Choosing a swimming aid for fishing or hunting is always about finding a compromise between lifting capacity, weight and comfort. PVC frigate 320 E NDNDThe squirrel, which has become a hit among Russian water-engineers in recent years, is popular due to its combination of affordable prices, proven design and the ability to install a full-fledged outboard motor, making it a versatile tool for various tasks on the water.
Many users who switch from classic inflatable boats or heavy "kazak" pay attention to this model because of its unique design of the bottom. owner reviews often begin with a discussion of the performance and stability that are radically different from plywood bottom boats. In this article, we will analyze in detail the real experience of operation, technical nuances and hidden features that are silent in the advertising booklets.
It is worth noting that Frigate 320 E It's not just a piece of cloth with cylinders, it's a complex engineering solution that requires the right approach to assembly and maintenance, and understanding how a boat behaves in different weather conditions will help you make an informed decision about buying or improve your skills in managing an existing boat. Let's dive into the details that form the overall impression of owning this boat.
Design features and materials
The basis of durability of any inflatable boat is the material from which it is made. Frigate 320 E NDLD It uses a five-layer reinforced PVC that has proven to be resistant to abrasion and ultraviolet light. The density of the fabric is 750 g / sq.m., which provides the necessary margin of safety when in contact with rocky bottom or dry grass on the shore.
The key element of the design is the bottom, made by technology NDMA This solution eliminates heavy sleighs and set floors, significantly reducing the overall weight of the kit. Unlike models with a paiole bottom, there are no cracks where water can flow, and the floor itself has excellent thermal insulation. The air inside the bottom sections works like a thermos, keeping the feet warm in cold weather.
The cylinders are divided into several independent compartments, which is a critical safety element. In the case of a puncture of one of the cylinders, the rest will keep the boat buoyant, allowing you to safely reach the shore. The seams are made by a tape method, which excludes leaks even in severe temperature changes or prolonged exposure to load.
An important aspect is the presence of a reinforced glued keel, which gives the boat excellent course stability. PVC frigate 320 E It's not traversing the course, but it's following a trajectory that's very well-defined, which is especially valuable when trolling or going against a wave, and it also has a timber around the perimeter that protects the sides from impact.
⚠️ Warning: Do not pump the cylinders to maximum pressure at once, let the material stretch at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, then make the final pump to the values indicated in the passport.
Driving and handling
The most interesting section for any water motor is the behavior of the boat on the water. Frigate 320 E It's amazing for its length, because it's inflatable, it's a great way to hit the wave, actually quenching the wave's energy with the entire hull, and it makes it comfortable even in a small storm, when other boats start to goat or slap their noses hard.
The handling of the model depends on the power of the engine installed and the load distribution. At low speeds, the boat is obedient and predictable, but when going to planing, it requires getting used to the specifics of the control. Owners note that with full gas with one person on board, the nose can pick up, so it is important to correctly position the load or use transom wheels for balancing.
- 🌊 Excellent swelling due to the high cylinder and V-shaped profile of the bottom.
- 🚀 Quick access to planing even with the motors of the minimum recommended power.
- 🎯 High exchange rate stability when moving in a straight line, which does not require constant adjustment of the course.
When moving against the current or strong wind, the hull is inert, which is characteristic of inflatable vessels of this class, but the presence of a pronounced keel minimizes this effect. Boat Frigate 320 E NDND It is not prone to sharp rolls when a fisherman moves inside the cockpit, which often happens when catching large fish or sudden movements.
Capacity and comfort of the crew
Despite the 320 index, which indicates a length of 3.2 meters, the interior space of the model feels quite spacious. The width of the cylinders is 136 cm, which allows you to comfortably accommodate two adults of average build. For three people, swimming is possible, but will be more of a transport nature than a cruising one, since the buoyancy reserve will be used almost completely.
Comfort is provided not only by the width, but also by the presence of comfortable seats-cans, which come as a basic configuration. They are attached to the "litros", which allows you to change their position or remove them altogether to increase the usable volume. NDMA smooth, without protruding parts, which makes it possible to freely move around the cockpit, without fear of catching or tearing the fabric.
They have special pockets on their cylinders and the option of installing additional equipment. Many owners mount holders for rods, sonars and navigators directly on board without fear of damaging the structure. With a load capacity of 400 kg, you can bring a solid supply of equipment, anchor and fuel.
☑️ Checking before getting on the water
Splash protection is worth mentioning. High cylinders effectively cut off water, but when driving on a high wave with full load, splashing the stern is possible, in which case experienced users recommend using special protective aprons or simply taking the correct landing.
Assembly, storage and transportation
One of the main advantages of the model Frigate 320 E The packaged boat is a bag weighing about 33-35 kg, which can be placed in the trunk of most passenger cars. The absence of rigid elements (except for the transom, which is often removable or light aluminum) simplifies the loading process.
