Choosing an inflatable boat for serious fishing or water trips always involves finding a balance between weight, load capacity and comfort. Badger SL 370 AL For several years now, it has been a strong presence in the low-cost but reliable boat segment, offering time-tested solutions to its users, a classic workhorse that combines accessibility and functionality to reach large bodies of water.
The main feature of this series is the use of aluminum-floor This is a design that allows the wearer to feel confident in the wave without fear of the hardness of the bottom when moving along the cockpit. Unlike lightweight rowing models, it emphasizes the ability to carry a full-fledged cockpit. outboard And to withstand the load when catching trophy fish.
In this article, we will explore the technical nuances, real-world experiences and hidden benefits that are often hidden in advertising booklets, explaining why this configuration is in demand among practitioners and how to properly prepare the vessel for the first season so that it will last for decades.
Design features and materials
The basis of durability of any inflatable vessel is the quality of the fabric. SL 370 AL The manufacturer uses five-layer reinforced PVC density of 850 g / sq.m. This material has a high resistance to abrasion, which is critically important in contact with pebbles, sand or grass on the shore. Five-layer structure It provides not only mechanical strength, but also excellent gas resistance, allowing the boat to keep pressure even after a long stay in the sun.
The system deserves special attention. paiolaIt's made of lightweight but strong aluminum, and unlike plywood flooring, which can swell with moisture, aluminum sheets are completely inert to water, and they are connected in special profiles to form a single rigid platform, which eliminates the hammock effect of the center of the bottom bending under the weight of the passengers, ensuring stable glides.
The cylinders are divided into independent compartments, which is a mandatory safety requirement, and if one of the cylinders is punctured, the rest will keep the vessel buoyant. hot-glueThey are often placed at the junction of the cylinder and transom, and they are often fitted with additional linings to protect the most vulnerable areas from fuel spray and mechanical damage.
⚠️ Warning: Despite the high density of the fabric, avoid the boat's fiber on asphalt or sharp stones without special protection. This can lead to microcracks in the top protective layer of PVC, which over time will develop into serious damage.
The trunk of the boat is made of moisture-resistant plywood and is glued with fiberglass reinforced, a technology that protects the wood from stratification and rotting, and the transom fasteners are reinforced with metal plates, allowing motors up to 15 hp to be installed without the risk of deformation of the aft.
The secret to the longevity of seams
Manufacturers often use two-component polyurethane-based adhesives that polymerize when heated, which is why Badger seams are not afraid of temperature changes typical of the Russian climate, and remain elastic even in the cold.
specifications of driving qualities on water
Conduct Badger SL 370 AL When you get to a working pressure of 0.2 atm (or slightly higher, depending on the air temperature), the boat becomes rigid and predictable. The wide cylinders with a diameter of 48 cm provide excellent performance. stabilityallowing the fisherman to stand up in full height to throw tackles without fear of tipping over.
The presence of two inflatable keels in the nose is key when driving with a motor. They not only shape the nose, but also act as hydrodynamic stabilizers, undercutting the wave and improving the sloughing sludge. The aluminum floor, in turn, distributes the weight evenly, preventing the longitudinal deflection that could create additional resistance to water.
Here are the main parameters that affect driving performance:
- 🌊 planing: It comes quickly even with one passenger due to the flat bottom and low weight of the structure.
- 🛡️ Spray protection: High cylinders and a developed hut timber effectively divert water overboard, keeping the cockpit dry.
- ⚖️ Load capacity: The 650 kg is designed to accommodate two adults with full equipment and fuel.
- 🌀 Manageability: The hard floor provides a clear transfer of forces to the keel and transom, making the boat responsive to turns.
When you're going against the wind or on the side, you feel confident, because the boat doesn't scour side to side, but it keeps a clear course, as defined by the engine's tiller, but remember that the flat bottom that characterizes this model can produce tangible impacts on the oncoming wave at high speeds, so it's recommended to slow down when you're excited.
Comfort and ergonomics of the cockpit
The interior space of the model SL 370 AL The 370 cm cockpit allows two or three passengers to comfortably fit; the distance between the cylinders is large enough that the legs do not rest against the sides, which is especially important for long transitions; the floor of aluminum sheets is pleasant to the touch and does not slide even when wet, using a special non-slip film or mats.
There's a liner cable that runs around the perimeter of the cockpit, which serves not only as insurance, but also as a handrail. rod-holder Although the number may vary depending on the year of manufacture, the basic equipment usually includes everything you need to start, and there are also attachments for attachments such as sonars or navigators.
⚠️ Warning: Aluminum floors can get very hot during prolonged exposure to the sun, and it is recommended to use light mats or clothing to avoid leg burns and discomfort during parking.
