The modern market of inflatable boats is saturated with offers, but the model is not. Azimuth Everest 385 It is a leader in the universal watercraft class, not just another PVC boat, but a thoughtful engineering project designed for those looking for a balance between compactness in transport and seaworthiness in open water, with a 3.85-meter size that allows a crew of three or four to comfortably accommodate while maintaining excellent maneuverability.
Owners often note that it is in this length that balloon They start to work as efficiently as possible, quenching the wave and ensuring a dry landing even in lateral winds, and the design of the bottom and the rigidity of the cockpit here go to a fundamentally different level than the smaller modifications, and if you plan long fishing trips or walks with family, understanding the specifics of this model will be a decisive factor when buying.
Detailed study technical specifications Azimuth Everest 385 reveals that the manufacturer has made a bet on reinforced materials and ergonomics. bottom-reinforceThis is critical for operating in rocky shallow waters or in algae-covered bays, and we'll go over why this boat is considered a benchmark in its segment.
Structural features and materials of the body
The basis of durability of any inflatable boat is the quality of the material used. Mount 385 It uses five-layer high-density reinforced PVC, which is not only very tensile, but also very resistant to UV, HCM and temperature changes. hot-vulcanization ensures tightness of the compounds throughout the life of the product, eliminating the risk of stratification even after years of active use.
The inflatable floor design, often referred to as the "high pressure floor" or NDH, is particularly noteworthy, unlike the classic plywood or aluminum floorboards, which allow the boat to be assembled into a single bag while maintaining excellent driving performance. The high pressure in the bottom cylinders (up to 1 psi) creates the rigid plane required to reach the bottom. gelling with the minimum power of the motor.
- 🛡️ Five-layer reinforced PVC with a density of 850 g / m2 provides protection against punctures.
- 🔥 The technology of hot gluing of seams makes the joints stronger than the material itself.
- ⚓ Reinforced keel-ballon improves course stability and reduces yaw.
- 🌊 The stainless stains on the floor will protect you from the stain.
It is worth noting that the geometry of the cylinders in Azimuth Everest 385 It's designed to minimize water resistance, and the rounded shapes of the nose effectively break the wave, preventing the cockpit from splashing, and this is especially important when you're going against the wind or when you're going through the water, when the water doesn't fly over the side, but instead flows down the inclined cylinders back into the water.
When assembling a boat, always check the pressure in the cylinders with a pressure gauge, especially in hot weather - heating the air in the sun can lead to excessive pressure and deformation of the seams.
Dimensions, weight and capacity
The size of the boat directly affects its performance, the length of 385 cm is the “golden mean”: the vessel is still easily transported in the trunk of a crossover or wagon, but already has sufficient capacity for serious fishing. stability parking lot, which allows fishermen to safely change seats or stand up at full height.
The weight of the kit is an important parameter, especially if you plan to launch alone. Despite the use of dense materials, engineers have managed to optimize the weight by breaking the kit into several bags. Transportable weight is usually divided between a boat bag, a floorboard bag (if a hard floor is used), and a attachment bag. This allows one person to easily carry all the components to the descent site.
Capacity Mount 385 It's officially designed for 3-4 people, but the most comfortable place is for two adults with a full suite of fishing gear, and a large buoyancy reserve allows you to take a large load without fear of a critical drop in the height of the board above the water, which is critical for safety, because the high side prevents the waves from flooding.
Features of the bottom and hard floor
Choosing a gender type is always a compromise between comfort and weight. Azimuth Everest 385 The manufacturer often offers options with both high pressure inflatable floor (HPD) and removable hard floorboard floor. Hard floor, made of moisture-resistant plywood or aviation aluminum, provides a perfectly flat surface, which is convenient to walk on, and better protection from the cold coming from the water.
The paiola fixation system in this boat is implemented through longitudinal and transom stringers, these are metal profiles that are inserted into special pockets and fixed in the slots of cylinders, creating a single rigid structure. The correct installation of the stringers is the guarantee that the boat will keep shape when driving at high speeds.
If you choose the version with float-bottomYou'll get a gain in weight and packaging volume, but you'll lose stiffness when you're fully loaded. For fish with a sonar and lots of gear, a hard floor is preferable because it allows you to secure the equipment. inflatable floor is more suitable for cruising purposes and hunting, where assembly speed and minimum weight are important.
☑️ Checking the condition of the sex before the season
Compatibility with motors and driving performance
Boat. Azimuth Everest 385 Designed for the installation of outboard motors with a capacity of 5 to 15 hp The optimal choice for planing with two passengers and cargo is a 9.9 hp engine with an extended lower unit. The transom plate is reinforced with an insert of moisture-resistant plywood or aluminum, which allows you to withstand vibration loads from the engine without the risk of deformation.
Driving on the water deserves special attention. Due to the optimal ratio of length to width, the boat has excellent germination on the wave, when moving, it does not burrow with its nose, but slides confidently on the surface. The angles of the differential are regulated by the position of the engine and the distribution of cargo, which allows you to find a balance between speed and efficiency.
For those planning to use a boat for trolling, stability at low speeds is important. A wide cockpit and low center of gravity make it a great choice. Mount 385 It's worth remembering, however, that if you install a motor above the recommended power, you can exceed the design loads on the transom and cylinders.
