Choosing a boat for fishing or outdoor activities on the water always involves finding a compromise between comfort, load capacity and transportability. Azimuth Atlas 365 NDLD It has proven to be a reliable option that can meet the needs of both beginners and experienced water engines, a classic representative of the class of rowing and motor boats with low pressure inflatable floor, which makes it unique in its niche in terms of price and quality.
The basic idea behind the design is to make the most of the build and the least weight, which is critical for those who don’t have the ability to use a trailer or a heavy boat trolley. inflatable floor It allows you to fold the boat into a compact backpack that can easily fit into the trunk of even a small sedan, but it has its own features that you need to know before buying, so as not to experience disappointment on the water.
In this article, we will discuss the technical nuances, advantages and disadvantages of the model, as well as give practical recommendations for its use. Understanding the physics of the behavior of a boat with NDNDM on the wave will help you make an informed decision and properly prepare the vessel for the first launch.
Design features of the Atlas 365 model
Boat. Azimuth Atlas 365 It's made of high-strength reinforced PVC, which is resistant to gasoline, oils and ultraviolet radiation. The design of the cylinders is classically shaped, providing good stability and germination on the wave. timber along the entire perimeter, which protects the sides from mechanical damage during mooring and impacts on the pier.
The central element of the design is, of course, the inflatable floor, and unlike the solder or liquid versions, it uses a stringer system that is inserted into special pockets and inflated to the working pressure, which creates a rigid plane, but retains the flexibility of the entire structure. Keel beam, which is a continuation of the bottom, provides longitudinal rigidity and improves the course stability when driving for an outboard motor.
The trunk is reinforced with an additional plywood or composite pad, which allows motors up to 5-6 hp (depending on the modification and recommendations of the manufacturer). The trunk is rigidly fixed between the cylinders, which excludes its displacement under load. However, it is worth remembering that the NDNDM is not a sliding boat in the full sense of the word, and expectations for speed specifications should be realistic.
- 🛶 Material: Tight reinforced PVC (500-750 g / sq.m.) with protection against UV.
- ⚓ Bottom: Low pressure inflatable (LDP) with a keel beam.
- 🔧 Tranza: Reinforced, removable or stationary (depending on the year of issue).
- 🎒 Transport: In a backpack bag, the weight of the kit is about 25-28 kg.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use sharp objects near pumped cylinders. Even a slight scratch on the PVC fabric can lead to depressurization and loss of buoyancy on the water.
Advantages and disadvantages of inflatable floor (BND)
The boat's top trump card Azimuth Atlas 365 NDLD It's weight and compactness when assembled, so you don't need a powerful winch or a trailer to transport it, you just fold the boat, blow the cylinders, and pack it in the trunk, and it makes it ideal for anglers who take public transport to the pond or take hiking routes with a backpack on their shoulders.
But there's a downside to this, and the inflatable floor, even if well-pumped, flexes under the weight of passengers more than hard aluminum or plywood pieol, and it creates a hammock effect, which can be unusual, and the patency in the algae-covered areas of NDNDND is lower, and grass can stuff under a flat bottom, creating additional resistance and making rowing difficult.
Another important aspect is thermoregulation: sitting on a pumped tank in cold water can be uncomfortable, because PVC cools quickly. At the same time, in the heat, the bottom warms up, but thanks to the air layer, the heat from the water is transferred less than through metal.
The myth of the “impenetrable” of NDND
There is a saying that you can't damage the inflatable floor. It's not. A puncture of a sharp stone or a snag in shallow water is real. Always carry a remix and glue.
And it's also worth mentioning the speed of assembly, because although it's called an inflatable boat, it takes longer to get ready to go out than it does for hard bottom boats, you have to pump sections consistently, you have to monitor the pressure, you have to install the stringers correctly, and a mistake in the sequence can cause the structure to be skewed.
specifications and load capacity
Model Azimuth Atlas 365 The average boat is a medium-sized boat, which allows you to comfortably accommodate two people with the necessary equipment. The declared carrying capacity is usually about 400-450 kg, which includes the weight of passengers, engine, fuel and fishing equipment.
The boat's dimensions make it feel comfortable to be on a small wavelength, 3.65 meters long and about 1.50 meters wide, providing enough cockpit area. In comparison, smaller boats (up to 3 meters) are often cramped for two adults with fishing rods, whereas smaller boats with rods are often cramped for two adults. Atlas 365 It provides the necessary space.
