Hull Material | Leisure boating, fishing | IS: PVC (12mm, ASTM D1776) (common but less durable) Base: Fiberglass (1/4", ASTM D790) ▲ (lightweight, UV-resistant) Adv: Fiberglass+Carbon (3/8" + gelcoat) ▲▲ (lightweight, corrosion-resistant) | Base: Enhanced durability over PVC. Adv: Lightweight yet strong. | Base: Heavier than PVC. Adv: Higher cost. |
Buoyancy System | Rescue ops, offshore trips | IS: 2 chambers (ISO 9450-1) (basic safety) Base: 4 chambers ▲ (improved redundancy) Adv: Auto inflation + 4 chambers (SAE J1130) ▲▲ (emergency-ready) | Base: Redundant chambers. Adv: Auto inflation for emergencies. | IS: Riskier in emergencies. Adv: Requires maintenance. |
Weight & Portability | Transporting to lakes/garages | IS: 250kg (easy to move) Base: 320kg ▲ (stronger but bulkier) Adv: 280kg ▲▲ (composite reduces weight) | Adv: Lighter than Base while retaining strength. | Base: Heavier than PVC. Adv: Costly. |
Safety Features | Rough waters, coastal navigation | IS: Basic kit (flares, manual pump) Base: Butterfly anchor tray + manual pump ▲ (improved stability) Adv: Anchor tray + auto pump + GPS buoyancy ▲▲ (tech-enhanced safety) | Anchor tray prevents capsizing. Adv: GPS tracks buoyancy. | Base lacks advanced tech. Adv: Higher cost. |
Customization Options | Luxury cruises, fishing | IS: Limited (seats only) Base: Storage + seating ▲ (moderate flexibility) Adv: Full customization (sun canopy, fishing gear) ▲▲ (tailored setups) | Adv: Customizable for specific uses. | Base: Fewer options. Adv: Extra cost. |
Performance | Racing, long-distance travel | IS: 30 knots (PVC drag limits speed) Base: 35 knots ▲ (fiberglass reduces drag) Adv: 40 knots ▲▲ (composite hull + optimized shape) | Adv: Top speed & fuel efficiency. | Base: Slower than competitors. Adv: Requires powerful engines. |