Choosing a boat for fishing or outdoor activities on the water is always a search for a balance between maneuverability, load capacity and comfort. Azimuth 380 NDLD For several seasons, it has been one of the bestsellers in the Russian market, offering anglers a proven design with a low-pressure inflatable floor, designed for those who appreciate the ability to quickly assemble and disassemble, not wanting to sacrifice the driving qualities inherent in heavier floorboard counterparts.
The design features of this model allow it to feel confident both on the calm surface of reservoirs and on small waves of large rivers. inflatable floor It provides excellent shock absorbance when faced with a wave, which reduces crew fatigue during a long transition, while the increased length of 380 centimeters gives a significant advantage in speed and stability of the course compared to the more compact three-meter.
In this article, we will examine all the technical details, consider compatibility with different types of outboard motors and evaluate the real practicality of operation in the field. You will learn why this modification is often the choice of professional spinning and trolling enthusiasts looking for the optimal value for money.
Design features of the body and materials
The basis of durability of any inflatable boat is the quality of the materials used. Azimuth 380 NDLD Multi-layer reinforced PVC is used, which is highly resistant to abrasion and ultraviolet radiation. The density of the fabric varies depending on the application area: the most loaded elements, such as cylinders and bottom, are made of high density material, which minimizes the risk of puncture when landing on unequipped shore.
Special attention should be paid to the system of strengthening of seams. double-stick This is a sealed connection, even under extreme bloating loads. Unlike cheap ones, where the seams can diverge over time, it uses a hot vulcanization method that turns the joints into a monolithic structure, which is critical for safety, especially if you plan to go out in windy weather.
⚠️ Warning: Despite the high strength of the material, avoid contact with sharp objects, spiny vegetation or sparks from the fire. PVC repair in the field is possible, but requires time and dry conditions.
The design of the nose is designed to meet the requirements of aerodynamics. cone-bag It effectively cuts the wave, preventing the cockpit from splashing, keeping things dry and making fishing comfortable even when you're going against the wind, and also making the bow shape better for the boat to plane when you're installing the engine.
When storing a boat in winter, be sure to treat the valves with silicone lubrication so that the rubber seals do not dry out and keep tight for the next season.
BNDT system: pros and cons of inflatable floor
The acronym for NDND stands for "Low Pressure inflatable floor," a key feature of the model that defines its use cases. Unlike hard floorboard floor (NP) boats, the bottom is a separate inflatable section integrated into the cylinder design, the main advantage being the weight: collect and float. Azimuth 380 NDLD It can be a single person, which is almost impossible with heavy aluminum or plywood floorboards.
But it has its own technicalities: the inflatable floor has some flexibility, which creates a hammock effect when cruising inside the cockpit. For sitting fishing, this is not a problem, but it is addictive. The rigidity of the floor is provided by a system of internal struts that prevent the bottom from swelling into a balloon when pumped. It is important to follow the manufacturer's recommended pressure, usually 0.25-0.3 atmospheres.
- 🚀 Quick assembly: The preparation time for the launch takes 10-15 minutes even for an inexperienced user, since you do not need to collect sleighs and insert them into the slots.
- ⚖️ Low centre of gravity: The lack of heavy aluminum profile and plywood allows the boat to be more stable on the water and easier to manage.
- 🌊 Depreciation: The inflatable floor extinguishes the shocks against the wave, making the swing less noticeable to passengers compared to a hard bottom.
On the other hand, a full-blown plane with two passengers on board may require a motor of more power than a hard-bottom counterpart. Floor flexibility creates additional water resistance at high speeds. However, for most fishing tasks where speed is not priority #1, the NDNDT system remains the no-choice leader in convenience.
Ergonomics of the cockpit and internal equipment
The interior space of the model Azimuth 380 It's designed to accommodate two or three people and the equipment you need, and the width of the cockpit allows you to fit comfortably together without interfering with each other when you fish, and the sides have inflatable cans, seats that also serve as stiffness and additional buoyancy compartments, and the seats have a rigid base and a soft coating, which is important for long transitions.
Special equipment is provided for the fastening of attachments liner-line They can be used to hold a sonar, spinners or a small bag, and the nose often has a hazelnut or anchor rum, which facilitates anchoring, and all metal elements, such as rings and ducks, are made of stainless steel or are coated with anti-corrosion compounds, which prolong their life in aggressive aquatic environments.
An important element of ergonomics is the presence of protective linings on cylinders in the contact with oars, which prevents rapid wear of fabric when maneuvering in narrow areas or fishing in reed-grown areas, and also runs a safety line along the perimeter of the cockpit, which can be held in the event of a boat tipping over.
Secrets of comfortable fishing in the boat NDND
To improve comfort, many anglers use additional inflatable mattresses or self-inflating mattresses, stacking them on top of the regular bottom, completely eliminating the sensation of a hammock and allowing them to comfortably kneel when fishing.
Compatibility with outboard motors
The choice of motor for Azimuth 380 NDLD The transom design allows you to install engines with a capacity of up to 15-18 horsepower, but the optimal range for this model is 9.9-12 hp Installation of a more powerful engine is possible, but requires caution due to the specifications of the inflatable floor, which can begin to deform at high speeds under the weight of a powerful unit.
