Choosing a swimming aid for fishing or family vacations on the water always involves finding a balance between compactness in folded form and stability on the wave. Among the many offers on the Russian market, a special place is occupied by the model from the company "Fregat", known for its reliability and thoughtful design. Riviera Compact 3200 SK This is a classic example of how engineering solutions allow you to create a universal tool for a water motor.
Many beginners often confuse this model with similar in size, but they forget that this is where the technology of the reinforced bottom is applied, which radically changes the performance. pyeol It's a moisture-resistant plywood that gives you a very good hull rigidity, which allows you to go faster and feel more confident in the face of the headwind, and it's not just an inflatable boat, it's a full-fledged plane of a small class.
If you plan long expeditions or just appreciate the comfort of landing, the presence of a full transom and the ability to install an electric motor make this option one of the most attractive in its price segment. Next, we will discuss in detail what is hidden under the label "SK", why this boat has been popular for many years and what nuances should be paid attention to before buying.
Design features and materials
The basis of durability in any inflatable structure is in the materials. Riviera Compact 3200 SK It uses five-layer high-density reinforced PVC, and it's not only resistant to abrasion and puncture, but it's also very good at UV rays and fuels. Tissue density It is 750 g/sqm, which is the gold standard for boats of this size, providing the optimal weight/strength ratio.
The reinforcement system is particularly noteworthy, because all critical joints are duplexed with tapes, which eliminates the risk of depressurization even during prolonged operation under load. The cylinders are divided into several independent compartments, which ensures the buoyancy of the vessel even if one of them is damaged. redundance (reservation) Safety systems are a mandatory requirement for certification of small vessels.
⚠️ Warning: Despite the high strength of PVC, do not leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight for a long time without an awning. The pressure of the gas inside the cylinders increases when heated, which can lead to warping of the seams or rupture of the valves.
The design of the bottom has its own features. Slit-locked (depending on the year of release), which allows you to rigidly fix the paioles between themselves without backlashes, this turns the soft shell into a rigid body that can effectively withstand the shocks of the waves, Stringers that pass along the sides further strengthen the structure, spreading the load throughout the area.
When assembling a boat in the cold season, allow the PVC material to warm up to room temperature before pumping - this will reduce the risk of microcracks on the folds.
Technical specifications and dimensions
The numbers in a product passport often say more than hundreds of words of description. Riviera 3200 SK It is a 3.2-meter class boat, which makes it roomy enough for two or three people, but still mobile, with a cylinder width of 1.44 meters, which provides excellent stability even when active boarding or moving passengers inside the cockpit.
The most important parameter for motorization is the height of the transom, which is standard in this model - 457 mm, which allows you to install gasoline engines with a capacity of up to 5 hp or electric motors with a thrust of up to 30-40 pounds. Load capacity 400 kg allows you to take on board not only the crew, but also the necessary equipment, anchor, fuel reserve and catch.
| Parameter | Meaning | Unit of measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Total length | 320 | centimeter |
| general width | 144 | centimeter |
| Diameter of the cylinder | 36 | centimeter |
| Weight of kit | 46 | kilogram |
| Passenger capacity | 3 | chelo |
The weight of the collected form is about 46 kg. This is a lot for carrying in the hands, so the presence of a wheeled transom wheel or a transport cart becomes almost necessary, especially if the descent is not from a gentle sandy beach.
Package and ergonomics of the cockpit
The interior of the boat is designed to meet the needs of anglers, and the presence of two inflatable seats (cans) allows you to vary their location, but many owners prefer to install additional rigid seats on the cross beams for greater comfort. ergonomics cockpit allows you to conveniently place the tackle and sonar, without interfering with rowing if necessary.
The kit usually comes with a backpack bag, a foot-driven pump, a remix and instruction. The quality of the bag evokes mixed feelings: it protects against dirt, but for regular transportation of a heavy boat it is better to purchase a special cover on the wheel frame. ring-ring and a handle for carrying, made of stainless steel or durable plastic, resistant to corrosion.
