Choosing a boat for fishing or outdoor activities on the water always involves finding a compromise between the dimensions in the transport form and comfort on the water. PVC Flagship 320 It is one of the leading companies in the Russian market, offering a time-tested design and affordable price, and has become a kind of “gold standard” for those looking for a reliable two-seater boat that can be transported in the trunk of a passenger car.
The manufacturer, Flagman, has been specializing in the production of inflatable vessels for many years, and the model range with the index 320 has become the most popular. It is important to understand that under the general name there are several modifications.These are very different in terms of gender and therefore application, and in this article we'll look at the nuances so you can make an informed choice.
The main advantage of this series is the use of high-quality materials resistant to ultraviolet light and mechanical damage. PVC reinforcedThe boat, from which the sides are made, withstands temperature changes and contact with sharp stones or shells, which makes the boat suitable for operation in difficult conditions.
⚠️ Note: When buying, pay attention to the date of production. Although PVC material is durable, storage in warehouses with disturbed temperature regimes can reduce the elasticity of the adhesive in the seams.
Design features and materials
The foundation of reliability Flagship 320 It is a five-layer reinforced polyvinyl chloride density of 750 to 850 g/m2. This material is not only tensile, but also has a high resistance to abrasion, which is critical for inflatable tubes that can touch the sides during landing or disembarkation. Tightness It is provided by the technology of hot gluing of seams in the cross, which makes the joints more durable than the fabric itself.
The cylinders are divided into independent compartments, each with its own valve, and the basic configuration usually includes valves such as "frog" that allow you to quickly vent air, but take time to pump. Modern modifications They are often equipped with more advanced valves compatible with electric pumps, which greatly facilitates preparation for launching into the water.
Depending on the version, the boat may have a reinforced hinge beam around the perimeter or local linings. kylsonThe slinging along the bottom gives the vessel additional rigidity and improves course stability, which is especially noticeable when moving against a wave or in lateral winds.
- 🛡️ Use of high-density reinforced PVC for maximum wear resistance.
- 🌊 Independent inflatable compartments ensure unsinkability even when one cylinder is punctured.
- 🔧 Reinforced hinged beams protect the sides from cuts on piers and stones.
- 🎯 The presence of a timber around the perimeter simplifies mooring.
The design of the translance also deserves a separate mention. Flagship 320 a transom board is used, closed on both sides with PVC fabric, which prevents water from entering the tree and its decay. The engine plate reinforced by additional overlays, allowing you to install engines with a capacity of up to 10-12 hp, although the optimal range is considered to be 5-8 hp.
Comparison of modifications: Pillar vs. inflatable floor (NDB)
The most important choice to make the buyer is the type of floor, the model range is divided into two main groups: classic boats with slate or plywood bottom (see below).Flagship 320K) and low pressure inflatable floor models (NDMAEach option has its own unique advantages and disadvantages.
The hard-bottomed version (Flagship 320K) is equipped with aluminum or plywood paioles that fit inside the cylinders, which provides a perfectly flat and hard surface on which you can confidently walk in shoes. Hard floor. It is better at keeping its shape on the wave and allowing more powerful motors to be installed without the risk of hull deformation, but the weight of such a boat is much higher, and the assembly time takes 20-30 minutes.
In contrast, the modification of the BND (low-pressure inflatable floor) is a single design, where the bottom is part of the cylinders and is pumped with air to a pressure of 0.2-0.3 atmosphere, which allows you to assemble the boat in 5-7 minutes just rolling it out and pumping it. Transportability The NDNDD version is much higher: it is more compact in folded form and lighter, since it does not have heavy floor slabs.
It is worth noting that Flagship 320 NDLD Often choose those who plan to use the boat in conjunction with an electric motor or a light gasoline engine up to 5 hp The rigidity of the inflatable floor is quite sufficient for a comfortable fishing together, but the feeling of a " trampoline" with a strong wave is still present.
⚠️ Note: inflatable floor boats (BBBBs) should not use anchor pins or sharp objects that may damage the inside of the bottom from the inside.
Technical specifications and dimensions
To understand how much PVC Flagship 320 If you want to fit into your plans, you need to look at the technical parameters in detail, and the numbers may vary slightly depending on the year of release and the specific modification, but the general standards remain the same.
| Parameter | Flagship 320K (Pyolnaya) | Flagship 320 NDLD |
|---|---|---|
| Length full, cm | 320 | 320 |
| Full width, cm | 145 | 145 |
| Diameter of the cylinder, cm | 36 | 36 |
| Load capacity, kg | 450 | 400 |
| Boat weight, kg | 42-45 | 32-35 |
As you can see from the table, the weight difference between the two is almost 10 kilograms, a significant factor if you plan to launch a boat alone or transport it for long distances without a wheeled transom. Load capacity 400-450 kg allows you to comfortably accommodate two adults of medium build with a full set of fishing equipment.
Packed dimensions also play a role: the solder version is packed in two bags (one for cylinders, the second for floorboards), while the NDNDD is packed in one compact bag. Transport dimensions They allow you to place the boat in the trunk of a mid-range sedan if you fold the rear seats or use a roof trunk.
