Choosing a swimming aid for fishing or outdoor activities on the water is often a challenge due to the huge number of offers on the market. boat-boat Chirok 320It has proven to be a reliable and affordable option for one or two people, combining the compactness required for easy transportation with sufficient payload capacity for full motor fishing.
In this review, we will examine in detail the design features, technical parameters and real experience of the operation of this model. You will learn about the nuances of choice, features of assembly and care. PVC materialsIt's a good way to make a smart buying decision, and a good understanding of the specifications will help you avoid common mistakes when you first get on the water.
Many aquatic motorists value this series for the balance between price and quality of execution. inflatable tubes The hard floor provides the stability needed to fish confidently, so let's look at what's behind the 320 marking and why it's one of the most popular in its class.
Technical specifications and design features
The 320 model is a small rowing boat and a motor rowing boat, and the number in the title indicates the total length of the product, which is 320 centimeters. single-use The width of the hull usually varies between 135 and 140 cm, which provides acceptable stability in calm water and with little excitement.
The design of the floor in this model is most often performed by the system Air Deck The first option is much easier and easier to assemble, the second one provides a stiffer platform, but requires time to dry after use. The package weight rarely exceeds 25-30 kilograms, which allows it to be carried in the trunk of a passenger car without a special trailer.
An important element is the availability quilt It's a design feature that allows the boat to keep its course better and to plane more easily when the engine is installed. Without a hard or inflatable keel, the flat bottom would create a strong yaw, especially in lateral winds or currents.
⚠️ Warning: When buying, be sure to check the integrity of the seams and the absence of factory defect valves, as repairing PVC in the field can be difficult.
For ease of control in the nose is often installed graffiti The maximum power of the engine is usually limited to 5 hp, which is enough to develop speeds up to 20-25 km / h depending on the load and water conditions.
Materials and build quality
The basis of durability of any boat is the material from which it is made. For the production of the model Chiroc 320, a multilayer reinforced vessel is used. PVC (polyvinyl chloride)This material consists of several layers of tissue impregnated with a polymeric composition, which gives it high tensile strength and resistance to puncture. The density of the tissue is usually between 750 and 900 g / m2, which is the standard for the amateur class.
The quality of the assembly depends on the technology of connecting parts. hot-glue Or welding seams, which makes joints monolithic and waterproof, and unlike cold gluing, seams are not afraid of extreme temperatures and prolonged exposure to water, but even the strongest materials require careful care, especially in the folding areas and at the transom.
The furniture used in the construction also plays an important role. Cast pensAnd so, reliable pump valves and high-quality lintel rings have to withstand constant loads. Cheap plastic fittings can crack in the cold or under the influence of ultraviolet light, so manufacturers try to use proven components.
How to check the quality of PVC to the touch?
The high-quality material is dense to the touch, with characteristic roughness of fabric, has no sharp chemical smell and stickiness. Cheap analogues often smell of phenol and have a glossy slippery surface.
It's worth noting that the life of the boat depends on the storage conditions, so if you leave it pumped in direct sunlight on a hot summer day, polymer can be deformed, and the pressure inside the cylinders will increase to critical values, which will lead to rupture of the seams.
Operation and load capacity
The load capacity of the Chirok 320 allows you to comfortably accommodate on board one adult person weighing up to 100-110 kg along with the necessary equipment. When installing the engine and the second passenger, the buoyancy margin decreases, and the boat lands deeper into the water, which increases the risk of being overwhelmed by the wave. Therefore, for two people with a motor and belongings, this model is considered to be the limit, and special care is required.
Not only are the dimensions important for fishing, but the functionality is also important. fishing-leaf Perimeters allow you to attach gear, sonar or navigator, and some modifications are equipped with removable cans (seats) that can be moved along the sides, changing the weight and centering of the boat depending on the number of people and cargo.
The water handling depends a lot on the proper loading, so if you put all the load in the bow, the boat will start digging its nose and get worse on the plane, and the optimal weight distribution is to shift the center of gravity closer to the transom, but not overloading the stern so as not to scoop water over the side.
To increase the comfort of fishing, install soft removable pillows on the banks - this will save your back when waiting for many hours for a stick.
In windy weather, the sailing of the inflatable tubes becomes noticeable. To keep the sailing effect from taking you off course, it is recommended to use a cat anchor or a drag, especially when fishing in plumb. The small weight of the boat makes it sensitive to gusts of wind, so control of the position is mandatory.
