Choosing a swimming facility for small bodies of water or a calm river surface often comes down to finding a balance between compactness, reliability and carrying capacity. Reef 320The squirrel, which has proven to be an affordable and practical option for beginners, has attracted attention for its versatility, allowing it to be used both for quiet fishing alone and for cruising together with minimal equipment.
The design of the vessel is designed to meet the requirements of modern operation, where not only the driving qualities, but also the ease of transportation are important. Reef 320 It can easily fit in the trunk of a passenger car, eliminating the need for a trailer or a bulky boat roof, while being fully pumped, it demonstrates stability on water comparable to heavier ones.
In this review, we will take a look at all aspects of ownership of this model, from the materials used to make cylinders and bottoms to the nuances of assembly and installation of attachments, and understanding these details will help you make an informed decision about buying or operating an existing vessel.
Structural features and materials of the body
The basis of durability of any inflatable boat is the quality of the materials used. Reef 320 Five-layer reinforced PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is used, and is highly resistant to mechanical damage, ultraviolet radiation and temperature changes, and the tissue density is usually around 850-900 g/sq.m., which provides the necessary safety margin when in contact with rocky bottoms or driftwoods.
The most important element of the design is the type of joint of the seams. This model uses a method of gluing the glues on the floor using two-component adhesive. Gluing technology It ensures that the seam is tight even during prolonged operation and deformation of the cylinder under pressure, but it is worth remembering that the quality of the adhesive and compliance with the temperature regime during assembly directly affect the product life.
Stitching technology
Float glue provides a larger contact area for the materials, making the seam stronger than the material itself, using a glue that polymerizes to create a chemical bond with PVC, rather than just forming a film on the surface.
Security elements also play an important role, and the most vulnerable areas — the nose, bottom and attachment areas of the cans — are glued to additional tapes made of rubber or denser PVC. protector The interior of the cylinders is often light-colored, which visually expands the space and makes it easier to spot the contamination.
Body size and configuration
The “320” in the model name indicates its total length in centimeters, a classic size for boats designed for 2-3 people or two adults with a solid supply of equipment, usually about 140-150 cm wide, which provides sufficient stability on the water and allows you to confidently kneel or even fully grow (subject to safety measures).
The design of the bottom should be given special attention. Reef 320 It can be equipped with a low-pressure inflatable floor (LDPB) or a rigid plywood bottom made of water-resistant plywood. The soldering version, consisting of several sections connected by stringers, gives the body excellent rigidity and driving qualities. The inflatable floor, in turn, provides maximum comfort and buoyancy, but requires more careful pressure control.
When assembling the pitting bottom, always start with the center section and move to the sides. This will prevent distortion and make it easier to insert stringers into the slots.
The keel flipper in the bow serves as a course stabilizer, helping the boat to keep its direction better and to prowl less when it's going against the wave. keel This is especially important if you plan to use the boat in open areas of water or even in the presence of a little excitement.
Equipment and ergonomics of internal space
The ergonomics inside the cockpit are designed to provide maximum comfort during long walks, and standard equipment usually includes two inflatable seats (banks) that can move along the length of the boat, allowing you to adjust the weighting depending on the number of passengers and the weight of the cargo.
And the ring ropes are used to fix the cans and other equipment, and they're not only attached to the ring, but they also add rigidity to the structure, and they work as a kind of power frame. jolly-holder and exceptions, which may be rotary or stationary.
The bow is often provided with a john or simply space for anchor boxes and things, and the presence of a hump around the perimeter protects the boat when mooring to the dock or on the side of another vessel, and all pump valves are located in convenient places and protected from water and dirt.
Compatibility with outboard motors
The stern tray plate is the mounting point of the outboard motor. Reef 320 The standard transom size is used, allowing motors up to 5-8 hp (depending on the specific modification and load capacity) and the truncheon is usually reinforced with an additional moisture-resistant plywood or composite material lining.
When choosing a motor, it is important to consider not only the power, but also the weight of the engine. For this length, lightweight two-stroke or four-stroke engines weighing up to 20 kg will be the best choice. Exceeding the recommended power can lead to overloading of the aft part and reduce the safety of navigation.
