Choosing a swimming vehicle for fishing or recreation on the water always involves finding a balance between comfort, load capacity and mobility. In recent years, Russian manufacturers have been able to take a strong position in the market, offering quality alternatives to foreign counterparts. AzimuthThese products are often chosen for their reliability and thoughtful design adapted to the difficult conditions of operation.
Particular attention should be paid to modifications with an abbreviation NDMAThis technology allows you to significantly improve the seaworthiness of the vessel, making its course softer even on the wave. Unlike classical plyol models, it does not require the assembly of a hard floor, which saves the owner time and effort in preparing for the water. PVC NDND boat Azimut A popular choice among active recreation lovers.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the design features of these vessels, analyze their behavior on the water and help you decide on a particular model, learn about the nuances of operation that beginners often miss, and get answers to frequently asked questions. The right approach to choosing equipment is to guarantee safety and pleasure from each outing.
Design features and technology of BNDT
The heart of any inflatable boat is its bottom, which takes the brunt of the load when it comes into contact with water and shore. Azimuth It uses BNDT technology, where the bottom is a separate sealed cylinder, pumped to the working pressure, which creates a cushion effect that cushions the shocks against the wave, which is critical for comfortable fishing, and the rigidity of the structure is provided by a system of stringers - special inflatable tubes or rigid inserts that run along the side.
The material for manufacturing is a high-strength reinforced PVCIt is resistant to abrasion, fuel and ultraviolet radiation, and the seams are made in a latent manner, which ensures that they are completely leakproof and durable even under extreme loads. It is important to note that the gluing technology and the quality of the adhesives used play a crucial role in the product life.
Boat balloon system Azimuth It's divided into several independent compartments, which allows for buoyancy even if one of the cylinders is damaged. The translator design is usually reinforced with additional linings, allowing for higher power motors to be installed without the risk of deformation of the aft. The rigidity of the bottom allows you to plane with even one person on board, which is not always possible for soft-bottom models.
⚠️ Attention: When pumping the bottom of the NDND, carefully monitor the gauge readings. Pumping in hot weather can cause the seams to rupture due to air expansion, and failure to pump will make the bottom too soft and unstable.
Overview of model range and specifications
The manufacturer offers a wide range of modifications, designed for different use scenarios, from compact single variants to serious three-seater boats for trophy fishing. Each model has its own unique features, but combines their high build quality.
To visually compare the main parameters of popular models, consider them in the summary table. This will help you quickly navigate the range and choose the best option for your tasks and power of the existing engine.
| Model | Full length (cm) | Full width (cm) | Load capacity (kg) | Recommended motor power (hp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azimuth 280 | 280 | 126 | 350 | 2.5 - 5 |
| Azimuth 320 | 320 | 140 | 450 | 5 - 9.9 |
| Azimuth 340 | 340 | 146 | 550 | 9.9 - 15 |
| Azimuth 360 | 360 | 152 | 650 | 15 - 20 |
The 320 and 340 series are considered the middle ground for most anglers, and are roomy enough to accommodate two people with a full set of gear, but still retain an acceptable weight in packaged form. Azimuth 360They are already in the category of full-fledged boats that can withstand significant excitement.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Azimuth Boats
Like any technical tool, the brand's boats have their own strengths and weaknesses, understanding these nuances will avoid disappointment and properly operate the product, and objective analysis helps to form realistic expectations from the purchase.
The undoubted advantages include:
- 🚀 High speed of access to glossing due to the optimal geometry of cylinders and the rigidity of the bottom of the NDND.
- 🛡️ Wear resistance of materials: the use of dense PVC and high-quality fittings increases the service life.
- 🌊 Excellent seaworthiness: the boat confidently holds the wave and does not burrow with its nose in the headwind.
But there are some downsides to knowing about, first of all, weight. inflatable floor and reinforced cylinders are always heavier than soldered cylinders. When assembled, a boat bag can weigh a significant number of kilograms, requiring a wheeled transom wheel or a transport assistant.
⚠️ Warning: Do not keep the boat assembled and pumped for more than 2-3 days, especially in direct sunlight, resulting in irreversible stretching of PVC tissue and loss of geometric shape.
Another nuance is price: the technological bottom of NDND and quality components make the product more expensive than budget plywood floors, but this overpayment is an investment in comfort and safety on the water, cheap analogues can require replacement after one or two seasons of active use.
Preparation for operation and assembly
It takes a while to get the boat ready for launch, especially if you're doing it for the first time. But with experience, everything becomes automatic. It's important to follow the sequence of operations so that you don't damage the valves or the seams. Proper assembly is the key to the long service life of your craft.
