Choosing a boat for fishing or family vacations on the water often involves finding a balance between cost, size and performance. In this segment of the market, inflatable structures made of reinforced PVC are confidently leading, and one of the most popular models for many years remains one of the most popular models. Reef 320This boat has proven itself to be a reliable and versatile option for those who value practicality and are not willing to overpay for excesses.
The compact size of the assembled vessel allows you to transport the boat even in the trunk of a passenger car, and with proper skill - in the trunk of a large sedan. However, despite the external simplicity, the design has a number of technical nuances that directly affect the performance and durability of the product.
In this article, we will discuss design features, conduct performance analysis and provide tips for care to make your time on the water safe and comfortable, you will learn why this model became a hit in the budget class and what to look for when buying.
Design features and materials
The basis of durability of any inflatable boat is the material from which the balloon is made. Reef 320 It uses five-layer reinforced PVC, which combines elasticity and high resistance to mechanical damage. The density of the fabric is usually 750 or 920 g/sq. m, which provides protection against puncture when in contact with rocky bottom or snags. It is important to note that the seams on quality specimens are made by hot gluing, which excludes stratification under load.
Boat bottom made by technology NDMA (Low Pressure inflatable floor) This solution eliminates heavy plywood or aluminum paiola, significantly reducing the overall weight of the kit. The inflated bottom creates a rigid structure that holds its shape perfectly in the water, but remains soft enough to sit comfortably without an inflatable mat. Leafield or similar designs guarantee tightness and ease of pumping.
⚠️ Attention! Do not use powerful compressors to pump the boat without pressure control. A balloon pumped in the sun can burst, and insufficient pressure will lead to deformation of the bottom and deterioration of handling.
The design of the transom is particularly noteworthy, and in this model it is usually hinged and removable, which allows you to reduce weight when carrying. However, when installing the engine, you need to strictly monitor the angle of inclination of the lower unit to avoid rolling on the stern. The stiffness of the transom is provided by two layers of plywood soaked with waterproof varnish, between which is laid a layer of water-repellant plywood.
Driving and handling
On the water. Reef 320 It is predictable and stable, which is especially important for beginners. Due to the round shape of the bow, the boat is well dissected by a small wave, although in serious excitement, passengers' comfort may decrease due to the lack of a pronounced keel. To improve the stability of the course, many models are equipped with a perimeter pier, which also serves as a protection against impact.
The handling is directly dependent on the power of the engine installed. For this length of the hull, the optimal is the engine with a power of 2 to 5 hp. With more powerful units, the boat can begin to prowl, requiring constant course correction. At the same time, at low turns, it holds its course perfectly even in lateral wind, which makes it ideal for trolling in small water bodies.
- 🚤 Excellent stability allows you to safely stand up in full growth for throwing spinning.
- 🌊 The soft inflatable floor effectively extinguishes the shocks against the wave, reducing crew fatigue.
- 🎣 The wide cockpit provides enough space to accommodate two fishermen with tackles.
And it's also a little maneuverable, because of the low draught and the streamlined shape, the boat can easily turn 180 degrees without even using the motor, just by paddled oars, which is critical when fishing in reeds or if you need to quickly approach the shore in a narrow place, but the sailing of a high side in high winds can require additional effort to hold the course.
Capacity and passenger capacity
One of the key parameters that buyers are looking at is the boat's ability to carry a payload. Reef 320 The maximum load capacity is usually around 220-250 kg, which includes the weight of passengers, engine, fuel and equipment.
Weight distribution is critical. If you put two adults weighing 90 kg, add a motor (30 kg) and a gas tank, the boat will be at its limit, in which the free side becomes minimal, and any additional wave can lead to flooding. Therefore, the manufacturer often specifies passenger capacity as "2 people", but with the recommendation to use it as a single for fishing with a lot of cargo.
| Parameter | Meaning | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Full length | 320 cm | Optimal for 1-2 people |
| Full width | 135-140 cm | Depends on the pressure in the cylinders |
| Load capacity | 220 kg | Including boat and motor weight |
| Weight of kit | 26-28 kg | Without motor and accessories |
For comfortable operation with a full set of fishing equipment (box, tent, sonar), it is recommended to consider this model as a single one. In this mode, the boat remains high above the water, ensuring safety and dryness. If you plan to take two out, then the amount of equipment will have to be minimized to a vital minimum.
