Inflatable rowing vessels with the possibility of installing an outboard motor remain one of the most affordable ways to get on the water, and the model is not a model. Frigate 320 It's a classic budget-friendly product that has been popular with anglers and hunters for years because of its simplicity and maintainability, and unlike the more complex high-pressure inflatable floor (HPD) designs, it uses a time-tested plywood scheme.
Many newcomers wonder if this model should be considered in 2026, when the market is crowded with more modern counterparts. flyboard They provide excellent stability, and a hard bottom allows you to stand confidently while fishing, but it is worth noting that this is not a high-speed plane, but a reliable working tool for calm water and small rivers.
In this article, we will discuss the design features, weigh the pros and cons, and give recommendations for choosing motor power. Frigate M 320 It often becomes the first serious boat in the arsenal of a water motor and what nuances of operation this seemingly simple device hides.
Design features and materials
The basis of durability of any PVC floating craft lies in the density and quality of the fabric. Frigate 320 Reinforced polyvinyl chloride with a density of 750 g / sq.m. This material has a high resistance to abrasion, which is critically important in contact with sand on the shore or stones on the bottom. Five-layer structure The fabric provides the necessary tightness and tensile strength, allowing the vessel to withstand significant loads.
The design feature is an inflatable pendant that runs along the bottom, and this solution not only gives the boat a hydrodynamic shape, improving driving performance, but also serves as a powerful power element. Frigate 320 It is better to keep the course than flat-bottomed analogues without a keel.
⚠️ Warning: Despite the high density of PVC, avoid prolonged contact of the fabric with sharp objects and hot surfaces. Puncture in the area of the quill may require complex repairs in the workshop.
The trawler is made of moisture-resistant plywood, fiberglass-plated or coated with special wear-resistant paint, which is mounted through special pockets and latching belts, which allows it to be removed for drying or replacement if necessary, and provides the aft rigidity required to install a motor with a capacity of up to 5 hp.
Inflatable floor and paiola system
The main difference between the model and the more expensive versions is the use of hard paioles (flooring) instead of an inflatable floor. The floor is assembled from separate plywood or aluminum plates that are inserted into the cylinders and connected together, which makes the boat much cheaper, but adds weight and time to build. Hard flooring. It allows you to comfortably move along the cockpit, without fear of bending the bottom with your feet.
The assembly process requires a certain skill: first, the cylinders are inflated, then the sheets of plywood are put inside, and it is important to place the guide profiles correctly so that the paioles stand flat and create a single flat surface, and if you ignore this step, the floor can "walk" under your feet, which creates discomfort when fishing.
Storage nuances of plywood floorboards
Plywood, even moisture-resistant, is afraid of getting wet for a long time. After each fishing, the paiola must be removed, wiped dry and stored in a dry space, spread out in a stacked boat for the winter, they can be layered or covered with mold.
Paiolas are often made composite for ease of transportation, but the presence of many docking elements increases the time to prepare for the water, while this design is more repairable: a damaged sheet of plywood can be easily replaced with a new, cut-out size, which is impossible to do with a solid inflatable floor.
Dimensions, weight and passenger capacity
Model range frigate 320 implies a total length of 320 cm The width of the cylinders is usually about 136-140 cm, which is the standard for two-seater rowing boats. The height of the board varies between 36-38 cm, which provides a sufficient margin of buoyancy and protects against spray, but may be small for high waves.
The weight of the kit (boat, floorboard, seat, bag) is approximately 38-42 kg. This is enough for constant carrying by one person, especially when you consider the weight of the motor and battery. loading capacity 400-450 kg is declared not just like this: the boat is able to take on board two adults and equipment, but at the same time its driving performance will significantly decrease.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Full length | 320 cm | Including inflatable parts |
| Full width | 136 cm | Outward dimensions |
| Height of board | 36 cm | From the bottom plane |
| Weight of kit | ~40 kg | No motor or hinge. |
| Load capacity | 400 kg | Maximum loading |
The internal volume of the cockpit allows two anglers to be accommodated comfortably, although full loading can be limited, with the optimal load being one adult and a moderate amount of equipment, in which the boat behaves most predictably and safely.
Driving performance and management
On the water. Frigate 320 It's a typical flat-bottomed behavior, and it's a confident propeller, it's a good kilson, but high-side sailing can be a problem in a strong side wind, and you have to work hard with oars or you have to use an anchor to stabilize.
When installing the engine, the boat does not go plane with one person unless a special hydraulic heel is used or if the weight of the motorist is small. It goes in displacement mode, creating a noticeable wave. The maximum speed with a 3.5-5 hp engine is about 10-12 km / h, which is enough to move between fishing points.
