Popular Kolibri Boat Models: Describing the Features of Each

The Ukrainian manufacturer of inflatable boats, the "Kolibri" Shipbuilding Company, has been present on the small craft market for over 25 years. Over these years, Kolibri boats have deservedly gained popularity among fishermen and water tour enthusiasts in many countries on several continents. A wide dealer network makes it possible to get consultations, buy spare parts, and accessories as close to the client as possible.

The Kolibri Shipbuilding Company's product range includes both inflatable rowing and motor boats. Their own sewing and casting production facilities enable a complete cycle of high-quality product manufacturing.

Kolibri boats have international certification and are used by government, public, and commercial organizations. And of course, our boats bring joy to all lovers of active water recreation—fishermen and hunters, tourists and extreme sports enthusiasts—everyone who loves the romance of quiet river backwaters or the wind with spray on a fast glide.

In this article, we will tell you about the features of different inflatable boats in the Kolibri model range.

Kolibri Inflatable Rowing Boats

 

Rowing boats are propelled by oars, although some models can have a removable transom for installing an outboard motor up to 3.5 hp.

The Kolibri Shipbuilding Company produces three series of rowing boats:

  • Super-light

  • Standard

  • Profi

All three series of rowing boats are made of PVC fabric with a density of 850 g/m². The seams are welded using high-frequency current (HFC) machines. All models of Kolibri rowing boats have movable seats (benches) that can be moved along the sides of the boat inside the cockpit—the internal space of the boat where passengers are located. All these boats are equipped with oars, carrying handles, lifelines along the sides, a pump, a repair kit, a bag for carrying and storage, and a passport.

The models in this series differ in size, hull shape, and additional equipment—this can include various types of floorboards, a stern transom for a motor, a tent-awning, a sun canopy, soft seat cushions, bow storage bags, under-bench storage bags, and so on.

The "Super-light" series (K-190; K-210; K-230) consists of single-person (average load capacity 110 kg) rowing boats of small sizes (cockpit length 134-174 cm, width 49 cm), with lightweight oars, and one movable bench (seat). The diameter of the inflatable tube is 28 cm, with 2 compartments in the tube. The floorboard is not included in the basic configuration of the "Super-light" series boats, although it can be purchased and installed separately. The boat is ideal for solo fishing, it has a small weight (the kit weighs about 11 kg), and it is quick to assemble and disassemble (packaging size 74x35x30 cm). A popular representative of the "Super-light" series rowing boats is the K-210 model. This model is ideal for solo fishing, especially with a installed floor.

The "Standard" series (K-220T; K-240T; K-260T; K-280T; K-280CT; K-300CT) consists of full-size two-person rowing boats (the 300 model is three-person) with a load capacity of 160-340 kg. The cockpit length is 150-217 cm, and the width is 60-64 cm. The "Standard" series boats are equipped with full-size oars with improved characteristics, have two movable benches (the 220 model has one bench), and all boats in this series have factory-installed mounts for a hinged transom. The transom serves to mount an outboard motor with a power of up to 3.5 hp. Thus, boats in this series can already be considered rowing-motor boats. The diameter of the inflatable tube of the "Standard" series boats is 34-38 cm, with 2 compartments in the tube. Such tubes make it possible to use boats of this series on open water, allowing them to handle a small side wave. The floorboard for the "Standard" series rowing boats can be of different types. The Kolibri Shipbuilding Company produces plywood mat floors, slat-book floors, and high-pressure inflatable air-deck floors for this series of boats. The boat is ideal for fishing in pairs, it has a small weight (the entire kit weighs from 12.5 to 30 kg), and is easy to assemble and disassemble. A popular representative of the "Standard" series rowing boats is the K-260T model. This model is comfortable for two passengers, especially with a installed floor.

The "Profi" series (K-250T; K-270T; K-290T) consists of two-to-three-person full-size sharp-nosed rowing boats with the ability to install an outboard motor with a power of up to 3.5 hp. The load capacity of these boats is 210-260 kg. The boats have a more streamlined hull, which makes them the most optimal rowing boats for use with a motor. The diameter of the inflatable tube of the "Profi" series boats is 34 cm, with 2 compartments in the tube. Such tubes allow for relatively safe use of boats of this series on open water, in light waves. The same floorboards as for the "Standard" series boats can be installed in the "Profi" series boats. Kolibri "Profi" series rowing-motor boats are suitable for small water trips on rivers and lakes, mainly using a motor, as the sharp nose and hull shape make this more comfortable than for other Kolibri rowing boats. Of course, the "Profi" series boats are also great for fishing or hunting. These boats have a small weight (the kit weighs from 20 to 23 kg), and 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 quite spacious and hydrodynamic for moving with a motor.

