. Consumers choose Hunter boats for their high quality, rich assortment, and affordable prices. Trademark closes our review.

Russian fishermen and hunters speak flatteringly about lightness, good carrying capacity, and reliability. The brand failed to rise higher due to insufficiently hard floor. Not all models have a drain valve and an anchor eye.

Advantages

• high-quality assembly;
• affordable prices;
• ease;
• good lifting capacity.

disadvantages

• not hard floor;
• poor equipment.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.