Comparison Vulkan VMK330 (PS) vs Aqua-Storm Evolution STK-330E

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 maximum engine power allowed for this boat.

The power limitation is primarily due to the fact that not every boat normally tolerates high speeds. In addition, powerful motors and weigh a lot, which puts forward appropriate requirements for the strength of the transom. So it is extremely undesirable to exceed the permissible power: even at low thrust, the structure will be subjected to abnormal loads, and full thrust can lead to a rollover or damage to the boat.

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 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 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.

Boat inflatable shell repair kit. The minimum composition of the repair kit is patches and a composition for fixing them (another option is self-adhesive or even “liquid” patches). In addition, the kit may include sealant, gasoline for degreasing repaired surfaces and other items. Of course, serious damage with the help of a repair kit is unlikely to be patched, however, with small holes, cuts, etc. it might come in handy.