Choosing a swimming aid for fishing or resting on the water is always a trade-off between compactness in transportation and comfort on the water. Among the many options on the market for inflatable equipment, the model is the one that is the most popular in the world. Kitt Boats 370 NDLD It occupies a special niche, attracting the attention of those who appreciate the hardness of the bottom and the speed of assembly, and this boat is designed to provide seaworthiness comparable to heavier ones, while maintaining the weight that allows one person to drive it.
Construction The NDNDB (Low Pressure inflatable floor) is a key feature of the model, which is radically different from the classic hard-floored plyol or keel variants, and offers a versatile tool that behaves equally well on the calm surface of reservoirs and on the wavelength of large rivers. The main advantage of this modification is the complete absence of rigid elements in the design of the bottom, which eliminates the risk of damage to the floor during careless assembly or prolonged operation.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at the technical details, performance and hidden features of the model to help you make an informed decision, you will learn why many anglers switch to this type of decking and what difficulties you can face in the first months of use.
Design features and geometry of the body
Geometry of the boat hull Kitt Boats 370 It's designed to keep the cockpit fast and steady, and the shape of the balloons gives you great swelling, and the pointed nose effectively cuts through the water barrier, reducing the risk of cockpit spraying, and using high-strength materials allows you to keep your shape even when you're fully loaded with crew and equipment.
The system deserves special attention. NDMAThis is a single inflatable structure that acts as a floor and keel at the same time, and this solution significantly reduces the time of preparing the boat for launching, compared to models that require laying floorboards, the hardness of the bottom is achieved due to high internal pressure and a system of slings connecting the upper and lower planes of the decking.
The boats have a beam around the perimeter, which is the standard for high-quality technology, but in this model it is ergonomically designed: its height and stiffness are adjusted to comfortably rest with your feet when rowing or maneuvering at the side, the trunk part is reinforced with additional layers of fabric, which is critical to compensate for vibration from the outboard motor.
⚠️ Note: Despite the high rigidity of the inflatable floor, it is not recommended to use the boat as a floating pier for jumping into the water or parking on sharp stones without a special protective mat.
To understand the scale of the design, it is worth considering the main geometric parameters that directly affect the capacity and driving qualities.
| Parameter | Meaning | Impact on operation |
|---|---|---|
| Total length | 370 cm | Optimal for 3-4 people |
| Breadth of cylinders | 165 cm | High stability in the parking lot |
| Diameter of the cylinder | 45cm | Good load capacity |
| Weight of kit | ~52 kg | Transportation in the trunk of the sedan |
Materials and build quality
The basis of durability of any inflatable boat lies in the materials from which it is made. Kitt Boats 370 NDND is made using five-layer reinforced PVC fabric. This material is highly resistant to abrasion, exposure to fuel (gasoline, oils) and ultraviolet radiation. The density of the fabric is usually about 1150 g / m2, which is the “gold standard” for boats of this class.
The housing is assembled by hot gluing, which ensures the seams are monolithic. Unlike cold gluing, the hot method creates an inextricable chemical bond between the layers of the material, making the seam stronger than the fabric itself, and this is especially true for the joints of cylinders with the bottom and transom, where the loads during operation are maximum.
The fittings used in the model have also stood the test of time: Frog valves or their modern counterparts allow for rapid pumping and venting of air, as well as reliably retaining pressure for a long time. The carry handles are made of wear-resistant plastic with soft linings and are attached to wide fabric petals to distribute the load.
It's important to note the quality of the liner cable slug, and in budget models, it's the rope's tearing off that's a common problem, but in the end, it's a very difficult thing to do. Kitt Boats This is a place where attention is focused, and not only is the cable glued, but it's also attached to the cable, or it's mechanically fixed at key points, so it's not going to be pushed under load.
Operation and assembly: BND vs. Pyol
Transition from a solder boat to a model with NDMA It's a very simple assembly process, you don't have to spend any more time laying out heavy aluminum or plywood sheets, locking them together, putting stringers in, and it's all about pumping cylinders and bottoms.
But there's a caveat to be aware of, which is that the inflatable floor takes a while to straighten and to set up a working rigidity, and immediately after pumping, the floor may seem soft, but after 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure or just under pressure, it becomes hard like plywood, a physical feature of the structure, not a defect.
- 🚀 Assembly speed: takes 2-3 times less time than that of the soldering counterparts.
- 📦 Compact: When assembled, the bag with the NDND boat has a more regular shape and is easier to pack in the trunk.
- 🌊 Comfort: The absence of rigid joints between floorboards provides a softer and quieter movement on the water.
It is important to maintain the pump sequence when assembly, and it is usually recommended that the cylinders be partially pumped first, then the bottom fully pumped (NDNDM), and only then pressurize the sides to the operating value, thus avoiding distortion and deformation of the geometry of the body.
