The decision to buy the Apache 3500 BND is often a turning point for fishermen and water tourism enthusiasts looking for a balance between load capacity and mobility, a model that has been leading the inflatables segment for several years thanks to its sophisticated design and use of high-quality materials. Low pressure inflatable floor provides comfort comparable to a rigid hull, but at the same time allows you to store the boat in the trunk of a passenger car.
Unlike the classic plywood floorboard models, the NDND version is assembled much faster, which is especially valuable when frequent trips to the water, and many users note that this is the decisive factor when buying. Apache 3500 It is designed to withstand heavy wave loads while remaining light enough to be transported alone.
Choosing a specific modification can be confusing for a beginner, since the manufacturer offers various options for amplification and configuration. five-seater This size requires careful consideration of engine selection and distribution, and in this article we will examine in detail all aspects of operation, technical nuances and hidden features that are often silent sellers.
Design features of the model 3500 NDND
The basis of the reliability of the vessel is the material from which the balloon is made. Apache 3500 five-layer reinforced PVC is used, which has high resistance to ultraviolet radiation and abrasion. Tissue density It's 1,100 g/sq.m., which makes you feel confident on rocky shores or in contact with snags, and seam gluing technology keeps you tight even in extreme temperature extremes.
The key element of the structure is the low pressure bottom (LDPB), which is a single inflatable structure with internal partitions-lamellae, which when pumped create a rigid plane, which eliminates the need to assemble and disassemble the solder floors, saving time and effort. Keelboat With such a bottom has excellent driving qualities and better dissects the wave compared to flat-bottoms.
⚠️ Attention: When pumping the bottom of the NDND, strictly observe the pressure specified in the instructions (usually 0.25-0.3 atm). Pumping in the sun can lead to rupture of internal partitions, and failure to pump will worsen driving performance.
The sides of the model are reinforced with a bolt around the perimeter, which protects them from damage when mooring. In the bow there is an inflatable keelson, which is an extension of the bottom and provides additional rigidity of the structure on the water. transom plate reinforced and covered with water-resistant plywood, protected from moisture by special compositions.
AirDeck Technology
At the heart of the bottom of the PDH is AirDeck technology, where thousands of threads connect the top and bottom layers of PVC. When pumped, the threads are stretched, turning the soft material into a rigid plate that can withstand the weight of several people.
Advantages of inflatable floor before floorboard
When a buyer decides to buy an Apache boat, the 3500 NDNDM, they often have to choose the type of bottom. inflatable floor gives a gain in weight: assembly of the entire boat takes about 10-15 minutes, whereas with plywood sleighs, this process can take up to 40 minutes. Compactness in packaged form is also higher, since there are no rigid elements that occupy excess space.
The comfort of being in a boat with NDND is disproportionately higher. The bottom works as a shock absorber, softening the shocks against the wave and allowing you to sit or even lie on the floor without an additional mat. Heat insulation Cold water is also better, which is critical for early spring or late autumn fishing.
- 🚀 Assembly speed: No need to lay out and dock heavy floorboard plates.
- 🎒 Transport: less weight and the ability to pack the boat in a more compact case.
- 🌊 Hydrodynamics: A smooth bottom without joints between the plates creates less resistance to water.
However, it should be borne in mind that the stiffness of the inflatable floor is still inferior to aluminum or high-quality plywood when cruising on it in rigid shoes. exploitation It requires you to follow the rules, like taking off your shoes or using soft shoes inside the cockpit, and that will save you the life of the product for years to come.
The main advantage of the NDND for the 3500 is the combination of the stiffness of the glittering body with the softness of the inflatable boat, which is ideal for standing fishing.
Technical specifications and load capacity
Model range Apache The length of the hull is 350 cm, and the width is 164 cm Such dimensions allow you to confidently accommodate up to 5 people on board, although the optimal number for comfortable fishing with gear is 3-4 people. Load capacity The model allows you to take on board a significant supply of equipment, anchor and fuel.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Full length | 350 cm | Including inflatable tubes |
| Full width | 164 cm | Maximum width of the cylinder |
| Load capacity | 700 kg | Recommended load for safety |
| Weight of kit | ~52 kg | Depends on the configuration and thickness of PVC |
| Pressure in cylinders | 0.25 atm | Working pressure at 20°C |
An important parameter is the height of the board, which in this model is 44 cm This provides good protection from splashes and water pouring, even when passing a steep wave. Tranza It is designed to install engines with a capacity of up to 15 hp, although some owners successfully use 18-horsepower units, provided they are properly loaded.
The volume of cylinders allows you to create a significant buoyancy, which makes the boat unsinkable even when the cockpit is fully filled with water (provided the integrity of the cylinders). Tightness The compartments are provided with reliable valves that are easy to maintain and replace if necessary.
Compatibility with outboard motors
When selecting a power plant for Apache 3500 NDLD For glides with one angler and a minimum supply of gear, a motor with a capacity of 5-6 hp is enough, however, to fully use the potential of a boat, especially with 2-3 passengers, it is recommended to consider engines with a capacity of 9.9-15 hp.
