In the world of water tourism and fishing, the abbreviation NDND is found everywhere, causing beginners questions, and experienced watermen nod understanding. NDND boat It's not just a catalogue of letters, it's a particular type of boat design that is fundamentally changing the way we operate on water, and if you're wondering what it is, you're on the cusp of choosing between comfort, speed and compactness.
The main essence lies in the design of the bottom, which is made of durable PVC fabric reinforced with profiles, and not from a rigid plywood or aluminum sheet. inflatable floor It allows the boat to be incredibly lightweight and assembled into a single bag, which is critical for those without a trailer or a spacious garage. Unlike classic plowwoods, these models forgive mistakes in assembly and require less physical effort to prepare for descent.
But the cost of transportation is certain specifications of cruising, which we'll talk about later. keel And the stringer system will help you make a good decision, and let's go through the details of who's going to do it and who's going to do it.
Decoding of the abbreviation and design features
To understand, The NDN boat is what it is.The acronym stands for "Low Pressure inflatable floor." This is the key point: the bottom is a separate cylinder that is pumped with air to a working pressure, usually between 0.12 and 0.25 atmospheres (or 1.2-2.5 PSI), and it is the low pressure that allows the fabric to be used without rigid reinforcement, while maintaining elasticity and low weight.
Inside the cylinder are longitudinal partitions, which, when pumped, take the shape of a profile, providing the necessary rigidity of the structure. stringer We have special profiles of PVC or aluminum that are inserted into pockets on the sides and connected to the bottom, creating a single rigid structure, without which the soft bottom would be bent under the weight of passengers, turning the boat into an unmanageable porridge.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave a pumped NDND boat unattended in direct sunlight. The air inside the cylinders expands when heated, which can lead to a critical increase in pressure and rupture of the seams or valves, even if the pressure was normal initially.
Modern models are often equipped with a system High Pressure It's a compromise between softness when you walk on the bottom and good hydrodynamic properties. rigidity in such boats is always inferior to plywood analogues, which is felt during sharp maneuvers or excitement.
To check the leakiness of the new bottom of the NDND, inflate it and leave it for a day in a warm room. A pressure drop of more than 10-15% indicates the presence of a microleak or a loosely closed valve.
Key Benefits of inflatable floor
Why do thousands of anglers and tourists choose this particular type of design? The answer lies in a combination of factors, the main one being: mobilityA boat with an inflatable floor is easy to fold into a backpack or a medium-sized bag, and the weight of the kit often does not exceed 20-30 kilograms, which allows it to be carried by one person for considerable distances, for example, through the forest to a difficult-to-reach reservoir.
The second important aspect is safety and insinkabilityBecause the sides and bottom are a single or closely connected system of cylinders, even if one of the compartments breaks down, the boat will remain afloat. The soft bottom also provides additional comfort: you can walk barefoot without fear of slipping or hitting hard corners, which is especially true when fishing with children or a dog.
- 🚗 Compactness: When folded, the boat takes up a minimum of space in the trunk of a passenger car, without requiring the removal of seats or the use of a trailer.
- ⚖️ Low weight: The absence of heavy plywood or aluminum in the floor design significantly reduces the total weight, facilitating descent into the water and dragging with the fiber.
- 🌊 Self-pitched: Many models of NDND structurally allow water that got inside, to go by itself through special holes in the transom, since the bottom does not have a rigid frame that traps moisture.
In addition, these boats are easier to maintain in the field, and if the plywood floor can be decomposed of moisture or crack in the cold, then PVC material When properly maintained, it lasts for decades, and the lack of hard elements also means that the boat is harder to damage when it is not properly loaded onto a concrete slip or rocky shore.
Disadvantages and limitations of operation
Despite the obvious advantages, there is a downside to NDND technology. hydroplaning Because of the lower stiffness of the bottom and its deflection under load, the boat may be worse at steering at high speeds, especially at full load. This requires the motorist to more actively gas or install additional hydrodynamic wings on the engine's lower unit.
