The modern inflatable swimming equipment market offers a huge selection of models, among which are designs with a low-pressure inflatable floor. River 340 NDLDSo you're looking for a trade-off between comfort, payload and ease of transportation, and these are the parameters that are crucial for anglers who value mobility and don't want to haul heavy plywood paioles ashore.
Model with a marking of 340 mm in width is considered the “golden mean” in the lines of many manufacturers, including the popular series. RiverIt's wide enough to be in a stable position on the water, but it's compact enough to be carried in the trunk of a passenger car. Unlike hard-bottomed models, it uses technology. Air DeckThis changes the way the boat is assembled and operated.
In this article, we will take a look at the specifications, compare them with competitors, and answer the main question: whether to spend money on this modification or consider alternative options, and analyze the real experience of operating in various conditions, from calm fishing on the lake to going to the river wave.
Design features and materials
The basis of any quality boat is the material from which it is made. River 340 NDLD Usually used five-layer reinforced PVC density of about 750-900 g / sq.m. Such material has high resistance to abrasion, exposure to fuel and ultraviolet radiation. Reinforcing net, embedded in the structure of polyvinyl chloride, provides the necessary tensile strength and allows you to withstand significant loads without deformation of cylinders.
The key feature is, of course, the low-pressure inflatable floor, which is a single structure with beads, which eliminates water from the bottom and cylinders. Unlike classical floorboards, there is no need to spend time laying stringers and connecting aluminum sheets. Assembly takes minutes, and the weight of the entire structure in packaged form often does not exceed 25-28 kilograms, making it available for transportation by one person.
⚠️ Attention: Despite the high density of PVC, the inflatable floor is more vulnerable to punctures with sharp stones or snags than hard aluminum. Be careful when pulling a boat out onto unequipped shore.
An important element of the design is graffitiIt's a stern that's glued into the stern. River 340 It's usually made of moisture-resistant plywood or composite material and protected by plastic linings, which allows you to install outboard motors up to 8-10 hp, which is enough for glides with one or two passengers on board.
Seam technology
The River series uses a two-component polyurethane glue glue method, which ensures high leakage, but requires careful treatment in the first weeks of operation for full polymerization.
Advantages and disadvantages of the model
Deciding to buy a boat River 340 NDLDYou need to weigh the pros and cons. The main advantage is the speed of assembly. You don't have to be an engineer to prepare a vessel for launch. You just need to unbutton the valves, let the cylinders spread and pump them to working pressure. This is especially valuable when you're going out on short fishing trips or if you need to move quickly between bodies of water.
The comfort of the water also deserves special attention. Air Deck It works as a shock absorber, smoothing out the shocks of the wave, and it's much more enjoyable to sit or stand on the bottom of the water than it is on hard, cold aluminum, and the lack of hard elements inside the cylinders allows you to fold the boat compactly even in winter, when PVC becomes tougher in the cold.
But there's a downside to this, because the inflatable floor is less rigid than the floorboard bottom, which can be felt at high speed or in high winds, and the boat can play a little underfoot, although it's not a critical disadvantage for quiet fishing, and it's also worth considering that repairing a punctured bottom in the field is more difficult than replacing a separate floorboard board.
From the point of view of hydrodynamics, the bottom profile of NDNDM is often inferior to keel floorboard models. The maximum plane speed of boats with an inflatable floor is usually 3-5 km / h lower than that of similar models with a hard bottom at the same engine power. This is due to greater water resistance and less rigidity of the structure, which cannot keep the perfect geometry at speed.
Comparison with competitors and modifications
There are many analogues on the market, and the model River 340 Often compared to brand products Flagship, hunter or Mev.The main difference lies in the details of the design: the shape of the cylinders, the presence of additional handles, the number of inflatable compartments and the quality of the fittings. For example, some competitors offer a reinforced keelson that runs along the entire bottom, adding stiffness, but increasing weight.
Consider the Comparative specifications Table to better understand the positioning of this model among competitors in the 340 cm class:
| Characterization | River 340 NDLD | Competitor A (Pyol) | Competitor B (NDNDM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length, cm | 340 | 340 | 340 |
| Width, cm | 145 | 146 | 142 |
| Weight, kg | 26.5 | 38.0 | 28.0 |
| Passengers in a seat. | 3 people. | 3 people. | 2 people. |
| Engine power | 10 hp. | 15 hp. | up to 8 hp |
As you can see from the table, winning in weight, the model River It may be slightly lower than the maximum power of the recommended motor than hard bottoms, but for many anglers, the difference of 10-12 kilograms of weight is the deciding factor when choosing. If you plan frequent travel and carry a boat alone, the NDNDM wins unconditionally.
