“Flagship DK 320”: an honest review of PVC boats for fishing and hunting

Boat. Flagship DK 320 It has long been one of the most discussed models among Russian water engines - and for good reason. universal PVC boat And the aluminum bottom combines strength, payload and affordable price, making it an ideal choice for both fishermen and hunters. But is it that good in practice? Real technical capabilities of DK 320 (not from advertising booklets)Compared to competitors like this Krylat-320 and Nelma-330We will also reveal the nuances of operation, which are silent sellers.

Let's just say: DK 320 It is positioned as a boat for hardship - with a wave of up to 1 meter, a load of up to 500 kg and the ability to install motors up to 20 hp But in fact, many owners are faced with the fact that when the feed is fully loaded, it "sinks", and on a wave of over 0.6 m, management experience is required. Why does this happen? Let's analyze the design in detail - from the PVC material to the features of the keel beam.

Technical specifications Flagship DK 320What is hidden in the specifications

The official data of the manufacturer is often misleading. Maximum engine power - 20 hpThe passport states that the boat is certified under 15 hp It's not a mistake, because when you install a 20-horsepower engine, you have to design a boat as a boat. small-scale And here's 15 hp, which makes it easier to register.

One more thing. load-carrying capacityThe ad says "up to 500 kg," but this is limiting The load, where the boat stays afloat but loses control. DK 320 — 350-400 kg (including engine, fuel and crew) Exceeding this threshold leads to:

• 🔴 Significant increase in water resistance (speed drops by 20-30%)
• 🔴 « Burrowing of the nose on the wave (the risk of flooding)
• 🔴 Overheating of the engine due to increased load

Now on the dimensions and weight:

Parameter	Meaning	Note
Length	3.2 m m m	With a bow ladder - 3.4 m
Width	1.65 m	No cylinders included.
Boat weight	68 kg	With aluminum bottom and transcense
Diameter of cylinders	42 cm	5-layer PVC 1100 g/m2
Number of compartments	3	+ 1 spare in transnez

Special attention deserves keel-beamIn. DK 320 It's made of aluminum profiles with ribs, which improves the stability of the course, but when you hit a hard obstacle (for example, when you pull it ashore), the beam can deform, which is often missed when you choose. transom set up kielson (Additional longitudinal element of rigidity).

Pros and cons Flagship DK 320:owners' experience

To objectively evaluate the boat, we analyzed the reviews of more than 200 owners on the forums.Fishermen's Forum, Drive2, Masters Fair) and highlighted the key pros and cons. Let's start with the merits:

• ✅ Strength of PVC: 5-layer material can withstand scratches from branches and small punctures (for example, from hooks). Owners note that even after 3-4 seasons of use, the cylinders do not lose shape.
• ✅ Universality: suitable for fishing, hunting, family walks and even transportation of goods (for example, building materials to the country).
• ✅ Resilience on water: Thanks to the wide cylinders and aluminum bottom, the boat does not capsize even in sharp turns.
• ✅ Price/quality: in the segment up to 200 000 RUB is one of the most balanced models (new) DK 320 You can buy for 160,000 to 180,000 )..

Now on the downsides, they are also enough:

• ❌ The weak transnect: standard design is not designed for motors over 15 hp When installing a 20-horsepower engine, reinforcement is required (for example, squirrel).
• ❌ Low sides in the stern: When fully loaded, water can overflow over the edge, especially on the wave.
• ❌ Transportation difficulties: weight 68 kg allows you to carry the boat by hand, but the dimensions (3.2 m) make it difficult to carry a passenger car without a trailer.
• ❌ Noisy bottomAluminum sheets in choppy conditions make a loud knock, which can scare the fish.

It is worth mentioning separately. completenessIn the basic version. DK 320 goes with:

• 🛠️ Pump Bravo 12. (Sufficient for pumping, but slow)
• 🛠️ Remix (glue + patches)
• 🛠️ oars (aluminum, but often bends when used heavily)
• 🛠️ Carry a bag (not always included in the package - check with the seller!)

Comparison with competitors: Flagship DK 320 vs Krylat-320 vs Nelma-330

To understand how DK 320 We have compiled a comparative table on key parameters. Please note: prices are indicated for new boats in the basic configuration (as of today). June 2026).

