The choice of the first serious inflatable boat is always accompanied by doubts and a search for a compromise between size, weight and driving performance. Models 3.50 meters long often become the "golden section" that is suitable for fishing in large water bodies and for family walks. Navigator 350 NDLD It is distinguished by its floor design, which radically changes the behavior of the vessel on the wave.
Many beginners don't fully understand what the acronym for NDNDM is, and often confuse it with a regular floorboard or inflatable floor, which makes the boat more rigid and fast, but requires the owner to have certain skills in assembly, and we'll take a detailed look at all the nuances of operation so you can make an informed decision about the purchase.
It should be noted immediately that exploitation This boat is possible with both electric motors and medium-power gasoline units, but the versatility of the design has its limits, which we will discuss below. If you are looking for a reliable option for regular water outings, where speed and comfort are important, this review will be useful for you.
Design features and technology of BNDT
The acronym for NDND stands for "Low Pressure inflatable floor." It's not just a marketing ploy, it's a real engineering solution that allows you to create a hard floor without using heavy plywood or aluminum plywood. Navigator 350 applied a system of stringers that pass through special pockets in the inflatable floor, creating a rigid structure during pumping.
The main advantage of this system is the speed of assembly. You don't have to spend 20 to 30 minutes laying and fixing sleighs. Just inflate the cylinders and the bottom, and the boat is ready to go down. This is especially true in windy weather or when you need to change shoes quickly and get out into the water. The hardness of the floor is comparable to plywood, but it weighs much less.
It is important to understand that bottom Although the material of the cylinders and the bottom has a high density and a multilayer structure, sharp stones or a shell can damage it, so experienced owners always carry a protective mat or choose gentle sand slopes.
⚠️ Attention: When pumping the bottom of the NDND, carefully monitor the pressure. The pumped bottom can deform the sides, and the under-pumped bottom can reduce driving performance and create a risk of damage to the stringers.
Installation locations are provided to provide additional rigidity in the design transom-wheel And all the elements are designed to minimize the number of protruding parts that can get caught, which makes the boat comfortable not only on the water, but also when transported in the trunk of the car.
Materials and quality of the hull assembly
The basis of the durability of any PVC boat is the material. Navigator 350 It uses a five-layer reinforced fabric that is resistant to abrasion, fuel and ultraviolet radiation, and has a density of 750 g/sq.m., which is the standard for boats of this class, balancing strength and weight.
The seams are made by hot welding, which makes it impossible to leak even under heavy tear loads. Unlike glued seams, welds are not afraid of temperature and humidity changes. However, this does not mean that the boat can be stored in extreme conditions. storage It is a dry room with room temperature.
The secret to the longevity of seams
Manufacturers often use a special sealing tape for seams that melts together with the main material, creating a monolithic structure, a technology used in the production of liferafts.
Special attention should be paid to the protection of cylinders, and in the bow and on the sides often installed additional linings. strap-beltThey take the brunt of docking or pulling the boat ashore, and in the Navigator 350, these elements are made to be of high quality and don't unstuck over time.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Full length | 350 cm | Including inflatable parts |
| Full width | 155 cm | Optimal for sustainability |
| Load capacity | 550 kg | 3-4 people + equipment |
| Boat weight | 42 kg | Fully complete. |
| Pressure in cylinders | 0.25 atm | Working pressure |
The quality of the fittings also plays a role: lavas, rod holders and dice must be firmly pasted; this model uses reinforced fittings that withstand heavy loads; however, it will not hurt to (regularly check) the condition of the mounts before each season.
Driving qualities and behavior on the water
How he behaves. Navigator 350 NDLD This is probably the most important question for a potential buyer, because of the hard bottom of the low pressure, the boat is perfectly on course and has good swelling. It doesn't whip the water as much as the soft bottom models, but it's not as heavy as the full RIBs.
When you're going against the wave, the boat is very confident, and the nose is not burrowing, but gently cutting off the water combs, and it's a dry cockpit and comfort for the passengers, but it's worth remembering that it's still an inflatable boat, and extreme speeds on a big wave can be dangerous.
