The search for a reliable and maneuverable craft often leads anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to consider low-pressure inflatable floor options. NDMA It has become synonymous with comfort and stability on the water, allowing you to stand confidently while fishing and easily carry the boat along the shore. AzimuthThe products have established themselves as a standard of quality in the budget and middle segment of the market.
But the brand’s popularity has spawned a slew of offers from dubious sellers, making the search for authentic a critical issue: Buyers are often lost in the flow of information, not understanding where reseller marketing ends and direct interaction with the manufacturer begins. The official website of the manufacturer always contains up-to-date catalogs with the exact articles and serial numbers, which is the main protection against counterfeiting.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the design features of this type of boat, help identify the real manufacturer and provide comprehensive information for making an informed decision. You do not have to wonder whether you should overpay for or trust a proven domestic brand.
What is NDNDM and why is it important for fishing?
abbreviation NDMA It stands for "Low Pressure inflatable floor." Unlike classical solder boats, where the rigidity is provided by a prefabricated floor made of aluminum or plywood, here the bottom function is an inflatable structure made of dense PVC fabric with internal partitions-ribs of rigidity, this engineering solution allows you to create a flat plane that does not deform under load, but still retains all the advantages of an inflatable board.
The main advantage of this design is the ability to stand in full growth. On plywood-bottomed or inflatable slurry (ND), the center of gravity is shifted, and sudden movements can lead to rolling. Azimuth It uses technology where the bottom and the sides are a single rigid structure after pumping, which is especially valuable when spinning or catching a track, when the angler needs to actively move around the cockpit.
And also, the absence of heavy removables makes it much faster to assemble and disassemble. You don't have to spend time connecting the floorboards, eliminating the gaps between the sheets, or drying the wet plywood after fishing. You just have to let the air out, roll the cylinders up and pack them into a bag. The weight of the product also becomes more predictable and uniform, making it easier to transport in the trunk of a car.
- 🛶 High stiffness of the bottom allows you to install a chair with a backrest in a regular place without the risk of pressing the floor.
- ⚓ Excellent hydrodynamics: flat bottom provides fast output for planing even with medium-power engines.
- 🧊 Universality of all-season use: the design is not afraid of temperature changes characteristic of early spring and late autumn.
How to find an official website and not run into a fake
In the digital marketing era, the notion of "official site" is often blurred, with many online stores using domains similar to the original ones, or adding "official dealer" prefixes, although they are not. Azimuth It's a core corporate resource that features a full product line, certificates of conformity and manufacturer contacts, and it's where news about new models and trim changes is published.
To verify the authenticity of the resource, note the presence of the "Where to buy" or "Dealers" section. A real manufacturer never hides its partners, but instead makes a map of them. If the site offers only a feedback form and does not have a physical address of the production or sales office, this is a cause for concern.
⚠️ Beware of sites where prices are on popular models NDMA Excessive cheapness often indicates the use of secondary raw materials for PVC fabric or simplified technology of gluing seams, which reduces the product's resource by many times.
Certificate verification is another reliable way of verifying that the official portal must have scans of GOST or TU documents, with the possibility of checking their relevance, copying someone else's certificates by fraudsters is rare, because it requires printing costs, but photos of the actual production or testing process of boats are the hallmark of an honest brand.
Technical specifications and design features
Boats Azimuth bottomless NDMA They're made of special reinforced PVC, which is very dense and resistant to UV light, and it doesn't just inflate, it stretches, it creates a rigid platform, and an important element is the keel and cylinder reinforcement system, which prevents the body from deforming when it hits a wave or when you install a heavy motor.
The design includes several independent compartments, which ensures buoyancy even when one of the cylinders punctures. Valves are petal-type, which reliably hold pressure and do not poison the air when ambient temperatures change. The nose often includes an inflatable keelson, which improves the course stability and protects the bottom from abrasion on the ground when pulled ashore.
For ease of use, there are numerous carry handles that are sewn into the body of the cylinders, rather than glued to the top, which eliminates their separation at a critical moment, the transom part is reinforced with fiberglass or durable plastic linings, which allows you to attach motors up to 18 hp depending on the model without fear of destroying the transom.
When you first pump a new boat, leave it in the sun for 30-40 minutes, then check the pressure. The material may stretch slightly, and you need to add air to the operating value specified in the data sheet.
Special attention should be paid to the system of mounting cans (seats), modern models use a fastener type "Lictros-face", allowing you to move the seats along the side, fixing them in any convenient place, which allows you to optimally distribute the weight of passengers and cargo, which directly affects the boat's trim and its behavior on the water.
Comparison of models: which one to choose for your tasks
Product line Azimuth The models vary in length, width, load capacity and engine capacity, and the specific modification depends on whether you plan to walk alone, with a partner or with a company, and the type of water body where the vessel will be operated.
For single fishing on small lakes or rivers with a calm current, compact options up to 3 meters long are optimal. They are easy to transport and quickly ready. If you are looking for large reservoirs where high wave is possible, or you are planning to use a sonar and a large amount of equipment, you should look at models ranging from 3.4 to 3.8 meters in length.
| Model | Length (cm) | Width (cm) | Load capacity (kg) | Engine power (hp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azimuth 280 NDLD | 280 | 125 | 350 | 2-5 |
| Azimuth 320 NDLD | 320 | 140 | 450 | 2-9.9 |
| Azimuth 345 NDLD | 345 | 150 | 550 | 2-15 |
| Azimuth 380 NDLD | 380 | 160 | 650 | 2-18 |
When choosing size, also consider the size of the assembled boats, larger boats require more space in the trunk and more time to pump, but their buoyancy and stability are disproportionately higher, which directly affects safety and comfort on the water, and you should not chase minimalism at the expense of safety, especially if you plan to go out in windy weather.
