Choosing a boat for fishing or outdoor activities on the water often comes down to finding a balance between load capacity, dimensions assembled and cost. PVC Armor 320The sliding sliding sliding sliding sliding sliding sliding sliding sliding sliding sliding sliding sliding sliding sliding sliding sliding sliding into calm waters or temperate rivers for several years.
The series is popular not only because of its affordable price but also because of the use of modern materials. High-density reinforced polyvinyl chloride, used in manufacturing, provides protection against puncture and abrasion against rocky bottoms. For many novice water-engineers, this model is the first step in the world of navigation, allowing you to master the basics of boat management without significant financial investments.
It's important to understand that, despite the name Armor, it's not an armoured vehicle for extreme conditions, but a reliable tool for amateur fishing, optimized for low-power motors or fun rides, and further analysis of the technical details will help determine whether this option is suitable for your tasks and operating conditions.
Design features and materials
The basis of reliability of any inflatable vessel is the material from which its cylinder is made. In the case of the Model 320, a five-layer reinforced tank is used. PVCThe density of the fabric is 750 g/sq. m, which is standard for boats of this class, ensuring sufficient rigidity when pumped to an operating pressure of 0.2 atmosphere.
The bottom is made of a denser material of 850 g/sq. m, which is logical, because this part experiences maximum loads when in contact with the ground. The seams are connected by hot welding, which eliminates the possibility of their divergence even with severe deformations of the body, this technology ensures tightness throughout the life of the product.
The reinforcement system deserves special attention: in places of greatest stress, such as the beam and the transom, the material is duplicated with additional tapes, which prevents ballooning and keeps the geometry of the vessel under load. Armor 320 It is equipped with overhead bars that protect the sides from impacts on the pier or side of another boat.
Welding technology
The seams in armor boats are flapped using adhesives and high-temperature presses, which create a monolithic bond that often exceeds the strength of the material itself, and unlike stitches, it completely eliminates the possibility of leaking through the needle holes.
And the ergonomics of these inflatable seats are not just hooked, they're rigid, so you can sit on them for a long time without getting tired, and they're made of stainless steel, which eliminates corrosion even when salt water hits.
Technical specifications of the model
The right gear and engine needs to be carefully considered, and the size of the boat allows it to be transported in the trunk of most cars, especially if you use a case for separate stowage, and the weight of the kit with hinged elements is about 20-22 kg, which is quite enough for one adult, although it is better to carry it together.
The passenger capacity is declared by the manufacturer as two people, but the real load capacity allows you to place on board and three adults, provided that the weight is evenly distributed. The maximum power of the recommended engine is limited to 5 hp, which is dictated by the strength of the transom and the overall sailing structure.
| Parameter | Meaning | Unit of measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Total length | 320 | centimeter |
| general width | 145 | centimeter |
| Load capacity | 400 | kilogram |
| Boat weight (with seats) | 21.5 | kilogram |
| Diameter of the cylinder | 36 | centimeter |
The inner space of the cockpit is large enough to accommodate two fishermen with tackles. The height of the board at 36 cm provides good protection against splashes, but when fully loaded and strong wave water can flood through the nose. drainhole (drain valves) in the nose is a critical safety element.
The optimal loading of the Armor 320 boat for comfortable and safe operation should not exceed 250-300 kg, which leaves a margin of displacement in case of water or a sharp maneuver.
Driving and handling
On the water, the boat behaves predictably and steadily. Flat bottom provides excellent parking stability, which is highly appreciated by anglers using spinning or feeder. However, when moving against the current or on the wave, the flat bottom shape can cause blows to the water, known as "slapping."
The oar handling is rated as good because of the well-placed squiggles. The scoop is powerful, and a 180-degree turn takes the minimum time. When you install the engine, the boat goes into plane with only one passenger and minimal load. With two passengers and cargo, the boat goes into displacement mode, reaching a speed of about 10-12 km / h.
- 🚣♂️ Stability: High, thanks to the width and flat bottom, allows you to stand in full growth with calm water.
- 🌊 cruising: The middle, flat bottom creates additional water resistance when moving.
- ⚓ Sailing: Moderate, but with a side wind with an empty boat can be strongly demolished, the use of an anchor is required.
The engine is important, and the model is ideal for 2-3.5 hp engines, with more powerful units creating excess traction that is difficult to implement due to speed and handling limitations, and the long leg of the motor can interfere with rowing if you need to work with oars.
