Choosing an inflatable floating vehicle is always a compromise between carrying capacity, weight and comfort of movement on water. Compass 350 NDLD It occupies a unique niche in the midsize boat segment, offering users a low-pressure inflatable floor instead of the usual plywood floorboards, a solution that dramatically changes the way a vessel is assembled and operated, making the process of preparing for the water significantly faster.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the design features of this model, evaluate the driving performance and determine who should pay attention to this option. NDNDM is becoming more popular among fishermen and hunters, and the nuances of this technology are hidden, and a deep understanding of the specifications will allow you to make an informed decision before buying.
Unlike classic models with a hard floor, technology is used here. High Pressure Air DeckThe pressure in the floor can reach 0.25-0.3 atmosphere, which is comparable to the pressure in car tires, which provides excellent rigidity of the structure, allowing you to stand on your feet even during active fishing of large fish, while the weight of the entire structure remains minimal, which is critical for owners of small cars or those who prefer to get to the water on their own.
Design features and materials
The basis of the boat is a five-layer reinforced fabric PVC The sides are made of dense material, which allows you to withstand impacts on the rocky bottom or berth without risk of damage to the leakage. The seams are connected by hot gluing, which is the standard of reliability in modern inflatable craft production.
Low pressure inflatable floor (NDMA) consists of many vertical strands that connect the upper and lower planes. When pumped, these strands are pulled, creating a rigid platform. The bow often includes a reinforced hinge bar that protects the cylinders when moored. Compass 350 a special configuration of inflatable tubes is used, which provides excellent stability even in severe excitement.
The keel is also inflatable, which gives the boat excellent driving performance and makes it easier to go sliding with low-power engines. The presence of an inflatable keel reduces the risk of damage to the bottom of underwater obstacles compared to a thin aluminum profile. However, it is worth remembering that regular pumping is required to maintain the geometry of the keel, especially when water temperature changes.
Stitching technology
The model uses double or triple gluing with overlap, which excludes the stratification of the material even under extreme loads and prolonged operation in salt water.
Comfort and ergonomics of the cockpit
The interior space of the boat is designed to accommodate two or three people with a full set of equipment. The width of the cockpit allows you to sit comfortably on inflatable cans without feeling constrained in movement. The banks are designed in the form of inflatable cushions, which greatly improves comfort during long transitions compared to rigid wooden or aluminum seats.
The perimeter of the cockpit is a liner cable that serves as insurance and attachment gear, on the sides are convenient handles for carrying, made of rubberized material that does not rub hands even in a wet state, in the bow part is often anchored pome, which facilitates the fixation of the vessel at the fishing point.
- 🎣 The spacious cockpit allows you to place a sonar, a cage and a box with gear without compromising the freedom of movement of rowers.
- 💺 Inflatable seats (banks) can be moved along the cockpit, choosing the optimal center of gravity for a particular load.
- 🛡️ High sides effectively protect against splashes, keeping clothes and equipment dry even with lateral excitement.
The particular thing that we need to focus on is the transomic attachment system. Compass 350 It uses a robust system that eliminates the backlash of the motor, which is critical to safety and efficiency, and rigidly fixing the transom also reduces vibration transmitted to the hull, making it more enjoyable to be in a boat.
Driving and handling
With a full-fledged inflatable keel, the boat has excellent course stability, it does not prowl side to side when moving against the wave, which is typical for flat-bottomers, the shape of the cylinders contributes to a good displacement, allowing the boat to carry a significant payload without losing ride.
When you go glysing Compass 350 The lack of rigid elements in the bottom reduces water resistance, but requires proper balancing of the load. If you shift the weight too far into the nose or on the stern, the boat can lose the sleeving mode. Optimal loading is distributed evenly, ensuring the best acceleration dynamics.
High-speed handling depends on the power of the engine installed and the length of the lower unit. This model recommends using motors ranging from 5 to 9.9 hp With more powerful engines, the boat becomes too sharp and can be dangerous for the inexperienced user. With low-power engines, it confidently keeps planing with one person on board.
⚠️ Attention: When driving at high speeds with an inflatable floor of NDNDM, always control the pressure in the cylinders. Overheating of the air in the sun can lead to excessive pressure and strain of the seams, so in hot weather it is recommended to blow a little air before heading out on the water.
Assembly, preparation and transportation
One of the main advantages of the model is the speed of assembly. You don't have to spend time laying heavy plywood sheets and connecting them with stringers. The process of preparing for the launch takes 2-3 times less time than a classic solder boat of similar size.
☑️ Boat assembly algorithm
Transportation is carried out in a compact bag that easily fits into the trunk of a passenger car. The weight of the kit allows one adult to carry it to the water without any problems, although a partner is still preferable for comfortable operation with a full load. The bag materials must be durable, with water-repellent impregnation, so that the wet boat does not spoil the fabric during storage.
