Choosing a reliable boat for fishing and resting on the water often comes down to finding a balance between compactness in transportation and comfort of operation. River 370 NMND It is well-deservedly a leader in the budget boat segment, offering users a proven design and decent performance, which is considered a “golden mean” that allows you to comfortably accommodate two, and if necessary, three adults.
The main feature of this series is the use of a low-pressure inflatable floor, which significantly reduces the overall weight of the kit. For many anglers, it is the ability to bring equipment to the water in several walks without straining your back that becomes the decisive factor when buying. However, for ease you have to pay for certain nuances in driving at high speed, which we will talk about later.
In this article, we will discuss the design features, analyze the behavior of the boat on the wave and give practical recommendations for operation. NDMA (Low Pressure inflatable floor) is becoming more popular than the classic soldered version, despite some limitations.
Structural features and materials of the body
The basis of durability of any PVC boat is the quality of the material from which the balloon is made. River 370 Reinforced polyvinyl chloride with a density of 750 g / sq.m. is used, although many manufacturers offer the option of amplification up to 850 or 920 g / sq.m. The five-layer fabric structure provides excellent resistance to abrasion against sand, pebbles and dry grass. Reinforcing cordThe slab between the layers prevents linear tension of the cylinder under pressure, preserving the geometry of the product for years.
The low-pressure inflatable floor is a complex structure of many vertical strands connecting the top and bottom plates. When pumped to a working pressure of 0.2-0.25 atmosphere, the bottom becomes rigid, resembling a plywood plate, but it remains light. It is important to understand that the rigidity of such a bottom depends solely on air pressure, so having a good pump with a pressure gauge is critical.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave a pumped boat with NDNDD unattended in direct sunlight. When heated, the air inside the cylinders and bottom expands, which can cause seams to rupture or deform the structure if the pressure exceeds the design limits.
The joints in quality specimens are made by the "float" gluing method using two-component glue, which guarantees tightness. The joints of cylinders, transoms and bottom are further reinforced by a bolt and protective tapes. flat-bar The main load is when mooring to the shore, so its integrity is a guarantee of safety.
Ergonomics of the cockpit and the system of fixing cans
The interior of the boat River 370 NMND The width of the cockpit allows you to freely fit with fishing rods or spinning, without experiencing the discomfort of crowding. Banks (seats) are usually made of moisture-resistant plywood coated with reinforced PVC or laminate, making them resistant to water and mechanical damage.
The seat mounting system in this model is most often implemented through lyctrose and lipasesThis not only allows you to rigidly fix the can in the right place, but also easily move it along the side or even remove it to increase the useful volume, such mobility is indispensable when you need to shift the center of gravity when fishing in windy weather or when catching a large trophy.
The perimeter of the cylinders is liner rings designed to attach equipment, anchor flap or life end. Some modifications are equipped with special mounts for sonar or holders for spinning, which eliminates the need to drill cylinders or glue additional elements.
To increase comfort during long fishing, purchase additional soft linings on plywood cans or use inflatable seats that can be fixed to the liktros.
Driving qualities and behavior on the water
The dynamics of the inflatable floor boats are very different from those with a rigid floorboard floor, because there are no rigid elements in the bottom. River 370 NMND It is lighter in weight, which has a positive effect on the planing output, but at high speeds (over 25-30 km/h), the soft bottom can form a so-called "hydraulic heel", which creates additional resistance to water.
In calm water and at moderate speed, this boat behaves predictably and steadily. The keel shape of the balloon provides good course stability, the boat does not blow as much by the side wind as flat-bottomed models. When you go to the glise with a powerful engine, the bottom straightens under the pressure of water, and the boat goes smoothly, but when you hit the wave, you can vibration characteristic of the structures. NDMA.
Comparison of driving qualities depending on the type of bottom:
| Parameter | NDND (River 370) | Pillet bottom (Aluminum) | Pillet bottom (Phanera) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight of kit | Low (up to 45 kg) | Tall (55-65 kg) | Medium (50-60 kg) |
| Assembly/Disassembly | Fast (10-15 min) | Long (20-30 min) | Long (20-30 min) |
| Hardness on the wave | Medium (depreciates) | High (hard kick) | High (hard kick) |
| Gleaming speed | Higher (less weight) | Below (more weight) | Medium |
Choosing the optimal motor
For the boat. River 370 The minimum power for a confident exit to plane with one person is about 5 hp However, for full operation with two fishermen and cargo, it is better to focus on engines with a capacity of 9.9-15 hp The maximum allowed power specified in the data sheet is usually 15-18 hp, exceed this limit. categorically not recommended Because of the risk of transmunose breaking.
