Choosing a boat for serious fishing or family vacation on the water is always associated with a search for a compromise between weight, dimensions in the assembled form and driving qualities.
Model Kitt Boats 360 NDLD The company is positioned by the manufacturer as a universal solution that can meet the needs of demanding users looking for a balance between price and functionality.
In this review, we will analyze in detail the design features, quality of materials and the real capabilities of this boat in various operating conditions.
Design features and materials
The basis of the durability of any inflatable boat is the quality of the fabric, and in the Kitt Boats 360 five-layer reinforced PVC density of 850 g/sq.m.
This density provides high resistance to abrasion against sand and pebbles, and also guarantees the preservation of tightness during prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
The seams are made by hot welding, which makes them monolithic and eliminates the likelihood of stratification even under extreme loads of bloating.
Particular attention should be paid to the system. NDMA (low pressure inflatable floor), which in this model has an additional longitudinal beam for better hydrodynamics.
⚠️ Warning: Do not keep the pumped boat assembled for more than two weeks without a pressure check, as temperature changes can cause seams to rupture or deformation of the bottom.
Quality of fittings, including valves Bravo or their analogues, directly affects the speed of preparation of the vessel for descent into the water.
Many users note the reliability of glued keys, which are made of stainless steel and are not subject to corrosion in salt water.
inflatable floor anatomy and deck rigidity
The main advantage of the model with an abbreviation NDMA It is possible to plane without the use of plywood floorboards.
Underbody design Kitt Boats 360 It is designed so that when pumped to a working pressure of 0.2 atm, it becomes rigid enough to confidently enter the plane with one adult.
However, for full loading or fishing with a large amount of equipment, the manufacturer provides for the installation of removable plywood or aluminum sheets.
The stiffness of the inflatable floor is often compared to the stiffness of classical plywood, but there is a nuance in the sensations when cruising.
inflatable floor cushioning shocks against the wave better than hard floorboard, which reduces leg fatigue during prolonged parking.
For those who are used to the classics, the ability to install hard inserts is a crucial factor when buying.
⚠️ Attention: When installing rigid floorboards, make sure that there is a gap between the edges of the plywood and the sides, otherwise, during the thermal expansion, the material can damage the valves or seams.
The stringer system in this model is implemented through special pockets or guides, which speeds up the process of assembling the cockpit.
It is important to properly distribute the load to the bottom to avoid the hammock effect when two people are in the nose and feed at the same time.
Driving and handling
Carbon-shaped cylinders Kitt Boats 360 provides excellent germination on the wave and stability of the course even in lateral wind.
The boat confidently holds the planing with a motor power from 5 hp, although the optimal range is considered to be 8-9.9 hp.
Manipulability at high speeds depends not only on the shape of the cylinders, but also on the correct distribution of the weight of passengers.
To improve the course stability at high speeds, try to slightly raise the nose of the boat, moving the cargo or passenger closer to the transom.
When passing turns on planing heels moderately, which is typical for boats of this class and width.
Hydrodynamic properties They save fuel, as water resistance is minimal thanks to optimized contours.
In quiet water, the boat behaves predictably, and on a chop wave (short wave) shows good stability.
The truncheon is reinforced with a wooden insert inside the PVC pocket, which allows you to install motors with a shorter lower unit without the risk of damage.
Many owners note that even when fully loaded, the boat does not lose its speed specifications.
Completement and ergonomics
Standard equipment Kitt Boats 360 usually includes a backpack bag, remix, seats (banks) and a pump.
The seats are made in the form of inflatable cushions with a rigid base or soft benches, which allows you to adjust their position along the side.
An important element of ergonomics is the presence of a liner cable around the perimeter, which is convenient to hold when landing from the water or pulling a boat ashore.
☑️ Checking the completeness when buying
The bag for transportation is made of durable Oxford and has comfortable webbing, although the weight of the assembled boat can reach 50 kg.
Inside the cockpit, there are often rings for anchoring or fishing gear, which increases usability.
The quality of the packaging affects the safety of the product during delivery, so dense stacking in the bag is a mandatory requirement.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Full length | 360cm | Inflatable parts included |
| Full width | 165 cm | Maximum cylinder width |
| Load capacity | 550 kg | Recommended loading |
| Boat weight | 48 kg | No motor or gear. |
| Passengers in a seat. | 3 people. | Comfortable for two. |
Assembly and preparation for operation
Assembly process Kitt Boats 360 NDLD It takes an average of 15-20 minutes with experience and an electric pump.
First, the cylinders are pumped to a pressure of 0.25 atm, then the keel and only after that - the bottom of the low pressure.
Violation of the pumping sequence can lead to a skewed design and difficulties in installing floorboards.
The secret to fast assembly
Leave the boat to lie in the sun for 5-10 minutes after the initial pump, then flush the air and re-pump to the working pressure, which will straighten the folds of the fabric and level the geometry.
For pumping, it is recommended to use pumps with a capacity of 500 l / min to avoid overheating the mechanism.
Working pressure in cylinders must strictly comply with the manufacturer's recommendations specified in the product passport.
When assembled in cold weather, allow the boat to "sleeve" after unpacking, so that the material becomes more elastic.
⚠️ Warning: Never use truck compressors or powerful industrial pumps without a pressure gauge, as an excess of 0.3 atm pressure is guaranteed to cause the seams to rupture.
Laying floorboards requires a certain skill, especially if you use a system with stringers.
Properly assembled floor should not have deflections or bloating, which indicates an even distribution of the load.
Maintenance and durability
Boat care Kitt Boats It is reduced to regular washing with fresh water after use in salt water bodies.
Storage is carried out in a dry, ventilated room at a temperature not lower than -10 ° C and not higher than +40 ° C.
Periodic treatment of PVC fabric with special means (type) McNett) extends the life of the material and retains its elasticity.
Repairability of the model is high: small punctures are easily eliminated with the help of remplekt and glue UR-600 or Texacol.
For serious repair of valves or seams, it is better to contact specialized service centers.
Timely pumping of the boat before each release on the water is the key to its long service.
Regular washing from salt and sand, as well as storage in a cover in the shade, increases the service life of PVC-boats by one and a half to two times.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use Kitt Boats 360 for a boat trip?
Yes, the design allows you to go to sea under conditions of calm weather and the absence of heavy chop, but the salt requires a mandatory wash with fresh water after each operation.
What is the best engine for this model?
The best balance of speed and fuel consumption has an engine capacity of 9.9 hp, which allows you to bring the boat to the plane with full load.
Do I need to buy a separate pump for NDND?
A regular foot pump may not be enough to pump a large volume of the bottom quickly, so having an electric or powerful foot pump with two steps is highly desirable.
Will the bottom withstand the sharp stones on the shore?
The density of 850 g/sq.m. provides good protection, but dragging on sharp stones or concrete is strictly not recommended to avoid punctures.
Is there a possibility of installing a sonar?
Yes, in the kit or additionally you can buy transom wheels and mounts that allow you to fix the sonar sensor on the transom or bottom of the boat.