Boat Navigator 320: full overview, specifications and experience of owners

Choosing a swimmer for fishing or water recreation is often a challenge, especially when budgets are tight and reliability requirements are high. Navigator 320It's a workhorse for thousands of water lovers, and it's not just an inflatable boat, but a serious tool for overcoming water, capable of withstanding loads of up to 400 kg and feeling confident on the wave.

Why is this model so compelling for fishermen and hunters? The secret is that it combines the size of two adults with full gear comfortably with the price of the car. Navigator 320 It offers functionality comparable to higher-end brands, but still stays in the category of budget solutions, and it is important to understand that efficiency is achieved not by critical deterioration of quality, but by optimizing production processes.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects of the operation of this vessel: from the technical nuances of reinforced PVC to recommendations for choosing an engine. You will learn how to properly prepare the boat for the first season, what are the typical misconceptions about its driving performance and what to pay attention to when buying a used copy. The design feature of the bottom Navigator 320 is the presence of developed inflatable keels and hard plywood paiola, which provides excellent course stability even in lateral wind.

Technical specifications and design features

Boat dimensions Navigator 320 The 320 cm long and 145 cm wide make it enough internal volume to feel confident without feeling the crampedness of the smaller models. The kit weighs about 38-40 kg when assembled, making it possible to transport by passenger car, although carrying it alone will require physical training.

The main material is a high-strength reinforced PVC This material is highly resistant to abrasion, fuel and ultraviolet rays. The cylinders are designed with independent compartments, which is a critical safety element. In the case of a puncture of one of the cylinders, the rest will remain buoyant, allowing you to get to shore without the risk of flooding.

⚠️ Warning: Despite the high density of the material, do not leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight for a long time unattended. The air pressure inside the cylinders can rise above normal, leading to warping of the seams or rupture of the valves.

The bottom is assembled from 9 mm thick moisture-resistant plywood coated with a special (anti-slip) film, which is connected by means of an aluminum profile, which provides a structural rigidity comparable to metal counterparts, but with less weight. lyctros-licchase ensures that the paioles do not shift even under heavy load or impact on the wave.

• 🚤 Maximum load capacity: 400 kg (including weight of passengers, motor and equipment).
• 🌊 Number of inflatable compartments: 3 independent cylinders.
• ⚓ Bottom type: hard floorboard (plywood 9 mm) with an aluminum profile.
• 🏗️ Material density: 750 g/sq.m. (reinforced PVC).

The transom assembly is designed to be mentioned in a separate way: the transom is made of multi-layer plywood protected by water-resistant varnish and attached to the cylinders through reinforced slings, and the angle of the engine is adjusted, allowing the boat to adjust the differential optimally depending on the load and the water conditions.

Driving qualities and behavior on the water

When you go out on the water Navigator 320 It's a keel-like behavior, and it's a well-developed keel that allows you to cut the wave efficiently, minimizing the impacts on the water that are so tiring when you're floating on flat-water, and it makes it suitable for use not only on calm lakes, but also on reservoirs with moderate wind waves.

However, it is worth considering that the sailing capacity of inflatable tubes is quite high, and in case of strong side winds, the boat can demolish, which requires active paddle work or adjustment of the course by the engine. wind-fin Or just correctly distribute the cargo on the cockpit.

In planing mode, the boat comes to the plan quickly enough when installing a 5-9.9 hp engine. Stability on the course is ensured by the rigidity of the floorboards and the shape of the cylinders. It is important to note that when fully loaded (two people plus tackle), the boat slightly lands on the stern, which may require adjusting the engine's lower unit to maintain an optimal angle of attack.

• 🌬️ Wind resistance: medium (requires course control at the sidewall).
• 🌊 Wave: good for PVC class 320 cm.
• 🏎️ Exit to planing: confident with a motor from 5 hp. with one passegir.
• 🔄 Maneuverability: high due to small size and ease of control.

The noise of the stroke depends on the quality of the assembly and the condition of the paioles. If the aluminum profile is worn or dirt is in it, a characteristic creak can be observed. Regular lubrication and cleaning of the bottom elements avoid this discomfort, making the swim quiet and pleasant.

Choosing the best engine for the Navigator 320

The choice of the power unit is one of the most controversial among the owners of this model. Technically, passport power allows the installation of engines up to 10 hp, but the real operation makes its own adjustments. 5-6 hp

If your goal is high-speed movement, water skiing or active trolling, then it is worth considering options in the range of 8-9.9 hp Installation of a more powerful motor, for example, 15 hp, is possible, but requires extreme caution and experience, since the transom and cylinders may not withstand increased dynamic loads at high speed.

Fuel economy secrets

When operating a boat, the Navigator 320 with a 9.9 hp engine at half the power (throttle is open at 50-60%) fuel consumption is minimal, and the speed remains cruising. Full opening of the throttle greatly increases the flow rate, but does not give a proportional increase in speed due to water resistance and the shape of the hull.