The seats (banks) are made of the same moisture-resistant plywood as the transom, and are lined with reinforced material, mounted on special lyctroses or sleds, which allows them to adjust their position along the cockpit, which allows you to shift the center of gravity of the boat, optimizing the differentiation depending on the number of passengers and cargo.
For storage, there is a nose flungue (in some versions), or the possibility of installing a sealant between the cylinders. It is important to correctly distribute the weight: heavy things, such as the battery and anchor, should be placed closer to the center or on the floor, so as not to overload the nose and not reduce driving performance.
To increase comfort on the aluminum floor, you can put a tourist mat "foam" or special EVA mats. This will not only soften the seat, but also create additional thermal insulation from cold water.
Assembly, descent preparation and storage
Boat assembly process Badger SL 370 AL It requires a sequence of actions to ensure that the body is properly geometry-- first, the cylinders are inflated to a pressure of 0.2 atm, then the aluminum floor sheets are inserted. It's important to make sure that the sheets enter the slots easily, without skewing. Once the floor is laid, the cylinders are pumped to the working pressure, and last, the keels are inflated.
Inflatable keels require special attention: they must be pumped last and to a pressure exceeding the pressure in the main cylinders (usually about 0.3-0.4 atm). It is the tension of the keels that gives the bottom the correct V-shaped and rigidity. If the keels are inflated weakly, the boat will be worse to keep its course and slower to get on plane.
Checklist of rapid preparation for the water:
- 🔍 Visual inspection for damage and debris inside the cockpit.
- 💨 Check the pressure in all compartments with a manometer (on the eye pressure cannot be determined!).
- 🔩 Reliable fastening of the transom and checking the tightening of the screws.
- ⚓ Availability of anchor phasing, life jacket and scoop in an accessible place.
When stored in winter, the boat must be thoroughly washed, dried and folded in a spacious room. Aluminum sheets are best stored in a straightened form or folded into large rings to avoid crumple, although aluminum is less susceptible to this than plywood. PVC is desirable not to be stored in a highly compressed state at negative temperatures, to avoid microcracks on the folds.
☑️ The Badger SL 370 is assembled
Comparison with competitors and modifications
In the market of inflatable boats model SL 370 AL The main difference between Badger and its PVC products is often the balance of price and quality used. While some competitors are moving to lighter but less durable fabrics (750 g/sq.m), Badger often maintains the standard of 850-900 g/sq.m., making the boat heavier but significantly more survivable.
Compare the specifications of the Badger SL 370 AL with the average competitor in this class:
| Parameter | Badger SL 370 AL | Average competitor |
|---|---|---|
| Tissue density (g/sq.m) | 850 | 750-800 |
| Floor material | aluminum | Plywood/Aluminum |
| Diameter of the cylinder (cm) | 48 | 45-46 |
| Kit weight (kg) | ~52 | ~45-48 |
| Guarantee | 24 months | 12 months |
The modifications may vary in the presence or absence of stringers (stiffness profiles), type of valves and color of fabric. There are versions with a reinforced transcretion for higher-power engines, but for the classic model. 15 hp is the optimal limit, allowing to reveal the potential of the body without the risk of overloading the feed.
When choosing between aluminium floor and plywood floorboard, it is worth considering the operating conditions: aluminum is lighter and not afraid of water, but it is noisier (the sound of rain or waves is heard more clearly) and colder. Plywood is warmer and quieter, but requires perfect drying before packaging, otherwise it is guaranteed to rot in one or two seasons.
The aluminum floor in Badger SL 370 AL is a choice for durability and lack of maintenance, while plywood only wins in comfort and silence, but loses in reliability when drying rules are violated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the real speed of the Badger SL 370 AL boat with a 9.9 hp engine?
With one passenger and a standard load, the speed is usually 25-28 km/h. With two adults, the speed drops to 20-22 km/h, which is enough for trolling and safe movement through reservoirs.
Can I use this boat in winter for fishing?
Yes, PVC retains elasticity at low temperatures, but it requires caution. In the cold, the material becomes rigid, and the risk of damage to it when assembled or impacted in a careless manner increases, you need to use frost-resistant valve lubricants and not drag the joints.
Do I need to lubricate the valves and what?
Yes, periodic lubrication is necessary for tightness. Use only silicone lubricants or a special compound for PVC. Petroleum products (vaseline, litol) can eat the valve gum and spoil the fabric.
How long does it take to assemble and disassemble for the first time?
In an inexperienced user, the process can take 30-40 minutes. If you have the skill and use of an electric pump with an battery, assembly and pumping to a working state can be performed in 10-15 minutes.