PVC inflatable boats have long since ceased to be just a budget alternative to boats, becoming a full-fledged tool for serious anglers. Among the many models on the market, a special place is occupied by designs with low-pressure inflatable floor (LDPB), which provide incredible comfort on the water. Chiro 340It became popular due to its stability and ease of operation.
Many water-engineers choose this model for fishing in pairs, because it can withstand significant loads and confidently holds the wave. Unlike the classic peyol options, there is no need to assemble a complex floor, which saves time on the shore, but this design has its own nuances that must be considered before buying, so as not to be disappointed in the result.
In this article, we will discuss the specifications, conduct an analysis of behavior on the water and give practical recommendations for the care of the product. bottom It changes the whole idea of comfort in a small boat, and whether it is worth overpaying for this functionality.
Design features and materials
The basis of the durability of any boat is the quality of the materials used. Chiro 340 It is made of reinforced polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with a density of 750-850 g / m2. pentacleIt's a very high tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and when you come into contact with rocky bottoms or branches, you have minimal risk of puncture unless you make extreme efforts.
The key element of the design is the system NDND (low pressure inflatable floor)Unlike high pressure (HP), which requires high-power pumps and gives stiffness, low pressure allows you to get a flat surface without excess weight. Inside the cylinders are fabric slings (band-and-block), which prevent the boat from swelling into width, maintaining a predetermined geometry.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to pump the bottom to the state of "drum skin." For NDND enough pressure 0.2-0.25 atm. Excess pressure can lead to deformation of the seams and the separation of slings inside the cylinder.
The boats are divided into three independent compartments, which ensures buoyancy even if one of them is damaged. The trunk section reinforced by an additional layer of plywood or composite, which allows you to install motors with a capacity of up to 5-6 hp without the risk of deformation of the stern.
Seams on series products chiro They're designed by a two-part glue glue glue, which is tight and reliable, and they don't have to be afraid of temperature changes, and the quality of the glue has a direct impact on life, so you should look at the joints for bubbles or detachments when you buy them.
The secret to the longevity of seams
Manufacturers often use activators to speed up gluing. If you smell a sharp chemical smell from new seams, allow the boat to stand in the air for 2-3 days before the first operation, this will allow the volatile fractions of the glue to escape, making the joint more elastic.
Technical specifications and dimensions
When choosing a boat, it is critical to correlate its dimensions with operating conditions and the number of passengers. Chiro 340 It is a compact two-seater boat, but its interior space is very well organized, and the width of the cockpit allows two adults with a supply of equipment to comfortably accommodate.
The boat weighs about 26-28 kg, making it transportable on a passenger car even without a trailer. When deflated, it easily fits into the trunk of most sedans, especially if you use a backpack with ergonomic straps. key-point before aluminum analogues and heavy floorboard models.
Below is a detailed table of specifications that will help determine the feasibility of buying for your tasks:
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Total length | 340 cm | Inflatable elements |
| general width | 160 cm | Optimal for sustainability |
| Load capacity | 400 kg | Including boat and motor weight |
| Max, engine power. | 5-6 hp | 4-5 hp is recommended. |
| Passenger capacity | 2 people. | Comfortable + load |
It is important to note that the rated carrying capacity of 400 kg is the limit at which the boat is still afloat. workload This will provide a high board above water and better handling.
Water behaviour and driving performance
The biggest advantage of inflatable floor boats is their wave behavior. There's no hard floor, so the hull works as a single shock absorber, extinguishing the impacts on the water. Chiroke 340 This is felt especially brightly: even with a side wind, the boat does not receive hard blows in the bottom, which are characteristic of plyol models.
The stability of the model allows you to stand up in full growth, which is highly appreciated by spinning anglers. The wide balloon and flat bottom create a float effect, making it almost impossible to turn the boat over under safety rules.
When going to planing with a 5 hp engine, the boat confidently breaks off from the water with a load of up to 120-130 kg. The speed is about 18-20 km / h, which is enough to move between fishing points. If the load increases, the boat goes into displacement mode, maintaining a stable course.
⚠️ Attention: When you move against the wave at high speed, watch the angle of the trim, because of the soft bottom, the food may be unnecessarily submerged, which will lead to water flooding through the transom.
Manageability by Chiroke 340 A short leg (S) can lead to cavitation in corners, so it is recommended to use long leg (L) motors or put a slot on a transom. hydrodynamics It'll reduce fuel consumption.
