Choosing a swimming facility for serious fishing or a family holiday on the water always involves finding a compromise between carrying capacity and mobility. Kitt Boats 370 NDLD It occupies a unique niche in the inflatables segment, offering dimensions close to full-fledged boats, while maintaining the ability to transport in the trunk of a passenger car, it is not just another inflater, but an engineered system where every element, from stringers to the shape of cylinders, is subject to stability and safety requirements.
The main idea laid by the designers of the brand Kitt BoatsThe 370 boat is an impressive length, providing excellent wave germination and high comfort for a crew of three to four, but it is the design of the NDND floor (low pressure inflatable floor) that makes this model the subject of fierce debate and scrutiny by experts.
Unlike the classic plywood or aluminum plywood floors, it uses airbag technology, which dramatically changes the weight specifications and ergonomics of the assembly. Unlike hard bottom models, the 370 NDNDM allows you to assemble and disassemble alone without the risk of damaging the back or damaging the side of the heavy element. In a further review, we will examine in detail how this affects real driving qualities.
Design features and materials
The foundation of the durability of any PVC boat is the material from which its hull is made. Kitt Boats 370 The density of the fabric varies depending on the gain area, but for the main cylinders and inflatable floor, the most reliable grades of PVC with high resistance to ultraviolet radiation and abrasion are used. reinforcementThis prevents the material from expanding linearly under pressure, preserving the boat’s geometry even when overheated in the sun.
The cylinders are designed to be separated into independent compartments, a critical safety feature, where if one cylinder is mechanically damaged, the rest will remain buoyant, allowing the crew to safely reach the shore, and the partitions between the compartments are made of a durable material that can withstand significant burst loads.
The low-pressure inflatable floor (LDPB) in this model is a complex structure with internal vertical bonds (strings) that prevent the bottom from swelling into thickness, forming the rigid plane required for planing. However, unlike the inflatable keel models, it uses a stringer system, which is a long inflatable cylinder that is inserted into special pockets on the sides and gives the entire structure a rigidity in the longitudinal plane.
Suture production technology
The double seam used in Kitt Boats boats involves gluing joints on both sides using two-part polyurethane-based adhesive, which provides a tightness comparable to whole-cast products and prevents stratification even after seasons of active use.
It is important to note the quality of the fittings: ears for mounting cans, flasks and air vent valves are made of materials that are resistant to corrosion. Frog valves or their modern counterparts allow you to quickly pump the boat and lower it just as quickly, ensuring reliable locking of air at any position of the valve.
Ergonomics and assembly system
Preparation process Kitt Boats 370 NDLD It's very different from the pedal-based approach, where you don't have to carry heavy sheets of plywood that often scratch the side when you're not laying it properly, and you start by pumping the bottom and the stringers, and they form the skeleton of the boat, and once the stringers take their place in the side pockets, they create the tension that's necessary for the rigidity of the structure.
System system stringer In the 370 model, you need to be careful when you first build it, you need to follow the instructions to get the elements right, and a mistake in the sequence can cause the boat to "lead" and it will not plane or scour the course, but after several assembly cycles, this process takes no more than 15-20 minutes, even for one person.
Comfort on board is provided by the presence of soft inflatable seats (cans) that can move along the length of the cockpit, which allows you to shift the center of gravity depending on the number of passengers and cargo. For fishermen, this is especially true: you can move closer to the nose for easy drilling holes or to the stern for efficient fishing in plumb.
☑️ Preparations for first launch
Transportation is carried out in a bulky but not critically heavy backpack, the weight of the kit is distributed more evenly than in boats with a hard floor, which makes it easier to carry along the shore or descent from a steep slope. The absence of sharp angles at the structural elements minimizes the risk of damage to the interior of the car during transportation.
Driving qualities and behavior on the water
Conclusion Kitt Boats 370 The plane is the moment of truth for any boat with NDNDM. With a length of 3.7 meters, the vessel has excellent seaworthiness. It confidently cuts a wave up to 0.5 meters high, providing a dry cockpit. The softness of the inflatable floor cushions the impacts on the water, which reduces the load on the spine of passengers when driving at high speed.
But you have to consider inertia. A long, soft-bottom hull has its own handling specifications. At low speeds, the boat may seem sluggish in cornering, but when it enters planing mode, it becomes docile and stable. Turning is moderate, allowing for safe maneuvers even when fully loaded.
The important thing is the wind effect, because the large sailing of inflatable tubes can blow a boat down in a strong side wind, if you don't use a motor or anchor. boat-engine The boat is well-placed and keeps its trajectory without requiring constant active operation with the tiller.
When driving against the current or on the opposite wave, the 370 model shows a confident behavior, the nose does not burrow, and the soft connection of the cylinders to the bottom extinguishes the impacts, which makes the model suitable not only for calm reservoirs, but also for rivers with moderate currents and excitement.
Compatibility with motors and installation of equipment
transom plate Kitt Boats 370 NDLD It is designed for the installation of outboard motors with a capacity of up to 15-18 hp (depending on the modification and year of production, always check the product passport). Exceeding the recommended power can lead to transax deformation and loss of warranty, as well as dangerous situations on the water. The optimal choice will be two-stroke or four-stroke engines weighing up to 35-40 kg.
There are convenient areas for attachments to be installed, and the cylinders often have attachment areas. sonarThe design allows you to assemble a full fishing place without drilling or leaking the cylinders.