It is recommended to use a foot or electric pump with a pressure gauge to pump, and pressure control is a key to proper operation, and under-pumped bottoms will bend under the weight of a person, creating a hammock effect, which is uncomfortable and slows down, and pumped bottoms in the heat threaten to burst seams.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Total length | 350 cm | Dimension assembled |
| general width | 165 cm | The inner width of the cockpit ~110 cm |
| Load capacity | 550-600 kg | Depends on the configuration. |
| Boat weight | 42-48 kg | No motor or gear. |
| Lower pressure | 0.25 - 0.3 atm | High pressure pump required |
The main advantage of NDND is the absence of the need to collect the heavy floor, which saves time and effort, especially in the field.
Compatibility with motors and equipment
For the model Compass 350 optimal choice will be two-stroke or four-stroke engines with a capacity of 6-9.9 hp With engines of lower power boat will operate in displacement mode, which is economical, but slow. Engines over 10 hp can be redundant and require serious care when driving.
The transom plate should be installed strictly vertically. The use of transom wheels makes it much easier to move the boat along the shore, especially if you are fishing alone. The sonar mount is better placed on a removable platform or a special rack, so as not to drill unnecessary holes in the cylinders or bottom.
- 🔋 For electric motors, this model is ideal due to the quiet running and the absence of vibrations transmitted to the body.
- ⚓ The anchor tile is better to attach to the nose handle or a special ditch, avoiding direct contact of the rope with the fabric of the balloon under tension.
- 🔧 Regular check of the tightening of the screws of the transom plate is mandatory, since the vibration of the motor can weaken the fastenings.
When choosing an engine, consider not only the power, but also the length of the lower unit. For boats of this size, engines with a lower unit of 381 mm (S) or 444 mm (L) are usually suitable, but it is better to specify the manufacturer's recommendations in the product passport. Incorrect selection of the height of the suspension of the engine will lead to cavitation or, conversely, to excessive water resistance.
Care, storage and winter conservation
Proper care extends the life of PVC products for many years. After each fishing, the boat should be rinsed with fresh water, especially if you have been swimming in a salty pond or a body of water with blooming water. Salt and organics can corrode the material and glue on prolonged contact.
Drying the boat before packaging should be in the shade, straightening all the folds. Direct sunlight combined with high temperature inside the rolled-up boat can lead to "welding" layers of PVC. It is better to store the product in a straightened or semi-folded form at room temperature.
⚠️ Attention: Never keep the boat assembled in direct sunlight, and the pressure inside the cylinders can grow at times, causing the seams to rupture or deform the transom plate.
In winter, the boat should be kept in a warm room, if this is not possible, make sure that it is completely dry and protected from rodents that can chew through the material. Periodic treatment of seams and valves with soap solution will help to identify micro-leaks before they become a problem on the water.
To clean up severe contaminants, use special PVC remedies, avoiding solvents, gasoline or acetone that can damage the protective layer of the tissue.
Comparison with analogues and final opinion
There are many models on the market with an inflatable floor, but Compass 350 is advantageous for the balance of price and quality of execution, unlike budget counterparts, it often uses denser fabric and quality fittings, but it can be inferior in width to some competitors with a similar length.
Compared to hard bottom boats (ND), the model loses in the ability to keep a sharp wave at high speed, since the soft bottom extinguishes the impacts, but does not cut the wave as effectively as the hard keel redan.
In conclusion, Compass 350 NDLD It's a great choice for mobile fishermen who value the time and comfort of assembly, ideal for quiet fishing on lakes, reservoirs and rivers with moderate currents, and for extreme trolling or outdoor seas, larger and more specialized models are better considered.
Can I use the Compass 350 for sea fishing?
Use is only possible in coastal areas in very calm weather, and the design is not designed for high seas and large waves due to the limited height of the side and the specifications of the inflatable floor, which can be vulnerable to impacts on rocks at high speed.
Which pump is better for pumping the bottom of NDND?
A conventional frog foot pump will not be able to create the required pressure of 0.25-0.3 atm. You will need a special two-stage pump or high-pressure electric pump that can operate in high-pressure mode.
How long does the boat dry after fishing?
In dry windy weather, the boat will dry for about 30-60 minutes. In wet or cold weather, the process can take up to 3-4 hours. Packing a wet boat is unacceptable, as this will lead to mold and unpleasant smell.
Will the bottom of the dog's claw stand?
The material of the bottom is stronger than the sides, but the claws of large dogs can damage PVC. It is recommended to lay a special mat on the bottom or use a protective coating if you plan to take your pet on board.