Frigate 300 EC inflatable boat: full review

Choosing the first swimmer always involves a lot of tradeoffs between price, folded size and seaworthiness on the water. Frigate 300 EC This is a classic example of how engineers have combined the compactness of a rowing variant with the potential for a small outboard motor, and this boat, made of reinforced PVC, is geared primarily towards single anglers or small companies of two who value mobility and don't want to overpay for the excess length of the hull.

The main feature of this series is the presence of an inflatable keel of high pressure, which radically changes the behavior of the vessel on the wave in comparison with flat-bottomed analogues. Keel structure It provides excellent glidering even with low-power engines, allowing speeds that are not available for simple rowing models. Owners often note that it is the balance between the weight of the kit and the rigidity of the structure that makes this modification one of the most popular in its class.

When considering the specifications, the EC index indicates a specific configuration and reinforced design of the cylinders. Unlike the simpler versions, it uses a five-layer material that is resistant to abrasion, exposure to fuel and ultraviolet radiation, which makes the boat suitable not only for quiet fishing on the lake, but also for more active use in the coastal zone of large reservoirs, where unexpected wind gusts or headwinds are possible.

Design features and materials

The basis of durability of any inflatable boat is the material used. Frigate 300 EC It uses a five-layer reinforced PVC fabric with a density of 750 g/sq.m. It not only holds air, but also has a high resistance to mechanical damage. If you accidentally touch a snag or land on a rocky shore, the risk of puncture is minimal due to the thick outer layer and a strong internal reinforcement mesh.

The developers paid special attention to the system keelUnlike hard overhead keels, which make the boat heavier and harder to assemble, it uses a high-pressure balloon, pumped to 250 mB (about 0.25 atm), it gives the bottom a stiffness comparable to that of a sharp cheekbone that cuts the wave perfectly, and it makes you feel more confident even in the side wind when flat-blown boats start to carry and throw from side to side.

The seams in this model are made by technology Hot Air Welded SeamsThe adhesives here are not used in the traditional sense, the materials are fused into a monolith under pressure and temperature, and this prevents the stratification of the seams even when the pressure inside the cylinders is increasing, and it is important to note that all the power elements, such as stringers and the timber, are reinforced with additional tapes.

To protect against splashes and provide an additional buoyancy reserve throughout the perimeter of the boat is installed wide flat-barNot only does it extinguish impacts when mooring, it also serves as a convenient carrying handle, and the bow and transom have handles for easy carrying of the entire structure in assembled form, which is especially important, since the weight of the boat in full can reach 30 kg.

Installation and interior space

The interior space of the model Frigate 300 EC It's designed to be ergonomic for one or two people, and it's standard for two inflatable seats (banks) that can be installed in three different positions. Slid&Lock Or similar allows the boat to shift its center of gravity depending on the number of passengers or cargo, which is critical for proper differentiation.

In addition to the cans, the basic kit includes a remix, a carrying bag and a storage package. The bag is made of durable material and equipped with straps for carrying over the shoulder, although it will weigh. Also included is a breast pump, but for pumping a high-pressure keel, its efforts may not be enough, so experienced users recommend getting a foot or electric pump right away.

• 🎒 Package bag: It is made of reinforced PVC, has a shoulder belt and pockets for small things.
• 🪑 Seats: two inflatable transom seats with a rigid insert, adjustable in length.
• 🛠 Remake: includes patches, glue and instructions for repair in the field.
• ⚓ In addition: In some batches there are leer rings for anchoring or insurance.

The trunk of the boat is made of moisture-resistant plywood coated with special paint, it is rigidly fixed in special pockets and reinforced with linings, which allows you to install motors with a capacity of up to 5 hp without the risk of deformation. The attachment of the transom to the cylinder is carried out through a system of slings and rigid inserts, which ensures the stability of the engine tilt angle.

Technical specifications and load capacity

When choosing a boat, it is critical to understand the difference between maximum and recommended load capacity. Frigate 300 EC The stated maximum load capacity is 350 kg, but this is the limit value at which the boat is still kept on the water, but its sides are almost adjacent to the surface. workloadThis is usually 20-30% below the maximum.

