Choosing a reliable boat for fishing or family vacation on the water often leads to the consideration of compact but spacious models of PVC. One of these models, which has gained popularity due to the optimal ratio of price and quality, is the most important model of the company. Polar Bird 340 NDNDMThis model combines the maneuverability of small vessels and the stability of larger ones, making it interesting for a wide range of aquatic engines.
The key feature of this series is the use of low-pressure inflatable floors, which greatly simplifies assembly and improves comfort of operation. Unlike the models with floorboard bottom, there is no need to mess with heavy aluminum sheets or plywood, which is especially valuable when frequent trips to the reservoir. Polar Bird 340It is easy to understand why it became a hit in the segment of budget and mid-engine boats.
In this article, we will discuss the specifications, advantages and disadvantages of the design, as well as give practical tips for operation, you will learn how to properly prepare the vessel for the season, which engines are best suited and what to look for when buying to avoid common mistakes.
⚠️ Warning: Before the first operation, be sure to check the pressure in all compartments with a pressure gauge. Operating a boat with under-performed cylinders or bottom can lead to deformation of the structure and reduced driving performance.
Design features and materials
The basis of durability of any inflatable vessel is the quality of the material used. Polar Bird 340 The five-layer reinforced PVC fabric is used, which is highly resistant to mechanical damage, exposure to fuel and ultraviolet radiation. The density of the fabric is 750-850 g / sq.m., which is the optimal indicator for boats of this size, providing a balance between strength and weight.
The cylinders are designed with independent compartments, which ensure buoyancy even if one of them is punctured, and the seams are made by hot welding, which eliminates leakage and material dissection over time. NDMA (Low Pressure inflatable floor), which is a complex system of stringers and bulkheads inside the bottom itself.
Through the use of technology Drop Stitch (thousands of threads connecting the top and bottom planes), the floor holds a shape and provides a stiffness comparable to a hard floorboard, but still remains light and compact when assembled. Build a Polar Bird 340 NDL boat 2-3 times fasterIt is more than analogues with a hard floor, which is critically important when frequent trips to fishing.
- 🛡️ Five-layer reinforced PVC of increased density for maximum protection from punctures.
- ⚓ Reinforced keel-ballon to improve course stability and protection of the bottom.
- 🔧 Welded rings for secure anchor anchor or rescue end.
- 🚣 Built-in hinges around the perimeter to protect the board when mooring.
The quality of the assembly of seams and adhesives directly affects the life of the product. Polar Bird It uses a two-component polyurethane adhesive that provides a monolithic connection of the elements. When inspecting the boat, note the absence of bloating or unpaved areas in the area of the junctions of the transomb and cylinders.
Technical specifications and dimensions
Understanding the exact dimensions and weight parameters is essential for the correct selection of the vehicle and trailer equipment. Polar Bird 340 The boats are 3.40 meters long, which allows you to comfortably accommodate two or three people with a full set of equipment, the width of the cylinders is 145-150 cm, which provides sufficient stability even when active weaving or moving on the sides.
The weight of the kit is one of the key factors in choosing: depending on the configuration (the presence of bags, pump, seats), the weight of the boat as a whole varies between 38-42 kg. This allows you to transport the vessel in the trunk of a passenger car such as a wagon or crossover, although for one person carrying can be difficult without a trolley.
An important parameter is the load capacity and the permissible power of the engine. The design of the transom, reinforced by an additional plywood or aluminum insert, allows you to install engines with a capacity of up to 10-12 hp However, for comfortable planing with two passengers, it is recommended to use engines in the range of 6-9 hp.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Total length | 340 cm | Inflatable elements |
| Width | 145-150 cm | By outer diameter of cylinders |
| Diameter of the cylinder | 36-40 cm | Depends on the pumping pressure. |
| Load capacity | 450-500 kg | Including the weight of the boat and equipment |
| Engine power | up to 12 hp | 6-9 hp is recommended. |
Dimensions in packaged form also play a role. The bag with the boat usually has dimensions of about 110x45x35 cm This is a standard size that fits in most trunks, but it is worth considering that such luggage will weigh significantly, so it is better to enlist help when loading.
⚠️ Note: Do not exceed the maximum allowable engine power specified in the data sheet. Exceeding the limit of 12 hp can lead to the tearing of the transom and loss of buoyancy due to the flooding of the wave through the low side at high speeds.
Advantages of the sex of the NDND before the floorboard
The choice between the floor of NDND and the hard floorboard bottom (aluminum or plywood) is the eternal dilemma of the buyer. Polar Bird 340 The choice of low-pressure inflatables is not accidental, but the main advantage is the speed and ease of assembly, so you don't have to spend 20 to 30 minutes folding sheets, inserting stringers and pumping high pressure, as in the case of HDD.
The second important aspect is comfort. Inflatable bottoms have great shock-absorbing properties. If you're on the water for a few hours, you feel less hard on the surface, and kneeling when you fish or adjust your gear is much more enjoyable than when you're on cold metal or plywood, and they're also less susceptible to condensation.
The third advantage is compactness: when folded, a boat with NDNDM takes up less space, since there are no rigid elements that can not bend, this is especially true for owners of small cars or those who keep the boat in a confined space (balcony, storage room).
