Choosing a first or new fishing and recreational swimmer often takes a long time to learn the specifications and reviews. Frigate 340 It is a boat that has been leading the budget and mid-size segment for several years, and its popularity is due to the combination of compactness in its assembled form and a sufficiently spacious cockpit for two, and sometimes three people, with minimal equipment.
The design of this model is based on time-tested solutions, such as inflatable tubes made of high-strength fabric and hard solder floor. It is the hardness of the bottom that ensures excellent seaworthiness and the ability to install an outboard motor with a capacity of up to 15-18 hp In this review, we will analyze in detail all the nuances of operation, assembly and real driving qualities so that you can make an informed decision about the purchase.
Shell design and materials used
The basis of durability of any inflatable boat is the material from which the cylinders are made. Fregat 340 The material is highly resistant to abrasion and puncture, with a density of 1150 g/sq.m., which is standard for serious boats of this class, and the seams are made by brass method, which ensures tightness and prevents tissue from dissection even after many cycles of inflating and deflating.
The developers have focused on protecting the bottom of the cylinders, and in the most vulnerable places, on the bottom and in the transom area, additional tread belts are pasted, which is critical when pulling the boat onto a rocky shore or sandy bottom. Tranza in this model is made of moisture-resistant plywood with a thickness of 12 mm (in some versions 9 mm) and is covered with a special enamel that protects against the effects of water and ultraviolet radiation.
⚠️ Warning: Despite the high strength of the fabric, avoid prolonged contact with sharp objects and hot surfaces (such as cigarette butts), as this can lead to irreversible damage to PVC.
The cylinders are divided into three independent compartments, which meet the safety requirements and allows you to maintain buoyancy even if one of them is damaged. quiltIt raises the boat’s nose on the move, improving germination on the wave and preventing splashing.
Features of the paiole system of the floor
The hardness of the sex is what distinguishes Frigate 340 The floor is assembled from individual aluminum or plywood slabs (floorboards) that are inserted into special pockets on the bottom and connected to each other, which allows the boat to keep its shape and plane efficiently when it enters mode.
The process of floor assembly requires a certain skill. The plates are laid sequentially, starting from the nose. It is important to make sure that the joints of the plates coincide with the guide profiles. Aluminum profiles that are inserted into the slots between the plates give the structure a monolithic structure. When assembled, the floor is a single rigid platform on which you can confidently stand even during high excitement.
☑️ Complementary floor assembly
It is worth noting that in some modifications the system is used. Quick-Set But the classic stringer circuit is the most reliable, and once the floor is installed, the boat inflates, and the pressure in the cylinders finally fixes the structure, making it rigid as a hull.
Package and additional options
Basic equipment of the boat Frigate 340 However, the accessories market offers many additions that can significantly improve the comfort of fishing or cruising. The standard set often varies depending on the dealer and year of manufacture.
The standard package includes:
- 🎒 Bag-backpack for transportation (capacious, with webbing for carrying together).
- 💨 A foot pump with a pressure gauge (two-mode, allows you to quickly pump the boat).
- 🔧 Remnap (glue, PVC patches, key for the valve).
- 🪑 Seats (usually rigid plywood cans or inflatable ones).
- ⚓ Exceptions for fun (in some versions of the oars are not included in the kit).
Among the useful options to consider when buying a transom wheel, it makes it much easier to move a motorized boat on solid ground to the water, and many owners immediately order additional soft seats with backrests, as standard cans can be uncomfortable for long fishing.
Trans plates on the frigate 340
The installation of transom plates on the 340 is possible, but requires care. The plates are glued to cylinders and serve to fine-tune the angle of the engine's trim, and this is true for 9.9 and 15 hp engines, allowing the boat to be glided with less roll and fuel consumption.
Assembly and preparation process for launch
The first assembly of a new boat can take 20 to 40 minutes until you adjust to the algorithm of actions. The main rule is to take your time and perform operations consistently. First, the boat is laid out on a flat surface, cleared of thorns and sharp stones.
The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- Spread the cylinders and make sure the valves are closed.
- Insert the nasal paiola and start laying the rest of the floor slabs.
- Insert side stringers into the slots between the plates and sides.
- Insert a central stringer (if provided by the design) to enhance the stiffness.
