Choosing a medium-sized watercraft is always about finding a tradeoff between mobility, spaciousness and comfort. Badger boat 390 NDNThe sleeve, which has been one of the most popular models in the domestic market for several years, represents a middle ground for those who have few two-seater options, and a full-fledged four-meter boat does not yet need or budget.
Badger’s lineup is renowned for its pragmatic design approach, with engineers relying on time-tested materials and functionality to remove unnecessary decorative elements. Badger 390 It's not just an inflatable boat, it's a serious tool for fishermen and hunters, and it requires careful attention to the details of operation, and in this review, we'll go through all the nuances of design.
It should be noted that the acronym for NDND in the model name means “low pressure inflatable floor”, a key feature that radically distinguishes this modification from the classic variants with a rigid floorboard floor. Comfort of movement inside the cockpit is achieved by the elasticity of the floor itself, which allows you to forget about the assembly and disassembly of heavy aluminum or plywood sheets.
⚠️ Attention: Despite the high density of the material, the inflatable floor requires careful handling when descenting into the water in rocky or overgrown places. Use a protective mat or special shoes with a rigid sole to avoid punctures.
Design features and materials
The basis of durability of any inflatable boat is the quality of the fabric. Badger 390 NDLD It uses five-layer reinforced PVC, which is highly resistant to ultraviolet radiation, fuel and mechanical damage. The density of the fabric is 750 g / sq.m., which is the standard for boats of this class, providing a balance between strength and weight.
The stringer system is particularly noteworthy, and unlike many competitors, it has a reinforced design that allows you to keep the bottom rigid even when you're fully loaded, and it's critical for safety, because it's very important for you to keep the bottom rigid. water-stability It depends on how well the watercraft holds shape when entering the wave.
The seams are laminated, which guarantees 100% tightness of the joints, and each seam undergoes double-painting and additional heat treatment, which eliminates the layering of the material at the highest stress points even after several seasons of active use under harsh conditions.
- 🛡️ Five-layer reinforced PVC It provides protection from puncture and abrasion.
- 🔒 Lat gluing The seams guarantee complete waterproofness of the structure.
- 💪 Strengthened stringers increase the stiffness of the inflatable floor under load.
Technology of fabric production
The secret of the strength of the Badger material is the perpendicular arrangement of the cord threads in the PVC layers. This creates the effect of fitting, spreading the load evenly over the entire area of the board, making rupture almost impossible during normal use.
inflatable floor benefits (BBB)
Going to a low-pressure inflatable floor changes the user experience dramatically, and the main thing is the speed of assembly, you don't have to waste time laying floorboards, connecting them with locks and installing stringers. boat boat 390 Ready to launch in 10-15 minutes.
The second important aspect is comfort. The inflatable floor works as a shock absorber, smoothing out the impacts of small waves. It's much more enjoyable to sit on this floor than on hard aluminum, especially in cold weather. It also allows the lack of hard elements to roll the boat into a more compact backpack, which is important for transport in the trunk of a car.
But the design of the NDND has its own peculiarities: the bottom has a lower keel-witness than the plyol versions, which can slightly reduce the driving performance at high speed, but for fishing and calm cruising, it is more of an advantage, as the boat becomes more stable.
To achieve maximum stiffness of the bottom of the NDND, it is recommended to pump it to the working pressure (usually 0.2-0.25 atm) only after the boat lies in the sun for 10-15 minutes, this will prevent overvoltage of the seams during thermal expansion of the air.
Dimensions, weight and capacity
The 390mm long model makes it versatile for all types of water, the width of the cockpit allows two full-equipment adult passengers to comfortably fit, while keeping the total weight of the boat assembled within reasonable limits, allowing one person to manage the load.
