Choosing a boat for fishing or hunting is always a compromise between the load capacity, maneuverability and weight of the structure. NDMA, which means that there's a low-pressure inflatable floor, and that's the category that the popular model falls into. Hunter 345 LKAOver the years of operation, it has established itself as a universal tool for water walks.
So why is this particular modification so exciting for water-engineers? The secret lies in the combination of the classic shape of the hull and the modern manufacturing technology. Hunter boat 345 LKA NDND It differs from its predecessors with a hard bottom (flora) with a significantly higher degree of comfort when driving on a wave. The inflatable floor acts as a shock absorber, extinguishing impacts on water, allowing for higher speeds without risking damage to the spine of passengers.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the technical parameters, design features and nuances of the operation of this model, you will learn why the inflatable floor becomes the standard for boats with a length of 3.45 meters, and whether you should overpay for additional options when buying.
Design features of the LKA model
The abbreviation LKA in the name of the model indicates the presence of cone-shaped inflatable tubes It's not just a decorative element, it's an important engineering feature that affects performance, and cones provide extra volume in the nose, which makes the front of the boat more buoyant when it's glides, so the nose gets less burrowed in the wave, and the boat becomes more resistant to yaw.
The body is made of high-quality five-layer PVC reinforced, resistant to ultraviolet, gasoline and oil, and the seams are made by hot welding, which guarantees tightness even under extreme loads. Hunter 345 has a reinforced hinge beam, which protects the sides from impacts on the berth or the sides of other boats when mooring.
⚠️ Attention! When operating inflatable kilsons (LKA) boats, keep the pumping of the nose cylinders evenly, and pressure skewing can cause the vessel to drift away when driving at high speeds.
The transom part is reinforced with transom inserts, which allows you to install motors with a capacity of up to 15-18 hp, depending on the load. The design of the transom provides the possibility of installing transom wheels, which greatly facilitates the movement of the boat along the shore in the assembled form.
Technical specifications and dimensions
Boat dimensions Hunter 345 Optimized for use on both large reservoirs and small rivers, the 3.45-meter length is the middle ground: the boat is still light enough to carry in the trunk of a passenger car, but already has enough length to plane confidently with one adult passenger.
The interior space is ergonomically organized, the seats (banks) are made of moisture-resistant plywood and can move along the sides, fixed in special slots, which allows you to shift the center of gravity depending on the number of passengers or weight of the cargo.
Below is a table with the basic technical data that will help you make your final purchase decision:
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Total length, see | 345 |
| Width, cm | 152 |
| Diameter of the cylinder, cm | 42 |
| Load capacity, kg | 550 |
| Kit weight, kg | 52-56 |
The weight of the boat in running order (about 54 kg) allows one person to manage it, although two people are still recommended for comfortable loading and launching. The volume of the cockpit allows you to accommodate two adult fishermen with all the necessary equipment, including anchor, tackle and fuel.
When measuring dimensions for transportation, keep in mind that the deflated boat takes about 110x50x40 cm, which easily fits into most wagons and hatchbacks.
inflatable floor benefits (BBB)
Transition to technology NDMA It was revolutionary for medium-sized boats, and unlike hard plywood or aluminum, the low-pressure inflatable floor consists of several sealed compartments that are pumped to 0.2-0.3 atmospheric pressure, creating a cushion effect that completely isolates the crew from contact with cold water.
In addition to comfort, NDND gives you a gain in speed. The fluid shape of the inflated bottom is more perfect than a flat sheet of plywood. The boat is easier to get on plane mode, which saves fuel and reduces engine load. In shallow water, you can get closer to the shore without fear of damaging the bottom of the rocks or shells.
It takes a little longer to assemble and disassemble a boat with NDNDM than a hard bottom, but this disadvantage is compensated by the ease of storage. Hunter 345 NDLD It is a compact bag that can be stored in an apartment, garage or even on the balcony without taking up excess space.
⚠️ Attention! inflatable floor is sensitive to punctures with sharp objects. Before assembly, always clear the place of descent of the boat from branches, thorns and debris to avoid damage.