The valve system is also worth mentioning, using petal valves that are easy to operate but require careful pumping, with cylinder pressures of 0.25 atm (250 mbar) and bottom pressures of up to 0.4 atm for maximum rigidity, which is dangerous to exceed and underperformance will lead to lower driving performance.
Driving qualities and behavior on the water
How he behaves. Riviera Compact 3200 SK Because of the keeled shape of the bottom, the boat is very good at cutting waves and has good course stability. At low speeds, it behaves predictably, does not prowl. When going into planing with a 5 hp engine and one passenger, the boat confidently keeps a speed of about 20-25 km / h.
However, it is worth considering that the flat stern of the floorboard can cause slapping on the oncoming wave in the absence of speed, a typical feature of flat bottomed solder boats. hydrofoil on the engine, which allows you to quickly go to the plane and save fuel.
⚠️ Warning: When operating with a powerful motor (near the limit), be sure to use the safety cable for the engine. Sharp blows against the wave can lead to the failure of the transom bolts if they are not lawn.
The boat's maneuverability is high, which is especially appreciated when fishing in reeds or among the trunk, and the small turning radius allows you to quickly respond to changes in the environment, while the sailing of high cylinders in strong side winds requires careful management, especially if you are alone.
The Secret to Sustainability
Why doesn't the boat turn over?: The secret lies in the combination of a wide balloon (36 cm) and a low center of gravity thanks to the heavy floorboard at the bottom. This creates a "wank-up" effect, returning the boat to a horizontal position when rolling.
Assembly, preparation for the season and storage
Assembly process Riviera 3200 SK It's fine, but it takes time and physical effort. It takes about 30-40 minutes for the first time. The algorithm is simple: spread the bottom, put stringers in, put in the piels, put in the nose and feed cans, put on the cylinders. The main thing is to combine the paiola slots with the stringers correctly.
☑️ Checklist for boat assembly
Keeping the boat requires a temperature regime, keeping it in a dry room at temperatures between -10 and +30 degrees, and before packing for the winter, be sure to wash the boat with fresh water, dry and treat it with silicone valve lubrication, which will prevent rubber drying and loss of elasticity.
If you notice minor damage, don't delay repairs. Use a remix that's in the supply or specialized PVC adhesives (e.g., two-component polyurethane). Quality of gluing It depends on degreasing of the surface and temperature in the room - it should not be lower than +15 degrees.
Comparison with competitors and final conclusions
In the face of competitors such as Flagship or hunterThe Riviera Compact benefits from a thicker material and a more sophisticated balloon geometry, which is heavier than budget, but that weight is longevity, and in its class, it's one of the leaders in price/quality/safety.
Should you buy this boat? If you want a reliable fishing tractor that will last 10 years or more with proper care, definitely, yes. If the priority is the minimum weight for carrying a backpack through the forest, you should look at the inflatable floor models (BNDMs), although they are inferior in performance.
Riviera Compact 3200 SC is a choice in favor of reliability and safety, where weight and dimensions in assembled form are sidelined before the requirement for durability.
In conclusion, it has proven to be a workhorse for Russian water bodies, which forgives mistakes for beginners and satisfies the needs of experienced water engines, the main thing is to choose the right engine and not forget about the rules of safety on the water.
Do I need to register with GIMS for Riviera 3200 UK?
Under current Russian law, boats weighing more than 200 kg (in running order) or with an engine of more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp) are subject to registration. Since the boat weighs about 46 kg and the engines are usually put up to 5 hp, registration is most often not required. However, the rules may change, always check the current regulations.
What is the optimal pressure to pump in cylinders?
The working pressure is 0.25 atm (250 mbar). In hot weather, when the boat is in the sun, the pressure can rise to 0.3-0.32 atm. In this case, it is recommended to blow a little air to avoid rupture of the seams.
Can I put a 9.9 hp engine on this boat?
Technically, the transom will withstand, but it will violate the rules of operation and can be dangerous. The boat is designed for 5 hp. Installing a more powerful engine will change the centering, increase the load on the transom and cylinders, and also require category B rights and registration of the vessel.