Choosing a boat for fishing or outdoor activities on the water is always a compromise between size, weight and capacity. BoatWise 320 It has proven to be a reliable option that combines accessibility and functionality, and many aquatic motorists consider this size as the optimal size for transporting in the trunk of a passenger car without the need to disassemble the cabin.
However, despite the popularity, potential buyers often have questions about the real performance and durability of materials, and in this article we will discuss in detail the design, technical nuances and features of operation, so you can make an informed decision.
It is worth noting that BoatWise 320 Often chosen as the first serious boat after the transition from simple "checks", it is a logical step, allowing you to feel the comfort of a full-fledged cockpit and the possibility of installing an outboard motor with a capacity of up to 5-8 hp, which significantly expands the horizons of water walks.
Structural features and materials of the body
The basis of durability of any inflatable boat is the quality of the material used. BoatWise 320 The material is typically about 850-900 g/sq.m., which is the standard for medium-priced fishing and tourism-oriented boats.
An important element of the design is the high pressure inflatable floor (HPD). NDMA This model differs from the simpler plywood floorboard models, and the bottom, which is pumped to a pressure of 0.2-0.25 atmospheres, gives the hull a stiffness comparable to rigid vessels, but still retains the possibility of compact packaging.
To protect against mechanical damage along the perimeter of cylinders installed powerful flat-barIt takes on berths, rocky bottoms, or other boats when mooring, and without that element, the life of the cylinders would be reduced by a factor of several due to constant friction and the risk of cuts.
The interior of the cylinders is often equipped with a system. Air Deck Or similar reinforcement technology, which prevents the shape of the boat from being deformed by the crew and the engine, which is especially important when driving at high speeds when hydrodynamic forces tend to "crush" the structure.
⚠️ Attention! When pumping cylinders and BNDM, keep a close eye on the pressure. Pumping in the sun can cause joints to rupture, and failure to pump can cause loss of driving performance and rapid wear of fabric.
Special attention should be paid to the seams. BoatWise 320 It uses adhesive tape to prevent the material from being bundled under moisture and UV light, and checking the seams is the first thing you do after you buy them, looking closely for bubbles or non-proglyces.
Ergonomics of the cockpit and passenger accommodation
Comfort on the water depends on the interior space, with a length of 3.20 meters, which allows two adults to comfortably accommodate with a full set of equipment, and the width of the cockpit is usually about 1.40-1.45 meters, which gives enough room for the angler to act or install additional equipment.
Seats in a boat BoatWise 320 Hard cans are preferable for fishing because they allow a more stable landing, and the distance between the banks allows you to freely operate a spinning or fishing rod without touching the board.
- 🎣 Comfortable foot stops, often present in the design, allow you to fix when moving along the wave.
- 📦 The presence of special pockets on cylinders or the possibility of installing removable tables increases functionality.
- 🛡️ Protection against splashes (spray-deck) on the nose prevents water from entering the inside when moving against the wave.
For trophy fishing, space may be a bit small if bulky equipment is used, but for a standard walk or fishing with float gear, volume is enough. It is important to distribute the weight correctly: the heavier load should be placed closer to the center of gravity, so as not to "blow up" the nose or the transom.
The trawler of the boat is made of moisture-resistant plywood and reinforced with linings, designed to fit a motor of a certain power, which allows you to develop decent speeds, but it is worth remembering that overloading the transom with a heavy engine can lead to critical differentiation on the stern.
Driving performance and engine installation
The dynamics of movement is what many people love. BoatWise 320Because of the shape of the cylinders and the hard bottom, the boat is well glides even with low-power engines, and the optimal power of the engine for this model is considered to be a range of 3.5 to 6 hp.
When installing a 5-6 hp motor, a boat with one fisherman and equipment confidently holds the plane, developing speeds up to 25-30 km / h. This allows you to quickly get to the fishing point, saving time and fuel. Two-stroke engines are preferable here because of the lower weight, although four-strokes will provide a quieter ride.
It is important to set up correctly differentiationTo do this, the transom often has adjustment holes or the ability to shift the engine vertically, and the right angle of inclination of the lower unit avoids yaw and squirm on the wave.
Recommended engine weight for BoatWise 320: up to 20-22 kg (depending on the load capacity of the specific modification)When driving at full gas, the boat must go smoothly without burrowing its nose or pushing it too high. If the boat "jumps", it may be that the weight is misallocated or the engine is excessive for the current load.
