Buying the first serious boat is always a compromise between the desire to have the maximum comfort and the need to meet the budget. Apache 3500 The Apache has become one of the most popular solutions in the Russian market in its class, offering dimensions comparable to more expensive counterparts, designed for those who have already outgrown the standard two-seater bagels and are looking for a confident move even in small waves.
The main thing that you need to understand the potential owner is not just an inflatable boat, but a full-fledged one. catamaran It's designed to allow motors up to 15-18 hp, which makes it easier to move from rowing to smoothing, but like any other technique, it has its own nuances of assembly and operation, which we'll talk about later.
Many newcomers mistakenly believe that all PVC boats are the same, but it is in the details that lies the difference between a safe walk and a spoiled fishing. In this article, we will examine in detail the technical features of the model, the real size and the hidden possibilities of modernization.
Technical specifications and construction of the body
The basis of any PVC boat is the material and geometry of the cylinders. 3500 It uses a reinforced five-chamber PVC density of 850 g / m2 (some older versions found 750 g / m2, which is worth considering when buying used), This density provides excellent resistance to abrasion and puncture, which is critical when landing on a rocky shore.
The design of cylinders is made by technology High PressureIt's a big thing, it's a big thing, it's a big thing, it's a big thing, it's a big thing, it's a big wave germination, and it's designed to minimize water resistance and provide good course stability.
When buying a used Apache boat 3500 be sure to check the seams for stratification - this is the "Achilles heel" of age models, especially if the boat was stored for a long time in assembled form in the heat.
It is important to note the presence squirt It's not just a decorative strip, it's a complete protection against impacts on the dock or on the side of another boat, and the inside of the cylinders is divided into independent compartments, which ensures buoyancy even if one of them is damaged.
Features of the deck and hard floor
The key difference between the 3500 and the more simple versions is the presence of a full-fledged hard floor, which consists of three sections made of waterproof plywood 9 mm thick (sometimes 12 mm in reinforced versions). linoleum or a special coating "Slan", which prevents the sliding and rotting of the material.
Building a deck requires a skill, and the sheets are connected by aluminum profiles that are inserted into the grooves, and this creates a monolithic platform that you can stand on, even when you're full, with the rigidity of the floor, you can set the grooves. door-wheel And the various chairs without the risk of pushing the bottom.
The secret to fast floor assembly
Start docking the sheets from the bow of the boat, moving consistently towards the transom, and if you start in the middle, there is a high risk that the extreme sheets will not get into their seats due to the tension of the cylinders.
Under the paiola floor is an inflatable floor system (NDB in some versions) or just storage space. In the classic hard-floor version of the 3500, the paiola space is used to accommodate the paiola. gas tank And anchor equipment, which frees up the useful area of the cockpit.
Dimensions and load capacity
The numbers in the model name are often confusing. "3500" in this case is a marketing designation, not an exact length in millimeters. The actual dimensions may vary slightly depending on the year of release and the pressure in the cylinders, but the overall parameters remain unchanged.
For clarity, compare the declared and actual parameters in the table below:
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Total length | 350 cm | Inflatable parts included |
| Width | 156 cm | Maximum cylinder capacity |
| Cockpit length | 240 cm | Useful space |
| Load capacity | 600 kg | Considering the weight of the boat |
| Boat weight | ~52 kg | Fully complete. |
This payload allows you to comfortably accommodate on board 3-4 people of average build or two fishermen with a full set of equipment. However, it is worth remembering that the sleeve is possible only when loading up to 250-300 kg.
Tran and compatibility with motors
Train boat Apache 3500 It is made of moisture-resistant plywood, lined with plastic, and reinforced with metal linings. It is stationary (built into a cylinder), which ensures the rigidity of the structure, but increases the weight when carried in disassembled form. The transom height is standard 380 mm, which is suitable for most outboard motors.
The optimal power of the engine for this model is from 5 to 15 hp Two-stroke engines Yamaha, Tohatsu Or their Chinese counterparts (HdX, Mikatsu) are doing the best. With a 9.9 hp engine, the boat goes to planing with one person in 3-4 seconds.
When installing the motor, it is important to set the correct angleIf the engine is too deep, the resistance will increase and the handling will deteriorate, and if it is raised, the engine will cavitate and overheat.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a boat with an engine installed in the sun without a shadow. The pressure in the cylinders increases, and the transom can deform if it is subjected to excessive load from balloons.
Set and options for tuning
The basic equipment usually includes the boat itself, the bag for packaging, the remix and sometimes the pump. However, for comfortable operation owners often buy additional accessories. The market offers many solutions adapted to the dimensions of the 3500 series.
The most popular elements of tuning:
- 🎣 transom wheels - a mandatory element, since the weight of the boat in the assembly exceeds 50 kg, and it is difficult to drag it through the sand or pebbles.
- 🪑 Turning chairs - are installed on special platforms attached to floorboards, significantly increasing comfort when catching trolling.
- ⚓ anchor box - often installed in the nose, plays the role of a runduk and a weighting agent of the nose.
- 🛡️ Safety linings for cylinders - Kevlar or of dense rubber, glued in places of contact with the soil.
☑️ Basic tuning for Apache 3500
Also worth mentioning is the installation. sonarFor the 3500 model, the sonar sensor is better mounted on a removable bracket on the transom, so as not to drill unnecessary holes in the cylinders and not risk damaging the sensor when pulling the boat ashore.
Rules of operation and storage
The durability of a PVC boat depends on how you handle it. The material is afraid of ultraviolet light and open fire. The cigarette butts that fall on board burn through the fabric instantly, so smoking on board should be strictly regulated.
After every fishing trip, especially in salt water or dirty water, the boat must be washed with fresh water. Salt and silt, drying, work like an abrasive, destroying the protective layer of PVC. Drying before packaging is a must, otherwise the appearance of mold and unpleasant smell is inevitable.
The service life of the Apache 3500 boat, when properly operated and stored in a warm room, is 10-12 years, after which it may be necessary to replace the glue or remix the seams.
Keep the boat in a straightened form or in a freely folded state, but not in a tight twist that creates crumbs on the material. The optimal storage temperature is from -20 to +40 degrees, but sharp temperature changes are harmful to adhesive seams.
Comparison with competitors and final conclusions
There are many analogues on the market: Flagship 340/360, Cayman 350, Solar 350The Apache 3500 is a better choice than the Apache in terms of its wider cockpit and its more sophisticated balloon geometry, which gives it a better germination per wave, but it can be compared to lighter models with a low-pressure inflatable floor.
If your priority is fishing comfortably, with full-length and gear space, this model will be a great choice, but if the main thing is maximum ease and speed of assembly for fast fishing "for an hour", it may be worth looking towards models with NDNDM.
In conclusion, Apache 3500 It has proven itself to be a workhorse for outdoor enthusiasts, forgiving mistakes for beginners, but has the potential for serious tuning by experienced water-engines.
What is the best glue for repairing Apache 3500 punctures?
For repair, use only two-component polyurethane adhesive (such as Kleyberg or Radical). A conventional "moment" or rubber adhesive will not provide the necessary elasticity and strength of the seam on high-density PVC materials.
Can I pump a boat with a compressor from a car?
You can, but only at the initial stage (up to 100-150 mbar), the final pumping to 250 mbar must be done with a foot or hand pump with a pressure gauge, so as not to exceed the pressure and damage the seams due to overheating from the compressor.
How many people can comfortably fit in an Apache 3500 boat?
The optimal number is 2 adults, three will fit, but the tight clothes will be a little tight, although the load capacity allows, and for an overnight stay with a tent on the roof, the model is only suitable for one person.