Compas 380: Expert review and real experience of operation

Choosing a boat for fishing or outdoor activities on the water always involves a compromise between size, weight and performance. Compas 380 This is a niche in the range, offering dimensions that already make you feel confident in the big water, but still allow transportation in the trunk of a passenger car. It's not just an inflatable boat, but a full-fledged transformer boat that can accommodate a company of three or four people with a full set of equipment.

Many aquatic motorists view this size as a “middle ground.” On the one hand, three-meter models often seem cramped for long exits, especially if you plan to spend the night or trophy fishing. On the other hand, models 4 meters or more long already require a powerful motor and create difficulties when launching alone. Compass 380 Balances on this edge, offering space sufficient for comfort while maintaining reasonable sailing and weight.

In this review, we will discuss in detail the design features, quality of materials and behavior of the boat on the wave, and pay special attention to the nuances of assembly and compatibility with various types of outboard motors, since it depends on the correct selection of the engine whether this model will become your favorite or turn into a source of problems.

Design features and quality of materials

The basis of durability of any inflatable boat is the material from which the cylinders are made. Compas 380 It uses a five-layer PVC reinforced fabric that has proven to be resistant to mechanical damage and ultraviolet radiation, and it has a density of 850 g/sq.m, which is standard for boats of this class, but the quality of the polyvinyl chloride itself and the reinforcement mesh, and it feels tougher to the touch than the budget counterparts, which indicates a good polymer ratio.

The seams are made by hot welding, which eliminates the possibility of separation at temperature changes. It is important to note that all seams have double gluing, which creates an additional safety barrier. Tightness The compartments are provided with quality valves that do not poison the air even after prolonged exposure to pressure in the sun, which is critical, because the loss of pressure in one of the compartments in large water can be fatal.

⚠️ Attention: Despite the high strength of the material, do not leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight for a long time unattended. The pressure inside the cylinders increases, which can lead to deformation of the seams or even rupture.

The bottom of the boat is made of denser material - 1100 g/sq.m., which is necessary to protect against abrasion against sand, shells or rocky bottom during landing. keelIt's a keel that not only stiffens the bottom, but also acts as a hydrodynamic element, improving course stability. When you walk along the wave, the keel cuts the water, softening the impacts on the ridges, which makes the swing less sharp and tiring for passengers.

Deck system and floor rigidity

One of the key features of the model is the floor system. NDMA The most common version in this version is a combination of an inflatable keel and hard plywood plywood plywood, which allows you to have a rigid platform that you can walk on without fear of falling over, and it provides a great experience. seaworthiness.

Plywood floorboards are coated with a special coating that doesn't slip even when wet, and the sheets are connected through aluminum profiles, which adds to the monolithic design. When assembled properly, the floor doesn't walk or make creaks on the go, which is especially important when standing up or trolling, where unnecessary movements and sounds can scare the fish away.

It's worth mentioning the stringer system. Compas 380 They're made of a solid profile that fits into the pockets of the cylinders and connects to the paioles, and this creates a frame effect, spreading the load from passengers and cargo evenly over the entire bottom area, so that the boat doesn't sag in the center even when it's fully loaded, keeping its hydrodynamic properties.

Tran and compatibility with motors

The boat's trawler is a high-risk area, so its design is given special attention. Compass 380 A trench of moisture-resistant plywood reinforced with metallic overlays and coated with wear-resistant paint is installed, the transom is fastened to the cylinder through a special system of pockets and slings, which allows you to withstand significant loads from the engine stop. The transom height is standard - 381 mm (15 inches), which is suitable for most modern outboard motors.

As for the power of the engine, data-sheet figures allow the installation of engines with a capacity of up to 15 hp However, practice shows that the “golden mean” for this boat is a 9.9 hp engine with the ability to flash up to 15 hp. or immediately 15-horsepower unit. With a 9.9 hp engine, the boat glides with two passengers and cargo, consuming a minimum amount of fuel. When installing 15 hp. Compas 380 It turns into a high-speed projectile, developing speeds up to 35-40 km / h, but fuel consumption increases disproportionately.

It is important to consider the weight of the engine. For a boat with a length of 3.80 meters, the optimal weight of the engine is considered to be a range of 35-45 kg. Heavy motors (for example, high-power four-strokes) can stern the stern, especially if there is only one person on board, in such cases it is recommended to move the passenger closer to the transom or use an additional ballage in the bow.

⚠️ Attention: Never exceed the maximum recommended engine power specified in the boat's passport, which can lead to transoms being pulled off, the boat tipping over and serious injuries.

Ergonomics, equipment and comfort

Interior space Compas 380 The inflatable seat banks are rigid, allowing you to sit on them for long periods of time without feeling uncomfortable. The shape of the seats repeats the curves of the cylinders, ensuring a stable landing. For anglers, an important element is the presence of a linear cable around the perimeter of the boat, which can be held on when maneuvering or falling overboard.

The bow features an anchored rim, as well as the ability to install additional equipment such as a sonar or a navigator, and many owners have a small platform on their noses for ease of fishing, although the standard design does not provide for this!

It is important to note the presence They're made of the same fabric as the boat itself, and they allow you to carry small things like gear, phone, documents, but remember, these pockets are not sealed, so it's better to pack valuables in separate sealers, and there are also carry handles on the sides that are made in the form of tight straps that do not rub your hands.

Assembly process Compass 380 It takes an average of 15 to 20 minutes, if you have experience, first you fold the bottom and put in stringers, then you put in paioles and lock them, then you put in the inflatable elements, like the keel and the cans, and you better pump with a foot pump or an electric pump, controlling the pressure with a pressure gauge, and the pressure in the cylinders is 0.2 atm, in the keel is 0.15 atm.

The care of the boat is to wash it regularly with fresh water, especially after swimming in salt water or dirty bodies of water. The mud and sand left on the fabric work like an abrasive and destroy the protective layer. Dry the boat in the shade, fully opening all the valves. Store PVC boat should be straightened or neatly rolled up, but not tightly compressed to avoid clamping material.