☑️ Check before installing the engine
It is worth noting that the presence of the keel and hard bottom allows speeds of up to 15-20 km / h with the appropriate engine, however, when operating at full power, caution must be taken and not make sharp turns to avoid overturning or departure of passengers.
specifications comparison table
For ease of perception, the technical parameters are summarized in a table. Please note that the data may vary slightly depending on the year of release and the specific modification.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Total length | 320 cm | Dimension inflated form |
| Width | 145 cm | Maximum cylinder width |
| Load capacity | 400-450 kg | Including the weight of the boat and the people |
| Weight of kit | 32-38 kg | Depends on the type of bottom |
| Capacity | 2-3 people. | Recommended loading |
The optimal loading capacity of the boat is no more than 80% of the maximum load capacity specified in the data sheet, for safety and maneuverability.
Analyzing the table, we can conclude that Reef 320 It is in the middle of a compact single-seat boat and a heavy four-meter model, making it a versatile tool for a variety of tasks.
Rules of operation and storage
The long life of your boat depends on how you care for it. After each time you go out, especially if it was salt water or a body of water with blooming water, the boat needs to be washed with fresh water and thoroughly dried. Humidity is the main enemy of materials and glue seams in long-term storage.
Store Reef 320 It's not recommended to leave the boat in the cold or in direct sunlight for a long time inflated, but the pressure inside the cylinders depends on the ambient temperature: in the heat it grows, and in the cold it drops.
What to do if the boat was in the cold for a long time?
If the boat was kept at a negative temperature, you can't blow it up or bend it right away. Let it lie at room temperature for at least 2-3 hours. PVC material becomes brittle in the cold, and abrupt straightening can lead to microcracks.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a fully pumped boat unattended in the scorching sun, and air pressure may exceed the permissible limits, causing seams to rupture or deformation of the structure.
Check the valves regularly and the presence of sand or fine debris in them. Even a small grain of sand caught under the valve gum can cause slow-leak (slow etching of air). Use only recommended PVC cleaning products, avoiding aggressive chemicals and solvents.
Repairability and elimination of minor damage
Despite the strength of the materials, punctures and cuts are the realities of inflatable boats. PVC It's great for home repair, and it's usually a remix that includes a piece of material and a tube of glue, and if you don't have a remix, it's easy to buy separately.
The repair process requires cleaning and degreasing the surface, cleaning the damage site with fine sandpaper, degreasing (acetone or alcohol), then applying a patch with glue, and letting the glue dry (polymerize) according to the instructions before pumping the boat.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use "Superglue" (cyanacrylate) to repair PVC! It makes the material tough and brittle, which will lead to an increase in the hole at the glue site. Use only specialized polyurethane adhesive for PVC.
For more serious damage, such as joints or transom damage, it is better to contact a specialized service. Professional repair using industrial hair dryer and rollers ensures the restoration of tightness and strength for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use the Reef 320 for fishing in the winter?
It's possible to use a PVC boat in winter, but it needs extreme caution. It loses its elasticity in the cold. If you're planning a winter fishing trip, you can't leave it in the cold overnight, you need to pump it in a warm room, and you also have the risk of ice damage.
How long does it take to assemble and disassemble a boat?
The initial assembly (unpacking and pumping) takes about 15-20 minutes. The subsequent assembly, when you've already adjusted to stacking the paioles and plugging in the pump, takes 10-15 minutes. Disassembly and drying can take longer, especially if the boat was wet.
Which pump is best used for pumping?
High-performance foot or electric pumps are ideal for primary pumping of large volumes of air. A high-pressure hand pump (often included or purchased separately) is needed to achieve the final pressure (to make the side elastic), as electric pumps rarely provide the desired 0.2-0.25 atms.
Do I need to register a boat with GIMS?
Under current Russian legislation, small vessels weighing more than 200 kg or with an engine powering more than 8 hp (5.88 kW) are subject to registration. Reef 320 In running order, it is usually less than 200 kg, when installing a motor up to 8 hp registration is not required, but the laws may change, and this issue should be clarified.