Choosing an inflatable floating craft is always a compromise between weight, load capacity and seaworthiness. Compas 380S It's a classic middle-class man who is no longer a small single-seat can, but is not yet a bulky barge requiring a powerful tractor.
The main feature of this series is the presence of inflatable keel-bagAnd this is a very dramatic change in the way the boat behaves on the wave, and unlike the flat-bottom, the 380 is able to steer and cut the wave with confidence, rather than slapping it with the whole bottom. Compas 380S One of the leaders in its price category in terms of price / quality.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the nuances of operation, design features and real feelings of using this boat on the water. You will learn why this boat is so popular among owners of outboard motors of medium power and what little things to pay special attention to before buying.
Design features and materials
The basis of durability of any inflatable vessel is the material. Compas 380S It uses a five-layer reinforced PVC density of 850 g / sq.m. This choice of the manufacturer is not accidental: the material has high abrasion resistance, which is critically important for frequent pulling ashore, and resistance to ultraviolet radiation. hot-glue (Hypalon), which guarantees tightness even at strong temperature changes.
The bottom of the boat is AirDeck technology, which allows the boat to be used year-round, because the floor material does not lose elasticity in the cold, and the bottom is hardened by a system of stringers and cross bulkheads that give the body the necessary rigidity, comparable to plywood peyol, but without excess weight.
⚠️ Attention! Despite the high density of the material, do not leave a fully pumped boat under the scorching sun unattended. The air pressure inside the cylinders is increasing, which can lead to rupture of the seams or deformation of the structure.
An important element of safety is flyboardThis means that if one of the cylinders is damaged, the boat will remain buoyant and allow the crew to reach the shore safely, and it is also worth noting that there is a hinge beam around the perimeter, which protects the sides from impacts on the berth or on the sides of other boats.
- 🛡️ Five-layer reinforced PVC with protection against UV radiation provides a long service life.
- ⚓ The technology of gluing seams on the floor guarantees 100% tightness of the connections.
- 🌊 The inflatable floor of the NDND allows you to operate the boat in all weather conditions.
The secret to stitching
Unlike older methods, hot gluing melts the top layers of PVC, creating a monolithic compound that is virtually impossible to break without physically damaging the material itself.
specifications and seaworthiness
The size of 3.80 meters is the "golden mean" for medium-sized bodies of water. Compas 380S The total load capacity of the model allows two, and if necessary three adult passengers with a full set of equipment to comfortably accommodate, while remaining within safe operation.
The boat behaves predictably on the water, because of the bottom's keeliness, it keeps its course perfectly (north of yaw) even in lateral winds, which reduces the load on the steering wheel and saves fuel, because the engine does not have to constantly adjust the direction of travel. The maximum power of the recommended engine allows you to develop decent speeds, turning the walk into a dynamic journey.
For clarity, compare the main technical parameters of the model with competitors in this class:
| Parameter | The value of Compas 380S | Unit of measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Full length | 380 | centimeter |
| Full width | 165 | centimeter |
| Load capacity | 650 | kilogram |
| Weight of kit | 58 | kilogram |
| Max, engine power. | 15-20 | hp |
It is worth noting that the actual weight of the boat may differ slightly from the declared in the passport due to the humidity of the material or equipment. However, the weight in the area of 58 kilograms makes transportation in the trunk of a passenger car quite a real task, especially if you divide the cargo into two parts (boat and engine / gas tank).
The optimal engine power for a full load of the boat is 15-18 hp, which provides glides with two passengers and minimal fuel consumption.
Comfort and ergonomics of the cockpit
Interior space Compas 380S The presence of two large inflatable seats (cans) that can be used as transom benches or as backrests greatly improves comfort during long transitions. The surface of the seats is made of non-slip material, which is important when pitching or raining.
The sides are equipped with convenient carry handles and a liner cable that serves not only as insurance but also as an additional attachment point for equipment, often providing a platform or reinforcement for anchoring, making it easier to anchor on the flow.
The ergonomics of the cockpit also include attachments, rod holders, sonar holders or navigation cylinders, and the space between the banks is large enough to fit your feet comfortably or to fit a gearbox.
- 🎣 Convenient soft seats with the ability to adjust the position of the back.
- 🔦 Reflective elements on cylinders for safety in the dark.
- 📦 Possibility of installing additional equipment on the transom and on the board.