The handling depends on the engine installed. With a 9.9 hp engine, the boat goes into planing with two passengers and a minimum load. If the load is higher, you'll need a 15 hp engine for a confident planing. engine in height and differentiation.
In quiet water, the boat is smooth, yaw is minimal, it allows you to comfortably fish off the board using spinning or trolling gear, and the wide cockpit allows you to conveniently arrange the sonar, the box with gear and other necessary accessories.
⚠️ Warning: Do not reach full speed on a boat with under-performed cylinders. This can lead to deformation of the transom and loss of controllability of the vessel.
Equipment and ergonomics of internal space
The interior space of the model Navigator 350 It's designed to meet the needs of fishermen and tourists, and wide seats can move along the length of the boat, so you can change the center of gravity or make room for cargo, and the benches have a soft coating, which is important for long journeys.
The standard packages are usually the boat itself, two seats, a packing bag, a refit, a pump and an instruction manual. Some dealers may offer extended versions with transom wheels or an anchor rim complete. Always check with the seller before buying.
The ergonomics of the cockpit allow three adults to fit, although it is more comfortable than the two. There will be little room for three to tackle. D-ring The perimeter allows you to easily secure the anchor, safety ends or additional equipment.
☑️ Pre-purchase check
The seat mounting system deserves special attention, because they are fixed on special rails or rails, which prevents them from moving while they are moving, which is a small thing, but it is these parts that create a sense of reliability and comfort on the water.
Choice of motor and recommendations for operation
For a boat with a length of 3.50 meters, the best choice will be an outboard motor with a capacity of 9.9 to 15 hp Two-stroke engines are preferred due to the lower weight, which is critical for the mobility of the kit. However, four-strokes will provide greater fuel economy and quiet operation.
When choosing a motor, consider not only the power but also the length of the lower unit. PVC boats are usually suitable for standard length (S), but if you plan to go full load often, it is better to try on the engine before buying. Navigator 350 standard - 381 mm (15 inches).
The operation of the boat requires simple rules: after each fishing, you need to wash the salt and sand with fresh water, especially carefully wash the valves and gluing places, which will extend the life of the product for many years.
Lubricate the valves with silicone lubrication once a season - this will prevent them from sticking and ensure the tightness of the pump.
Keeping the boat half-assembled or completely deflated, but always clean and dry. Prolonged storage in a pumped state under direct sunlight can lead to loss of elasticity of the material and fading.
Comparison with competitors and final conclusions
There are many analogues on the market, such as boats. Flagship, hunter or Aqua. However, Navigator 350 NDLD Often wins in the ratio of price to quality of the seams, competitors in this price category can save on fittings or density of fabric.
The model's biggest trump card is the floor of the NDND. It's better than the solder boats in terms of assembly speed and weight. Compared to the inflatable floor boats, the air-deck is more rigid and plane speed, making it a versatile soldier for most tasks.
The Navigator 350 NDNDM is the best choice for those who value the time to assemble and want to get a hard floor without excess weight of floorboards.
If you’re looking for a reliable boat for fishing, hunting or vacationing on weekends, this model is worth considering. It forgives many mistakes for beginners, but is serious enough for experienced boaters.
How to keep a boat in the winter?
The boat must be thoroughly washed, dried and folded in free condition. Do not put heavy objects on it. The optimal storage temperature is from -10 to +30 degrees, but it is better to avoid sudden changes.
Can I put a motor more powerful than 15 hp?
Technically possible, but it is not recommended: increasing power beyond normal can lead to the collapse of the transo or loss of stability of the boat at high speeds, which is life-threatening.
How is the NDNDD different from the normal inflatable floor?
The NDNDM has a stringer system that creates a rigid plane that looks like plywood. The normal air deck just pumps up and stays softer, bending under weight.
How many people are comfortable in the boat?
Comfortable, two adults and equipment, three people fit, but there's very little room for maneuver and gear, which can reduce safety.