Choosing a boat for serious fishing or long-distance tourist routes along the rivers of Siberia and Karelia always involves finding a balance between carrying capacity, speed and ease of transportation. Apache 3700 NDLD It stands out as one of the most balanced options in the domestic market of inflatable catamarans. It is not just a large inflatable boat, but a full-fledged small vessel designed to withstand severe stress and water turbulence.
The main feature of this model is the use of low-pressureAnd this is a huge change in the way we build and we're comfortable on the water, and unlike the classic sleigh models, you don't have to carry heavy or plywood sheets, and it takes minutes to build them, even in the field. Apache 3700 There are some nuances of operation that must be considered before buying.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the design of cylinders, the quality of materials used and the real driving performance under engines of various power, you will learn why this boat is often the choice of professional guides and what lies behind the acronym NDNDM in practical application.
Design features and materials of cylinders
The basis of reliability of any inflatable boat is the material from which its cylinders are made. Apache 3700 The manufacturer uses a five-layer reinforced PVC density of 1100 g / m2. This material has a high resistance to abrasion, which is critically important when mooring to rocky shores or pulling a boat onto a pebble. Reinforcing cordThe silk structure, located inside the tissue structure, provides excellent geometric stability of the shape even at high internal pressure.
The cylinders are designed in a catamaran pattern, where the two main gondolas are separated by an inflated deck, and this architecture provides exceptional stability: standing on board full-length and spinning is as safe as on a hard floor. The cylinders are 56 cm in diameter, which, with a total length of 370 cm, gives an impressive margin of buoyancy. rubber-plated in areas of increased friction, especially in the nose and aft parts, as well as in the places where stringers are attached.
The valve system is also noteworthy, with petal valves that allow for rapid air venting during packaging and keep pressure secure when pumped, and the seams are tightly sealed by hot vulcanization, making the materials monolithic and immune to temperature dissection.
⚠️ Warning: Despite the high density of PVC, avoid contact with cylinders with open fire, sparks from a fire or red-hot objects. Repair of burn in the field is possible, but requires a remix and time for polymerization of the glue.
For additional comfort, a liner cable is installed along the perimeter of the cylinders, which serves not only for insurance, but also for attaching additional equipment, the nose provides a convenient handle for carrying, and the aft one provides anchor mounts.
Construction of the inflatable floor of the NDND: pros and cons
abbreviation NDMA It stands for "low pressure inflatable floor." Apache 3700 This solution is a separate inflatable element that is inserted between the cylinders and forms a rigid platform, and inside the bottom is a system of vertical strands (drop-stitch) that connect the upper and lower surfaces, preventing the bottom from inflating into a balloon when pumped.
The main advantage of this system is the speed and ease of assembly. You don't have to spend time installing transom cans and longitudinal stringers, which in classic boats often scratch cylinders and create unnecessary friction points. Inflated bottom creates a "cushion" effect that extinguishes the shocks against the wave, which makes swimming more comfortable. In addition, the lack of rigid elements reduces the overall weight of the kit, which is important for hiking routes.
But the NDNDM system has its own features: the bottom is hard, it depends on the quality of the pump. If the cylinders are not pumped, the bottom can bend under the weight of passengers, creating a hammock effect. Therefore, using a quality pump with a pressure gauge is a prerequisite. It is also worth noting that the inflatable floor is less resistant to puncture by sharp objects (for example, fishing hooks or sharp stones) than aluminum floorboard.
The secret to bottom hardness
Inside the Apache 3700 inflatable floor, more than 10,000 strands of heavy metal are used per square meter, creating a structure that, when pumped to 0.25 atm, can withstand loads of up to 400 kg without significant deformation, simulating a hard floor.
To increase the rigidity of the design, the manufacturer recommends a combined approach: the inflatable floor forms the base, and on top, if necessary, you can lay light plywood sheets or special fishing mats, this is especially true for anglers using heavy boxes with tackles.
Driving qualities and compatibility with motors
Boat. Apache 3700 It's designed as a planing vessel, and the shape of the cylinders and the presence of the developed aerodynamic keels make it easy to get on plane mode even with one passenger. The water jet formed under the bottom effectively lifts the hull, reducing water resistance, which makes the boat fuel efficient.
The optimal engine power for this model varies from 15 to 25 hp With a 15 hp engine, the boat confidently glides with one or two adult passengers and a small load. Installing a 25 hp engine turns into a glider. Apache 3700 In a speedboat that can reach speeds of 45-50 km/h with full load, the transom plate is made of reinforced fiberglass and is designed to install engines with a long leg.
An important aspect is transom adjustment: the engine tilt angle can be changed with stops, which allows you to adjust the boat's differential depending on the load and the state of the water. The correct angle of inclination reduces yaw on the wave and improves the course stability.
