For newcomers to the world of water tourism and fishing, the acronyms in inflatable boat names can become a real rebuke. Often in store catalogs you can find models labeled with NDNDND, and immediately the question arises: what is a NDNDT boat in reality and how it differs from more common analogues. Understanding this acronym is critical, because the type of bottom directly depends on the performance, weight of the boat and comfort on the water.
The abbreviation itself stands for as Low-pressure inflatable floorThis is a design solution where the bottom of the boat is a separate inflatable cylinder, made of a durable material similar to the sides, but with an internal system of strap-stretching. Unlike rigid soldering floors or high-pressure inflatable floor (HBP), this design has its own unique features, which we will discuss in detail in this material.
The main feature that should be remembered right away is softness If you plan to move actively inside the boat while fishing or often go ashore, you should carefully weigh the pros and cons. Next, we will examine in detail the design, advantages and disadvantages of such models so that you can make an informed choice.
Design features and the structure of the bottom
The design is based on a cylinder that is pumped to a relatively low pressure, usually within 0.2-0.4 atmosphere. traction-band These are the tapes that make the bottom shape and keep it from swelling into a ball, but they don't provide the stiffness that high pressure or hard sheets of plywood give.
The material for production is reinforced PVCIt's often the same density as the sides (1,100 g/sq.m.), which provides excellent resistance to abrasion and puncture, but because of the low pressure, the bottom surface remains undulating and slacked under human weight, creating a specific " trampoline" sensation that is not popular with all users.
⚠️ Warning: Never pump the bottom of the low pressure pressure pressure gauge above 0.5 atmospheres. Exceeding pressure can lead to rupture of internal strap stretch marks, after which it will be impossible to restore the shape of the bottom without professional repair.
An important element is the mounting system, which usually inserts the bottom of the NDND into a special pocket around the perimeter of the boat or is attached by slings to the transom and nose, which provides tightness and additional buoyancy, but requires time to properly install and straighten the folds before pumping.
Comparison with NDVD boats and solder models
To understand what the acronym HPD means in terms of boat selection, you need to compare it with competitors: the main competitors are models with high pressure inflatable floor (HBP) and classic solder boats, the difference lies in the rigidity, weight and speed of assembly.
Boats NDVD (High Pressure) are pumped to 1 atmosphere or more, making their bottoms hard like plywood, but they are significantly heavier and more expensive. aluminum or plywood They provide a perfect flat surface, but take time to assemble the "designer" and have more weight in transportation.
Below is a table that will help you see the differences:
| Characterization | BNDD (Low pressure) | NDVD (High pressure) | floorboard (Phanera/Aluminum) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom hardness | Soft, flexing. | Solid as floor. | Absolutely solid. |
| Weight of kit | The easiest. | Medium/Severe | Heavy. |
| Assembly speed | High (spread and pumped) | Medium | Low (floorboard assembly) |
| Price. | Low. | High. | Medium |
Benefits of using boats with NDND
Despite the softness of the bottom, these models have their own ardent fans, and there are good reasons for that. lowweightA low-pressure inflatable floor boat will always be lighter than a hard-floored boat, which is critical for hikers, women or the elderly who find it difficult to carry gear to the launch site.
The second important advantage is that it's compact when assembled, because there are no hard elements (floorboards), a packed boat takes up minimal space in the trunk of a car or even in a large backpack, making it an ideal choice for alloys that require carrying gear with a fiber.
- 🚀 Quick assembly: You don’t have to spend 20-30 minutes connecting the floor sheets, just straighten the boat and let the air do its job.
- 💰 Affordable price: The lack of complex high-pressure inflatable floors or expensive aluminum profiles makes such models the most budget-friendly on the market.
- 🛡️ Safety: The soft bottom better absorbs impacts on stones in shallow water and practically does not make noise when touching water, which is important for fishing.
If you buy a fishing boat, be sure to buy a separate inflatable or folding chair. Sitting on a soft, snaking bottom for several hours in a row is very tiring for the back.
