Choosing a swimming aid for fishing or family water recreation always involves finding a balance between comfort, load capacity and mobility. In this segment of the market, models with low pressure inflatable bottoms are confidently held, and among them occupies a special place. boat Keith Bots 390 NDNIt's not just another inflatable boat, it's a clever design designed for those who value speed and stability on the wave.
KitBoats has long proven itself as a reliable option for Russian water bodies, where conditions can change unpredictably. The design with a diameter of 390 millimeters in cylinders provides excellent stability, and the technology of NDNDM allows you to forget about assembling slate floor, saving time and effort before getting on the water.
But like any other technology, this model has its own nuances to consider when buying and operating, from choosing the right engine to storing in the winter, knowing these details will prolong the life of your vessel, and then we will go into detail all aspects of owning this boat, so that your access to the water is safe and enjoyable.
Structural features and materials of the body
The basis of durability of any PVC boat is the quality of the materials used. The 390 NDNDM uses a five-layer reinforced fabric that is highly resistant to abrasion and ultraviolet rays. Tissue density It is usually 750 g/sqm, which is the gold standard for boats of this class, allowing them to withstand loads without significantly increasing weight.
And the particular thing that we're looking at is the suture system, which is that the two-way hot-shooting of the seams provides a tightness that you can't get with cold-shooting. pressure-control in cylinders remains a critical parameter, especially at sharp temperature changes.
The cylinders are divided into several independent compartments, which ensures buoyancy even if one of them is punctured, and the partitions are made of a durable material that can withstand the pressure required to rigidize the structure, which gives a sense of confidence when entering large water.
The bow of the boat is reinforced with an extra layer of cloth and a rubber jack that protects PVC from impacts on the pier or shore, which significantly reduces the risk of damage when mooring, and for ease of movement on the sides, a linear cable is attached to which you can hold on when landing or disembarking.
⚠️ Warning: Do not leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight for long periods of time unattended. The air pressure inside the cylinders increases when heated, which can cause seams to rupture or deform the structure.
The quality of the fittings also plays a role: plastic elements must be frost resistant, and metal rings must have an anti-corrosion coating. boat Keith Bottom These details are given attention, but regular inspection for cracks or rust will not be superfluous.
Advantages and arrangement of the NDNDM gender
The main feature of this model is the acronym NDND, which means "low pressure inflatable flooring." Unlike classical solder floors, it uses a special design of high pressure cylinders connected to each other, which allows you to get a rigid bottom, resembling plywood properties, but without excess weight.
The process of assembly and disassembly is much easier. You don't have to drag heavy sheets of plywood, get dirty in the mud or sand, just pump the cylinders to work, and the boat is ready to get on the water, which is especially true for those who often change fishing places or do not have the ability to store the boat in assembled form.
The secret to the stringency of NDNDM
Inside the cylinders of NDND are special strips that do not allow the bottom to inflate into a ball when pressure increases, providing a flat and rigid surface necessary for planing.
The hardness of the floor allows you to stand on your feet even when you move, which is important for spinners. The flat surface provides optimal hydrodynamics, allowing the boat to get on plane mode more easily. Less water resistance means less fuel consumption.
But it's worth noting that the inflatable floor is more sensitive to sharp objects at the bottom of the reservoir than the plywood floor with the keel. The puncture of the NDND floor is a unpleasant situation, although not critical to overall buoyancy, since the sides remain intact.
And you can often use an extra tanning plate to protect the bottom, or you can just keep the descent clean, and in rocky conditions, some owners put a special mat on the bottom, and it's a simple precaution to save your life. pol from damage.
Dimensions, weight and load capacity
The size of the 390 millimeters in diameter of the cylinder places this boat in the middle class, which is the most versatile. The total length of the hull is usually about 390-400 cm, and the width of the cockpit allows you to comfortably accommodate two or three adults with a full set of equipment.
The model's carrying capacity allows not only passengers to be taken on board, but also a significant supply of gear, anchor, sonar and other equipment. rated carrying capacity often exceeds 500-600 kg, which gives a margin of safety. load-over It has a negative impact on driving performance.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Total length | 390 cm | Including the allotments. |
| general width | 170-180 cm | Depends on the pressure. |
| Diameter of the cylinder | 39-45 cm | Depending on the modification |
| Weight of kit | 45-50 kg | No motor or hinge. |
| Passenger capacity | 3 people. | Passport. |
Weight collected is one of the key factors when choosing: a boat with a bottom of the NDND is lighter than its sleigh counterpart, but heavier than purely inflatable models without a hard bottom. The total weight in the package can vary, which is important to consider if you plan to transport a boat in the trunk of a passenger car without a trailer.
The interior of the cockpit is designed to be maximizirovat's usable area, and the positioning of the cylinders allows the legs to stay out of the side, allowing freedom of movement, especially when you're going long walks or trolling.