Two-stroke engines are traditionally popular among owners of such boats because of their simplicity, lower weight and the ability to carry in any position. Four-stroke analogues It's quieter, more economical and more environmentally friendly, but they're heavier, which can affect the differentiation of the boat, and it's important to properly set the motor on the trawler to avoid yawing or burrowing your nose.
The height of the transom allows you to install the engines of standard lower unit, and when operating in shallow water, it is important to remember to protect the lower unit, because keel Although it protects the bottom, it can be critical to contact hard obstacles at speed, and the optimal planing speed for this model is 25-30 km/h depending on the load.
⚠️ Warning: Do not exceed the maximum recommended power of the motor. Excessive traction can lead to the transom tearing off or loss of control by the boat at high speed.
Package and additional options
Standard equipment usually includes the boat itself, two cylinders, inflatable floor, seats (banks), bag-packaging, remix and pump. However, to make operation as comfortable as possible, it is worth considering additional options. Protective tapes on cylinders (stolen beam) can be strengthened, which prolongs the life of the product.
It's critical for anglers to have comfortable rod and sonar mounts. Apache have regular installation spaces fishing-rod And also a useful addition is the anchor rum, which is mounted in the bow, which facilitates anchoring.
- 🎣 transom wheels: They are indispensable for moving a motorized boat along the shore without assistants.
- 🛡️ Cylinder protection: additional overlays on the most vulnerable places (bottom, bottom of the sides).
- 💺 Soft seats: Replacement of rigid plywood cans with inflatable slider seats.
The choice of a bag deserves special attention. A standard bag of thin fabric quickly becomes useless. reinforced bag It's a wheeled vehicle that protects the boat during transport and storage, and this is especially true if the boat is stored in a garage or in a cottage.
When buying additional accessories, check the compatibility of the mounts with a specific model of the boat, as the geometry of the cylinders may differ in different years of release.
Rules of operation and care of PVC
The durability of the boat depends on proper care. After every fishing, especially in salt water or in overgrown bodies of water, you need to wash the dirt with fresh water and thoroughly dry the product before packaging. Wet storage In the folded form leads to the appearance of mold and the destruction of the glue layer.
Store The Apache 3500 is spread out at temperatures ranging from -20 to +40 degrees, away from heaters and direct sunlight, and it is recommended to pump cylinders and check the pressure once a season to make sure there are no micropunctures. Repairs Small damage is easily carried out with the help of remplekt.
☑️ Seasonal boat preparation
If you notice air etching, don't panic. Use a soap solution to find the leak site. Small cuts and punctures are easily sealed with special polyurethane-based compounds. The main thing is to degrease the surface before applying the glue and let it dry according to the instructions.
Where and how to buy a boat
Buy a boat Apache 3500 NDNDM can be both official dealers, and in large chain stores or through the Internet. When buying in a specialty store, you get a manufacturer's guarantee and the possibility of pre-sale preparation (inflated, checked the seams). Certificate of conformity and product passport are required for registration in GIMS, if the engine power exceeds 5 hp (or 8 kW).
When ordering online, carefully check the equipment and production date. PVC materials tend to age even in a warehouse, so a boat that has lain for 5 years in a store can be inferior in properties to freshly manufactured ones. Price. It can vary depending on the exchange rate and season: in autumn and winter, discounts are often in effect.
⚠️ Warning: When you receive the goods, be sure to open the package and inspect the boat for mechanical damage during transportation. Signing the receipt certificate without inspection can make it difficult to return.
Be sure to check whether all valves are available and are working. Some vendors offer the service of installing additional elements, such as leer rings or holders, immediately when buying, which can save time and money in the future.
Registration with GIMS
For boats with a length of 3.5 meters and an engine up to 5 hp (inclusive), registration is not required. If the engine is more powerful, registration is mandatory, regardless of length.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register the Apache 3500 boat with GIMS?
Registration is required if the mass of the boat in running order (boat + motor + battery + tank + equipment) exceeds 200 kg, or if the power of the installed engine exceeds 5 hp (8 kW). Apache 3500 In the curb form weighs more than 50 kg, the installation of the engine with a capacity of 6 hp and above will require registration.
How much weight does the bottom of the NDNDM hold?
The low pressure bottom design at the right pressure (0.25-0.3 atm) can withstand distributed loads of up to 250-300 kg without losing stiffness, allowing you to comfortably fish standing or install heavy equipment such as sonars and crates.
Can I leave the boat on the water for a few days?
Short-term leave (1-2 days) is acceptable, but it is not recommended to leave PVC boat Ultraviolet, algae fouling and the risk of anchoring or debris puncture significantly reduce the life of the product, and it is better to pull the boat ashore after each fishing trip.
What is the difference between the 3500 Apache and the 3600?
The main difference is the length of the body (350 cm vs 360 cm) and, accordingly, the inner cockpit area and load capacity. The 3600 will be slightly heavier and more roomy, which can be critical for large companies, but the 3,500 often benefits in maneuverability.