Choosing the first or new inflatable boat always poses a difficult question for the angler or tourist: where to stay? The market is full of models, but the main debate always revolves around two types of bottom. solderingTime-tested, others prefer modern solutions NDMA (low pressure inflatable floor).
This dilemma has no universal answer, since each option is tailored to certain operating conditions and owner requirements. The key difference lies in the rigidity of the bottom and the speed of preparing the vessel for launching. The wrong choice can turn the pleasure of fishing into a fight against inconvenience, so it is important to understand the nuances.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the pros and cons of both options so you can make an informed decision, and we will touch on build, performance, weight and durability, and understanding these aspects will help you avoid unnecessary costs and frustrations.
Design features and principle of work
Boats from pieola So these are classic circuits where individual plates are stiffened to the body, and these plates, called paioles, are made of moisture-resistant plywood or light aluminum, and they are connected together in special profiles to form a single plane, which is then inserted into the cylinders.
The process of building this design takes time and requires physical effort, and you need to spread the cylinders sequentially, inflate them partially, then lay and snap the floor slabs, and then apply pressure in the cylinders. Aluminum floorboards lighter than plywood, but they are colder to the touch and can make more noise when moving.
Unlike them, boats are like NDMA They have a bottom made of special reinforced PVC. Inside this bottom are longitudinal stiffness ribs, which when pumped with air, straighten out and create a rigid plane. To achieve maximum effect, pressures of 0.8-1.0 atmosphere are often required, which is much higher than in cylinders.
The main advantage here is that there are no extra parts. You don't have to mess with heavy plates and connector profiles. You just need to straighten the boat and pump all the compartments. But remember, if you damage the bottom, field repair can be more difficult than replacing one broken plywood.
- 🛶 Pied-on boats are made up of many individual elements that require precise docking when assembled.
- 💨 NDNDM are collected faster, as they are a monoblock without inserted floor elements.
- ⚖️ The hardness of the solder floor depends on the quality of the locks and the material of the plates, and the NDND - on the air pressure.
⚠️ Warning: When assembling a solder boat, make sure all locks are snapped to a characteristic click. Inadequately assembled floors can fold under load, leading to deformation of cylinders.
Speed of assembly and ease of operation
The time you spend preparing the boat is often a deciding factor, especially if you enjoy early morning fishing or frequent outings. NDMA It takes two to three times less time to prepare them than the classics, and you don't have to lean inside the boat to dock the plates.
All you need to do is spread the vessel, plug the pump in, and pump the compartments in sequence. Many models have high-pressure valves that allow you to use foot or electric pumps for quick preparation, which is especially true in cold weather, when you don't want to mess with small parts in the cold.
S flatboat It's different. It takes consistency, first the cylinders, then the floor, then the pressure stamping, if you change fishing places often or make many stops, it can be tiring, and it's also harder to put a boat in the dirt or sand, because there can be garbage between the slabs.
But the plyol designs have a trump card, which is the possibility of partial assembly, and you can only inflate the balloons for a short swim, leaving the floor at home, although this is not recommended for safety. NDMA Without a pumped bottom, the boat simply won't keep its shape.
Also worth considering is the dimensions in packaged form. NDND boats often have a slightly larger diameter in the rolled-up state due to the bulky bottom, but they are more compact in length, since they do not require storage space for separately folded floorboards.
Driving qualities and behavior on the water
When the boat is already on the water, its hydrodynamic properties come to the fore. flatbed It's traditionally considered a benchmark. A hard, non-striking surface gives you great germination on the wave, a boat doesn't slosh, it cuts water confidently, and it keeps its course better when it's motorized.
This is especially noticeable in planing, where the hard floor evenly distributes the load from the engine and passengers, allowing the boat to go into mode faster. Plywood floorboards They have a certain inertia, which stabilizes the boat during gusts of wind.
Boats NDMA When you're driving at high speeds, the inflatable floor can bend slightly under the weight of the passengers and the motor, which creates a hammock effect, which increases water resistance, but modern models with high-quality reinforcement and the right pressure in the bottom minimize this effect.
But the inflatable floor has a great depreciation, and when it's hitting the water or on a shallow wave, it's going to dampen the vibrations, making it more comfortable for the back, and they're also often better at germinating on a gentle wave, because of the shape of the inflated bottom.
| Parameter | Pillet boat | NDND boat |
|---|---|---|
| Underbody rigidity | High (no matter the pressure) | Depends on pressure (0.8-1.0 atm) |
| Rising on the wave | Great. | Good (depending on the model) |
| Stability on course | High. | Medium/High |
| Comfort (depreciation) | Low (hard) | Tall (softly) |
⚠️ Warning: When operating a NDND boat, be sure to monitor the pressure in the bottom. In the sun, the air expands, and the pressure can rise to critical values, which is dangerous for seams.