However, it is worth noting that on the wave, the solder boats can behave a little more predictably at high speeds due to the rigid geometry of the bottom. Polar Bird 340whose element is calm water bodies, rivers with moderate currents and fishing in the bays, the specifications of NDNDM are optimal.
- 🚀 Assembly takes 10-15 minutes against 30-40 minutes in mutual counterparts.
- ☁️ Excellent heat and noise insulation from water.
- 📦 Smaller volume in packaged form due to the absence of rigid elements.
- 🧹 Easy to care: easier to wash and dry, no metal parts prone to corrosion.
Installation and additional equipment
Standard equipment Polar Bird 340 The pump usually includes the boat itself, two inflatable seats (banks), a refit, a bag-package and an instruction. The pump often has to be purchased separately or it comes in a basic design, which may not be productive enough for frequent use.
To enhance the comfort and functionality of the boat, there is a wide range of accessories, first of all, experienced water-engineers recommend installing transom wheels. Given the weight of the boat assembled with the engine, dragging it along the shore is extremely inconvenient. The wheels make it easy to move the vessel on hard ground and lower it from the sloping shore.
Also useful will be the anchor rift and the lintel system, which often has only a basic element on the bow of the boat, which may not withstand the jerks of anchor in the wind, and the installation of an additional ditch and anchor box (anchor-chain-lin) will significantly improve the safety of the parking lot.
Secrets of seat selection
Standard inflatable cans can be uncomfortable with prolonged fishing. Consider buying hard seats on swivel brackets or soft plywood seats that attach to stringers.
Don't forget the sun or the rain, though. Polar Bird And it's quite stable, and the awning can take shelter from the scorching sun or the sudden rainfall, keeping the gear dry, and the awning mounts are usually placed in special sockets in cylinders.
Instructions for assembly and preparation for the season
Proper assembly is key to the long service of your boat. Start by laying the boat on a flat surface, clearing it of debris, branches and sharp objects. Spread the cylinders and bottom, let the material spread, especially if the boat was kept in a rolled-up form at low temperatures.
The pumping process should start from the keel (if any) or bow compartment, then proceed to the cylinders and last of all - to the bottom of the NDND. The pressure in the cylinders should be 0.2-0.25 atm, and in the bottom - according to the instructions (usually 0.2-0.3 atm). Do not pump the boat into the sun, as the air inside will heat up and the pressure will increase, which can lead to rupture of the seams.
☑️ Checklist assembly
Once assembled, make sure to check all the valves for leaks. Apply soap on the spools and valve insertions. The appearance of bubbles will indicate a leak. If the boat is poisoning, don't ignore it - find and eliminate the cause before you get on the water.
When installing the motor, make sure that the transom is fixed in the slots of the cylinders and pressed with straps (belts) as tightly as possible. The transmutant is not allowed, since the vibration of the motor will quickly destroy the sticking places. The outboard motor is installed in the center, the lower unit must be completely submerged in water.
Operation, storage and care
Care for the PVC boat Polar Bird 340 It doesn't require complicated procedures, but regularity is the most important thing here. After every outing, especially on salty or polluted water bodies, the boat needs to be rinsed with fresh water. Salt and silt, when dried, can crystallize and damage tissue structure or accelerate aging of glue.
Drying is a critical stage before packaging for storage. Even a little moisture inside the bag will cause mold and a bad smell that is almost impossible to remove. Dry the boat in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight that can overheat the material. Pay special attention to hard-to-reach places under the stringers and in the corners of the transom.
To clean up the severe contaminants, use special PVC products or a weak soap solution. Do not use solvents, gasoline or abrasive sponges - they will damage the protective layer of tissue.
Keep the boat straightened or half-assembled at room temperature, if you can't, roll it up, but not too tight, and put it in a case, avoid storage in places where there are possible temperature changes or where the boat can be chewed by rodents who love the smell of plasticizers in PVC.
Periodically, once a season, check the condition of the seams and the integrity of the fabric. Small cuts can be sealed yourself with a remix, but serious damage is better entrusted to the specialists in the service center. Timely repair will prevent the defect from growing during operation.
Proper drying and storage in a dry place at a temperature of +5 to +25 ° C extend the life of the Polar Bird 340 BNDD boat for 5-7 years or more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use the Polar Bird 340 boat at sea?
Use at sea is only possible in calm weather and near shore. The design of the cylinders and low side are not designed for open sea waves. Salt water requires thorough washing with fresh water after each use, otherwise the material's lifespan will be shortened.
What is the optimal pressure to pump to the bottom of the NDND?
The optimum pressure for the floor of the NDND is 0.2-0.3 atmosphere (about 3-4 PSI). It makes no sense to pump harder and can be dangerous for the construction of the stringers. The bottom should be elastic, but when pressed with your hand, it should be slightly bent.
Will the boat fit into the trunk of the sedan?
In a standard boot of a sedan (non-wagon) packed boat Polar Bird 340The sled bag is likely to be incongruous due to the length of the bag (about 110 cm), it can only enter if the rear seats are folded in the car or it is a crossover / station wagon.
Do I need to lubricate the valve with silicone?
Yes, periodic lubrication of the valve threads and sealing gums with silicone lubrication prolongs their lifespan, prevents rubber from drying out and makes it easier to twist the covers. Do this once a year before the season.