Choosing the first or new inflatable boat is always a balance between the desire to save money and the need for reliability. Taiga 320 Kil It's a very strong position to offer users a time-tested design, a classic flat-bottomed, inflatable keel boat designed for relaxed fishing and river and lake walks, and many water-engineers choose it for predictability and availability of components.
However, like any product, this model has its own nuances that must be considered before buying. Completement This may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific supplier, so it is important to carefully study the specifications. In this article, we will discuss the design features in detail, analyze the performance and give recommendations for care to ensure that your swimming is safe and comfortable.
Design features and materials
The basis of durability of any polyvinyl chloride boat is the density of the fabric and the quality of the seams. Taiga 320 It's made of reinforced PVC, which is resistant to UV, gasoline and oil, and it's usually a five-layer fabric that provides the necessary strength at moderate weight. Tightness It is provided by reliable gluing of seams on the overlap or joint with overhead tapes, which is the standard for this price segment.
The key feature of this model is that it has an inflatable keel cylinder, and unlike the flat-bottoms, here the keel acts as a stabilizer. It greatly improves the performance of the keel. coursework When you're motorized, it makes it easier for the boat to ride the wave, cutting the water rather than sloshing around the bottom, which makes the control more predictable, especially when there's a side wind.
It is important to note the quality of the valves used: modern models install brass valves, which are less susceptible to oxidation and provide a more reliable connection to the pump. Tranza part is reinforced with additional moisture-resistant plywood linings, which allows you to install engines with a capacity of up to 8-10 hp, although the optimal range is considered to be 5-6 hp for comfortable and economical movement.
⚠️ Warning: When inspecting a new boat, be sure to check the quality of the stitches gluing for non-proglytes or blisters. Even a microscopic defect in the area of the stringers or keel can lead to depressurization under load.
Soldier floor: stiffness and assembly
One of the highlights of the Kiel model is the rigid pitting floor system, which, unlike the inflatable floor (BBB), uses flat sheets of plywood or aluminum that are inserted inside cylinders, and it has several significant advantages, the main one being: rigidity You can stand up confidently, without fear of falling between the cylinders, which is especially important when catching large fish.
The process of assembly and disassembly requires time and skill, and the floor consists of several sections that connect to each other and are fixed in the slots of cylinders, and inflatable stringers (side cylinders) are used to give the design final rigidity and shape, which are the ones that open the sides and stretch the bottom, making the boat ready to go down. Stringers must be pumped to working pressure, otherwise the floor may "play", which will lead to rapid wear of the material.
The secret to quickly assemble floorboards
Lubricating the ends of plywood floorboards with paraffin or a special spray will greatly facilitate their insertion into the pockets of cylinders, especially in the cold or if the boat is new and tight.
There is a perception that solder boats are heavier to build than inflatable boats, and that's partly true when compared to top models of NDNDT. However, if you plan to use the boat stationary or carry it in the trunk of a car where assembly time is not critical, the hard floor benefits from comfort, and you get a full platform on which to place anchor, tackle and sonar without worrying about their stability.
- 🛶 A hard flat bottom allows you to confidently stand in full growth during fishing.
- 🛶 The stringer system provides excellent torsion rigidity of the entire body.
- 🛶 Possibility of installation of stationary elements (seats, fastenings) without risk of damage to the inflatable floor.
- 🛶 floorboards protect against cold contact with water better than a thin bottom of NDNDM.
Driving performance on the water
How he behaves. Taiga 320 Kil In real-world use, with a 5 hp engine, the boat is glides with one adult weighing up to 85-90 kg. With two passengers, it can be difficult to get into the plane, and the boat will move in displacement mode, which increases fuel consumption and reduces speed. planing A boat slides across the water surface, relying on hydrodynamic forces rather than Archimedes’s force of push.
The keel is good for handling, the boat is less prowling from side to side, keeps a set course when going against the wave. However, it is worth remembering that this is still a budget model with a relatively narrow cockpit. When there is strong lateral turbulence or wind, the sailing of inflatable tubes can affect stability, so it is important to distribute correctly. load and passengers.
In displacement mode, the boat behaves predictably and steadily. It is great for trolling at low speeds or for quietly moving through overgrown bodies of water where high speed is not necessary. The softness of inflatable boards extinguishes impacts on the water, making the trip comfortable even with small ripples. For fishing with spinning throw or feeder, such stability is critical.
Technical specifications in figures
To objectively assess the suitability of the boat for your tasks, you need to refer to dry numbers. Load capacity And the dimensions are the determining factors. The following is a table with the averaged specifications that are relevant for most of the modifications of this model. Remember, the manufacturer can make changes to the design, so the data may vary slightly.
