Popular models of Kolibri boats: we describe the features of each
Ukrainian manufacturer of inflatable boats KOLIBRI Boat Manufacturing Company has been on the market of small crafts for more than 25 years. Over the years, KOLIBRI boats have deservedly gained popularity among fishermen and water enthusiasts in many countries around the world. A wide network of dealers gives you the opportunity to get advice, buy spare parts and accessories as close as possible to the customer.
The range of KOLIBRI BMC includes both rowing inflatable boats and motor boats. Own sewing and foundry production allow creating a full cycle of production of high-quality products.
KOLIBRI boats are internationally certified and used by government, non-governmental and commercial organizations. And of course, our boats satisfy all amateurs of active recreation on the water – fishermen and hunters, tourists and thrill-seekers – everybody who loves the romance of quiet river floodplains or the wind with splashes on the speedway.
In this article we will tell you about the features of different inflatable boats of the KOLIBRI model range.
Rowing boats KOLIBRI
Rowing boats are propelled by oars, although some models may have a removable outboard transom to install an outboard motor up to 3.5 hp.
KOLIBRI BMC produces three series of rowing boats:
All three series of rowing boats are made of PVC fabric with a density of 850 g/m². The seams are welded on HFW equipment (high frequency welding). All KOLIBRI models have sliding seats (thwarts) that can move along the sides of the boat inside the cockpit – the interior of the boat, where the passengers are. All these boats are equipped with oars, carrying handles, layers along the sides, pump, repair kit, carrying and storage bag, manual.
Models of this series differ in sizes, form of the hull and optional equipment – it can be floorboards of different types, a stern transom for the motor, protective canopy, bimini top, removable soft seats, bow bags, under-seat bags, etc.
The “Super-Light” series (K-190, K-210, K-230) are single (loading capacity on average 110 kg) rowing boats of small size (cockpit length 134-174 cm, width 49 cm), with light oars, one sliding thwart (seat). The diameter of the inflatable tube is 28 cm, the number of compartments in the tube is 2. The floorboard is not included in the basic equipment of the “Super-Light” series boats, although it can be purchased and installed separately. The boat is ideal for single fishing, it is light (the set weight is about 11 kg), quickly assembled and disassembled (package size is 74x35x30 cm). A popular representative of the rowing boats of the “Super-Light” series is the K-210 model. This model is ideal for single fishing, especially with a flooring installed.
The “Standard” series (K-220T, K-240T, K-260T, K-280T, K-280CT, K-300CT) are double full-size rowing boats (model 300 – is already three-seater) with a loading capacity of 160-340 kg. The length of the cockpit is 150-217 cm, width 60-64 cm. The boats of the “Standard” series are equipped with full-size oars with improved characteristics, have two sliding seats (model 220 – one seat), and all boats of this series have factory-installed mounts for the hinged transom. The transom is used to mount the outboard motor up to 3.5 hp. Thus, the boats of this series can already be considered rowing and motor. The diameter of the inflatable tube of the “Standard” series boats is 34-38 cm, there are 2 chambers in the tube. Such tubes allow the use of boats of this series in open water, they allow you to keep a small side wave. Flooring for rowing boats of the “Standard” series can be of different types. KOLIBRI BMC produces for this series of boats plywood slatted laminated deck, folding flooring (sole-book), inflatable flooring of a high pressure – air-deck. The boat is perfect for fishing for two, it is light (the whole set weighs from 12.5 to 30 kg), easy to assemble and disassemble. A popular representative of rowing boats of the “Standard” series is the K-260T model. This model is comfortable for two passengers, especially with a flooring installed.
The “Profi” series (K-250T, K-270T, K-290T) are two-three-seater full-size pointed rowing boats with the possibility of installing an outboard motor with a capacity of up to 3.5 hp. Loading capacity of these boats is 210-260 kg. The boats have a more streamlined tube, which makes them the most optimal rowing boats for use under the engine. The diameter of the inflatable tube of the “Profi” boats of the series is 34 cm, there are 2 chambers in the tube. Such tubes allow relatively safe use of the boats of this series in open water, with little waves. The “Profi” series boats can be fitted with the same floorboards as the “Standard” series boats. Rowing motor boats KOLIBRI of “Profi” series are suitable for small water trips on rivers and lakes, mainly using the motor, as the sharp nose and hull shape makes it more comfortable than for other rowing boats KOLIBRI. Of course, the “Profi” series boats are also great for fishing or hunting. These boats are light (the set weighs from 20 to 23 kg), they are easy to assemble and disassemble. A popular representative of the “Profi” series rowing boats is the K-290T model. This model is comfortable for two passengers, it is spacious and hydrodynamic for driving under the engine.
