Not everyone in the Soviet Union had the opportunity to purchase a personal watercraft, but many wanted to. An affordable option was the inflatable rubber boat "Ufimka". Made, like everything once in our country, with a large margin of safety, and inexpensive at the price, it gained popularity, which modern expensive brands did not even dream about. However, the Ufimka boat is still in demand, and it can often be found on the market. Get to know her better.
Soviet pie
The Ufimka inflatable boat has an original form, which is difficult to confuse with anything. The sharp stern and bow of the boat are raised, like on an Indian cake. For which she, in fact, received her nickname. Since the bow and stern of the “Ufimka” can only be designated conditionally (they are absolutely identical), the boat moves equally well in any direction, and it is possible to row in it, being positioned both face and back in the direction of movement. Due to the “pies” shape, the boat has a wonderful move on the oars.
Boat design
The Ufimka boat is a compact, lightweight craft designed for two people and designed to move on oars. Structurally, it consists of two independent cylinders, interconnected by the bottom of the boat and special overhead scarves in the front and aft. Each of the cylinders is absolutely independent, and they do not have air connections between them through which it would be possible to maintain the same pressure in them. This is one of the features of the boat: in the event of a puncture, it lowers the entire side, and on the other hand, the boat is guaranteed to stay afloat.
So whether it is a virtue or a disadvantage, everyone determines for himself. The Ufimka boat is made using gluing technology using a minimum number of seams. By and large, the boat has only two seams - on cylinders. Outside and inside, all seams are reinforced with special stripes. The bottom of the boat is also glued to the tanks, and the junction is reinforced on both sides with the same stripes.
Oars consist of wooden handles on which plastic rowing parts are attached. Oarlocks are the simplest - rubber rings. They allow you to adjust the length of the oars, but you can not put oars on board the boat with them.
Boat modifications
The boat "Ufimka" is presented in several versions, which differ in bottom and seats. Modification with an inflatable bottom improves the already good driving performance of the boat, and makes sailing safer. Yes, and from the cold, an air cushion under your feet protects well. The inflatable bottom, like the cylinders, is independently inflated separately. Pumping occurs through a nipple without a valve that closes with a plug. This is certainly a drawback. However, the cork is made quite well and reliably stands in its place, preventing the release of pressure. The seats are made rigid or in the form of inflatable pillows.
What the Ufimka boat is made of
"Ufimka" is made of three-layer fabric. In the middle there is a cord of tightly bound strong threads, and on top and bottom there is a modified rubber. Such material is very strong and durable, but does not like excess moisture, and therefore, after each use, the boat should be thoroughly dried. Now on sale you can find "Ufimka" made of PVC fabric, which is lighter and devoid of the mentioned lack of "gum". Air valves are made of plastic with rubber membranes. And one more significant detail: you can’t install a motor on the boat, but all because of the specific form of the craft.