The tannery plate, which is made of moisture-resistant plywood coated with metallic plates, allows you to install motors with short or long days, providing reliable fixation without backlashes and vibrations.
Operation and Assembly: Personal Experience
Assembly Compas 380S It takes an average of 15 to 20 minutes with practice, and the first thing you do is you spread the boat on a flat surface and pump the keel, and it's a critical step, and it's the keel that sets the geometry of the bottom, and if you don't pump it, the bottom will sag, creating sailing and impairing performance.
After the keel, the side cylinders are pumped. It is important to follow the sequence specified in the instructions to avoid distortions. The pressure in the cylinders should be 0.25-0.3 of the atmosphere (checked by pressing a finger - the surface should be elastic, but not stone). Pumping is dangerous in heat, non-pumping - in cold water.
☑️ Checklist before launching
⚠️ Attention! Never use a pressure gaugeless car compressor for the final pumping. High outlet temperatures can damage the valves or PVC material.
Putting the boat back in the bag requires a certain skill, and it's important to let all the air out, especially from the keel, and stack the material in a certain sequence so that the next time the cylinders spread evenly, regular drying of the fabric before packaging will prevent mold and unpleasant odor.
Comparison with peers and competitors
In the market of inflatable boats model Compas 380S It competes with brands such as Flagship, Badger and SolarisUnlike many Chinese counterparts assembled in Russia, the Compas is often praised for its more careful handling of seams and the use of high-quality glue. However, the weight of the model can be slightly higher than that of competitors using a thinner, but less durable material.
Compared to metal or plastic, PVC has a clear advantage in safety and comfort: inflatable sides extinguish the impacts on the wave and shore, which is especially appreciated when fishing from a boat, and the absence of a rigid housing makes it easier to store in a garage or apartment in the winter.
The brand’s pricing positioning this model as an affordable option for a wide range of consumers: You won’t get exclusive design or space technology here, but you will get a reliable, time-tested tool for relaxing on the water. For beginners who are not willing to spend huge sums on the first boat, this is one of the best entry options for the topic.
- 💰 The best ratio of price and quality in the segment up to 100 000 RUB.
- 🔧 High repairability and availability of spare parts in stores.
- ⚖️ The optimal balance between the strength of the material and the weight of the product.
Warranty and service support are also worth mentioning: Unlike gray importers, official dealers provide a real guarantee and help with problems if they arise, an important factor in choosing equipment that will be operated in aggressive aquatic environments.
Care and storage recommendations
And Compas 380S You've been in the service of this boat for years, and you have to follow simple rules of operation, and after every trip, especially on salt water or in polluted water, you have to rinse the boat with fresh water, and salt and silt can corrod the material and clog the valves, which can break the seal.
Store the boat in a dry, cool place, protected from direct sunlight and rodents. The ideal storage temperature is from -20 to +30 degrees Celsius. Before long-term storage (winter), it is recommended to treat the material with special PVC care products that restore elasticity and protect against drying out.
Use talc when packing a boat for long-term storage, it will prevent the inner surfaces of the material from sticking together and make it easier to lay out in the next season.
Check the valves regularly, sometimes they get sand or fine dirt, which leads to etching air, cleaning the valve with a special brush or simply purging often solves the problem without having to replace the part, and also monitor the condition of the transom plate: if the coating is damaged, the tree can become saturated with moisture and swell.
How to properly seal a puncture in the field?
For emergency repairs, use the kit that comes with the kit. Clean the puncture site with alcohol or acetone, apply glue on both surfaces and let it dry for 10-15 minutes. Then press the patch tightly and roll it. Full polymerization takes about 24 hours, but keeps air at once.
Is it possible to use a boat in winter?
Yes, the 380S is designed for all-season use, but in the cold, PVC gets tougher, so you need to pump the cylinders in a warm room or in the sun, and only let the air go after the boat has been warm for several hours.
Which anchor is better to choose for this model?
For a boat with a length of 3.8 meters, the optimal weight of the anchor will be 4-6 kg. It is best to use a cat anchor or Hall anchor, as they hold well on different types of soil. It is important to have an anchor shaft stock at least triple the depth of the reservoir.
In summary, it can be said that Compas 380S It is a reliable and practical choice for those who are looking for a versatile boat, it forgives many mistakes for beginners, is roomy enough for family outings and has a safety margin for serious water travel.