Secrets to getting out on plane
For a quick getting on plane with a low-power engine, shift the weight of the passenger closer to the transom at the start, and after gaining speed, return to your regular place, which will help you overcome the transition mode faster.
Assembly, storage and transportation
One of the key advantages of the model is the ease of assembly. High pressure valves allow the boat to be pumped in 5-7 minutes using a foot or electric pump. Bravo or similar are reliable and do not poison the air with the correct closure of the cap.
When packing a storage boat, it is important to keep clean. Sand caught between layers of fabric when folded works like an abrasive and quickly destroys PVC. So after each trip, it is recommended to rinse the boat with fresh water and wipe dry.
- ❄️ It is better to store the boat in a warm room or at plus temperatures so that the material does not "tan" and does not crack on the folds.
- ☀️ Avoid long-term storage in a deflated state under direct sunlight - ultraviolet destroys the polymer.
- 🔧 Periodically check the pressure in the storage compartments, as temperature changes can change it.
Transportation in the trunk of the car is not a problem due to its compact size in packaged form. The bag usually has webbing for carrying, which is convenient if you need to walk some distance to the water along the shore.
☑️ Preparation for the season
specifications comparison table
For clarity, we will give the main technical parameters that will help to compare the possibilities. BoatWise 320 Competitors or previous models.
| Parameter | Meaning / Description |
|---|---|
| Length full, cm | 320 |
| Full width, cm | 140-145 |
| Load capacity, kg | 400-450 |
| Boat weight (without motor), kg | 38-42 |
| Recommended engine power, hp | 3.5 - 6.0 |
And you can see from the table that, with its own weight of about 40 kg, the boat is capable of carrying an impressive load, which makes it suitable not only for cruising, but also for full-fledged fishing with a boat anchor, sonar and a stock of gear.
It should be borne in mind that the actual weight may vary slightly depending on the year of production and the specific modification (the presence of a reinforced keel, additional pockets, etc.). Always check the current data with the manufacturer before buying.
Tuning and modernization
Owners often seek to improve the basic equipment. One of the most popular upgrades is the installation. transom-wheelThis simple device allows one person to easily move a motorboat over hard ground, which is especially true for heavy two-stroke engines.
Another useful element is the anchored rump on the nose, and the regular rings can be inconvenient for fast anchoring, and the installation of a quality ripskin cat or just a reliable ring will make it easier to fix the boat on the current.
To improve comfort, many people install soft jars or replace regular seats with swivel seats with mounts, and rod holders and sonar platforms that are attached to boards or cans are also in demand.
When installing additional equipment (echo sounder, navigator) use quick-removal mounts, which will allow you to quickly remove the electronics if you plan to leave the boat unattended on shore.
⚠️ Attention! Any modifications to drill cylinders or change the design of the transom should be carried out with extreme caution. Use only special adhesives and sealants for PVC, otherwise you risk impairing the tightness.
If you plan to go out at dusk or early in the morning, installing running lights (white-green and white-red) will not just be a convenience, but a requirement for safety and GIMS rules.
Frequent Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Can I use BoatWise 320 on large water bodies?
Yes, the boat is suitable for large lakes and reservoirs, but with limitations. In high wave conditions (more than 0.5 meters), it is dangerous to be in open water on an inflatable boat of this size due to low landing and the risk of flooding. For large aquators, it is better to choose models with higher cylinders.
What repairs can be done yourself?
At home, it is possible to repair small cuts and punctures with a remix (fragment of fabric + glue). To replace the valve or repair serious damage to the seams, it is better to contact a specialized workshop where there is equipment for hot vulcanization.
How long does a PVC boat last for active operation?
With care, storage in heat and the absence of direct sunlight in a deflated state, the service life BoatWise 320 The main enemy of PVC is ultraviolet light and mechanical damage when dragging on stones.
Do I need to register with the GIMS for this boat?
Registration is required if the weight of the outfit vessel (boat + engine + equipment) exceeds 200 kg or the engine power exceeds 8 hp (15 hp according to the new rules, but it is better to clarify the current laws for the current year).
BoatWise 320 is a versatile tool for fishermen who appreciate mobility and do not want to overpay for excess size, but requires careful attitude to the material and the correct selection of the engine.