Inflatable boat Pilot 320 NDND: specifications and features

Choosing a boat for fishing or outdoor activities on the water is always a search for a balance between cost, load capacity and comfort. boat 320 NDNDMThe model has been a leading sales force in the CIS for several years, and it is a versatile model that is compact enough to carry a passenger car in the trunk, but has an impressive interior space for two or three people.

abbreviation NDMA The model name refers to the floor design of the "low pressure inflatable floor", which drastically changes the behavior of the vessel on the water compared to the classic soldering options. Pilot 320 It's lighter, it's faster to gather, and most importantly, it's seaworthy even when it's a little wave, and it's these factors that make it popular with avid fishermen and weekend walkers alike.

In this review, we will take a closer look at the design features, the real performance and nuances that are often silent in advertising booklets, how much power the engine is optimal for this length, how to pump cylinders correctly, and whether you should expect from a budget model miracles of sustainability.

Design features and materials

The basis of durability of any inflatable boat is the material from which it is made. Pilot 320 Reinforced polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with a density of about 750-850 g / sq.m. This is a standard indicator for this price segment, providing good resistance to mechanical damage, ultraviolet light and aggressive aqueous environment. seams are made by boat (hot) method, which excludes the stratification of the material under load.

The key element of the design is bottomUnlike rigid aluminum or plywood floorboards, it uses a system of lamellae balloons across the body, which gives the bottom a keeled shape, which has a positive effect on performance. NDMA requires more careful pressure control, since a puncture of one of the compartments of the bottom can significantly reduce the rigidity of the entire structure.

⚠️ Warning: Do not leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight for long periods of time unattended. The air inside the cylinders heats up and expands, which can lead to a critical increase in pressure and strain of the seams, especially in hot weather.

The boats are divided into several independent compartments, which ensures buoyancy even if one of the cylinders is damaged. quiltIt runs along the bottom, adding longitudinal stiffness and improving course stability, and all the valves are frog-like, allowing you to quickly burn air when you assemble and hold it safely in operation.

• 🛡️ Material: Reinforced PVC with protection against UV radiation and rotting.
• 🌊 Bottom: Low pressure inflatable (LDP) with a keel for better hydrodynamics.
• 🔒 Safety: The presence of several independent inflatable compartments in the sides.

It is important to note the quality of the fittings. Pilot 320 They're usually rigid, anti-slip, attached to lyctros (special grooves along the sides) with plastic or metal locks, which allows you to quickly change the configuration of the cabin, removing the seats to accommodate large cargo or fish.

specifications and load capacity

When choosing a boat, it is critical to rely on dry numbers, not just visual perception. Boat 320. It has a length of 320 cm and a width of 136 cm These dimensions classify it as a small inflatable vessel, but the interior space allows you to comfortably accommodate two adults with equipment.

The load capacity of the model is stated by the manufacturer in the area of 350-400 kg, however, for safe and comfortable operation. recommended load Exceeding this limit leads to a decrease in the height of the board above the water, which increases the risk of flooding with a wave and impairs handling.

The weight of the boat itself is approximately 36-38 kg. This is large enough to carry alone, so you should immediately consider the presence of a wheel transom or the help of a partner when buying it. Pilot 320 packed in a bag with dimensions of about 110x40x30 cm, which allows you to place it in the trunk of most station wagons and hatchbacks.

Parameter	Meaning	Comments
Full length	320 cm	Optimal for 2 people
Width	136 cm	Sustainable landing
Boat weight	36-38 kg	No motor or gear.
Load capacity	400 kg	Real working ~280 kg
Pressure in cylinders	0.25 atm (250 mbar)	Manometer control

The height of the boat deserves special attention. Pilot 320 It's about 36-38 cm. It's standard, but when you're fully loaded, the board goes down closer to the water, so having an inflatable quill and the right distribution of cargo across the cockpit is critical to safety.

Motor compatibility and driving performance

The choice of engine for Pilot 320 The boat's track is made of moisture-resistant plywood and reinforced with metal or plastic linings, which allows you to install engines with a capacity of up to 5-6 hp. However, the "golden mean" for this length and weight is considered a motor with a capacity of 3.5-4 hp.

Why is that range? A 2.5 hp engine will allow the boat to plane with only one person on board and minimal cargo. A 5 hp engine will bring two to plane, but the fuel consumption and load on the transom will be maximum. NDMA It is important that the motor has the ability to adjust the angle of inclination (dadewood), as this affects the output on the planing mode.