Parameter	Flagship DK 320	Krylat-320	Nelma-330
Length, m	3.2	3.2	3.3
Width, m.	1.65	1.6	1.7
Max, engine power, hp.	20 (15 for GIMS)	15	25
Load capacity, kg	500	450	550
Boat weight, kg	68	65	72
Price, RUB	160 000–180 000	150 000–170 000	190 000–210 000
Features	Aluminum bottom, 5-layer PVC	Low weight, soft bottom	Reinforced keel, high stern

The table shows that Flagship DK 320 It is an intermediate position between the budget Krylat-320 premium Nelma-330The main advantages over Winged.:

• 🔹 Stronger bottom (aluminum vs slate)
• 🔹 Higher load capacity (50 kg)
• 🔹 The possibility of installing the engine up to 20 hp (albeit with reservations)

Here. Nelma-330 Wins on:

• 🔹 A stronger keel (better going along the wave)
• 🔹 Higher sides (less risk of flooding)
• 🔹 Motor power reserve (up to 25 hp)

Why is Nelma more expensive?

The price is due to the use of PVC density of 1200 g / m2 (vs. 1100 for Flagman) and a reinforced translator design, designed for motors up to 25 hp without modifications.

So is it worth overpaying for? elmaIf you need a boat for calm-water (rivers, small lakes), DK 320 It's the best choice. seafishing or large reservoirs with a wave is better to consider elma or Flagship DK 360 (extended version).

Which motor to choose for you Flagship DK 320: outboard motors up to 20 hp

Choosing a motor is one of the most important questions. It depends on it. Speed, controllability and safetyFor DK 320 Engines with a capacity of 5 to 20 hp are suitable, but there are nuances:

• 🛥️ 5-9.9 hp: Optimal for calm water bodies: the boat reaches speeds of 20–25 km/h, fuel consumption is minimal (3–5 l/h) Suitable for fishing on lakes or small rivers.
• 🛥️ 10-15 hp.: Universal version: speed up to 35-40 km/h, but registration with GIMS is required. Yamaha 15 FSMH or Honda BF15D3.
• 🛥️ 18-20 hp.: Maximum speed (up to 45-50 km / h), but we need to improve: reinforced transom, additional ribs of stiffness at the bottom. Mercury 20 ELPT, Tohatsu MFS20.

Important: When installing the motor over 15 hp necessarily:

1. Strengthen the transom (e.g., squat from the flagship DK 360 or homemade duraluminium 5 mm thick.
2. Check the attachment of the transom to the cylinders - standard screeds may not withstand vibration.
3. Install hydro-lift (if the motor weighs more than 40 kg) to facilitate lifting on the transom.

According to the owners, the best engines for DK 320:

Motor model	Power, HP.	Speed, km/h	Pluses	Cons
Yamaha 15 FSMH	15	35–40	Reliability, economy	High price.
Honda BF10DK3	10	25–30	Quiet, light (36 kg)	Weak traction at low revs
Mercury 20 ELPT	20	45–50	High speed.	Requires transmuneration
Tohatsu MFS9.8	9.8	28–32	Easy start, low flow.	Hard to find parts

The mistake many beginners make is to buy a motor with a margin (for example, 20 hp instead of the necessary 10).

• ⚠️ Fuel overconsumption (at low speeds, the engine works inefficiently).
• ⚠️ Accelerated wear of the transmission due to increased loads.
• ⚠️ Problems with registration (GIMS may refuse to register).

Tuning and improvements: how to improve Flagship DK 320 hand-handed

Even the factory equipment. DK 320 It leaves room for improvement. 5 most useful improvementsWhat owners do in the first few months of operation:

1. Tranx reinforcement: as already mentioned, the standard transom is not designed for motors over 15 hp The solution is to weld a new duraluminium (5-6 mm thick) or install squat from the flagship DK 360 (Such as it's not a rework.)
2. Kielson installation: an additional longitudinal profile at the bottom increases stiffness and improves handling on the wave. You can use an aluminum corner 40×40 mm.
3. Installation of nose tanks: increase buoyancy and prevent flooding in choppy conditions. Can be used tanks of 20-30 liters (for example, from the water level) Nelma-330).
4. Replacement of fun with composite: standard aluminum oars bend and create noise. Composite (e.g., Pelican) lighter and stronger.
5. Anti-slip coating gluing: on the aluminum bottom can be glued mariffle Or rubber mats – this will prevent slipping and reduce noise.

Another popular addition. control-mountThis is true if you often walk alone or long distances. DK 320 It's a console. Wing Or makeshift moisture-resistant plywood, and it's important to hold it to the bottom through the water. power-set (transom beams), not just to the cylinders.

How to make a console yourself?

You'll need 12 mm plywood, aluminum corners, sealant and mounts to make it. Water motor.ru The theme of the "Tuning Flagship DK 320".

Equally important. space-buildingIn a boat 3.2 meters long, every centimeter counts.

• 📦 Install pocket-pocket for small things (bait, tools).
• 📦 Secure fishing-rod on the sides (for example, PVC tubes with a diameter of 50 mm).
• 📦 Use it. battery-box with a seat attachment.

