Choosing the first serious inflatable boat is always a compromise between price, dimensions in folded form and driving performance on the water. Poseidon 320 For many years, it has been a strong position in the low-cost but reliable PVC fleet, designed for all types of water, from calm lakes to temperate rivers, where stability and predictable behavior are required.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the design, features of operation and nuances, which are often silent in stores. bottom High Pressure (HPD) has become the standard for this model and how to properly prepare the boat for the first season, and we're not going to retell the dry numbers from the catalog, but we're going to focus on the practical side of owning this craft.
It should be noted immediately that Posaidon 320 This is a classic workhorse, and you'll find no frills here, but an honest double-bottomed, reinforced-keel design, and for many anglers, this is the starting point for the world of water tourism because of its unpretentiousness.
Design features and materials
The basis of durability of any boat is the material. Poseidon 320 durability of polyvinyl chloride reinforced 900 g/sqmThe five-layer structure of the fabric provides the necessary rigidity to tear, which is critical when going to rocky shore or when transporting in the trunk of a car.
A key element of the design is the high-pressure inflatable floor (AirDeck), which, unlike plywood peyols, does not absorb moisture, does not rot and, most importantly, gives the body excellent hydrodynamics. keel-shaped The cross section allows the boat to keep its course more confident and easier to get on plane even with low-power engines. The side is made high enough that it guarantees dryness in the cockpit even at a small wave.
All the seams in the boat are hot welded, which eliminates the risk of tissue dissection over time, a technological solution that is much more reliable than gluing, especially in the conditions of temperature changes, the joints of cylinders and bottoms are reinforced by a bolt, which takes the main load when mooring.
Welding technology
Unlike adhesives, hot welding turns two layers of PVC into a monolith, which means that the seam is stronger than the material itself, and the risk of divergence when used or stored in compressed form is minimized to an absolute minimum.
Components and assembly options
Buying. Posaidon 320
As standard, you get a full set to go out, but the manufacturer often offers options that can make a big difference in the comfort of the boat. The boat is equipped with two inflatable seats (cans), a refit, a bag-pack and a pump. But the devil lies in the details of the assembly.Special attention should be paid to the choice of the type of bottom, and in addition to the classic BNDD, for this length, sometimes offered options with a sleigh mat or aluminum floor. bottom It is the most popular choice, and it allows you to put a boat together in one bag weighing about 25-28 kg, making it possible to transport even one person without using a trolley.
- 🛶 Two inflatable seats: are fastened by the system "Lictros-likpaz", which allows you to move them along the side, occupying a convenient position for fishing.
- ⚓ Two rod holders: installed in the nose, made of durable plastic resistant to salt water.
- 🔧 Remake: includes liquid glue, PVC patches and a key for valves, which allows you to eliminate minor damage right on the shore.
It's important to understand that the weight of the boat when assembled is not just fabric. Stringers add stiffness, but they also take time to pump. Many owners use foot pumps with two valves to speed up the assembly process, although the regular frog does its job, albeit more slowly.
☑️ Checking the completeness before buying
Technical specifications and compatibility with motors
Dimensions and load capacity are parameters that determine the use scenarios of the boat. Poseidon 320 The boat is 320 cm long and 135 cm wide, and is a “middle ground”: narrow enough to reach good speed and wide enough to maintain stability when the angler moves inside the cockpit.
As for the power plant, this model was created for engines with a capacity of 2 to 6 hp, however, practice shows that the best option is a 5 hp motor with a short leg. With it, the boat confidently goes to planing with one adult and minimal load. Installation of a more powerful engine is possible, but requires caution due to transom restrictions.
| Parameter | Meaning | Comment by the expert |
|---|---|---|
| Length, cm | 320 | Optimal for storage in the trunk of the sedan |
| Width, cm | 135 | Provides stability when standing fishing |
| Load capacity, kg | 350 | Including the weight of the boat and crew |
| Weight, kg | 26.5 | Without motor and attachment equipment |
| Motor power (max), hp | 6 | 5 hp is recommended for fuel economy |
The trunk of the boat is made of moisture-resistant plywood coated with phenolic film, it is removable, which makes it easier to dry and store, the attachment of the transom to the cylinders is reliable, but requires regular checks of the tension of the slings or fixation in the grooves, especially after prolonged operation at high speed.
