Choosing a boat for fishing or family water vacations is often a challenge, especially when budgets are tight and reliability requirements are high. Hunter 320 It has proven to be an affordable option for calm water, a classic flat-bottom, which attracts customers with its low price and simplicity of construction.
But behind the exterior simplicity, there are nuances to consider before buying, and many beginners make the mistake of believing that any inflatable boat behaves the same way, but it is not the same. bottom-building and cylinder-stiffness This is a critical part of this, and in this article, we're going to look at what this model is really capable of, and whether it's worth your investment.
You don't have to be an expert in shipbuilding to understand the basic principles of this craft, but we'll look at the technical aspects, the assembly features and the real experience of the movement, based on the experience of the owners and the technical specifications of the manufacturer.
Design features and materials
The basis of durability of any boat made of polyvinyl chloride is the quality of the material used. Hunter 320 Traditionally made of reinforced PVC density of 750 g / sq.m. This is a standard indicator for the budget segment, providing acceptable protection from puncture and abrasion. Fabric consists of two layers of polymer with a cord grid inside, which gives it the necessary tensile strength.
The boat is a flat-bottomed type, meaning there is no keel, and the bottom is formed by inflatable tubes that give the hull a stiffness, which makes it easy to fold the boat into a transport bag, but imposes restrictions on the boat's ability to do so. seaworthiness The cylinders are simple, without complex aerodynamic curves, which makes production easier but affects speed.
⚠️ Attention: The 750 g/sqm material is sensitive to temperature extremes. Do not leave the boat in the cold or in the scorching sun unnecessarily, as this accelerates the aging of plastic.
An important element is high-pressureIt's a very common feature in this series, which allows you to stand up and make it more comfortable than a soft flooring, and seams on high-quality pieces are made by hot gluing, which guarantees tightness, but requires careful handling of sharp objects on the shore.
Dimensions and load capacity
The figure "320" in the model name indicates the total length of the boat in centimeters, a compact size ideal for transport in the trunk of a passenger car or even in public transport assembled, but the usable area of the cockpit will be less than the declared length due to the bloated cylinders. The actual workspace is about 2-2.2 meters.
Load capacity Hunter 320 It is usually declared in the range of 300-350 kg. This includes the weight of passengers, motor, equipment and the body itself. In practice, a safe load for two adults with a minimum set of gear is about 200-220 kg. Exceeding this limit leads to strong differentiation and reduced speed.
The width of the boat on cylinders is about 136-140 cm This is a rather narrow indicator, which makes the boat yurky, but less stable when the sharp movements of the fisherman. passport capacity It always has a reserve, but you should not rely on it completely, especially on an unfamiliar body of water.
- 📏 Total length: 320 cm
- 📏 Bulk width: 136-140 cm
- ⚖️ Maximum load capacity: up to 350 kg
- 👥 Passenger capacity: 2-3 persons
- 🎒 Weight in the kit: about 28-32 kg
Motor installation and driving performance
The trunk part of the boat Hunter 320 It is a removable or pasted plywood board covered with waterproof paint, the height of the transom is usually 381 mm (15 inches), which is the standard for most outboard motors.
The recommended engine power for this model varies from 2 to 5 hp Installation of a more powerful engine, for example, 9.9 hp, is possible, but impractical due to the flat bottom. The boat will not be able to effectively plane with full load, but will only dig a wave with its nose, consuming fuel. The optimal choice will be a two-stroke engine with a capacity of 3.5-4 hp.
On the water, the flat-bottomed structure behaves predictably only on a calm surface. open-water Or when the wind blows, the boat starts to blow, and the course becomes hard because of the shocks to the wave, and the speed of movement with a 4 hp engine and one passenger rarely exceeds 10-12 km / h.
The boat is controlled by a tiller handle of the engine, and because of the lack of a hard keel and low draft, the boat has low course stability, you have to constantly adjust your course, especially when you're going against the wind, which is tiring on long transitions.
Comfort and ergonomics
The interior of the boat is as simple as possible, and you get a can of inflatable seats that are attached to the sides with a lyctros or belt, and it's a long time uncomfortable to sit on this device, so many owners immediately think about tuning.