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Total length | 320 cm |
| general width | 136 cm |
| Diameter of the cylinder | 36 cm |
| Load capacity | 400 kg |
| Boat weight (without motor) | 34-38 kg |
| Recommended engine power | up to 8 hp |
| Passenger capacity | 2-3 people. |
Now, the weight of the kit is very high, and almost 40 kg in a bag is a tangible weight to carry alone for long distances, and if you plan to often carry a boat along the shore or carry it far from the car, you should consider buying a wheelchair. Transportation In a passenger car, it is possible, since the package is compact in the assembled form, but requires space in the trunk or in the back seat.
Installation and additional equipment
The standard equipment usually includes the boat itself, two inflatable seats (Banc), a bag-pack, a remix and an instructional package. Often the set includes a wooden solder floor, but its availability is better checked with the seller, as there are versions of the "economy" without a floor. Siedenia, going in the basic set, are simple inflatable pillows with plywood base, which are attached to the sides.
To increase comfort, many owners immediately purchase additional accessories. sonar It requires a sensor attachment, which is the easiest to implement on a transom or through a special hole in the floorboard, and it is also popular to install an inflatable floor (mat) over plywood floorboards for insulation, especially if fishing takes place in the cold season.
☑️ What to check before the first pumping
Keep in mind safety, even if the boat is anchored, it is recommended to have a backup mount or weight. leer The systems (tended cables along the sides) that you can hold on to in case of a flip or fall overboard, and the installation of the leers is a simple modification that can save lives.
Care, storage and repair
The life of a PVC boat depends on how you care for it. After every fishing trip, especially in salt water or dirty water, you need to thoroughly wash the product with fresh water. Sand and silt, falling into folds and under floorboard, work as an abrasive, rubbing the fabric when inflated. Suit Even a little moisture inside the package can lead to mold and an unpleasant odor that is difficult to remove.
Keep the boat straightened or half-assembled at room temperature. Avoid cloth overbending at the same point for a long time. If you keep the boat assembled in the garage in winter, make sure it doesn't get direct sunlight through the windows, as ultraviolet light destroys the structure of polyvinyl chloride. Repairs Small punctures can be performed independently with the help of a remplekt, but serious cuts are better entrusted to professionals in specialized workshops.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a pumped boat in direct sun on a hot day. The air pressure inside the cylinders rises, which can cause the seams to rupture or deform the structure.
floorboards deserve special attention. Plywood, even moisture-resistant, is afraid of prolonged contact with water. If you notice that the ends of the floorboards are swelled or stratified, they need to be dried and treated with olive oil or varnish. Aluminum floors are more durable, but they are colder and can knock when moving. Periodic grease with silicone lubrication of the contact areas of the peyols and the cylinder fabric will prolong the life of the material.
To quickly remove sand from the inside of the boat, use a car compressor on the blowing or just a powerful jet of air, but do not rub the fabric with brushes so as not to damage the protective layer.
Comparison with competitors and final conclusions
There are many analogues in the market: Flagship, hunter, BoatWise.The 320 Kiel is a winner for their optimal price ratio and a full-fledged hard floor in the base or available trim. Competitors often offer either a smaller size or no keel for the same price, but if you are critically important to low weight, then you should look at models with NDNDT, which are assembled faster.
As a one-stop solution for fishing alone or alone with a supply of equipment, this model is perfect: it forgives mistakes for beginners, is stable enough and maintainable, the main thing is not to overload it too much and follow the rules of operation. Security Water is above all else, and a reliable boat is the first step to ensuring it.
What is the maximum weight of the Taiga 320 Kiel?
The passenger load capacity is 400 kg, however, the weight of the boat itself (about 38 kg) and equipment should be taken into account. The real payload for comfortable and safe navigation, especially on the wave, should not exceed 250-280 kg.
Can I install an electric motor on this boat?
Yes, the boat's transom is reinforced to allow the electric motor to be installed, and because electric motors are usually lighter than gasoline motors and have less power, they are great for quiet fishing, and it's important to fasten the bracket properly so that the PVC cloth of the cylinders is not damaged.
How long does the boat dry after fishing?
At home, at room temperature and good ventilation, the boat dries for about 2-3 hours. In the sun, the process may take less time, but it is not recommended to dry under direct rays. In wet weather, drying time can increase to a day.
The boat Taiga 320 Kiel is a “workhorse” for a fisherman who appreciates hard flooring and stability, ready to put up with a slightly longer assembly for the sake of comfort on the water.