Advantages of KOLIBRI rowing boats
The light weight of the set and ease of assembly makes the KOLIBRI mobile and convenient for weekend trips, fishing on rivers and lakes. The increased tubes diameter of some models and two airtight units ensure safety when using these boats in open water. The possibility of installing the motor makes the rowing boats KOLIBRI a universal rowing-motor floating means, which can be used for diverse purposes – water tourism, picnic trips, fishing, hunting. The flat bottom allows you to walk in shallow water, which is not available for other types of boats. The short length of these boats makes it optional to register them. Another advantage is the reasonable price of KOLIBRI compared to motor boats.
Disadvantages of rowing boats KOLIBRI
The disadvantages of KOLIBRI include low rigidity of their hull (especially without floorboard) and, as a result, – low course stability. The absence of keel and hard transom also affects this parameter, especially the speed under the engine.
Also note the low speed and discomfort of long rowing. You will not go far and long on oars, even considering the comfortable original rowlocks made by KOLIBRI. Only low-power motors can be used on rowing boats.
These boats are made of PVC material, which has a lower density than the material of motor boats, which makes rowing boats a little more vulnerable to sharp objects.
Although, all these features are difficult to attribute to disadvantages, because rowing boats serve their specific purposes and can not claim the functionality of large motor boats, which will be discussed below.
KOLIBRI motor boats
Motor boats, of course, are designed for use with a motor, also having regular oars for maneuvering near shore or for driving in shallow water. The motor is mounted on a stationary stern transom. Engine power for these boats can be from 3.5 to 35 hp. Motor boats are both flat-bottomed and keel.
Sliding seats, removable soft seats, bow bags (below seats and bows), rollers for fastening of an anchor rope, floorboards of various types, overpressure valves for pressure equalization in tubes – all these regular and optional details make KOLIBRI boats the leader in the market of mobile vessels.
KOLIBRI BMC produces five series of motor boats:
KOLIBRI motor boats are made of PVC fabric with a density of 850-1100 g/m². This is a denser material compared to the material of rowing boats. All these boats are equipped with full-size oars with improved hydrodynamic characteristics. KOLIBRI boats are also equipped with carrying handles, layers along the sides, a pump, a repair kit, a carrying and storage bag, and a manual. A wide range of accessories makes water travel comfortable and safe. These are a canopy tent, bimini top, removable dodgers from splashes, an overall cover for transportation, etc. The seams are welded on HFW equipment (high frequency welding). Models of KOLIBRI motor boats differ in size, hull shape, engine power and optional equipment.
The “Standard” series (KM-200, KM-245, KM-260, KM-280, KM-300, KM-330) are flat-bottomed (loading capacity from 250 to 480 kg) boats with a passenger capacity from 1 to 4 people 110-222 cm, width 64-70 cm). The diameter of the inflatable tube is 38-42 cm, there are 2 or 3 chambers in the tube. Three options of the floorboard: slatted laminated deck, folding flooring (sole-book), an inflatable flooring air-deck. Boats of this series have different lengths – from 200 to 330 cm. And all these models allow different numbers of passengers to travel comfortably on water under the engine with a capacity of 3.5 to 12 hp. “Standard” series motor boats are multifunctional boats for single fishing (KM-200) or for family boat trips (KM-330). A popular representative of the “Standard” series motor boats is the KM-300 model. This model is very comfortable for fishing for two or for water trips for three people.
The “Light” series (KM-280DL; KM-300DL; KM-330DL) are lightweight keel boats (capacity from 350 to 470 kg) with a passenger capacity of 2 to 4 people (cockpit length 200-250 cm, width 73 cm). The diameter of the inflatable tube is 42 cm, there 3+1 chambers in the tube. Lightweight fabric 850 g/m² and lightweight folding flooring (sole-book). Smooth contours of the hull give the boat the improved seaworthiness under the engine with a power from 5 to 15 hp. The safest with the increased diameter of a tube and the increased cockpit does boats of this series the optimum craft for family recreation on water. A popular representative of motor boats of the “Light” series is the KM-330DL model. This model is optimal for safe water trips – tubes of increased diameter, medium power engine, keel, spacious cockpit will make an unforgettable river trip for four people.