First, you need to spread the boat on a flat surface, clearing the place of sharp objects, stones and stitching vegetation, spread the cylinders and let them "spread" in the sun if the boat was folded at low temperature, which will make the material more elastic and easier to pump.
The pumping sequence is usually as follows:
- 🎈 First, the side cylinders are inflated to the working pressure (usually 0.2 atm).
- 🎈 Then the keel is inflated (if it is in the design) to give a longitudinal rigidity.
- 🎈 Lastly, the bottom of the NDNDM is pumped to a pressure of 0.2-0.25 atm.
☑️ Checklist for boat assembly
After all the compartments are pumped, it is recommended to leave the boat in the sun for 10-15 minutes for "sludge." The air inside the cylinders will heat up, the pressure will level out, and the material will stretch. After that, you need to check the pressure with a pressure gauge and, if necessary, pump the cylinders. Don't ignore this stage, since the under-performed boat will be less stable on the water.
Water Exploitation and Behavior in the Process
Going out on a boat with the bottom of the NDND is very different from swimming on a plywood, you feel a lot of softness, you extinguish small blows on the chop wave. Azimuth It's a good wave cutter and a good course stability, and it allows you to move confidently through large water areas, like Lake Ladoga or Lake Onega, where excitement can be significant.
When moving on planing, it is important to distribute the weight correctly. Passengers and cargo should be placed closer to the center or slightly closer to the transom so that the nose of the boat does not gaze too high. Optimal different allows you to reach maximum speed with minimal fuel consumption. The engine must be properly mounted in height so that there is no water thrown into the cockpit.
To save fuel and increase safety, always use the safety cable (check) of the engine, fastening it to clothes.
The maneuverability of these boats is also very high, because of the inflatable tubes and the streamlined shape. PVC It's easy to control even at low speeds, which is important when fishing in a bog or when mooring in difficult conditions, but you should remember that inflatable boards are more sensitive to side impacts on a pier than hard boards.
Care, storage and repair
The durability of the product depends on how you care for it. After each fishing, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, especially if you have been swimming in salt water or water with blooming water. Dirt and silt, drying, can damage the protective layer of PVC.
Drying is a critical step. You can't fold a wet boat, because it will cause mold and decay of the fabric, you need to dry in the shade, in the straightened form, at a temperature of no more than 30 degrees Celsius, and it will take time to dry all the valves and hard-to-reach places, but it's worth it.
Store the boat in a case, in a dry room, at a temperature of -20 to +40 degrees. It is not recommended to keep the boat in limbo for one valve or handle for a long time, as this creates an uneven load on the seams. It is best to store it in a horizontal position or in a special bag on the shelf.
How to seal a puncture in the field?
For temporary repairs, use a special remix, clean the area around the puncture, degrease, apply glue, attach a patch and press hard. Full polymerization will take several hours, so you can't operate the boat right away.
⚠️ Warning: Never use household adhesives (superglue, moment) or scotch to repair the boat, which destroy the structure of PVC and make professional repairs in the workshop impossible or extremely difficult.
If you find serious damage, such as joints or cuts in tissue, it is better to contact a specialized service. Warranty period for seams and material from the manufacturer Azimuth is several years, which confirms confidence in the quality of the products.
Proper drying and dry storage is 90% of the success of long-term PVC boat operation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much weight can the Azimuth 320 carry?
The 320 has a carrying capacity of 450 kg, including the weight of passengers, motor, battery, equipment and the hull of the boat itself, and for comfortable fishing, it is recommended that the two of them do not exceed the total weight of 300-350 kg.
Can I put an electric motor on a boat?
Yes, absolutely. The bottom of the NDND provides excellent rigidity, which is ideal for an electric motor, fastening on a transom, just like a gasoline engine, the main thing is to get the right length of the lower unit.
Do I need to lubricate the valves before storage?
No special valve lubrication is required, but it is important to ensure that there is no sand or dirt in the mechanism. Before packaging, make sure the valves are completely dry and covered with protective caps.
What engine power to choose for the Azimuth 340?
The optimal choice for the model 340 will be a 9.9 hp engine with the ability to grow up to 15 hp This will provide a confident exit to plane with two passengers and a good power reserve on the wave.
Is the PVC material afraid of frost?
Modern reinforced PVC retains elasticity at temperatures up to -30 degrees. However, in the cold, the material becomes more rigid, so the assembly and pumping must be carried out carefully, without sharp inflections, so as not to damage the fabric structure.