The choice of first or new boats is always a balance between the desired specifications, budget and actual operating conditions. The Nissamaran 320 is a strong position, offering a trade-off between compactness and capacity, a size considered a “middle ground” for single fishermen or couples who don’t plan to go out on large waters in a severe storm.
The design developed by the company's engineers is based on time-tested solutions, which makes it understandable even for beginners, but like any technology, it has its own nuances of assembly, storage and use, which are often forgotten in advertising booklets, and we will analyze all aspects of owning this boat so that you can make an informed decision.
Unlike the cheaper ones, we've used materials that can withstand contact with rocky bottoms and sharp branches, but should we overpay for the brand or should we look at the competition? Let's dive into the design details and find out what's hidden under the 320 marking.
Structural features and materials of the body
The basis of durability of any inflatable boat is the material from which it is made. The Nissamaran 320 uses a multi-layer reinforced PVC. It's not just a film, it's a complex composite, where a polyester-stranded mesh is laid between the layers of polyvinyl chloride, and it's this mesh that gives the material tensile strength, so that the boat doesn't inflate indefinitely as the temperature rises.
The density of the fabric is usually about 850-900 g/sq.m., which is the standard for boats of this class. This material is resistant to ultraviolet radiation, fuel and salt water. The seams in quality models are glued with two-component polyurethane glue, which at the right polymerization temperature creates a compound often stronger than the fabric itself.
And the important thing to note is that the cylinders are designed, and they're divided into several independent compartments. floatability The partitions inside the cylinders (bumps) also play the role of stiffening reinforcers, helping the boat to keep its shape under load.
⚠️ Attention: With prolonged storage in a pumped state (more than 2-3 days) under direct sunlight, the pressure in the cylinders can critically increase, which will lead to deformation of the sutures or tissue rupture.
The bottom of the boat deserves a separate discussion. Depending on the modification, it can be made of lida-coated plywood or an inflatable floorboard. The plywood version is tougher and better rowing, but heavier. The inflatable floor is easier to transport, but it is less stable on the water when moving actively.
Welding technology
Some modern models use the hot welding method, which eliminates moisture from entering between the layers of tissue, unlike adhesive joint, where ideal surface preparation is important.
Dimension, weight and load capacity
The 320 in the title indicates the total length of the boat in an inflated state - 320 centimeters. However, for the potential owner, other parameters are more important: the width of the internal cockpit and the carrying capacity. The width of the cylinders is usually about 140-150 cm, which gives enough space to accommodate two people with minimal comfort.
The model's load capacity varies between 400 and 450 kg, which includes the weight of passengers, equipment, engine and boat itself. The actual payload, which keeps the boat running well and does not "drain" water on the wave, is about 250 to 300 kg, which means that it is most comfortable to feel one fisherman or two people without extra cargo.
The weight assembly is critical for those who cannot store the boat in the garage or have to carry it to the water on their own. Depending on the type of bottom (plywood or aluminum) and the thickness of the PVC, the weight of the kit can be from 35 to 45 kg. This is no longer the weight that is easy to throw over the shoulder for long distances, so having a wheeled transom or trolley becomes a matter of necessity, not comfort.
- 📏 Length full: 320 cm
- 📏 Full width: 145-150 cm
- ⚖️ Weight included: 40 kg
- 👥 Passenger capacity: 2 persons.
The boat packs in a bag to transport, and the dimensions of the bag allow it to be put in the trunk of a mid-range sedan, if you fold the rear seats, or in a station wagon, but you have to consider that with the engine, anchor, gas tank and life jackets, the volume of luggage grows exponentially.
Installation and attachments
Standard equipment The Nissamaran 320 typically includes the boat itself, the carry bag, the seats (banks), the pump, the remix and sometimes the oars. However, the devil is in the details. The quality of the seats is something owners often complain about. Standard plywood cans cans can be uncomfortable for long fishing, and are often replaced with inflatable chairs or more ergonomic soft-plated options.
The pump that comes with the kit is usually a foot ("frog") or a hand piston. To pump cylinders to the working pressure (usually 0.2 atm), you have to put a lot of effort, especially in the wind or if the boat is heated in the sun. The electric pump, powered by the battery, makes life much easier, but it needs to be purchased separately.
The transom plate is the motor's anchorage, and in this model, it's glued into cylinders and reinforced with linings. It's important to monitor the adhesive condition of the transom, because the vibration from the motor is the main enemy of the adhesive joints. The transmolor angle is usually adjusted, so that the motor is optimally positioned for glising.
Lubricate the pump valves and boats with silicone lubrication before each season – this will prevent rubber from drying out and make it easier to pump.
The additional equipment is often anchor ducks, rod holders and sonar holders, and the sides have leers (safety cables) and handles for carrying. timber The perimeter protects the sides from abrasion on the pier or shore.