 

Advantages of Kolibri Rowing Boats

 

The small weight of the kit and the simplicity of assembly make Kolibri rowing boats mobile and convenient for weekend trips, fishing on rivers and lakes. The increased diameter of the tube in some models and two sealed compartments ensure safety when using these boats on open water. The ability to install a motor makes Kolibri rowing boats a versatile rowing-motor vessel that can be used for a fairly wide range of tasks—water tourism, picnic trips, fishing, hunting. The flat bottom allows you to navigate in shallow water, which is not possible for other types of boats. The small length of these boats makes their registration optional. Another advantage is the affordable price of Kolibri rowing boats compared to motor boats.

 

Disadvantages of Kolibri Rowing Boats

 

The disadvantages of Kolibri rowing boats include the low rigidity of their hull (especially without a floor) and, as a result, low directional stability. The absence of a keel and a rigid transom also affects this parameter, especially at speed with a motor.

We should also note the low speed and the discomfort of long rowing. You can't go far and for a long time with oars, even considering the convenient original oarlocks manufactured by Kolibri. Only low-power motors can be used on rowing boats.

The PVC material from which these boats are made has a lower density than the material of motor boats, which makes rowing boats somewhat more vulnerable to sharp objects.

However, all these features are difficult to classify as disadvantages, as rowing boats serve their specific purposes and cannot claim the functionality of large motor boats, which will be discussed below.

 

Kolibri Motor Boats

 

Motor boats are, of course, intended for use with a motor, also having standard oars for maneuvering near the shore or for moving in shallow water. The motor is attached to a stationary stern transom. The motor power for these boats can be from 3.5 to 35 hp. Motor boats can be either flat-bottomed or keel boats.

Movable benches, soft cushions on them, storage bags (under the benches and bow), an anchor rope roller, various types of floors, pressure relief valves for equalizing pressure in the tubes—all these standard and optional details make Kolibri motor boats a leader in the mobile watercraft market.

The Kolibri Shipbuilding Company produces five series of motor boats:

  • Standard

  • Light

  • Profi

  • Sea Line (SL)

  • Explorer (XL)

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 a full-size oar group with improved hydrodynamic characteristics. Kolibri motor boats are also equipped with carrying handles, lifelines along the sides, a pump, a repair kit, a bag for carrying and storage, and a passport. A wide range of additional equipment makes water travel comfortable and safe. This includes a tent-awning, a sun canopy, bow spray awnings, a transport cover, etc. The seams are welded using high-frequency current (HFC) machines. Kolibri motor boat models differ in size, hull shape, motor power, and additional equipment.


 

The "Standard" series (KM-200; KM-245; KM-260; KM-280; KM-300; KM-330) consists of flat-bottomed (load capacity from 250 to 480 kg) motor boats with a passenger capacity of 1 to 4 people (cockpit length 110-222 cm, width 64-70 cm). The diameter of the inflatable tube is 38-42 cm, with 2 or 3 compartments in the tube. There are three floorboard options—a slat mat, a slat-book, and an inflatable air-deck. Boats of this series have different lengths—from 200 to 330 cm. And all these models allow a different number of passengers to travel comfortably on the water with a motor with a power of 3.5 to 12 hp. The "Standard" series motor boats are multi-functional boats for solo fishing (KM-200) or for family outings (KM-330). A popular representative of the "Standard" series motor boats is the KM-300 model. This model is very comfortable for fishing in pairs or for water trips of three people.

The "Light" series (KM-280DL; KM-300DL; KM-330DL) consists of lightweight keel motor boats (load 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, with 3+1 compartments in the tube. Lightweight 850 g/m² fabric and a lightweight slat-book floor are used. The smooth contours of the hull give the boat improved seaworthiness with a motor with a power of 5 to 15 hp. Maximum safety with an increased tube diameter and an enlarged cockpit makes the boats of this series the optimal vessel for family recreation on the water. A popular representative of the "Light" series motor boats is the KM-330DL model. This model is good for safe water trips—the tubes of increased diameter, a medium-power motor, a keel, and a spacious cockpit will make a river trip for four people unforgettable.

