Choosing a boat for fishing or resting on the water often leads to a difficult dilemma: what is more important, the speed and carrying capacity of a hard case or the compactness and lightness of an inflatable one?
This problem is effectively solved. frigate-bottomedThe cockpit combines the maneuverability of the inflatable board and the comfort of a full cockpit, occupying a unique niche between classic naduvasts and heavy boats, offering owners a compromise solution for a variety of water bodies.
Unlike traditional plywood floor models, it uses an inflatable design that changes weight and build speed. In this article, we will discuss in detail who will fit this type of design and why the brand will work. frigate It remains one of the market leaders in this segment.
Design features of the NDLD models
abbreviation NDMA It stands for "inflatable floor inflatable floor," and it's the key to all the performance of the boat. frigate The bottom is a complex system of multiple sealed compartments separated by reinforced partitions, which allows for a rigid plane to be pumped to withstand the weight of a few people and a motor, but retains the flexibility of the entire structure.
The main advantage is the absence of heavy plywood or aluminum floorboards. Boat weight The bottom is much lower, which makes it easier to transport and launch. quilt or V-keelThis is a positive effect on the driving performance, and when you're on a wave, the boat doesn't slap the flat bottom against the water, it cuts the wave, making it a softer, dryer ride.
What is the secret of the hardness of the inflatable floor?
The secret is that double bottom technology and internal tension, when you pump the bottom section to high pressure (usually 0.8-1 atmosphere), the internal tensioner slings are straightened and create a rigid membrane effect, which allows you to stand on the bottom full-length without fear of deflection.
But you have to consider that the inflatable floor is more sensitive to punctures, and if you're on a solder boat, you don't have to be afraid of rocky shore, you can't be afraid of a puncture. NDMA It requires more careful handling. frigate traditionally high, which provides excellent protection against splashes, but increases sailing in strong side wind.
Comparison with the propillion analogues
To make an informed buying decision, you need to clearly understand the difference between an inflatable floor and a classic floorboard. Frigate MThey have a precast hard bottom of sheets of plywood or aluminum, which makes them more stable in the parking lot and less susceptible to sharp objects at the bottom.
On the other hand, it takes a lot longer to build a boat, so you have to spread the bottom, put in stringers, fix the sheets, and then pump the cylinders. float-bottom The process of assembly is about folding the body and working with the pump, which is critical if you plan to often go out on the pond alone or with one partner.
The table below provides a comparison of key specifications that will help you decide on the type of design for your needs:
| Parameter | inflatable floor (NDB) | Pillet bottom (Hard) | inflatable floor (ND) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight of kit | Low/Mediocre | Highly | Very low. |
| Assembly time | 5-10 minutes | 15-25 minutes. | 3-5 minutes |
| Floor rigidity | High (in pumping) | Maximum | Low (soft) |
| Driving performance | Excellent (plane) | Good ones. | Average. |
| Puncture resistance | Medium | High. | Medium |
As you can see from the comparison, boats. frigate The inflatable bottoms are a winner in terms of the dynamics and speed of getting ready for the water, but if you plan to use the boat primarily as a stationary platform for fishing in reed-covered areas where there is a high risk of damage to the bottom, the soldering option may be more practical.
Technical specifications and materials
Manufacturer frigate It uses modern materials for its products, which have proven themselves in harsh operating conditions. PVC It's a high-density, five-layer fabric that's resistant to ultraviolet light, gasoline, oils and temperature changes.
Seams in boats frigate technology-driven liquid-glue (liquid welding) that allows for a monolithic connection, and unlike air welding, where the seam can be exposed to stratification under extreme loads, fluid technology makes the seam stronger than the material itself, and this is especially true for the seam-board interface, where maximum stresses occur.
Be sure to check the pressure in the cylinders with a pressure gauge. A subpump boat loses its rigidity and wears out faster, and a pumped in the sun can burst. The optimal pressure is 0.2 atm at an air temperature of +20 ° C.
