Modern angler or water lover often faces a choice: which is better, classic plywood floorboard or progressive inflatable floor? PVC NDND boat Lotzman It's a prime example of how technology combines compact packaging with the comfort of a rigid body, and it's becoming increasingly popular because it can be quickly ready without having to pick up heavy sleighs.
Unlike traditional models, the system is used here. High Pressure Low PressureThe bottom, which is made using the technology of NDND, takes the shape as close as possible to the classical keel, ensuring excellent cruising, while the weight of the entire structure remains minimal, which is critical for carrying equipment by one person.
Many users mistakenly believe that the inflatable floor is less reliable than plywood, but the opposite is true: a properly pumped NDND tank can withstand enormous loads and is not afraid of water. The technology of NDND allows you to reduce the weight of the boat by 30% compared to analogues on plywood floorboard while maintaining the same load capacity. In this article, we will discuss in detail why it is worth paying attention to this design.
Design features of the model of the pilot
The basis of any quality boat is material and geometry. Pilot It's made of high-density reinforced PVC, which is resistant to ultraviolet light and mechanical damage, and the cylinders are complex, giving the vessel excellent seaworthiness even when it's agitated, and the engineers have focused on the junctions of the cylinders and the bottom, using hot gluing to maximize tightness.
The design of the NDNDM involves several independent compartments in the bottom, which creates a double bottom effect, providing additional buoyancy and thermal insulation, and if one compartment is damaged, the rest will retain their shape, allowing safe access to the shore. Floor rigidity This is achieved by high internal pressure, which turns a soft material into a hard surface.
The important element is the transom. Depending on the modification, it can be hinged or glued; the glued transom increases the stiffness of the aft part, which is especially important when installing powerful engines; the hinged version makes it easier to fold the boat, but requires accuracy when attaching the engine.
⚠️ Attention: When pumping the bottom of the NDND, carefully monitor the pressure gauge. Excess pressure in hot weather can lead to rupture of the seams, and failure to pump - to deformation of the geometry of the vessel.
And the stringer system, too, is used in some models with inflatable stringers that run along the sides, adding stiffness and protecting the bottom from impact, which makes it much easier to build, because it doesn't have to put hard profiles in your pockets.
Advantages of NDND technology over plywood floorboard
The main trump card that gives low-pressureYou don't have to crawl around the boat, sticking in heavy sheets of plywood and connecting them with aluminum profiles, and it takes minutes, which is especially valuable in windy weather or when you're landing on unequipped shore.
The second important aspect is comfort: an inflated bottom absorbs shocks against a wave better than hard plywood, and it's more pleasant to sit or stand on that floor, especially in cold water, because air is a great thermal insulator, and your legs don't freeze as much as they do when you come in contact with metal or plywood.
- 🚀 Speed: Assembly and disassembly take half as much time as the classics.
- 📦 Compact: When folded, the boat takes up less space in the trunk of the car.
- 🎒 Weight: The absence of heavy plywood and aluminum profiles significantly reduces the total mass.
- 🌊 Safety: Inability to drown when one of the bottom compartments is punctured.
But there are nuances: Inflatable bottoms require more careful care of the surface on which they are stored in a pumped state. Sharp stones or branches can damage PVC, so it is recommended to use a protective awning or soft bedding for prolonged parking on the shore.
Many anglers have noted that after switching to BNDM, you don't want to go back to plywood, and the ergonomics of the preparation process for rafting comes to the fore when every move counts.
Technical specifications and modifications
Lineage Pilot It's all about sizes, from single-seat to full-fledged four-seat vessels, each model has its own length, width and load capacity, and it's important to get the right size for your tasks: a compact model is enough for fishing in small water bodies, and for long-distance crossings you need a boat with a large margin of buoyancy.
The table below compares the main specifications of popular modifications to help you navigate the model range.
| Model | Length (cm) | Width (cm) | Load capacity (kg) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot 280 | 280 | 130 | 350 | 24 |
| Pilot 320 | 320 | 140 | 450 | 29 |
| Pilot 350 | 350 | 145 | 550 | 34 |
| Pilot 380 | 380 | 150 | 650 | 39 |
When choosing a size, take into account not only the number of passengers, but also the amount of equipment. Load capacity It should have a margin so that the boat does not sit too low in the water, which worsens handling and increases the risk of flooding with a wave.
When buying a boat, pay attention to the presence of overpressure vent valves (automatic) that will protect the cylinders from bursting on a hot sunny day when you leave the boat ashore.
Also worth paying attention to the height of the board. Higher sides provide better protection against splashes, but increase the sailing of the vessel. For standing water, this is not critical, but in large open bodies of water, the wind can significantly affect the course.
