Choosing a boat for fishing or family vacations on the water often comes down to finding a balance between compactness, load capacity and comfort. In the PVC inflatable boat segment, low-pressure inflatable floor models that combine the advantages of a rigid hull and the transportability of a soft boat are a special feature. Flagship 320 NDLDIt has been leading the sales rankings for several seasons.
This boat is designed for those who value mobility but are not willing to sacrifice performance. inflatable floor design allows you to achieve high speed even with medium-power engines, while maintaining excellent germination on the wave. Unlike models with slate bottom, it is completely absent rigid elements, making assembly and packaging as fast and convenient for one person as possible.
In this review, we will analyze the technical features, analyze the behavior of the boat on the water and answer the most frequent questions of potential owners. NDMA It is becoming the standard for modern fishermen and tourists, and whether it is worth considering this modification for your tasks.
Design features and materials
The basis of reliability of any inflatable boat is the quality of the materials used. Flagship 320 It is made of a dense five-layer reinforced PVC that is resistant to fuel, ultraviolet light and mechanical damage. The density of the fabric allows you to use the boat in difficult conditions without fear of puncture from branches or stones in shallow water.
The key element of the design is the bottom NDMA (Low Pressure inflatable floor) It consists of many longitudinal and transom partitions that, when pumped, create a rigid plane resembling plywood slate, but unlike plywood, it does not absorb water, does not rot, and provides additional buoyancy in an emergency.
⚠️ Warning: Do not pump the bottom of the NDND above the recommended pressure (usually 0.2-0.25 atm). Excessive pressure in the sun can cause the internal bulkheads to rupture and deform the geometry of the case.
The boats are also heavily structured, and the bow is often fitted. flat-barThe seams are made by a tape method, which ensures the tightness and durability of the joints even when actively used in salt water.
It is important to note the presence of a rigid transom, which can be removable or built-in depending on the modification. In the 320, it is usually made of moisture-resistant plywood coated with textolite or plastic, which allows you to install motors with a capacity of up to 5-6 hp without the risk of deformation of the stern.
Driving qualities and behavior on the water
On the water. Flagship 320 NDLD It's predictable and stable, and because of its keel-like inflatable floor, it's a great way to cut the wave, not slap it like flat-bottomed models, and it reduces the impact on passengers and makes them feel like they're in the wind to 3 or 4.
The displacement mode is achieved almost immediately after the start of movement, and the getting on plane is smooth. When you install the engine with a capacity of 5 hp, the boat with one angler and equipment easily goes to the plane, developing a speed of about 25-28 km / h. With two passages, the speed drops, but the handling remains excellent.
Bear in mind that the center of gravity of boats with NDND is lower than that of models with sludge, which has a positive effect on stability. However, the sailing of high cylinders can play a cruel joke in strong side winds, requiring the operator to work more actively with oars or gas.
- 🌊 Excellent germination on the wave thanks to the keeled bottom and soft sides.
- ⚖️ High stability allows you to safely stand up in full growth for throwing spinning.
- 🛶 Good course stability, the boat does not prowl and easily keeps a straight course.
The boat's bend behavior is particularly noteworthy, because of the rigidity of the NDND design, the rolls do not lead to folding of the bottom, which is often the case on cheap analogues. Course stability allows you to pass turns without a sharp loss of speed, which is especially important when maneuvering in narrowness or among the snag.
Completement and ergonomics
Manufacturers often offer different trim options, but the base kit usually includes the boat itself, the pump, the remake and the bag-pack. Flagship 320 It can be supplied with a rigid seat (bank), which is installed on lyctros or special fasteners.
The ergonomics of the cockpit are designed to accommodate two people, the space between the cylinders is wide enough to sit comfortably without having to put your feet on the sides. foot-sling allows you to rest when rowing or while catching a large trophy, without risking falling overboard.
☑️ Checking the completeness before buying
Packing a boat into a bag is not a problem even for beginners. Bloated NDND takes up a minimal volume, and the bag itself often has wheels and a telescopic handle, making it easier to transport to the water. The weight of the assembled boat is about 35-40 kg, which allows it to be carried in the trunk of most passenger cars.
⚠️ Warning: When packing a wet boat, be sure to dry it before long-term storage. Moisture residues in the folds of the fabric can lead to mold and an unpleasant smell that is difficult to remove.
Inside the cockpit are often located pockets And attachments for attachments, so you can have a sonar, a navigator or a tackle, which is a trifle, but it's the parts that create the overall comfort of long fishing.
Compatibility with motors and fuel consumption
For Flagship 320 NDLD The best choice will be two-stroke engines with a capacity of 2.5 to 6 hp Installation of the engine is more powerful than 6 hp does not make practical sense, since the length of the body will not allow you to develop high speed, and fuel consumption will grow disproportionately.
