Choosing an inflatable swimmer for fishing or recreation often turns into a study of complex technical documentation, which feature obscure acronyms. One of the most mysterious for beginners is the labeling. NDMAUnderstanding this abbreviation is critically important, as it directly determines the driving performance, load capacity and comfort of a vessel on the water.
Unlike the simple inflatable dons we are used to seeing in cheap rowing boats, the design with the index "ND" in the second part of the name suggests the presence of a hard, but light surface for the legs. Technology of NDTB It allows you to create full-fledged planing enclosures that can go fast for an outboard motor, and in this article, we'll go into detail about what's behind these four letters, how it works inside, and why it's better than just "NDN."
Now, it's worth noting that confusion in terms often leads to the purchase of the wrong boat. If you're planning an active fishing trip, moving around the water or long walks, the difference between a normal inflatable floor and a reinforced one is going to be enormous. Let's get a nuanced design so that you can make your choices.
The decoding of the abbreviation: what is hidden behind the letters
The very acronym for NDND is syllable-readable, and it stands for the key elements of the bottom structure. inflatable floorAnd the second "ND" is like inflatable floorAt first glance, this may seem like a tautology or a mistake, but it's actually a two-layer system, and the outer layer is high-pressure cylinders, and the inner layer is a special design that provides rigidity.
A more accurate technical name for the second part Low-pressure inflatable floorBut the second ND is usually a rigid air deck that is inserted into the cylinders, and it allows you to have a flat, hard surface that you can walk on without falling through your feet, like in boats with a normal inflatable floor (ND) or plywood sleigh.
⚠️ Note: Do not confuse BND with conventional BND (inflatable floor) Boats labeled simply "ND" often have a soft bag that inflates with cylinders and does not have a rigid structure, making it impossible to plane at high speeds.
It is the presence of a second layer with a rigid structure that turns an inflatable boat into a full-fledged boat. Strength of construction This is achieved by thousands of strands inside the inflatable floor that prevent it from stretching under load, a fundamental difference that allows you to install more powerful motors and feel confident on the wave.
When buying, pay attention to the pressure that is indicated on the bottom valves. For NDND it is usually higher (0.25-0.3 atm) than for on-board cylinders, which ensures the necessary rigidity of the deck.
Design features of low pressure inflatable floor
At the heart of the NDND system is the inflatable floor itself, often called "floorboard" (although this is not entirely correct, since the plywood is plywood), and inside this flat balloon are thousands of synthetic threads connecting the upper and lower shells. hard-stoveThe thickness of such a bottom is usually 5 to 10 cm, which adds volume to the boat, but also additional buoyancy.
An important element of the design is stringers, inflatable tubes that run along the side inside the boat, which give stiffness to the entire assembly. In the NDNDM model, they are an integral part of the system. When you build, you inflate the side cylinders, then the stringers, and then the bottom itself. The pumping order is important: if you break the sequence, you can damage the seams or you get a skewed structure.
- 🎈 Layering: The use of several layers of PVC with reinforcement provides tightness and resistance to punctures.
- 🔩 Valve system: Quality models are equipped with petal valves that do not poison the air even when pumped.
- ⚖️ Load distribution: The pressure inside the bottom is evenly distributed throughout the area, allowing the weight of several people and equipment to be supported.
It is worth mentioning that Drop-Stitch technology The durability of these floors is incredible, and some manufacturers claim that you can even jump on the bottom, although this is not recommended to avoid sharp objects.
Comparison of BND and BND: what is the fundamental difference
A common question that arises from buyers: what is the difference between NDNDD and NDN? the abbreviation NDN means inflatable floor InflatableIt's a synonym, but it's often used in marketing to refer to simpler models without hard inserts or with a less advanced stringer system, but more often, it's an advanced version with a full-fledged hard inflatable floor, and it's a simplified version.
The main difference is rigidity and planing. A boat with classic NDN (simplified) can have a soft bottom that bends under the weight of a person. The water then creates additional resistance, and the boat does not get on plane mode well. Models labeled NDMA They are devoid of this drawback: their bottom keeps shape, allowing the body to slide over the surface of the water.
| Characterization | NDNDM (Advanced) | ND/NDN (Basic) |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom hardness | High (stove) | Medium/Low (soft) |
| Possibility of planing | Full-fledged | Difficult or impossible |
| Assembly time | 20-30 minutes. | 10-15 minutes. |
| Packaging weight | Higher (due to volume) | Below. |
Also worth noting is the weight difference: NDND boats are always heavier than their soft counterparts because of the more material and the more complex construction of the floor, which is something to consider if you plan to carry a boat long distances alone. weight-weight It is compensated by stability on water and the possibility of installing a powerful motor.
