The modern market of small craft is full of offers, but among them stand out models that have become a kind of benchmark for the ratio of price and quality. Reef 320 It is the boat that has earned a reputation as a reliable working vessel for fishing and recreation on the water, and its popularity is not due to aggressive marketing, but to real driving performance and time-tested design.
Many aquatic motorists choose this model as their first serious purchase after simple sausages, in order to get more stability and load capacity. In this review, we will discuss in detail the technical nuances, design features and practical aspects of operation so that you can make an informed decision.
Construction and materials of the shell
The basis of durability of any flyboat And in the case of Reef 320, it's a five-layer, high-density reinforced PVC material that doesn't just hold air, it provides air. effacity in contact with sand, shell and rocky bottom.
The design of the cylinder is divided into independent compartments, which is a critical safety element, and if one of the cylinders is punctured, the rest will keep the boat buoyant, allowing the crew to safely reach the shore.
⚠️ Attention! Despite the high strength of the material, do not leave the boat in the sun in a fully pumped state at temperatures above +40 C. The pressure inside the cylinders increases, which can lead to deformation of the seams.
Seams are made by method hot-glue This difference from cold gluing ensures that the seam will not break apart even under extreme stresses on the tear, and in places of increased friction, especially in the nose and on the transom, additional protective tapes are attached.
Deck and hard floor: aluminum or plywood?
One of the key features of the Reef 320 is the type of flooring used, with either plywood slate or aluminum flooring available in different trim levels. The aluminum variant, often referred to as the "book," is significantly lighter and is not afraid of water, making it a preferred choice for long expeditions.
Plywood floors are usually covered with a special anti-slip film, which is cheaper but heavier and requires more careful drying after each operation to avoid layering and mold. hydrodynamics boats when driving for an outboard motor.
When assembling a hard floor, it is important to ensure that profiles are positioned correctly. Incorrectly assembled flooring can create stress in the structure, which over time will lead to wear and tear of the fabric in the areas of contact with the stiffeners.
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Driving and handling
The Reef 320 demonstrates confident behavior on the water, both under the paddles and for an outboard motor. planingThe boat is easily on mode, even with two passengers and minimal load.
The steerability is provided by a developed keel and a rigid transom. When installing a medium-power engine (up to 9.9 hp), the vessel goes smoothly, does not prowl and holds its course well in lateral winds, which is especially appreciated by anglers who need to anchor at a certain point.
The impact of wind on exchange rate stability
In high side winds, high-cylinder inflatable boats can sail, and to compensate for this effect, it is recommended to use an anchor shaft or shift the center of gravity closer to the stern, if loading allows.
However, it should be borne in mind that at full load (maximum number of passengers and cargo), the acceleration dynamics decreases, and in such conditions it is important to choose the right pitch of the engine propeller to avoid running the engine in overload mode.
Transportability and weight
The weight of the Reef 320 kit varies depending on the gender, the aluminum version is lighter and more compact when folded, allowing it to be carried in the trunk of most hatchback or station wagon cars.
Plywood flooring increases the overall weight, but makes the structure more rigid and stable on the wave. The packaging bag is usually made of durable fabric with water repellent impregnation, however, for prolonged storage in the garage, it is recommended to remove the boat from the bag for ventilation.
For ease of carrying on the bag, soft handles are provided. If you plan to often drag the boat alone, you should consider buying a special wheelchair cart, which will greatly simplify the descent from the gently sloping shore.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Length, cm | 320 | Optimal for 2-3 people |
| Width, cm | 140-150 | Depends on the pressure in the cylinders |
| Load capacity, kg | 400-450 | Including passenger and motor weights |
| Kit weight, kg | 28-35 | Depends on the gender type. |
| Passenger capacity | 2-3 people. | Passport up to 3 persons |
Package and additional options
The standard Reef 320 typically includes everything you need to start operating: oars, pump, remix and bag. However, experienced users often immediately think about upgrading to improve comfort.
Among the useful additions is to highlight the installation sonar They have special liner rings or landings under the transom wheels to attach them to the cylinders, and it is also popular to install soft seats on a transom can, which makes many hours of fishing much more enjoyable.
⚠️ Attention! When installing additional equipment (anchor systems, fishing rod holders), make sure that the fastening elements do not touch the fabric of the cylinder under pressure. Vibration can lead to rapid abrasion of PVC.
To protect the bottom of the boat from punctures when pulling ashore, use special protective roller pads or put a tight mat under the trench, which will prolong the life of the bottom.
Trans wheels are another element that transforms the process of descent and lifting a boat from physical activity into an easy walk, and they take several minutes to install, and the effect is felt immediately.
Care, maintenance and storage
The durability of a PVC boat depends on how it is cared for. After every trip, especially over salt water or in muddy waters, the product must be rinsed with fresh water. Salt and silt are aggressive environments that over time destroy the structure of the material and fittings.
Drying is a must before packaging, and even a small amount of moisture inside a rolled-up boat can lead to mold and unpleasant odors that can be difficult to get rid of later, and it is better to dry the cylinders in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight.
Choose a dry, cool place to store, extreme temperature and humidity are the main enemies of adhesives, and check the pressure in the cylinders regularly before pumping, which must meet the manufacturer's recommendations as specified in the product passport.
Proper storage in the off-season (in straightened or semi-folded form in a warm room) increases the life of the boat by 30-40%.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the optimal pressure in Reef 320 cylinders?
The optimum working pressure is 0.2 atm (or about 3 psi), exceeding this value in hot weather can lead to rupture of the seams, and insufficient pressure will worsen driving performance and stability.
Can I use the Reef 320 in winter?
PVC The material becomes rigid and less elastic at subzero temperatures, and exploitation is possible, but requires extreme caution: avoid impacts on ice and do not bend cylinders when assembled/disassembled in the cold.Which motor is best for this model?
For comfortable planing with one or two passengers, the optimal choice will be a motor with a capacity of 5-8 hp For three people or heavy loads, a 9.9 hp engine is recommended.
Do I need to register a boat with GIMS?
Registration is required if the weight of the curbed vessel (with an engine) exceeds 200 kg. Since the weight of the Reef 320 light engine kit is usually less than this figure, registration is often not required, but laws may change, so check the current regulations.