Features of operation and behavior on the water
On the water. Posaidon 320 It's a predictable boat, and it's a very good keel, which makes it less tiring when it's going against the wind or the current, but it's worth remembering that it's still a light boat, and when it's very excited, it can start to scour if it doesn't add gas or distribute the weight of passengers and cargo properly.
The boat is great for sloping, the high sides provide a sense of security, and the soft inflatable floor allows you to comfortably kneel or sit on banks for a long time, and the absence of hard corners inside the cockpit is a big plus for those who often take children or animals with them.
When driving on a plane with a 5 hp engine, the boat shows good seaworthiness for its class. It does not burrow its nose into the wave, but gently jumps over small obstacles. Spray-proof cylinder in the nose effectively diverts water to the sides, keeping the legs of the person sitting in front dry.
⚠️ Attention: Never exceed the recommended engine power specified in the data sheet. Excess power can lead to deformation of the transom and loss of warranty, as well as dangerous rolling of the boat at a sharp start.
To improve your driving performance, try to under-pump the nose compartment a little (10-15% of normal), which will raise your nose on the wave and reduce the number of splashes flying into the cockpit.
Care, storage and repair
Durability Poseidon 320 It depends on how you care for it. PVC is durable, but it doesn't like long-term exposure to direct sunlight inflated. Overheating the air inside the cylinders can cause the seams to rupture, so in hot weather, the boat is better shaded or put on excess pressure.
After every fishing trip, especially on salt water, the boat must be rinsed with fresh water. The salt and sand act as abrasives, gradually destroying the protective layer of fabric. Drying is a mandatory step before packaging. Even the minimum amount of moisture inside the bag can cause mold to appear, which is extremely difficult to remove.
- 🧼 WashingUse a soft sponge and soap solution, avoid aggressive chemicals and solvents.
- ☀️ Suit: Spend in the shade, avoiding direct sun exposure to wet cloth.
- 📦 Storage: folded at a temperature of -20 to +40 degrees, away from heating appliances.
If you puncture, don't panic. The repair kit allows you to quickly patch the patch, the main thing is to degrease the surface and let the glue dry according to the instructions. For more serious damage, such as a cut at the seam, it is better to contact a specialized service that has equipment for hot welding.
Proper drying and storage in a case at room temperature is a guarantee that the boat will last you more than 10 years without losing its tightness.
Comparison with competitors and final conclusions
In its price segment Poseidon 320 It competes with Flagman, Hunter and Mnev, and Poseidon's advantage is often given to the quality of the fittings and the thoughtfulness of the cockpit's ergonomics, and competitors can win in price or weight, but lose out on the weight, such as the ease of attaching the cans or the quality of the valves.
If you are looking for a versatile boat for weekend trips with family or for solo fishing in medium-sized water bodies, this option will be one of the best in terms of price/quality. It requires no special maintenance, is easy to repair and retains its properties for years.
In summary, it can be said that Posaidon 320 It is a smart choice for a novice water-engineer and a practical replacement for an old aluminum boat, combining state-of-the-art PVC manufacturing technology with a time-tested design while remaining affordable for a wide range of buyers.
⚠️ Attention: When buying a used boat, be sure to check the valves for leakage. Often it is the worn-out valve petals that cause constant air intoxication, which is invisible in the store, but creates problems on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many people are comfortably accommodated in Poseidon 320?
The optimal number is 2 adults of average size. Three people will fit, but the boat will lose much in driving performance and become less stable. For three, it is better to consider models from 350 cm.
Can I use this boat in the winter?
You can use it, but with caution. PVC becomes hard and fragile in the cold, you need to inflate the boat with warm air and not pump, because in the cold, the pressure inside will drop, and when you skip into a warm room, it will rise sharply, which can lead to rupture.
Which pump is best suited for this model?
Any foot pump (frog or two-way) is suitable for pumping the main volume, however, it is better to use an electric pump or a special high-pressure pump to achieve the desired pressure in the hard bottom (AirDeck) to the final pressure increase (0.6-0.8 atm).
Is it really possible to get on plane with a 3.5 hp engine?
Yes, it is, but only with one driver and minimal load, the boat is lightweight, and the engine 3.5 hp is enough to enter the mode, although the speed will be lower than the "five".