When choosing a motor, you should consider not only power, but also weight. For boats with NDND, lightweight two-stroke models or modern four-stroke compact series are preferred. A heavy motor on a short leg can lead to differentiation at the stern, which will worsen handling and increase fuel consumption. The trunk of the boat is reinforced with a wooden insert, closed PVC, which ensures the rigidity of the mounting, but requires regular checks of tightening of the bolts.
| Engine power (hp) | Max. speed (km/h) | Fuel consumption (L/h) | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0 | 12–15 | 1.5–2.0 | Only for quiet running and trolling |
| 9.9 | 25–30 | 3.0–3.5 | The best choice for 1-2 people |
| 15.0 | 35–40 | 4.5–5.5 | For three passengers or long-distance crossings |
| 18.0+ | 40+ | 6.0+ | Only for experienced users |
It is worth noting that the actual speed will depend on the loading of the boat, the condition of the water and the propeller. planing With a full load (two people + gear) on a 9.9 hp engine, a reduced pitch propeller may be required, which will allow the boat to be put on mode faster, despite the flexibility of the bottom of the NDNDM.
Transportability and ease of use
One of the main trump cards of the model Azimuth 380 When assembled, the boat is packed in two bags: one for cylinders and one for the bottom (in some trim levels), the weight of the kit allows it to be carried in the trunk of a Class C passenger car or even a hatchback if you fold the rear seats, and the absence of heavy sleighs makes the loading and unloading process easy.
However, the volume of packed items should be considered. Inflated bottom takes up a considerable space, so you will need a large enough trunk for storage and transportation. For ease of transportation, it is recommended to use special wheeled trolleys, which can be purchased separately, they allow you to roll the boat to the water without lifting weights manually.
- 🚗 Compactness: In folded form, the dimensions of the package allow you to place a boat in the garage or on the balcony, which is important for urban residents.
- 🎒 Modularity: The ability to carry cylinders and bottom in different bags makes it easier to carry alone over long distances.
- 🛠️ Repairability: In case of damage, the bottom can be sealed with a remplekt, without disassembling the entire design of the boat, which is impossible with rigid floorboards.
⚠️ Warning: When packing a wet boat, be sure to dry it before long-term storage. The remaining moisture can lead to mold formation on the fabric and oxidation of the valves.
☑️ Season-ready
Comparison with competitors and modifications
There are many analogues on the market. Azimuth 380 NDLD from other manufacturers, such as Flagship, hunter or Master.Azimuth's main difference is often in the details of the cut and the quality of the fittings. For example, the shape of the cylinders in Azimuth is more streamlined, which has a positive effect on the stability of the course, and the manufacturer often uses denser material in critical areas, which increases the resource of the boat.
Compared to the model Azimuth 380 NP The difference is obvious in driving performance, the hard bottom version is better at keeping the wave at high speed and allowing you to stand on your feet, but loses weight and build time, and the choice between NDNDM and NP is always a compromise between transportation comfort and speed on the water.
For those who plan to use the boat primarily for anchor fishing or trolling at moderate speeds, the NDND option seems more rational. It forgives mistakes for beginners in driving and is less demanding of storage conditions. While a hard bottom requires careful handling so as not to scratch the aluminum profile and soak the plywood.
The Azimuth 380 NDND is a versatile tool for the amateur fisherman, which prioritizes the ease of transportation and assembly, without sacrificing basic driving qualities.
Summary and recommendations
In conclusion, it is safe to say that Azimuth 380 NDLD It is a well-deserved leader in its class, a reliable, time-tested craft that is suitable for both beginners and experienced water-engines, and its optimal size, quality performance and reasonable price make it one of the best offers on the market.
When buying, it is recommended to pay attention to the equipment: the availability of bags, the quality of the pump and the availability of a repair kit. Also, it is not superfluous to immediately purchase an anchor and a safety vest, since safety on the water should be a priority. With proper operation and care, this boat will serve you faithfully for many seasons, giving unforgettable moments of communication with nature.
Can I use the Azimuth 380 NDND boat for sea trips?
The model is only available in sea conditions and in close proximity to the shore, and the design of the NDND is not designed for open sea waves, and salt water requires thorough washing with fresh water after each exit to avoid corrosion of the fittings and degradation of the glue.
What pressure should be pumped into the bottom of the NDND?
The recommended pressure in the inflatable floor is usually 0.25-0.3 atmosphere (PSI 3.5-4.5). Pumping the bottom above 0.4 atm is not recommended, as this can lead to deformation of the internal strap stretchers and disruption of the geometry of the boat. Use a pressure gauge for control.
How many people are comfortably accommodated in the Azimuth 380?
Officially, the boat is designed for 3 people, but in terms of comfort and fishing, the optimal load is 2 adults plus equipment. Three adults will accommodate, but the space for maneuver with spinning wheels will be limited.
Do I need to lubricate the seams of the boat before storage?
No special lubrication is required, but the main thing is to clean the boat of dirt, sand and silt, dry and treat the surface with a means to protect PVC from ultraviolet radiation, if the boat is stored in an undimmed place.