Disadvantages and limitations of operation
But there are no perfect things, and there are serious downsides to NDNDM that you can't keep quiet about. low-hydrodynamicsThe soft bottom under the weight of the motor and passengers forms a bubble that increases water resistance, which leads to lower maximum speed and increased fuel consumption.
They are also very uncomfortable to walk on, and when you move from place to place, you can have the effect of cruising on the sand or a soft mattress, which quickly tires your legs, and for active fishing, where you have to constantly change gear or move around the cockpit, this can be a critical factor.
⚠️ Note: On boats with NDNDM, it is not recommended to install powerful engines exceeding 50% of the maximum permissible. Due to the deflection of the bottom ("bubble"), the boat can begin to prowl and hold its course worse, especially on the wave.
It is also worth noting the lower durability when used intensively on rocky banks. Although the material is durable, the constant friction of the soft, uninflated bottom against pebbles can lead to faster abrasion than in the case of rigid linings.
For whom is this boat ideal?
Analysis of specifications allows you to make a clear portrait of the owner for whom the abbreviation NDMA It's not going to be scary. First of all, they're water tourists who do multi-day alloying, and for them, every kilogram of weight and liter of volume in a backpack counts, and their speed on oars is more important than their engine planing.
It's also a great option for you. recreational If you want to swim with your kids, swim away from the shore, or sit with your rod in a quiet backwater without running on a boat, you won't notice the downsides of the soft bottom.
☑️ Pre-purchase verification of BNDT
Do not discount the owners of small cars, where there is no place to transport rigid floorboards. the ability to throw a bag with a boat in the trunk of a sedan is a weighty argument for.
Rules for the operation and maintenance of the bottom of the NDND
There are rules to follow in order for your boat to last. Unlike hard floors, low-pressure inflatable floors require careful pumping. Always use a pump gauge to keep the balloon from pumping, especially in hot weather when the air inside expands.
After each operation, especially in salt water or muddy rivers, the boat must be carefully operated. freshwater The moisture left between the PVC layers or in the folds can lead to mold and a bad smell that is very difficult to remove.
Recommended pressure for NDNDD: 0.2 - 0.4 atm.Recommended pressure for the sides: 0.2 - 0.25 atm.
Suspension time before descent of water: 10-15 minutes (to equalize the temperature).
How to dry the boat NDND?
The most common mistake is drying in the direct scorching sun, which causes glue and material to overheat, and drying the boat in the shade, straightened, periodically turning over so that moisture evaporates evenly on all sides.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I develop glittering on a NDND boat?
Yes, glides are possible, but with reservations. The boat will go to the glides, but due to the soft bottom and the wave formed, the resistance will be higher than that of models with HDD. The speed will be lower, and the engine will work with more load. For comfortable planing, the engine power must be in the lower or middle part of the permissible range.
How hard is it to break the bottom of the NDND?
The material is used in the same way as the sides (PVC reinforced), so it is quite difficult to puncture it accidentally, but because the bottom is not hard-protected, sharp stones or driftwoods when pulling a boat ashore are more dangerous than for solder models with aluminum protection.
Can I replace the bottom of the NDND with a hard one in an old boat?
In theory, you can make plywood decks, but structurally, NDND boats don't always have profiles for mounting the hard floor, and most often, these models are designed exclusively as inflatables. Attempting to insert "smock" floorboards can disrupt the geometry of the cylinders and cause the seams to break.
Why does the bottom of the NDND go in waves after pumping?
This is normal for this design, because of the low pressure and the system of internal slings, the surface cannot be perfectly flat, and partly helps to straighten the waves by pumping the boat on a flat surface and warming up in the sun (within reasonable limits), but it will never become completely smooth.
The NDNDD boat is a choice in favor of lightness, compactness and low price, but at the expense of the comfort of movement inside the cockpit and maximum speed.