Use a pressure pump to monitor the pressure in the NDND compartments. Insufficient pressure will lead to a deflection of the bottom and loss of speed, and excessive pressure will lead to the risk of rupture of the seams.
Weight, transport and storage
The issue of transportation is often crucial for owners of compact cars. NDMA They are usually lighter than their peer-to-peer counterparts of the same size, because they lack heavy flooring, and the difference can be anywhere from 3 to 7 kg, which is noticeable when carried alone.
And you don't have to find a space in the trunk for a separate tube or a paiola bag, and everything is packed in one bag, which makes logistics easier: one bag is one boat, and for fishermen who walk to the pond or take public transport, that's a big argument.
Pied boats require more space, aluminum floors are lighter than plywood, but they still take up volume, and plywood is also afraid of moisture, so you have to store it in a dry place, otherwise the plates can layer or become molded. aluminum It's more practical, but it thunders when transported in the trunk.
In home storage, NDND also benefits from compactness, which is easier to fold into a closet or put on a shelf, and soldering structures require either large areas to be laid out when drying, or careful packaging of heavy elements to avoid damaging the valves and seams of cylinders during storage.
- 🎒 NDNDM takes up less space in the trunk due to the lack of rigid decking.
- 🏋️♂️ The total weight of the NDND kit is always lower, which is important for long-distance carrying.
- 🌧️ Plywood piolas require mandatory drying before long-term storage in order to avoid rotting.
Repairability and durability
The durability of the boat depends on the operating and maintenance conditions. Pillet bottom The plates can break (especially plywood when impacted or frozen), and the connecting profiles can bend or lose fixation, and replacing one plate is a simple and inexpensive process.
inflatable floor NDMA A sharp stone, a snag or an inadvertent crochet can damage the material. Hypalon It's very durable, it's very risky, and it's possible to repair a puncture on the bottom plane, but it takes dry conditions and time to dry the glue.
The seams of the inflatable floor are under constant high pressure, which over time can lead to their detachment if the boat was kept pumped or in the sun.
How do you extend the life of an inflatable floor?
Always keep the boat slightly deflated, but not completely deflated, to avoid crumbs of material, ideally - hang in straightened form or folded in large free rings.
However, any type of boat that is of good quality can last for decades when used carefully, and the fabric and the quality of the adhesive are key. Both types of cheap boats are losing their properties quickly, while the brand name is the one that is the most important. PVC It can withstand heavy loads.
Cost and final choice
Price often becomes the last argument. Boats NDMAThey tend to be more expensive than the same pile models, because of the more sophisticated technology of the bottom and the more material you use, and you pay for comfort, build speed and less weight.
Pied-boats are a classic budget option. They're cheaper to manufacture and buy. If you don't care about 10 minutes to assemble and a few kilograms of weight, you'll get a reliable boat for less money. This is a pragmatic angler's choice.
For large reservoirs where speed and stability are important, floorboards may be preferred. For small rivers, lakes and reed fishing, where maneuverability and gentleness are important, NDNDND is ideal.
☑️ Criteria for Choosing the Perfect Boat
Don't forget to add accessories. HPD often needs more powerful pumps, and floorboard pump covers to keep your clothes and car interiors from spoiling, and the cost can be added up to make the difference even.
If you prioritize maximum speed and hardness, choose paioles. If you're more comfortable, lightweight and quick to assemble, you're choosing your NDND.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I put a powerful motor on a boat?
Yes, you can, but you need to strictly follow the manufacturer's recommendations for maximum power, it is important to make sure that the pressure in the bottom is normal, otherwise, when you get on plane, the bottom can be washed under the transom, which will worsen the handling.
How much different is the weight of a 360 cm floorboard and NDNDD boat?
The difference can be from 4 to 8 kg in favor of NDND. For example, the solder version can weigh 55 kg, and the inflatable version - 48 kg. For one person, this difference is very noticeable when carrying.
Is the plywood floor afraid of water?
The moisture-resistant plywood used in quality boats is water-resistant, but it's not permanent. If you keep the boat assembled or leave it wet, the plywood will begin to layer and rot. Aluminum floorboards are not afraid of water at all.
Which is better for fishing with Quoc or spinning standing?
For standing fishing, floor stiffness is critical. The payload bottom is a win because it doesn't buckle under the weight of the fisherman. On NDND, it's less comfortable to stand because of the trampoline effect, although at high bottom pressure, it feels less.