When choosing between two-stroke and four-stroke engines, weight is considered. A four-stroke is heavier, which can negatively affect the differentiation of the boat, especially with one person on board. Two-stroke engines are lighter and faster to respond to gas, which is often the preferred option for a light inflatable boat.

⚠️ Warning: When installing a motor with a power of more than 8 hp, be sure to check the condition of the transom linings and the angle of inclination of the lower unit. Excessive rear different can lead to a cockpit being flooded with water through the side or transom.

The fastening of the motor must be done reliably. Use bolt joints with wide washers so as not to damage the wooden structure of the transom. Check the tightening of the fastening elements regularly, as vibration when the engine is running can weaken the connections.

Comparison with competitors and modifications

There are many analogues in the market, and Navigator 320 Often compared to models from Flagship, Hunter or Cayman, the main difference lies in the details of the execution: the quality of the adhesive, the thickness of PVC and the configuration. In its price segment, the Navigator benefits from time-tested design and availability of spare parts.

There are various modifications of this boat, differing in the color of the material, the presence of additional handles or the type of packaging. Some versions can be equipped with reinforced keel or additional perimeter leers.

Parameter	Navigator 320	Typical competitor (Budget)	Premium segment (Analogue 320)
PVC density	750 g/sqm	640-700 g/sqm	1100 g/sqm
Weight of kit	~39 kg	~35 kg	~45 kg
Guarantee	12 months	6-12 months	36-60 months
Price.	Medium	Low.	High.

When choosing between a new boat and a used one, it is worth carefully examining the condition of the seams and valves. The glue used in production can lose its properties over time if the boat was stored in in the wrong conditions. However, quality restoration of seams in the workshop can extend the life of even a badly worn specimen.

Maintenance, repair and storage

Durability Navigator 320 After each fishing trip, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, especially if the swim was in salt water or a body of water with abundant vegetation. Mud and silt, drying, can act as an abrasive, damaging the top layer of PVC.

Drying is a critical step, and you can't fold a wet boat, because it will cause mold and decay in the folds, and you should dry in the shade, at natural temperature, avoiding the use of heaters that can deform the material.

Small punctures and cuts are easily repaired at home with a repair kit that usually comes with a kit. For more serious damage, such as joints divergence, it is better to contact a specialized workshop where professional hot gluing equipment is used.

• 🧼 Wash: Use soft sponges and neutral detergents.
• ☀️ Drying: Only in the shade, avoid direct sun when drying.
• 🌡️ Storage temperature: from -10 to +40 degrees Celsius (optimally +5... +20).
• 🔧 Conservation: talcing the surface before long-term storage.

Keep the boat in a straightened or slightly deflated state to avoid clogs of material in the same places, and regular inspection for microcracks and scuffs will detect problems at an early stage and avoid trouble on the water.

Tuning and useful improvements

Owners often seek to improve the basic equipment by adding comfort and functionality. transformable seats It's got backs attached to the leers, and it's a big reduction in fatigue from prolonged exposure to water.

Another useful addition is the installation. sonar To protect the bottom from sharp stones and shells, many people use special protective strips or keels of rubber that are glued to the most vulnerable places.

And navigation safety is also important, because if you put a GPS or compass holder in place, and if you put a quick-removal anchor, you'll make the boat safer and more comfortable, and if you put a 3-4kg anchor cat in there, it'll be the best solution for a boat of this size.

⚠️ Attention: Any modifications to cylinder drilling or transom design should be made using specialized materials and glue. Use of inappropriate sealants may lead to the destruction of the PVC structure.

Lighting tuning is also popular: installing LED tapes around the perimeter of the cockpit or on cylinders will allow you to fish safely at night, the main thing is to ensure the tightness of electrical connections and use batteries with moisture protection.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Can I use the Navigator 320 at sea?

Marine applications are only possible in coastal areas in complete calm, PVC is salt water resistant, but the design is not designed for sea waves and surf, and the risk of damage to rocks or seashells is much higher.

Which repair glue is best for this boat?

Two-component polyurethane adhesives (e.g. Texacol or its analogues) are the best choice, providing an elastic and water-resistant seam that can withstand the strain of the balloon during pumping and on water.

How long does the glue dry during repair in the field?

The polymerization time depends on temperature and humidity. At 20°C, the primary grip takes about 20 to 30 minutes, but the glue gains full strength after 24 to 48 hours. In cold weather, drying time increases.

Do I need to get air out of the balloons into the sun?

Yes, if the boat is in the sun, the pressure inside rises, and it is recommended to blow the air through the valves slightly to avoid overvoltage of the seams, or to set the boat in the shade.

Will the tranny stand the engine 15 hp?

Formally, the transom can withstand the weight of such a motor, but dynamic loads when planing with a 15 hp engine can lead to the destruction of the transom assembly or cylinders. It is recommended not to exceed the recommended power of 10 hp.