Assembly and preparation for launching
Assembly process Reef 320 It doesn't require any special skills, but it does reduce the time you're going to do it, and you always start by putting the boat on a flat surface, cleared of sharp objects, and you're going to be the first to pump the bottom, because it's the geometry of the structure, and the bottom pressure has to be working, but not the maximum pressure, to leave the room for the sun to expand the air.
☑️ Checklist for boat assembly
Once the bottom is shaped, the boat is turned over and pumped, and it's important to keep it even: don't pump one side completely, leave the other empty. It's better to go in circles, adding pressure gradually to all compartments. The final pressure in the cylinders should be consistent with the manufacturer's recommendations, usually 0.2-0.25 atm.
The installation of the hinged transom requires special care. You need to make sure that the stops are tightly attached to the cylinder, and the safety slings are tightened. Weak fastening of the transmunus under the load of the motor can lead to its displacement and loss of control. After installing all the elements, it is recommended that the boat lie down for 10-15 minutes before launching to adapt to stretching.
⚠️ Attention! Never leave a fully assembled and pumped boat unattended in direct sunlight, and the pressure inside the cylinders rises with temperature, which can cause the seams to rupture.
Operation and maintenance
Long service life Reef 320 After each launch, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, especially if it was operated in salt water or bodies of water with abundant vegetation, the remaining dirt and salts can destroy the structure of PVC and corrose metal components of the fittings.
Drying is a must before packaging, and even minimal moisture inside the bag during storage will result in mold that is virtually impossible to remove from the PVC fabric without damaging the protective layer, and the boat should be dried in the shade, in straightened form, allowing air access to all folds and seams.
Regular inspection for microtrauma will avoid trouble during the next fishing trip, small cuts or punctures are easily repaired with the remix kit that comes in the kit, using a special glue for PVC and a patch of the same material, it is important to degrease the surface before gluing and tightly press the parts until the polymerization of the glue.
How to keep a boat in the winter?
Store the PVC boat should be spread out or half-folded at temperatures above -15 ° C. Sharp folding of frozen material can lead to cracks. It is optimal to hang the boat in the garage or shed, protecting from rodents.
The plywood tray and seats should be treated periodically with olive oil or special impregnation for wood, preventing drying and rotting. If you notice that the varnish on the transom has begun to peel, it should be updated so that water does not get inside the layers of plywood.
Comparison with competitors and final conclusions
Against the background of competitors in the price segment Reef 320 It looks attractive because of its price-performance balance, and unlike cheaper models, it uses more quality fabric and reliable fittings, and more expensive models may offer additional options such as reinforced keels or built-in anchor rings, but they are not critical for basic fishing and recreational tasks.
The main advantage is weight, which is easily carried by one person when assembled, which is not possible for boats with a hard bottom of the same size, making it ideal for single trips to small bodies of water, where it is difficult to reach by car.
To prolong the life of the valves, periodically lubricate them with silicone lubrication, which will prevent the rubber seals from drying out and ensure leakproofness for many years.
In conclusion, it may be said that Reef 320 is a quiet fishing on small lakes and rivers alone or with a partner with minimal cargo.The boat forgives many mistakes to beginners, is easy to repair and does not require complex maintenance.
If you're looking for a reliable, time-tested boat for a weekend vacation, it's a smart investment, and it doesn't claim to be a speed or seaworthy record, but its primary function is to keep a person safely on the water.
The 320 reef is a workhorse for the fisherman: lightweight, maintainable and inexpensive to maintain, ideal for calm water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install an 8 hp engine on the Reef 320?
Theoretically, the transom will withstand a short-term load, but it is not safe: the boat will become unstable, the risk of flooding with a wave will increase, and the rated carrying capacity will be significantly exceeded, the recommended maximum is 5 hp.
How long does it take to assemble and disassemble a boat?
With experience and an electric pump, the entire process takes 10-15 minutes, and you will have to manually pump the boat for longer, about 20-25 minutes, depending on your fitness.
Do I need to register this boat with GIMS?
According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, boats with a mass of less than 200 kg and an engine power of more than 8 hp (or 10 hp depending on the year of release and interpretation, but for 320 cm usually up to 10 hp registration is not required if the total mass with an engine is less than 200 kg) However, the rules may change, and the final decision should be checked with current regulations.
How to glue PVC if the remplekt is not at hand?
Only specialized polyurethane adhesives for PVC (e.g., "Desmocol" or "Wurth") can be used. Moment adhesives or cyanacrylates ("Superglue") will not provide an elastic and water-resistant seam, the boat will leak soon.