The "Profi" series (KM-245D; KM-260D; KM-280D; KM-300D; KM-330D; KM-360D) consists of full-size keel Kolibri motor boats with a classic tube shape. Passenger capacity is from 2 to 5 people (cockpit length 150-252 cm, width 64-73 cm). The diameter of the inflatable tube is 38-42 cm, with 3+1 compartments in the tube. The denser 1100 g/m² fabric, two floor options with stringers, and a keel make the hull of this type of boat more monolithic and suitable for high-speed movement and maneuvering on open water. They have excellent directional stability and resistance to side waves. The motor power for this series of boats is 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 tubes, a powerful motor, a keel, and a rigid floor with stringers will let you feel the responsive handling of the flagship model of the "Profi" series.

The "Sea Line" series (KM-330DSL; KM-360DSL; KM-400DSL; KM-450DSL) consists of full-size keel Kolibri motor boats for long-distance trips even in more extreme conditions. Passenger capacity is from 4 to 5 people (cockpit length 250-369 cm, width 73-90 cm). The diameter of the inflatable tube is 42-49 cm, with 3+1(4+1) compartments in the tube. Dense 1100 g/m² PVC fabric, two floor options with stringers, and a keel reinforced with a 12 cm protective rubbing strake. These boats have excellent handling and a large passenger capacity. The motor power for this series of boats is up to 35 hp. The high seaworthiness of this series of boats allows them to be used as lifeboats or for special operations. A popular representative of the "Sea Line" series motor boats is the KM-450DSL model. This model has three movable benches for five people, allows the use of a motor up to 35 hp, and 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) consists of full-size keel Kolibri motor boats for family recreation. Passenger capacity is from 2 to 5 people (cockpit length 192-282 cm, width 82 cm). The diameter of the inflatable tube is 44 cm, with 3+1 compartments in the tube. Dense 1100 g/m² PVC fabric, two floor options, and a keel reinforced with a 12 cm protective rubbing strake. These boats are comfortable and have excellent handling and passenger capacity. The motor power for this series of boats is up to 20 hp. These are powerful and spacious boats with a large-diameter tube, and they also have a rigid floor and a reinforced keel, making them a good choice for safe family recreation on the water. A popular representative of the "Explorer" series motor boats is the KM-360XL model. This model has a spacious cockpit for five people, uses a motor up to 20 hp, and its load capacity is almost 700 kg—a worthy choice for fast and safe water trips.

 

Advantages of Kolibri Motor Boats

 

The small weight with a high load capacity makes Kolibri motor boats more advantageous compared to rigid motor boats. The increased tube diameter, two or more compartments, a rigid deck, a keel, and a powerful motor—all of this gives Kolibri inflatable motor boats excellent seaworthiness. The shallow draft makes them passable in shallow water. High-quality PVC fabric with high density, resistant to mechanical, thermal, and chemical influences, makes such boats comparable to rigid ones, but they are noticeably lighter. The versatility of Kolibri inflatable motor boats—from fishing to rescue operations, from gliding with the wind to family trips among water lilies—is an undeniable advantage.

 

Disadvantages of Kolibri Motor Boats

 

A disadvantage of any inflatable motor boat can be the peculiarity of getting onto a plane—the "cobra" (the boat raises its bow during acceleration and while getting onto a plane) and "porpoising" (longitudinal instability, i.e., a violation of the boat's even movement, oscillating up and down). As a rule, this happens during the first launch of the boat and is eliminated by trial and error—by redistributing the cargo in the cockpit, changing the height of the motor's installation and its angle of inclination, changing the motor's power, etc.

We have tried to briefly describe the main criteria for choosing a Kolibri boat—both a rowing model and a motor model. For different purposes and budgets, for a different number of passengers.

We are confident that no matter what your choice, you will be satisfied with the quality of the boat, it will delight you and your friends for many years, and the Kolibri team is always happy to help you with consultations and advice on choosing accessories.