Management It depends on the location of the load. If you move the weight closer to the nose, the boat will prowl and become less likely to hold its course. Correct centering is the key to a safe and comfortable trip. It is also worth noting that soft travel on the wave compensates for low speed, so the transitions can be tedious.
To improve course stability, try placing the battery and anchor strictly on the diametric axis closer to the nose, which will balance the boat and reduce yaw.
In shallow water frigate It's great because it's able to lift the engine, because the lack of protruding parts at the bottom (except the keel) allows for sways where keel boats can get stuck, but it's worth remembering that the keelson is also an obstacle, and on a rocky bottom it can get damaged.
Selection of motor and attachment equipment
The choice of powertrain is a key point for this model. the manufacturer recommends engines up to 5 hp, but the best option many owners call "two-stroke" with a capacity of 3.5 hp. They are lighter, cheaper to maintain and quite cope with the task of transporting 1-2 people. More powerful engines (4-5 hp) make sense only with a regular load in the form of two adult passengers.
The important element is the transom plate. frigate It may not be suitable for engines with non-standard height of lower unit, often requires the installation of additional wooden or aluminum stain, and also you need to make sure that the stops of the transom are securely fixed, because with a sharp gas, the motor can "pinch" the nose and damage the cylinder.
☑️ Check before installing the engine
From attachments, you need to purchase an anchor-cat weighing 1.5-2 kg. Staff places for anchoring the tile allow you to quickly fix the boat on the current. In addition, you can install holders for rods and sonar using standard mounts on the sides.
⚠️ Warning: Never exceed the recommended engine power. Installing an engine of 6 hp and above can cause the transom to collapse and the boat to tip over due to loss of stability.
Care, maintenance and repair
The durability of a PVC boat depends on how you care for it. After each operation, especially in salt water or muddy waters, you need to thoroughly wash the product with fresh water. Sand and silt, stuck in folds and under floorboard, work as an abrasive, gradually destroying the fabric.
Store Frigate 320 It should be straightened or half-blown, with the seams with paper or cloth so that they do not stick together. The optimal storage temperature is from -20 to +40 degrees, but it is better to avoid sharp changes. Regularly check the pressure in the cylinders: pumped into the sun can burst, and under-pumped can deform.
Small punctures are easily repaired with the kit that comes with the kit, which is enough to degrease the surface, apply glue and press the patch. More serious damage, such as joints divergence, requires professional intervention and hot welding. Don't try to seal the seam coldly, it's temporary and unreliable.
Regular treatment of PVC fabric with special air conditioners (for example, based on silicone) prolongs the life of the material, preventing it from drying out and cracking in the sun.
Pay special attention to fittings. Plastic valves can crack in the cold, metal rings can rust, lubricating moving parts and replacing worn-out elements will help avoid trouble at the most inopportune time.
Comparison with competitors and final conclusions
There are many analogues in the market, such as hunter, bark or Aqua. Frigate 320 It is more affordable and maintains acceptable materials quality, while the lack of inflatable floor makes it harder to assemble than modern NDND boats, but cheaper to repair.
Compared to pure propeller models, the ability to install the engine offers a huge advantage in mobility. However, if you plan to use actively with frequent water outlets and high speeds, it may be worth considering options with an inflatable keel and a high pressure bottom that are more comfortable on the go.
In the dry residue, Frigate M 320 It's a workhorse for people who value simplicity and reliability, and it's not going to surprise you with speed, but it's going to take you to the fishing area and back, and it's a great choice for a summer cottage, for a hunting farm, for people who are just starting out with water-powered technology and are not willing to spend a lot of money.
What is the maximum weight of the Frigate 320?
Passenger carrying capacity is 400 kg, which includes the weight of passengers, motor, fuel, equipment and the boat itself, but for comfortable and safe operation it is recommended not to exceed the load of 250-300 kg, to maintain good swelling and handling.
Can I use the 320 frigate in winter?
Using PVC boats in subzero temperatures is possible, but it requires caution. The material in the cold bluffs and becomes brittle. It is strictly forbidden to fold or sharply bend the boat in the cold, and move it on the ice with a drag. The pressure in the cylinders in the cold drops, which should be considered when pumping.
How long does it take to assemble and disassemble a boat?
In a skilled user, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes to assemble, including pumping the cylinders and laying the paioles. It takes about the same amount of time to disassemble and pack, and the first time it can take up to 40 minutes until you get the right layers and peioles.
Do I need to register the Frigate 320 in GIMS?
According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, registration is subject to small vessels weighing more than 200 kg in running order or with an engine capacity of more than 8 hp (for boats up to 3 meters). Frigate 320 It weighs about 40 kg and the recommended engine is up to 5 hp, in most cases registration is not required if the total weight does not exceed the limit.