Choosing a reliable and maneuverable boat for fishing or water recreation is often a challenge, especially when budgets are tight and quality requirements remain high. In this market segment, low-pressure inflatable boats and the model are a strong niche. River 355 NDLD It's a very powerful class, and it combines compactness in transportation with enough payload to accommodate two people with a full suite of equipment.
The main feature of this model is the floor design made of PVC tubes, which allows you to significantly reduce the total weight of the product compared to analogues with slate or plywood bottom. Low pressure inflatable floor It provides excellent passability through shallow waters and rocky rolls where a hard keel could be damaged, and for many anglers, this is the decisive factor when buying.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the specifications, design features and real-world operation of this boat, you will learn about the nuances of the assembly, the optimal power of the engine and the behavior on the water at different loads, Understanding these details will help to make an informed decision about the purchase.
Design features and materials
The basis of durability of any inflatable boat is the quality of the materials used. River 355 It is made of special PVC boat, which has a high density and resistance to abrasion. Five-layer fabric It provides tightness and protection against puncture, which is critical when landing on unequipped shore. seams are usually made by welding with hot air, which ensures their strength and the absence of leaks at the joints.
The key element of the design is the system NDMA (Low Pressure inflatable floor) Unlike high-pressure inflatable floor (HBP) models, it doesn't require high-pressure pumps or compressors, it pumps the bottom with the same pump as the side, to a pressure of about 0.2-0.25 atmospheres, making it easier to prepare for the launch and reducing the weight of the entire kit.
⚠️ Warning: Despite the strength of the material, avoid contact with sharp stones or snags under load. Although PVC is resistant to abrasion, a sharp object can cause damage.
The boats are separated into independent inflatable compartments, which provides additional security, and in case of damage to one of the cylinders, the rest will remain buoyant, allowing you to get to the shore. timber along the entire perimeter, which protects the sides from damage during mooring and contact with berthing structures.
The stern board, which is inserted into a special pocket at the stern, is made of moisture-resistant plywood and is varnished, and it is designed to attach the outboard motor, and it is important to monitor the condition of the transom coating, because constant contact with water can lead to the separation of wood over time.
Technical specifications of the model
To understand the real potential of the craft, you need to look at the numbers. Dimensions and weights directly affect transportability and capacity. River 355 It is positioned as a two-seater boat, but its dimensions allow you to comfortably accommodate three passengers under the condition of competent distribution of cargo.
Below is a table with the main technical data that will help compare this model with competitors:
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Total length | 350 cm |
| Width (maximum width) | 148 cm |
| Diameter of the cylinder | 38 cm |
| Load capacity | 450 kg |
| Boat weight (without motor) | 32-34 kg |
Notice the length-to-width ratio, which is almost 1.5 meters wide, and the boat has a very good stability, so you can stand up to full height for spinning or tackle. keeliness This model is minimal due to the design of the bottom, which affects the course stability when driving for an outboard motor.
The weight of the package is about 34 kilograms, which is enough to carry in one backpack, so manufacturers often complete the boat with two bags: one for cylinders, one for the bottom and attachments, which makes it easier to transport to the water, especially if approaching the reservoir is difficult.
Operation and behaviour on the water
Boat behaviour River 355 NDLD The inflatable floor gives the body some flexibility, which is both a plus and a minus, on the one hand, it provides a soft ride on the wave, on the other, reduces the efficiency of planing.
When you go to plane with a low-power motor, you can see the effect of "sucking" the transom part, which is due to the fact that the soft bottom under the pressure of water and the weight of the motor can bend, increasing the resistance area. suspensions for the motor or additional transom wheels that help to fix the angle of inclination.
⚠️ Warning: Do not exceed the recommended power of the engine. Installing an engine that is too powerful on a lightweight inflatable boat can lead to the rollover or destruction of the transom board.
In calm water, the boat behaves predictably and steadily, but in lateral winds or strong currents, the sailing of the high sides becomes noticeable, in which conditions management requires certain skills and constant operation with oars or engine gas to hold the course.
And the behavior in shallow water deserves special attention, because there's no hard keel. River 355 Perfect for overgrown rivers and lakes with rocky bottoms. You can safely pull the boat ashore without fear of damaging the hull, which makes it an excellent choice for expeditions to hard-to-reach places.