The size of the boat inflated allows you to comfortably accommodate one adult with a full set of fishing equipment. length of 295 cm and width of 142 cm create enough volume for stability, but the boat remains narrow enough for rowing with one paddle if necessary. The weight of the kit is about 28-30 kg, making it portable in the trunk of a passenger car, although one person can carry it a little heavy.

It is important to consider that the actual weight of the boat may differ slightly from the stated, depending on the lot and humidity of the material. PVC has the property of absorbing moisture from the air, so after a long parking in the garage, the weight can increase by 1-2 kg. This is not a defect, but a physical feature of the material.

Operation and selection of motor

Although Frigate 300 EC It's positioned as a boat that allows you to install the engine, the approach to choosing the engine here should be balanced. transom can withstand engines up to 5 hp, but the body is less than 3 meters long is not designed for high speeds and powerful engines. The optimal choice will be two-stroke engines with a capacity of 2.5 - 3.5 hp from proven brands, such as: Tohatsu, Yamaha or HDX.

Using a 5 hp engine is possible, but it will lead to significant fuel overruns and increased noise, and also increase the risk of flooding the boat with a wave at full speed. With a 3.5 hp engine, the boat confidently goes on a plane with one person on board, developing a speed of about 20-22 km / h. This is enough to move between fishing points or exit into the middle of the reservoir.

⚠️ Attention: When operating with the motor, always use a safety cable (fal), one end attached to the transom of the boat, the other to the ring on the motor, which will prevent the engine from losing if it falls overboard when it hits an obstacle.

To control the boat with the engine recommended to use the tiller control. Installing remote control on such small dimensions does not make sense and will only complicate the design. Also worth remembering the rule of "three points of support": when installing the engine, make sure that it is fixed symmetrically, so as not to sway the boat to one side, which can lead to a dangerous roll.

Comparison with competitors and modifications

In the inflatable boat market Frigate 300 EC Competing with the series models M-300 and F-280The main difference between the EC series is the presence of a full-fledged inflatable keel, while the simpler versions can have a simple inflatable floor (NDND) without a pronounced keel shape or be flat-bottom at all. This gives the EC model an advantage in speed and comfort, but loses slightly in weight and assembly time.

Compared to other manufacturers, for example, Badger or hunterThe frigate often wins in terms of the quality of PVC used and the ergonomics of the seats, but some competitors may offer a lighter design by reducing the density of the material, which is a controversial advantage. reinforced PVC The frigate has been tested for years in harsh Russian conditions.

Modifications 300 EC Pro Or similarly updated versions may differ in the color of the fabric or the presence of additional pockets for gear on the cylinders. When choosing between a used boat and a new one, always inspect the seams for layering and check the valves. Old boats that have been stored in a compressed state for many years can have microcracks on the folds.

• 🆚 Against flat-bottomed girls: The keel gives speed, but adds 2-3 kg of weight.
• 🆚 Against NDT: The keel boat is better on course, the NDND is more comfortable for overnight stays.
• 🆚 Against competitors: The frigate is often more expensive, but better assembled.

It's worth noting that the design is very maintainable, and all the design elements are standard, and if the cylinder is damaged, it can be replaced or sealed in a specialized workshop, and the presence of a wide network of service centers makes owning this boat less risky in the long run.

Safety regulations and storage

Water safety begins long before you get on the water, and visual inspections are required before each operation. Frigate 300 EC Pay special attention to the condition of the valves and the joints, even a small grain of sand caught under the valve can cause a slow leak of air, which will become noticeable only at the most inopportune time.

The optimal storage temperature is from +5 to +25 degrees Celsius, and it is not recommended to leave the boat in the cold or in direct sunlight in the summer, when the temperature inside the black bag can reach critical values. Ultraviolet It is the main enemy of PVC, causing its degradation and loss of elasticity.

⚠️ Attention: Never keep the boat fully inflated in a warm room in winter, and as the temperature rises, the pressure inside the cylinders will increase dramatically, which can cause the seams to rupture.

In preparation for winter storage, the boat must be thoroughly washed, dried and treated with a special protective impregnation for PVC. It should be folded carefully, trying not to make sharp crevices in the same places. It is best to change the bending line at each package to avoid cracking the material.