Choosing a swimming facility for small rivers and lakes often becomes a trade-off between mobility, load capacity and comfort. PVC NDND Reef 300 The model with the acronym NDND (low pressure inflatable floor) is radically different from the classic versions with plywood floorboards, offering a completely different level of ergonomics and driving performance.
Many users are wondering why this is the one that is becoming more popular among water tourism enthusiasts, and the answer lies in the combination of high strength materials and a unique design of the bottom, which allows you to achieve a good speed even when installing low-power engines. Reef 300 It remains easy enough to carry by one person in assembled form, which is critical for those who do not have the ability to use the vehicle to deliver equipment to the water.
In this article, we will analyze the design features in detail, analyze the behavior on the water and give practical recommendations for operation. Low pressure inflatable floor This is not just a marketing move, but an engineering solution that has its pros and nuances, which you need to know before buying.
Design features and materials of manufacture
The basis of durability of any inflatable boat is the material from which it is made. Reef 300 The manufacturer uses a five-layer reinforced PVC fabric, which is highly resistant to abrasion, ultraviolet radiation and temperature changes. The material density is 850 g / sq.m., which provides the necessary safety margin in contact with rocky bottom or sharp branches.
The key element of the design is itself estuaryUnlike classic air decks, which are rounded and create sail, the bottom of the low pressure cross section is almost flat, and this is achieved by a special system of internal tapes that prevent the cylinders from swelling into height, keeping the horizontal plane rigid. hydrodynamics boat.
⚠️ Attention: When pumping the floor of the NDND, strictly monitor the pressure gauge. Exceeding pressure more than 0.8 atm (especially in the sun) can lead to irreversible deformation of the internal tapes and screeds and bloating the floor with a bubble.
The boat's side is made up of three independent compartments, which ensures buoyancy even when one of the cylinders is punctured. The seams are made by a double method (hot air welding method with tape gluing), which excludes the stratification of the material in places of greatest stress. connector, such as valves and switches, are glued using a two-component glue that provides a monolithic structure.
Technology for the production of NDT
At the heart of the NDND floor is a complex heat treatment process where the top and bottom layers of PVC are connected by thousands of threads, creating a structure that works like a two-taur beam, withstanding the weight of passengers and cargo without the deflections that characterize the soft bottom.
Technical specifications of the Reef 300 model
The overall performance of this model is optimal for accommodating two people with a full set of equipment. The length of the body is 300 cm, which allows you to feel confidently on the wave, and a width of 140 cm provides sufficient stability. Load capacity The boat is declared by the manufacturer at the level of 350 kg, however, for comfortable operation with the engine, it is recommended not to exceed the load of 250-280 kg.
The weight of the kit is one of the main trump cards of this modification. Depending on the configuration and year of release, the weight of the boat in the packaged state varies from 22 to 25 kg. Reef 300 In the trunk of a class C passenger car, or even in a large backpack, if you use a backpack, for comparison, similar models with a rigid floorboard bottom weigh 5-7 kg more.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Full length | 300cm | Optimal for 2 people |
| Full width | 140cm | Internal width ~90 cm |
| Diameter of the cylinder | 36 cm | High surface surface of the board |
| Boat weight | 23.5 kg | No motor or accessories. |
| Max, engine power. | 5 hp | 2.5-3.5 hp is recommended. |
An important parameter is the height of the transom, which is standardized for most electric motors and gasoline engines of low power. transom plate reinforced by plywood insert inside the PVC pocket, which prevents its deformation when the engine is attached. The maximum allowable power of the engine is limited to 5 hp, but experienced users advise not to put engines more powerful than 3.5 hp due to the peculiarities of the shape of the body.
Advantages and disadvantages of the inflatable floor of the NDNDM
The transition to a low-pressure inflatable structure changes the way we think about water comfort, and the main advantage is that you don't have any hard elements inside the cockpit, you can move freely on the bottom of the boat, you can kneel or you can sit anywhere without fear of damaging the plywood junction material. trolling or long transitions.
Assembly and disassembly Reef 300 It takes a lot less time than a plywood, you don't have to strip the stringers, you don't have to level the floors, you don't have to stretch the structure, you just have to pump the cylinders and the bottom, but there's a nuance here: you need a more efficient pump to pump the NDNDT, because the air volume in the bottom is large, but the pressure is low.
Among the disadvantages, there is less stiffness in the planing than in the aluminum or plywood floors, and at high wavelengths, you can see the effect of "slapping" the bottom against water if the pressure in the cylinders is not high enough. sailability boats with NDNDM are still higher than those with inscribed hard bottom, which requires more careful control in lateral wind.
- 🚀 High assembly speed: The full cycle takes 10-15 minutes without any physical effort.
- 🛡️ Safety: The absence of sharp corners and rigid elements reduces the risk of injury and damage to equipment.
- 📦 Compact: When assembled, the bag takes up less space in the trunk due to the absence of long paioles.
- 💧 Self-drift: The design often allows water to flow freely without lingering in the folds of the bottom.
For rapid pumping of the NDND floor, use a foot pump with a switch to the second step or a compressor with pressure control. Manual pumping of the bottom can take too much time and effort.