To improve driving performance, try pumping the bottom to the maximum permissible value specified in the instructions. A tighter bottom bends less and holds the planing better.
Compatibility with motors and transoms
The choice of motor for this model is particularly acute. the manufacturer usually recommends engines with a capacity of up to 5-8 horsepower, exceeding this limit is not only dangerous, but also inefficient, since the body is not designed for high speed loads.
The best option is considered light two-stroke engines of Chinese or Japanese production with a capacity of 3.5-5 hp They provide a speed of about 15-20 km / h, which is enough to move between fishing points. More powerful four-strokes can be overweight and lead to strong differentiation on the stern.
The slingboard is standard for fastening the short leg motor, and it is important to check the condition of the fasteners and the board itself, and if you notice plywood or varnish cracks dissecting, you need to repair it immediately, otherwise the moisture will destroy the structure of the tree.
Can I put an electric motor on?
Yes, the boat is compatible with electric trolling motors, and it's a great option for quiet fishing, where ICE noise is prohibited, but consider the weight of the battery that you'll have to place on the nose or in the middle to balance.
When you install the motor, watch the angle of the lower unit tilt. The right regulation allows you to minimize splashes and improve the planing output. Remember the safety cable, which should be attached to the fry bolts on the transom.
Installation and additional equipment
Standard equipment usually includes the boat itself, two removable cans (seats), a bag-pack, a remix and a pump. However, for comfortable operation this kit may not be enough.
- 🎒 transom wheels - indispensable for moving a motorized boat on the shore without the help of a partner.
- ⚓ Anchor and phalanx Even for a small boat, the presence of an anchor weighing 1.5-2 kg is necessary for fishing on the current.
- 🔧 Toolkit - keys for tightening the screws of the motor and adjusting the transom should always be at hand.
- 💡 Lighting equipment Navigation lights are mandatory when going out into the water at night according to the rules of GIMS.
The regular options are often tough and uncomfortable for long fishing, and many owners order or make their own soft seats with pockets for tackle, which greatly improves comfort.
Also useful is the spinning holder and sonar, and the sounder sensor attachment on the inflatable side requires care to avoid damaging the material, and there are special suction cups and brackets specifically designed for PVC boats.
☑️ Pre-season checks
Care, storage and repair
Boat life The river 355 NDND is directly dependent on storage and maintenance conditions. PVC material does not like ultraviolet radiation, so prolonged exposure to direct sunlight without needing to reduce the resource of the fabric. After each fishing, it is advisable to rinse the boat with fresh water, especially if used in salt water or muddy reservoirs.
Store the product in a dry, cool place, in a straightened or slightly crumpled form, but not in a tightly folded state, if possible. In winter it is better to keep the boat at room temperature to avoid clogging material in the cold. PVC chambers In the cold, they can cause microcracks that will appear only in the spring.
In the case of a puncture, the repair is done with a special glue and patches of the same material, the puncture site is degreased, cleaned and taped according to the instructions, and small scuffs can be treated with liquid PVC or polyurethane glue to prevent the damage from growing.
⚠️ Warning: Never use solvent-based adhesives that are not designed for PVC. This can destroy the fabric structure and make the boat unusable.
Check the pressure in the cylinders regularly before going out into the water. Sun-pumped cylinders can burst, and under-pumped can cause deformation of the housing. Optimal pressure is checked by pressing a finger: the wall should bend 1-1.5 cm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use the boat of River 355 for trolling?
Use for trolling is possible, but with limitations: due to the inflatable floor and high sailing, the boat can scour when towing baits, it is recommended to use downriggers or additional floating anchors to stabilize the course, and not to develop high speed.
How many people are comfortably accommodated in this boat?
The boat is officially a two-seater, and it's comfortable to accommodate two adults with backpacks, three people will fit, but it's going to be a little cramped, and the payload will be almost entirely chosen, which will reduce the height of the board above the water and impair the rideability.
Do I need to register with GIMS for this model?
According to current Russian regulations, boats with a curb weight of more than 200 kg OR with an engine capacity of more than 8 hp (5.88 kW) are subject to registration. Since the boat weighs about 34 kg and the engines are usually put up to 5-6 hp, registration is most often not required.
How to dry a boat after fishing?
Dry the boat in the shade, straightened, upside down. Do not use heaters or open fires to speed up the process. Drying completely before packaging will prevent mold and unpleasant odor.