Choosing the first swimmer for fishing or relaxing on the water is always a compromise between mobility, capacity and price. PVC boat Viking 320It has become a benchmark for beginners and experienced water-engineers who value practicality, and it attracts attention with its classic design, time-tested design and affordable cost of ownership, making it one of the leaders in sales in the post-Soviet space.
Many potential buyers are wondering why this particular length and bottom configuration is so popular among single fishermen and couples. Viking 320 It offers a unique combination of ease of transportation and sufficient load capacity to accommodate two people with a full set of equipment. Unlike the lighter plywood floor models, it uses low-pressure inflatable floor technology, which dramatically changes the experience of handling and comfort on the wave.
In this article, we will discuss all aspects of operation in detail, from the assembly in five minutes to the nuances of installing a motor with a capacity of up to 10 hp. You will learn about the real speed indicators, the features of the cylinder material and the hidden advantages that are rarely written about in advertising booklets. Understanding these details will help you make an informed decision and avoid typical mistakes when choosing and using a boat.
Structural features and materials of the body
The basis of reliability of any inflatable boat is the quality of the materials used and the technology of their connection. Viking 320 Traditionally made of reinforced five-layer PVC, which is highly resistant to abrasion, exposure to fuel and ultraviolet radiation. the density of the material is usually about 850 g / sq.m., which is the "golden mean" between strength and weight, allowing the boat to withstand contact with the rocky bottom without critical damage.
Particular attention should be paid to the design of the bottom, made by technology Low Pressure Air DeckThis is a high-pressure inflatable floor (HPLD) that, when pumped, becomes stiff like plywood, but still retains its elasticity, allowing the shallow water to pass without fear of hitting hidden obstacles, as the bottom cushions and repels the rocks rather than taking the hit.
⚠️ Attention: When pumping the inflatable floor, strictly monitor the gauge readings. Pumped in hot weather, the bottom can deform or burst, and under-pumped - bend under weight, creating the effect of sailing and reducing driving performance.
The seams in this model are run-up glued using two-part glue, which ensures tightness even during long-term use in salt water. The cylinders are separated into independent compartments, which ensures buoyancy even if one of them is punctured. For additional safety, the nose is equipped with a bolt, which takes the main load when mooring.
Ergonomics of the cockpit and equipment system
The interior of the boat Viking 320 The width of the cockpit allows two adults to comfortably fit without interfering with each other when rowing or driving the engine, and comfortable arm-knobs made of strong braids that do not sank in the cold and allow you to safely drag the boat to the water even in winter clothes.
There are special pockets and attachments for attachments, often anchored in the bow, and along the sides are mounts for switches that come with the kit, the trunk bar where the motor is attached is reinforced and protected by a stainless steel or durable plastic lining that prevents PVC from abrasive when the engine is installed.
An important element of ergonomics is the presence of an inflatable slate mat, which is often basic or purchased separately, which covers the slings of the inflatable floor, making the surface smooth and pleasant for the feet, and also protects the bottom from punctures with sharp objects such as hooks or a fisherman's knife.
Driving qualities and compatibility with motors
One of the main reasons for the popularity of the model Viking 320 The optimal engine power for this boat is considered to be a range from 5 to 9.9 hp With an engine of 5 hp, the boat confidently leads one person and a small load to the plane, developing a speed of about 20-22 km / h When installing the engine 9.9 hp, the speed with two passengers can reach 30-32 km / h, which is quite enough for water walks and fast movement to the fishing point.
The boat's body is classic with a pointed nose and moderate keeliness, which ensures good germination on the wave. inflatable floor works as an additional shock absorber, softening the blows on the chop (short steep wave), which makes swimming more comfortable compared to flat-bottomers. However, it is worth remembering that it is still a rowing motorized boat, and it is not recommended to ride it against strong storm winds.
For maximum speed and fuel economy, be sure to install transom wheels and adjust the engine angle (different). The right angle allows the boat to go faster to the plane and reduces the load on the engine.
Fuel consumption with a four-stroke 5-6 hp engine is approximately 1.5-2 liters per hour at full gas, allowing long trips for the whole day without refueling. Two-stroke engines, although noisier and smoky, may be preferable for those who appreciate minimal weight and ease of transportation, since they can be transported in any position.
Technical specifications of the model
For those of you who are used to using accurate numbers, we have prepared a summary table of the main parameters. Viking 320 You can see the difference between overall length and interior length, because it defines the useful space for the legs and the load.