If you plan to go to the DK 320 In the dark, you must set it up. navigational lightsAccording to the rules of GIMS on the boat must be:

• 🔴 Red and green sidelights (visibility not less than 1 km).
• ⚪ White stern light (visibility 2 km).
• 🟡 Circular light (for anchorage).

Registration in GIMS: step-by-step instructions for Flagship DK 320

If you install a power motor over 10.88 hp (i.e. 15 hp and above), the boat must be registered in the GIMS (State Inspectorate for Small-Sized Vessels)The procedure takes from 2 weeks to a month and includes the following steps:

1. Obtaining a certificate of conformity: contact a certified center (e.g., Russian Register) To check the boat and the motor, the cost is about 5,000 RUB.
2. Insurance coverage: compulsory insurance policy for small craft (price - 1,500-2,500 per year).
3. Submission of documents to GIMS:
   • 📄 Passport of the owner
   • 📄 Passport for boat and motor
   • 📄 Certificate of conformity
   • 📄 Insurance policy
   • 📄 Receipt on payment of the state duty (2000 RUB)

Passage of technical inspection: Inspector checks for life jackets, fire extinguisher, navigation lights and first aid kit.

Obtaining a boat's ticket: the document is valid for 10 years, after which re-registration is required.

Important nuances:

• ⚠️ If the engine less than 10.88 hpRegistration is not required, but you must carry it with you. motor-passport and boat-book.
• ⚠️ For motorboats up to 5 hp enough management certificate (if any).
• ⚠️ When selling a boat, the new owner must reissue the boat's ticket within the 10 days..

How much does registration cost?

Service	Cost,
Certificate of conformity	5 000
OSAGO insurance	1 500–2 500
State registration fee	2 000
Technical inspection	1 000–1 500
Totally.	9 500–11 000

If you buy a boat b/wMake sure the previous owner has taken it off the books or you'll have to pay. fine up to 2,000 And go through the procedure again.

Exploitation and care: how to prolong life Flagship DK 320

The life of a PVC boat depends on proper care. 7 Key Rules of RuleTo help prevent premature wear:

1. Wash after every exit: salt water or dirty water destroys PVC and aluminum bottom. Use a soft sponge and fresh water. Forbidden. wash the boat with detergents with abrasives!
2. Drying in the shade: in direct sunlight, PVC loses its elasticity. Keep the boat in a case or under a canopy.
3. Checking cylinder pressure: optimal value 250–270 mbarExcess leads to stretching of the seams, and understatement leads to loss of controllability.
4. Aluminum floor lubricationOnce a season, work the bottom. silicone (for example, WD-40 Specialist) will prevent corrosion.
5. Valve inspection: if the boat doesn't keep pressure well, it's likely that the valves are clogged. isopropyl.
6. Storage in winter: Before cleaning for the winter, completely dry the boat, blow the cylinders by 50% and treat with talc (prevents PVC from sticking together).
7. Puncture repairsEven minor damages need to be sealed immediately. Moment Crystal glue And patches from the kit.

What to do cannot:

⚠️ Attention: Never keep a boat inflated in direct sunlight – this leads to a high risk of a high risk of a high risk of water. cylinder deformation Also avoid contact with gasoline or oils: they corrode the material.

If the boat has not been used for a long time, before launching:

1. Check the tightness of the cylinders (pump and leave for 12 hours).
2. Check the stitches for cracks.
3. Check the valves (they should not “poison” the air).
4. Lubricate the moving parts of the transom (if any).

How to check the tightness without a pressure gauge?

Pump the cylinders, put the soap on the seams and valves, and if bubbles come up, there's a leak.

Average service life Flagship DK 320 With proper care, 8-10 yearsHowever, many owners face problems after 3-4 seasons.

• 🔴 Storage in a damp room (mold appears on PVC).
• 🔴 Overloaded operation (sew breaks).
• 🔴 Use of poor quality glue for repair.

Owner reviews: real experience of use

To form an objective opinion on Flagship DK 320We've collected feedback from forums and social media groups, and this is what real users say:

Igor, Moscow (ownership 2 years):

"I bought a DK 320 for fishing at the Rybinsk reservoir. At a wave of 0.5-0.7 m it goes fine, but if higher, it starts to "scour"." I put the pendant and nose tanks - it's better. Yamaha 15 It pulls perfectly, speeds up to 38 km / h Minus is a noisy bottom, but it is solved by mats.

Alexey, Krasnoyarsk (ownership of 4 years):

“The boat is strong, but the transom is weak. Mercury 20 I had to reinforce it, and the standard one started to play, but the payload is good, I'm taking 3 people + gear, no problem, the only thing is that the oars are flimsy, I'm replacing them with composite ones.

Dmitry, St. Petersburg (ownership 1 year):