The load capacity of the model is calculated with a margin. You can safely carry a sonar, anchor, fuel supply and catch without fear of sludge. It is important to observe the weight distribution: the center of gravity should fall in the middle of the cockpit to ensure the best possible result. seaworthiness.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Full length | 390 cm | Optimal for 2 people |
| Full width | 165 cm | Comfortable cockpit |
| Boat weight | ~52 kg | No motor or equipment. |
| Load capacity | 650 kg | Including passengers |
| Passenger capacity | 2 people. | Recommended |
Compatibility with motors and driving performance
The trunk board on Badger 390 NDLD strengthened and able to withstand engines up to 15-18 hp However, the optimal choice for this length and type of bottom will be the engine in the range of 8-12 hp This engine will allow you to reach a speed of about 25-30 km / h, which is enough to move between fishing points.
The inflatable keel makes the boat very stable, less susceptible to wind demolition than flat-bottomed models, and when you get on plane, you have to distribute the weight correctly and raise your nose a little bit to reduce the water resistance.
To control the motor, it is recommended to use the tiller control, as it is easier and more reliable in fishing conditions. Remote control only makes sense if you plan to travel long distances often alone.
- 🚤 Optical power The engine is 9.9 - 12 hp for balance of speed and flow.
- ⚓ Course stability It is provided by a pronounced inflatable keel.
- ⛽ Fuel consumption at cruising speed is minimal due to the contours of the hull.
⚠️ Warning: When installing a motor with a power of more than 10 hp, be sure to use a nose bag for cargo or an anchor rim. Shifting the center of gravity forward compensates for the lifting of the nose at high speeds and prevents the "cobra".
Package and additional accessories
Standard equipment boats of the Badger 390 It usually includes everything you need to start operating, two inflatable seats that are attached to the lyctross on the sides, allowing them to adjust their position, and a remix of glue and fabric is included to quickly repair minor damage.
The option of installing additional equipment is also worth mentioning, the design allows you to mount holders for rods, sonar and navigator. For fishing in the dark, you can install running lights using special stands attached to cylinders.
For ease of movement on land and storage, it is recommended to purchase a special trolley-transom, which will save you from having to carry a heavy bag on your shoulder, and also useful purchase will be an anchor-cat weighing 3-4 kg, which is ideal for depths up to 5-7 meters.
☑️ Pre-season checks
Care, storage and maintenance
And Badger 390 NDLD You've been served with faith and truth for years, and you have to follow simple rules of care, and after every trip, you have to wash the boat thoroughly with fresh water, especially if you've been swimming in a salty water body or standing on a slurry bottom, and the sand and the silt act like an abrasive, gradually destroying the PVC protective layer.
Drying is a critical step. You can't fold a wet boat, because it will cause mold and decay of the fabric. You need to dry in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight, which can deform the material when heated. You can keep the boat straight at room temperature.
Check the pressure in the cylinders regularly. Pumped cylinders in the sun can burst, and under-pumped cylinders can damage the seams when hit by a wave. Use a quality pump with a pressure gauge for control.
Proper drying and storage at temperatures from -10 to +30 degrees - the guarantee that the glue at the seams will not lose its properties, and the boat will not begin to poison the air after 3-4 years of operation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to use the Badger 390 NDND boat in winter for fishing?
You can use PVC boats in winter, but with caution. The material in the cold swells and becomes more vulnerable to mechanical damage. You need to use special frost-resistant greases for the valves and avoid sharp cloth curvatures. It is also important to prevent water from entering the cylinders, where it can freeze and damage the seams.
Which pump is best suited for this model?
For pumping high pressure cylinders and low pressure bottom, it is best to use two-stage foot pumps or high-quality electric pumps with the ability to switch modes. It is important that the pump has a pressure gauge for accurate pressure control, since pumping the bottom of the NDNDM can lead to deformation of the geometry of the boat.
How difficult is it to seal a boat by yourself?
Small punctures and cuts up to 3-5 cm long can be sealed by yourself using a remix from the kit. The procedure requires degreasing the surface, applying glue, drying and heating (with a hairdryer or iron through paper). More serious damage is better entrusted to professionals in the service center.
Will the boat fit in the trunk of the sedan?
As assembled, the Badger 390 boat is packed into a bag with dimensions of about 110x50x40 cm In a standard sedan, it may not fit entirely, most likely you will need to fold the backs of the rear seats or use a hatchback / wagon. For a sedan, it is better to consider the option of transportation in a roof cover.