☑️ Checklist of assembly on water
I'm also talking about transportation, and I'm not sure if ILD boats are less sensitive to temperature changes when they're folded, because they don't have any hard elements that can "remember" the crumbs, but it's not recommended to keep them in a very compressed state for long periods of time.
Motor potential and driving performance
Boat. Kitt Boats 370 NDND was created as a universal platform, which implies the possibility of installing engines of various power. The optimal range for this length and width are engines with a capacity of 9.9 to 15 hp. With this engine, the boat confidently goes into planing even with full load.
The boat is very stable on the water, and the wide stern and the hard inflatable floor work as stabilizers, reducing yaw, and this is especially noticeable when you're going against the wind or on the side wave, and the soft sliding allows you to overcome a small chop wave without hitting the water, which is typical of hard hulls or hard bottom boats.
⚠️ Warning: When installing a motor with a capacity of more than 15 hp, you need to strictly monitor the angle of the trim and the distribution of the load to avoid the effect of "dolfining" (jumping with the nose).
Fuel consumption with recommended motors remains within reasonable limits, the aerodynamics of cylinders contributes to lower drag, and for anglers, the possibility of using electric motors, which, thanks to their quiet driving and light weight, perfectly combine with the concept of a boat, is an important factor.
To achieve maximum speed, install transom plates (or their imitation from improvised materials) on the lower edge of the transom - this will help to get on plane earlier.
If you plan to use the boat primarily for trolling, it is worth considering installing an additional anchor ditch on the nose. Standing may not be enough for frequent stops at the point, although the quality of regular rims is usually high.
Package and additional options
Standard equipment Kitt Boats 370 The accessories market usually includes everything you need to start operating: a bag, a pump (often two-way), a remix and seats (banks).
One of the most useful options is to install an inflatable cockpit or hard rod in the bow, which not only increases the useful storage space for gear, but also serves as additional protection against splashes. It is also popular to install a transom slab with an adjustable angle of inclination, which allows you to fine-tune the boat's course to a specific motor and load.
For those who like night fishing or multi-day hikes, the installation of a tent canopy is relevant, the design of the cylinders allows you to fasten the tent struts without breaking the leakage, and it is important to use regular fastening places or special linings so as not to damage the fabric.
The secret of valve durability
Once a season, lubricate rubber valve seals with silicone lubricant – this will prevent rubber from drying out and ensure perfect tightness for years.
Although the PVC fabric is strong, installing an additional tread belt on the bottom of the cylinders will significantly extend the life of the boat, especially if you often dock on concrete shores or rocky beaches.
Care, storage and repair
To the boat Kitt Boats 370 NDLD It's a good idea to rinse the boat with fresh water after every fishing trip, especially in salt water or in muddy water, and that will wash away the sand that works like an abrasive and the salt that can crystallize in the seams.
Keep the boat in a dry, ventilated room, away from heaters and direct sunlight. The optimal storage temperature is from -20 to +40 degrees, but sudden changes are undesirable. Before packing for long-term storage, make sure that the boat is completely dry to prevent mold.
- 🧼 Wash: Use soft sponges and special PVC remedies, avoiding aggressive chemicals and solvents.
- 🔧 Repair: Small punctures are easily sealed on their own with the help of the remplekt included in the deliveries.
- ❄️ Winter: Don't leave the boat pumped in the cold - the cold air compresses and the fabric can collapse, forming folds.
In case of serious damage, such as a cut of tissue, it is better to contact a specialized service, where they can put a professional patch by hot vulcanization. Self-repair of large damage can disrupt the geometry and tightness of the product.
Regular prevention and proper drying before packaging increase the life of the boat by 1.5-2 times.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the maximum weight of the Kitt Boats 370?
The passenger load capacity of the model is about 650-700 kg. This includes the weight of passengers, engine, fuel, battery and equipment. However, for comfortable and safe operation on planing, it is recommended not to exceed the load of 450-500 kg.
Can I use a boat in winter for fishing?
Use is possible at temperatures up to -10...-15°C, as PVC retains elasticity, but you need to use specialized frost-resistant valve lubricants and be extremely careful with sharp edges of ice that can damage cylinders.
Do I need to reload the boat during operation?
Yes, when you go out into the sun, the pressure inside the cylinders increases, and it may be necessary to vent the excess. Conversely, when cooling (in the evening or when diving in cold water), the pressure drops, and pumping is required to maintain the rigidity of the structure.
What is the difference between AirDeck and BDND?
NDND (Low Pressure) is pumped to 0.2-0.3 atm and is part of the boat's design. AirDeck is a separate hard flooring, pumped to 0.6-0.8 atm, that fits inside the boat. NDNDL is easier and faster to assemble, AirDeck gives a harder bottom, but heavier and longer to assemble.