Choosing the first boat for a beginner or replacing the old, time-tested Nord or Frigate with something more modern is always a difficult decision-making process. The PVC inflatable boat market is now fiercely competitive, and one of the most prominent players in the budget and mid-range segment is the brand. FlinkThe range of this company is extensive, but it is the dimension of 320 cm that attracts the most attention, as it is considered the “golden mean” for most water bodies.
Boat. Flink 320 It is a classic inflatable boat with an inflatable floor (NDB) or floorboard variant that combines compactness and sufficient load capacity for two people with a motor. Many water engineers see this model as a compromise between heavy "treh hundred" hard bottom and light "two hundred" in which is tight already in the equipment stage. In this article, we will discuss in detail the design features, behavior on the water and nuances of the operation of this model.
It is worth noting that the popularity of the brand is due not only to the pricing policy, but also to the availability of spare parts and components. Boat design It allows owners to make minor repairs or upgrades on their own, making it a great choice for those who like to mess with equipment, but like any product, there are nuances that you need to know before buying, so as not to be disappointed in the first season.
Structural features and materials of the body
The basis of any high-quality PVC boat is the material of cylinders. Flink 320 It uses high-density reinforced polyvinyl chloride, which is resistant to UV light, gasoline, oils and salt. The density of the fabric is usually 750 g/sq.m., which is the standard for boats of this size, and this density provides a balance between the weight of the product and its strength, allowing you to withstand impacts on stones or driftwood without serious damage.
We need to focus on the technology of welding. flinct applied the method of gluing "overlapping" using two-component glue, which guarantees high tightness of the compounds. Stitches They are the most vulnerable spot of any inflatable structure, so their quality directly affects the life of the boat. When inspecting a new boat, be sure to check whether there are bubbles or unpaved areas at the joints.
⚠️ Warning: When accepting a boat in a store, carefully examine the seams for factory defects. Even a microscopic defect in gluing under water load can turn into a serious leak.
The cylinders are divided into several independent compartments, which ensures buoyancy even if one of them is damaged. keelIt's a slug that not only stiffens the bottom, but also serves as an anchor lock, and it also serves as an additional air bag, and it's also worth noting, because it's made of moisture-resistant plywood reinforced with fiberglass or metal, and it's attached to special pockets.
- 🛡️ PVC reinforced 750 g/sq.m. provides protection against puncture and abrasion.
- 💧 Gluing technology The stitches in the coat guarantee 100% tightness with proper care.
- 🎈 Independent compartments Increase the safety of water operation.
An important element of the design is the system sling In the 320, they are positioned so that two people can easily carry the boat assembled without discomfort. The quality of fittings such as valves and leer rings is also at a decent level, although some users prefer to immediately change the standard valves to more reliable ones.
Bottom types: NDND vs. floorboard
One of the main questions in the selection Flink 320 The manufacturer offers two main options: low pressure inflatable floor (LDPB) and classic water-resistant plywood floorboard with aluminum profiles, each of which has its own proponents and a clearly defined range of tasks for which it is intended.
Option C NDMA The bottom is much lighter and more compact when assembled, and the lack of rigid elements allows you to pack the boat into one backpack that you can throw behind your back and bring to the water even over complex terrain. The bottom inflatable provides excellent shock absorption on the wave, making the ride softer and more comfortable. However, such a boat is less stable on sleeve and may be more susceptible to demolition by lateral wind.
The payroll version, by contrast, has a stiffer and more stable bottom. Aluminum stringers and plywood sheets create a "kieling" effect, which improves course stability and allows for higher speeds. Hard bottom It's more comfortable for standing fishing because it's more stable to stand and move around, but the weight of the boat will be much higher, and it will take longer to assemble and disassemble.
If you plan to walk alone often, drag a boat far from your car or sleep in it, then NDND is preferable, but if you want to go for a speed walk together or a fishing trip with an active cockpit, the cleavage option will do better.
specifications and compatibility with motors
The 320 cm dimension imposes certain limitations and opens up opportunities in terms of power plant. Flink 320 designed to withstand engines up to 5-6 hp, and in some enhanced versions - and up to 8-9.8 hp However, the "golden mean" for this boat are engines with a capacity of 3.5-5 hp, which allow you to confidently bring the boat to plane with one or two passengers.
The table below gives indicative speed and fuel consumption specifications for different motors on the boat. Flink 320 with one pilot (weight about 80 kg):
| Engine power (hp) | Type of bottom | Full gas speed (km/h) | Recommended treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 hp | NDNDM/Pyol | 18 - 22 km/h | Economy, quiet move |
| 5.0 hp | NDMA | 24 - 27 km/h | Best for two. |
| 5.0 hp | pyol | 28 - 31 km/h | Sporty, quick exit |
| 9.8 hp | floorboard (enhanced) | 35 - 38 km/h | Maximum speed |
It is important to understand that loading capacity The overloaded boat will have a lower plane capacity, higher fuel consumption and lower safety. The passenger load capacity of the 320 is usually around 400-450 kg, but the actual payload (people + engine + equipment) should be less than this value with a margin.
⚠️ Warning: Installing a motor above the manufacturer's recommended power can cause the transom to deform and lose warranty. Always check the markings on the transom board.
For motors with a capacity of 5 hp and above, it is strongly recommended to use slab-stove Or hydraulic lift, if the design of the motor allows it to optimize the angle of attack and improve the yield on planing, and it is also worth taking care of a quality tiller and a reliable attachment of the motor to the transom, since vibration at high revs can weaken the rods.
To improve the plane output with a 5 hp engine on a 320 cm boat, try to shift the load (passenger or battery) slightly closer to the nose if the boat is prowling, or closer to the transom if the nose is snarled too high.