Can I put the motor on the boat?
Technically possible, but the efficiency will be low. The boat will burrow nose and soft bottom will dampen the speed. For a motor with a capacity of more than 3-5 hp, it is strongly recommended to use models with a hard or inflatable hard bottom (HDD).
Benefits of using BDND technology on water
So why do anglers and boaters choose NDND? The first and most important thing is that it's a good idea. drivingThe hard bottom makes it easy for the boat to go plane with even one person in a cockpit, which saves fuel and reduces engine load, since water resistance is minimal.
The second important aspect is comfort: you can stand on a low-pressure inflatable floor, which is critical for spinning or trolling fishing, you don't have to balance on a soft bag for fear of losing balance, and it's also better at quenching the shocks against the wave than hard plywood, providing a softer ride.
- 🚤 planing: Easy access to the sliding mode with minimal engine power.
- 🎣 Sustainability: The ability to get up in full height for throwing or changing tackles.
- 📦 Transportability: Unlike plywood floorboard boats, NDND does not have heavy and bulky wooden or aluminum slabs.
Another advantage is durability. Modern materials used for the purpose of floor-floorThey're resistant to UV, gasoline and oils, and unlike plywood, which can eventually dissipate from moisture, PVC designs last for decades when properly maintained.
⚠️ Attention: Despite its high strength, the inflatable floor of the NDNDM is vulnerable to sharp objects (hooks, spines, broken glass). Always use a protective mat or special shoes when boarding a boat.
Disadvantages and features of operation
Despite the obvious advantages, NDND technology has its downsides, which you need to know about in advance, the main one being the time and effort required to build. Pumping several compartments (cylinders, stringers, bottom) to the right pressure is a physical job that takes 20-30 minutes, especially if you use a hand pump.
The second disadvantage is the size of the packaged boat, which folds into a bag larger than a boat with a removable floorboard, which can be a problem if you plan to carry it in the trunk of a compact sedan or store it in a small storage room. Volume of packaging Maybe one and a half to two times that.
And also, temperature is a factor, because the pressure in the cylinders is directly related to the temperature of the environment, and if you pump a boat in a warm garage and then take it out into the cold, the pressure will drop, and the bottom will become soft, and vice versa, in the sun, the pressure can rise to critical values.
☑️ Checking before getting on the water
The solution to the problem of pumping in the sun is the presence of discharge valves, but you should not rely on them alone. It is better to miss the boat by 10-15% before going out in the sun than risk breaking the seams.
Tips for the selection and care of the boat NDND
When choosing a model, pay attention to the density of PVC. For serious loads and rocky shores, it is better to take the material with a density 1100-1200 g/sqmThinner fabrics are lighter, but they wear out faster and hold their shape less well under load, and the safety margin of the seams is also important, because double or triple gluing significantly increases the life of the product.
After every fishing trip, especially in salt water or in dirty water, the boat must be washed with fresh water and thoroughly dried. Wet storage is the main enemy of PVC, leading to mold and unpleasant odors that are almost impossible to remove.
Keep the boat is better in straightened form or in a freely folded state, avoiding creases. Temperature conditions Storage is also important: it is optimal to keep the craft at a temperature of +5 to +25 degrees Celsius. Frost makes PVC brittle, and heat can contribute to the degradation of glue.
Proper care and storage extend the life of the NDND boat by 2-3 times. Don't be lazy to wash and dry PVC after each use, even if you were just riding on a clean lake.
By following these simple rules, you will have a reliable vessel that will last you for many years, giving you unforgettable emotions from communicating with water. NDND technology has proven to be effective and remains the gold standard for inflatable boats of medium and high class.
Can I repair the puncture in the bottom of the NDNDM on my own?
Yes, small punctures (up to 3-5 cm) can be sealed yourself with a remix that comes with the boat. It is important to degrease the surface, clean it and use a special glue for PVC. For large damage, it is better to contact a specialized service.
Which pump is best used to pump the bottom of NDND?
Any foot or electric pump is suitable for on-board cylinders, however, to pump the bottom itself to the working pressure (0.25-0.3 atm), it is strongly recommended to use a two-stage foot pump or an electric compressor with the ability to accurately adjust the pressure so as not to pump or damage the structure.
Is the boat compatible with the outboard motor?
Absolutely, yes. The boats marked with NDND were originally designed for outboard operation, and the rigid inflatable floor allows efficient use of motor traction for planing, as opposed to soft bottom models.
Do I have to take a boat after every fishing trip?
If the boat is used daily during the season, it is allowed to store inflated condition in a shady place, but once a week you need to check the pressure and pump the cylinders if necessary, as micro-leaks through the material are inevitable.