For convenient transportation of the soldered version, the Flagship 320K is recommended to purchase a roller cart, since the weight of the package with a plywood bottom can be inconvenient for long-term carrying.
Selection of the optimal motor
The question of which motor to choose is key to unlocking the boat’s potential. Flagship 320 It has a universal transcenium, which formally allows the installation of motors with a capacity of up to 10-12 hp, but the actual operation dictates its adjustments. For the solder version, the best choice will be a motor with a capacity of 5-8 hp.
With an engine of 5 hp, the boat goes on plane with one person and confidently keeps a speed of about 20-22 km / h. Installation of the engine 8-9.9 hp allows you to plane already with two passengers and cargo, developing a speed of 28-30 km / h. Exceeding recommended capacity It can cause excessive load on the transom and cylinders, especially at high wavelengths.
The NDNDM version is more stringent. Due to the design of the inflatable floor, plane with two passengers on a 5 hp engine can be difficult or impossible without significant shifting of the load to the nose.
- ⚓ Motors 2-3.5 hp are suitable only for quiet movement in displacement mode (up to 7 km / h).
- 🚤 Motors 5-6 hp - "golden mean" for one fisherman and quiet fishing.
- 🏎️ Motors 8-9.9 hp are necessary for full planing with the load.
- 🔋 Electric motors are only effective on NDND boats due to weight and speed limitations.
It's important to consider not only the power, but also the length of the lower unit. Flagship 320 Standard lower unit (S-381 mm) is ideal, and using a short lower unit motor can lead to cavitation and loss of traction, and a long lower unit will create unnecessary resistance.
Why can’t you put a motor that’s too powerful?
Installing a motor more powerful than 10 hp on the Flagship 320 poses a risk of destroying the transom plate and high-wave cylinders, and the boat becomes less steerable and prone to yaw.
Operation, care and durability
Term of service PVC Flagship 320 It depends on the operating conditions and proper maintenance. PVC is a persistent material, but not permanent. The main enemies are ultraviolet, sharp objects and improper storage. When handled carefully, a boat can last 7-10 years or more.
After every fishing trip, especially in salt water or muddy water, the boat should be rinsed with fresh water. Sand and dirtThe stains that are left on the fabric work like an abrasive, grinding the fibers when blown away and packed, and drying the boat before packing is a must, but not under the scorching sun, but in the shade to avoid uneven air expansion and glue overheating.
Store the product should be spread out at a temperature not lower than -15 ° C and not higher than +40 ° C. Although the material withstands frost, in the cold it becomes brittle, and any careless movement during assembly / disassembly in winter can lead to cracks. Winter exploitation It is possible, but requires special care and the use of special powders for valves.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a pumped boat unattended in the sun, and the air pressure inside the cylinders rises faster than the pressure outside, which can cause the seams to rupture.
Advantages and disadvantages of the model
Summing up the review, it is worth objectively weighing all the pros and cons. Flagship 320 It is a product that is designed to meet the realities of Russian fishing, where reliability and maintainability are important, and has its own audience and a clearly defined range of tasks.
The undoubted advantages include an affordable price, the availability of spare parts in any fish shop and simplicity of design. Repairability The boats are high: punctures are easily sealed with a remix, and valve replacement does not require factory equipment, and users also note good course stability due to the developed keel.
However, there are disadvantages: the weight of the unit version is still large for single transportation over long distances, the quality of accessories (key, handles) in basic configurations sometimes causes criticism and requires replacement with reinforced counterparts. Sailing high cylinders in the wind also forces you to constantly work with oars or adjust the course with the engine.
☑️ What to check before buying a used Flagman 320
At the bottom, it's a reliable workhorse for any type of water body, and it doesn't claim to be a speedboat, but it does its job of getting the fisherman to the fishing point. The optimal configuration for most users is the 6 hp version of the NDNDM, which gives a better balance between mobility and driving performance.
The 320 flagship remains one of the best offerings in the 3.2-meter budget boat class, offering proven reliability and spare parts availability across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install a sonar on the Flagship 320?
Yes, you can. You can have a sonar sensor on the squirrel board or on the nose end of the keel (depending on the model), and for the solder versions, suction cups or special brackets are often used to attach to the board, and it is important to ensure that the wire is protected from rubbing.
Which pump is best used for pumping?
For a boat with a volume of about 200-250 liters, it is long and hard to pump with a manual pump. It is recommended to use a foot pump (included) for primary pumping, and to obtain pressure with an electric car pump with a function of auto-regulating pressure or a special boat pump from the battery.
Will the boat withstand a trophy pike or pike?
The density of the material is 750-850 g/m2, which can withstand the claws of the predator, but it is recommended to carry a yawner and an extractor with you to quickly extract hooks, preventing the fish from hitting the sides and paiola, damaging mucus and scales, as well as the boat itself.
Do I need to register the Flagship 320 in GIMS?
Since 2017, small vessels weighing up to 200 kg and engine power up to 8 kW (about 10.8 hp) are not subject to mandatory registration. The flagship 320 with an engine up to 10 hp fits these standards, but it is always advisable to have documents for the boat and engine to confirm the specifications.