Installation and additional equipment
Standard equipment Flink 320 The basic kit, which usually includes the boat itself, the backpack bag, the pump, the refit and the seats (banks), however, experience shows that the basic set is often not enough for comfortable use. Many owners immediately begin to equip their vessel with various accessories, turning it into a full-fledged fishing boat or tourist platform.
First of all, it is worth paying attention to pumpThe standard foot pumps that come with the kit are often of poor quality and require considerable effort to pump. Replacing with an electric pump with a battery or a more productive foot option (such as a Bravo or Intex) will save you time and effort, especially if the boat has a large number of compartments.
Next comes the upgrade of the seats. Standard plywood cans, leather-covered, hard and uncomfortable for long fishing, the installation of soft seats on turn brackets or the use of inflatable seats will greatly improve comfort. transom-wheelThese allow one person to easily move a motorboat over solid ground.
- ⚓ anchorage: mandatory modification for safe parking on the current or wind.
- 🔦 Affixing equipment: holders for rods, sonar and navigator increase functionality.
- 🛡️ Protective redan: keel protector at the bottom will protect the boat from sharp stones when pulled ashore.
Safety is also a must, and life jackets, a tile anchor and a water scoop are not just recommendations, they are a necessity. Flink 320 has a liner cable around the perimeter, which can be held in an emergency, but it is better not to allow situations where it is required.
Assembly, pumping and descent preparation
Proper assembly and pumping of the boat is the key to its long service and safe operation. Flink 320 It takes an average of 15-20 minutes to go out on water, with experience, and the main rule is not to pump the cylinders in the sun, since the air inside expands when heated, which can lead to joints rupturing or deformation of the structure.
Pumping should be done in stages. First, the cylinders are pumped to a state of elasticity (about 0.1-0.15 atm), then the bottom is collected (if it is a floorboard), and only after that the final pumping to the working pressure (usually 0.2-0.25 atm) is carried out. Using a pressure gauge at the pump will help to avoid errors and uneven pressure in the compartments.
☑️ Checklist for descent preparation
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight unattended for long periods of time, and the pressure inside can exceed critical values, especially in hot weather.
When assembling the plywood variant, it is important to correctly insert stringers (aluminum profiles) into the slots of the plywood sheets. They must enter tightly, but without excessive effort, which can damage the sidewalls of the boat. After installing the bottom, you need to straighten the PVC folds to avoid the formation of bubbles that can rub on the movement.
Water Exploitation and Behavior in Waves
On the water. Flink 320 It's predictable and stable for its class, and because of its keeled contours, it's a good wave cutter and less rolling sideways than flat-footed boats, but because of its relatively small size, it's sensitive to weight bias. The sudden movements of passengers can cause a strong roll, so the load distribution has to be symmetrical.
When moving against the wave, the boat may burrow its nose if the speed is not chosen correctly or if there is too little cargo in the bow, in such cases, you need to reduce the gas and wait out the wave, or change the differentiation. Maneuverability The boat is good, the turning radius is minimal, which is convenient when fishing in a snag or in shallow water.
Secrets of Control of Boat 320 in the Wind
With strong side winds, the boat can take 320 cm to the ground, so to compensate for this, lower a floating anchor (parachute) into the water from the leeward side or use a motor stroke at low speeds to fend off the demolition, and it also helps to shift the passenger to the leeward side to create a roll.
In shallow water conditions flinct It's doing great because it's able to go through difficult areas with minimal draught, but you have to be careful with the engine screw, and even a small stone can damage the blades, so in unfamiliar places, it's better to move at minimum speeds or use a transom hydraulic lift to lift a lower unit.
Care, storage and wintering
To the boat Flink 320 After every fishing trip, especially in salt water or muddy water, the boat needs to be rinsed with fresh water, which will wash away the salt, sand and organics that can destroy the structure of PVC and cause corrosion of metal accessories.
Drying before packaging is a must. Even if the boat seems dry, there may be moisture in the folds of the bottom and in the valve joints. Storing a wet boat in a rolled-up form will cause mold, unpleasant smell and decay of fabric. It is better to dry in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight.
Winter storage should be at room temperature in a straightened or semi-folded state. It is not recommended to keep the boat in a compressed state under heavy objects, as this can lead to the formation of crevices on materials that will turn into cracks in the spring.
Proper drying and storage at room temperature are the main factors that prolong the life of a PVC boat by more than 10 years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which motor is better to choose for the Flink 320: 2 or 4 stroke?
For a boat measuring 320 cm and up to 5-6 hp, the difference in weight between 2T and 4T engines is not as critical as on larger boats. Two-stroke engine It is easier, cheaper and easier to transport (you can carry on the side). Four-stroke It's quieter, more economical and more eco-friendly, but heavier. Fishing and cruising are more likely to choose 2T because of simplicity, for tourism 4T.
Can you go to the Flink 320 or just to the river?
Boat. Flink 320 It is certified for water reservoir and coastal navigation, but because of its small size and low side, it is only possible to go to sea in calm weather and near the shore, and when you are above 0.5 meters, operating such a boat at sea becomes dangerous.
How to seal a puncture in the field?
The remix usually has patches and glue. To repair the surface properly, you need to degrease (alcohol or acetone), clean it with fine sandpaper, apply glue to both surfaces, dry it for 10-15 minutes, apply a second layer, press it down and leave it under load for several hours. On water, you can use special fast-hardening patches.
How many people are comfortably accommodated in Boat 320?
Comfortable in Flink 320 It's going to be a little space for three people, especially with gear and motor, and the maximum payload is going to be three, but it's going to be a little bit more intrusive and less safe when you're excited.