- Turn the boat over, put the tanner board in your pockets.
- Pump the cylinders to working pressure (usually 0.2 atm or to the tip of the finger).
So when you pump a boat in a cool room or in the shade, you don't have to pump it before it rings. When you heat it in the sun, the pressure can damage the seams. The optimal working pressure is about 0.25 atm.
Use talc or baby powder to treat the inner surfaces of the floorboards and pockets. This will prevent PVC from sticking together, remove the creak of the sand and greatly facilitate the process of disassembling the boat after fishing.
Driving qualities and behavior on the water
How he behaves. Frigate 340 With its inflatable keel and V-shaped bottom profile, the boat is a great wave-cutter, making it suitable for use not only in calm lakes but also in moderate-wind reservoirs, and the feeling of stability on the water is much higher than in flat-bottomed models.
When you install the engine with a capacity of 9.9 hp, the boat confidently goes to the plane with two passengers and equipment. The speed is about 30-35 km / h, which is enough to move between fishing points. A more powerful engine (15 hp) allows you to accelerate to 40-45 km / h, but fuel consumption increases, and the range decreases.
The boat's handling is rated as good, it responds obediently to the turns of the hummel and does not prowl straight, but it should be noted that the sailing capacity of the inflatable tubes is high, and in strong side winds, the control may require more active action, especially when driving against the wind.
Technical specifications compared to competitors
To objectively assess the place Frigate 340 In the market, you need to look at the basics of the market compared to the peers, and the table below shows the key metrics that are important when choosing.
| Parameter | Meaning / Description |
|---|---|
| Full length | 340 cm |
| Full width | 156 cm |
| Load capacity | 500 kg |
| Boat weight (with paioles) | ~45-48 kg |
| Recommended motor | 15 hp. |
The main competitive advantage is weight: At 3.40 meters, a weight in the area of 45 kg allows you to transport a boat in the trunk of a sedan (if you fold the rear seats) or on the roof of a car in disassembled form. Heavyer fabrics can weigh 60 or more kilograms, making them difficult to transport for one person.
At the same time, the 156 cm width provides sufficient stability to safely perform spinning throws or work with the sonar without fear of tipping over, an important balance between stability and speed.
Maintenance and durability of operation
And Frigate 340 After every fishing trip, especially in salt water or dirty water, the boat must be rinsed with fresh water, which will prevent the PVC structure from breaking down and the metal parts of the fittings from corroding.
Keep the boat in a dry, ventilated room, away from heaters and direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light causes plastic to age, become brittle and lose elasticity. The optimal storage temperature is room temperature.
⚠️ Warning: Do not leave a pumped boat in direct sunlight for a long time (more than 2-3 hours) unattended. Air pressure inside can rise to critical values and damage the seams.
Check the valves and the presence of sand in the folds of the fabric regularly. The sand acts as an abrasive and can rub the material when blown away. If you notice minor damage, use a rim kit to repair them before they become through.
Final recommendations before purchase
Frigate 340 It's a versatile tool for aquatic motors, ideal for amateur anglers, hunters and tourists who are looking for a balance between price, quality and ease of transportation, a boat that requires no complex maintenance and is ready to operate in any climatic zone.
If you plan to actively fish with frequent crossings and overnight stays, consider buying additional accessories immediately. If the boat is needed for rare trips to calm water, the basic equipment will be enough.
The frigate 340 is the “golden mean” in the world of inflatable boats: it is already large enough for comfortable fishing with a motor, but it is still easy enough to transport in a passenger car without a trailer.
What is the optimal engine weight for the 340 Frigate?
The optimal is a motor weighing up to 25-30 kg (usually 9.9 hp or short 15 hp). Heavy motors can overload the transom and shift the center of gravity, impairing driving performance.
Do I need to lubricate the stringers before assembly?
You can't use oils or fats. You can use talc or a special silicone lubricant in a spray for PVC products to facilitate assembly.
Can I use the 340 frigate in winter?
You can use it, but with caution. PVC becomes hard and brittle in the cold. You need to avoid hitting the ice and extreme bends. You need to keep the boat in the winter only in a warm room.
How many people are comfortable in the boat?
Comfortable, two adults plus equipment, three people can only be accommodated in an emergency or with a minimum of things, but driving performance will deteriorate.