The second nuance is puncture-sensitivityThe bottom, in direct contact with water, takes on the impact of sharp objects, driftwood and stones. Oxford or Nylon They're extremely durable, they're more likely to be damaged than an aluminum case, and they can be repaired, but they take time, dry conditions and refits.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use NDND boats to enter the open waters of large reservoirs in windy weather. Soft bottoms are worse extinguish the shock wave, and the sailing structure can cause loss of control in strong side winds.
In extreme cold (below -15°C), PVC material becomes brittle and the risk of damage is also worth mentioning. bottom Winter fishing on such boats is possible, but requires extreme caution and the use of special frost-resistant modifications, which are usually more expensive.
Effects of Temperature on Pressure
When the air temperature drops, the pressure in the cylinders drops. If you pumped the boat in a warm garage (+20 ° C) and took it out into the cold (-10 ° C), the pressure will drop by about 10-12%. This will create the illusion of a soft bottom, but you can not pump it in the cold - if you apply the excess pressure to the heat, the seams will burst.
Comparison: BND against a solder boat
The eternal dispute of watermen: which is better, NDMA Or a classic plywood-bottomed pitting boat? To answer this question, you need to understand the challenges that the boat will face. A soldering boat (with a rigid dialing bottom) provides perfect hull geometry, which gives you better plane and stability at speed.
But building a solder boat is always a physical exercise and a waste of time, and you have to lay out heavy sheets of plywood, put them in the slots, fasten the stringers, and in cold or rainy weather, this process becomes a test. NDND boat In this respect, it wins unconditionally: its assembly takes 5-10 minutes, and it does not require drying after each fishing to the same extent as plywood.
Below is a comparative table that helps to determine the choice:
| Characterization | NDND boat | Pillet boat (Phanera) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight of kit | Light (18-35 kg) | Severe (40-60+ kg) |
| Assembly time | 5-10 minutes | 15-25 minutes. |
| Driving performance | Medium (depending on pressure) | Excellent (hard case) |
| Comfort at the bottom | Tall (soft) | Low (solid, cold) |
| The risk of puncture | Medium. | Minimum |
If you're prioritizing speed and planing under full load, then a hard bottom is preferable. But if you value time, like changing water bodies, and don't want to carry heavy things, then you're not. NDMA Many manufacturers now offer hybrid solutions, but the classic separation remains relevant.
The choice between a BND and a solder boat is always a compromise between performance and ease of transportation. For one person, the optimal HND is for a team of 2-3 people and long-distance runs - a peyolk.
Criteria of choice: what to pay attention to
When buying an inflatable floor boat, it is important to pay attention not only to the brand, but also to the technical details. tissue-densityThe optimal value is from 750 to 1100 g / m2. fabric of lower density will be light, but less durable, and excessively heavy will add extra pounds to the weight of the kit without a significant increase in strength for amateur use.
The second point is construction. keelIn NDND boats, the keel can be inflatable (ND) or rigid (inserted). Inflatable keel (NDK) provides better wave germination and course stability, but adds time to assembly. Inserted keel (plywood or plastic) is easier, but can shift when impacted. For fishing, the option with an inflatable keel is often chosen for the sake of softness.
- 🔍 Quality of stitches: The seams must be glued, not just stitched together. The two-part polyurethane glue provides a monolithic compound that is not afraid of water and temperature expansions.
- 🛡️ Bottom protection: The presence of a hinge beam around the perimeter and protective tapes ("sausages") on the nose and in the area of the transom is critically important for protection against abrasion against sand and stones.
- ⚓ Furniture: The anchor ducks, the rod holders and the liner cable must be made of reliable materials. Cheap plastic bursts in the cold, the metal rusts.
It's also worth checking the package. kitA pump with a pressure gauge and a quality bag-pack is often included in the price, but the quality of these accessories varies greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer. A good pump with a foot drive and a mode switch will make life much easier, since it is tiring to pump a large bottom with your mouth or a cheap "frog".