On the water. Pilot 320 The inflatable floor extinguishes the impacts of a small wave perfectly, making the stroke soft. However, at high speed (closer to a maximum of 25-30 km / h), the boat becomes sensitive to lateral wind due to the large sailing of the cylinders. There is no steering with the motor, so maneuvering is carried out by the engine itself or using oars.

⚠️ Note: When installing a motor with a power of more than 4 hp, be sure to use a safety cable (stert) to attach the lower unit to the transom. Vibration at high revs can weaken the propeller locks of the motor.

Speed performance depends on the load. With a 3.5 hp engine and one driver, the boat confidently goes into planing, developing a speed of about 20-22 km / h. With two passages, the speed drops to 12-15 km / h, and the boat goes into displacement mode, which, however, is quite comfortable for fishing.

• 🚀 Optimum engine: 3.5 – 4 hp (two-stroke or four-stroke).
• ⚓ Maximum power: 6 hp (with caution, briefly).
• 🌊 Behavior: Soft stroke, good germination on the wave, sensitivity to the wind.

Package and additional options

Standard equipment Boats Pilot 320 NDND It usually includes the boat itself, two inflatable benches, a bag-pack, a remix and a pump. However, the equipment can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific batch. Often the basic set does not include transom wheels, rod holders or anchor rods, which have to be purchased separately.

One of the useful options worth considering is the installation transom-wheelGiven the weight of the boat in the assembly of almost 40 kg, descent to water without wheels can be a challenge, especially on steep or rocky slopes, and owners often install additional linear tensioners to increase the rigidity of the structure at high speeds.

Should I buy a 320 pilot sonar?

Yes, it is. The size of the boat allows you to attach the sonar sensor to the transom or use wireless models. However, remember that at high speeds (planing), wired sensors can interfere with or break off with the flow of water, so for trolling or finding a place, this is ideal, and for high speed it is better to use wireless models or mounts on the nose.

Fishing is critically important to have comfortable gear fasteners. Pilot 320 Often there are loops for fixing cans, but rod holders are usually an option. Inflatable boards require care to avoid damaging the material.

Also worth mentioning is the pump, which is that regular foot pumps ("toptun") are often ineffective for pumping large volumes. NDMAFor comfortable preparation for the alloy, it is recommended to purchase a high-performance two-way foot pump or, ideally, a compact battery-powered electric pump that has different cylinder and bottom nozzles.

Assembly, operation and care

Assembly process Boats 320. It takes an average of 15 to 20 minutes, if you have experience, and the body is first laid out and straightened, then the keel and the inflatable floor are pumped, and then the hulls are inflated, and this is the kind of sequence that is needed to properly shape the geometry of the hull.

It's important to keep your working pressure up. NDMA It is usually 0.25 atm (250 mbar). Insufficient pressure will lead to deformation of the bottom ("hammock effect") and loss of driving performance. Excess pressure in the sun threatens to rupture the seams. Always use a gauge, especially in the off-season when the temperature changes dramatically.

After each operation, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, especially if you have been swimming in salt water or dirty water. Sand caught between layers of PVC or in the valves acts as an abrasive and quickly destroys the material.

⚠️ Warning: Never swivel a wet boat into a long-term storage bag, which will cause mold, foul smell, and damage to the reinforcement layer, and if you can't dry it at home, at least clean the boat thoroughly and decompose it as soon as possible.

Store Pilot 320 It's better to be half-flattered at room temperature, so extreme temperature changes and cold storage make PVC brittle, and in winter, you can store the boat in a garage or storage room, pre-lubricating the valves and fittings with silicone grease.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to walk on the 320 with a strong current?

Yes, but with limitations. 3.2 meters long and inflatable floor provide good stability, but sailing and light weight make the boat sensitive to lateral wind. In strong currents and winds, control becomes difficult, especially without experience. It is recommended to use a cat anchor and choose places with less excitement.

What repairs can be done on your own in the field?

Small punctures (up to 2-3 mm) can be sealed with a remix that is included in the kit, to degrease the surface, apply glue and put a patch, more serious damage to the valves or seams require professional repair in the workshop using special equipment and hot vulcanization.

Will there be 320 people in the boat?

Technically, the payload capacity is three people of medium size, but it's going to be an extreme load, there's almost no room for gear, and the sides will go down very heavily into the water, which is not safe, and you'll have a comfortable operating mode of one or two people.

Do I need to register this boat with GIMS?

According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, boats weighing more than 200 kg (together with the engine) are subject to registration. Boats 320. When assembled with a motor, it is usually around 45-50 kg, which is much less than the registration threshold, but the rules may change, and it is worth checking the current regulations when installing a powerful motor or changing the design.