The secret to the longevity of seams
Manufacturers use a two-component polyurethane adhesive that polymerizes at a certain temperature, and a violation of the heating technology of the seam in production leads to stratification after 1-2 seasons.
Installation and additional equipment
Standard equipment for boats NDNDT from Azimuth This usually includes the boat itself, the carry bag, the refit, the product passport and sometimes the pump, but it may not be enough to operate properly, and many anglers immediately consider purchasing additional accessories that enhance the convenience and functionality of the vessel.
First of all, we recommend that you look at anchor rods and lintels, and that you have a strong rift in the bow and aft, and that you anchor or moor safely, and that you also have a rod holder that you can attach to the rods, which you can attach to the rods, and that will free your hands and allow you to control the gear even when you're maneuvering.
- 🎒 Backpack bag: Standard bags are often uncomfortable for long carrying, it is better to purchase a specialized backpack with a hard bottom.
- ⚓ Cat anchor: A compact and reliable option for PVC boats that easily hides in a hazelnut or under a jar.
- 💡 A hinged transom: for models where it is not built in, or an additional transom for the installation of a second motor or sensors.
The issue of bottom protection deserves special attention. Although PVC material is quite strong, frequent pulling on the rocky shore can lead to scuffs. Using a protective tape or keel tape made of denser material will prolong the life of your boat. Some models already have such protection, but in the basic versions it may not be, and this point is worth checking when buying.
☑️ Pre-purchase check
Operation and storage rules for long service
Even the best quality boat. NDMA The main enemy of PVC materials is pumping or under-pumping. In hot weather, the air inside the cylinders expands, which can cause the seams to rupture if the pressure has not been discharged beforehand. Conversely, in cold water, the pressure drops and the boat becomes sluggish, which increases the risk of damage to the stones.
Storage should be clean and dry. After every fishing, you should thoroughly wash the boat with fresh water, especially if you have been swimming in salt water or in bodies of water with abundant vegetation. Mud and sand left on the surface act as an abrasive and eventually destroy the protective layer of fabric. Dry the boat in a straightened form, in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight.
⚠️ Warning: Never keep a pumped boat in the cold or in direct sunlight during the summer, which leads to irreversible changes in the structure of the adhesive and PVC, reducing the life of the product by 50% or more.
Regular inspection is a guarantee of safety. Before each season and after long storage, check the condition of the valves, seams and surfaces of cylinders. Small cuts or punctures should be sealed immediately, without waiting for them to become a serious problem in the middle of the reservoir. Use only specialized remixes designed for PVC materials.
Proper storage in the off-season (blown, warm and without creases at the seams) extends the life of the boat NDND to 10-12 years of active use.
Where to buy and what to pay attention to when ordering
Buying a boat is an investment in your rest and safety, so choosing a seller must be approached responsibly. Azimuth The best source of information, but you can also buy from authorized dealers, the main thing is the availability of a warranty and a check, and when ordering over the Internet, carefully study the terms of delivery, as the dimensions of the package can be significant.
When you receive the goods, make sure to make a visual inspection of the package and the product itself. The presence of factory packaging, tags and accompanying documentation is mandatory. If the seller cannot provide a warranty card or offers a "gray" product without documents, it is better to refuse such a transaction. Remember that saving at the moment can turn into an inability to repair in the future.
Also worth paying attention to the seasonality of purchases. In the run-up to the summer season, prices can be higher and the range is limited. Buying a boat in the off-season (autumn or winter) often saves a significant amount of money, while you get the goods with a full warranty period, which is a great opportunity to buy a model of the higher class for the same money.
Can I use a NDND boat in the winter?
Yes, low-pressure inflatable floors are more resistant to low temperatures than peyol ones because they don't have hard elements that can become brittle, but PVC cloth bluffs in the cold, so you need to pump it in a warm room, and in the cold, you just add air to the working pressure. You can't store it in the cold when you're pumped.
What is the best glue for repairing Azimuth boats?
For PVC repairs, two-component polyurethane adhesives, such as Kleyberg or Texacol, are best used, providing a seam that is as strong as the factory seam, and it is important to degrease the surface and maintain a temperature regime when bonding.
How long does the glue dry during repair?
The polymerization time depends on the ambient temperature and the type of adhesive. Usually the primary grip occurs in 12-24 hours, but the full strength of the seams is gained after 48-72 hours.
Should the valves be lubricated?
No special lubrication is required, but you need to keep the valve clean. Sand or dirt caught between the petals can cause etching air. Periodically wipe the valve with a clean, wet cloth.
What is the difference between ND and NDNDM?
ND (inflatable floor) is usually a simple slate that is pumped separately and inserted inwards, often less rigid. NDND (Inflatable Low Pressure Bottom) is an integrated system where the bottom is part of the structure, has ribs and provides higher stiffness and stability, allowing you to stand at full height.