Choosing a swimming aid for fishing or a family holiday on the water often comes down to finding the perfect balance between compactness in folded form and stability on the water. Boatman 320 For many years, it has been a leader in the segment of low-cost PVC boats, offering customers a time-tested design, especially a modification with a low-pressure inflatable floor, known as the “System of the High-Pressure Bottom” (LDP). NDMAThis changes the boat’s performance.
Many beginners mistakenly believe that all boats with a length of 3.2 meters are identical in their properties, but the presence of an inflatable floor makes significant adjustments to handling and comfort. Boatsman 320 In this version, it becomes not just a "basket", but a full-fledged small vessel that can confidently keep the wave, and in this article we will analyze the technical details, compare the real figures with the data-sheet figures, and determine who really should buy this model.
It should be noted immediately that PVCThe silk that the manufacturer uses is very dense, which has a direct impact on the durability of the product when it's in active use. Despite the affordable price, the design can withstand heavy loads if you follow the rules of operation. Let's dive into the parts that are hidden from the eyes of the average shopper in the store.
Structural features and materials of the body
The basis of any quality boat is the material from which it is made. Boatsman 320 of the NDNDM uses high-density reinforced polyvinyl chloride. It's not just a film, it's a complex composite made up of multiple layers, including a solid polyester grid. tensileallowing the sides to withstand water pressure and impacts on obstacles without deformation.
The seams in this model are lattic, which is the standard of quality for this price segment. The technology involves the overlapping of strips of material on top of the joints, which guarantees 100% tightness even when under load for a long time. glued seams require careful handling, especially in the first seasons of use, until the glue is finally polymerized.
The low-pressure inflatable floor (LDPB) is made up of many vertical threads that connect the top and bottom surfaces of the balloon, and when pumped, these threads are pulled together to create a rigid plane that resembles a plywood sheet, but with shock-absorbing properties. This solution eliminates heavy sleighs and builds the boat. Boatsman Much faster.
- 🛡️ Five-layer PVC It provides protection against ultraviolet light and mechanical damage during mooring.
- ⚓ Enhanced flat-bar along the perimeter of the balloon protect the board from abrasion on the pier or sand.
- 🔧 The design of the valves allows you to quickly blow air and seal them even with wet hands.
⚠️ Attention: Don't leave a fully pumped boat in the direct sun in hot weather. The air inside the cylinders expands and the excess pressure can damage the welds or deform the geometry of the bottom of the NDNDM.
Technology of cylinder production
Botsmann 320 uses high-frequency welding to connect critical nodes, which eliminates material stratification at folding sites, especially in inflatable bottoms where loads are distributed unevenly depending on the weight of the passengers.
Dimension, weight and load capacity
When choosing a boat 3.2 meters long, the weight of the boat in packaged form is often a key factor. Boatsman 320 The inflatable floor weighs about 38-40 kilograms, which is the average for this class, and by comparison, the sleigh book models would be heavier, and the airDeck models would be lighter, but less rigid.
The assembled dimensions allow two adult passengers to comfortably accommodate with a stock of equipment, with a length of 3.20 meters and a width of 1.45 meters creating an optimal balance of stability and maneuverability. Working capacity It is 400 kg, but for comfortable fishing with a motor, it is recommended not to exceed the load of 250-280 kg.
Transportability is another important aspect: folded, the boat is packed into a bag about 110x45x35 cm. This volume allows you to place equipment in the trunk of a passenger sedan, although hatchbacks may need to fold the rear seats. The weight is distributed unevenly: the bulk is concentrated in the area of the transom and cylinders.
For clarity, compare the specifications of Botsman 320 with competitors in the class "3.2 with NDND":
| Characterization | Botzmann 320 NDND | A's middle competitor. | Average competitor B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length full, cm | 320 | 320 | 315 |
| Full width, cm | 145 | 140 | 142 |
| Weight, kg | 39 | 42 | 36 |
| Load capacity, kg | 400 | 350 | 380 |
| Max, engine power, hp. | 10 | 8 | 10 |
The optimal loading of Botsman 320 for safe and fast cruising should not exceed 70% of the rated carrying capacity.
Driving performance for an outboard motor
Installation of the motor turns Boatsman 320 The manufacturer has declared a maximum power of 10 hp, and this restriction should be strictly observed. The transom is made of moisture-resistant plywood reinforced with an aluminum profile, which allows you to withstand the vibrations and thrust of the engine.
Thanks to the bottom. NDMAThe boat has a great germination for planing. With a load of one person (about 80 kg) and an engine of 5-6 hp, the boat goes to the plane already at 3000-3500 revolutions. The speed reaches 20-22 km / h, which is enough to move along reservoirs and rivers with a weak current.
However, it is worth considering that the soft bottom extinguishes the shocks against the wave, but also slightly “eats” the speed due to the greater resistance of water compared to the hard aluminum bottom. When fully loaded (two people plus equipment), a confident plane will require an 8-9.9 hp motor. Botzmann It shows itself steadily, without burrowing its nose and not prowling.
- 🌊 Soft bottom NDMA It perfectly absorbs the impacts of the chop wave, reducing crew fatigue.
