Finding a reliable and maneuverable swimmer for fishing or water recreation often leads to one of the most popular models on the Russian market. Buy a boat, 335 OrcaYou're looking at what has been a workhorse for years for reservoirs and rivers with moderate currents, and this BoatWise model combines a compactness that allows you to carry a boat in the trunk of a passenger car with enough capacity for a crew of two or three.
But the buying process requires careful attention, because there are many modifications and similar models on the market, and it is important to understand not only the basic specifications, but also the nuances that manifest themselves during operation. Orca 335 It is not just a piece of PVC, but a complex engineering product, where every detail, from the quality of the glue to the shape of the inflatable tubes, affects the driving performance.
In this article, we will discuss all the aspects that you need to consider before placing an order, you will learn about the real size, the design features and why this particular size range has become the middle ground for many water engines. price And what's actually included in the basic package, so that your choice was as informed as possible.
Technical specifications and design features
The basis of any inflatable boat is its balloon system, and in the Model 335 it is made using High Pressure technology. This allows you to pump cylinders up to 0.25 atmospheres, which gives the structure a rigidity comparable to a rigid hull, while the weight of the product remains minimal, which is critical if you plan to launch alone. The operating pressure in cylinders is 0.25 kg/cm2, which is the standard for quality PVC materials with a thickness of 1100 g/m2.
Dimensions of the model are indicated in the name: the length is 335 cm, and the width is 148 cm This width provides excellent stability, allowing the fisherman to confidently stand on board or make sudden movements when catching large fish. NDMA (low pressure inflatable floor), which creates comfortable shock amortization on the wave, but requires careful handling when mooring off the rocky shore.
The design includes reinforced hinge bars that protect the cylinders from impacts on the side of the berth or ice crumb in early spring. It is also worth noting the presence of a transom, which can be both built-in and removable, depending on the modification you choose to purchase. For a motor up to 10-12 hp, this design is optimal in terms of weight / power ratio.
- 🛡️ Material: Tight five-layer PVC with reinforcement, resistant to UV radiation and fuel.
- ⚓ Load capacity: Officially declared up to 500 kg, which allows you to take on board 2-3 people and equipment.
- 🚣 Keel: The inflatable keel provides excellent course stability and controllability at speed.
- 🔧 Furniture: Reinforced handles for carrying and reliable valves for air venting.
Importantly, the actual capacity can vary depending on the weight of passengers and equipment. If you plan long expeditions with a lot of gear, it is better to focus on the lower limit of the declared load capacity, which will ensure a high landing and dry boards even when passing the oncoming wave.
⚠️ Attention: Do not exceed the maximum allowable engine power specified in the data sheet. Installation of the motor more powerful than 12 hp can lead to deformation of the transom and loss of warranty, as well as create a dangerous situation on the water due to loss of controllability.
Analysis of complete sets: what to choose for fishing?
The manufacturer often offers a model in several versions, and it is easy for a beginner to get confused in acronyms. The basic version usually includes the boat itself, the bag, the remix and the seat banks. However, for serious fishing this may not be enough. The most popular version is the Luxury or NDNDM package, which already includes an inflatable floor and a keel.
When choosing, you should pay attention to the presence of transom-wheelIt's often not available in the basic configuration, but for a model over 3 meters long, it's almost a must-have accessory. The weight of a boat assembled with a motor and a battery can reach 60-70 kg, and dragging it along the beach or rocks without wheels is an extremely time-consuming task.
An important element is the presence rod-holder Some versions of the 335 Orca already have mounting points or special pockets in cylinders, and if you're an avid spinner, the absence of these elements in the basic version will force you to buy them separately or to farm the mounts yourself.
The issue of seats deserves special attention. Standard cans can be uncomfortable with waiting for hours for cool, many anglers immediately change them to inflatable seats with backs or buy special folding chairs that are mounted on a floorboard, which greatly improves comfort, especially in cool weather.
Comparison with competitors: why 335?
The inflatable boat market is full of offers, and the killer whale competes with brands such as Flagman, Hunter and Brig. The 335 model's main advantage over the shorter ones (300-320 cm) is the length of the displacement part, which gives a gain in speed and allows you to feel more confident on the wave.
Compared to the wider models (150-160 cm wide), the 335 Orca is superior in aerodynamics and speed. The narrow body is easier to glid even with low-power engines. However, if the priority is maximum stability and the ability to fish standing alone, it may be worth looking towards models with an index of 360 or 380.
The table below compares the key specifications of the 335 Whale to a typical competitor in this size class:
| Characterization | Orca 335 | Typical competitor (330-340 cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Length full, cm | 335 | 330-340 |
| Width, cm | 148 | 145-150 |
| Boat weight, kg | 46-52 | 48-55 |
| Max, engine power, hp. | 10-12 | 9.9-15 |
| Type of bottom | NDNDM/Pyol | Pyol/NDM |
Hidden nuance of design
Unlike many competitors, the Orca uses a special shape of the nose, which less captures water on the wave, but requires a more accurate mooring with the nose to the wind.
