Finding a reliable and versatile watercraft for fishing or resting on the water often leads a potential buyer to a model. Compass 350 NDLDThis is not a coincidence, because this is considered the middle ground in the inflatable boat world, and it combines enough payload for two adults and equipment, while maintaining an acceptable weight and dimensions in transportation form.
Many who plan Buy a 350nd pvc compass boatThe Russian manufacturer has established itself as a supplier of budgetary but strong solutions, but the devil, as always, lies in the details. In this article, we will discuss the design features, nuances of operation and help you make an informed decision.
Before we get to the specifications, it's important to understand the philosophy behind these boats, because engineers were looking for a balance between hardness on the water and softness in transportation, and that's why they use a combined floor, which we'll look at in more detail below.
Design features of the model 350
The basis of the boat is a durable five-layer reinforced PVCIt's resistant to abrasion, fuel and ultraviolet rays, and it's got the added protection of a hinge beam, which is critical when mooring to unequipped shores or berths, and it's designed to be as stable as possible even when the load is shifting.
The inflatable system is particularly noteworthy, with two independent cylinders separated by bulkheads, which ensures buoyancy even if one of the compartments is punctured, and reliable valves, such as frogs, are used that can easily close even with gloves and do not poison the air during temperature changes.
- 🛶 Full length: 350 cm (optimum for planing with 2-3 passengers).
- 📏 Full width: 148 cm (provides a stable position when catching standing).
- ⚖️ Load capacity: up to 600 kg (allows you to take a stock of gear and fuel).
- 🎈 Diameter of the cylinder: 42 cm (high side for spray protection).
⚠️ Warning: Despite the declared load capacity, it is not recommended to load the boat to the limit when entering the wave. The optimal load for comfortable and safe movement is about 80% of the maximum.
It takes a little while to assemble a boat, especially if you're already accustomed to the balloon inflating sequence. It's important not to pump them in the sun, because the air tends to expand, which can cause the seams to rupture. Control the pressure with a pressure gauge that's included in the kit or purchased separately.
Sex analysis of BNDD: pros and cons
abbreviation NDMA It stands for "Low Pressure inflatable floor," a key feature that distinguishes it from slate-floored boats, and it's a bottom section with an internal rib system that, when pumped, creates a rigid plane.
The main advantage of this design is the weight. inflatable floor Aluminum is much lighter, making the boat ideal for solo fishing when you have to carry all the equipment on yourself, and when assembled, the boat is packed in a more compact backpack, since the rigid elements are completely absent.
Technology of creating gender rigidity
Inside the inflatable floor are thousands of strands connecting the upper and lower walls, and when pumped, the pressure inside (usually 0.25-0.3 atm) pulls these strands, turning the soft bag into a rigid stove that can withstand the weight of people and motors.
But there's a downside to the coin: the inflatable floor is less resistant to puncture with sharp objects (stones, snags, thorns) than aluminum sheets, and in glittering, such floors can be slightly bent (the hammock effect), which slightly reduces speed and increases fuel consumption.
- 🚀 Assembly speed: It is faster than the slate (especially in winter).
- 🎒 Transportability: It takes up less space in the trunk of a car.
- 🌡️ Thermal insulation: Inflated bottoms are better at keeping warm and not as cold as metal.
- 📉 Sailing: When the wind boat with NDNDM more demolished, as it is lighter than aluminum analogues.
If you plan to walk mainly on clean bodies of water, where the risk of damaging the bottom is minimal, then the option with NDND will be most comfortable. For rocky rolls or winter fishing (where there may be sharp edges on the ice), it is better to consider reinforced versions or sleigh floors.
Selection of the optimal motor
The question of which motor to choose becomes relevant immediately after buying a boat. Compass 350 NDLD The manufacturer recommends engines with a capacity of up to 15 hp, but practice shows that the “golden mean” is the range of 9.9 – 10 hp It is with such power that the boat goes on plane with two passengers and minimal load.
Using more powerful motors, such as 15 hp, is possible, but has its limitations. transom plate The inflatable floor may not withstand the increased loads at high speeds, especially when faced with a wave, and the passport speed of a boat with a 10 hp engine is about 30-35 km / h, which is enough to move along reservoirs and rivers.
When you install the motor, pay attention to the angle of inclination of the lower unit. clearance The propeller provides better handling and prevents cavitation. Remember to regularly check the tightening of the motor mount bolts to the transom, as vibration can weaken the connections.
⚠️ Warning: When operating with a motor of more than 10 hp, it is strongly recommended to use a keelson (hard lining on the inflatable floor) to distribute the load and protect PVC from rubbing.
For quiet fishing or fishing in the no-motor zones, 40-50 lbs electric motors are great. They are silent, do not pollute the water and allow you to maneuver with high accuracy. However, consider the weight of the batteries, which will significantly reduce the payload of the boat.
