The choice of a swimmer is always about balancing the load, weight and comfort of travel. The Apache NDND is one of the most balanced options in the inflatable fishing and recreational market. The low-pressure inflatable floor design makes it easy to forget about the heavy plywood or aluminum sheets you have to carry with you every time you go out to the pond.
The basic philosophy of the engineers in shell-buildingIt's all about maximum versatility, and you get a full-fledged, high-sided cockpit that keeps you dry and safe even when you're excited, and the weight of the entire structure stays at a level that's accessible to one person in disassembled form, which is critical for car owners without a roof trunk.
The use of modern materials allows the vessel to operate in a wide range of temperatures. Dense tissue It's resistant to punctures on reeds, snags and sharp stones on the shore, and it's important to understand that the reliability of the seams and the quality of the transom pasting are crucial here, determining the life of the product as a whole.
Many newcomers mistakenly believe that the inflatable floor significantly reduces driving performance. kielson And the stringer system creates a rigid structure that doesn't get ripped through by the wave, and it allows you to plane with even one passenger and minimal load, saving fuel and engine life.
Design features and technology of BNDT
The heart of any low-pressure inflatable boat is the balloon floor system itself. Unlike the floorboard models, it uses a multi-sectional balloon, divided into compartments by cross-partitions. security architecture ensures that if one compartment is damaged, the rest will maintain the buoyancy and rigidity of the structure, allowing you to reach the shore.
The key element of rigidity is the quill, which is sewn into the bottom and pumped separately, and it acts as a keel, cutting the wave and providing stability. AirDeck Technology or its analogues allow you to pump the floor to a pressure of 0.2-0.5 atmosphere, which makes the surface elastic, like a hard flooring, but without excess weight.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight for long periods unattended. The air inside the cylinders expands when heated, which can lead to critical exposure. transmission and break the joints or the valves.
The cylinders are connected to each other and to the bottom by hot two-component bonding, which ensures the monolithic structure, where the load is distributed throughout the seam. In high-voltage areas, such as a shingle bar and a transom paste, additional PVC reinforcing tapes of the same density as the main material are used.
- 🛶 Multi-section cylinder The bottom provides unsinkability and uniform distribution of the load.
- ⚓ Built-in keelson creates a hydrodynamic profile that improves driving performance on planing.
- 🔧 Enhanced transom pasting allows you to install motors with a capacity up to the values declared by the manufacturer without the risk of tearing off.
And the thing that's really important is that you have to pay attention to the inflating system, and typically, Apache boats are equipped with quality Frog valves, or modern ones, and they allow you to pump up quickly. main cylinders It's easy to blow air when you're packing, and the back valve prevents air from flowing out when you change the pump.
Materials and build quality
The durability of the boat is directly dependent on the quality of the polyvinyl chloride used. For the production of the Apache series, a five-layer high-density reinforced material is used. Synthetic base (frame) provides tensile strength, and the outer layers of PVC protect against ultraviolet light, oils, gasoline and mechanical damage.
The most important parameter is the density of the tissue, which is usually from 750 to 1100 g / sq.m.High Density) is better shaped, less susceptible to temperature strains and more resistant to abrasion, but it weighs significantly more, which should be considered when choosing a model for long-distance casting.
⚠️ Warning: When transporting in the trunk of the car, be sure to use a protective awning or dense fabric. Even the most durable PVC can get scuffed or melted from the hot body elements or sharp edges of metal parts of the car.
The quality of the assembly is also determined by the accuracy of the gluing of the seams. On high-end products you will not find sticking threads, glue bubbles or uneven edges. All seams must be smooth, without tears and overhangs in the wrong places. transom boardIf used in a particular modification as reinforcement, it must be made of moisture-resistant plywood of the highest grade and reliably protected from contact with water.
To protect the bottom from the abrasive effects of sand and pebbles, an additional tread belt is often used, which is glued to the most vulnerable areas of cylinders and the lower part of the board, which significantly prolongs the life of the boat, allowing you to safely pull it out on unequipped shore without fear of damage. main-bridge.
Comparison of models and technical specifications
The Apache lineup is made up of many different types of boats, varying in length, width and load capacity, depending on the number of people on board, the power of the engine and operating conditions, and a comparison table of popular modifications that will help you navigate the range.
| Model | Length (cm) | Width (cm) | Load capacity (kg) | Engine power (hp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apache 280 | 280 | 130 | 350 | 2-5 |
| Apache 320 | 320 | 140 | 450 | 5-9.9 |
| Apache 360 | 360 | 160 | 600 | 10-15 |
| Apache 390 | 390 | 170 | 750 | 15-20 |
Models up to 3 meters long, such as Apache 280 300, focused primarily on a single angler or a quiet walk, compactly assembled and easily controlled by low-power motors, but may be less comfortable in the wave because of the shorter waterline.