To achieve maximum speed and efficiency, it is important not only the power of the engine, but also the correct weight distribution. Shifting the load into the nose or stern can significantly change the angle of the trim and worsen planing.
In quiet water, the boat is very manageable, the wide cockpit allows you to conveniently arrange the gear and sonar, but you should consider the sailing of inflatable tubes: in strong side winds, the control may require more active actions of the steering.
Capacity, load capacity and equipment
The dimensions of the model are 3700 mm long and 1900 mm wide, creating a huge interior space. Formally, the boat is designed for 4-5 people, but in terms of comfort for a long fishing or hiking trip, the optimal number of passengers is 3 adults, in which case there is enough space for backpacks, tents and fishing equipment.
rated carrying capacity is 750 kg, however, the real operational load, which maintains high driving qualities, is recommended in the range of 500-600 kg. Exceeding this limit will lead to a decrease in clearance and an increase in water resistance, which will make plane impossible even with a powerful engine.
The basic package usually includes: bag-package, remix, product passport and instruction. Banks (seats) are often supplied separately or are included in extended versions of the "Lux" kit. It is recommended to immediately purchase anchor cable and rim bolts for attaching the cargo, as regular fastening points may not be enough for specific tasks.
For hiking, the important advantage is the compactness of the packaging, although large inflated, deflated. Apache 3700 It can easily fit in the trunk of a crossover or even a large sedan if you fold the cylinders correctly.
Instructions for proper assembly and preparation for the season
The durability of a boat depends on how you assemble and store it. Despite the simplicity of the design of the NDNDM, there are rules that can damage the seams or material, and it is best to build on a flat, stone-cleaned surface.
The pumping process should start with cylinders, then go to the keels, and only at the end to the inflatable floor, which allows the structure to form correctly. The pressure in the cylinders should be 0.2-0.25 atm, in the keel - 0.25-0.3 atm. Pumping cylinders in hot weather is dangerous: heating the air inside can lead to rupture of the seams.
☑️ Checklist for boat assembly
After each operation, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, especially if you have been swimming in salt water or standing on mud banks. The mud and sand left on the fabric work as an abrasive on the next blown and packed, rubbing the protective layer of PVC.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight for long periods of time unattended. The pressure inside the cylinders rises with increasing temperatures, which can lead to warping of the seams or flaping of the valves.
specifications comparison table
To visualize the technical parameters Apache 3700 NDLD Compared to competitors and previous models, we present a summary table of data.
| Parameter | Apache 3700 NDLD | Classic PVC 370 (with floorboard) | Competitor (Katamaran 360) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length/width | 370 cm/19ocm | 370 cm/180 cm | 360cm/185cm |
| Diameter of the cylinder | 56cm | 48cm | 52cm |
| Load capacity | 750 kg | 650 kg | 700 kg |
| Weight of kit | ~62 kg | ~75 kg | ~65 kg |
| Assembly time | 10-15 minutes | 25-30 minutes | 15-20 minutes |
As you can see from the table, the model benefits in terms of cockpit width and weight due to the absence of heavy aluminum sheets. Assembly time is reduced by half, which is a significant advantage in expedition conditions or frequent landings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use the Apache 3700 NDND in winter?
Using a PVC boat at low temperatures is possible, but requires extreme caution. The material becomes hard and brittle in the cold. It is strictly forbidden to throw, hit or sharply bend cylinders in the cold. The pump pressure should be monitored more often, as it drops in the cold, and when applied to heat it increases. The optimal operating temperature of PVC is from +5 to +30 degrees.
Which pump is better for pumping the bottom of NDND?
For low-pressure inflatable floors, it is critical to create high pressures (up to 0.3 atm and above), which is difficult to do with a conventional frog foot pump without much effort. It is recommended to use two-stage foot pumps or electric pumps that can give pressures above 1 PSI (0.07 atm) in the second stage.
Do I need to dry the boat before packing?
Yes, drying is mandatory. If you pack a wet boat, you create the perfect environment inside the bag for mold and fungus to develop, which destroy PVC tissue and glue seams. Also, water in folds can freeze in winter or cause an unpleasant smell. It is better to dry in the shade, because ultraviolet destroys the structure of polyvinyl chloride.
Is the NDNDM system repairable in the field?
Small punctures of the bottom can be sealed with a standard remix, but for the quality repair of major damage or valve replacement in the field will require a dry, warm and clean room. PVC glue takes time for polymerization and a certain temperature, so "on the knee" near the river is difficult to make serious repairs.
When buying a boat, immediately purchase an additional valve and tube of PVC glue. In the event of loss or breakage of the main valve away from home, this will save your trip.