Choosing a reliable boat for fishing or family vacation on the water is always associated with a compromise between dimensions, carrying capacity and mobility. Apache boat 3700 It occupies a unique niche in this segment, offering specifications that are typically characteristic of much more cumbersome models, a floating craft often considered by those who seek maximum comfort and stability, but still need transportation on a passenger trailer or even in the trunk of a large SUV.
Brand model range Apache It has long established itself in the inflatable vessel market through the use of high-quality materials and thoughtful hull geometry. Apache 3700This is an evolution of classic solutions adapted to Russian operating conditions, and in this article we will examine in detail what lies behind the 3700 marking and why this boat can be the ideal choice for serious water trips.
It should be noted immediately that Apache 3700 It's not just a water inflator, but it's designed to be in open water, where there's a lot of excitement and headwinds, and that's why engineers have focused on the shape of the inflatable tubes and the hardness of the bottom, which together makes it seaworthy. Let's dive into the technical details to see if this product meets the expectations.
Design features and geometry of the body
The basis of any PVC boat is its geometry. Apache 3700 We see a classic but optimized shape that provides excellent germination per wave. The cylinders have a significant diameter, which directly affects the size of the germination system. loading capacity Even when fully loaded with crew and equipment, the sides remain high enough above the water, minimizing the risk of splashing into the cockpit.
The design of the bow is particularly noteworthy, and it uses a form that is often called an iron or an ostrnoses, which allows the boat to not burrow its nose against the wave, but to confidently cut the water surface. The width of the cockpit model 3700 is about 150 cmThis is a critical parameter for accommodating two fishermen in comfort or installing full-fledged tourist equipment.
⚠️ Warning: Despite the durable materials, sharp objects at the bottom of the pond or rocky beaches can damage PVC. Always use a transom protective lining when pulling the boat ashore.
The material used for production is high-density reinforced polyvinyl chloride. It is not just a "fluid" but a complex composite that is resistant to ultraviet radiation, fuel and lubricants and mechanical stress. The seams that connect the elements are performed by hot gluing on top, which guarantees tightness even when under load for long periods. Stringer and inflatable keel are also provided by a stringer system, which is available as standard or optionally depending on the year of production.
Technical specifications and load capacity
When it comes to numbers, Apache 3700 It is a medium class vessel with a large claim. Overall length The size range is 370 cm and the width of the cylinders reaches 165-170 cm (depending on pressure and modification), which allows you to freely accommodate up to four people in the boat, although the optimal crew is considered to be two or three adults.
The weight of the boat itself in assembled form varies from 55 to 60 kg. This is large enough for long-distance manual carrying, so the presence of a wheel transom or a cart for transportation over land becomes almost a prerequisite for comfortable operation. The engine installation can vary, but the manufacturer recommends motors with a capacity of 15 to 25 hp to achieve planned speed specifications.
For clarity, we will give the main technical parameters in a tabular form:
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Full length | 370 cm |
| Full width | 168 cm |
| Diameter of the cylinder | 46cm |
| Load capacity | 650 kg |
| Recommended engine power | 15-25 hp. |
It is important to understand that passport capacity 650 kg is the limit at which the boat is still afloat, but its driving performance will be far from ideal. For a comfortable plane with a 20 hp engine, the total weight (crew + equipment + engine + fuel) should not exceed 400-450 kg. Exceeding this limit will lead to a sharp increase in water resistance and increased fuel consumption.
Effect of cylinder pressure on speed
The correct pressure in the cylinders (usually 0.25-0.3 at +20°C) is critical. A subpumped boat loses its stiffness, walks on the wave and gets worse at planing. A pumped in the sun can burst. Always check the pressure before launching.
Comfort and internal equipment of the cockpit
Interior space Apache 3700 It's designed with ergonomics in mind. The floor of the boat is most often done in a variant. NDMA (low pressure inflatable floor) or plywood/aluminum paiolas: the NDNDM option is preferable for those who value comfort: this bottom provides excellent thermal insulation and cushioning, allowing you to sit or even lie on the floor without additional mats.
For fishermen, the important element is the presence of transom plates for the installation of sonar sensors and spinning mounts. The 3700 provides special platforms and liner systems. It is also worth noting the presence of convenient handles for carrying around the perimeter, which facilitates loading and unloading the vessel from the water. Seats (banks) are usually made of plywood with soft upholstery and are attached to the lyctros, which allows them to adjust their position along the cockpit.
- 🎣 Fishing convenience: The wide cockpit allows you to install a gearbox between the seats without interfering with rowing or motor control.
- ⚓ Safety: The presence of safety lears around the perimeter allows the passenger to hold on to a sharp maneuver or excitement.