It's worth noting that the electric motor is possible. For many anglers, it's a crucial factor. The noiselessness of the course and the lack of fuel odor allows you to sneak up on the fish as quietly as possible. The boat is perfectly on course under electric traction, although the speed will be lower than under a gasoline unit.
When installing the motor on a boat with NDND, be sure to use a safety cable. The soft transom is more sensitive to jerks, and additional fixation of the motor will prevent it from falling into the water when a sharp start or hit an obstacle.
The table below shows approximate speed figures depending on the power of the installed engine and the load of the boat (data averaged for calm water):
| Engine power (hp) | Loading (kg) | Speed (km/h) | Mode of traffic |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.9 | 150 | 28-30 | planing |
| 9.9 | 250 | 22-24 | Transitional/plane |
| 15.0 | 150 | 38-40 | planing |
| 15.0 | 300 | 32-34 | planing |
| 18.0 | 200 | 42-45 | maximum |
Comparison with competitors and analogues
There are many similar models on the market, but Kitt Boats 370 It's a price-performance system, and compared to the low-cost Chinese, the quality of the adhesive and the cut of the fabric is a win-win, and cheaper boats often have geometry issues, which leads them to the side when they're moving.
Compared to the top segment (such as some Nordic or Solar models), the 370 may be inferior in the number of additional options out of the box (bags, anchor liners, reinforced handles), but in terms of the main functionality - to be a floating, safe and comfortable platform - it is not inferior to more expensive brands.
The difference is that you have to compare to hard-floor boats, and it depends on the user's priorities, and if you want the maximum speed and the ability to walk at the limit of the engine, the hard floor wins, and if you prioritize weight, compactness folded and the ability to assemble it quickly by one person, the BHT from Kitt Boats is unmatched.
⚠️ Attention: It is not recommended (for a long time) to leave a boat with NDNDL in direct sunlight with fully pumped cylinders in hot weather. The pressure inside can exceed critical values, which will lead to deformation of the seams. Always use an awning or blow a little air when heated.
Care, maintenance and durability
Boat life Kitt Boats 370 NDLD The PVC material does not require complex chemistry, but is afraid of aggressive solvents, gasoline and oils, and the fuel that gets on board must be immediately washed off with soap and water, as it destroys the structure of the polymer.
After each operation, especially in salt water, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water. The salt, when dried, becomes cryalized and can damage microcracks in the material, as well as accelerate the corrosion of metal fittings. Drying before packaging is a must. A wet boat packed in a case is the ideal medium for mold that destroys the fabric from the inside.
Store the product in a straightened or semi-folded form at room temperature. Sharp temperature changes and storage in the cold make PVC brittle. If the boat has wintered in an unheated room, before assembly it should be given time to "warm" to room temperature.
Proper drying and storage at temperatures from +5 to +25 degrees Celsius extend the life of PVC materials up to 10-15 years of active use.
Check the pressure in the cylinders regularly before leaving. An under-pumped boat wears out faster on the wave, and a over-pumped boat risks bursting in the sun. Use a quality pump with a pressure gauge to monitor the parameters.
Summary and recommendations
Boat. Kitt Boats 370 NDLD It's a mature solution for those looking for a middle ground, not the fastest in the class, but it offers perhaps the best transportation and assembly comfort among similar dimensions, a choice of practicality and ergonomics.
The model is ideal for amateur fishermen, family vacations on large lakes and reservoirs, as well as for hunters who need to transport a significant amount of cargo. The reliability of the design and proven materials make buying a reasonable investment in quality water rest.
When choosing, pay attention to the configuration of a particular year of release, as the manufacturer can make changes to the design of the stringers or accessories. In any case, the 370 model remains one of the market leaders in its size class.
⚠️ Attention: When buying a used boat, be sure to check the tightness of the valves and the absence of "hermetic" (blown tissue between the layers). Repair of complex breaks of NDNDD at home is extremely difficult and requires specialized equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to walk on a Kitt Boats 370 NDNDL in the surf?
Although the boat is seaworthy, it is not designed for high seas and storm surf, PVC design and type of bottom of the NDND are designed for reservoirs, rivers and lakes, access to the sea zone is possible only in calm weather and in close proximity to the shore, subject to all safety regulations GIMS.
How long does it take to build a boat alone?
With experience and the use of an electric pump (in the initial phase), the assembly takes about 15-20 minutes, including pumping the bottom, installing stringers, pumping cylinders and installing equipment, the first time the process can take up to 40 minutes.
Which motor is better to choose: 2 or 4 stroke?
For a boat with a length of 3.7 meters and a weight of a set with passengers, the optimal four-stroke engine with a capacity of 9.9-15 hp It is quieter, more economical and does not require preparation of a mixture. 2 tactile will be lighter in weight, which is important for maneuverability, but will lose in comfort and fuel consumption.
Should I lubricate the valve, and by what?
Yes, periodically (once a season or in a tight run) it is recommended to lubricate the movable parts of the valves with silicone lubrication, this will prevent the mechanism from sticking and ensure leakage. Do not use petroleum products (WD-40, solidol), they can destroy rubber valve seals.
Will the bottom withstand a puncture with a stone or a hook?
The floor of the NDND is made up of several layers of tissue, so a simple crochet puncture is not terrible for him. A sharp stone at high speed can damage the bottom, but the structure usually has protective keel tapes or reinforcements. It is recommended to carry a remix for rapid repair of damage.