Package and additional accessories
Basic equipment of the boat Compass 350 It usually includes the boat itself, the seats (Bancs), the bag-pack, the remix and the pump, but for full operation of this kit is often not enough.
First of all, you should get an anchor device. The standard anchor may not be included in the kit, or its weight will not be enough for current and wind. The optimal weight of the anchor for such a boat is 4-5 kg. Also an important element is the spinning holder, which frees up the hands during the transition or feeding point.
☑️ What to buy right away
The keel protection is another critical element: rubber bands pasted along the cylinders and on the trans section will save the boat from abrasion against the sand and rocks when pulled ashore, a consumable that is cheaper to replace than repairing the main cylinder.
| Accessory | Necessity | Impact on comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Keel protection | High. | Saves PVC resource |
| transom wheels | Medium | It makes it easier to get down to the water. |
| Awning from the sun | Medium | Protection from UV and rain |
| echoer | If you wish, | Search for fish and relief |
There is no need to save on the pump. General foot pumps ("frogs") are often of poor quality and quickly fail. It is better to purchase a quality two-way pump with a pressure gauge, which will allow you to quickly pump the boat and accurately control the pressure in the cylinders.
Real load capacity and passenger capacity
Passport capacity of 600 kg sounds impressive, but in reality the figures may differ. Displacement The boat and its real payload are different things, and you have to consider the weight of the boat itself (about 45-50 kg), the weight of the engine (25-30 kg), the weight of the fuel, the equipment and the passengers.
When you add all the components together, it becomes clear that the most comfortable part of the Compass 350 NDLD Three adult men will fit in the boat, but it will be a "combat landing" with a minimum number of tackles and a low landing, which is not safe on the wave.
- 👤 One fisherman: Perfect. It's a huge space, you can spread all the gear, stand up in full height.
- 👥 Two fishermen: Comfortable for running fishing. There's plenty of space, but you need to keep track of the weight distribution.
- 👨👩👧👦 Family vacation: Two adults and a child feel fine, but the speed of movement will have to slow down.
To increase the payload and stiffness of the floor at full load, additional inflatable sleighs or rigid inserts can be used, if the design of the boat allows it.
In this case, even a small wave can flood the water inside. Always leave a margin of buoyancy, especially if you plan to go out into the open areas of the reservoir.
Where to buy and what to pay attention to
If you decide that Buy a 350nd pvc compass boat It's the right solution for your business, it's the choice of the seller, the market is full of offers from official dealers, online stores and individuals, buying from officials gives the manufacturer's guarantee, which is important for PVC products where there are possible production defects seams.
When buying, be sure to inspect the boat for mechanical damage, quality of gluing of seams and equipment. Check the valves. If you buy a used boat, pay attention to the condition of PVC: it should not be "oak" or have deep cracks, which indicates the aging of the material.
⚠️ Warning: Beware of counterfeits! Buy products only from trusted suppliers. Cheap copies can be made from low-quality PVC, which quickly loses elasticity and collapses in the sun.
The pricing policy for this model is quite democratic, which makes it available to a wide range of consumers, but do not chase the lowest price, ignoring the terms of delivery and warranty service, a reliable seller will always advise on the operation and selection of the engine.
Buying a boat is an investment in leisure, and it is better to pay 10-15% over the counter with a guarantee and confidence in quality than risk safety on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use the Compass 350 DND in winter?
Technically, this is possible because PVC retains elasticity at low temperatures. However, inflatable bottoms (NDBs) in winter become very hard and less resistant to impacts on ice. In addition, condensation inside the boat can freeze. For winter fishing, slate floor boats or specialized winter models are better suited.
How long does it take to assemble and disassemble a boat?
In an experienced user, it takes about 15-20 minutes to assemble (pump), and 20-30 minutes to disassemble and pack, depending on the temperature of the air (PVC blubbers in the cold) and the pump power, the two of which are much faster.
Do I need to dry the boat after every fishing trip?
Ideally, yes. If the boat is stored in its assembled form for a long time, it should be completely dry and clean, the moisture left inside the bag can cause mold and unpleasant odor, and damage the glue seams. If you can't dry it, at least wipe the boat dry before packing.
What repairs are possible in the field?
For minor puncture repairs, a piece of cloth and glue is included in the kit. In the field, you can put a temporary patch, but major repairs with heating and pressing are better carried out at home. For large cuts (> 3-5 cm), it is recommended to contact the service.
Does the color of the boat affect the fish?
There are different opinions among anglers: camouflage colors (khaki, reed) are thought to scare fish less in shallow water and mask the boat better. Light colors (gray, light gray) are less heated in the sun, which is more comfortable for the legs. At depths of more than 1 meter, the color of the boat is almost irrelevant to the fish.