Assembly, preparation for the season and care
The process of assembling the boat Chirok 320 is quite simple and does not require special skills, but following the sequence of actions will prolong the service life of the product. First, the cylinder is decomposed and straightened, then a transom board is installed (if it is removable), after which the cylinders and floor are pumped. It is important to observe the recommended pressure, which is usually 0.2-0.25 atmosphere for cylinders and up to 0.8-1.0 atmosphere for inflatable floors.
For pumping, it is best to use a foot or electric pump with a pressure gauge. Using high-pressure compressors in cars without control can cause the seams to pump and damage, especially in hot weather. After pumping, be sure to check the leakproofness of the joints with soap solution if the boat is new or has not been used for a long time.
☑️ Season preparation checklist
After each operation, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, especially if you have been swimming in salt water or contaminated bodies of water. The sand and silt left on the bottom act as an abrasive, rubbing the fabric when blown and packed. Drying should take place in the shade, since direct sunlight is harmful to wet PVC.
Store the product in a dry room at a plus temperature. The boat folded in a tight case should not be exposed to rodents or sharp objects. Periodically, once a season, it is recommended to completely inflate the boat and leave for several hours to check the pressure and straighten the folds of the material.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Full length | 320 cm | Overall length |
| Width | 136 cm | On the outer cylinders |
| Load capacity | 250-300 kg | Including boat weight |
| Weight of kit | 24-28 kg | Depends on the gender type. |
| Engine power | up to 5 hp | Recommended |
⚠️ Warning: Never keep the boat deflated under heavy objects – this leads to the formation of cloth creases that cannot be straightened.
Tuning and modernization
Owners often aim to improve the basic equipment by adding useful elements for comfort and safety. safety-liner They not only hold things together, they also serve as handrails that you can grab if you fall overboard.
For anglers, the installation of rod holders and echo sounder platforms is an important element, and these accessories can be attached to banks or boards with special fasteners. tent or a sun visor, which is attached to arcs inserted into special pockets on cylinders.
Improvements in performance are possible by installing a hydrofoil on the engine or replacing the regular propeller with a more efficient one, but it is worth remembering that over-modernization can disrupt the balance and stability of a small vessel. Any changes must be considered from a safety perspective.
Competent tuning allows you to turn a standard boat into a specialized tool for a specific type of holiday, whether it is trolling or cruising with family.
And don't forget to protect the transom, because if you put an extra transmuter plate or you reinforce the engine with rubber pads, you can reduce vibration and extend the life of the wooden components, and this is especially true when you use powerful motors for this model.
Comparison with competitors and final conclusions
In the inflatable boat market, the Chiroc 320 competes with brands such as Flagman, Hunter and Mev. The main advantage is often the price while maintaining acceptable materials quality. Unlike cheaper counterparts, high-quality fittings and cylinder geometry are more common here, which has a positive effect on driving performance.
However, compared to premium models, it may be inferior in density and configuration, such as the lack of a backpack bag in the basic version or the use of simpler valves. The Cheroke 320 is often chosen by those who are looking for a “workhorse” for periodic trips to the pond without overpaying for the brand.
In conclusion, it is a balanced solution for beginners and avid fishermen, and with proper operation and timely departure, the boat will last for many years, giving positive emotions from communication with the water, the main thing is not to overload the vessel and carefully monitor its condition.
Which pump is best used for the Chiroc 320 boat?
The best choice is a two-stage foot pump with a pressure gauge or a compact electric pump with battery power (12V). It is important that the pump can provide the necessary pressure (up to 1 floor atmosphere), since cheap models often "shut down" on 0.4-0.5 atmospheres, leaving the floor soft.
Can you swim in this motorized boat?
Formally, the payload capacity allows you to accommodate two adults and a motor, but it will be at the limit of possibilities. The boat will lose a lot of driving performance, increase draft and the risk of flooding. For two with an engine, it is more comfortable to consider models from 340-360 cm in length.
How to properly seal a puncture in the field?
For emergency repairs, use a piece of PVC fabric made of remix and a special glue. The surface should be degreased, cleaned, glued on both surfaces, let dry, then pressed and warmed (you can use warm water or iron through paper). Full polymerization takes 24 hours.