Operation: Assembly, launch and storage
The process of preparing the boat for the launch requires a certain algorithm: first, the boat is laid out on a flat surface, cleared of spines and sharp stones. Then the cylinders are pumped. Here it is important not to overdo it: the pressure should be such that when you press your finger the surface bends 2-3 cm. Pumped in the heat boat risks bursting, and under-pumped will not keep shape.
After the cylinders, the bottom is set (if it is removable) and the keel is pumped (if there is one), the keel gives the boat stability, which is especially important when driving for an outboard motor against the wind or wave, without the keel, the boat will constantly demolish to the side, and it will become harder to row.
☑️ Checklist before getting on the water
After each operation, especially in salt water, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water. Salt, sand and silt, drying, act as an abrasive, destroying the protective layer of PVC. Drying before packaging is a prerequisite. Even a minimal amount of moisture inside the bag during prolonged storage will lead to mold that destroys the fabric from the inside.
⚠️ Warning: Never keep the boat assembled in a cold unheated room in winter without pre-treatment with talc, as in the cold, PVC becomes brittle and can crack when laid out.
Keep the boat straightened or half-assembled but not tightly folded, regularly (once a season) it is recommended to pump the boat and check the seams for stratification, following these simple rules will prolong the life of your boat for many years.
Comparison with competitors and modifications
There are many analogues on the market, such as Flagship, hunter or YukonWhat makes Nissamaran stand out? Often the argument is price and availability of parts. The modifications can differ by the type of bottom (LDPB, or plywood/aluminum floorboard). NDNDB is more convenient to assemble, but is less combable and less rigid.
There are also versions with a reinforced transcension for engines of greater power. Standard recommendation for the 320th model - the engine up to 5-8 hp Installation of a more powerful engine does not make sense, since the boat will go on plane further, but will increase fuel consumption and load on the transom.
| Parameter | Nissamaran 320 (Phanera) | Nissamaran 320 (NDLD) | Competitor (Analogue) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight of kit | ~42 kg | ~38 kg | ~45 kg |
| Assembly time | 15-20 minutes | 10-12 minutes | 20 minutes |
| Bottom hardness | High. | Medium | High. |
| Price. | Medium | Above average | Other. |
When choosing between hard-bottom and inflatable-bottom modifications, it is worth starting from the use case. For anchor fishing in one place, a hard bottom is preferable - it is more convenient to walk on it, put up chairs and tables. For walks and frequent transportation, where the boat needs to be blown away and inflated often, NDNDNDM benefits from the speed of preparation.
The choice between hard and inflatable floor is the choice between comfort on the water and ease of transportation.
Real reviews and frequent problems
In terms of experience, there are a number of common problems that users often face when valves start poisoning the air, when the valve is replaced, but requires a special key and skill, and when the transom board is unplugged, when the valve is fully accelerated, another common complaint is that the transmuter board is unplugged.
Many praise the model for its good wave germination for its size. Cylinders about 36-40 cm in diameter are tall enough not to draw water even in headwinds. However, in strong side winds, the boat's sailing is high, and without a keel or engine it will be difficult to operate.
Repairability is a strong trump card. PVC is easy to glue at home, it takes a set of remixes, acetone and glue to do that, and the small cuts that are inevitable when used are eliminated in 15 minutes and do not affect future use.
⚠️ Attention: When gluing a patch, it is critically important to degrease the surface and withstand the exposure time of the glue before gluing, otherwise the patch will fall off in a week.
In general, Nissamaran 320 It's not a premium cruiser, but it's a true fisherman, and it can last 5-7 years or more with care and timely maintenance, which is a great indicator for the budget segment.
Can I use the Nissamaran 320 for river rafting?
Yes, but with limitations. It's great for calm, temperate rivers. However, on rough, rocky rivers, the risk of puncture is high, and it's better to choose models with a keel tread all over the bottom or a denser PVC (1,100 g/sq.m).
What is the maximum weight of the engine?
The recommended maximum is 8 hp (about 20-25 kg), which will create an excessive load on the transom and can lead to its detachment or deformation, and also make the boat unstable.
Do I need to lubricate the valves before storage?
Yes, it is recommended to wipe the valves with silicone lubricant or just a clean wet cloth to remove sand and salt that can damage the sealing gum when closed.
Will the boat survive the winter on the balcony?
Only when it's deflated, in a warm room, if it's left in the cold, even in a cover, it's going to lose its elasticity, and if you try to inflate it in the spring, it might crack, and if the balcony is unheated, you'd better bring the boat home.
How is PVC different from rubber?
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is significantly stronger, lighter and more resistant to UV and fuel than traditional rubber. inflatable boats are heavier, fear gasoline and age faster in the sun, although cheaper to produce.