Choosing the first swimmer is always a compromise between the desired capacity and the actual budget. Reef 325 NDLD This class is often the focus of newcomers and experienced fishermen looking for an economical option, which is considered a “middle ground” for those who are already cramped on two-beds, but there is no desire or opportunity to overpay for 4-meter boats.
The main feature of this model is the type of bottom, the acronym NPD stands for "low-pressure inflatable floor," which is a stark difference from hard-floorboard boats. Soft bottom It provides incredible comfort when cruising on water, but imposes certain limits on speed and maneuverability. In this article, we will discuss in detail whether this model is right for you, and what nuances of design should be paid special attention to before buying.
It should be noted immediately that Reef 325 It's positioned as a utilitarian vessel for calm water, and you don't expect it to plane with a powerful engine, although it's theoretically possible with minimal load, and the basic element of this boat is quiet fishing in quiet weather, cruising with your family or using it as a spare board at a recreational base, and understanding these limitations will help you avoid frustration and operate the vessel competently.
Design features and materials
The basis of durability of any inflatable boat is the material from which it is made. Reef 325 It's a multi-layered fabric, which is typically 5-7 layers where the polyvinyl chloride layers alternate with the synthetic grid layers. tensileIt does not allow the material to stretch under pressure.
The cylinders are designed in a classic budget-segment design, and they're divided into compartments, which improves safety: if one cylinder is punctured, the second one will keep the boat afloat. The seams are usually welded with hot air, which guarantees tightness and a strong connection. However, the quality of the glue and the accuracy of the seams can vary from batch to batch, so the seams are not easily sealed. primary inspection of seams with soap solution is mandatory immediately after the first pumping.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use car compressors to pump a boat without a pressure gauge first. Pumping in the sun can cause the seams to rupture, as the air inside the cylinders expands when heated.
The transom is an important design element, and in this model, it's usually removable, it's made of plywood, it's waterproof, it attaches the transmun to the pressure of the inflated cylinder in the pockets, and it makes packaging easier, but it requires careful assembly. cross-board It will be crooked, the boat will lead away when moving.
- 🔹 Material: PVC reinforced with a density of 750-850 g / m2 (depending on the manufacturer).
- 🔹 Bottom type: Inflatable (NDND), providing comfort, but requiring a keel.
- 🔹 Number of compartments: 2 independent cylinders + 1 inflatable keel.
- 🔹 Protection: Reinforced linings on cylinders in areas of friction.
Welding technology
Most budget boats use double-sided welding, which means that the seam is welded on both sides of the tape, making the joint almost monolithic. However, the places where the translat and handles are pasted are often overlaid, and this is where the most common problems arise when the factory is poor.
Dimensions, capacity and load capacity
The 325 cm dimension indicates the length of the boat along the outer circuit, the working space inside is much smaller and depends on the width of the cylinders. Reef 325 This allows you to comfortably accommodate two adults, but the three will be a little crowded, especially if you plan active fishing with gear.
Load capacity is a critical parameter that is often misunderstood. rated carrying capacity can be in the range of 400-500 kg, but it is a theoretical limit at which the boat is still held on water, not comfortably controlled. workloadThe thruster, which maintains driving performance and safety, is about 250-300 kg. This includes the weight of people, the engine, the battery, the gear and the boat itself.
To illustrate this, let's look at the weight distribution in the table below, and this will help you see if there's enough space for your gear.
| Load component | Average weight (kg) | Impact on the boat |
|---|---|---|
| Two adults. | 160-180 | Main load, boat landing on the waterline |
| Motor (5 hp) | 20-25 | Displaces the center of gravity, requires ballast on the nose |
| Battery + tackle | 30-40 | Additional displacement, decrease in clearance |
| Boat itself (weight) | 35-40 | Does not affect the payload, but is important when carrying |
If you plan to bring a dog or a child, the buoyancy rate is quickly exhausted, in such cases it is better to consider models with a length of 350 cm or more. Reef 325 (a) the swelling is very strong, and the swelling is very high.
Driving performance and management
inflatable floor boat (BBB) control is very different from rigid floorboard models, the absence of a hard keel makes the hull roll more, in calm water this is almost invisible, but when even a small wave appears, the boat begins to prowl, and on the move it can start to "fish" (waft).
To compensate for this, the design includes an inflatable keel, which must be pumped last, creating a tension of the bottom, which gives the body some rigidity and improves the stability of the course. hydrodynamics The optimal mode is displacement or plane with one person and a low-power motor.