Comfort and ergonomics of the cockpit
The interior of the boat is designed to meet the needs of the angler, with two inflatable seats (cans) attached to the cylinders by means of a can. lyctros-licpaseYou can move the seats closer to the nose or the stern, changing the weight distribution depending on the number of passengers.
The bottom surface, although soft, is quite suitable for cruising in soft-sole shoes, but for maximum comfort and puncture protection, it is better to use special mats or plywood flooring that can be made yourself, which also makes it easier to move around the boat when catching large fish.
To protect the inflatable floor from fish claws and sharp objects, put a tight tourist mat or a piece of linoleum on the floor, which is cheap and will significantly extend the life of PVC fabric.
The bow is often equipped with anchor tack mounts, which are convenient for wind fishing, and the sides also have carry handles and safety liners. valves And the rod holders are made of impact-resistant plastic that is resistant to ultraviolet.
It takes no more than 10 to 15 minutes to assemble a boat, even for an inexperienced user, and you don't have to insert paioles, or fit them, or hit them with a hammer, you just need to straighten the boat, pump the tanks and the bottom, install the seats, and you can go down to the water, and this is especially true in the cold season or in high winds.
Selection of attachments and motor
For full operation Chiroka 340 The best option will be two-stroke engines with a capacity of 4-5 hp from proven brands, such as: Tohatsu, Yamaha Four-stroke engines are fine, but they're heavier, which can affect the planing output.
If you plan to use the boat mainly for quiet fishing or in places where motor running is prohibited, it is worth considering electric motors. A traction of 30-40 lbs (pounds) will provide a speed of about 5-6 km / h, which is economical and silent.
- 🛶 Anchor: For a boat of this size, an anchor weighing 3-4 kg is enough. It is better to use a cat anchor or fungus, which easily get stuck in driftwoods, but it is easier to release them with a jerk.
- ⚓ Anchor cable: Use a synthetic cord with a diameter of 4-6 mm. The length of the cable should be triple the depth at the fishing site.
- 🔋 Power reserve: When installing a tank-addresser for 12 liters of fuel reserve will be enough for 3-4 hours of active travel or for a whole day of fishing in economical mode.
Don't forget to buy a quality pump. For NDND, foot pumps with a pressure gauge and two modes of operation (large volume for quick pumping and high pressure for the final stage) are best suited. Electric battery pumps are convenient, but may not give the right pressure for bottom rigidity.
☑️ Boat assembly on a pond
Care, storage and repair
Durability of the boat Chiro 340 After every fishing trip, especially in salt water or muddy water, the product must be rinsed with fresh water, and the dirt and sand left on the surface act as an abrasive, gradually destroying the protective layer of PVC.
Drying is a critical step, and you can't fold a wet boat, because it causes mold and welds, and if you can't dry it at home, leave it straightened for a couple of hours on the shore, or keep it inflated until it's dry.
Store the boat in a case at a temperature of -20 to +40 degrees, although room temperature is considered the optimal mode. Avoid direct sunlight during prolonged storage, as ultrafillets destroy the structure of the polymer, making it brittle. Periodically (once a season) it is recommended to treat the surface with special treatments. UV protectors.
⚠️ Warning: Do not keep the boat near heaters or open fire sources, and avoid contact with gasoline, oil and solvents, which can instantly melt PVC fabric.
If you puncture, don't panic. A commercially available repair kit can repair the damage on its own, the puncture site is degreased, cleaned and patched with glue, and it's important to let the glue fully polymerize (usually 24 hours) before pumping.
Proper drying and storage in the spread form increase the service life of the boat Chirok 340 by 1.5-2 times, maintaining the elasticity of seams and fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to go out on a boat Chirok 340 to the big water?
The access to large bodies of water (Ladoga, Onega, sea) is possible only in calm weather and near the shore. Due to the short length (3.4 m) and high sailing boat is vulnerable to a sharp wave, necessarily the presence of life jackets and anchor.
Which glue is best used for PVC repair?
The optimal use of two-component polyurethane adhesives (such as Kleyberg, Texacol or specialized adhesives from boat manufacturers) creates an elastic and water-resistant seam that withstands deformation.
How long does it take to pump a boat with a foot pump?
With a two-chamber foot pump, the process takes about 10-12 minutes for one person. With an electric pump (12V), you can manage in 5-7 minutes, but the final pressure will still have to be reached by hand.
Does the boat fit in the standard trunk of a sedan?
In the deflated state in the bag dimensions are approximately 100x40x30 cm In most sedans (Solaris, Rio, Polo) it fits with folded rear seats or partially in the cabin. For station wagons and hatchbacks, transportation problems do not arise.