Choosing a reliable boat for fishing or family vacations on the water often comes down to finding a compromise between mobility, comfort and price. The Gladiator Boat 320 NDND For many years, it has been one of the leaders in the low- and mid-market inflatables market, which is explained by the fact that the model combines the compactness of the three-meter length with the advantages of a low-pressure inflatable floor, which provides excellent cross-country performance.
Owners value this series for its versatility: the vessel is suitable for both quiet fishing in shallow waters and for cruising through reservoirs in moderate chop. NDMA (Low Pressure inflatable floor) dramatically changes the behavior of a boat on the water compared to classic peyol models, and in this article we will discuss in detail the technical nuances, features of operation and real-world capabilities of this model.
Design features and materials
The basis of durability of any inflatable vessel is the quality of the materials used. Gladiator 320 High-quality reinforced fabric is used PVC 850 g/m2It is a five-layer composite material that is resistant to ultraviolet light, fuels and mechanical damage to the rocky bottom, and the density of the fabric allows it to withstand significant loads without the risk of bloating seams under temperature changes.
A key element of the design is a cylinder divided into three independent compartments, which provides a high degree of safety: even if one of the cylinders is damaged, the boat will remain afloat, the seams are made by tape, which ensures that the joints are tight and tensile. The fabric thickness of 850 g/m2 is optimal for boats up to 3.6 meters long, providing a balance between weight and strength.
Particular attention should be paid to the system. NDMAUnlike hard-plated pit floors, it uses a double membrane that, when pumped, creates a flat, hard surface, which not only improves comfort, but also improves hydrodynamics. The trunk insert is made of moisture-resistant plywood 12 mm thick and protected with wear-resistant plastic, allowing motors up to 8 hp to be installed.
⚠️ Attention: When pumping the bottom of the NDND, strictly monitor the pressure. The recommended range is 0.2-0.25 atm. Pumping in hot weather can lead to rupture of the seams, and non-pumping - to deformation of the body and loss of driving qualities.
Comfort in the boat provides inflatable seats (sleigh), which are also included in the basic equipment, they are fixed in special pockets on the sides, which excludes their displacement during movement, for storing equipment, a nose bag and bags on the transom, as well as a perimeter rope for insurance.
Driving qualities and behavior on the water
Conduct Gladiator 320 The boat is very scalable on the water, and it's very scalable, it's very gentle, because it's designed with scalability, and when you're going against the current or on the opposite wave, the soft bottom is quenching the impacts, which reduces crew fatigue, and this is critical for anglers who spend 6 to 8 hours on the water.
When going to planing, the boat shows stability. Wide stern and properly designed zygomatic cylinders prevent nose burrowing and onboard swing. However, it is worth considering that a length of 3.2 meters imposes restrictions on speed and ability to keep a course in strong lateral wind. A 5 hp motor is enough for confident glides with one person (about 80 kg).
If you plan to operate with two adult passengers and cargo, to go to the planing will require a motor with a capacity of 8-9.9 hp In this mode, the boat reaches speeds up to 25-28 km / h. NDMA The boat becomes somewhat heavier than the floorboard counterparts, which affects the acceleration dynamics, but wins in comfort.
To improve the course stability on planing in the wind, you can use a hinged keel or a tiller extension for more accurate gas control.
Assembly, pumping and preparation for exit
Preparation process Gladiator 320 NDLD It takes longer to get out than a hard-bottomed boat, but it doesn't require complicated manipulations. The first step is always to lay the boat out on a flat surface and visually inspect for damage, then pump the cylinders to working pressure (usually 0.25 atm).
Pumping the bottom of the NDND requires special attention. You need to use a pump with a foot or electric drive, capable of creating pressures up to 0.3 atm. The process takes 5-7 minutes. After pumping the bottom, you need to let the boat lie down for 10-15 minutes to adapt the material, because when pumping the tissue is slightly stretched, and the pressure may fall.
☑️ Preparing the boat for the season
The seats and equipment are installed after all compartments have been fully pumped, the transom insert is installed in special pockets and fixed with belts. It is important to make sure that no foreign objects (rocks, branches) have been inserted between the cylinders and the bottom, which can damage the fabric when loaded.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight unattended for long periods of time. The pressure inside the cylinders rises with the temperature, which can lead to emergency air venting through the valves or straining the seams.
Comparison with models and competitors
In choosing between NDMA And with the classic paiola bottom, buyers often face a dilemma: Pipe boats are easier to build and have less weight, but a hard bottom creates a hard bump against the wave and requires more thorough drying before packaging. NDMA They benefit in comfort and speed of assembly / disassembly, as you do not need to lay heavy aluminum or plywood sheets.