Below is a table with indicative technical data that will help determine the choice:
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Total length | 365 cm | Including inflatable parts |
| general width | 150 cm | Maximum width |
| Load capacity | 450 kg | Passport |
| Boat weight | 26-28 kg | No motor or gear. |
| Engine power | up to 6 hp | Recommended |
The optimal power of the engine for this boat is 4-5 hp This allows you to reach a speed of about 10-12 km / h, which is enough for trolling and moving around the reservoir.
Operation and behaviour on the water
On the boat The Azimuth Atlas 365 NDND is predictable, and because of the keeliness of the bottom, it cuts a small wave well, but in the great excitement of lightness, you can have a lot of vibration and impacts on the water, which is a characteristic of all lightweight inflatable boats. It's important to distribute the weight of passengers and cargo correctly to smooth out impacts.
The motor handling is good, but it's addictive, and because of the soft bottom, the boat can scour the course a little, especially in lateral winds. transom-wheel (if provided by design or bought separately) greatly facilitates the movement of the boat on the shore, as drag it on sand or stones is not recommended to avoid abrasion of the fabric.
When paddled, the boat exhibits high stability; its wide hull makes it difficult to roll over easily, which is especially important for fishing from the parking lot or for teaching children. Oars that come with a kit usually have an aluminum or wooden spoon and are light enough not to tire your hands during prolonged rowing.
Assembly and preparation for the season
The first launch of the boat requires careful study of the instructions. Assembly errors can lead to deformation of cylinders or even rupture of the seams. First of all, you need to check the integrity of all valves and the absence of visible defects in the fabric.
The process of placing the bottom of the NDND is as follows: first insert side stringers, then inflate the keel beam, and only then the final pumping of the main cylinders is made, and violation of this sequence can lead to the boat "mocking" and leveling it will be difficult.
☑️ Checklist before getting on the water
It's important to monitor the temperature. If you pump a boat in a warm garage and you go out into cold water, the pressure inside the cylinders will drop. Conversely, a boat left in the sun can swell and burst. Always leave a small supply or blow the air when environmental conditions change.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight unattended. The air pressure inside rises in proportion to the temperature, which can cause the seams to rupture.
Care, storage and repair
Durability of the boat Azimuth Atlas 365 After every operation, especially in salt water or dirty water, the boat needs to be thoroughly washed with fresh water and dried, and keeping a wet boat rolled up is a sure way to get mold and break down the adhesive seams.
Small punctures are repaired with a remix, which is usually included, and the damage site is cleaned, degreased and glued with PVC glue. It is important to repair at normal humidity and temperature, following the instructions for the glue. Large damage is best trusted by professionals in service centers.
Stacking the boat carefully, avoiding falling into the folds of solid objects (stones, sand), the ideal storage option is in a straightened form in limbo, but in an apartment it is rare, so the use of a special backpack bag with smooth walls is a must.
Lubricate the valves with silicone lubrication once a season, which will prevent them from sticking and ensure leakage, and facilitate the pumping and deflating of the boat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install an electric motor on Azimuth Atlas 365?
Yes, electric motors are possible and even recommended for quiet fishing, as long as the weight of the motor and battery does not exceed the permissible load per transom, and the electric motors are compact and do not require complex fuel preparation, which is ideally combined with the concept of a light inflatable boat.
How long does it take to assemble a NDND boat?
It takes about 15-20 minutes for an experienced user to fully assemble and pump the boat with a hand pump. When using an electric pump (from the battery), the time is reduced to 10 minutes, but the final pumping is still better done manually, controlling the pressure.
Do I need to register this boat with GIMS?
According to the current rules of the Russian Federation, small vessels weighing more than 200 kg in running order are subject to registration. Azimuth Atlas 365 The engine and gear are usually within this limit (the boat weighs about 26-28 kg), so registration is often not required. However, the rules may change, and the final decision depends on the exact weight of your kit.
Will the bottom of the boat withstand the sharp stones on the shore?
The PVC material is strong enough, but not designed to be in constant contact with sharp stones or shells. The bottom of the NDND is more vulnerable than a rigid aluminum hull. It is better to use a temporary ladder or protective lining to avoid punctures to pull the boat out onto steep shores.