Operating rules and care for BNDT
The durability of your boat depends on how you care for it. PVC is a durable material, but it's not immortal. After every operation, especially in salt water or muddy rivers, you have to wash the dirt away with fresh water. Salt and silt can act as an abrasive or a chemical agent, destroying the structure of the material.
Drying is a critical step. inflatable floor It should be completely dry before it is packed, and if you put a wet boat in the case, it will start to mold inside, and the material can become an unpleasant odor, which is difficult to get rid of later. Dry the boat in the shade, direct sunlight when pumped can lead to overheating.
⚠️ Warning: Never keep a PVC boat inflated under direct sunlight. The pressure inside the cylinders increases proportionally to the temperature, which can lead to irreversible deformation of the seams.
For small puncture repairs, always have a remix on hand. The technology for repairing NDND is no different from the repair of conventional cylinders: degreasing, applying glue, rolling patches. The main thing is to let the glue dry completely before use.
☑️ Seasonal boat service
Winter storage requires a special approach: the boat should be washed, dried and folded in a free state, avoiding sharp clogs. The optimal storage temperature is room, but storage in an unheated room is allowed, if temperature changes that cause condensation are excluded.
Assembly and preparation for launching
The process of assembling a boat with NDND is intuitive, but it has its secrets. First, spread the boat on a flat surface, removing sharp objects. Start pumping from the bow and aft compartments, then move to the cylinders. The bottom is pumped last or parallel to the sides to take the correct shape.
Use a foot-driven pump or battery compressor. Hand-held pumps require considerable effort, especially when you need to reach an operating pressure of 0.2-0.25 atmosphere for the bottom. Pilot Often comes with a pump bag that is convenient, but for frequent use it is better to purchase a more productive device.
After you pump, check all the connections and valves. The boat should become stiff like a drum. If you hear crunch of tissue when pressed, the pressure is good. If the cloth bends easily, you need to add air.
What to do if the boat is cruising?
Sometimes, when there is a strong wind or current, the boat can take off, often due to improper loading, try to move the cargo or passengers closer to the nose or stern to level the trim, and also check if the cylinders are evenly pumped.
The installation of the hinged transom (if it is provided by the design) is made after the cylinders have been fully pumped. The fastenings should be tightly tightened, but without fanaticism, so as not to damage the PVC. Make sure that the safety cables of the transom are passed through special rings or handles.
Choice of motor and attachment equipment
The power of the engine must correspond to the size of the boat. For models up to 3 meters long, an engine with a capacity of 2-3.5 hp is enough. Pilot confidently carry motors with a capacity of 5-9.9 hp Exceeding the recommended power can lead to rollover or damage to the transom.
It's important to set the deadwell right. If the motor is too deep, it will create resistance and dig water. If it's too high, it will capture air, especially when cornering. The optimal depth is when the anti-cavitation plate is 1-2 cm below the bottom of the boat when driving.
- ⚓ Anchor: For PVC boats, it is better to use a floating anchor or cat anchor so as not to damage the bottom when lifting.
- 🪑 Seats: Use removable cans that can be rearranged depending on the task (fishing, rowing, rest).
- 🛡️ Keel protection: Stick extra tape on the keel and stringers to protect against abrasion when pulled ashore.
Don't overload the boat. Passenger capacity The limit at which the vessel is still afloat is recommended for comfortable and safe operation, it is recommended to load the boat no more than 70-80% of the maximum.
Properly selected engine and competent loading turn the PVC boat into a stable and fast vessel, able to compete with small boats.
Additional equipment, such as sonars and navigators, are better attached to removable brackets so as not to drill unnecessary holes in cylinders or transoms. The modern market offers many solutions for mounting electronics without damaging the structure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to complete the NDND boat assembly?
On average, with experience and using a foot or electric pump, assembly takes 10 to 15 minutes, including seat fitting and transompant tacking, and the first time it can take up to 20-25 minutes.
Can I leave a boat full of NDND for a few days?
Technically, it is possible if it is in the shade and away from sharp objects, but manufacturers recommend blowing the boat away after each fishing trip to extend the life of the seams and material, especially if the temperature drops significantly at night.
What is the maximum speed of development of the boat?
The speed depends on the power of the engine and the load. With a 5 hp engine, the boat is 320 cm long and develops a speed of about 18-20 km / h. With a 9.9 hp engine, the speed can reach 25-28 km / h with one passenger.
Is the material of the NDND more afraid of punctures than conventional cylinders?
No, the material is used at the same density (usually 750-850 g/sq.m.), however, the bottom is subjected to heavy mechanical stress, so it is recommended to use the boat carefully and not drag it on rocky beaches.
Should I lubricate the valve?
Special valve lubrication is not required or even undesirable, because it can stick sand, enough cleanness and dryness of threads and seals, if the valve is tight, you can slightly wipe the sealing ring with silicone.