Installation and attachments
The standard delivery kit usually includes the boat itself, two inflatable seats, two collapsible oars (aluminum or wooden), a pump and a remix. However, the equipment may vary depending on the supplier and year of manufacture, it is recommended to check the availability of all elements immediately after purchase.
The attachments can be upgraded. Many owners install additional straps to attach gear, sonar or navigators. The boat's transom allows you to secure a standard holder for the sonar sensor, but when you install a powerful motor, you may need to strengthen the attachment.
For ease of use, transom wheels are often purchased, which make it much easier to get on the water and ashore, especially if you have to fish alone, and the installation of the wheels does not require drilling additional holes, they are attached to existing transom mount bolts.
⚠️ Attention: When installing additional equipment, such as anchor ducks or spinning holders, make sure the fasteners do not damage the balloon from the inside. Use wide washers and do not pull the bolts.
Assembly, pumping and descent preparation
The process of preparing the boat for water takes an average of 10-15 minutes with experience, for beginners this time can increase to 20-25 minutes, the key point is the correct sequence of pumping cylinders, which ensures the formation of the correct bottom profile and rigidity of the structure.
☑️ Checklist of preparation for the water
First, the side cylinders are pumped, then the nose cylinder, and only lastly the keel (if the model provides an inflatable keel, in Armor 320 there is more often a hard bottom or an inflatable keel). The pressure should be uniform. Pumping the cylinders into the sun is unacceptable, since the air expands when heated, which can lead to rupture of the seams.
For pumping, use a pump with a pressure gauge. Although it is difficult to determine the pressure on the eye, experienced boaters recommend focusing on the hardness of the balloon: when pressed with a finger, it should bend no more than 5-7 mm. The use of car compressors is possible, but requires constant monitoring so as not to exceed the pressure of 0.25 atm.
If you pump a boat in a warm room or in the sun, before going out into the cold water, be sure to blow some air. When cooling, the pressure will drop and the boat will become soft, but if the pressure in the sun increases too much, it is dangerous. It is better to under-inflate than pump.
Maintenance, storage and security
The durability of a boat depends on the conditions of its storage and maintenance. After each operation, especially in salt water or muddy rivers, you need to thoroughly wash the hull with fresh water. Sand and dirt, stuck in folds, work as an abrasive, gradually destroying the protective layer of PVC.
Store the product in a dry, cool place, away from heaters and direct sunlight. The ideal storage temperature is from -20 to +30 degrees. Before packaging in a case, the boat should be completely dry. Wet material in an enclosed space is the ideal environment for mold development, which destroys the fabric.
- 🧼 Cleanup: Use a soft sponge and a soapy solution. Aggressive chemistry is prohibited.
- ☀️ Drying: Dry in the shade, avoiding direct contact with hot asphalt.
- 🔧 Conservation: Before long-term storage (winter), treat the valves with silicone lubrication to maintain elasticity.
Water safety is priority number one. Even if you're a great swimmer, a life jacket is a must. The PVC 320 is small, and when you roll over in deep water, it can be extremely difficult to get out without help from the outside, especially in heavy clothing.
⚠️ Attention: Smoking in a boat or using an open fire is strictly prohibited, and a spark from a cigarette or a gas spray can instantly burn through the balloon, leading to rapid loss of buoyancy and an emergency on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use the Armor 320 boat for rafting on rocky rivers?
Use is possible, but with caution: the material density of 750 g/sq. m withstands contact with fine pebbles, but the sharp edges of large stones can damage the bottom. It is recommended to use a protective mat or choose places for mooring with sandy soil.
What is the maximum weight of cargo that can be placed in a boat?
rated carrying capacity is 400 kg, but this is the limit value at which the board almost touches the water. For comfortable and safe fishing with two passengers and equipment, the optimal weight should not exceed 250-280 kg.
Do I need to register the 320 Armor boat in the GIMS?
Under current Russian law, registration is required for small vessels weighing more than 200 kg in running order or with an engine power of more than 8 hp (8 kW). Since the weight of a boat with an engine of 2-3 hp is usually less than 200 kg, registration is often not required, but the rules may change, so it is worth clarifying the current regulations.
How to seal the boat in the field conditions?
It comes with a patch-and-glue remake, and for good repairs, you need to degrease the surface, clean it with fine sandpaper, glue it on both surfaces, dry it and press it hard. For reliability, you can use cold vulcanization if you can warm up the gluing site.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use the boat in the wind stronger than 10 m / s and a wave height of more than 0.5 meters. Small dimensions and light weight make the vessel extremely vulnerable to the elements, which can lead to rapid accumulation of water inside and loss of stability.