The “Profi” series (KM-245D, KM-260D, KM-280D, KM-300D, KM-330D, KM-360D) are full-size keel (load capacity from 260 to 650 kg) motor boats KOLIBRI with a classical form of a tube. Passenger capacity from 2 to 5 people (cockpit length 150-252 cm, width 64-73 cm). The diameter of the inflatable tube is 38-42 cm, there 3+1 chambers in the tube. Dense fabric 1100 g/m2, two versions of the floorboard with the stringers, keel make the hull of this type of boat more monolithic and suitable for high-speed movement and maneuvering in open water. They have excellent course stability and resistance to side waves. Engine power for this series of boats – up to 20 hp. A popular representative of the “Profi” series motor boats is the KM-360D model. This model is good for speed and drive. Large tube, a powerful motor, keel, rigid bottom floor with stringers will give you the feeling of obedient in steering flagship model of the “Profi” series.
The “Sea Line” series (KM-330DSL, KM-360DSL, KM-400DSL, KM-450DSL) are full-size keel (load capacity from 470 to 890 kg) motor boats KOLIBRI for long-distance trips even in more extreme conditions. Passenger capacity from 4 to 5 people (cockpit length 250-369 cm, width 73-90 cm). The diameter of the inflatable tube is 42-49 cm, there 3+1 chambers in the tube (4 + 1). Dense PVC fabric 1100 g/m2, two versions of floorboard with the stringers, keel reinforced with a safety rubbing strake 12 cm. These boats have excellent steering and high passenger capacity. The engine power of this series of boats is up to 35 hp. The high seaworthiness of this series of boats allows you to use them as lifeboats or use them for special operations. A popular representative of motor boats of the “Sea Line” series is the KM-450DSL model. This model has three sliding seats for five people, allows you to use the engine up to 35 hp, its load capacity is almost 900 kg – all this makes it suitable for the most serious purposes.
The “Explorer” series (KM-270DXL, KM-300DXL, KM-330DXL, KM-360DXL) are full-size keel (load capacity from 450 to 690 kg) motor boats KOLIBRI for family recreation. Passenger capacity from 2 to 5 people (cockpit length 192-282 cm, width 82 cm). The diameter of the inflatable tube is 44 cm, there 3+1 chambers in the tube. Dense PVC fabric 1100 g/m2, two options of floorboard, keel reinforced with a safety rubbing strake 12 cm. These boats are comfortable, have excellent steering and passenger capacity. The engine power of this series of boats is up to 20 hp. Quite powerful and roomy boats with a large diameter tube, which also have a hard floorboard and reinforced keel, make them the right choice for a safe family vacation on the water. A popular representative of the motor boats of the “Explorer” series is the KM-360XL model. This model has a spacious cockpit for five people, uses an engine of up to 20 hp, its load capacity of almost 700 kg – a worthy choice for fast and safe water trips.
Advantages of KOLIBRI motor boats
Light weight at high loading capacity makes the KOLIBRI boats more favorable in relation to rigid motor boats. Increased tube diameter, two or more chambers, rigid deck, keel, powerful motor – all of that gives the inflatable motor boats KOLIBRI excellent seaworthiness. Low draft makes them passable in shallow water. High-quality high-density PVC fabric, resistant to mechanical, thermal and chemical influences, makes such boats similar to rigid, but they are noticeably lighter. The versatility of KOLIBRI inflatable motor boats – from fishing to rescue operations, from glides with the wind to family trips among water lilies, it is an undeniable advantage.
Disadvantages of motor boats KOLIBRI
The disadvantages of any inflatable motor boat include the feature of access to the glide – “cobra” (the boat raises its bow during acceleration and exit to the speedboat) and “dolphin” (longitudinal instability, i.e. violation of the smooth movement of the boat, oscillations up and down). As a rule, this occurs during the first launch of the boat and is eliminated by redistribution of additional load in the cockpit, changing the height of the installation and the angle of the engine, changing the engine power, etc.
We tried to describe briefly the main criteria for choosing a boat KOLIBRI – both rowing model and motor. For different purposes and budgets, for different numbers of passengers.
We are sure that no matter what your choice is – you will be satisfied with the quality of the boat, it will please you and your friends for many years, and the team KOLIBRI is always happy to help you with consultations, advices on choosing accessories.
Contact the KOLIBRI dealers in your area, buy the boat of your dreams. Remember, the season never ends!