The middle class boats (320 to 350 cm) are the middle ground, they already make you feel comfortable together, they're wide enough to be able to stand up and fish sustainably, and they're going to be fast. weight-weight And the area that we use is optimal for most users, and that's where we find the most sophisticated ergonomics.
Large models (360 cm or higher) are designed for serious use: long-distance crossings, fishing with a large company or using powerful engines. They have a high germination on the wave and a huge margin of buoyancy. However, their weight in the package can reach 50-60 kg, which requires a wheeled transom or the help of a partner when launching.
Effect of width on stability
Boat width is a critical parameter for fishing: narrower models (up to 130 cm) are faster, but less stable when moving inside the cockpit. Wide models (160+ cm) allow you to stand up full-length and spinning without fear of tipping over, but their sailing is higher.
Operation and preparation for water launch
Properly assembling a boat is essential to safe and comfortable operation, starting with the packaging on a flat, clean surface, removing sharp objects, branches and stones that could damage the boat. PVC Spread the cylinders and make sure the valves are closed.
Pumping should be done in several stages, first the cylinders are filled with air about 60-70%, then they are allowed to "sit down" 10-15 minutes to straighten the folds of the material, then the final pumping to the working pressure is performed, the use of a pressure gauge at the pump is highly desirable to prevent pumping or non-pumping.
- 🌬️ Use a foot or electric pump to primary pump the main cylinders to elasticity.
- 📏 Control the pressure in the quill separately – it should be solid, but not “stone”.
- 🔩 Install a hinged transom (if provided by the design) only after the cylinders are fully pumped.
When installing the motor, make sure that the boat is standing on the level or is already in the water. transom plate If the boat has an inflatable transom, make sure that the propeller jet does not fall directly on the fabric, which may require additional protection or proper adjustment of the inclination angle of the lower unit.
☑️ Boat assembly before the season
Care, maintenance and storage
For the Apache boat to last for years, it needs to be properly cared for. After every fishing trip, especially in salt water or in overgrown water bodies, the product must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, which will wash away the sand, silt and aggressive salts that, when dry, can crystallize and damage the structure. polymer.
Drying is a must before packaging. Even the minimum amount of moisture inside the bag can lead to mold and a bad smell that is very difficult to remove. Dry the boat in the shade, in straightened form, at a temperature of no more than 30 degrees Celsius. Direct sunlight during drying can lead to uneven heating and deformation of the seams.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use aggressive solvents, acetone or gasoline to clean the boat. These substances can dissolve the top protective layer of PVC, making the material sticky and brittle. Use only soap solution or special PVC care products.
Store the product in a dry, ventilated room at a temperature of -20 to +40 degrees. It is best to hang the boat in a deflated state or store it in a straightened form to avoid deep crevices on the folds. Regularly, at least once a season, check the pressure in the cylinders and the condition of the valves.
To quickly remove small grains of sand from the surface of PVC before drying, use a soft brush or simply blow the cylinders with compressed air. The sand left on the fabric works as an abrasive when folded and can damage the top layer.
Opportunities of tuning and modernization
Boats with inflatable bottoms have enormous potential for improvement, and one of the most popular and useful improvements is the installation of the boat. transom-wheelThis device allows one person to easily move a heavy motorized boat along the shore, which is especially true for models from 3.2 meters in length.
To increase comfort, fishing often install soft inflatable or frame seats with backs attached to lyctross or special belts on board. rod-holderFishing platforms and tables allow you to turn a boat into a fully mobile fishing camp.
Protecting cylinders from the sun and mechanical damage is accomplished by placing awnings or protective covers on board, and some owners install additional anchor systems with quick-removal mechanisms, allowing them to anchor efficiently while they are flowing, without wasting time fiddling with ropes, all of which make the operation more enjoyable and safe.
Competent tuning can turn a standard boat into a specialized tool for a particular type of fishing, significantly increasing efficiency and comfort on the water.
What pressure should be in the cylinders of the Apache boat?
The operating pressure in the main cylinders is usually 0.2-0.25 atmosphere (200-250 mBar). The bottom of the NDND (kilson) is pumped more strongly - up to 0.4-0.5 atmosphere to ensure rigidity. The exact values are always indicated on the product passport or on the labeling of the valve.
Can I repair the Apache boat by myself?
Yes, small punctures and cuts up to 3-5 cm long can be sealed yourself using the remix that is included in the supply. It is important to degrease the surface, clean it and use a special glue for PVC. For serious damage, especially in the area of seams or transoms, it is better to contact a specialized workshop.
Is the Apache boat compatible with electric motors?
Absolutely, the design of the NDND is perfect for electric trolling motors. With the hard bottom and the ability to fasten the smack wheel, the power boat is very convenient to operate, and the weight of the motor and battery is also not a problem for the load capacity of these models.
How to pack a boat if it is wet?
If you can’t dry the boat completely (for example, you left fishing), pack it as is, but at home, be sure to unpack and dry immediately. Storing in a sealed bag in a wet state for more than 1-2 days is guaranteed to lead to mold and decay of the fabric, which will require expensive repairs.