The design is strengthening. flat-bar The perimeter that protects the cylinders from abrasion on the berths or on the sides of other vessels, the transom board that attaches the motor is made of multi-layer water-resistant plywood and is sheathed with stainless steel or durable plastic. It is important to note that on models with inflatable floor, the transom often has an adjustable height or reinforced design to compensate for the absence of a rigid keel.
Model range and size selection
Boat line frigate with an inflatable floor (often labeled as a series) Light or Optima.The choice of a particular model depends on the number of passengers, the load capacity and the power of the intended engine.
For solo fishing or cruising in calm weather, compact models up to 3 meters long are great. They can easily fit in the trunk of even a small sedan. If you plan to bring equipment, a tent or a second passenger, you should pay attention to models long. 3.2–3.6 meters.
For those who value comfort and plan long walks into the water with an overnight stay, there are models longer than 4 meters. console-head In larger models, the inflatable floor is often supplemented by inserts made of rigid material or has a complex system of inflatable keels to improve course stability.
☑️ Size selection criteria for boats
Selection of the outboard motor
Choosing the right engine is the key to safety and pleasure. frigate The inflatable floor, because of its lightness and aerodynamics, is perfectly glides, even with medium-powered motors, but it is important not to exceed the manufacturer's recommended values.
For models up to 3.2 meters long, two-stroke or four-stroke engines with power will be the best choice. 5-9.9 hpThey provide a speed of 25-35 km/h, which is enough for fishing and cruising. More powerful engines can lead to excessive differentiation on the stern, since the inflatable floor is less rigid than the soldering one, and the boat can peck noses.
⚠️ Attention: When installing the motor on an inflatable floor boat, carefully monitor the tilt angle of the lower unit. Due to the lack of a hard keel, the wrong angle can lead to yawing the boat at high speeds or even to tipping over.
For boats with a length of 3.6 meters and more, motors with a capacity of up to 15-18 hp.In this class, it makes sense to consider buying an electric motor for quiet driving on restricted areas or as an auxiliary engine. Electric motors also work well with lightweight NDNDT housings without overloading the transom.
Operation, care and maintenance
PVC boats require proper maintenance to last for years, and after each release, especially in salt water or hot weather, it is recommended to flush salt and dirt off the surface with fresh water, which will prevent salt crystallization in the material's pores and preserve the tissue's elasticity.
Keep the boat clean and dry. If you roll a boat with an inflatable floor, try to avoid sharp holes in the same places. Change the folding scheme periodically. Before long storage (winter), it is better to leave the boat inflated for several days in a warm room, so that all the folds are straightened.
The main enemy of PVC boats is not a puncture, but ultraviolet and improper storage in a compressed state. Compliance with the rules of drying and folding prolongs the life of the product by 2-3 times.
Check the valves and seams regularly, and you can use a soap solution to do this, apply it to a suspicious area and watch for bubbles. Small damage is easily repaired with a remix that comes with the boat. frigate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I stand in a boat with an inflatable floor at full height?
Yes, provided the bottom is pumped to the recommended working pressure (usually 0.8 atm for the bottom) and the design of the NDND is designed to distribute the weight of an adult, but sudden jumps or heels can damage the internal structure, so the shoes should be soft.
Is the frigate boat with inflatable sides sailing hard?
High sides do increase sailing, especially in headwinds. However, the frigate models have a streamlined bow shape, which minimizes demolition. In high winds, it is recommended to use an anchor-cat or slow down.
How fast is the boat with the inflatable floor going?
The experienced user assembles a boat 3.2-3.6 meters long in 7-10 minutes using a high pressure pump (feather or electric) which is much faster than assembling a solder boat where you need to lay the sheets of floor and insert stringers (15-20 minutes).
Do I need to lubricate the seams with silicone?
The current PVC materials and gluing technologies used by the Frigate do not require regular lubrication of seams. Silicone can even hurt, as it will stick to dust and sand, which can damage the material when frictioned. Just keep the boat clean.