When you choose between NDND and floorboard, remember how often you'll be carrying a boat alone. If you're alone 90% of the time, take NDND, if you always have a partner and a car by the water, floorboard will give you more speed.
Choosing the optimal motor
The question of what engine to buy for a boat River 340 NDLD Manufacturers generally recommend a power range of 5 to 10 horsepower, a five-power engine that allows one person to confidently go to the plane with minimal load, and is an economical option that is suitable for leisurely walks and fishing in quiet weather.
For two adult passengers and a small load of gear already need a motor capacity of 8-9.8 hp In this case, the boat will go for planing, and the speed will be about 20-25 km / h Installation of a more powerful engine, for example, 15 hp, is possible, but not always advisable due to transom restrictions and the general design of the inflatable floor, which can begin to "scour" at high speed.
When you choose an engine, you should consider the length of a lower unit. S (Short) It's also important to have the weight of the engine: lightweight two-stroke models from China weigh about 20 kg, which is comparable to the weight of the boat itself, and it makes it easy to load the kit into the car even without a winch.
☑️ Check before buying the engine
And we also have to mention electric motors. River 340 The trolling motor with a thrust of 30-40 lbs will be an excellent solution for quiet fishing in places forbidden for gasoline engines or as a spare engine. The electric vehicle does not require registration with the GIMS if its power does not exceed thresholds (usually up to 5-8 hp in equivalent, but the rules change, clarify the current regulations).
Operation and care of PVC
To buy a boat River 340 NDLD After every time you go out, especially if you've been fishing on grass or rocky bottoms, it's recommended that you rinse the cylinders with fresh water, and that will wash away the sand, the silt and the residue of the fish, which can damage the protective layer when drying out.
Storage is a separate topic. Despite the assurances of manufacturers about the frost resistance of PVC, it is not necessary to store a fully pumped boat in the cold or in the scorching sun. The optimal storage temperature is from -10 to +30 degrees Celsius. Before packing in a bag, the boat should be completely dry. Moisture inside the rolled-up cylinder It causes a bad smell and a bad smell, which is difficult to get rid of.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a pumped boat in direct sunlight without an awning or in the shade. The air pressure inside the cylinders rises with the temperature, which can cause the seams to rupture.
Check the pressure in the cylinders regularly.less than 0.2 atm) makes the sides sluggish, the boat is less on course and more susceptible to damage.more than 0.25-0.28 atm For BND) it is dangerous in hot weather. Use the pressure gauge included in the pump kit for monitoring.
Proper storage (clean and dry) increases the life of a PVC boat by 1.5-2 times compared to storing "just like it" in a garage or on a balcony.
Where to buy and what to pay attention to
If you decide to buy a boat River 340 NDLDIt is important to choose a reliable seller. Official dealers provide a warranty, passports with seals and certificates of conformity. Buying "hands-on" or on dubious sites can turn into the purchase of defective products or counterfeits, which use cheap material instead of the declared reinforced PVC.
When you check a new boat in the store or when you receive goods, pay attention to the quality of the gluing of the seams. There should be no glue bloating, sticking threads or uneven edges. Check completeness: the availability of a remix, pump, seats and bags. Often manufacturers offer basic and improved equipment, and the lack of some elements in the base can be a surprise.
Price for the model River 340 NDLD It varies by season, in spring, before the start of navigation, demand and prices are maximum, in autumn and winter you can find bargains with discounts, but you should not save on safety: a cheap boat may not withstand the first serious outlet.
How to check the boat for leakproofness when buying?
Pump the boat to working pressure and leave it in a constant temperature room for 12-24 hours. If the pressure has dropped slightly (by 5-10% due to temperature expansion), it's okay. A sharp drop in pressure indicates defect or damage.
Can I repair the river boat by myself?
Yes, small punctures and cuts are easily repaired with a remix, using a piece of PVC material and a special glue, the main thing is to degrease the surface and let the glue dry according to the instructions, and major damage is better entrusted to professionals.
Do I need to register with the GIMS for the boat River 340?
Registration is required if the weight of the curbed vessel (boat + engine + equipment) exceeds 200 kg. The boat River 340 weighs about 26 kg. Even with a 20 kg engine and fuel / equipment, you are unlikely to reach this threshold, so registration is likely not required, but the rights to control the engine may be necessary.
Which pump is best used for NDND?
For pumping large volumes of air (main volume), foot or electric pumps-turbines are ideal. To increase the pressure to the desired 0.2-0.25 atm, be sure to use a manual pump (pump) with a pressure gauge, since electric pumps often do not provide accurate control of high pressure.