Compared to competitors in this price range (e.g., Flagship 320 or Aqua 320), Gladiator stands out for the quality of fittings and density of fabric. Many budget counterparts use fabric 750 g / m2, which reduces the product life during active use. It is also worth noting the ergonomics of cylinders: in Gladiator they are more rounded, which increases the internal volume.
Below is a comparative table of specifications that will help determine the choice:
| Parameter | Gladiator 320 NDLD | Typical floorboard 320 | Competitor (NDND 320) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight in kit | 42 kg | 36 kg | 44 kg |
| Load capacity | 450 kg | 400 kg | 420 kg |
| Assembly time | 15-20 minutes | 25-30 minutes | 15-20 minutes |
| Comfort on the wave | Highly | Medium. | Highly |
As you can see from the table, the main compromise in the selection NDMA The boat is about 5-7 kg heavier than the plyol version, which can be critical for fishermen cruising long distances to the water.
Recommendations for motor selection
For Gladiator 320 There is a middle ground in the choice of engine power, the minimum power to get on plane with one person is 5 hp However, if you plan to often walk with a passenger or cargo, the best choice will be the engine power. 9.8-9.9 hp This is the maximum power recommended by the manufacturer for a given length and design of the transom.
The use of engines with a capacity of 15 hp and above is possible, but impractical. the boat body is not designed for high speed loads, and the increase in power will only lead to fuel overrun and an increased risk of transom damage. In addition, engines above 10 hp already require the rights and registration of the vessel (depending on the total power of all engines on the boat).
Features of the installation of an electric motor
The 320 can be fitted with an electric motor up to 40-45 lbs. The mounting is on a trawler board. It is important to consider the weight of the battery, which is better placed on the bottom of the boat for centering, rather than on the transom, so as not to overload the stern.
When choosing between two-stroke and four-stroke engines, the boat tends to lean more toward two-strokes, which are lighter, cheaper and easier to transport, and a four-stroke engine will add about 10 kg of weight, which can be a significant load limit for the 320 model.
The optimal engine for the Gladiator 320 is a two-stroke, 9.9 hp, with the ability to suffocate up to 5 hp for training or quiet fishing.
Care, storage and durability
Term of service PVC boats After each operation, especially in salt water or muddy waters, the boat needs to be rinsed with fresh water, which will prevent the fittings from corroding and tissue structure from being destroyed by aggressive microorganisms.
Drying is a critical stage. inflatable floor. NDMA It dries longer than cylinders because of its design. If you pack a wet boat, the debate will begin inside, mold and an unpleasant smell that is almost impossible to remove, it is recommended to dry the boat half-assembled in the shade for 1-2 days.
Keep the boat in a case, in a room with a temperature of -10 to +30 degrees Celsius. It is not recommended to keep the boat in a fully pumped state for a long time (more than a month), as this creates a constant load on the seams. Periodically (once a season) it is worth pumping the cylinders and checking the pressure to make sure that there are no micropunctures.
⚠️ Attention: To clean the boat, solvents, acetone, chlorine-containing agents and hard brushes are prohibited. Only soapy water and a soft sponge are allowed. Aggressive chemistry destroys the PVC coating and makes the material sticky.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I put a 15 hp engine on the Gladiator 320 NDNDND?
Formally, the transom will withstand a short-term load, but the manufacturer does not recommend exceeding 9.9 hp Installation of a more powerful motor (15 hp) creates a risk of tearing off the transom at high speed, makes the boat unstable and removes warranty obligations.
How many people are comfortably accommodated on the 320?
Passport capacity is 3, but in terms of comfort and fishing, the optimal number is 2 adults of average size, three adults will fit, but the space for gear and freedom of movement will be critically small.
Do I need to register the Gladiator 320 boat with GIMS?
Registration is required if the mass of the boat in service (boat + engine itself) exceeds 200 kg, OR the power of the engine exceeds 8 kW (approximately 10.8 hp). Gladiator 320 weighs about 42 kg, and motors are usually put up to 9.9 hp (about 7.3 kW), then in the “boat + engine up to 9.9 hp” connection registration is usually not required if the total weight is less than 200 kg.
How to repair a puncture at the bottom of the NDND?
The repairs are made with a complete remix (a flap of fabric and glue) that is cleaned, degreased, two layers of glue are applied (the second one after the first one is dryed), then a lapel is applied and rolled. For NDNDM, it is important to let the glue polymerize 24 hours before pumping.