Wind and wave are the main enemies of light boats, because of the high side and the low weight. Reef 325 Even a weak side wind can knock a boat down from the fishing point. Experienced water-engineers recommend always having an anchor or a drag, even if you don't plan to get laid.
- 🌊 Comfortable speed: up to 10-12 km / h.
- 🌊 Maximum engine power: recommended up to 5 hp (formally can withstand more, but there is no sense).
- 🌊 Control: requires active operation with oars or gas in the side wind.
- 🌊 Crane: noticeable when passengers move inside the cockpit.
⚠️ Warning: If you install a motor of more than 5 hp on a boat with 325 cm of NDT, there is a risk of damage to the transom or loss of control at high speed. Use only the power recommended by the manufacturer.
Assembly, descent preparation and storage
One of the main advantages of the model Reef 325 NDLD It's easy to build. You don't have to put in heavy aluminum or plywood floors, fight the paiola locks, and waste time aligning the elements. It takes 10 to 15 minutes.
☑️ Boat assembly algorithm
The pumping is done through frog valves or petal valves. It is important to use a pressure pump. An underpumped boat will be soft and uncomfortable, pumped in the sun will burst. The ideal pressure is indicated in the passport, usually 0.25 atm (250 mbar). After pumping, allow the boat to stand for 10-15 minutes: when the temperature changes, the pressure may drop, and you will need to pumping.
Storage and transportation are also easy. When deflated, the boat folds into a bag, but to keep the PVC material from remembering the folds and cracking on the folds, it is recommended that you blow the boat completely once a season and keep it in this state for a couple of days, which restores the elasticity of the material.
Keep the boat straightened at least a couple of times a season, and if you can't, change the fold lines at each package so that the material doesn't deform in the same places.
Field repair and maintenance
Despite the strength of PVC, punctures and cuts are operational realities. Whether it's a snag underwater, a sharp stone on the shore or an accidental crochet puncture, the likelihood of damage is high. Reef 325 repair is not difficult and can be done independently with the help of a remplekt, which usually comes with a kit.
The glue process requires cleanliness and degreasing of the surface. Use alcohol or a special degreasing agent. The glue (usually polyurethane two-component) is applied to both surfaces, aged until "stick" and then the surfaces are joined under pressure.
Pay special attention to the care of the valves. Sand and dirt trapped inside the valve can violate the leakage. Clean them regularly and lubricate them with silicone grease (not petroleum-based, so as not to corrode the rubber). If the valve begins to poison, often helps disassemble it and clean the sealing ring.
Comparison with competitors and final verdict
There are many analogues on the market: Flagship 320, Hunter 320, Master 330. Reef 325 It differs favorably from them, usually more affordable price while maintaining basic safety specifications, however, in the pursuit of savings, the quality of fittings (pens, liner rings) and the thickness of PVC sometimes suffer.
Compared to hard bottom boats (NP), Reef loses in speed and handling on the wave, but gains in weight and comfort of assembly. For fishing in reeds, on overgrown lakes or for short trips for 2-3 hours, it is a great choice. For large reservoirs and long-distance crossings, it is better to report money for a model with a hard keel and floorboard.
The Reef 325 is the ideal “first boat” or budget option for a relaxed fishing trip with low price and ease of assembly prioritizing speed performance.
So in conclusion, this boat will pay for the money it's invested in if you use it as intended. Don't ask for the impossible, keep your cylinders under pressure and keep it warm, and it will serve you faithfully for many seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install a 9.9 hp engine on the Reef 325?
Technically, you can fix it, but it's not recommended. A NDNDT boat is not designed for high speeds. If you try to get on plane with this power, you're at high risk of adding the transom inside the cockpit or losing control, which can lead to rollover. The maximum reasonable limit is 5 hp.
How long does the glue dry when repairing the puncture?
The initial grip time (when you can press) is about 10-20 minutes, depending on the air temperature. Full polymerization and maximum strength set take 24 to 48 hours. You can't operate the boat immediately after the patch is stickered.
Do I need to get the air out of the boat at night?
If the boat is left on the water or on the shore in hot weather, the pressure inside will necessarily increase due to the heating of the air by the sun. In such cases, you need to put some of the air out to avoid rupturing the seams. On a cool night or indoors, the pressure can not be relieved.
Does the bag and pump come with it?
The kit may vary depending on the seller and the specific batch. Most often the basic package includes a bag, but the pump, oars and seats can be sold separately. Always check the kit composition (the "rich" or "basic" version) before buying.