Set and options for installing transom
Standard equipment KitBoats 390 It usually includes the boat itself, the bag for packaging, the remix and the product passport, but the key element for a motor boat is the transom, which can be stationary or removable depending on the modification.
The removable transom is convenient because it can be removed when the boat is used for swimming or quiet rowing, it is attached to special pockets and fixed straps. The stationary transmolant is sewn into the cylinder and provides a stiffer construction, but increases the weight and dimensions in the packaged form.
The height of the transom must be in accordance with the current regulations and be adjusted to a specific motor, usually 381 mm (15 inches) or 508 mm (20 inches), the wrong transom will lead to cavitation or, conversely, to engine choking.
In some modifications, it is possible to install electric motor This can be done with a special fastener or pad in the bow, which makes the boat versatile for use in protected areas where internal combustion engines are prohibited.
Also worth noting is the slings for carrying and anchoring, the anchor rift must be securely secured and withstand jerks when anchoring, and often owners will customize the junction by installing more powerful carbines.
Motor choice and driving performance
For a boat with a length of about 3.9-4.0 meters and a cylinder diameter of 390 mm, the best choice will be an outboard motor with a capacity of 9.9 to 15 horsepower. The engine in 9.9 hp will allow you to comfortably move with two passengers, and 15 hp will provide confident planing even with full load.
More powerful engines can be installed, but it will be redundant and economically inefficient, the boat will not be faster within reasonable limits, and fuel consumption and load on the transom will increase. The optimal speed for such a boat is 30-40 km / h, which is quite enough for fishing and cruising.
On the water, the boat is stable due to its wide cylinders, it holds the wave well and is not prone to sudden rolls, but it is worth remembering that inflatable sides have a certain inertia, and sharp steering at high speed can be dangerous.
When installing the motor, always use a safety cable for the rampel gas or distance, which will keep the boat from drifting if you accidentally release the handle.
To get to the plane, it's important to distribute the weight correctly. Passengers and cargo must be placed closer to the center or nose to lift the nose. If the nose is raised too high, the boat will dig water and will not come out on the plan.
The rowing performance of the NDND model is moderate, the paddles only make sense for short runs or manoeuvres off the coast, and for long paddle crossings, the inflatable floor design is less comfortable due to the high seating and sailing.
Operation, care and storage
For a boat to last, it needs to be properly cared for, and after every step out, especially in salt water or grassy areas, it needs to be rinsed with fresh water, which will wash away the corrosive salts and organics that can damage the fabric when dry.
Drying before packaging is a must. Even a slightly moist cloth in the rolled-up state will quickly be covered with mold, which destroys the reinforcing layer. It is better to dry in the shade, avoiding direct sun, which can make the material brittle.
☑️ Seasonal boat preparation
Store the boat should be in a case, in a horizontal position, at a temperature not lower than -20 and not higher than +40 degrees Celsius. Sharp temperature changes are harmful to glue and PVC. In winter it is better to keep the packaging at home or in a heated garage.
⚠️ Warning: Never keep the boat pumped up in a warm room in winter, heat will increase pressure, and in summer, the cloth will become brittle in the cold, optimally, slightly loose in the case.
Regularly check the condition of the valves. Sand or dirt, caught under the petal of the valve, can cause slow etching of air, cleaning the valve with a special brush or just purging helps solve the problem.
If you find a puncture, you should not panic. The repair kit allows you to close the hole up to a few centimeters in diameter, the main thing is to degrease the surface and allow the glue (or two-component composition) to fully polymerize before pumping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the working pressure in the cylinders and bottom of the BNDM?
For onboard cylinders, the optimum pressure is 0.2 atm (about 3 psi), although the fabric can withstand more. The bottom of the NDND requires higher pressure, usually 0.4-0.6 atm (6-9 psi), to ensure rigidity.
Can I use the Kit Bots 390 NDND in winter?
You can use PVC boats in winter, but with caution. The material in the cold bluffs and becomes sensitive to impacts. You need to avoid sudden movements, avoid throwing ice on boards and avoid freezing wet fabric to the ice. You can store it in the cold, but you need to release the pressure when you skip into the heat.
Do I need to register with the GIMS for this boat?
Under current Russian law, registration is required for small vessels with an engine of more than 8 kW (approximately 10.8 hp). If you put the engine up to 10 hp inclusive, registration is not required. However, the rules may change, and the final decision is always up to the inspector on the water.
How long does it take to assemble and disassemble a boat?
Thanks to the bottom of the NDND, it takes much less time to assemble than the squish models, it takes about 15-20 minutes for an experienced user to pump all the compartments and install attachments, and it takes even less time to disassemble, except for drying time.
In conclusion, boat Keith Bots 390 NDN It's a balanced outdoor solution that combines the speed of a motorboat with the comfort of an inflatable floor, and with careful operation and the right choice of engine, it will be a reliable water assistant for years to come.