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Total length, see | 320 |
| Width, cm | 145 |
| Diameter of the cylinder, cm | 36 |
| Load capacity, kg | 450 |
| Boat weight (without motor), kg | 38-42 |
The weight of the boat in its assembled form varies depending on the configuration and year of manufacture, but on average it is about 40 kilograms. This allows one physically developed person to carry it in a case for short distances, although for regular transportation it is still recommended to use a cart or carry the boat in the trunk of the car in disassembled form. The volume of packed items usually does not exceed 100-110 liters, which allows you to put the kit in the trunk of a mid-class sedan.
The passenger capacity is officially declared as 2 people, but thanks to the buoyancy reserve of the ioki cylinders, it is able to withstand three people in calm water, although comfort in this case will decrease. The maximum engine power is limited to 10 hp, which is the standard for boats of this size and ensures safe operation without the risk of damaging the transom.
Assembly, operation and care
Preparation process PVC boats Viking 320 It takes a very short time to get down to the water, especially if you're going to adapt to the algorithm, first you spread the boat out on a flat surface cleared of sharp objects, and open all the valves to get the residual air out, then pump the cylinders to the working pressure (usually 0.2 atm), and then start inflating the bottom.
☑️ Season preparation checklist
The inflatable floor requires higher pressure, so it is recommended to use a foot pump with two transitions or a compressor to pump it. It is important to pump the bottom in stages: first to 0.12 atm, then let it "span" and reach 0.18-0.2 atm. After installing the bottom, the pressure in the cylinders is checked, since when pumping the bottom it can change slightly due to changes in the geometry of the housing.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a fully pumped boat in direct sunlight for long periods of time unattended. The air inside heats up and expands, which can cause seams to rupture or deformity. In hot weather, it is recommended to blow a small amount of air.
After operation, the boat should be thoroughly washed with fresh water, especially if you have been swimming in salt sea or polluted water body, drying in the shade, in straightened form, with open valves, it is better to store the product in a slightly deflated state at room temperature, avoiding folds in the same places, so that PVC crevices do not form.
Comparison with competitors and final conclusions
There are many analogues on the market, such as Flagman, Hunter or Cayman, however, Viking 320 It often benefits from a balance of value and quality, and unlike low-end plywood models, it is easier to build and more comfortable on the go, and offers comparable performance at lower weight compared to more expensive brands, which is critical for fishermen without a trailer.
The secret of valve durability
To prolong the life of the frog or petal valves, periodically lubricate the inside with silicone lubrication, which will prevent rubber from drying out and ensure leakage even after many seasons of use.
The main advantage of the model is its versatility, which is equally well suited for quiet lake fishing, where noiselessness and maneuverability are important, and for small walks on the river with a moderate current. The simplicity of the design minimizes the number of elements that can fail, making the boat a reliable tool in the hands of the owner.
The Viking 320 is the best choice for those looking for a reliable, easy to operate and inexpensive boat for regular use by the two, not wanting to overpay for excess functionality.
So to sum up, this boat has proven itself to be a workhorse for outdoor activities, it forgives many mistakes for beginners, is strong enough for moderately rocky shores, and is easily repaired in the field. If your priorities are mobility, economy and time-tested design, then you can do it in a very simple way. Viking 320 It will be a great acquisition for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you ride a Viking 320 boat against a strong current?
Yes, the boat has sufficient stability and controllability for movement against the current, but the speed will depend on the power of the engine. With a 5 hp engine against a strong current, it will be difficult and slow to go, it is recommended to use an 8-9.9 hp engine for confident overcoming the flow.
Do I need to register this boat with GIMS?
Under current Russian law, small craft weighing more than 200 kg (in running order) or with an engine power of more than 8 kW (about 10.88 hp) are subject to registration. Since the boat weighs about 40 kg and the engines are usually put up to 10 hp, in conjunction with one person (average weight of 75-80 kg), the total weight often does not exceed 200 kg, which exempts from registration.
How to properly seal a puncture in the field?
For emergency repairs, use a remix from the kit. Clean and degrease the puncture site, apply the glue to the surface and patch, let it dry for 10-15 minutes, then press tightly. For complete polymerization of the glue, it is advisable to wait a few hours before pumping, but the emergency patch keeps the pressure at once.
What is the difference between this model and the hard bottom version?
The main difference is weight and comfort: an inflatable floor boat (like the Viking 320) is lighter, compacter in assembly and softer on the go, it extinguishes the wave better. A model with a hard floorboard bottom is tougher on planing, but heavier, longer assembled and has a sharper keel angle, which can be palpable on short wavelengths.