The secret to fuel economy
A properly selected propeller reduces fuel consumption by up to 20%. For a boat with a full load of 385 cm, it is often more efficient to use a screw with a smaller pitch than a standard one, which will allow the engine to more easily reach working speeds.
Technical specifications in figures
To make an informed decision, you need to rely on dry facts. Below is a table with the main parameters that will help you compare the data. Azimuth Everest 385 And you can see the pressure distribution in the compartments, which is a key parameter for rigidity.
The numbers may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and the specific modification, so always check the product passport. The specified weight is approximate and depends on the configuration (the presence of a hard floor, type of bags, additional options).
| Parameter | Meaning | Unit of measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum length | 385 | centimeter |
| maximum width | 165 | centimeter |
| Cockpit length | 280 | centimeter |
| Load capacity | 650 | kilogram |
| Working pressure | 0.25 | atm (balloons) |
Analysis of the table shows that, with relatively compact dimensions, the boat has an impressive payload capacity, which is achieved due to the large volume of cylinders and the correct geometry. The pressure of 0.25 atm is standard for safety cylinders, but high-pressure cylinders (keel and bottom) require pumping up to 1 atm to ensure the necessary rigidity.
Compliance with the recommended cylinder pressure is not just a formality, but a condition for the safety and durability of the boat. Under-pumped boat loses driving performance, pumped at risk of bursting in the sun.
Package and additional options
Standard equipment Azimuth Everest 385 It usually includes the boat itself, the packing bags, the refit, the pump and the manual, but the market offers many options that can significantly expand the functionality. electric-motorThis makes the boat ideal for quiet fishing in protected areas.
There are also options available, from simple inflatable cushions to rigid soft-plate cans and even swivel seats. For night fishing or multi-day hikes, a tent or running awning that protects against rain and the scorching sun is a useful option. Fertilizer mounts and sonar are often basic, but can be upgraded.
- 🎣 Possibility of installing a control console for distance.
- ⚓ The presence of handrails around the perimeter for safety.
- 💡 Possibility of installation of running lights and navigation equipment.
- 🎒 Additional pockets and bags for small things on cylinders.
When selecting additional accessories, it is important to consider the overall weight of the load. Overloading the boat reduces its stability and increases the risk of water getting inside. Therefore, when planning the installation of heavy equipment, such as a large battery or an anchor winch, you should recalculate the balance.
Where to keep the boat in winter?
The ideal place is a heated room, and if you don't have that option, you can leave the boat in the garage, but you have to keep it deflated and away from the heaters, and you can't keep it inflated in the cold.
Care, maintenance and durability
And Everest 385 has served you faithfully for years, and you need to take good care of it. After every time you go out, especially on a salty water body, you need to wash the boat thoroughly with fresh water. Salt and sand act as an abrasive, destroying the structure of PVC and accelerating the aging of the material.
Drying is a must before packaging. Even the minimum amount of moisture inside the bag can lead to mold and unpleasant odor, which is very difficult to remove. Drying the boat is better in the shade, as direct sunlight on the heated material can cause it to deform or damage the seams.
Periodically, valve and suture inspections should be performed. To clean PVC materials, use special products that do not contain solvents, chlorine or abrasive particles. Conventional soaps or special sprays for PVC are the best choice for maintaining the appearance and properties of the material.
☑️ Annual TO boats
⚠️ Attention: Never keep the boat assembled in direct sunlight. The greenhouse effect inside the cylinders can lead to a critical increase in pressure and rupture of the seams, even if the boat is in the shade of trees, but under a transparent awning.
⚠️ Attention: When using a chainsaw or other tools near a boat, be extremely careful. Sparks from a saw can burn PVC instantly, and restoring tightness in the field will be extremely difficult.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use compressors without pressure control to pump the boat; automatic pumps can “pump” cylinders, especially in hot weather, which will lead to their deformation and loss of warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install a 385 18 hp engine on Azimuth Everest?
Technically, a higher power motor is possible if the transom design allows, but this is not recommended by the manufacturer. Exceeding the recommended power (usually up to 15 hp for this model) can lead to the destruction of the transom plate, loss of handling at high speeds and create a dangerous situation for the crew.
How to keep a boat in the garage in winter?
The boat must be thoroughly washed, dried and completely deflated, and it is best folded so that the folds do not form sharp clogs, and placed in a bag, stored in suspension or on a shelf to avoid contact with rodents and moisture. The optimal storage temperature is from -10 to +25 degrees.
How long does it take to build a boat, Everest 385, for one person?
It takes about 15-20 minutes for an experienced user to fully assemble and pump a hard-floor boat. inflatable floor (BBB) takes less time, about 10-12 minutes, because there is no need to assemble and fix floorboards and stringers. Using an electric pump greatly speeds up the process.
How resistant is the boat to punctures on stones?
Materials Azimuth Everest 385 It's very durable, but sharp stones at speed can damage the bottom, and the presence of protective belts on cylinders and the use of an inflatable keel partially compensates for this risk, but it's recommended to swim in difficult conditions in a protective boat case or by choosing a route with caution.