With a 5 hp engine, the boat is performing better, glides with one adult and a small supply of gear. When fully loaded (two people plus cargo), the boat goes into displacement mode, providing a speed of about 10-12 km / h, which is enough to move to the fishing point.
Recommendations for motor selection
For single fishing and small ponds, light electric motors or gasoline engines 2-3 hp are ideal if you plan to enter large water areas with chop or transport two adults, it is better to focus on 5-6 hp engines with a long leg for better handling.
Fuel consumption in this model is economical. Two-stroke engine 5 hp in planing mode consumes about 1.5-2 liters of gasoline per hour. In displacement mode, the consumption is reduced to 0.8-1 liters, which allows you to take long walks on one tank.
It's important to pick up the right lower unit. DND boats have slightly more transpranz entrenchment than slate models, so short-leg motors may not work properly, capturing air on turns.
Comparison with peers and competitors
There are many similar models on the market, but Flagship 320 It's a very nicely designed balloon geometry, and many competitors, in pursuit of cheaper cylinders, make them too round, which reduces the useful area of the cockpit.
Compared to slate bottom models, NDND is better at assembly speed, so you don't have to spend time laying out and fixing plywood sheets, you just have to pump up the bottom, and this is especially true if you change fishing spots or travel frequently.
| Characterization | Flagship 320 NDLD | Analogue with sleigh | Hard-bottomed boat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assembly time | 10-15 minutes. | 20-30 minutes. | 5 minutes (only engine installation) |
| Packaging weight | ~38 kg | ~45 kg (with plywood) | ~60+ kg |
| Comfort on the wave | High (soft bottom) | Medium (hard slate) | Low (blows against wave) |
| Transportability | Tall (compact trunk) | Medium (long sheets) | Low (trailer needed) |
It is also worth noting the cost of ownership: repair of NDND at home is possible with the help of a remix, while restoring a hard bottom or complex sleigh may require carpentry and special materials.
To extend the life of the valves, use a special key from the kit and do not make excessive efforts when twisting. A common cause of etching air is skewed valve due to improper installation.
Care, maintenance and storage
Proper care of the boat from PVC is the guarantee of its longevity. After every fishing, especially in salt water, it is recommended to rinse the hull with fresh water, this will wash away salt, sand and fish slime residue, which can aggressively affect the material.
Store Flagship 320 It's best if you're inflated or half-blown in a warm room, and if you can't, put the boat in a bag, but don't leave it in direct sunlight or in the cold, and extreme temperature changes can cause microcracks in the folds of the fabric.
Regularly check the pressure in the cylinders. PVC has the ability to expand and contract when the air temperature changes. In the summer, when leaving the boat in the sun, put excess pressure to avoid rupturing the seams.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use aggressive solvents, acetone or gasoline to clean the boat, which can dissolve the top layer of PVC, making the material matte and sticky, causing it to quickly break down.
Once a season, a complete inspection of the joints and valves is recommended, soapy solution is used to treat the joints and leave the boat pumped for several hours, which will help to detect even microscopic leaks that are not visible to the eye.
Conclusion and final recommendations
Boat. Flagship 320 NDLD It's a great trade-off between comfort, speed and transportability, and it's perfect for single anglers, hunters and tourists who value their time and don't want to spend hours assembling complex structures.
The versatility of the model allows it to be used both for quiet fishing on the lake and for more dynamic movement along the river with a moderate current.
The flagship 320 NDND is a choice in favor of comfort and speed of assembly without loss of driving qualities, ideal for those who go out on the water often and alone.
If you are looking for a reliable boat that can easily fit in the trunk and be ready to get on the water quickly, then this model deserves the closest attention. Proper operation and timely care will provide you with many pleasant moments on the water.
What is the maximum weight you can load in the Flagship 320?
rated carrying capacity of the model is about 300-350 kg, However, for comfortable and safe movement, especially on planing, it is recommended not to exceed the load of 200-220 kg (two people of average build and a minimum load).
Do I need to pump the keel of the balloon?
Yes, if you have an inflatable keel (NDNA) in your modification, pumping it to the bottom gives you stiffness and improves course stability, and the pressure in the keel should be higher than in cylinders, usually about 0.8-1.0 atm.
How to put a boat from PVC in the field?
For emergency repairs, use glue in the remix (usually polyurethane). For more reliable repairs at home, it is better to use two-component adhesives such as UR-600 or special adhesives for PVC, observing the temperature regime.
Can I leave the boat on the water overnight?
Short term, yes, if anchored in a protected area, but prolonged exposure to water (a few days) is not recommended, as algae fouling and temperature changes can adversely affect the material and seams.