Another important aspect is thermal insulation: in early spring or late autumn, when the water is cold, sitting on a cold plywood sheet is unpleasant and unhealthy. The inflated bottom retains body heat and creates a barrier between the fisherman and the icy water.
Package and additional options
Basic equipment of the boat Hunter 345 LKA Usually includes the boat itself, two inflatable seats, carry belts, bag-packing, remix and product passport, but the market offers many options that can significantly improve the performance of the vessel.
One of the most useful options is the installation transom-wheelGiven the weight of the boat, dragging it across sand or pebbles is quite difficult, and the wheels attached to the transom allow you to roll the boat like a cart, which is especially true for one person.
It is also worth paying attention to the possibility of installation safety-liner These are cables that are strung along the sides, which you can hold on to in case of unforeseen situations or to stand with your feet when rowing. rod-holder and anchor-rim in the nose.
☑️ What to check before buying
Some modifications can be equipped with a reinforced keel, which protects the bottom when moving in shallow water, this is true for those who plan to operate a boat on rocky rivers or in overgrown grass bays.
Operation and care of PVC
The durability of a boat depends on proper maintenance, PVC material, although durable, requires certain rules of storage and operation, and the main rule is: never keep the boat deflated for a long time, especially if it was wet.
After each fishing trip, the boat must be washed with fresh water to wash away the salt, sand and organic residues, then thoroughly dry all the elements, including the hard-to-reach places between the cylinders, and humidity in packaged form is the main enemy of the fabric, leading to mold and the destruction of the adhesive layer.
To clean contaminants, use special PVC products or a regular soap solution. Forbidden. Use solvents, gasoline, or aggressive chemicals, as they can damage the protective layer of the material.
How to dry a boat in winter?
In winter, you can't dry the boat in the cold, the material becomes brittle. Put the boat in a warm room, let it warm up for a few hours, then inflate and leave it to dry at room temperature for at least a day.
Keep the boat in a pumped state or at least half-blown, in the shade, away from the heaters. If this is not possible, fold it not too tight, periodically changing the lines of the fold to avoid cloth cloth cloth.
Comparison with competitors and final choice
The 3.45-meter boat market Hunter 345 It competes with Flagman, Cayman and Solar, and Hunter's main advantage in this niche is the balance of price and quality of the materials used, and competitors often offer either a cheaper but heavier PVC or a more expensive but lightweight composite.
When you choose between a hard bottom and a NDND, you have to be in the operating environment, and if you only fish in calm water and you take a boat on the roof, you can consider plywood, but if you want a station wagon for long distances, with overnight stays and the ability to get on the wave, NDNDND is the only option.
The cone-toed LCA beats the classic rounded noses in speed and stability, making it a great choice for those who appreciate dynamics and don’t like to fight wind and current.
Hunter 345 LKA NDND is the best choice for a versatile fisherman, who cares about speed, comfort on the water and compact storage.
In conclusion, buying a boat is an investment in new recreational opportunities, and a well-chosen boat will last you many years, giving you access to the most fishy places.
What is the maximum weight of the cargo that can be placed on the Hunter 345?
rated carrying capacity is 550 kg, however, for safe plane and maintenance of maneuverability, it is recommended not to exceed the load of 350-400 kg (including the weight of the engine, fuel, people and equipment).
Do I need to register Hunter 345 in the GIMS?
Since 2017, boats less than 3 meters long and weighing less than 200 kg (including the engine) are not subject to registration, since the Hunter 345 is 3.45 meters long, it is formally subject to registration, regardless of the weight of the motor, if used for recreational purposes.
What pressure should be pumped into the bottom of the NDND?
The optimum pressure at the bottom of the NDND is 0.2 - 0.3 atmosphere (about 3-4 psi). Do not pump the bottom more, as the sun will expand the air and can damage the seams.
Can I use Hunter 345 in the winter?
The use of PVC boats at temperatures below -10°C is not recommended, as the material loses elasticity and becomes brittle. With careful operation and the absence of sharp impacts on the ice, short-term use at -5°C is possible, but requires extreme caution.