Impact of bottom design on driving performance
Boat hydrodynamics Reef 300 NDLD It depends on the pressure of the cylinders, and when pumped properly, the bottom becomes almost rigid, allowing the boat to get on plane mode faster, and the flat shape of the bottom contributes to better water planning, reducing drag compared to classic round inflatable floors.
In quiet water, the boat behaves predictably and steadily. However, when you go on a wave, you have a soft bottom inertia. Unlike a hard hull, NDNDM can be slightly bent under the weight of passengers, which creates a hammock effect. This is not critical for quiet movement, but when you maneuver or catch a throw, it is addictive. The keel line in such models is often weakly expressed, so the exchange rate stability at high speeds may be inferior to keel boats with a hard bottom.
⚠️ Warning: When operating in shallow water, remember that the inflatable floor is more vulnerable to punctures of the stones than an aluminum case. Avoid landing on unequipped shore with a rocky bottom.
Nevertheless, for small rivers, lakes and overgrown bodies of water, where the permeability and ability of the trough are important, the specifications of the water are Reef 300 They're among the best in their class, and the gentleness of the obstacle contact allows you to safely land on gently sloping shores without fear of damaging the boat or the bottom of the pond.
Installation and additional equipment
Standard equipment of the boat Reef 300 It usually includes the boat itself, the bag, the refit and the product passport. However, to fully operate it, you need to purchase additional equipment. First of all, this is a pump. As mentioned earlier, a two-stage high-pressure pump or an electric compressor capable of running on a car battery is desirable for NDNDM.
The engine will require a transom wheeled drive if you plan to often launch the boat alone. The weight of 23 kg is quite liftable, but dragging it on sand or rocks without wheels is inconvenient. anchor-rim And it's a sounder attachment, if you're planning a serious fishing trip, and many owners immediately order extra bags for the seats that are attached to the sleigh cans.
☑️ Checklist before first water
Special attention should be paid to the seats. Standard rigid cans can be uncomfortable for long sitting. Experienced users often replace them with soft inflatable seats or homemade structures with foam. comfort Swimming, turning fishing from a back challenge into a pleasure.
Operational rules and maintenance
And Reef 300 You've been in the water for years, and you have to follow a set of rules, and after every trip, you're going to rinse the boat with fresh water, especially if you've been swimming in a salty water or in a dirty water, and the sand and the silt, when it dries on the fabric, they act like an abrasive, gradually destroying the PVC protective layer.
Storage of the boat should be carried out in a straightened, but deflated form, in a dry room at room temperature. It is not recommended to keep the boat in a assembled and pumped state for a long time, as this creates a constant stress on the seams and can lead to a loss of elasticity of the material. Periodically, at least once a season, it is useful to treat seams and valves with special treatment. protective compounds (UV protectors) that extend the life of polymers.
If a microtrauma or cut is detected, repairs should be done immediately, without delay. The use of high-quality glue and degreasing agent (acetone or a special solvent for PVC) ensures that the patch is tight. It is important to apply a patch with a margin of 2-3 cm on all sides of the damage.
Proper drying and storage of PVC boats in straightened form is the main factor prolonging the life of the product by 50% or more.
Comparison with competitors and final evaluation
In the market of inflatable boats model Reef 300 NDLD The main advantage of Reef in this segment is often more affordable price with comparable quality materials, and competitors can offer a richer base equipment, but for this you will have to pay extra.
Compared to hard-bottom boats, the Reef 300 loses in speed and handling on a large wave, but gains in weight and assembly speed. For a single fisherman or couple going out on a weekend to the nearest lake, this is the perfect balance. For those who plan long hikes in large reservoirs with a strong wave, it may be worth considering larger models or hard bottoms.
In conclusion, PVC Reef 300 The bottom of the NDND is a rational choice for most outdoor enthusiasts, combining reliability, comfort and ease of use, and with care and proper operation, it will be a loyal water assistant for many seasons.
The secret to longevity of valves
Once a year, lubricate rubber valve seals with silicone lubrication, which will prevent them from drying out and cracking, which is a common cause of etching air in older boats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use the Reef 300 NDNDD in winter?
Using PVC boats in subzero temperatures is possible, but requires extreme caution. The material in the cold swells and becomes brittle. Any impact on ice or stone can lead to a crack. If you plan to go fishing in winter, be sure to use special frost-resistant valve lubricants and keep the boat warm until you get on the ice.
What is the optimal pressure to pump into the floor of the NDND?
The optimal working pressure for the floor of the NDND is 0.6-0.8 atmosphere (600-800 mbar). You can not pump "to the end" or before ringing, since the pressure inside will grow even more in the sun, which can damage the internal tapes. The bottom should be elastic, but when pressed with a finger, bend 1-2 cm.
Can the Reef of 300 hold three people?
Formally, the payload capacity allows you to accommodate three people of average size (total weight up to 240 kg), but it will be extremely tight. Reef 300 We're going to be able to accommodate two adults with a small supply of equipment, and a third passenger will significantly reduce the space and buoyancy, which is not safe.
Do I need to dry the boat before packing?
Yes, it's critical. Packing a wet boat causes mold, bad smell, and breaks down the adhesive layer of the seams. If you can't dry at home, at least try to wipe the cloth thoroughly with a towel and leave the bag open at home until it's dry.