When choosing between models, remember the weight in the package. If you have a compact car, the killer whale may be preferred to the more bulky counterparts with a hard bottom. The boat bag is ergonomically shaped and often fits in the trunk of the sedan, whereas competitors may require the removal of the rear seat or the use of a trailer.
Engine choice: which engine to buy?
The question of "what to put the boat on" arises immediately after purchase. For the "335 killer whale" the ideal power range is 5-9.9 hp Motors with a capacity of 2.5-3.5 hp are also suitable, but they will only allow you to move against the current or get on the water in calm. To go to the plane with one fisherman and a minimum load will require at least 5 forces.
The best choice is considered by many 9.9 hp With software or mechanical fragrance up to 15 hp (if the transom design allows), however, given the narrow body of the Orca, even 6-8 hp provide excellent speeds of 25-30 km / h. More powerful motors can lead to a buoyant nose in the wave if the weight is not correctly weighted.
- 🏎️ two-stroke motors: Easy, cheaper, mixed, perfect for seasonal fishing and trunk transportation.
- 🔋 four-stroke motors: Quiet, more economical, no need to disturb the gasoline. 30-40% heavier, which is critical for carrying.
- 🇨🇳 Chinese brands: Hidea, Sea-Pro, Mikatsu, good price/quality ratio, spare parts availability.
- 🇯🇵 Japanese brands: Tohatsu, Yamaha: High reliability, liquidity in the secondary market, high price.
⚠️ Attention: When you install a four-stroke engine, carefully check the center of gravity. A heavy engine can shift the balance of the boat and the nose will be upside down, which will impair handling and visibility, you may need to move the battery and passengers closer to the nose.
If you plan to use the boat only for trolling or quiet fishing, consider electric motors. For the 335 Orca, 40-55 lbs models will suit, they will provide several hours of travel without noise and the smell of gasoline.
For inflatable boats with NDNDM, the standard length (S-381 mm) is ideal. Installing a long-dadewood (L - 508 mm) motor will require transaxing or the use of spacers, which is not always safe and reliable.
Where to buy and how to check before paying
Buying the 335 Orca is best from official dealers or specialized boating stores. Markets and dubious Internet sites can offer goods without warranty or with an expired shelf life (the glue loses its properties over time).
When you receive the goods, make sure to make a visual inspection. Check the integrity of the package, the absence of creases and scuffs on PVC. Pay special attention to the seams: they must be smooth, without bloating and omissions of glue. The smell of the solvent is permissible, but it should not be sharp and chemically aggressive.
☑️ Checking the boat upon receipt
It is not superfluous to pump the boat up and leave it for the day immediately after purchase, which will allow you to identify possible micro leaks that may have occurred during transportation or storage in a warehouse. If the pressure drops, use a soap solution to look for the defect while the return guarantee is in place.
The price of the 335 Orca can vary depending on the season. Traditionally, in spring, before the navigation begins, prices are maximum. In autumn and winter, stores often make discounts to vacate warehouses. Buying in the off-season is a great way to save up to 20-30% of the cost.
Maintenance and durability
The life of a PVC boat depends on care. After each fishing, especially in salt water or in bodies of water with blooming water, the Orca must be rinsed with fresh water. Salt crystallizes and can damage the fabric structure, and the algae, drying, create an abrasive layer.
Keep the boat inflated (at least partially) or in a freely rolled-up state, avoiding sharp clogs. The optimal storage temperature is room temperature. Frost makes PVC fragile, and careless movement when assembled in the cold can lead to cracks that will appear only in the summer.
Proper drying and storage at room temperature is the secret to longevity of your boat. Don't put a wet boat in your bag for long periods of time!
Check the pressure in the cylinders regularly. A boat pumped in the sun is a common cause of seam rupture. If you leave the boat in the sun, be sure to blow out excess air. Conversely, in cold water, the pressure drops, and the boat needs to be pumped.
How to properly seal a puncture in the field?
For repair, use the kit that comes with the kit. Clean and degrease the puncture site (acetone or alcohol). Apply glue on both surfaces (tissue and patch), let dry 5-10 minutes before the stick. Press the patch hard and roll roll. Complete polymerization of the glue takes 24 hours, but holds after an hour.
Can I use the 335 Whale for rafting?
It's not recommended, despite the strong cylinders, it's not designed to hit rocks or pass rapids, it's a recreational fishing model for calm water, reservoirs and temperate rivers, and you need specialized catamarans or bottom-protected rafts to raft.
What is the real speed with a 9.9 hp engine?
With one driver (75-80 kg) and a minimum load, the speed on GPS is 28-32 km / h. With two passengers, the speed drops to 22-25 km / h. These indicators are relevant for planing. In displacement mode, the speed is about 8-10 km / h.
Do I need to register a boat with GIMS?
According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, boats weighing more than 200 kg TOGETHER with an installed engine are subject to registration. The weight of the 335 killer whale (about 50 kg) plus the weight of the engine (about 25 kg) and the battery (15 kg) is less than 100 kg. Therefore, registration is not required, which is a big plus of this model.
What is the difference between 335 and 340?
The difference of 5 cm is small and has little impact on performance, usually marketing the different years of production or minor changes in the canister cover. When choosing, focus on the condition of the particular boat and the price, not on those 5 cm.