Two-stroke models are lighter than four-stroke models, which, when combined with a lightweight boat, gives you a gain in the overall mobility of the kit. Four-strokes are more economical and quieter, but their weight may require a more powerful motor to compensate for weight, which will take you beyond the limits recommended by the manufacturer.
⚠️ Attention: When installing a motor with a power of more than 10 hp, be sure to use transom wheels and make sure that the transom board is reinforced. Excessive traction can cause the transone to detach from the cylinders when abrupt gasping or hitting a wave.
The important parameter is transom height. The standard for most PVC boats is 381 mm (15 inches) or 508 mm (20 inches). Properly installing a lower unit engine relative to the bottom affects speed and fuel consumption. If the engine is too deep, resistance will increase; if it is raised, cavitation and loss of traction will occur.
Assembly, operation and care
The process of preparing the boat for launching takes a little time, but requires a certain sequence of actions: first, the cylinders are pumped, then the keel (if it is separate), and lastly, the bottom. NDMAThis ordering is necessary for the proper formation of the geometry of the housing.
☑️ Checklist before getting on the water
After each operation, especially in salt water or muddy water bodies, the boat must be rinsed with fresh water. The mud and sand, when dried, act as an abrasive, gradually destroying the top protective layer of PVC. Drying must take place in the shade, in a straightened form, to prevent mold formation in the folds.
It is better to store the product in a half-blown state or rolled up in free rolls, avoiding sharp inflections. The optimal storage temperature is from -20 to + 40 degrees Celsius. Sharp temperature changes can adversely affect the elasticity of glue and fabric.
How to seal a puncture in the field?
For emergency repairs, use the kit that comes with the kit. Clean the puncture site with alcohol or acetone, apply glue to both surfaces, let it dry for 10-15 minutes, then press hard and warm up with a hairdryer or warm object. Full polymerization takes 24 hours.
Comparison with competitors and final conclusions
There are many analogues on the market, such as Flagship, hunter or AquaModels of the series River Competitors can often benefit from a more affordable price while maintaining acceptable materials quality, and they can offer a denser fabric or a reinforced keel as standard, but this inevitably leads to higher product costs.
The 370 NDNDM's key advantage is its versatility: it's large enough not to be swept by a wave in large bodies of water, and light enough to be driven by a single person. For those who value mobility and don't plan to develop extreme speeds, it's one of the best solutions in its class.
The boat River 370 is the ideal choice for a single fisherman or couple looking for a compromise between comfort and ease of transportation without the need to register with the GIMS (with an engine up to 10 hp and a total length of up to 3.7 m, clarify the current laws).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register the boat River 370 in GIMS?
Registration depends on two parameters: engine length and power. According to current Russian legislation, vessels of less than 3 meters in length and less than 200 kg (together with the engine) are not subject to registration if the engine power does not exceed 10 hp (or 8 kW). registerable Regardless of the engine power, as it exceeds the limit of 3 meters, but the rules may change, so always check the current information at the local GIMS office.
What pressure to pump into the bottom of the NDND?
The operating pressure in the low-pressure inflatable floor is usually 0.2-0.25 atmosphere (about 3-4 PSI). It makes no sense to pump more strongly and can be dangerous for the design. For accurate control, be sure to use a pump with a pressure gauge, since it is impossible to determine the desired pressure by eye.
Is it possible to use a boat in winter?
PVC boats are possible in winter, but with limitations. The material becomes rigid and fragile in the cold. Operation is allowed at temperatures not lower than -10...-15 ° C. The main rule is not to fold or bend the boat in the cold, assembly and disassembly should be carried out in a warm room.
How many people can comfortably fit in a boat?
The passenger capacity of the 370 is typically 3-4, but it is most comfortable with two full-fitting people, three adults accommodate, but traffic is constrained, which can affect safety when fishing actively.