To increase comfort, additional rigid plywood or aluminum cans are often installed, which allows you to change the landing, get up to throw the spinning or just stretch. floor-floor (if it is in your configuration) greatly improves the sensation, as the floor becomes smooth and elastic.
The bow often has a loop for anchor or a tow crate, but the regular anchor crate can be weak for heavy anchors, so it is often reinforced or bandaged, spaces for equipment are few, the crates are usually placed on the floor or fixed on banks.
It's important to note that there's no spray protection in the nose, and when you move against the wave, the water will flood inwards, so you have to have a scoop or pump in the boat, and the moisture builds up quickly at the bottom, unless you use special tides.
Assembly, storage and maintenance
The process of preparing the boat for launch takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on the experience. Spread the cylinders, pump them to the working pressure (usually 0.12-0.15 atm) and install the banks. Using an electric pump with blow function greatly speeds up the process, but the final pumping is better done with a foot pump, so as not to pump.
After operation, the boat must be thoroughly dried, and the residual moisture between the PVC layers or inside the case leads to mold and a bad smell, which is then very difficult to remove. Hunter 320 It is better in a straightened or half-folded form in a warm room.
Regular maintenance includes checking the pressure in the cylinders and the integrity of the valves. Periodically, you should lubricate the valves with silicone lubrication to prevent them from acidifying. If you notice air etching, use a soap solution to find the puncture site.
☑️ Proper conservation of the boat
Pay special attention to the squirrel board, plywood, even painted, absorbs moisture over time through microcracks, once a season, it is recommended to remove the transom, dry it and update the protective coating, otherwise it can dissect and lose strength.
Comparison with competitors and modifications
There are many analogues on the market, such as Flagship, Aqua or Master.. Hunter 320 It often wins in price, but it can lose out as fittings and equipment, for example, competitors often have more reliable valves and reinforced handles for carrying.
There are various modifications to this model, some versions with a rigid plywood floor (HPMB), which drastically changes the driving performance, allowing you to achieve higher speed and better wavehold, but these versions are heavier and more expensive to transport.
When choosing between a flat-bottom and a keel boat of the same brand, it is worth considering the operating conditions. If you plan to only walk on small rivers and closed bodies of water in calm, overpaying for the keel does not make sense.
| Parameter | Hunter 320 (Flat Bottom) | Hunter 320 (NDND/Kil) | Analogue (Flagship 320) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of bottom | Inflatable/soft | High-pressure inflatable | Inflatable/rigid |
| Weight of kit | ~28 kg | ~35-40 kg | ~30 kg |
| Recommended motor | 2-4 hp | 4-6 hp | 3-5 hp |
| Speed (from 4 hp) | 8-10 km/h | 12-15 km/h | 10-12 km/h |
| Price. | Low. | Medium | Medium |
When choosing between modifications, remember that high-pressure (NDND) gives you a substantial gain in comfort, but adds weight. For a lone fisherman who carries a boat alone, every kilo counts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you get a Hunter 320 on the wave?
Wave access is possible, but it's extremely limited. The flat bottom doesn't cut the wave, it slaps it, which creates a big impact and a risk of water getting in. You can only travel safely when you're up to 0.25-0.5 meters.
Which pump is best used for pumping?
For the main pump, the battery electric pump (12V) running from the car lighter is ideal. This saves energy. However, the final pump to the desired pressure (0.12-0.15 atm) be sure to perform the foot pump, since the electro-pumps often do not give the desired pressure and can burn.
How many people are comfortable in the boat?
Formally, the boat is three-seater, but comfortably it accommodates two people of medium build with a minimum load. Hunter 320 They will sit very tightly, and the sides will fall close to the water, which is not safe.
How to keep a boat in the winter?
The boat should be thoroughly washed, dried and folded into a bag, stored in a room with a plus temperature, away from heating appliances and direct sunlight, it is not recommended to keep the boat in a fully inflated state under load, as this creates constant stress in the seams.