The assembly process takes an average of 15-20 minutes if you have a knack, and the inflatable floor is faster than the floorboards, and it doesn't take physical effort to dock the elements, but there's a caveat: at low temperatures, the material becomes stiffer and the straightening time increases, which is something to consider when you're fishing in the winter.
Keeping a boat requires simple rules. PVC You need to dry thoroughly to avoid mold and unpleasant smell, it is better to fold the boat in an unstretched form, avoiding the formation of permanent creases in the same places, which can lead to microcracks in the future.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Length, m | 3.20 | Full length. |
| Width, m. | 1.36 | On the outer cylinder. |
| Load capacity, kg | 400 | Including boat weight |
| Kit weight, kg | 33.0 | No motor or hinge. |
| Passenger capacity | 2-3 people. | Optimum 2 people. |
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a pumped boat in direct sunlight for long periods of time unattended, and the pressure inside the cylinders rises when heated, which can cause the joints or valves to rupture.
Recommended motors and attachments
To fully realize the potential of the model Frigate 320 E NDLD The manufacturer recommends engines with a capacity of 5 to 15 hp However, the experience of owners shows that the “golden mean” is the engine in 9.9 hp It provides a confident exit to plane with two passengers and a good range.
With 5 hp engines, the boat also glides, but with only one person on board and minimal cargo, an option for thrifty anglers who value fuel efficiency and silence. More powerful engines (15 hp and higher) can be installed, but this increases fuel consumption and weight on the transom, which can negatively affect the differentiation.
As for attachments, the following accessories are ideal for this model:
- ⚓ An anchor weighing 3-4 kg with a fast-dumping carbine.
- 🔋 A battery box attached to the bottom for safety.
- 💡 LED tapes or lights fixed to night fishing tanks.
The secret of the sounder installation
To install the sonar sensor on boats with NDND, it is best to use a suction cup with a long bracket attached to the sides, or a special holder cut into the transom plate, if it is provided by the design.
Trans wheels are another element that makes life much easier. Given that the motorboat weighs a lot when assembled, the ability to roll it to the water rather than drag it with a drag is highly appreciated by owners. The installation of wheels does not require the drilling of a transom, as they use regular holes or clamps.
Typical problems and their solution
Like any other technique, Frigate 320 E There are some pains that you should know about beforehand, and one of the common complaints is that valves are unstick in extreme temperature extremes or that you use poor-quality glue when you repair yourself, and users also note that the slack belts can become weaker over time and require periodic lifts.
inflatable floor problems are rare, but if they do, they are usually associated with mechanical damage by sharp objects. PVC It's not very material, and it can be done in the field with a remix, and the key is to degrease the surface and let the glue polymerize for the right time.
Sometimes there's an uneven stretching of the bottom tissue, which can create the illusion of a boat skewing, and this is treated with the right pumping sequence: first the cylinders, then the keel, and last but not least the sections of the NDNDM. The adherence to assembly technology minimizes such problems.
Use a soap solution to look for micropunctures. Apply foam to a suspicious area and wait for bubbles to appear - this is the most reliable way to find a leak that is not heard by the ear.
⚠️ Note: Do not use glue containing acetone or aggressive solvents when repairing punctures unless otherwise specified in the remix instructions.
Final opinion and recommendations
Summing up the review, it can be said that PVC frigate 320 E NDND It's a reliable and time-tested choice for the Russian user, combining the best qualities of inflatable vessels: safety, gentleness and compactness. For single fishermen or couples trips for the weekend, this is one of the best options in its price segment.
The model's competitiveness is supported by the availability of spare parts and a wide network of service centers, and owners who properly operate and monitor the boat get a loyal mate for many seasons, and it's not just a vehicle, it's a tool that brings emotion and trophies.
The frigate 320 E NDND is the optimal balance between price, quality and functionality for boats up to 3.5 meters long.
If you're faced with the choice of whether to consider this model, the answer is clear: yes, it is, especially if you want to be versatile and be able to fold the boat into the trunk of a sedan, the main thing is not to save on quality engine oil and gasoline, so that the engine works in tandem with the boat as a single mechanism.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the 320 E be used for sea fishing?
Use in marine conditions is possible, but with limitations. The boat is suitable for protected coves and calm seas at a surge of up to 1 point. Open sea storm is not an element for PVC boats of this class due to the risk of demolition and complexity of management.
Which glue is best for puncture repair?
It is optimal to use a two-component polyurethane adhesive specifically designed for PVC (for example, Texacoll or analogues). A conventional "moment" or rubber adhesive will not provide the necessary elasticity of the seam and can peel off under load.
How long does it take to dry a boat after fishing?
In summer sunny weather, 30-40 minutes are enough to remove visible moisture, but for the complete drying of the fabric in the folds, it is recommended to leave the boat in the straightened form for 2-3 hours in the shade before packing.
Will the tranny stand the engine 15 hp?
Yeah, tan. Frigate 320 E It is designed for power up to 15 hp However, it should be remembered that with such an engine the boat will plane with only one person. For two 15 forces may already be not enough for a confident exit to mode, it is better to focus on 9.9 hp.