☑️ Checking the boat before buying
Rules for the operation and care of BNDT
And NDNDN After each operation, especially in salt water or muddy water, the boat must be rinsed with fresh water, and the salt and sand act as an abrasive, gradually destroying the structure of the PVC and clogging into microcracks of the material.
Drying is a must before long-term packaging. Wet fabric is the perfect medium for mold development, which corrodes the protective layer and glue seams. If you can't dry the boat completely (for example, on a hike), try to at least wipe it dry and keep it straightened until the first opportunity. Store the product in a straightened form or in a free folded state, avoiding clamps.
⚠️ Attention: When washing a boat, do not use aggressive chemicals, gasoline, solvents or hard brushes. Warm soapy water and a soft sponge will do the cleaning. Aggressive environments can dissolve glue in the seams.
Check the pressure in the cylinders regularly before heading out on the water. Underpumped bottom is not only discomfort, but also the risk of damage to the structure due to uneven load on the seams. Use a pressure gauge, because it is almost impossible to determine the exact pressure in the range of 0.1-0.2 atms, and the pumped bottom in the sun is guaranteed to burst.
Winter storage
The ideal storage temperature of the PVC boat is from +5 to +20 ° C. It is allowed to store at negative temperatures, but the material becomes brittle. Before using in the cold, the boat must be kept warm for several hours to restore the elasticity of the fabric.
Popular models and manufacturers
The inflatable boat market is full of offers, and choosing a specific model is difficult. Among the leaders of the segment specializing in quality NDND, brands can be distinguished. Flagship, Solar., Mev. and badgerThese manufacturers use time-tested designs and quality materials, as evidenced by years of operation in harsh conditions.
For example, series boats Flagship Inflatable keels are often chosen for their versatility and affordable price. Solar. They're famous for their lightness and compactness, which makes them ideal for single-seater fishing. Mev. offers more massive solutions with reinforced cylinders, suitable for trolling or going out on large water.
When choosing a particular model, pay attention to the length. For one fisherman with a 5 hp engine, the length of 2.8-3.2 meters is optimal. For two and a 9.9 hp engine, you will need 3.6-3.9 meters. The real payload should be 20-30% less than the declared one to maintain driving performance.
Choosing a NDND boat is an investment in comfort and freedom of movement, and by understanding the principles of this type of boat, you can avoid common mistakes and enjoy the water element without unnecessary headaches, and proper care and reasonable operation will ensure your vessel a long life.
Buying a boat from a well-known manufacturer with a well-developed service network gives you the guarantee that you will be able to find parts or get advice if necessary, which is critical for safety on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to go against the current on a NDND boat?
Yes, you can, but efficiency depends on the power of the motor and the length of the boat. Because of the lower efficiency of the bottom compared to a rigid hull, the boat will consume more fuel and develop less speed with the same engine.
What is the optimal pressure to pump to the bottom of the NDND?
The optimum working pressure is usually 0.12-0.15 atmosphere (about 1.2-1.5 PSI). The exact values are always indicated on the manufacturer's label or on the product's passport. Excess pressure is dangerous to rupture seams, especially in hot weather.
Do I need to dry the boat after every fishing trip?
If you don't have that option, at least try to wipe it off and not pack it in a sealed case that's wet for a long time. It's okay to store it raw for a short time, but regular dampness will produce fungus and smell.
Is it true that the bottom of the NDNDM is quickly wiped out?
Well, if you use it properly, you don't. Modern fabrics (Oxford, Nylon) are very hard-wearing, but you don't have to drag a boat around on asphalt or sharp stone, and there are special wheel transes and protective bands to protect it.
Can I put an electric motor on a boat?
Yes, it's a great option. Electric motors are light, silent and vibration-free, which is perfect for the inflatable floor design. The lack of a heavy petrol engine also makes better use of the boat's payload.