- 🚤 To enter plane with two passengers, a power engine is needed at least 8 hp.
- 📉 When installing a 10 hp motor, the speed with one person can reach 25 km / h by GPS.
Comfort and ergonomics on the water
Being on the water for several hours requires not only a reliable body, but also thoughtful comfort. Boatman 320 equipped with two inflatable seats (banks), which are attached to the sides by means of the system liquiglide This allows you to easily move them along the side, choosing the optimal center of gravity.
The surface of the bottom of the NDND is pleasant to the touch and does not slide as wet plywood, and you can kneel when catching fish or mounting gear without discomfort. However, the bottom fabric requires careful handling: sharp objects, hooks or fish scales can damage the top layer of PVC.
The bow has an inflatable balloon that serves not only for buoyancy, but also as a support for the legs of the rower or passenger, along the sides there is a liner cable that can be held up when swimming or mooring, rings and holders for rods are provided for fixing tackles, although their number in the basic configuration may be limited.
⚠️ Attention: Inflatable cans are not full seats for long sitting fishing. For comfort, it is recommended to use additional inflatable cushions or removable back seats installed on the slate.
To increase comfort, you can put a special mat of EVA material on the bottom of the NDND, which will protect the bottom from punctures and create a warm layer in cold weather.
Assembly, storage and maintenance
The process of preparing the boat for launch takes an average of 15-20 minutes when using a mechanical pump. The bottom of the NDNDM is pumped first to a pressure of 0.2 atm, then the side. The final pressure in the sides should be 0.25-0.3 atm. It is important to use a pressure gauge, since the pumped bottom can become too rigid and less comfortable.
Once in operation, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, especially if you have been fishing in salt water or in a body of water with abundant vegetation. Sand caught between layers of PVC acts as an abrasive and accelerates the wear of the material. Drying before packaging is a prerequisite for a long life of the product.
Store Boatsman 320 It should be spread out or half-folded in a dry room at plus temperature. Although modern materials are frost-resistant, storage in extreme frost makes PVC brittle. Regularly check the valves for contamination and lubricate them with silicone lubrication if necessary.
☑️ Checklist after fishing
Real reviews and typical problems
By analyzing the experience of owners over several years of operation, one can distinguish steady trends. Boatman 320 It's true for 5-7 seasons, when used carefully, and sometimes the quality of the glue at the joints of the hinges of the early batches is criticized, but it's a solvable problem.
A typical "disease" of all NDND boats, including Botzmann, is the hammock effect. When there is a heavy chop and a counter wave, the soft bottom can bend downwards, creating additional resistance, this is treated by properly loading and, in some cases, installing an additional hard sleigh on top of the inflatable floor (called a "sandwich").
There are also complaints about the bag-pack: the fabric is often thin, and lightning can disperse under the weight of the boat. Experienced owners immediately recommend buying or sewing a stronger tent case for transportation, so as not to damage the boat itself with the sharp edges of the bag.
⚠️ Attention: If you find air etching (slow descent), do not rush to seal the balloon. First check the valves - in 80% of cases, the problem lies in contamination or pulling of the valve nut.
How do you extend the life of the valves?
Use a special valve lift key (usually included). Once a season, check the puff: it should be tight, but without fanaticism, so as not to break the thread. Lubricate rubber seals with silicone.
Summary and recommendations
Boat. Boatman 320 with NDNDM It's a rational choice for the amateur fisherman and tourist looking for a reliable means of transportation on the water without overpaying for the brand, it combines sufficient capacity, good seaworthiness and acceptable weight. It's not a racing car, but a confident "worker" for the weekend.
If you plan to spend the night in a boat or fishing with a lot of gear, it is worth considering models of longer length (3.5-3.8 m), since 3.2 meters is the limit of comfort for two with an overnight stay.
The main advantage of this model is its versatility: it is easy enough to carry by one person (albeit with difficulty) and wide enough for sustainable standing fishing. PVC It will last for many years, giving emotions from communication with water.
Can I put on Botsman 320 engine 15 hp?
Technically, the transom will withstand a short-term load, but it is categorically not recommended Excessive power will cause excessive load on the transom board, risk of transomper tearing off and loss of control, maximum safe power is 10 hp.
What pressure to pump to the bottom of the NDND?
The optimum working pressure for a low pressure inflatable floor is 0.2 - 0.25 atm Pumping to higher values (0.4-0.5 atm) is possible only when using the bottom as a hard sleigh on land, but on water this will lead to deformation of the cylinders.
Does the NDNDD tissue tear in the cold?
Modern PVC retains elasticity to -30°C, but in the cold it becomes rigid. forbidden You can use water to break the fabric, but you need to store and transport it in the cold in a straightened form.
Do I need to lubricate the seams with silicone?
No, modern glued seams don't require lubrication. Silicone is only processed with rubber valve seals and water drain plugs so that the rubber parts don't dry out and seal the compound better.
Will the Botzmann 320 fit in the trunk of the sedan?
In a standard sedan trunk (about 450-500 liters), a packed boat measuring 110x45x35 cm fits if the rear seats are folded down or if the trunk is very deep. However, you will most likely have to sacrifice space for the engine and other equipment.