- 🔋 Situation under the BAC: The design allows you to place the battery in a special kunduk or on the floor, protecting it from splashes and impacts.
If you plan to use a boat for the night, the 3.7-meter length allows you to accommodate one adult in full growth, although for two it will be a little cramped without the use of additional attachments or tents. Apache 3700 It leaves room for maneuver, which distinguishes it from narrower competitors.
Use special sprays to treat PVC before long periods of sun exposure, which will prolong the life of the material and maintain its elasticity.
Compatibility with outboard motors
Selection of engine Apache 3700 The boat's traversal is reinforced and designed to install engines up to 25 hp, but many owners consider the "golden mean" to be engines in 15-20 hp. Two-stroke engines are preferable due to their lower weight, which is critical for balancing the boat, although four-strokes are quieter and more economical in the flow of the mixture.
When installing the motor, it is important to choose the right height of the transom. If the motor is buried too much, it will lead to burrowing of the nose and loss of speed. If too high, cavitation and loss of traction will occur. The optimal anti-cavitation plate should be in the same plane with the bottom of the boat or be slightly lower (by 1-2 cm) when entering the planing.
The 3700 is considered optimal for the engine weight in the range of 35-45 kg. Heavy motors (for example, powerful 4-strokes) may require seat displacement closer to the nose or the installation of additional flotation blocks to compensate for the aft ambience.
☑️ Check before starting the engine
Assembly, storage and transportation
Despite the size of the building, Apache 3700 It is a self-contained inflatable vessel, which dictates its own operating rules, and it can take 20 to 40 minutes to assemble and disassemble a boat alone, depending on the experience and the pump used, and it is recommended to use electric pumps with auto-stop function to avoid wasting energy and ensure uniform pressure in all compartments.
When transported in a deflated form, the boat is packed in a bag, the dimensions of which allow you to place it in the trunk of a station wagon or in the back seat. However, it is worth remembering that the weight of the kit (boat + engine + equipment) can exceed 80 kg, so it often requires two people to carry or the use of a wheelchair trolley.
Storage of the boat requires compliance with temperature regime. PVC material does not like extreme frosts (below -30 ° C it bluffs and becomes brittle) and direct scorching sun in a pumped state. The ideal place to store is a dry garage or storage room at room temperature. Before packaging for the winter, the boat must be thoroughly washed from silt and dirt, dried and treated with talc so that the layers of PVC do not stick together.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a pumped boat in the open sun on a hot day. The pressure inside the cylinders is rising, which can cause the seams to rupture or deform the structure.
Comparison with competitors and final conclusions
The PVC boat market model Apache 3700 It competes with brands such as Flagship, Kaiser and AquaApache's main advantage in this segment is the combination of price and quality of the material used, and many competitors with similar sizes use less dense PVC or have less elaborate cylinder geometry, which affects driving performance.
But the weight of the boat is a relative disadvantage, and for those who are used to carrying a boat alone on their shoulder, the 3700 might seem a bit heavy, but if you have a car with a trailer or the ability to get to the water, that disadvantage turns into a plus, providing stability and reliability on the water.
In summary, it can be said that Apache 3700 It's a choice for those looking for a versatile boat for a serious holiday, and it's a choice for an avid angler who needs to accommodate a lot of gear, and for a family planning weekend trips, and its time-tested strength and engineering make it one of the leaders in its class.
The Apache 3700 is the optimal balance between the size that allows you to comfortably accommodate 3-4 people, and the mobility available for transportation by passenger car.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you use the Apache 3700 for fishing in winter?
PVC boats are possible in winter, but caution is needed: at temperatures below -10°C, the material becomes stiff, and in the cold it can crack when hitting the ice. It is recommended to use special winter PVC powders and avoid sharp excesses in the cold.
Which pump is best used to pump the Apache 3700?
For a boat of this size (about 3700 liters of total volume of cylinders), manual foot pumping will take a lot of time and effort. The optimal solution is an electric pump running on a car battery (12V) with a capacity of 300-400 l / min. It will pump the boat in 5-7 minutes.
Do I need to register the Apache 3700 boat with GIMS?
According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, registration is subject to small craft with a weight of a curbed boat more than 200 kg OR with an engine capacity of more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp). Since the weight of the Apache 3700 boat is about 55-60 kg, it is subject to registration only if you install a motor on it more powerful than 10 hp If the engine is weaker - registration is not required.
What do you do to fix a puncture on an Apache boat?
The repairs are made with special PVC-based remixes and two-component polyurethane adhesives, and it is important to use adhesives specifically designed for PVC (often sold under Texacol or analogue brands) rather than a regular "moment" or rubber adhesive that will not produce a sealed and durable seam.